Daily Mail: Dickie Davis announces he is leaving Sky Sports after 30 years

Story from Daily Mail:

Sky Sports' legend Dickie Davis has announced he is leaving the broadcaster after almost 30 years.

The Soccer Saturday pundit made the announcement just hours before the relaunch of the iconic football show today, with Davis having been with the organisation for just under three decades.

It comes as several other broadcasters have recently left the company, including former Soccer Saturday host Jeff Stelling who is set to succeed Laura Woods as the new host of talkSPORT's breakfast show next year.

Davis, meanwhile, has been a regular face on the show for many years and is well known for delivering insightful reports from football matches all around the country.

In an emotional statement on Twitter, he wrote: 'I'm leaving Sky Sports after nigh on 30 years.

'It's been an absolute privilege chatting to players and managers - and reporting on games every week on such a successful show. 

'To all those I've worked with; the camera ops, the clubs, the players, the managers and all the producers who've backed me, the Soccer Saturday team behind the scenes, Jeff and Jules, the Sky family - a huge thank you.

'And to the fans up and down the country, I've bumped into on trains or at games, thanks for watching and your kind words have always been appreciated.

'It's been an absolute honour. Here's to whatever comes next.'

Mail Sport reported earlier this year that Davis would not be continuing on in his role, with other well-respected journalists Guy Havord, Bianca Westwood, Greg Whelan, Lynsey Hooper and Jaydee Dyer also leaving their positions.

His departure comes amid a big reshuffle at the broadcaster, who announced last year that they would be undertaking some new cost-cutting measures.

Various commentators, presenters and pundits have left in the past few months.

Martin Tyler, who was one of the lead commentators in Sky's live broadcast team, announced he would be leaving after 33 years back in June. Peter Drury will become the broadcaster's lead commentator for the upcoming season in his place.

Similarly, Liverpool legend Graeme Souness announced his departure live on air after the Reds' 4-3 win against Tottenham, while pitchside reporter Geoff Shreeves also leaves the organisation.

Meanwhile, with Stelling having left, Sky announced Simon Thomas as his successor.

He saw off competition from Julian Warren and Caroline Baker to become the new lead anchor for the Saturday afternoon show, which will air for the first time this season as the EFL kicks off later this afternoon.

'Being asked to present this iconic show and follow in the footsteps of Jeff Stelling, an absolute giant of sports broadcasting, is a massive honour and one I simply cannot wait to get started on,' Thomas said upon being unveiled as the new anchor.

He'll also be joined on the show by former referee Mike Dean, who will provide insight and coverage on contentious decisions.