QA: Jeff Stelling, Sky Sports presenter

What did you do before Sky?

What did anyone do before Sky? I am a trained journalist, so I’ve worked on newspapers and radio and other TV stations. Once I even had a spell measuring inside legs at Burton — but I’d rather keep that quiet.

What’s it like to be described as the new Des Lynam?

It’s a disgrace. Des is the doyen of sports broadcasters and one of my heros. I am very flattered, but Des is the Arsenal of sports presenters, while I am the Hartlepool United.

How flattering is it that The Jeff Stelling Appreciation Society on Facebook has 10,000 members?

What is Facebook?

Never mind. Is presenting Gillette Soccer Saturday one of the hardest jobs on television?

Not since Rodney Marsh left. He was the spikiest, most opinionated pundit ever, but there are no tough jobs in TV. Tough jobs are in a factory, down a pit, at sea.

Why do you think the show is so popular?

It’s more entertaining than some games, that’s for sure. We like to have a bit of fun, but you can guarantee whether you are a Rochdale or a Spurs fan, you’ll hear about your team’s goals quickly and accurately.

Is there anything you don’t know about football?

How the offside law works. Seriously, I know less about football than Paul Merson. I do pore over stats at the southbound Winchester services for six or seven hours every Thursday to prepare for the show. Glamorous being on telly, isn’t it?

Is that where you come up with your one-liners?

Some I prepare in advance. “Jelleyman throws a wobbly” I had thought for a while would be a nice line if Gareth Jelleyman ever got a red card, but he was frustratingly well behaved. I could have punched the air when he got sent off. Sorry, Gareth. Most are genuine ad libs, though, as you can probably tell by how terrible they are.

A personal favourite was “Local boy makes good” when Guylain Ndumbu-Nsungu scored for Sheffield Wednesday.

Yup, I’m afraid that was me.

Finally, have you ever been tempted to switch to terrestrial TV?

I’ve already got the best job in television. I also present live games now, like the Carling Cup semi-finals this week, so why would I move?

Interview by Kaveh Solhekol