Jeff Stelling given standing ovation on final Soccer Saturday appearance in emotional farewell

Legendary Soccer Saturday host Jeff Stelling bid farewell to Sky Sports as he presented the show for the final time.

The 68-year-old, who joined Sky in 1992 before becoming host of their Saturday football show two years later, has called time on his superb career in broadcast journalism.

Stelling revealed in April how he was stepping down from his role. His replacement is yet to be announced.

And in his last show – covering the final weekend of the Premier League season on Sunday – Stelling was given a standing ovation by colleagues Paul Merson, Clinton Morrison, Kris Boyd and Matt Dawson.

An emotional Stelling, who was reduced to tears during his penultimate show last week, also revealed how music legend Elton John called him earlier in the week to thank him for his service.

He said: “Thanks for the applause. But this is tricky because I’ve changed my mind.

“It’s fantastic to see the people we’ve all worked with over the years. The likes of Alan Mullery and Clive Allen as well as all of the old gang.

“I’ve had some fantastic messages – Gordon Strachan texted me this morning, Neil Warnock, Kammy [Chris Kamara] of course.

“Elton John rang me this week. I was starstruck when Elton John rang me at home to say thank you so much for all you’ve done.

“And he said, ‘Every week you tell me Watford are losing, and every week you tell me Hartlepool are losing so I feel like we’re kindred spirits’.

“It’s a team game, right from the people in the call centres who take your calls to the runners, the production team, the people behind the cameras.

“Everyone I’ve worked with over the past 30 years I’d like to thank you for that.

“It’s not just on this show, I just want to mention the people on the winning post, the horse racing paper I worked on for many years.

“Times of Our Lives, which I adored doing, the live snooker, darts, greyhound racing, pool. It’s been absolutely wonderful, it’s been the best job anyone could wish for.

“The principal success is you lot at home. Soccer Saturday will be back and I’ll be watching – when Hartlepool are not playing.”

Sky also shared a montage of Stelling’s greatest clips, which included his iconic chat with Chris Kamara after he missed a red card in the 2010 match between Portsmouth and Blackburn.

And Kamara was quick to pay homage to Stelling in the video, remarking: “Simply the best broadcaster ever! I love you like a brother. The only last thing to say is, ‘You are unbelievable, Jeff!'”

His son Robbie tweeted: “Well done Dad, so proud of you.

“You’ve put your heart and soul into the show and have no doubt left a mark on more than just the world of football.

“As a father and broadcaster, you have taught me so much about football and life. You are the best there has ever been.

“I know you’re going to have some more time on your hands, but please let Mum make the pigs in blankets this Xmas!”