Sky Sports presenter speaks out after confirming imminent exit from broadcaster

Nick Powell is set to bring a 43-year career in broadcasting to an end and has reflected on nearly three decades with Sky Sports – along with some other career highlights

Sky Sports host Nick Powell has reflected on his career in broadcasting as he prepares to retire – by admitting a job in TV was never part of the plan.

Powell, who will be familiar to Sky Sports News viewers, is due to retire this week on his 66th birthday. He has worked in broadcasting for some 43 years, 29 of those with his current employer.

During the recent transfer deadline day coverage, the veteran broadcaster was praised for a bilingual segment focusing on Tottenham’s pursuit of Mathys Tel. Powell was joined in the studio by Sky Germany journalist Sarah Wieczorek, and the pair conversed in English and German when discussing the deal.

It provided a chance for Powell to go out on a high as he prepares to call time on a career which began back in 1982. He was given an opportunity to reflect on the highs and lows in a column for Sky Sports’ website, writing about his rise from reporter to anchor while working across news, sport and more.

“I never actually wanted to be on television,” Powell admitted. “As a kid, my dreams were of a career in radio, partly because – back then – it was so much speedier.”

A Liverpool fan, Powell has described the Reds’ 2019-20 Premier League win as his favourite moment. However, it was results elsewhere which confirmed Jurgen Klopp’s side were champions.

“As it turned out, between the final whistle going on Manchester City’s defeat at Chelsea, which meant Liverpool could not be caught, and the start of a special programme fronted by David Jones to mark Liverpool’s triumph, I had precisely 12 seconds But that’s live television for you,” he added.

Share your favourite memories of Nick Powell’s career in the comments section

Powell also reflected on an unexpected interview with legendary Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson. The veteran broadcaster, who has also covered huge non-sporting events grouped Ferguson along with the likes of Alan Bennett and Princess Anne as those he was warned about ahead of time, though there was also an unplanned meeting with the Scot.

“Naturally, Fergie wasn’t always [charming],” Powell wrote. “But he once gave me a touchline interview I didn’t actually want. Believe it or not I wanted Clayton Blackmore (who had just scored the only goal at Sheffield United).

“We would get the great man himself later. But in the tumult he misheard me and put up a finger to say “in one minute”, after which he duly presented himself in front of my camera. We did not send him away.”

Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read ourPrivacy Notice.