Soccer Saturday host Jeff Stelling has 'one of saddest days ever' as 'best mates' are axed

Jeff Stelling experienced one of his "saddest days ever" at Sky Sports this week following the departure of his co-stars Matt Le Tissier, Phil Thompson and Charlie Nicholas.

The \'Soccer Saturday\' presenter has been left devastated after the three football pundits, who he described as his "best mates", were given the boot from the show as part of a shake up.

He wrote on Twitter: "One of my saddest days ever at Sky Sports with the departure of three of my best mates. They have been part of a team that for me was the best. (sic)"

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But Jeff confirmed Paul Merson will remain on the show.

In response to a fan who asked whether the former Aston Villa footballer-turned-pundit was departing, Jeff wrote: "No Merse is staying (sic)"

One Twitter user questioned why Jeff "hadn\'t been sacked", to which he replied: "Why should I be ? (sic)"

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After the news was revealed, Phil admitted he had "enjoyed every minute" of his time on the programme.

He tweeted: "I\'ve had a great 22 years with @SkySports. Enjoyed every minute with some amazing people on the show and behind the scenes which made it the iconic show it is today. Good luck to Sky, Jeff, Merse and the new gang on @SoccerSaturday. (sic)"

Matt wrote: "Enjoyed my time at sky sports, time to look forward to life\'s next challenge, thank you for the support down the years and special thanks to the backroom team which include @CazzaEccles @CarlyBassett @tvtrevstats amongst many others, good luck all have a lovely day (sic)"

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Former \'Countdown\' host Jeff also admitted he has been "very lucky" with the people he has worked with since he started presenting \'Soccer Saturday\' in 1994.

In response to a tweet from Danny Baker calling him "the greatest presenter", Jeff tweeted: "Thanks Danny got v lucky with the people I have worked with from Marshy and Frank through to current gang. Plus great producers and APs (sic)"

Sky confirmed Matt, Charlie and Phil have departed the programme.

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They said in a statement: "We are changing some parts of our football coverage - Matt, Charlie and Phil have done a great job for us over the years, and they will leave us with our sincere thanks and very best wishes."

It\'s not yet known who will replace the trio.