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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Sam Meade

Sky Sports' first Soccer Saturday panel for new season after regulars' controversial exits

Sky Sports have confirmed their panel for the first Soccer Saturday of the Premier League and EFL season.

The show, which has become part of English footballing culture, saw several of its regulars axed recently.

Matt Le Tissier, Charlie Nicholas and Phil Thompson were all given their marching orders despite their years of service.

The top flight resumes this weekend and the four-man panel will feature ex-Spurs and Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood, former Stoke and West Brom boss Tony Pulis and former Premier League striker Clinton Morrison.

The trio will appear alongside Paul Merson, who has been a regular on the show, with Jeff Stelling reprising his role as presenter.

Jeff Stelling will lead a new look panel (Getty Images)

Sky Sports received plenty of backlash for their recent decision.

Many felt as if the broadcaster's motivation for sacking the aforementioned trio was based on diversity grounds.

Alex Scott and Micah Richards, both of whom have been key features on Sky Sports' live action during 2020, were both targeted for abuse on social media.

However, neither of the duo will be part of the panel, but will instead continue in there roles on live games.

Sherwood, Pulis and Morrison, while appearing this weekend, are not necessarily set for lengthy stays - Sky are likely to rotate pundits during the early part of the new campaign.

Sources have told The Athletic that a final panel has not been settled on.

Two former Premier League managers, Tim Sherwood and Tony Pulis, will feature (Dan Mullan)

Stelling described the dismissals of Le Tissier, Thompson and Nicholas last month as the "saddest day ever".

Chris Kamara, who presents the now axed Goals on Sunday, told the Daily Mail: "Decisions were made, we don’t have any say in those.

"Whoever made (them) has done it and the boys accept it. I can honestly say they are the best fellas you could ever wish to meet."

The Premier League has only one 3pm kick-off on Saturday - Southampton's clash with Crystal Palace - but there are nine games in the Championship.

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