Melissa Reddy has broken her silence after leaving Sky Sports as part of a major shake-up that saw six staff members depart the broadcaster on Wednesday.
The senior football reporter, who has been covering Manchester United and Liverpool in recent years, announced the end of her three-year tenure with the company.
In a lengthy Instagram statement, Reddy wrote: "ELEVENTH!!! season of Premier League coverage done and I've called time on three years at Sky."
She confirmed her departure alongside five colleagues as part of the significant restructuring at the sports broadcaster.
Melissa Reddy has broken her silence after leaving Sky Sports as part of a major shake-up that saw six staff members depart the broadcaster on Wednesday
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Reddy revealed she will maintain some connection with Sky Sports while pursuing new opportunities.
"I'll still be doing bits and bobs for them but I'm genuinely soooo excited to share all the things I'll be working on soon, which will allow me to focus on my strengths and passions," she wrote.
The reporter confirmed long-awaited projects are finally coming to fruition.
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Melissa Reddy has been covering Manchester United and Liverpool during her time at Sky Sports
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"For those that have BEEN asking for the past five years () YES - that will include new books," she announced, addressing followers who have been enquiring about her literary ambitions.
Reddy also opened up about the racist and sexist abuse she has faced throughout her career in sports journalism. She recounted a particularly troubling incident from her early days covering football in England.
"After the first press conference I covered in England all those years back, a journalist turned to the press officer and said 'why are you letting them come over here and take our jobs. You just want a little lick don't you?!'" she revealed.
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The reporter acknowledged that little has changed regarding such treatment.
"I would love to be able to say that things have changed in that regard, but alas the abuse as a foreign woman of colour in this sphere never ceases," she continued.
Despite the challenges, Reddy expressed resilience: "I will always be stronger than the hate; I know who I am, I know the substance of my work. You can't dim the light of someone who learned how to shine in the dark."
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The 38-year-old received widespread support from industry colleagues following her announcement. Presenter Natalie Pike commented: "Thank you for always shining a light for the women in our industry."
Commentator Pien Meulensteen said: "Good luck looking forward to seeing what you get up to next."
Fellow host Reshmin Chowdhury wrote: "Keep shining, my lovely! Can't wait to see what's cooking."
Melissa Reddy is targeting books following her departure from Sky Sports
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Reddy emphasised that positive messages from those who know her work carry more significance than criticism.
"The messages I've received from managers, players, club staff, my Sky and wider industry colleagues - people who know me, my journey and sacrifices over the past decade - carry more weight than any of the nasty noise. Let's cook," she stated.
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