Sky Sports broadcaster Dickie Davis announces he is leaving the company after 30 years as staff exodus continues
Sky Sports broadcaster Dickie Davis announces he is leaving the company after 30 years as staff exodus continues
Sky Sports legend Dickie Davis has announced he is leaving broadcasting after nearly 30 years.
The Soccer Saturday pundit made the announcement just hours before the relaunch of the iconic soccer show today, with Davis having been with the organization for nearly three decades.
It comes as several other broadcasters recently left the company, including former Soccer Saturday host Jeff Stelling, who will succeed Laura Woods as the new host of talkSPORT’s breakfast show next year.
Meanwhile, Davis has been a regular face on the show for many years and is known for providing insightful coverage of football games across the country.
In an emotional statement on Twitter, he wrote: ‘I am leaving Sky Sports after almost 30 years.
Soccer Saturday’s Dickie Davis announced on Twitter that he was leaving Sky Sports
Davis (pictured) has been with the company for nearly 30 years and said in the statement it was an “honor” to work for the organization
He is known for his insightful match reports on the program, with Davis (pictured) thanking fans and his colleagues in the announcement
“It has been an absolute privilege to talk to players and managers – and report on games from such a successful show every week.
‘To all those I’ve worked with; the cameras, the clubs, the players, the managers and all the producers who have supported me, the Soccer Saturday team behind the scenes, Jeff and Jules, the Sky family – a huge thank you.
And to the fans across the country that I’ve encountered on trains or at games, thank you for watching and your kind words are always appreciated.
“It has been an absolute honour. To what comes next.’
Mail Sport reported earlier this year that Davis would not be continuing his role, with other respected journalists Guy Havord, Bianca Westwood, Greg Whelan, Lynsey Hooper and Jaydee Dyer also leaving their positions.
His departure comes amid a major reshuffle at the broadcaster, which last year announced new cost-cutting measures.
Several commentators, presenters and experts have left in recent months.
Martin Tyler, one of the lead commentators on Sky’s live broadcast team, announced in June that he would be leaving after 33 years. Peter Drury will take his place as the broadcaster’s lead commentator for the upcoming season.
Similarly, Liverpool legend Graeme Souness announced his departure on live broadcast after the Reds’ 4-3 win against Tottenham Hotspur, while pitchside reporter Geoff Shreeves also leaves the organisation.
Simon Thomas has been confirmed as the new presenter of Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday show
Thomas succeeds Jeff Stelling after he left as presenter after 25 years on the show
Geoff Shreeves revealed to Mail Sport that he would not be part of the Sky Sports team ahead of the new season
Meanwhile, with Stelling gone, Sky announced Simon Thomas as his successor.
He beat out 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 when the EFL kicks off later this afternoon.
“To be asked to host this iconic show and follow in the footsteps of Jeff Stelling, an absolute sports broadcasting giant, is a huge honor and I can’t wait to get started,” said Thomas when he was revealed as the new presenter.
He will also be joined on the show by former referee Mike Dean, who will provide insight and coverage of controversial decisions.