Latest news with #FootballShow
Daily Record
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Melissa Reddy speaks out on 'abuse' after Sky Sports dismissal
Reddy has been the face of Sky Sports' Premier League coverage over the past three years - but she has now confirmed that she has left the broadcaster Ousted Sky Sports reporter Melissa Reddy has announced her decision to focus on her literary pursuits following her departure from the network after three years. And she took aim at those who abused her during his time with the satellite giants. Reddy, a seasoned journalist from South Africa, has been instrumental in delivering some of the biggest Premier League headlines, with a particular emphasis on Manchester United and Liverpool during her tenure at the broadcaster. However, her exit was confirmed earlier this week, alongside six other colleagues, including the well-known presenter Rob Wotton, who had been with the channel for 27 years hosting the now-cancelled Football Show. In addition to Wotton, presenters Teddy Draper and Jasper Taylor are set to leave Sky this summer, bringing an end to their 18-year and 11-year stints, respectively. Jeremy Langdon, a veteran reporter, will also conclude his 20-year career at Sky Sports News. Two other departures were also revealed, senior reporter Fadumo Okow and a news editor will bid farewell to their roles. Reddy's decision to leave arguably marks the most prominent of all these announced exits. Reddy took to Instagram to pen a lengthy post, announcing her decision to move on and pursue writing as a full-time career: "ELEVENTH!!! season of Premier League coverage done and I've called time on three years at Sky. I'll still be doing bits and bobs for them. "But I'm genuinely soooo excited to share all the things I'll be working on soon, which will allow me to focus on my strengths and passions. For those that have BEEN asking for the past five years, YES - that will include new books." Reddy also spoke candidly about the abuse she has endured throughout her career as a sports reporter. She admitted that the situation hasn't improved since her early days in the industry but expressed gratitude for the supportive messages she's received. "After the first press conference I covered in England all those years back, a journalist turned to the press officer and said 'why are you letting them come over here and take our jobs. You just want a little lick, don't you?!'" Reddy recalled. "I would love to be able to say that things have changed in that regard, but alas... the abuse as a foreign woman of colour in this sphere never ceases. I will always be stronger than the hate; I know who I am, I know the substance of my work. "You can't dim the light of someone who learned how to shine in the dark. The messages I've received from managers, players, club staff, my Sky and wider industry colleagues - people who know me, my journey and sacrifices over the past decade - carry more weight than any of the nasty noise. Let's cook." Several of Reddy's former colleagues have wished her well. Formula 1 presenter Natalie Pike commented: "Thank you for always shining a light for the women in our industry." Commentator Pien Meulensteen extended their well-wishes saying, "Good luck looking forward to seeing what you get up to next."
Daily Record
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Sky Sports news presenter Rob Wotton has tearful farewell on final show
Wotton, the popular host of the 'The Football Show' spent more than 25 years working for the channel. Sky Sports News presenter Rob Wotton delivered an emotional goodbye to viewers as he confirmed his departure from the broadcaster. Wotton, the popular host of the 'The Football Show' spent more than 25 years working for the channel. But bosses at Sky decided to pull the plug on the popular show where pundits Stephen Warnock and Sue Smith joined Wotton to discuss results, controversies and stand-out performances from the weekends' action. It also featured former ex Premier League ref Dermot Gallagher who provided an insight during 'Ref Watch'. As the Mirror reports, a decision had been made to scrap the show completely, with Wotton announcing his own exit. Wotton joined Sky in 1998 and helped present coverage across all sports. The Football Show became his prime role, while he also regularly presented on Sky Sports News. His final show came on Monday and he delivered a tearful farewell to viewers. "It's been an absolute pleasure. I came here in my 20s and I thought I was only coming for a couple of weeks," he said. "And look, they haven't been able to get rid of me. I keep turning up, maybe one day they'll pay me!" Warnock and Smith paid their own tributes to him, while staff and friends gathered at the back of the set to give Wotton a standing ovation. Wotton is the latest departure in a string of exits from Sky. Jeff Stelling, Jimmy Bullard and John Fendley have all exited, along with several high-profile reporters such as Geoff Shreeves. The Football Show follows Soccer AM in being given the axe by Sky chiefs. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. But workers are thought to be 'bewildered' by the latest item to fall victim, with Sky Sports currently undergoing a 'restructure' that is seeing seven reporters and presenters leave. Insiders told The Mail that 'the changes are aimed at making them more agile and able to concentrate on breaking news stories across platforms". Gallagher's Ref Watch will remain in a new format elsewhere. Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was known to be a big fan of The Football Show. The German especially enjoyed coverage from ex-official Gallagher in his analysis of refereeing incidents.
The Sun
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Sky Sports AXE popular long-running programme loved by Jurgen Klopp leaving staff ‘bewildered by the direction'
SKY SPORTS have reportedly left staff 'bewildered' after axing a popular long-running programme which counted Jurgen Klopp among its fans. The Football Show was a weekly item taking place each Monday delivering an extensive look at the most recent matches. 2 Hosted by Rob Wotton, it saw pundits Stephen Warnock and Sue Smith also give their thoughts on results, controversies and stand-out player performances. Former Liverpool manager Klopp was known to be a big fan, especially of ex-official Dermot Gallagher who would join for a section called 'Ref Watch'. However, the Mail claims The Football Show has now been axed in a move that has caused confusion and 'dismay' among staff. It's believed chiefs are hoping to attract a younger audience, with the broadcaster already doing away with various old-school elements in favour of YouTubers and influencers. Last year saw the end of the popular Fantasy Football League show after two years. But workers are thought to be 'bewildered' by the latest item to fall victim, with Sky Sports currently undergoing a 'restructure' that is seeing seven reporters and presenters leave. However, insiders told The Mail that 'the changes are aimed at making them more agile and able to concentrate on breaking news stories across platforms.' While Gallagher's Ref Watch will remain in a new format elsewhere. The end of The Football Show comes after Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville was banned from attending Nottingham Forest's 1-0 defeat to Chelsea. The former Manchester United star had been selected by Sky to commentate on the crunch final day battle. Roy Keane smirks live on TV before responding to Ruben Amorim's claim that the 'good days are coming' for Man Utd Both sides were able to still qualify for the Champions League. But Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis was still fuming over Neville's comments following his on-pitch clash with manager Nuno Espirito Santo after the disastrous 2-2 draw with Leicester. And Sky were forced into a revised production change, with coverage eventually coming from their HQ in Osterley rather than at Forest itself.
Daily Mail
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Sky Sports shock staff after axing long-running programme loved by Jurgen Klopp amid TV company's restructure, plus why Jobe Bellingham ditched his surname during play-off final victory
Dismay is rife at Sky's studios in Osterley after the surprise decision was taken to axe The Football Show, a popular and long-running programme broadcast every Monday on Sky Sports News. Respected host Rob Wotton was joined by Stephen Warnock and Sue Smith each week to discuss the major talking points from the weekend just gone. Warnock and Smith's analysis was always to the point. The trio were joined by former Premier League official Dermot Gallagher for an hour-long section called 'Ref Watch' and the quartet never shied away from looking at controversial decisions. Jurgen Klopp, when he was Liverpool manager, was a regular viewer and enjoyed the views of 'Mr Dermot'. But SSN suits have decided to remove this intelligent show, with the thirst to recruit a younger audience leading them to YouTube influencers and fans with big followings. Many in the building are bewildered by the direction of travel, although Sky insiders insist the changes are aimed at making them more agile and able to concentrate on breaking news stories across platforms. 'Ref Watch' and various other elements of the show are expected to remain in different formats. Seven reporters and presenters are leaving the channel in the wake of a recent restructure. Hey, Jobe! Many viewers will have noticed that Jobe Bellingham, brother of Jude, had his Christian name rather than his surname on the back of his shirt at Wembley. Players can ask for a 'appropriate variation' should they wish at the start of the season. The Black Cats' number seven's request is thought to have come from a desire to create his own identity away from that of his older brother. INEOS committed to United Given what has been a thoroughly underwhelming season, speculation has been rife over whether the interest of the Qatari group which failed to buy Manchester United may have been reignited. Mail Sport broke the story of Sheikh Jassim's bid, but it is understood that there is currently little appetite for such a move given how the process played out with the Glazer family. Regardless, Sir Jim Ratcliffe's INEOS group has no intention of walking away from their minority stake. Incoming regulator chief impresses Those in the Royal Box for the Championship play-off on Saturday wondered if it was a cunning, strategic move by EFL bosses to seat incoming football regulator chair David Kogan next to Sharon Brittan. The Bolton Wanderers chairman has a reputation for making her point and will no doubt have put the incoming official under the spotlight. While there remain concerns over the process behind the appointment of the former Premier League chief media rights advisor, he impressed some of those in the room. 'He's his own man who gets things done and is not someone who hides behind rules and regs guy,' said an exec from one EFL club. Flying without a parachute Sunderland's victory was good news and bad news for the EFL. Good news in that it was a rare promotion from a club not benefiting from parachute payments. Bad news in that it left another that does in the Championship for next season. Ping-pong politics Big sports politics are afoot in the imminent World Table Tennis presidential elections. The incumbent is one of only two female world sport presidents and is being challenged by a wealthy Qatari. Having worked so hard to get a female as his successor for IOC President, it is no surprise that Thomas Bach has just attended the World Table Tennis Championships in Qatar to help lobby for the Swedish president, Petra Sorling. Bach is understood to have also met with Qatar's Emir, himself an IOC Member. The German may well have asked for his support - reminding him that the host for 2036 Olympic Games is still not yet decided. All eyes are now on whether the Qatari candidate withdraws from the election. England IT gaffe A number of fans of England's men's team were left flummoxed last week when they ordered tickets to watch Thomas Tuchel's side play Andorra, only to be told via email that they had tickets for England women's clash with France. The situation was put down to an IT glitch and quicky rectified. Johnson looks to build bridges James Johnson, who announced he was leaving his role as the head of Football Australia earlier this month, has been appointed CEO at Canadian Soccer Business (CSB) ahead of a crucial year for the World Cup co-host. CSB was established in 2018 and represents all the commercial partnership and media rights of the Canada Soccer national teams along with the Canadian Premier League. Johnson has vowed to maximise the opportunities for the Canadian game and has close ties to the CONCACAF region, having worked with the confederation's president, Victor Montagliani, on FIFA's Football Stakeholder Committee in the past. It is understood Johnson's first call after being appointed at CSB last week was to to Kevin Blue, the CEO and General Secretary of Canada Soccer. The deal between CSB and Canada Soccer has been the subject of fierce criticism in recent years and the outreach to the federation is a sign of Johnson's determination to build bridges and make the most of the global spotlight that will be on Canada in 2026 and beyond.
Yahoo
29-01-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Scandinavian clubs want big fees for Celtic targets
Speculation mounts around winger linked with Celtic as Aberdeen midfielder is tracked by Edinburgh clubs... Brondby want £14m for reported Celtic target Mathias Kvistgaarden. (Mail+ - subscription) Norwegian club Sarpsborg will demand a package of more than £7m to sell 21-year-old winger Sondre Orjasaeter, who is attracting very concrete interest from Celtic. (TV2) Sarpsborg sporting director Hampus Andersson says they will do everything they can to at least keep a hold of Orjasaeter until the end of the season amid interest from Celtic, Fiorentina, Parma and Nice. (Sky Sports News via Record) Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers says he is not aware of any transfer bid for Orjasaeter. (Herald - subscription) Celtic, Nantes, Leuven, Al-Ahli and Rakow Częstochowa are showing interest in 21-year-old Randers forward Tammer Bany, for whom the Danish club have rejected bids from Union Saint-Gilloise and Lausanne already this month. (Tipsbladet) Rangers have yet to offer Ianis Hagi a new contract, despite reports suggesting one had been made to the 26-year-old Romania midfielder. (Sky Sports) Agent and former Rangers player Craig Moore says the Ibrox club were made aware of Nikola Katic's desire to return to Ibrox from FC Zurich but are not interested in signing the 28-year-old centre-half. (Go Radio Football Show) Hearts and Hibernian are both keeping a close eye on Jamie McGrath's situation as Aberdeen continue to push for 28-year-old midfielder to sign a new contract beyond the summer. (Record) Italian clubs target Casemiro & Hojlund - Wednesday's gossip Rangers' Jefte linked with Chelsea - gossip Sam Dalby intends to wait until the end of the season before deciding where his long-term future lies. Wrexham extended his loan to Dundee United until the summer, when the striker is out of contract with the Welsh club. (The Courier) Dundee United midfielder Alan Domeracki is closing in on a six-figure switch to Championship club Norwich City, despite the 18-year-old having yet to make a first-team appearance. (Courier - subscription) Middlesbrough have agreed a deal to sign 19-year-old Celtic full-back Josh Dede, who was out of contract in the summer but is poised to move to the Championship club within days. (Daily Record) St Johnstone have accepted a third bid from Fulham for 16-year-old forward Brodie Dair and will receive an initial transfer fee of more than £150,000 should he agree personal terms and pass a medical. (Courier - subscription) Former Huddersfield Town manager Mark Fotheringham would be keen to discuss the vacancy with Motherwell. (Sun) Motherwell right-back Stephen O'Donnell admits the players are "shocked" after Stuart Kettlewell quit as manager following abuse from some fans. (Sky Sports) Midfielder Sam Stanton says online abuse aimed at his family is behind his switch from Raith Rovers to Arbroath. (Courier - subscription)
