Laura Woods has opened up about her appointment as TNT Sports' lead football presenter, describing the speculation surrounding the move as her 'comeuppance'. The broadcaster, who previously worked for talkSPORT and Sky Sports, will front coverage of the Champions League and some Premier League fixtures.
Woods was first linked with the role in May after Jake Humphrey stepped down from BT Sport, which has since merged with Warner Bros. Discovery to form TNT Sports. Despite rumours circulating for months, Woods insists the process was not straightforward. 'It wasn't immediate,' she told Rio Ferdinand. 'But it did go quickly once it started to move.'
The presenter admitted that being the subject of transfer gossip was a new experience. 'All of these times that I woke up on the radio and said, "Here's a rumour I'm going to tell three million people about" – and then suddenly the rumour was me,' she said. 'I was like, "We're not talking about it!" to my producers.'
Woods left Sky Sports last year and has since worked for DAZN and ITV, including covering the Women's World Cup. She said TNT Sports' focus on fan culture was a key factor in her decision to join. 'They want to be near the fans, they want to be by the fans,' she explained. 'Going to the ground, being amongst the fans – it's different, isn't it? You can't replicate it in a studio.'
Reflecting on her new role, Woods said she feels like 'the new kid in school' but is excited about the challenge. The Premier League season kicks off on August 12, with TNT Sports set to broadcast live matches throughout the campaign.
