Alex Scott fights back tears as he closes ‘Football Focus’ (Image: BBC SPORT)
Alex Scott brought down ‘Football Focus’ on Saturday, fighting back tears as he performed the show’s final episode. Earlier this year, it was announced that the iconic preview program would be scrapped at the end of the season. The show first aired on the BBC in 1974 but has finally gotten off the ground and will not be returning for the 2026/27 campaign.
In the final moments of the broadcast, several long-time presenters recorded messages to mark the end of the show’s 50-year run. It featured the likes of Dan Walker and Manish Bhasin, and Scott was also included in the package. She appeared to be in tears during the pre-recorded interview, and was just as emotional when the cameras returned to the studio.
Scott was accompanied by Garth Crooks, who presented her with an autographed commemorative photo of Bob Wilson, the iconic presenter of Football Focus from 1974 to 1994.
“I’m satisfied,” Scott replied, trying to calm himself down. “Garth, thank you for being here today. For 52 years, this program has done one thing: brought you football every Saturday afternoon, week after week.
“Whether it was Bob Wilson in 1974 or the great people who have sat in this chair after him, the one thing that never changed was you, the fans. You were always there.
“As you can see, I’m not going to pretend this isn’t difficult, but what I do know is that the football never stops, the stories never stop, the goals never stop, the drama, the heartbreak, the magic. None of that stops. It just finds a new home.”
“I would like to thank everyone who has worked on ‘Football Focus’ over the years, including the presenters, producers, cameramen, staff and pundits.
“Thank you for looking forward to Saturday lunchtime. It’s an honor. This will be my last time with Football Focus.”
Scott joined Garth Crooks in the studio for the final program. (Image: BBC SPORT)
The BBC confirmed that Football Focus will not continue beyond the end of the 2025/26 season, saying: “After extensive consideration, BBC Sport has decided to say goodbye to Football Focus at the end of this season.
“Football Focus, which first aired in 1974, is a testament to the incredible team and, of course, our viewers who have worked on the show over the years.
“The program has been a staple of BBC football coverage for decades, providing fans with full match interviews, analysis and stories ahead of weekend matches.
“However, changes in viewer behavior mean fans are consuming football content in different ways and we need to respond appropriately as we face difficult decisions about how license fees are spent.
“As fans access discussion, highlights, analysis and news through digital platforms and on-demand viewing, and as viewing habits continue to evolve, it’s right for BBC Sport to adapt the way it brings football coverage to the widest audience across TV, radio, online and across a wide range of social platforms.”
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