#### Chris Kamara Disappointed by Sparse Turnout at Annual Soccer Saturday Reunion
Beloved football broadcaster Chris Kamara has voiced his disappointment after just five former colleagues attended a recent reunion dinner for the erstwhile *Soccer Saturday* team—a show many fans remember as a staple of weekend sport viewing in the UK.
Kamara, who at 67 remains an iconic figure among Sky Sports’ alumni, organised the get-together three years on from his emotional departure from the flagship programme. The event, designed to reunite presenters and pundits who helped cultivate the magic of *Soccer Saturday* over its decades-long run, saw a surprising drop in attendance compared to previous years.
Reflecting on the gathering, Kamara shared a picture on social media of the small group who joined him at this year’s reunion. In the photo were Jeff Stelling, who served as the face of the show for 25 years, Charlie Nicholas, Geoff Shreeves, Bianca Westwood, and the show’s producer. Kamara’s post expressed both pleasure at the quality of the evening and sadness at the limited turnout, underlined by a crying-face emoji in his caption. He wrote, “Soccer Saturday reunion dinner. Only five turned up. But still a fabulous night. Condo (producer), Champagne Charlie, Bianca and, of course, Unbelievable Jeff Stelling.”
The annual reunions, initially conceived to keep the camaraderie of the programme alive, have seen notable faces absent more frequently. Well-known pundits like Phil Thompson, Tony Cottee, Alan McInally, Paul Merson, and Matt Le Tissier were all missing from this year’s photo—prompting both curiosity and concern among fans who fondly recall the inimitable chemistry of the line-up.
It comes at a time when *Soccer Saturday*’s old guard have largely moved on, either through personal decisions or changes instigated by Sky. A significant shake-up occurred in 2020 when Thompson, Nicholas, and Le Tissier were dropped from the show in a move to refresh its punditry. A new panel, including the likes of Adebayo Akinfenwa and Joleon Lescott, attempted to fill the void left by their predecessors. Stelling, Kamara, and Merson remained for a time, striving to maintain continuity amid the changes.
Kamara himself left the show in 2022 after announcing he had been diagnosed with apraxia of speech, a condition that affects his speech and cognitive processing. The news was met with an outpouring of support from the public, recognition of his unique contribution to sports broadcasting. In a candid interview with the Express, Kamara reflected on the emotional toll the diagnosis had on his career, admitting that losing his ability to perform live reporting as naturally as he used to was a difficult reality to face.
“I could hardly talk, wasn’t able to remember the players’ names and was slurring my words,” he said at the time. “I knew then that I had to get help.” For many, Kamara’s open discussion about his health struggles—and his determination to continue contributing to football wherever possible—has only deepened the respect and affection audiences feel towards him.
Despite his challenges, Kamara briefly returned to live football coverage, appearing on Amazon Prime’s Premier League broadcast on Boxing Day alongside Jeff Stelling. He described that appearance as deeply meaningful, sharing that he felt no anxiety or slurring and was welcomed back by Nottingham Forest supporters “like a returning hero”. He quipped about being contacted to work for Amazon: “I said, ‘I know I am getting under your feet, but I’m not delivering parcels!’” The moment clearly offered Kamara a sense of joyful closure, should it prove to be his final professional broadcast.
The dwindling attendance at this latest reunion, therefore, marks not simply the passage of time but the evolution of one of television’s most familiar football families. Sentimentality aside, it also raises unavoidable questions about the transient nature of sports broadcasting, the impact of industry changes, and the enduring desire among personalities like Kamara to connect with friends and fans alike.
For supporters accustomed to seeing Kamara’s infectious energy on Saturday afternoons, news of the modest reunion will be tinged with nostalgia. Nevertheless, the man himself remains a testament to perseverance—cherishing the bonds still intact, even as the cast around the dinner table grows smaller with each passing year.