Simon Thomas fronts Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday
July 17, 2023
By Nik Roseveare
Simon Thomas will be the new Gillette Soccer Saturday presenter from the start of the 2023/24 football season. The broadcaster brings over 20 years’ broadcasting experience to the role, including more than a decade at Sky Sports.
In his first stint with Sky Sports, starting in 2005, Thomas presented on Sky Sports News before becoming the lead presenter across live football coverage including the Premier League and EFL. He has also stepped in for Jeff Stelling on a few occasions over the last year.
The Gillette Soccer Saturday team will also be bolstered by the arrival of former Premier League referee, Mike Dean who finished his 27-year refereeing career in 2022, spending 22 of those officiating matches in the top flight of the domestic league.
In a fresh look for the show, Gillette Soccer Saturday will broadcast from a new studio this season. Thomas and Dean will be joined by an array of familiar faces on the panel including Paul Merson, Clinton Morrison, Michael Dawson, Sue Smith, Kris Boyd and Tim Sherwood. Julian Warren will continue in his role presenting Gillette Soccer Special for mid-week matches.
Thomas commented: “When I left Sky in 2018 for very personal reasons; it was always said the door would be open if I ever wanted to return. I never expected that Gillette Soccer Saturday would be the door that would open. Being asked to present this iconic show and follow in the footsteps of Jeff Stelling, an absolute giant of sports broadcasting, is a massive honour and one I simply cannot wait to get started on.”
Dean said: “It feels a bit surreal to be a part of such a well-loved show, but I can’t wait to join the team. With all the technology available in today’s game, I think it’s crucial that fans understand why decisions have been made, even if they don’t agree with them.”
Sky Sports’ Director of Football, Gary Hughes, added: “Simon left Sky at the top of his profession as a Premier League presenter, delivering the biggest games to big audiences. It’s brilliant to have someone with his experience and credibility back on the team to take Gillette Soccer Saturday into a new era. We’re also delighted to welcome Mike to Sky Sports. He was one of the game’s most well-known and well-liked referees. In his role he’ll be explaining the big calls and decisions from his unique perspective, providing fans of Gillette Soccer Saturday and our Premier League coverage with greater analysis, insight and understanding.”
Gillette Soccer Saturday first appeared on television screens back in 1992. Stelling, who decided to step down at the end of the 2022/23 season, has hosted the show since 1994.