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Daily Mail
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Emotional Sky Sports presenter chokes up during final show after 27 YEARS with the broadcaster
A Sky Sports presenter choked up during his final appearance for the broadcaster after working there for 27 years. Rob Wotton was almost reduced to tears as he bid goodbye to viewers for the final time on The Football Show, which has since been axed by Sky. He said: 'It's been an absolute pleasure. I came here in my 20s and I thought I was only coming for a couple of weeks. 'And look, they haven't been able to get rid of me. I keep turning up, maybe one day they'll pay me!' He was joined by fellow hosts Stephen Warnock and Sue Smith, who gave Wotton a fond farewell before his departure. Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was said to be a keen viewer of the analysis show, as he enjoyed its 'Ref Watch' analysis segment with ex-Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher. presenter rob wotton has signed off sky sports after 27 years with the corporation with the words 'c'mon the chels' one of our own 💙 — ⭐️ zigga zagga ⭐️ (@celery_brigade) May 26, 2025 He was almost reduced to tears as he bid goodbye to viewers for the final time Wotton's departure comes as a shock to employees as Sky, who are said to be dismayed by the decision to cut the programme. Some are even said to be 'bewildered' with Sky Sports undergoing a 'restructure' that has seen seven reporters and presenters leave. Insiders told Mail Sport that 'the changes are aimed at making them more agile and able to concentrate on breaking news stories across platforms.' Mail Sport also exclusively revealed last Saturday that the Premier League and Sky will hold further high-level talks aimed at preventing a repeat of Nottingham Forest's refusal to admit Gary Neville to Sunday's season-defining clash with Chelsea. It is understood that senior figures at the Premier League, Sky and other broadcasters have been alarmed at the controversial step taken by Forest, which we revealed on Saturday. Forest denied access to Neville, citing a potentially hostile welcome from fans following what they view as aggressive messaging from the Sky pundit aimed at hampering the club's progress. That decision sparked discussions between the Premier League and Sky, who pay billions and who are viewed as a vital component to the competition's success. More talks are set to follow immediately, with a rule change one possibility. In 2023, Sky shelled out for four of the five packages available in a £6.7bn, four-year deal along with TNT Sports for UK television rights. Next season they will screen a minimum of 215 live matches as the lead domestic broadcaster. The precedent set by Forest, who are currently within their rights to decide who enters their property, is understood to have triggered widespread alarm.
The Sun
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Sky Sports presenter chokes up on final appearance as he leaves after nearly 30 YEARS with much-loved show axed
SKY SPORTS presenter Rob Wotton choked up as he waved goodbye after nearly 30 YEARS with the TV channel. Wotton joined Sky in 1998 and helped present coverage across all sports. 4 4 He also presented The Football Show - which aired every Monday - but has since been axed. Presenter Wotton fought back tears as he signed the show off and his career on Sky for the final time. He said: "It's been an absolute pleasure. I came here in my 20s and I thought I was only coming for a couple of weeks. "And look, they haven't been able to get rid of me. I keep turning up, maybe one day they'll pay me!" Wotton presented The Football Show with Stephen Warnock and Sue Smith - who helped give Wotton a farewell send off. Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was known to be a big fan of the analysis show. The German especially enjoyed coverage from ex-official Dermot Gallagher - who would join for a section called 'Ref Watch'. According to the Daily Mail, The Football Show cancellation has caused confusion and 'dismay' among staff. It is claimed Sky chiefs want 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. Sky Sports - The Football Show - Guardiola Vs Klopp rivalry 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. 4
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.
BBC News
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
'This is what we missed five years ago'
Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock, speaking to BBC 5 Live at Anfield:"Phenomenal. This is what we missed five years ago."It was soulless last time. This is what you wanted and this is what we expected today."What an incredible atmosphere it is today."I'm a little bit lost for words. This is brilliant to see the players enjoying it so much."Since FSG have come in, the thought behind what goes on is meticulous and I think that is credit to the way the club is being run since they came in. This will be so well planned over the last two/three months and I think the parade will be extra special again tomorrow."This is brilliant."BBC Radio 5 Live chief football correspondent John Murray at Anfield:"Virgil van Dijk hoists the Premier League trophy and Liverpool the champions for 2025. And this time we don't have to imagine all the people as in 2020. Today, we can share it as one."Red ticker tape all over Anfield. Red smoke everywhere, what a brilliant scene."There's a banner in the corner of the Kop which says, 'he brought us number 20 and his name is Arne Slot', and that's what they've got."This Premier League title means they're champions for a record-equalling 20 times."Red and white scarves raised on the Kop, in the Sir Kenny Dalglish stand, in the Main Stand, at the Anfield Road end."And the Liverpool players, all of the first team squad, coaches, the lot of them, in one long wobbly line on the edge of the area in front of the Kop with the Premier League trophy on the penalty spot."Great scenes."
