16 July 2023 , 18:00
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Mike Dean will form part of the new-look new Soccer Saturday programme on Sky Sports after standing down from his position as a dedicated VAR official.
Dean, 55, had been named as a dedicated video assistant referee at the start of last season, after calling time on his on-field career. 22 of his 28 years officiating were overseeing matches in the top flight in England.
The move will see Dean offer in-depth analysis and insight on the biggest decisions made up and down the country every Saturday - it is a similar role to that of his former colleague Peter Walton on the newly-branded TNT Sports. During last year’s World Cup, Dean had his own slot on beIN Sports entitled the Dean Machine which proved to be a hit.
Speaking after being added to the show, Dean explained: “It feels a bit surreal to be a part of such a well-loved show, but I can’t wait to join the team.
“With all the technology available in today’s game, I think it’s crucial that fans understand why decisions have been made, even if they don’t agree with them!”
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There is another major change to Soccer Saturday as Simon Thomas replaces the long-serving Jeff Stelling as the host of iconic programme. Stelling confirmed in April that he was calling time on his stellar career at Sky after U-turning on a decision to retire last year.
Mike Dean became an unlikely World Cup star on beIN Sports TV coverage last winter (Twitter/beIN Sports)Stelling had been at Sky for more than 30 years and fronted their popular results show for over 25 years. At the end of the 2022/23 campaign, Stelling hosted his final Soccer Saturday show in what was an emotional occasion for him and his colleagues.
Thomas – a former Blue Peter presenter over six years – is one of the broadcaster’s most popular presenters and edged out strong competition from his colleagues Caroline Barker and Jules Warren to land the highly-coveted role.
The 50-year-old previously made the decision to step back from full-time broadcasting six years ago after his wife Gemma tragically died just days after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia. He has been freelancing in the years since, with frequent appearances on Sky.
Simon Thomas is the new Soccer Saturday presenter (Sky Sports)Thomas said of his appointment: “When I left Sky in 2018 for very personal reasons; it was always said the door would be open if I ever wanted to return. I never expected that Gillette Soccer Saturday would be the door that would open.
“Being asked to present this iconic show and follow in the footsteps of Jeff Stelling, an absolute giant of sports broadcasting, is a massive honour and one I simply cannot wait to get started on.”
Thomas and Dean will be joined in a new-look Soccer Saturday studio by existing pundits Paul Merson, Clinton Morrison, Michael Dawson, Sue Smith, Kris Boyd and Tim Sherwood. Julian Warren will continue to host midweek editions of Soccer Special.