Graeme Souness leaving Sky Sports after 15 years as studio pundit

The former Liverpool and Scotland midfielder has been a fixture of Sky’s broadcasting team for the last 15 years.

He made his last appearance in the studio on Sunday for coverage of Fulham vs Manchester City and Liverpool vs Tottenham.

Souness made the announcement following Liverpool’s 4-3 victory at Anfield.

News of his departure follows confirmation that Jeff Stelling, the face of Sky’s Soccer Saturday programme, will also be leaving at the end of the season.

Souness began his playing career at Tottenham and was a fixture in the Liverpool side that dominated English football in the late 70s and early 80s, winning five league titles and three European Cups with the Reds.

A career in management took him across Europe with Galatasaray and Benfica among the eight clubs he led before turning to punditry.

The 69-year-old has been a popular and outspoken member of the Sky Sports team in recent years, famed for his entertaining clashes with fellow former pros including Jamie Redknapp, Gary Neville and Roy Keane.

In a tearful final address, Souness said: ‘I was given an opportunity to do this and it was magnificent.

‘It has just been the most fantastic time for me.

‘I love football, l care about football and l worry about it going forward, but in Sky’s hands it is in good hands, it is in safe hands.’

Sky Sports director of football Gary Hughes said: ‘We will miss Graeme’s no-nonsense approach in the studio – matched only by his playing style.

‘The insight and winning mentality he brought to our viewers as a result of his years’ of experience as both a player and a manager has been invaluable to our coverage. We wish him all the best for the future.’

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