Sam Newman says he isn’t leaving The Footy Show

THE Footy Show stalwart Sam Newman says he is not leaving the program, dismissing rumours his relationship with Nine had soured and he was considering quitting.

THE Footy Show stalwart Sam Newman says he is not leaving the program, dismissing rumours his relationship with Nine had soured and he was considering quitting.

The show’s panel on Thursday night addressed related reports with mock celebration after Newman wryly joked he was “absolutely” calling it time after 20-odd years presenting.

“I’ll put it to you, having known you for a fair time, that this is the sort of drama that you’ve deliberately built,” co-host James Brayshaw levelled with a laugh.

“This is the type of narcissist you are, that you have done this and got it out … so people in the streets can walk up to you and go, ‘the show wouldn’t be the same without you, Sammy, you can’t go anywhere!’”

Sam Newman (third from right) says he isn’t leaving his The Footy Show hosts.

Newman confirmed he was contracted to the popular program and that he was staying.

“I’m not going anywhere,” the 70-year-old said.

“I’m extraordinarily happy here and I love the people I work with.”

It’s been reported that Newman’s relationships with Nine Network management and the senior production staff had become “toxic”.