Report names who Sky Sports wants to replace Jeff Stelling with

A report names who Sky Sports wants to replace Jeff Stelling with when he steps down from the role at the end of the 2021/22 season.

The broadcaster are still looking for a new host for the Saturday afternoon show, but it would seem that they have a favourite in mind.

Various media outlets claim on Wednesday morning that BBC 5 Live and Match of the Day 2 host Mark Chapman is their top target after holding talks.

Stelling, 66, announced in October that he would be stepping down from the role at the end of the season and this led to midweek presenter Julian Warren being the favourite to take over as seen HERE.

Jeff has presented the iconic scores show since way back in 1994 – but according to the Daily Mail, Sky has identified Chapman as the ideal successor.

It is thought bosses have approached ‘Chappers’ but no decision is set just yet with some thinking to do.

48 year old Mark Chapman joined the BBC in 1996, initially reading sports bulletins on Radio 1.

He then linked up with 5 Live in 2010 and has become whats been described as the ‘voice of BBC Sport’ with his Saturday afternoon presenting – as well as chairing the Monday Night Club.

Elsewhere, he hosts the Premier League highlights show on a Sunday night.

Chapman, a Manchester United fan, also is the face of rugby league coverage and used to present the NFL show.

It remains unclear, should he take the Soccer Saturday gig, whether he would continue working for the BBC and their programs.

Chapman previously named Stelling as his favourite reporter, describing him as a ‘true pro, a proper broadcaster and journalist’ in a BBC Q&A.

The huge Hartlepool supporter’s Soccer Saturday departure comes following the sudden exits of pundits Phil Thompson, Charlie Nicholas and Matt Le Tissier.

Twitter users gave their thoughts as a report names who Sky Sports wants to replace Jeff Stelling with…

@mickey_blue_66: An outstanding sports presenter, would be great in that role if any truth in the rumour @markchapman 👌🏼

@joeryan01: That’s a really good shout actually. He’d be great.

@Dr_Letterman: Soccer Saturday demands a presenter with energy, wit and a mischievous personality to keep the show ticking over for 6 hours. Chappers isn’t that. @DanThomasESPN would be perfect but you’d probably never get him to move back to the UK

@Gazala2: @markchapman is all of that! He’s an outstanding broadcaster. He could do this and front other shows for Sky Sports.

@markefc_: People still watch that program?

@ReddSab: Chappers is good tho.. it’s the current ss panel that’s the problem.. borrrrring.

@jackcummins_9: Chapman is very good that’s a nice move.

@AbsMalik110: They also need to replace the current panel. cmon who would give Clinton Morrison, Tim Sherwood and Dawson any kind of punditry role? They are dreadful choices!

@stevejamesLFC: No one can replace Jeff. Should give it to the lad that does the midweek show.

@1879RednWhiter: Big boots to fill but I do like Chappers 👍

@MattMcintyre6: Lets be honest soccer Saturday is finished, i love mark but he would be joining a sinking ship. The panel now are so boring

@Phillwillkill: To be fair as big a miss as Stelling will be the biggest issue is the 4-5 panelists who are pretty much devoid of personality and insight. Why is merson still on there? Though, admittedly getting shot of Le Tiss does look the right decision. He’s went full blown conspiracy nut

@TomasCrilly: That would be a mistake. He’s so annoying as to be unwatchable. I would give it to the next best host already at sky @DavidJonesSky. Chapman is awkward and makes me mute the tv

@knoller2: @markchapman don’t do it.

@holmes03d: Terrific choice if true.

@CityEdition1894: Great news. @markchapman is much better than hot-take Sterling who’s become a Richard Keys like figure

@mike13cowan: How Mark Chapman being a replacement for Jeff Stelling is seen as a coup is beyond me. Soccer Saturday is wank now

@JamesPaulWarren: Wow I thought they’d go straight to Julian Warren but Mark Chapman is a fabulous Presenter 👏

@MCThomas_16: Mark Chapman is an excellent broadcaster who I love listening to. Would be such a shame to see him leave BBC for Sky

@StevenJWhiting: @markchapman seen an article about Soccer Saturday. If it’s about wages, no one would blame you. If its about standards, don’t go. Such inferior pundits on SS these days, let it sink

@Statto1968: The BBC must offer whatever it takes to keep Chappers. He is simply irreplaceable on radio or tv for them.

@ShaunHammel10: Decent replacement, brilliant on @BBCMOTD