Jeff Stelling hails 'most difficult pundit in history' after reunion 'snub'

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Marsh also joked he thought Stelling was a
Marsh also joked he thought Stelling was a 'prat' when he first met him

JEFF STELLING brilliantly praised Rodney Marsh on social media after the ex-Soccer Saturday presenter dubbed his old colleague the "most difficult pundit in history".

Stelling, 69, reunited with some of the show's most iconic names earlier this week as he enjoyed a dinner with Tony Cottee, Phil Thompson, Alan McInally, Chris Kamara and one of the producers.

(L-R) Tony Cottee, Phil Thompson, Sky Sports producer, Jeff Stelling, Chris Kamara and Alan McInally at a Soccer Saturday reunion dinner qhiddxiqxeizprw
(L-R) Tony Cottee, Phil Thompson, Sky Sports producer, Jeff Stelling, Chris Kamara and Alan McInally at a Soccer Saturday reunion dinnerCredit: X/chris_kammy
Rodney Marsh was sacked from Soccer Saturday in 2005 after 11 years on the show
Rodney Marsh was sacked from Soccer Saturday in 2005 after 11 years on the showCredit: PA:Press Association

But ex-QPR, Man City and England forward Marsh, 79, who worked on Soccer Saturday for 11 years, did not get an invite to the meal.

He was sacked in January 2005 for making an on-air joke about the devastating tsunamis that had hit Thailand weeks earlier.

Marsh replied to Kamara’s photo of the dinner with a laughing emoji and the words: "I must not be on  the mailing list."

Gerwyn Price left red-faced after wearing ear defenders to block fans outGerwyn Price left red-faced after wearing ear defenders to block fans out

To which Kammy responded with a similar emoji and the message: "You're a recluse Rodney."

Stelling picked Marsh as the "most difficult colleague" he had worked with after his departure last year.

But the pair had a heartwarming exchange on X on Friday after an article was published about Marsh's response to the photo.

Marsh joked: "Life's ironic, the first time I met @JeffStelling I thought he was a total prat........."

To which Stelling replied: "Rod the flight from Florida would have cost less than the meal we had!!

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"And I will put it on record - without you being the most difficult pundit in history the show would never have seen its 3rd birthday, let alone its 30th!

"Hope you are well mate."

Before Marsh added: "Cheers mate, I'll never forget when you were once asked 'Why does everyone take an instant dislike to Rodney Marsh'? You replied 'It saves time'! ????"

Cottee and Liverpool legend Thompson were both axed back in 2021 after two decades on the programme.

Gerwyn Price tipped to walk away from darts after World Championship quit threatGerwyn Price tipped to walk away from darts after World Championship quit threat

Matt Le Tissier and Charlie Nicholas were also let go by Sky Sports, while the much-loved Chris Kamara announced his departure in 2022 due to health reasons.

Presenter Stelling finally quit last summer and he is now starring in a new role on talkSPORT.

Dylan Terry

Sky Sports, Jeff Stelling

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