Sky Sports legend Jeff Stelling ‘put on GARDENING LEAVE’ by TV broadcaster after quitting iconic show Soccer Saturday

SKY SPORTS legend Jeff Stelling has reportedly been placed on gardening leave after leaving the broadcaster.

Stelling called time on his position as host of Soccer Saturday after 30 years.

Reports earlier this week suggested Stelling had been in talks with Amazon and the BBC over a return to broadcasting.

However, this will now not be happening until at least NEXT YEAR.

That is according to the , who report Stelling has been placed on gardening leave until December.

The report adds the 68-year-old has no plans to retire.

Stelling revealed he would be leaving Sky in late April.

He announced: "I've been at Sky for more than 30 years and loved every moment of my time as part of the Soccer Saturday team.

"It is now the right time to move on and give Sky Sports viewers a break from my relentless rants, bad gags and over-the-top celebrations of Hartlepool United goals.

"It's been a lot of fun - for me at least!"

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Sky are yet to announce their replacement for the broadcasting icon.

SunSport exclusively revealed in May how Sky presenter Adam Smith was in pole position to fill the void, while reports later on stated colleague Julian Warren was also being sounded out.

The broadcaster has also been hit with budget cuts elsewhere, with beloved show Soccer AM also being axed.

Host John Fendley announced his departure from Sky earlier this week following the show's cancellation.

Legendary commentator Martin Tyler has also departed, replaced by Peter Drury, along with six reporters.