Jeff Stelling highlights snub of Julian Warren as Soccer Saturday replacement

In 2023, Jeff Stelling stepped down from his longstanding position as host of Soccer Saturday, a popular football show broadcast on Sky Sports in the UK. His resignation left many fans disappointed and raised concerns about finding an appropriate replacement for such an iconic figure. Stelling expressed a strong belief that Julian Warren, who has been a long-time presenter on Soccer Special, was the perfect candidate to succeed him. This perspective was shared in Stelling's autobiography, where he detailed that Warren was informed by telephone that he would not be taking over the role, a decision that he felt was unjustified. Despite the acclaim that Simon Thomas, the eventual choice to replace Stelling, has received as an esteemed broadcaster, Stelling reiterated his opinion that Warren's extensive experience would have been invaluable during the tumultuous beginning of a new season. He highlighted the chaotic nature of the show during the early episodes and referenced specific instances where the program faced criticism due to blunders—notably a miscommunication regarding West Ham's match results, which further underscored the need for a capable presenter during those challenging times. Stelling pointed out that the decision to overlook Warren for the role did not align with the needs of the program and expressed disappointment that his recommendations were not taken into account. Despite this controversy surrounding his departure, Stelling remains active in football commentary and continues to contribute to talkSPORT radio, hosting a breakfast show a couple of days a week. His ongoing involvement in the football media landscape echoes his enduring passion for the sport and the audience he dedicated his career to serving.