Martin Tyler quits as Sky Sports axe reporters with Geoff Shreeves told to take pay-cut

Martin Tyler quits as Sky Sports axe HALF of their reporters with Geoff Shreeves also told to take a significant pay-cut.

Sky Sports has axed the half of its football reporting team as part of a cost-cutting measure that could see Geoff Shreeves, a veteran interviewer, also depart.

Mail Sport also claim that Shreeves was asked to take an important pay cut if he wanted to stay with the broadcaster, which he joined in 1992 when the Premier League began.

Shreeves has been weighing his options. With 31 years at Sky, he is entitled to a generous redundancy package if he decides to leave. He may also receive offers from other companies.

Sky made the rest of its decisions after consulting on redundancies back in April. Six of their 13 football reporters were cut. Some chose to leave voluntarily, and others could be offered other roles.

The current positions of well-respected and experienced reporters such as Guy Havord, Dickie Davies, Bianca Westwood, Greg Whelan, Lynsey Hooper and Jaydee Dyer are no longer available.

Emma Saunders is the only female journalist to have survived the cull. She was also joined by David Craig, Patrick Davidson, Jonathan Oakes, Johnny Phillips and Luke Shanley.

Sky’s decision of removing half of its football reporting team raises further questions about the future of Soccer Saturday. The flagship results show is currently without a host after Jeff Stelling announced he would be leaving at the end the season. Sky declined to make any comments.

Martin Tyler, the legendary Premier League commentator who has been with Sky Sports for more than 30 years, will be leaving at the start of the new Premier League season.

Gary Hughes, Sky Sports’ director of football said: “Everyone at Sky Sports would like to say a heartfelt thank you to Martin for his unparalleled contribution and dedication to our coverage over the last 30 years. ‘The Voice’ will always be synonymous with the Premier League and Sky Sports. When you think of commentary, you think of Martin Tyler.

“‘Collymore closing in’ [from Liverpool’s 4-3 win over Newcastle in 1996] and ‘Aguerrrrrroooooooooo’ are two of the greatest moments in Premier League history. We thank him and wish him all the very best for the future.”

In a statement to Telegraph Sport, the commentator said: ‘In my humble opinion, the huge corporation Sky is today has stemmed from Sky Sports’ innovative and inspired coverage of the Premier League.

‘It has been a privilege to play a small part in the broadcasting history of the greatest league in the world.

‘Along the way I have worked alongside legions of wonderful professionals in all aspects of the television industry. I thank them all for their support and expertise. It has been an honour to be a member of a very gifted team.’

Legendary commentator Martin Tyler will leave Sky Sports ahead of the new season after spearheading the company’s Premier League coverage for over 30 years 🎙️👑 pic.twitter.com/XWLs3wycHB

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) June 17, 2023

Here’s what fans are saying as Martin Tyler quits Sky Sports, who also axe half of their reporters with Geoff Shreeves told to take a big pay-cut if he wants to stay…

ON THE REPORTERS:

@samclark1986: I may finally get my Sky bill cut for once then….. Price hike incoming

@benALAW1: To be replaced by YouTubers and half the women’s England team on comms

@DannyI10: Sad. Nicholas, Le Tiss, Thompson and Merson was top viewing a few years back. It’s all ruined

@Kop_Block_205: Bianca Westwood though 😢

@Darren_Lav89: Should start with Kaveh….man literally steals a living with his shockingly poor transfer news

@JaySharked: Honestly, punditry on live matches is so bad, I normally watch just the match itself. I can’t see the value in pundits who often only agree or disagree with a decision that favours their side. I would gladly cut back on pundits, reporters and commentators if the quality improved.

@AzamWHUFC: Fucking hell gonna be no one left at Sky Sports at this rate 🤣

@Hero_Taylor9: They’ll remove these qualified & proven reporters, but stick with the likes of fucking Carragher & Neville and their ongoing circus. Sky have lost the plot big time, utter shite.

@mumba88: Bit gutted about Bianca Westwood. Soccer Saturday needs binned at this point

@jimmymcbride1: Explains why they’ve been using the YouTubers… the channels gone to the dogs lately

ON MARTIN TYLER:

@ROBERTO9784: Now do the right thing and get Drury in

@spudboy1983: Great commentator, but just seemed to have lost the enthusiasm for it the last few years. Loads of lacklustre commentary on some big goals over the past few seasons.

@AaronWyn: I can now unmute my TV again, get Peter Drury in 👍🏼

@john_l33: I will miss the disappointment in his voice when commiserating each goal. The man really knew how to find the cloud in any silver lining.

@BigDaveLUFC: Great in his day, however, his day went a few years ago now. Good luck to him but the correct decision.

@Gazzahazza64: So now go and get the best commentator to spearhead all the big games. Peter Drury is head and shoulders above every other commentator and shown no bias either I like Tyler who was good 10 years ago.

@afcgilberto: About time. Tired of his bias on show blatantly every weekend. The UK needs Peter Drury. @SkyFootball @SkySportsPL

@r4chaelc1878: Waking up to the news that Martin Tyler is fucking off is just too good 🥳.

@hummzak: Now that Martin Tyler is gone, time to ramp up the efforts to get a streaming platform that shows every game, rather than 45% of matches. Ray Hudson and Peter Drury on comms. £20/month. Pathetic that this isn’t a thing yet and we’ve got legends going to jail to help up stream

@BoxerRed: Thank god Martin Tyler is going, never will I have to hear the disappointment in his voice when Liverpool score or the constant criticism of the players and lack lustre when they show their brilliance, good riddance 🙂