Two much loved Soccer Saturday reporters say their goodbyes in a farewell speech after leaving Sky Sports ahead of the 2023/24 season.
Bianca Westwood has been a familiar face on our TV screens, as she gave viewers updates from around the grounds. However, she has now confirmed that she has now left the broadcaster.
Sky has seen more big changes, replacing Soccer Saturday presenter Jeff Stelling with Simon Thomas replacing while Paul Merson, Clinton Morrison, Michael Dawson, Sue Smith, Kris Boyd and Tim Sherwood will remain.
Saying goodbye on social media, Bianca Westwood said: “A bit like when I did my first match report, I didn’t want to make a fuss but I’ve had SO many messages & questions about where I’ll be today I thought I might as well let you know.
“I haven’t quite made enough money to retire unfortunately, but I am retiring from Sky Sports & Soccer Saturday.
“It’s been a phenomenal 22 & a half years & I’ve been a small part of building the channel into the giant of broadcasting it is today.
“What a ride! Being the first female match reporter on Soccer Saturday is something I’m immensely proud of & that can never be taken away from me.
“I’ve covered hundreds & hundreds of games, I’ve interviewed hundreds of players & managers.
“I’ve watched hours & hours of football.
“Years of experience (I said what I said!) that will live with me forever.
“For the most part, it’s been a blast.
“I’m grateful to you the viewers for watching over the years & for all your support.
“To those I’ve worked with who’ve been a big part of my life at Sky, you know who you are, thanks for the memories.
“On to the next chapter. Buzzing for it 🐝”
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@beewestwood such a great girl, such a great reporter. I have to say that of course as we are doing 30+ theatre tour in Jan and Feb. But I also mean it !!
— Jeff Stelling (@JeffStelling) August 5, 2023
There are some dates to be added I think ! pic.twitter.com/NvFNgBMrrD
— Jeff Stelling (@JeffStelling) August 5, 2023
As part of the changes at Sky, the commentary box sees Peter Drury calling the broadcaster’s biggest matches, replacing Martin Tyler.
Rob Hawthorne, Bill Leslie, See Hutchinson, Dan Mann, Gary Weaver and Ian Crocker will also commentate across Sky’s portfolio of Premier League, EFL and Scottish Premiership rights.
David Jones and Kelly Cates will be leading Sky’s coverage with Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher, Micah Richards and Roy Keane. Greame Souness departed at the end of last season.
Meanwhile, another departure sees Dickie Davis also wave goodbye: “Bit of news. I’m leaving Sky Sports after nigh on 30 years.
“It’s been an absolute privilege chatting to players and managers – and reporting on games every week on such a hugely successful show.
“To all those I’ve worked with; the camera ops, the clubs, the players, the managers, all the producers who’ve backed me, the Soccer Saturday team behind the scenes, Jeff and Jules, the Sky family – a huge thank you.
“And to the fans up and down the country I’ve bumped into on trains or at games, thanks for watching and your kind words have always been greatly appreciated.
“It’s been an absolute honour.
“Here’s to whatever comes next…”
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Simply one of the best, nicest, most professional people I have known. A privilege to have worked with you and to be able to call you my friend.
— Jeff Stelling (@JeffStelling) August 5, 2023
Twitter users reacted as two much loved Soccer Saturday reporters say their goodbyes in farewell speech…
ON DICKIE DAVIS:
@stokey_ok_75: Thank you Dickie you always told it how it was.. no pretence. Good luck mate
@neilevo18781967: All the very best
@dderby2: Remember you commentating at the Mem when Rovers scored a last minute winner to get promoted above Accrington. Gantry was bouncing! Good luck – Up the Gas
@MH12CP: Shocker. Love your reports – best of luck with whatever comes next.
@JTRD90: Another good one gone from sky sports. But it’s okay, they have Thogden the glove thief stealing air time. Sky sports news, a channel that would always be on in my house. To never at all.
@IanKelly1987: Soccer Saturday is well and truly finished just full of YouTubers now and box ticking
@JaggardPaul1: Part of the furniture Saturday afternoons, one of the very best, good luck in your future endeavours!
@SamBeSpittinFax: This is genuinely horrible news. I truly hope this isn’t just another situation whereby a pundit/commentator is being forced out due to being part of the ‘wrong’ demographic. If your industry truly is a meritocracy, you’ll get a top job at one of the other media giants. Good luck
@leesb1977: Gutted Dickie, will miss the knowledgeable reports and dulcet tones on a Saturday afternoon, good luck for the future. ⚽️⚽️
@CheneryAdam: All the best for the future old friend. Never forget our boxing trips and all the help you gave me as I learned the ropes. Top man.
@millwalleio: All the best. A very distinctive voice from my childhood
@Tommeedee85: You’ve been fantastic Dickie! UTG ⛽
@stmlowe: You will be missed thank you Dickie and all the best 🤝
ON BIANCA WESTWOOD:
@DamienOReilly86: Wishing you all the best in what you do next. Will miss you on soccer Saturday you were excellent and knowledgeable. Won’t be the same without banter between you and Jeff.
@GaryWard2000: The show will go on but you will be incredibly missed. Onwards and upwards for you though. No limits on what you can achieve now. Thanks for all the memories on sky and all the best for the future
@davemcconnell9: Always enjoyed your reports on soccer Saturday and you always had a great rapport with Jeff. Good luck to whatever is next
@GillH1973: You’ll be missed Bee. Enjoy touring with Jeff 😀 Looking forward to it.
@Rankles75: Congratulations on an amazing 22 years, you’ll be sorely missed
@AndyG849: Loved watching you over the years @chris_kammy @JeffStelling and You have been a massive part of my Saturday afternoons. You’ve paved the way for some other great broadcasters on #SoccerSaturday. @MichelleOwen7 @swanabi @KatieShanahan3 best of luck Bianca
@Aj_LFC19: All the best Bianca, been a staple for many years 🙏🏽🙌🏽.
@lspark89: Sky are having a shocker mind, just letting their best presenters & reporters leave. And for what? To replace them with a bunch of YouTubers who know sweet F.A about football 🤷🏼♀️🤦🏼♀️ Looks like @JeffStelling & Bianca have got out just in time. Can’t see sky lasting much longer!
@Charlton_Not606: The concept of ‘Soccer Saturday’ wasn’t groundbreaking, it was the people who made it ‘Remarkable Jeff’ and Bianca, you were certainly one of the people who made it work. Will miss you and will probably miss Soccer Saturday from now on. Hope to see you at The Valley very soon ❤️
@jimmytozer: I loved the banter between you and Jeff, such a good program
@G1880: I love Bianca, massive part of the fun and style that made soccer Saturday the brilliant show it was.
@grebbster01: Gutted you’re not on it anymore. Loved your reports from a real football fan, full of enthusiasm for the game. Best of luck in the future with all you do.
@vinceninn: I’m afraid Soccer Saturday will fall on its arse, the original team, the pundits made the show, now its a mosh if bit part pundits, wokery and the format has gone to the dogs. You and Jeff with Merse, Tommo, Matt and Charlie made saturdays past the best and now no more.
@Davidca64827838: You’ll be sadly missed, easily best reporter on show
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