Soccer Saturday loses another stalwart with Chris Kamara to leave Sky Sports

Chris Kamara, the long-serving Soccer Saturday pundit, has become the latest Sky Sports stalwart to announce he is leaving the broadcaster.

Kamara, a popular figure also on Soccer AM and Goals on Sunday, leaves Sky at the end of the season. There was no immediate explanation offered for his departure but it is thought to be unrelated to the efforts to install a younger Soccer Saturday line-up 18 months ago. Kamara spoke last month about his diagnosis of the condition apraxia which has at times affected his speech during broadcasts.

The former footballer, now 64, has also described on Twitter how he had developed a speech disorder alongside an existing thyroid issue. Kamara’s sense of humour, on-screen chemistry with presenter Jeff Stelling and regular outbursts of “Unbelievable, Jeff”, have secured his status as one of the most popular Soccer Saturday pundits since the show was launched.

Kamara said in an announcement by Sky: “My long career at Sky Sports has never felt like work. I’ve spent 24 terrific years at Sky, and leave with the best of memories. My time on Soccer AM, Goals on Sunday and, of course, on Soccer Saturday with Jeff has been – to coin a phrase – unbelievable. I’ve had the time of my life, and look forward to tuning in every Saturday as a fan.”

Kamara, who has also released two Christmas albums and a charity single as well as presenting on Ninja Warrior UK, is set to be a commentator on ITV’s new show The Games, which starts in May.

A Sky Sports statement read: “After 24 brilliant years at Sky Sports, including many years as a star of Soccer Saturday, Chris Kamara is leaving the show at the end of the season. The Soccer Saturday show paid tribute to him this afternoon, and he leaves with our thanks and very best wishes.”

Gary Hughes, Sky Sports director of football, added: “Kammy has been a Sky Sports star. Everyone has a favourite Kammy anecdote or highlight, and the tribute we paid to him on air this afternoon really shows the special place he has in the hearts of our viewers.

“We’ve been so lucky to have him, and he will always be part of the Sky Sports football family.”Soccer Saturday’s Chris Kamara is leaving Sky Sports at the end of the season after 24 years.

Phil Thompson, Charlie Nicholas and Matt Le Tissier were forced out in August 2020, having enjoyed long stints on Soccer Saturday with Kamara. Stelling initially announced he would also leave after 30 years at Sky, but following discussions with Sky Sports, he decided to stay on as host of Soccer Saturday until at least the 2022/23 campaign.