Jeff Stelling revealed singer Sir Elton John was amongst his well-wishers this week because the presenter signed off from the “best job that anybody could possibly have wished for” at Soccer Saturday.
Stelling introduced final month his intention to face down as anchor of the Sky Sports programme after virtually 30 years and earmarked the ultimate day of the Premier League season on Sunday as his final present.
In the times main as much as his swansong, Stelling divulged he had messages of assist from the likes of Gordon Strachan and Neil Warnock, plus a cellphone name from John, former chairman and director of Watford.
Stelling, an unapologetic Hartlepool fan who ceaselessly celebrated their targets on Soccer Saturday, stated: “Somebody asked me the other day if I’d ever been starstruck and yeah, I was starstruck when Elton John rang me at home to say ‘Thank you very much for all you’ve done’.
“He said ‘Every week I watch the show and every week you tell me Watford are losing and every week you tell me Hartlepool are losing so I feel like we’re kindred spirits’. There’s something in that, isn’t there?”
After touching tributes from colleagues previous and current in a video montage, Stelling was given a standing ovation by the punditry panel of Paul Merson, Clinton Morrison, Kris Boyd and Michael Dawson.
Stelling, who had deliberate to stop final yr earlier than reversing that call, briefly hid his feelings with a masks of himself and quipped: “This is tricky because I’ve changed my mind – just kidding.
“I haven’t changed my mind this time.”
Stelling was clearly moved by the highlights bundle Sky televised within the closing minutes of the present after Everton retained their top-flight standing and confirmed the relegations of Leeds and Leicester.
Merson, Alan Mullery, Frank McLintock, Clive Allen, Charlie Nicholas, Phil Thompson and Matt Le Tissier handed on their congratulations, as did Chris Kamara, who in a nod to the catchphrase that has change into synonymous with the pair and the present, stated: “You are unbelievable, Jeff!”
Stelling appeared again fondly on his 30-plus years with Sky, through which he not solely lined soccer however stay snooker, darts, greyhound racing, pool and thanked everybody with whom he had labored.
So that is it. Soccer Saturday will likely be again subsequent season. I’ll be watching…From me, goodbye
Jeff Stelling
In his farewell monologue, he added: “It’s been the best job that anybody could possibly have wished for. My wife takes great pleasure in saying ‘You are the luckiest man ever to take a breath’ and you know what? I don’t tell her this often but she’s right.
“The principle success of Soccer Saturday is you lot at home, who have given us unswerving support – both for the programme and for me personally.
“So that’s it. Soccer Saturday will be back next season. I’ll be watching – when Hartlepool are not playing. From me, goodbye.”