Jeff Stelling set to replace Laura Woods on talkSPORT's breakfast show, Ally McCoist to join TNT Sports

Jeff Stelling is set to replace Laura Woods on talkSPORT's breakfast show following his departure from Sky Sports at the end of last season.

Stelling left Soccer Saturday after more than 25 years at the helm, with Simon Thomas replacing the veteran broadcaster for the 2023/24 season.

And it appears the 68-year-old will make a swift return to the industry as reports claim he's the frontrunner to replace Woods on talkSPORT's radio show.

According to the Daily Mail, the avid Hartlepool fan is close to agreeing a new role following his Sky Sports exit.

Woods, who fronted talkSPORT's breakfast show last season, will lead ITV's coverage of the upcoming women's World Cup and is believed to be in line to replace Jake Humphrey at TNT Sports.

Ally McCoist, who featured on talkSPORT last season, is also set to join TNT Sports ahead of the new season in another major coup for the channel.

The Rangers legend featured on Amazon Prime, Sky Sports and ITV last season. It remains to be seen what impact the move will have on appearing on other channels.

Jeff Stelling during Stockport Country vs. Hartlepool. Image: Getty

So, talkSPORT could be set to lose two big personalities ahead of the new season but could be recruiting a legendary figure in Stelling.

Sky Sports confirmed Thomas as Stelling's replacement on Sunday.

Speaking of his new role, he said: "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."

Stelling tweeted: "Wish him well. He is an excellent broadcaster and a very good person."

Topics: Jeff Stelling, Laura Woods, Football

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar is a journalist at SPORTbible. He graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA in Media Communications. He's a combat sport aficionado and has contributed to MMA websites AddictedMMA and CagePotato. Nasir has covered some of the biggest fights, while interviewing the likes of Conor McGregor, Anthony Joshua, Tyson Fury and Darren Till. He's also an avid Bristol City fan.

@NasJabbar