Jeff Stelling responds to Soccer Saturday favourites leaving Sky Sports as two beloved stars quit on same day

JEFF STELLING has paid tribute to Soccer Saturday favourite Bianca Westwood after she announced her departure from Sky Sports.

This comes as the beloved Dickie Davis also announced that he is quitting after 30 years with the powerhouse broadcaster.

Bianca Westwood is leaving Sky Sports after 22 yearsRex

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The retired Sky Sports presenter Jeff Stelling paid tribute to Westwood[/caption]

Sky Sports has been doing some significant remodelling over the past year.

With many top figures like Stelling, Martin Tyler, Geoff Shreeves, Graeme Souness and Chris Kamara either jumping ship or getting the boot.

And now Westwood and Davis join that list.

Stelling, who hosted Soccer Saturday for 25 years, paid tribute to ex-colleague Westwood following her announcement.

He tweeted: “Such a great girl, such a great reporter. I have to say that of course as we are doing 30+ theatre tour in Jan and Feb. But I also mean it”.

Westwood, who worked for the company for over two decades, most notably as a match reporter, released an emotional statement on Saturday morning confirming her exit.

She said: “It’s been a phenomenal 22 and a half years and I’ve been a small part of building the channel into the giant of broadcasting it is today. What a ride!”

The 48-year-old became the first female match reporter in Soccer Saturday history back in 2001.

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She is credited with paving the way for the likes of Laura Woods, Kate Abdo and Lucy Ward.

Earlier in the day, fellow Soccer Saturday reporter Davis confirmed his departure from the company.

Davis announced to his social media followers: “I’m leaving Sky Sports after nigh on 30 years.

“It’s been an absolute privilege chatting to players and managers – and reporting on games every week on such a hugely successful show”.

Stelling also replied to his announcement, tweeting: “Simply one of the best, nicest, most professional people I have known. A privilege to have worked with you and to be able to call you my friend.”

Both exits came a little over TWO HOURS before the relaunch of Soccer Saturday.

Jeff’s replacement Simon Thomas admitted to being a “bit nervous” about starting in the legendary the role.

Fans were divided after getting a first look at the new Soccer Saturday, which featured a revamped studio.

Westwood is set to host ‘An Evening with Jeff Stelling‘, a football nostalgia theatre show which will be touring the country in January and February next year.

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Dickie Davis has also departed[/caption]