BBC icon slams decision to scrap long-running show – 'I'm so disappointed'
Former Football Focus presenter Bob Wilson has responded to the BBC's decision to end the show.
Former Football Focus presenter Bob Wilson has condemned the BBC's decision to scrap the beloved show ahead of next season. A fixture in the schedules for generations of supporters, Football Focus first aired as part of Grandstand in 1974.
The magazine-style programme has delivered a blend of interviews and analysis in the build-up to the weekend's fixtures for the past 52 years. The BBC announced a sweeping overhaul of its weekly football schedule on Thursday, confirming that Football Focus would be axed. The Football Interview, hosted by Kelly Somers, is set to move into a Saturday lunchtime slot from next season, with Final Score also kicking starting at 3.45pm. Football Focus has been fronted by Alex Scott since 2021. However, the programme's original host Bob Wilson has questioned the BBC's reasoning for ending the show.
"I just can't believe there aren't people at noon on a Saturday who don't want to watch a show that sets up the weekend," Wilson wrote for The Times. "Surely someone else will pick it up as a concept?
"I am really disappointed it has come to this. The BBC has said it will be replaced next season by an interview show about what makes footballers tick. That is crazy.
EXPRESS SPORT ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
"People want to be told about the big games of the weekend, the issues, the news of the week, discussion, covering a range of clubs and personalities. Not just one." The 84-year-old fronted Football Focus for two decades before departing the BBC for ITV in 1994. The former Arsenal goalkeeper said he was "absolutely shocked" by the announcement to axe the programme.
He added: "It will feel different when I next watch Football Focus. It became an institution. And will be missed."
Wilson's sentiments were mirrored by former Football Focus presenter Dan Walker, who helmed the show from 2009 until 2021. Posting on X, Walker said: "Really sad to hear about the end of Football Focus I loved that show growing up."
He continued: "The football landscape is constantly changing, and it's disappointing that there isn't space for a show that has meant so much to so many people for so many years."
A BBC press release confirmed that the decision to scrap Football Focus was driven by "changing audience behaviours". The broadcaster noted that fans are "consuming football content in different ways" and the BBC needed to "respond appropriately".
In a statement, Director of BBC Sport Alex Kay-Jelski said: "Football Focus has been a hugely important programme in the history of BBC Sport and has played a key role in telling the stories of the game for generations of viewers. This decision was made before last week's wider BBC savings announcement, reflecting the continued shift in how audiences engage with football and our commitment to evolving how we deliver content to reach fans wherever they are."
Sky's Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle includes at least 215 live Premier League clashes across the 2026/27 season, with more than 1,500 games from the EFL and beyond, plus F1, golf and darts.
This introductory offer saves £384 compared to the standard price, with every package also providing 100 regular channels alongside free Netflix and discovery+ subscriptions.
