Newcastle United's game against Crystal Palace this evening will mark a special moment for Simon Thomas.
The popular former Sky Sports presenter will be hosting his first football match in three years following the tragic death of his wife Gemma in 2017.
Thomas left broadcasting giant Sky following his wife's death just four days after being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia as he opted to spend more time with his young son Ethan.
Yet he is set to make a return to hosting when he fronts Amazon Prime's coverage of the Magpies' trip to Crystal Palace this evening.
Confirming the news on social media on Thursday, Thomas admitted presenting is something he once thought he may never do again.
"So tomorrow is, for many reasons, a big day," he said.
"It's been three years since I last did the job I had loved for so long; but three years ago it ended in the worst way possible.
"The memories of that final game at Old Trafford have faded a bit in time; but they're still there and when I really think about that day I realise that day marked the moment I had broken down.
"For a long time I never wanted to go back. It would be too painful, too unsettling, too fearfilled.
"Why the hell did football matter anymore when you've just had a breakdown and amidst all that Gemma suddenly dies.
"None of it mattered anymore and more than anything the life of my boy did, which is why I gave my career up and devoted the next three years of my life to him."
Thomas paid tribute to his son Ethan, aged 11, and his partner Derrina Jebb for helping him to find joy in life once more.
"But life now is different," he continued. "The past has been incredibly painful, but I've found life and joy again.
"For too long the clanging cymbal of doubt in my head said no - you can never do what you did before. You'll mess up; you'll end up sobbing in a toilet near to the studio.
"But now that cymbal has stilled, and tomorrow I will present Crystal Palace v Newcastle for Prime Video Sport. Derrina and Ethan - I hope one day you know how much you've helped me get to this day."
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