Former Blue Peter presenter Simon Thomas has won the race to replace Jeff Stelling as host of Sky Sport’s iconic results service Soccer Saturday.
Mail Sport has learned that Sky are preparing to announce Thomas’ appointment next week after he saw off stiff competition from other Sky presenters Caroline Barker and Jules Warren.
Thomas has big shoes to fill in replacing Stelling, who fronted Soccer Saturday for 25 years before quitting at the end of last season, but will be a popular appointment with viewers and colleagues.
The 50-year-old was previously one of Sky’s main Premier League presenters before stepping away from the role following the tragic death of his wife six years ago to care for his family, and subsequently building a successful freelance career.