SIMON THOMAS has teased football fans that Soccer Saturday will have a “new look” when the show returns tomorrow.
The presenter was named the show’s lead after replacing the long-standing Jeff Stelling.
Simon Thomas has teased fans about a ‘new look’ Soccer Saturday
PA:Press AssociationHe will be hosting the show this season[/caption]
GettyFormer host Jeff Stelling stepped down after 30 years at the end of last season[/caption]
Thomas, 50, admitted that he is “a bit nervous” about starting in the role.
In a video on Instagram, he said: “The night before the football season returned in full and not a sound in the house could be heard.
“I know the season returns tonight with Sheffield Wednesday against Southampton, but tomorrow is the return of Soccer Saturday with a new look, a new studio and a new host.
“And I will be honest enough to say I am a bit nervous.
“I think nerves are good, I would be a bit worried if I had no nerves.
“Healthy nerves are good, overwhelming nerves, not so good.
“But I am feeling okay, I have been working really hard for the last month to try and catch up on everything.
“Because it has been a long time since I was involved in football full-time, obviously I have been doing bits and bobs for Amazon Prime over the last three seasons, which has been amazing.
“But now I am fully back at Sky, and I am really excited, the Soccer Saturday team a brilliant team.
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“I know that the pundits that are with me tomorrow, Paul Merson, Clinton Morrison, Michael Dawson, Sue Smith and Neil Lennon is popping in, so I know I am in safe hands.”
The former Blue Peter star has won the race for the iconic job – six years after leaving Sky Sports following the tragic death of wife Gemma.
The respected broadcaster quit his full-time job in 2017 to care for his son when wife Gemma died just three days after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia.
And Thomas admitted in an emotional statement that he never thought he’d end up hosting Soccer Saturday, thanking new wife Derrina and his family and friends for their support.
Thomas is not the only new face joining Soccer Saturday next month.
Former Premier League referee Mike Dean has landed a role offering insight into games from the perspective of an official.
He secured the job just 24 hours after quitting football, leaving his role as a video assistant ref in the process.
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