One of Sky Sports News’ mainstays has parted ways with the television station.
After spending 18 years with the company, Sawyer completed her final shift on Wednesday and viewers are disappointed that the popular presenter, who had been promoted to one of the faces of Transfer Deadline Day in recent years, would no longer be a part of Sky’s sport coverage.
The Times reports that Sawyer was made aware that her contract would not be renewed during a meeting earlier this month.
The report also claims that presenters were instructed not to mention the 38-year-old’s departure on air, despite the fact that other long-time presenters have received heartfelt send-offs in the past.
Sawyer has not yet made an official comment but viewers have been quick to wish her the best in the next stage of her career.
Natalie Sawyer left Sky Sports after almost 20 years yesterday without any on air acknowledgment. Former colleagues upset by treatment of the Transfer Deadline Day presenter. https://t.co/1hfdjUXP0d
— Matt Hughes (@MattHughesDM) March 29, 2018
@nataliesawyer So sorry to hear that you are leaving Sky after so many years. You have always come across very professionally on screen. Hope to see you on another sports channel at some time. Good luck in the future Nat
— Peter Moore (@PeterMooreSport) March 29, 2018
https://twitter.com/gompstomp78/status/979404776051003392
@nataliesawyer say it ain't so.
All the best in whatever new ventures you embark upon pic.twitter.com/w6ZzLSbTa5— 🆚 (@WeBlah) March 29, 2018
if this is true @nataliesawyer wish you all the best in your new career. will miss you on SSN defo one of my favourites 😪 https://t.co/elKDRPSC0N
— alan lowndes (@alanlowndes1) March 29, 2018
@nataliesawyer absolutely gutted, just heard that your not working on SSN anymore #sadday #allthebest
— A Hadfield (@Addy76Andrew) March 29, 2018
In other news I understand Natalie Sawyer has been released from @SkySportsNews without even a goodbye… wow that’s rather harsh…. if true @nataliesawyer can I say thanks for everything, you will be sorely missed
— Nick Helyar (@njhelyar) March 29, 2018
Real shame if this is correct, after 18 years, always thought @nataliesawyer was a brilliant presenter for @SkySportsNews and will continue to be wherever she lands next….talent always endures…. https://t.co/cW8uZBxo0D
— Johann (@JohannRed16) March 29, 2018
“We’d like to thank Natalie for her many years of great service to Sky Sports and we wish her all the best in the future,” a Sky spokesperson told the Sun.
Sawyer’s now-former colleagues are reportedly upset about the manner with which her departure has been dealt.
The reason behind the decision not to renew her contract remains unknown.
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