Jeff Stelling stepping down as Sky Sports Soccer Saturday host at end of season

Jeff Stelling has announced he will be stepping away from Soccer Saturday at the end of the 2021/22 season.

The 66-year-old insisted he is not retiring but confirmed he will leave his role with the hugely-popular Sky Sports programme having hosted it for over 25 years.

Stelling made the announcement at the start of Saturday's show and in an accompanying press release he said: "I have loved every moment of my 30 years with Sky, but like every Saturday afternoon the time eventually comes to blow the final whistle.

"I am proud to have been part of such a winning team for so long and look forward to the many more special moments on Soccer Saturday for rest of this season - and perhaps even another promotion push from Hartlepool United."

What is your favourite Jeff Stelling memory from Sky Sports Soccer Saturday? Have your say in the comments.

Jeff Stelling made the announcement at the start of Saturday's show

Stelling - who serves as Hartlepool United president having grown up in the north-eastern town - was hailed as a "true broadcasting legend" in a touching tribute from Sky Sports Managing Director Jonathan Licht.

"Jeff is a true broadcasting legend and has been a big part of Sky Sports growth and popularity over the last 30 years," said Licht.

"Jeff's pure passion and dedication to the game has set him apart and made Soccer Saturday a fixture for millions of fans every Saturday afternoon.

"The goals, the laughs, the red cards and the missed red cards have helped create one of the most popular TV shows in sport and Jeff has been the centrepiece of that.

"Jeff will be sorely missed, but we are delighted that he will leading the team through to the end of the season.

"There will rightly be many tributes to Jeff, and Sky Sports will be giving him the great send off in May that his remarkable and enduring contribution deserves."

Stelling joined Sky Sports in 1992 also hosted their Champions League coverage between 2011 and 2015.

Who is the best manager in the world? Cast your vote below!

He has scooped many prestigious awards for his presenting and was named Sports Broadcaster of the Year by the Sports Journalists' Association in 2009, marking his fourth consecutive triumph.

Stelling has also earned widespread acclaim for his charitable endeavours, raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for Prostate Cancer UK with numerous nation-spanning walks.

These included a 262-mile walk from Hartlepool United's Victoria Park to Wembley Stadium over 10 days in 2016 and a 15-day trek from Exeter City's St James Park to Newcastle United's St James' Park the following year.