Jeff Stelling supported Premier League team before Hartlepool even though he 'didn't know where it was'

Jeff Stelling has revealed he actually supported a Premier League team when he was a youngster.

The popular 68-year old presenter is a staunch Hartlepool United supporter and incorporated his fandom whenever he was anchoring the Soccer Saturday show on Sky Sports.

Stelling is from Hartlepool and became president of the club back in 2015.

However, Stelling was actually a boyhood Burnley supporter. He was unaware of where the Lancashire club was but his connection came about because they sent free memorabilia when he wrote them.

Stelling ended up idolising Clarets legend Frank Casper, who played for the club in the later 1960's and early 1970's.

Image: Getty

"He was one of my favourite players in one of my favourite teams because I used to be a boyhood Burnley fan," Stelling said on his debut presenting the talkSPORT breakfast show alongside Ally McCoist.

"I love Burnley, the reason I supported Burnley was as a kid, you used to write to all the big teams and ask for programmes and any free memorabilia. Most of them ignored you completely but Burnley always sent back a load of stuff, I didn't even know where Burnley was."

Stelling made sure to make it clear that he no longer supports Burnley but will have been delighted to receive a message from Casper.

Image: Getty

The 78-year-old said: Just wanted to wish you all the best in your new job at talkSPORT, I'm sure you'll be fantastic and I can't wait to listen to you, all the very best."

In addition to his new gig on talkSPORT, Stelling is also making a surprise return to television.

On Wednesday, he will host Amazon Prime's Every Game, Every Goal – a programme that will show "all the goals and key moments" from six games - including Manchester United vs Chelsea.

Amazon have the rights for 20 live Premier League games and Stelling will be part of the coverage.