Chris Kamara’s Soccer Saturday future in doubt amid new health scare but insists it’s ‘not the end’ of punditry career
CHRIS KAMARA appears to have suggested his future with Soccer Saturday is in doubt.
The much-loved Sky Sports broadcaster has bravely revealed he is battling a speech condition after viewers raised concerns for his welfare.
The 64-year-old told fans last year he had been diagnosed with a thyroid condition.
And while covering Shrewsbury Town's League One trip to Rotherham on Saturday afternoon, Sky viewers noticed Kamara was slurring his words.
Several tweeted him, asking "are you OK mate?".
The star and former Leeds, Brentford and Middlesbrough midfielder later revealed he was suffering from a new health condition that impedes his ability to talk.
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Now he has taken to Twitter again to reveal that “Live TV” will have to take a “back seat” for now.
Which seems to confirm that he will no longer be reporting live from grounds across the country each weekend.
He wrote: “Thank you so much to everyone for your best wishes.
“Twitter can be a wonderful platform. The response about my Apraxia has been overwhelming.
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“Unfortunately for you viewers this is not the end of me but ‘Live TV’ might have to take a back seat at the moment. Thank you.”
Apraxia of speech is a condition which makes talking difficult, with sufferers knowing what they'd like to say, but having trouble communicating their words.
Kamara was flooded with words of support from fans and co-workers after revealing his health struggle, with over 112,000 users liking his post in a show of support.
Soccer Saturday colleague Jeff Stelling also replied to Kamara with a heartwarming message.
He wrote: "@chris_kammy you still bring life, energy, fun and understanding to all your reports on Soccer Saturday. We all love you pal. Keep going!"
Sky presenter Dave Jones also sent his well wishes, hailing Kamara as a "hero" for his ongoing health struggles.
Jones said: "You’re a hero to me and so many others Kammy sending love."
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In his footballer days, Kammy played for various clubs, including Brentford, Swindon Town and Leeds United.
He was appointed Bradford City manager in November 1995 and took the club from potential relegation to play-off promotion winners in 1996.
He joined Sky Sports in 1999 and has co-presented Goals on Sunday with Ben Shephard and former Arsenal Women footballer Alex Scott since 2000.
Alongside his work for Sky Sports, Kammy presents ITV's Ninja Warrior UK, again with Shephard, and Rochelle Humes.
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Kammy has also appeared on The Chase: Celebrity Special, Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway and Loose Women.
Most recently, Kammy took part in the Strictly Come Dancing special for Sport Relief 2018.
