04 July 2023 , 09:07
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Geoff Shreeves has quit Sky Sports with immediate effect after 32 years, joining their list of big-name departures this summer.
It's claimed that the 58-year-old tunnel reporter rejected a pay cut and joins fellow Sky stalwart Jeff Stelling in walking away from the broadcaster, which hopes to drive down costs and increase diversity among their workforce. Legendary commentator Martin Tyler has already departed after 30 years in the job and promptly been replaced by the acclaimed Peter Drury.
Ex- Liverpool captain and manager Graeme Souness also confirmed that he'd be leaving his role as a pundit at the end of the 2022-23 Premier League season after his contract expired. The Daily Mail report that Shreeves wasn't willing to decrease his salary but is expected to be back on television soon working for another company.
Sky are said to have asked a host of their reporting staff to reapply for their jobs. Mainstays like Guy Havord and Bianca Westwood are already known to be exiting, signalling the huge shake-up. Shreeves was renowned for his presence in the mixed zones and tunnels of Premier League stadiums, regularly conducting pre and post-match interviews with managers and players.
Geoff Shreeves will leave Sky Sports with immediate effect (Getty Images)The former estate agent told the Mail in a statement: "There's an old saying that you always have to know the best time to leave even the greatest party. And that's what my thirty two years at Sky have been - the most fantastic party I could ever imagined attending.
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"From the first kick of a ball in the live coverage of the Premier League to Manchester City's title celebrations last season, with plenty in between! I have been incredibly fortunate to work for a ground-breaking company who have helped revolutionise football. But the time is right to move on.
"Sky have been incredibly generous in recognition of my service and I can't speak more highly of so many people I've worked with there over three decades. I now have the opportunity for new experiences which I'm looking forward to announcing in the very near future."
Geoff Shreeves' 32-year stint with Sky Sports has come to an end (Getty Images)Have your say! Will Sky Sports be better with fresh faces? Give us your verdict in the comments section.
Sky Sports' Director of Football, Gary Hughes, added: "Geoff has been an integral part of the Sky Sports football team and the best tunnel reporter in the business, interviewing the biggest names at the biggest games for over 30 years. Geoff leaves with our sincere thanks and best wishes for the future. As Fergie always said, Cheers, Geoff!"
As tributes poured in following Tuesday morning's announcement, Sky Sports' official Twitter account posted: "Tunnel reporter Geoff Shreeves is leaving Sky Sports. He's been an integral part of the Sky Sports football team for over 30 years. Geoff leaves with our sincere thanks and best wishes for the future."
Sky colleague Jamie Carragher also tweeted: "Sky Sports Legend! Great at his job especially when asking managers the difficult questions, great company & will be missed!! Cheers Geoff."