26 May 2023 , 20:56
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Jeff Stelling has thanked Chris Kamara for his tribute before his Soccer Saturday farewell - insisting the pair "did ok for two scruffy kids from either side of the River Tees".
The Sky Sports presenter announced he would be stepping down from the iconic Saturday goals show earlier this year. Stelling has been the face of Soccer Saturday for decades but will depart after the final day of the Premier League season this weekend.
Kamara had formerly been among the mainstays of the show, travelling to various grounds to provide goal updates. His interactions with Stelling have become iconic and the former player turned broadcaster has hailed his colleague as "the best".
He said on Twitter : "This Sunday sees the last day at Sky for the best broadcaster I have ever met @JeffStelling. I am getting my tribute in early because Jeff has been a massive part of my life & I love him to bits. One of the things I do miss is working with the maestro. There will never be another. You are 'Unbelievable Jeff' - and always will be"
Stelling then replied: "We did ok Kammy didn’t we for two scruffy kids from either side of the River Tees. All those feelings are mutual btw. Thanks Pal. Take care !" Stelling himself has clarified reports that he could be retiring with a post on social media recently - something Kamara was keen to remind people of. He replied to one comment by saying: "He’s not retiring, just parting company."
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Stelling and Kamara have shared several onscreen moments that have stood the test of time. Their interaction during a game between Portsmouth and Blackburn left Kamara bamboozled as he missed a red card at Fratton Park and had to be informed by Stelling, who was in the studio.
Jeff Stelling has been heavily praised by Chris Kamara prior to his exit (@chris_kammy)The Soccer Saturday presenter then admitted - in jest - to the "low point of his career" after Kamara had to correct him with a stadium name. West Ham's stadium move caught him off guard and he, incorrectly, asked Kamara for an update from Upton Park.
With a smug grin on his face, Kamara quipped: "The London Stadium you mean Jeff? Get it right... come on." Stelling then responded: "That's the low point in my career. Chris Kamara telling me to get it right. Unbelievable Kammy."
Stelling has been part of the furniture at Sky Sports since the early 1990s and has been lauded by the broadcaster's director of football Gary Hughes, who said on the legendary figure: "He will be sorely missed. Sky Sports will give him the great send off his remarkable and enduring contribution deserves before he leaves us at the end of May to spend more Saturdays with his beloved Hartlepool United."