Roy Keane career change, Gary Neville role evolves – Sky Sports' predicted line-up in five years

Supporters of the beautiful game might need to brace for a future Sky Sports panel without Roy Keane and with a less frequent appearance from Gary Neville.

Earlier in August, Keane stunned the footballing world when he let slip plans to exit the punditry industry within the next 10 years. His announcement came in tandem with reports that Neville is scaling back his Monday Night Football commitments with an eye on new ventures.

Keane further ignited speculation during a chat with Jamie Carragher, Ian Wright, and Neville on a fresh episode of The Overlap, where he hinted at a potential move overseas.

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"In the next couple of years, I reckon I will be moving abroad... putting it out there," declared the 53-year-old icon while recording the show's On Tour series in Turin. Responding to Carragher's curiosity about his relocation preference, Keane mentioned: "Do you know what, Switzerland, maybe? Switzerland is beautiful."

The former Red Devils captain delved into the motivations behind his anticipated punditry departure, explaining his displeasure for the travel in getting to games and demanding fans.

He confessed: "I love football, but the hassle of matches, getting to games, and the hassle of fans. I was in court a few months ago with somebody headbutting me do you think I enjoy that side of it? Absolutely not. The games are fine. Getting to the games, parking up, people shouting your name good stuff, bad stuff it's a nuisance. Being a pundit in 10 years, not."

While Neville hasn't closed the door on his punditry career, fans will have to catch him on The Overlap US and NBC Sports' Premier League coverage for more of his insight.

Despite the 49-year-old gradually stepping away from his Monday Night Football hosting responsibilities, he'll continue to be a key part of Sky's football team, featuring on Friday Night Football, Saturday Night Football and Super Sunday broadcasts.

As Neville's projects evolve, viewers might see a fresh-faced team on Sky Sports in the coming years, with figures like Micah Richards and Daniel Sturridge potentially ready to step into significant roles.

Richards has struck up an unexpected camaraderie with Keane during their joint appearances on Sky and has become a sought-after pundit across various platforms.

Since joining the broadcaster in 2023, Sturridge has been praised for his insightful commentary, particularly when analysing strikers, thanks to his expertise from his playing days.

Like Richards, the former Liverpool star brings a lot of energy and has introduced a new style to punditry, previously confessing to "bringing a vibe" when he's in the studio.

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Arsenal legend Theo Walcott is set to become a more familiar face on television screens as he secured a spot on Match of the Day, stepping in after Ian Wright's departure. Walcott, 35, who has been seen on Sky Sports several times this season, shared his approach to punditry.

He said: "I like to look at players in my position, that's where I can give my expertise" before adding: "A bit like Joe Hart on goalkeeping. I'll say my opinion but I'm not scared of offending anyone."