Soccer Saturday host Stelling calls it ‘saddest day ever’ after ‘best mates’ Le Tissier, Thompson and Nicholas sacked

JEFF STELLING has described the axing of “best mates” Matt Le Tissier, Phi Thompson and Charlie Nicholas from Soccer Saturday as one of his “saddest days ever.” Sky Sports brutally chopped the trio from their popular show on Tuesday, much to the dismay of fans. Southampton legend Le Tissier joined the panel shortly after his […]

JEFF STELLING has described the axing of “best mates” Matt Le Tissier, Phi Thompson and Charlie Nicholas from Soccer Saturday as one of his “saddest days ever.”

Sky Sports brutally chopped the trio from their popular show on Tuesday, much to the dismay of fans.

Southampton legend Le Tissier joined the panel shortly after his retirement from football in 2003.

Anfield favourite Thompson started working for Sky in 1998 and took on a bigger role after stepping down as Liverpool assistant in 2004.

Meanwhile, Celtic and Arsenal icon Nicholas has been working in punditry ever since his playing career ended in 1996.

Sky Sports

The trio were brutally axed by Sky Sports on Tuesday[/caption]

And presenter Stelling, who will remain on the show alongside Paul Merson, has described the situation as very sad.

He tweeted: “One of my saddest days ever at Sky Sports with the departure of three of my best mates.

“They have been part of a team that for me was the best.”

Sky confirmed the changes exclusively to SunSport, saying: “We are changing some parts of our football coverage.

Sky

The three fan favourites have been on Soccer Saturday for many years[/caption]

“Matt, Charlie and Phil have done a great job for us over the years, and they will leave us with our sincere thanks and very best wishes.”

Le Tissier took to Twitter to express his feelings, commenting: “Enjoyed my time at Sky Sports, time to look forward to life’s next challenge.

“Thank you for the support down the years and special thanks to the backroom team, good luck all have a lovely day.”

Thompson added: “I’ve had a great 22 years on Sky Sports. 

“Enjoyed every minute with some amazing people on the show and behind the scenes which made it the iconic show it is today.

“Good luck to Sky, Jeff, Merse and the new gang on Soccer Saturday.”