As Liverpool get ready to take on Newcastle live on Sky Sports this Sunday, the match inevitably brings back memories of a figure with deep connections to all three: Graeme Souness.
The Anfield great not only skippered both clubs during his distinguished career but also became a familiar face on Sky Sports’ football output for almost twenty years. However, as cameras roll at St James’ Park this afternoon, Souness will once again be missing from the studio, having exchanged analysis for an altogether more meaningful purpose.
The 73-year-old from Scotland departed Sky Sports following the conclusion of the 2022/23 campaign. Making an emotional exit, he brought the curtain down on a long relationship with the broadcaster that had become synonymous with countless Premier League weekends.
Reports indicate he was willing to carry on but the network ultimately decided the time had come to move on. According to interviews with The Guardian in 2023, he described it as a joint choice, noting he was certainly hoping to stay for another year. The network believed it would be appropriate to bring things to an end, provided their reasoning, and he accepted that with no grievances whatsoever about Sky.
He mentioned he probably worked for them around 15 years consistently, though it’s more like 20 years. They were fantastic to him, gave him weekends to anticipate, the thrill of live football.
His exit came amid widespread restructuring at Sky Sports. Around the same period, the company also said goodbye to much of the cherished Soccer Saturday lineup, including Jeff Stelling, Chris Kamara and another Liverpool great in Phil Thompson.
Souness had been a fixture on Sky Sports for approximately two decades
While he hasn’t entirely dismissed a comeback to broadcasting, he has famously suggested there is life in the old dog yet. However, Souness has since channelled his renowned determination towards a cause far greater than football.
This past April, the Reds legend was named the fresh president of DEBRA UK, inheriting the role from former soldier and charitable campaigner Simon Weston. It’s a significant position he has fully committed to after years of committed fundraising for the organisation, which assists those living with Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), frequently called butterfly skin.
The uncommon genetic disorder causes the skin to blister and tear with even gentle contact. Souness was first motivated to get involved in 2019 after encountering 16-year-old Isla Grist, who has courageously undergone more than 60 surgical procedures to address the condition.
Graeme Souness, photographed here alongside EB patient Isla Grist, now holds the position of President at DEBRA UK
The harrowing nature of EB was revealed during a deeply moving segment on ITV’s Good Morning Britain last year. Souness appeared visibly affected as he appeared alongside 13-year-old Jasmine Ritchie and passionately underscored the almost unthinkable suffering endured by children with the condition.
Regarding his fresh position as president, Souness described it as an honour to be able to take over and continue the excellent work Simon Weston had driven. He emphasised that EB is not merely an unpleasant complaint but absolutely dreadful and genuinely among the most severe conditions.
He stated people should not have to endure this agony. It is a degree of suffering and distress that is simply beyond comprehension and it must end. In his new capacity as president of DEBRA UK, that is his goal, they must obtain the treatments that are vital if they are to put an end to the agony of EB. He believes they can accomplish this and is ready for the challenge.
Graeme Souness alongside longtime DEBRA UK supporter Fergus Stewart and former president, Simon Weston
Souness spent close to seven years as a Liverpool player, making over 350 appearances between 1978 and 1984. During that period, he helped the Reds secure 12 major honours, including five league championships and three European Cups.
He later returned to Anfield as manager, taking over from his former Liverpool colleague Kenny Dalglish in 1991. However, his three-year spell coincided with a difficult era for the club, with the FA Cup in 1992 his only significant trophy.
Ten years after departing Liverpool, Souness took the helm at Newcastle in what turned out to be his last managerial position. He spent two years at St James’ Park before departing in 2006, after which he became a regular presence on Sky Sports.