Sky Sports News HD will broadcast the iconic Gillette Soccer Saturday programme live on 25 October 2025 at 12:00 UK time, featuring comprehensive football coverage and expert analysis for British football fans. The show will be presented by Simon Thomas, marking his well-established role as the face of Soccer Saturday since the 2023/24 season, returning with his extensive broadcasting experience spanning over 20 years, including a decade at Sky Sports presenting Premier League and EFL games[1].

Joining Simon Thomas as co-presenter is Emma Paton, supporting the live studio coverage. The programme boasts a stellar lineup of football pundits including Sue Smith, Clinton Morrison, Tim Sherwood, Paul Merson, and Kris Boyd. Each pundit brings a wealth of experience from their playing careers in English football, providing insightful tactical and match analysis. Former Premier League referee Mike Dean adds a unique perspective as the programme's former official, delivering expert opinions on refereeing decisions, which he is well-placed to do after officiating in the top flight for 22 years before retiring in 2022[1].

The show is simulcast on the dedicated Sky Sports Soccer Saturday channel, ensuring weekend football fans can stay updated across various platforms. Soccer Saturday is renowned for its fast-paced, real-time coverage of key fixtures across English football, including the Premier League and Championship, making it a must-watch for British football supporters[4][5].

Simon Thomas's appointment as lead presenter was a notable change for the programme when he took over from Jeff Stelling in 2023, bringing a fresh dynamic while retaining the show's traditional appeal. Alongside his presenting duties, his extensive knowledge from prior Sky Sports roles enhances the viewer experience during these live broadcasts[1].

The punditry team features highly respected former professionals: Sue Smith is a former England international known for her contributions to women's football; Clinton Morrison played primarily as a striker in the Premier League; Tim Sherwood combines managerial insight with his playing experience; Paul Merson, a former England midfielder and long-time Sky pundit, offers deep tactical analysis; and Kris Boyd, a prolific Scottish striker, lends cross-border expertise[5]. The presence of Mike Dean adds depth, particularly on contentious refereeing decisions, enhancing understanding of officiating controversies for viewers[1].

Where to watch: Soccer Saturday is available on Sky Sports News HD and the dedicated Soccer Saturday channel, providing accessibility to millions of football fans across the UK. For fans looking to follow live commentary and detailed studio discussions, tuning in to these channels ensures comprehensive coverage of the day's matches.

Sky Sports continues to be the broadcaster offering the most extensive football programming in the UK, covering Premier League fixtures, EFL matches, and more, with a strong emphasis on engaging presenters and expert pundits. Their dedication to quality coverage is also mirrored in other flagship programmes such as Friday Night Football and Super Sunday, where different presenting and commentary teams are featured[2][3][6].

For more information about Simon Thomas and his career at Sky Sports, visit Sky Group. Fans interested in the Soccer Saturday programme history and format can refer to the detailed Wikipedia article. Additionally, details on the pundits' careers and Sky Sports' Premier League coverage for the 2025/26 season are available at Sky Sports.