Why is Graeme Souness Leaving Sky Sports? Why is He Retiring?
by Aishwarya R | Updated May 04, 2023
Who is Graeme Souness?
Graeme James Souness, born on May 6, 1953, is a retired Scottish professional footballer, manager, and television pundit. Souness played as a midfielder, captaining Liverpool in the early 1980s, the Scotland national team, and serving as player-manager for Rangers in the late 1980s. He also played for Middlesbrough, Tottenham Hotspur, and Sampdoria.
Souness started his career as an apprentice under Bill Nicholson at Tottenham Hotspur, where he signed professional forms at the age of 15 in 1968. However, he only made one first-team appearance as a substitute in a UEFA Cup tie and later played for the Montreal Olympique in the North American Soccer League during the summer of 1972, featuring in 10 out of 14 games and being named in the league's All-Star team that season. Souness then moved on to play for Liverpool, Rangers, and other clubs, earning accolades for his performances on the pitch.
Following the end of his managerial career, Souness became a prominent television pundit in the UK and Ireland, regularly appearing as a commentator and analyst. He was a key member of the Sky Sports team, providing analysis on the Premier League and featuring regularly on their Super Sunday programme, which focused on high-profile matches. Souness was also a main pundit for their coverage of the UEFA Champions League until Sky Sports lost the rights in 2015. However, on April 30, 2023, Souness departed from his role at Sky Sports.
Why is Graeme Souness Leaving Sky Sports?
Graeme Souness and Sky Sports have mutually agreed to part ways, as his contract was set to expire at the end of the season. Sky Sports' director of football, Gary Hughes, commented on Souness' departure, saying that his no-nonsense approach in the studio will be missed, which is only matched by his playing style.
Graeme Souness, the former Liverpool, Rangers and Scotland midfielder, is departing from his role as a pundit for Sky Sports after a 15-year stint. Souness, who had a 22-year career in management, made the announcement following Liverpool's 4-3 victory over Tottenham on Sunday. Known for his frank opinions and occasional clashes with fellow pundits, Souness acknowledged that he owes "a hundred apologies".
Despite his love for football and concern for its future, he stated that he no longer had the temperament for football management. Souness praised Sky Sports for its comprehensive coverage of the Premier League, and thanked his colleagues for the great experience. He also teased upcoming projects, indicating that he had lots of plans in the pipeline. Souness's departure follows that of Jeff Stelling, who also announced his retirement from hosting Soccer Saturday on Sky Sports.
Souness is not only recognized for media and Sports career but he got recognition as the author of his books. Souness authored two books throughout his career. His first book, "No Half Measures," was published in 1985 and is an autobiography. The second book, "Souness: The Management Years," published in 1999, documents his post-playing career, including his time at Southampton as a manager.
Is Graeme Souness Ill?
Graeme Souness once shred about his heart problem in media. He was diagnosed with heart disease in his thirties while he was managing Liverpool back in 1991. He revealed that the experience was emotionally challenging and left him with tears rolling down his cheeks.
Souness underwent open heart surgery, which went well initially, but he collapsed due to an infection during his recovery period, which forced him to stay in the hospital for a month. The condition appears to be genetic, with two of his uncles dying in their thirties due to heart disease and his father being diagnosed with coronary artery disease.
Souness had no clear symptoms, but after undergoing an electrocardiogram (ECG) and an angiogram, he was diagnosed with three blocked arteries and coronary heart disease. Since then, he has become an ambassador for the British Heart Foundation (BHF) and has been involved in numerous campaigns and events, including visiting BHF research labs. In 2015, Souness suffered a heart attack, but fortunately, it did not cause any lasting problems.
Why is Graeme Souness Retiring?
Graeme Souness leaving Sky Sports sue to the end of the contract. However, it may be due to his desire to spend more time with his family or pursue other opportunities. Souness himself has not given a specific reason for his departure, only stating that he is just stepping down.
Graeme Souness has been married twice. His first wife was Danielle Wilson, whom he married in 1984 after meeting in 1982. They had a daughter together, and Souness also adopted Danielle's young daughter. They later had two more children. However, they separated in 1989 and eventually divorced.
Souness has been married to his second wife, Karen Souness, since 1994. They have a son together, and Karen has two children from a previous relationship, including a daughter named Lauren who works as a sports presenter for al-Jazeera.
In 2010, Souness sold his family home in Colinton, Edinburgh to Fred Goodwin and relocated to a newly developed property in Sandbanks, Poole, Dorset. In 2021, during a discussion about climate change on Sky Sports Super Sunday, Souness revealed that he had been following a vegan diet for the previous three years.
How old is Graeme Souness?
Now at the age of 69, Souness continues to inspire generations of football fans with his passion for the beautiful game and his unwavering commitment to excellence. He has proven time and again that age is just a number, and that with hard work, dedication, and a winning attitude, anything is possible.
Throughout his career, Souness has won a multitude of titles and awards, including three European Cups with Liverpool and numerous domestic championships with various clubs. He has also been recognized for his outstanding leadership skills, both as a player and a manager.
Souness has faced adversity in his personal life as well, including a diagnosis of heart disease at the age of 38. But he has never let these challenges hold him back or dampen his spirit. In fact, he has used his experiences to become an ambassador for the British Heart Foundation and to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining good heart health.
As Souness continues to inspire and motivate others, his legacy is sure to endure for years to come. His achievements both on and off the field serve as a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and perseverance in the face of adversity. At 69 years old, he remains a true inspiration and a role model for football fans and aspiring athletes around the world.
Graeme Souness Twitter
Graeme Souness is active on Twitter in his Twitter account @
Why is Graeme Souness Leaving Sky Sports - FAQs
Graeme Souness is a former professional football player and manager who is best known for his successful playing career with Liverpool, as well as his managerial stints with Rangers, Liverpool, and Newcastle United.
Souness won numerous major trophies during his playing career, including five league titles and three European Cups with Liverpool.
Yes, Souness had a brief stint managing Benfica in Portugal during the 1997-1998 season.
Yes, Souness has written two books, including his autobiography "No Half Measures" in 1985, and "Souness: The Management Years" in 1999.
As of April 2023, Souness is a retired football pundit and analyst, having recently left his position as one of the main analysts on Sky Sports coverage of the Premier League.