Geoff Shreeves takes up new role following decision to quit Sky Sports

23 October 2023 , 09:15

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Geoff Shreeves (Image: Getty Images)

Geoff Shreeves has joined American broadcaster CBS Sports following his departure from Sky Sports over the summer.

Shreeves spent 32 years with Sky and was one of a number of big names to leave the broadcaster ahead of the new season. Legendary commentator Martin Tyler and Soccer Saturday presenter Jeff Stelling also left their roles, while Sky opted not to renew the contract of pundit Graeme Souness.

Shreeves is said to have rejected an offer of a significantly reduced salary to stay at Sky and he has now joined CBS, making his first appearance for the broadcaster on Saturday and immediately took aim at the fact fans in America can watch more live Premier League football than fans in the UK.

"My reaction to what you're doing there right now is one of envy," he said. "We don't have that here in the UK and I think that says everything about where you're going with a groundbreaking show because we don't have a show 2 hours long dedicated only to football.

"You can see more Premier League football if you're living in America than you can if you live in the UK. Every game is televised for the American audience and it's absolutely fantastic, the coverage.

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"I've seen the growth in the knowledge and the thirst of soccer fans and with the [2026] World Cup [held in America, Canada and Mexico] looming it's only going one way. It's just fantastic to see."

Reflecting on his decision to leave Sky in an interview with the Daily Mail in August, Shreeves said: "I agonised about it all summer. I am well aware of what is being said and I can't comment on that.

Shreeves spent 32 years at Sky Sports and has now joined CBS (Getty Images)

"I do want to try different things and that was a huge part of my decision. But I will be brutally honest. I will only be able to tell you in 18 months if it was the right thing to do.

"TV should evolve. It should seek new faces. But broadcasters still need to offer a product that people want to watch. That's the challenge. Look at Jeff Stelling and Gary Lineker. Both older than me.

"Age should be viewed the same way as gender or ethnicity. Irrelevant if the person is good. I am only 58 and confident that age is not a barrier. If I thought that was the case, I would not have left…"

Matthew Cooper