ICONIC footy show Soccer AM is set to be cancelled after 30 years on the telly – with just 10 episodes left to air.
With just ten episodes of the Sky Sports cult classic left, Soccer AM is set to end on Saturday 27 May, the day before the end of the Premier League season.
Staff were informed of the bombshell decision on Tuesday and it is safe to say the news did not go down well.
A source told The Sun: "It was a complete bombshell. Morale is at an all-time low, they are raging. It's going to be an interesting watch over the next few weeks."
Hosts John Fendley and ex-footballer Jimmy Bullard are said to be "fuming" at the announcement.
Follow our Soccer AM live blog for the latest news and updates…
- Henry Moore
Where is Helen Chamberlain now?
ONE of Soccer AM’s OG presenters from back in the day.
She presented the show every Saturday morning from 1995 for 22 years, leaving in 2017.
Chamberlain has mostly disappeared from TV screens, but was spotted making a rare public appearance with Fallon Sherrock at the darts last July.
She also worked on the inaugural World Seniors Darts Championship, interviewing some of the stars.
And she rescues animals on her farm, telling the Athletic in 2020: “I spent nearly half my life sitting on that sofa.
“I was there for nearly 23 years. That’s a long time to have any job, never mind a job in broadcasting.
“I had the farm to see to. I wanted to rescue more dogs and breed sheep and chickens. So I didn’t have time for Saturday mornings anymore.”
- Henry Moore
What will replace Soccer AM?
After 30 years, Soccer AM is set to be cancelled but what will fill its spot?
The 10.30am Saturday morning slot will now be taken up by Saturday Social – which previously aired before Soccer AM at 9.30am.
The football show focuses more on the social media side of the game which hopes to appeal more to younger viewers.
- Henry Moore
Fans blame 'social media' for Soccer AM axe
Fans are saying Soccer AM is to be axed because young people get their footy news and coverage from social media.
One Twitter user wrote: "Not surprising. All the kids get their footy banter from social media apps like Instagram nowadays.
"Sad day if you're a traditionalist like me."
- Henry Moore
When did Soccer AM first air?
Soccer AM has enjoyed massive success since it first aired on Sky Sports in 1995 thanks to its laddish humour.
The 90 minute comedy talk show runs through the week’s footballing events with added skits and challenges for guests and fans.
Celebrity guests each episode include at least one footballer and a combination of musicians, TV personalities and other sportsmen.
It was previously hosted by Helen Chamberlain and Tim Lovejoy.
These days it is presented by John Fendley and ex-footballer Jimmy Bullard.
- Henry Moore
Former host Tim Lovejoy discusses his relationship to Soccer AM
Former Soccer AM presenter, Tim Lovejoy, discussed his relationship with the show with the Atheltic in 2020: "I stopped watching it when I left, it was too hard to watch it.
"I tune in every now and then because Fenners is on it and I want to support him.
"Again, another crap analogy, it’s like watching your old girlfriend with another man.
"I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t watch it. So I stopped watching it totally.
"And then I started tuning in again to watch Fenners, because obviously I worked with him for years and he’s a top bloke.
"It’s too hard for me because I watch it all and I want to join in with it.
"I’d really like to input on the show and put stuff on there and I find it too hard."
- Henry Moore
Soccer AM staff said to be 'fuming'
A source has said the Soccer AM staff have been left in shock after Sky's decision to axe the show.
A source told The Sun: "It was a complete bombshell.
"Morale is at an all-time low, they are raging.
"It's going to be an interesting watch over the next few weeks."
- Henry Moore
What have Sky Sports said?
Following its decision to axe iconic footy show Soccer AM, Sky Sports highlighted the network's need to "adapt".
A Sky Spokesperson says “Soccer AM has played an important role in our coverage of football for the past three decades, and we continually adapt to the evolving needs of our customers.
"We now go into a period of consultation to discuss the proposed changes with our people. We are unable to provide more detail while these consultations are underway.”
- Henry Moore
Exact date of Soccer AM's final episode
SOCCER AM will air its final episode on Saturday, 27 May.
The Sun this morning revealed that the cult Sky Sports show will be axed at the end of the season after nearly 30 years on the air.
Bosses have decided to axe the show with ten episodes remaining.
It will finish on the final weekend of the season, and will not extend to the Champions League final.
- Henry Moore
Who presents Soccer AM?
Soccer AM is presented by former Wigan Athletic and Hull City star Jimmy Bullard.
He is joined on the presenting team by John 'Fenners' Fendley.
The show was first presented by Russ Williams and Helen Chamberlin.
Then in 1996, Helen was joined by Tim Lovejoy, and the two formed a well-loved partnership.
The iconic pairing is the duo that most people associate with the show.
Lovejoy left the show in 2007 after 11 years in the job, while Chamberlin presented Soccer AM up until 2017.
- Henry Moore
Why has Soccer AM been axed?
Staff were told the unfortunate news that the show would be coming to an end and that they would be made redundant in May.
A source told the Sun: "It was a complete bombshell.
"Morale is at an all-time low, they are raging.
"It's going to be an interesting watch over the next few weeks."
A Sky Spokesperson has said: “Soccer AM has played an important role in our coverage of football for the past three decades, and we continually adapt to the evolving needs of our customers.
"We now go into a period of consultation to discuss the proposed changes with our people.
"We are unable to provide more detail while these consultations are underway.”
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