SIMON THOMAS has won the race to replace Jeff Stelling as the host of Sky Sports' Soccer Saturday.
The former Blue Peter presenter, 50, has emerged as the choice to replace legendary host, who left Sky Sports at the end of last season.
That is according to the Daily Mail, who claim that he will be announced this week.
There had been much speculation over who would fill the void with fellow Sky presenters Jules Warren and Caroline Barker also understood to be in the running.
Thomas quit full-time broadcast work six years ago following the tragic death of his wife Gemma.
She passed away just three days after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia.
Thomas, who was born in Norwich, had worked in the broadcasting industry for 18 years but took time off to look after his son, aged eight.
He left his role as lead football presenter of Sky in the process but had returned to work by freelancing for various platforms and channels.
Stelling called time on his position as host of Soccer Saturday after 30 years in May.
Reports then emerged suggesting that he had been in talks with Amazon and the BBC over a return to broadcasting.
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However, this will now not be happening until at least NEXT YEAR.
The 68-year-old has no plans to retire but he has been placed on gardening leave until December.
The broadcaster has also been hit with budget cuts elsewhere, with beloved show Soccer AM also being axed.
Host John Fendley announced his departure from Sky earlier this week following the show's cancellation.
Legendary commentator Martin Tyler has also departed, replaced by Peter Drury, along with six reporters.
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