Classic Soccer Saturday moments: Paul Merson, Chris Kamara and dramatic goals
Tuesday 19 April 2016 07:10, UK
To celebrate Sky Sports' 25th birthday this week, we relive some laugh-out-loud Soccer Saturday moments with Jeff Stelling and the gang.
From Chris Kamara not having a clue what's going on in his game to Paul Merson capturing a classic Premier League moment in the only way he can, Soccer Saturday has produced some classic live TV moments.
Hit the video at the top of the page to watch our special montage or read on...
'I feel good!'
The James Brown dancing doll became infamous during the 2008/09 season when striker James Brown scored eight goals for Stelling's beloved Hartlepool. However, the doll was rarely seen on the show for a couple of years due to Brown's lack of goals, but it made a rare appearance in January 2012, and he struck when Matt Le Tissier was covering the game in the studio. What scenes!
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Fire at HQ
Jeff and the lads were forced to evacuate the studio in 2015 after a fire alarm went off at Sky Studios. The live programme was forced off air for nearly 30 minutes while firefighters investigated the problem. Thankfully, no serious incidents were found and the guys returned to the studio unscathed with Jeff addressing the nation in a fireman's helmet joking that "it was pretty hot in here".
"Unbelievable Jeff"
The classic Kammy phrase has become synonymous with the show. He uses it every week to describe incidents, even ones that aren't really worthy of the meaning of the word. However, the phrase slipped his mind when reporting from the Vitality Stadium as Bournemouth scored with the last kick of the game to salvage a draw against Everton but Jeff was on hand to remind him.
"I can't believe what I'm seeing"
One of the most incredible endings to a game was brought to life by reporter Johnny Phillips. The play-off tie between Watford and Leicester was tied at 2-2 on aggregate going into the 96th minute when Leicester were awarded a contentious penalty. Philips provided live commentary of a spectacular double-save from Manuel Almunia which triggered a remarkable counter attack with Watford breaking up the field and Troy Deeney netting at the other end to seal a place in the play-off final. With the gantry shaking, Phillips somehow managed to deliver his report - but only just.
Kammy's a real head turner
Some of the funniest Soccer Saturday moments have occurred when goals go in during a live report from the ground, meaning reporters are sometimes caught on the hop. The chief culprit in this department is Chris Kamara. His most famous moment came in 2007 when David Healy seemingly equalised for Fulham against Middlesbrough when Kammy was live. As his monitor wasn't working, Kammy kept turning around to watch the action and had little clue whether the goal was disallowed. Jeff had to step in and clear up the incident for the viewers.
Why does it always rain on me
Sent to report on the League Two match between Dagenham & Redbridge versus Scunthorpe, reporter Bianca Westwood got caught up in a storm that caused the game to be abandoned. Unfortunately for Bianca, her position near pitch-side wasn't sheltered from the elements and she got an absolute soaking and there was little sympathy from the studio.
Merson reacts to THAT Aguero winner
Merson was the lucky man in the hot seat for one of the most stunning moments in Premier League history when Sergio Aguero netted a late winner in a 3-2 victory over QPR that saw Manchester City win the title. Merson's accompanying commentary of the memorable goal only added to the incredible drama. He said: "It's gone mad. Mancini's on the pitch, running around. They're all cuddling each other - they've got love bites and everything."
Oblivious Kammy
Perhaps the most iconic moment in the show's 24-year history is Kammy's report from Portsmouth and Blackburn in 2007. The camera cuts to Kammy to discuss Anthony Vanden Borre's sending-off which had come through on the vidiprinter. What happened next was comedy gold as Kammy had managed to mistake the red card for a substitution.