John ‘Fenners’ Fendley, former host of Soccer AM, opened up about being axed by Sky Sports after the cancellation of the long-running football show. Along with other popular personalities like Jeff Stelling, the departure marked the end of an era at Sky Sports. Fendley revealed that he applied to replace Stelling as the host of Gillette Soccer Saturday, having practiced impersonating him on the show. Despite his efforts, Fendley knew he was unlikely to get the role, especially after appearing in sketches imitating Stelling on Soccer AM.
Fendley’s departure from Sky Sports left him feeling “humiliated” and in a “dark place” initially. The unexpected cancellation of Soccer AM, a popular football show, came as a shock to the cast, many of whom had been with Sky for over two decades. Fendley had worked as a producer on Soccer AM before becoming a presenter alongside Jimmy Bullard. However, as changes swept through Sky Sports, Fendley realized that his long history with the network did not guarantee his future there. Despite his efforts to secure a new role, he ultimately faced disappointment.
Stelling, who had been a fixture at Sky Sports for nearly 30 years, also left the network, leaving a significant void in the football broadcasting landscape. Fendley’s attempt to step into Stelling’s shoes was met with challenges, partly due to his past portrayal of Stelling on Soccer AM. Reflecting on his unsuccessful interview for the Soccer Saturday role, Fendley acknowledged that his history with the network was not enough to secure his future there. The changes at Sky Sports, including the departure of veteran broadcasters, left Fendley and his colleagues facing uncertain futures.
The cancellation of Soccer AM and the changes at Sky Sports prompted Fendley to question his future at the network. Despite his efforts to show his dedication and willingness to stay, Fendley encountered obstacles in securing a new role. The end of an era marked a challenging time for Fendley and his colleagues, who found themselves grappling with uncertainty about their careers. Fendley’s candid reflections on his departure from Sky Sports shed light on the competitive and unpredictable nature of the broadcasting industry and the challenges faced by personalities in transitioning to new roles.
The legacy of Soccer AM and the departure of popular personalities like Fendley and Stelling underscored the evolving landscape of football broadcasting. Fendley’s attempt to secure a new role at Sky Sports, despite the odds stacked against him, highlighted the competitive nature of the industry. As Fendley navigated the challenges of his departure, he shared his experiences with openness and honesty, shedding light on the emotional toll of significant career changes. Ultimately, Fendley’s journey serves as a reminder of the resilience required to navigate the highs and lows of a career in television broadcasting.
