Sky Sports' nightmare scenario as Kelly Cates leaves, Gary Neville makes US move and Roy Keane eyes retirement

Both Manchester United and Manchester City find themselves in the midst of transition periods but it appears it is not only two of the most successful clubs in Premier League history that are on the verge of big changes, the broadcaster who shows them the most is too.

On Sunday, reports suggested that Sky Sports presenter Kelly Cates had chosen to leave the broadcaster at the end of the season to join BBC's Match of the Day. Following the culmination of the Premier League campaign, the show's current host Gary Lineker will be stepping back from his duties on the highlights show.

In his place, Cates, Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman are set to share the presenting duties. However, it is not just Cates leaving that could be causing Sky Sports a problem.

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MEN Sport has taken a look at what a nightmare scenario for Sky looks like.

Cates departure

First and foremost we need to look at the seemingly inevitable departure of Cates. She has become part of the furniture at Sky for her accomplished presenting and it is somewhat of a coup that BBC have managed to attract her to Match of the Day.

She is arguably one of Sky's top sport presenters and will leave a gap for those in charge to fill. David Jones is the lead presenter for Sky Sports currently but it seems unlikely that he will be asked to work across potentially three different Premier League broadcasts each weekend.

Simon Thomas has taken over from Jeff Stelling on Soccer Saturday and may be roped in to provide cover for Cates. Looking at how the 49-year-old worked her way up to the Premier League coverage, Sky may look to their EFL coverage for a replacement but their lead presenter David Prutton seems too well-established outside the top flight to make the leap.

Caroline Barker is another possibility but it is currently difficult to see her leaving her role too. So, that leaves management with a big hole to fill.

Neville making US move

It is not just presenters offering Sky a headache - it is pundits too. Gary Neville is one of their top pundits but he seems determined to branch out to the United States.

This season he is being shared by Sky with NBC Sports and has not appeared on some Super Sundays due to his commitments with them. He has also launched the 'It's Called Soccer' podcast alongside Jamie Carragher to try and boost his profile across the pond.

Should he decide to do more and more work in America, Sky could lose one of their best pundits.

Keane eyes retirement

There is no secret among those watching Sky's The Overlap on Tour series that Roy Keane does not see punditry as a long-term gig. A return to management after some failed spells and outspoken comments seems unlikely but the former United captain looks ready to walk off into the sunset.

"I love football, but the hassle of matches, getting to games, and the hassle of fans – I was in court a few months ago with somebody head-butting me – do you think I enjoy that side of it? Absolutely not," he told the Stick to Football podcast.

"The games are fine. Getting to the games, parking up, people shouting your name – good stuff, bad stuff – it's a nuisance. Being a pundit in 10 years, not [for me]."

With Keane gone, Sky would be seriously lacking in a big, controversial voice.

Fans switch off

The cost of living crisis has us all counting our pennies and working out where we can make savings. As such, Sky Sports have to be offering value for money.

Their prices have been rising and illegal streaming has become lucrative for supporters. Unfortunately, fans are starting to become annoyed by the build-up to matches and post-match reaction as the broadcaster tries to prioritise 'banter' instead of analysis.

Lengthy promotions for shows during the coverage have also become tiresome and lead many to skip the pre and post-match chats in favour of watching just the 90 minutes of action. All of these factors combined could paint a bleak future for Sky Sports and this nightmare scenario is by no means unlikely.