Humphrey explains why he left BT Sport and aspect of job he couldn't deal with
Jake Humphrey has opened up on his departure from BT Sport, admitting that he did not like the "lad banter" that came with the role.
He joined BT in 2013 after a successful career with the BBC, hosting their Premier League and Champions League coverage. He stepped back from his work on the top-flight ahead of last season, before leaving the broadcaster altogether in the summer.
Humphrey's last game was the Champions League final in May, during which he was given an emotional send-off by the punditry team. Now, he revealed his work on his High Performance Podcast drove him to leaving his job at BT.
“I have always had this sense that time is going by really fast. And the longer I did the High Performance podcast, the harder I found being a football host. I was not always that comfortable. The lads-y banter thing is not for me," he told the Daily Telegraph.
"I struggle a bit with the modern world – where firm opinions are the thing we value more than anything. I often felt I was doing High Performance all week, and empathy and understanding and leaning into people.
Chelsea complete record-breaking Enzo Fernandez transfer after deadline day rush
"Then, on Saturday, I was having conversations about sacking managers and dropping players, criticising decisions made by referees. I’d been dreaming for a long time, but not brave enough to take a leap. Nobody asks me about football presenting. They just want to talk about High Performance and the things it’s done for them.”
HAVE YOUR SAY! Who is the best pundit in the Premier League? Comment below.
Jake Humphrey left BT Sport in the summer (Getty Images)Laura Woods has since replaced Humphrey in hosting Champions League coverage, while Lynsey Hipgrave anchors the Premier League matches. When Humphrey announced his departure in May, BT bosses paid tribute to his work.
“We thank Jake for his huge commitment to BT Sport as a mainstay of our coverage since launch. Jake has made a massive contribution to the success of BT Sport over the past decade and will always be much-loved by all of us," a statement read.
"We’re looking forward to celebrating Jake with a tribute during our Champions League final coverage next month and giving him a fitting finale for his 10 years on BT Sport.”
BT has since been rebranded as TNT Sports following a takeover by Discovery. Though Humphrey remained proud of his work with the original broadcaster.
"As a football fan, hosting Premier League matches, FA Cup games and European Finals has meant the world to me. It has been my dream job. I’ve loved being a very small part of a world class production team," he said as he left.
"I also feel blessed to have shared the screen with legends of the game and incredible broadcasters, who have become friends. Thank you all. I’m also not ashamed to say I remain hugely ambitious. Stepping back from BT will allow me space to pursue other projects and fulfil other ambitions."
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
