22 June 2023 , 15:19
1006
0
Soccer AM host John Fendley has confirmed his departure from Sky Sports.
Fendley, who is more commonly known as 'Fenners', co-hosted Soccer AM alongside former Premier League footballer Jimmy Bullard before the show was cancelled last month. Fendley has announced that he will no longer continue working for Sky Sports.
The presenter is the latest star to leave Sky Sports, as the broadcaster continues its revamp. The likes of Chris Kamara, Jeff Stelling, Graeme Souness and Martin Tyler have all left Sky Sports in the last year, with more departures expected over the coming weeks.
Fendley confirmed the news in a short statement on Thursday. The Soccer AM legend tweeted: "Some of the crowd are on the pitch, they think it’s all over. It is now. Full time for me. Thanks to Sky Sports for some amazing memories.
"Looking forward to the future and whatever might come my way. See you all very soon. Fenners x."
Viddal Riley warns he is "too elite" to have toughness tested in next fight
It's unclear whether Bullard and the rest of the former Soccer AM production team will continue working for Sky Sports. It's believed the broadcaster will say goodbye to several reporters this summer, including Bianca Westwood, Jaydee Dyer and Dickie Davis.
Legendary interviewer Geoff Shreeves will reportedly need to take a big pay cut to keep his job at Sky Sports. Shreeves has worked for the company since they won the rights to show live Premier League games when the division launched in 1992.
Soccer AM was cancelled last monthWhat do you make of John Fendley's Sky Sports exit? Let us know in the comments below!
The likes of Stelling and Tyler worked for Sky Sports for several years, becoming part of the furniture. Yet it appears to broadcaster is entering a brave new era. Nothing symbolises that more than Soccer AM's axing, ending its successful 28-year run.
Fendley worked as a producer on Soccer AM for many years while Helen Chamberlain and Tim Lovejoy presented the show. He went on to host The Fantasy Football Club alongside Arsenal legend Paul Merson before returning to Soccer AM as a presenter in 2015.
Fendley initially hosted Soccer AM alongside Chamberlain before her exit in 2017. Bullard and Lloyd Griffith then joined the presenting team before the latter departed in 2019, with Fendley and Bullard continuing to steer the Soccer AM ship until its cancellation.
Sky Sports confirmed the axing in May. A statement read: "Following a thorough consultation process, Sky can confirm that the final live broadcast of Soccer AM will be on Saturday 27 May – the final weekend of the football season.
"Soccer AM has been hugely popular with audiences over almost three decades, engaged hundreds of celebrity guests and musical acts all brought together by a shared love of football."
Sky Sports chief Jonathan Licht added: "We’d like to thank the Soccer AM team for their professionalism during a difficult period. We would also like to thank them, and all their former colleagues, for their contribution to Sky Sports over three amazing decades."