Richard Keys replacement is....

What has happened to Keys?

captured by landen zoo ?

ITVBen Shephard has reportedly agreed a deal to present live football for Sky Sports.

The 35-year-old, who recently brought forward the date of his GMTV departure, is believed to have signed a contract worth up to £495,000-a-year.

Sky Sports will divide up this season's televised matches between Shephard and the channel's current main presenter Richard Keys, according to The Mirror.

A source said: “Whatever way you look at it, it’s a huge coup to get Ben Shephard onto the channel, and Sky will want value for money and to promote him wherever possible.

“He was one of the most-known faces on ITV broadcasting to millions of people every week. Many viewers may feel that Ben is ideal to take over from Richard when he decides to step down.”

Insiders say that Shephard will “definitely” front several Premiership matches and big-name Champions League games for Sky this season.

Sources are apparently hopeful that Shephard and Keys will "complement" each other, and are keen to insist that Keys is still an integral part of the presenting line-up.

A source added: “We have hundreds of matches every season and Ben’s remit will not encroach upon Richard’s.”

Shephard is thought to have impressed Sky bosses with his knowledge of sport during a number of meetings over the last few months.

An insider said: “They clearly have high hopes for him. He is a sports nut, in particular rugby and football. He sees his future in sport, not in daytime TV.”

Actually like the guy, seems a decent bloke with good grasp of football..

Nice gig for him..

Never heard of him!

Cant be any worse than Keys

He'll probably do the game that Keys isnt doing on Sundays, maybe mondays too

more english chavtastic media types

Shephard is presenting champions league, and goals on sunday with Kamara

Sky Sports has signed Ben Shephard to present its live Champions League football coverage and the Goals On Sunday programme.

On Friday, Shephard will appear on ITV's GMTV for the final time after spending a decade at the breakfast broadcaster.

He has now agreed to join Sky Sports ahead of the new football season on a contract worth a reported £495,000 a year.

Shephard will co-present the Goals On Sunday programme with Chris Kamara and front Sky Sports' coverage of selected live UEFA Champions League matches.

Aside from being a passionate West Ham fan, Shephard has also appeared three times in the celebrity team for ITV1's charity football format Soccer Aid.

"I can't tell you how excited I am about my new role and this new chapter in my career. The opportunity to join the incredible team that makes up Sky Sports is second to none," said Shephard.

"The chance to indulge my passion for football and to work on what is, without doubt, the most technically cutting-edge channel on television is something I've aspired to for a long time. What's more, my wife can no longer nag me about my football viewing!"

Sky Sports managing director Barney Francis added: "Ben is one of the brightest talents on British television, a fantastic presenter and we've been following his career with interest for years.

"His passion for sport and experience presenting live television mean he's perfect for Sky Sports."

On August 23, Sky will launch the Sky Sports News HD channel exclusively for Sky customers as it attempts to fight off strong competition from BT, Top Up TV and Virgin Media.

a year....

Richard Keys is very good, but only when Andy Gray isn't around
The Ch.Lge games/panels (Souness/Gullit) were much better than the Prem games - he seems to have more freedom from the Sky agenda and the comedy duo role with Gray.

^beetroot. Brilliant phobia.

Good footballer as well. Fergie may sign him.