16 July 2023 , 22:05
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Jeff Stelling is set to replace Laura Woods as talkSPORT's new breakfast presenter following his departure from Sky Sports.
Stelling, 68, stepped down from his role at the end of last season after U-turning on a decision to retire last year. 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.
After a short break away, Stelling is expected to return to media duties but on talkSPORT. According to the Daily Mail, Stelling is close to agreeing a deal that would take him on the nation's airwaves. It is not thought the deal would impact Alan Brazil, who usually presents on Thursdays and Fridays.
Stelling would replace Woods on talkSPORT's coverage on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday morning - after her exit from the broadcaster was confirmed last month. The avid Arsenal fan explained in an emotional statement why she decided to quit and move on to pastures new.
Jeff Stelling is set to take over from Laura Woods on talkSPORT (Getty Images)Woods said: "It's been, genuinely, the hardest decision of my life. I really don't say that lightly. For now, no more 3am alarms, which is just wonderful. But one thing is for sure is that I wanted to make you know that I'll always be a part of this family. I will pop back whenever I can. I adore you all. Thank you.
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"I'm going to have a holiday, a long sleep and I'll make a decision on what's next for me. So again, I can't say it enough, thank you. Thank you, everyone, for having me. I'll really miss you."
Woods, who will front ITV's coverage of the upcoming women's World Cup, has also been lined up for a new position in the form of replacing Jake Humphrey at TNT Sport.
Jeff Stelling is set to replace Laura Woods at talkSPORT (Getty Images)"I know, I've seen a lot of articles, but I haven't signed anything," she told The Sun in early July on rumours linking her with a move to TNT. "There are a couple of offers, but I've got a glorious month off now where I can sit down and start planning the next things.
"I don't want to rush into anything, I've never been able to have that privilege in my life before. Never. I have always been 100 miles per hour in my career. I used to have this work ethic of taking absolutely everything because I knew that it would teach me something.
"I didn't care what it was, I would do it, and it was brilliant. It definitely got me where I am now. But now, I have earned the right to take a step back and think: 'What is right for me next?'"