Sky Sports legend QUITS just hours before Soccer Saturday relaunch with emotional social media post

DICKIE DAVIS has LEFT Sky Sports after 30 years with the broadcaster.

Davis has been a staple of Sky's footie coverage down the years, thrilling fans with his insightful, concise and at times funny reporting.

But he's decided to move on to pastures new after three decades with the British broadcasting powerhouse.

He said in his farewell statement read: "I'm leaving Sky Sports after nigh on 30 years.

"It's been an absolute privilege chatting to players and managers - and reporting on games every week on such a successful show."

Davis was best known for his reporting on Soccer Saturday, which has undergone major changes following Jeff Stelling's departure in May.

And he was quick to issue a lengthy thank you to his now former colleagues and fans.

His statement continued: "To all those I've worked with; the camera ops, the clubs, the players, the managers and all the producers who've backed me, the Soccer Saturday team behind the scenes, Jeff and Jules, the Sky family - a huge thank you.

"And to the fans up and down the country, I've bumped into on trains or at games, thanks for watching and your kind words have always been appreciated.

"It's been an absolute honour. Here's to whatever comes next."

Davis' departure came a little over TWO HOURS before the relaunch of Soccer Saturday.

The iconic show - which features several big-name pundits - was anchored by Sky icon Stelling.

But long-time Sky presenter Simon Thomas has taken the reigns and will make his debut in the hot seat this afternoon.

After being named as Stelling's successor, former Blue Peter presenter Thomas said: "This is a huge moment for me and my family and a massive honour to be trusted with such a well-loved and respected program.

"It also feels incredibly special to be fully coming back to the Sky Sports family, who all those years ago believed in me after leaving Blue Peter.

“I also just want to say thank you to my wonderful wife Derrina for always believing in me and my family and friends for always having my back. See you on August 5!”

Sky Sports has undergone major changes over the last few months, with several of their big-name pundits and reporters leaving.

Iconic commentator Martin Tyler - who spearheaded the broadcaster's commentary team for 33 years - left in June.

He was followed out the exit door by veteran reporter Geoff Shreeves, who announced his departure last month.

And former Liverpool skipper and manager Graeme Souness stepped down from his punditry role with the organisation in April.