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      Ruud van Nistelrooy ‘applies to become Coventry City manager’ just days after brutal Man Utd axe

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      RUUD VAN NISTELROOY has applied for the vacant Coventry City managerial job just days after leaving Manchester United.Van Nistelrooy, 48, was axed by United on Monday despite an undefeated short stint as interim boss that saw him winning three out of four matches in charge.Ruud van Nistelrooy has applied for the managerial job at Coventry after leaving Manchester UnitedCredit: PABut the Dutch tactician seems keen to forge a coaching career in English football after a successful spell in the Eredivisie with PSV Eindhoven, where he won the Dutch Cup in 2023.According to talkSPORT, the legendary striker has put his name in the hat for the Coventry job to replace Mark Robins in the Championship.Robins’ dismissal was met with shock by Sky Blues fans after an impressive seven-year stint that saw him turning the club from League Two strugglers to Premier League promotion contenders.Coventry owner Doug King claims the EFL side has received plenty of CVs from “high-quality” managers.Read More on Man UtdOne of which is reportedly ex-Chelsea boss Frank Lampard, which means Van Nistelrooy may face some intense competition for the job.The Real Madrid great would have a tough act to follow at the CBS Arena after a brilliant job by fellow Man Utd hero Robins, who also has a lot of history at Old Trafford.The former striker famously saved Sir Alex Ferguson’s job back in 1990 when he scored the winner in a 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest in the third round of the FA Cup, which led to the Scottish legend’s first ever trophy with the Manchester giants.However, Van Nistelrooy did an impressive job at United after replacing Erik ten Hag at the helm as he restored excitement and confidence.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSUnder the Netherlands legend, the Red Devils beat Leicester twice, drew with Chelsea and registered their first European win in a year by beating PAOK in the Europa League.Many were sad to see the former assistant boss go following the decision to start anew under Amorim, who is bringing in his own team from Sporting Lisbon.Ruud van Nistelrooy impressed by Amad Diallo after Man Utd end European drought Van Nistelrooy penned an emotional farewell message to the fans insisting the club will always have a “special place” in his heart More

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      Ex-Man Utd ace Roy Keane declares WAR on his noisy neighbours who use their leaf blowers before 8am

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      ROY Keane has declared war on his noisy neighbours after one of them used a leaf blower before 8am.The fiery former Manchester United ace is no stranger to confrontation following his glittering 26-year career which saw him handed 13 red cards.Roy Keane has declared war on his noisy neighbours who use their leaf blowers before 8amCredit: PAHe heard one of the machines being used in the leafy area of Altrincham, CheshireCredit: AlamyThe Irishman, 53, was appearing on The OverlapTrafford council advises that noisy building work should not start before 7.30am on a weekdayCredit: GettyAnd despite calming since he became a TV pundit, he revealed a local has annoyed him by using the noisy power tool to tidy up the garden.Roy, 53, told pals Gary Neville, Ian Wright and Jill Scott how he was walking his dog after fireworks night at 7.15am when he heard one of the machines being used in the leafy area of Altrincham, Cheshire, where he lives.After calling for fireworks to be banned because they scare dogs, the Irishman, who was appearing on The Overlap continued: “Do you know what else should be banned?”I took my dog out this morning at 7.15 and where I live and someone is on the blower with the leaves at quarter past seven in the morning.Read more Sports News”It’s a disgrace. I think it should be banned.”Jill Scott joked: “Do you think they should just leave them?”Roy responded: “I was gonna go over and say ‘people are in bed!'”He continued his rant saying: “You’re not allowed to use them. It’s 8 o’clock.”Most read in FootballGas powered leaf blowers can reach between 80 and 90 decibels.85dB is considered damaging to human hearing and any noise exceeding 70 dB considered too loud for residential environments.’He should get a job somewhere else,’ fumes Roy Keane as he blasts Man Utd star for gesture after goal Trafford council, where Keane lives, advises that noisy building work should not start before 7.30am on a weekday and 8am at weekends.During Keane’s time at Old Trafford, Sir Alex Ferguson famously labelled City a “noisy neighbour” in 2009 when United came out on top 3-2 in a thrilling derby.He said at the time: “Sometimes you have a noisy neighbour. You cannot do anything about that. They will always be noisy.”You just have to get on with your life, put your television on and turn it up a bit louder.”It comes after Keane blasted Alejandro Garnacho for his refusal to celebrate his goal against Leicester.The winger was on the end of criticism from a Manchester United fan outside of Old Trafford before the Europa League clash against PAOK.Appearing on the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet, Keane and co were asked: “What advice would you give to young players when they get hassled by their own fans?”In response, Keane fumed: “If you can’t celebrate a goal, there is something drastically wrong with this game.”Whatever has gone on off the pitch for any player – it could be family stuff – you work all week, you’re playing the game to score a goal.READ MORE SUN STORIES”When you score a goal, there should be nothing else on your mind.”You’ve got fans who have travelled, paid fortunes to get there, and he’s on about people having a go at him.”Alejandro Garnacho had a muted celebration after scoring against Leicester in Man Utd’s 3-0 winCredit: AlamyKeane had a passionate response to the lack of celebrationIt sparked a passionate debate between himself and Ian Wright More

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      Newly emerged footage shows Curtis Jones has scored same goal for England before after incredible flick against Greece

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      LIVERPOOL ace Curtis Jones made his long-awaited senior debut with England on Thursday against Greece.Jones, 23, enjoyed a bow to remember as he also hit the back of the net during the Three Lions’ 3-0 win over the Greeks in Athens.Liverpool ace Curtis Jones scored on his England senior debut against GreeceCredit: GettyJones scored a fantastic flick to seal England’s 3-0 win over GreeceCredit: X @itvfootballJones did the exact same thing last year for England’s Under-21s against FranceCredit: X @englandAnd the midfielder did it in style as he sealed the three points and first place in their Nations League group with a stunning flick on 83 minutes.Morgan Gibbs-White played a clever pass from the right flank and found the popular Liverpudlian, who beat Greek goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos with a slick back-heel.That was Jones’ first ever England goal at senior level, however resurfaced footage shows he has done the exact same thing before with the Under-21s.In fact, he did it only last year in an international friendly against France at the King Power Stadium.Read More on FootballAnd just like against Greece, the Liverpool ace had scored the Young Lions’ third goal to seal the win.Noni Madueke played a brilliant low ball from the left and found the incoming Jones who finished brilliantly with a scintillating flick.Lee Carsley’s Young Lions went on to win 4-0, as Emile Smith Rowe, Madueke and Jacob Ramsey also got on the scoresheet.Jones’ goal against Greece allowed England to exact revenge following last month’s embarrassing 2-1 defeat at Wembley against Ivan Jovanovic’s side.Most read in FootballThe Three Lions are also top of their group and in charge of their destiny as a victory over the Republic of Ireland on Sunday in London will see them returning to League A.Jones was among the standouts in Athens on a night that saw Carsley without nine key players who dropped out.England fans tear gassed by ‘heavy-handed’ riot cops as FA launch probeThe former England youth international made a strong case for a place in the starting line-up under incoming permanent manager Thomas Tuchel, who takes over after the match with Ireland.England ratings vs Greece as Madueke and Jones steal the show after Kane benchedIT IS difficult to remember an England starting XI which, on paper at least, looked as totally underwhelming as this one.Yet manager-in-waiting Thomas Tuchel, presumably watching the game at his home in Bavaria, will have been hugely encouraged by this performance from what appeared to be a complete mish-mash of a team – and one which was awfully short of experience.Here’s how SunSport’s Tom Barclay rated England’s stars…Jordan Pickford – 8Back in after being dropped for Finland last month – and showed a good response. Great stop to deny Kostas Tsimikas at the near post and alive to danger throughout.Earned his first-ever booking in 72 England caps for time wasting in the first half.Kyle Walker – 7Captain in Harry Kane’s absence and passionately conveyed his side’s frustration to ref Daniel Siebert when Pickford was booked.Moved to centre-back after the break when Ezri Konsa went off.Marc Guehi – 7Another solid performance from the Crystal Palace man who you would think would be a first-choice starter for Thomas Tuchel when the German begins work.Ezri Konsa – 7One of several players targeted by a laser in the crowd, along with Pickford and Belligham.Limped off just before half-time and was replaced by Lewis Hall at the break.Rico Lewis – 7Filled in at left-back over newbie Hall, before moving to the right when the Newcastle man came on.Almost had his first England goal early in the second half but was denied by a fine stop from Hall’s club-mate Odysseas Vlachodimos.Curtis Jones – 9Sparkled on debut in the heart of midfield, not looking overawed in the slightest. Played deeper than he does for Liverpool, but in the same position where he shone for Lee Carsley in England’s triumphant Under-21 Euros last summer.Gorgeous backheel to cap his bow with the third goal.Conor Gallagher – 7Started brightly next to Jones, though gave the ball away a few times after the break. Booked for stopping a quick free-kick early on.Arrived just too late to poke in the rebound from Bellingham’s strike as it had already crossed the line for an own goal.Noni Madueke – 9A blistering first start from the Chelsea man who put real pressure on Bukayo Saka’s place with this performance.He took on his man at every opportunity, at pace, and had excellent end product too, setting up Watkins’ opener and a header for Bellingham which hit the post.Jude Bellingham – 8Some sublime touches and passes from the talisman, including a wonderful ball round the corner to release Madueke in the build-up to the opener.Seemed to thrive with pace all around him and killed off the game with his late strike which hit the post and bounced in off the keeper.Anthony Gordon – 7Provided a threat down the left with his pace and trickery, even if he was outshone by Madueke. A decent display but not one that demanded he start at left wing every game.Ollie Watkins – 7The surprise starter over Harry Kane. He took his early chance well, converting from the edge of the six-yard box.Could have had another when sent clean through but the ball got stuck under his feet.SubsLewis Hall (for Ezri Konsa half-time) – 7Came on at half-time for his debut and did not put a foot wrong.Harry Kane (for Ollie Watkins, 66) – 6Had a curling effort well stopped after exchanging passes with fellow sub Morgan Rogers.Morgan Rogers (for Anthony Gordon, 66) – 8Some exciting touches from the Villa debutant, including one to release Bellingham in the lead-up to the second goal.Jarrod Bowen (for Noni Madueke, 66) – 7Clever nutmeg to free Morgan Gibbs-White, who then teed up Jones.Morgan Gibbs-White (for Gallagher, 79) – 7Cutback for Jones was on the money. More

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      Abandoned football ground once home of legendary Prem star left to rot – as furious fans demand bosses QUIT over eyesore

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      AN ABANDONED football ground where Premier League legend Micah Richards started his career has been left to rot.Fans of West Yorkshire team Farsley Celtic – in the National League North – are demanding club bosses quit over the eyesore.Farsley Celtic’s Citadel – previously Throstle Nest ground – has fallen into a state of disrepairCredit: Glen MinikinThe pitch is in an unplayable state forcing the club to play home matches miles awayCredit: Glen MinikinPremier League pundit Micah Richards started his playing career at Farsley CelticsCredit: GettyThey are having to make round trips of 140 miles to watch HOME games – currently totalling almost 30 games. Their historic pitch, at The Citadel – previously called Throstle Nest, has been dug up and is just mud, the terracing is dilapidated and the gates and turnstiles are padlocked.Former Manchester City, Aston Villa and Fiorentina right back, Micah, 36, grew up in Chapeltown, Leeds, and played for local team Farsley Celtic as a youth. Since retiring, he now works as a pundit for the likes of Sky Sports Football and BBC’s Match of the Day.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSPlans to lay an artificial 4G playing surface at The Citadel are massively behind schedule and there is no sign of work at the ground.The club’s official supporters’ group continue to call for chairman/owner Paul Barthorpe to leave the club, saying they have shown ‘remarkable patience over several years’ with him.Farsley are currently playing home games at Buxton, in Derbyshire, with no fixed date for their return to The Citadel, while key players and staff have departed of late, including popular physio Gareth Liversidge after 18 years.Farsley’s chairman had his car windscreen smashed following his side’s FA Cup last month, allegedly by two fans.Most read in FootballLocal resident Isabell Jenkinson, 70, who was walking her 12 year old cocker spaniel Polly beside the empty Farsley ground, told The Sun: “All my kids used to play here. Football, cricket, the social life.“My ex husband used to go to the games and my lads were fans.Watch Micah Richards’ hilarious reaction after Arsenal hero David Raya reveals favourite CBS pundit in awkward interview“That pitch was supposed to be already laid, I believe, and it has never been done. But everything is dilapidated.“The explanation is that this geezer that has got it now is putting no money into it. He’s not looking after the community.“There is upset and anger in the community. The young men, they are angry.”Isabell said that Farsley Celtic used to be a “fantastic” club, but it has “gone to the dogs” and “wrack and ruin” since new owners took over.She said that she is missing the sound of the crowd on a Saturday home game.Miriam Hitchman, 70, lives directly beside the ground and has been forced to maintain the football club’s wooden boundary fence after it toppled over onto a public footpath.Miriam said: “A few winters ago, the Farsley Celtic’s wooden fence was practically down across the path.“Parents and children use the path and I could see a terrible accident could happen. So me and my son tied the fence up with string to try and right it.Fans are up in arms over the unkempt siteCredit: Glen MinikinLocal resident Isabell Jenkinson spoke to The SunCredit: Glen MinikinResident Miriam Hitchman lives directly beside the groundCredit: Glen Minikin“The string is still there and the fence is no closer to being repaired.”The club has a responsibility for that fence. I’ve warned the directors about it and I got my MP to come round, but it remains an accident waiting to happen.“We never have any problems with the football fans, but the club is terrible. The state of that pitch is appalling. It needs knocking down and houses built on it.“The whole thing is an eyesore.”She said the disuse of the pitch is now attracting youths from out of the area, throwing stones.A recent bonfire at the club for Plot Night attracted around 1,000 people paying £3 each.Miriam said: “That’s the biggest crowd the club has had here for ages, but there when no fans.”Farsley fan Derek Smith, 63, said: “It is shocking how we have been treated.“Some supporters are still making it to what are laughably called our ‘home games’, but it can’t go on like this. Buxton is not exactly close and takes hours to get there and back.“The chairman needs to go and money needs to be pumped into the club.”Another fan, George Fearnley, commenting on social media, stated: “Us fans have done 28 away games in a row because of him (Paul Barthorpe).“We’ve had problems way before this and we will way after this even if the pitch does ever get put down with him at the helm. “The supporters have unanimously realised one thing, he must leave, he must sell the club.”Farsley Celtic FC said: “The chairman and the board aren’t going anywhere.”We are committed to this club and this project and have backed this up with words, time, actions and significant investment over the years and continue to do so now on a daily basis.”‘NO MEANINGFUL INCOME’It said there had been “no meaningful income” at the club since April, “so all operating costs have been covered by the chairman since then”.The statement said Mr Barthorpe had covered the club’s operating costs of up to £15,000 a week, yet had been “subjected to constant ridicule, personal abuse, threats and even had his property criminally damaged with the value of the damage running into the thousands”.Farsley Celtic Football Club Supporters’ Club said in a statement: “Farsley Celtic Supporters’ Club notes with frustration yet another defensive statement from the owner which again sees him reluctant to take any responsibility for the current chaos surrounding the club.“As owner, the buck stops with you, no-one else.“The relationship between the owner and supporters have been strained for several years and we have shown remarkable patience.“We cannot envisage relationships with supporters improving should the owner remain.“The supporters’ club notes the owner provides no explanation for the delays in the pitchworks at the Citadel.“It fails to explain why no work has been undertaken for six months, nor does it state specifically the nature of the problems at the ground.“We have been given no reason why the dates stated by the chairman for the recommencement of pitch work have all been pushed back and the basic reason for why work has not been undertaken has not been addressed.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We still have no set restart date, or date when football will again be played at The Citadel.“The chairman’s statement also fails to mention or address why key staff have left the club.”The pitch has need resurfacing for some timeCredit: Glen MinikinThe ground has been left to rot by the club’s ownersCredit: Glen MinikinA lone goal can be seen on the rotting fieldCredit: Glen MinikinRichards, now 36, went on to play for the likes of Manchester CityCredit: PA:Press Association More

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      Incredible throwback picture shows Chelsea star posing for photo with now team-mate Jadon Sancho when he was just 11

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      JADON SANCHO still feels like a relatively young talent in English football.The Chelsea loanee, 24, came through the Manchester City academy before he joined Borussia Dortmund in 2017.Jadon Sancho did not know back in 2017 that he would one day be team-mates with this boyCredit: ChelseaHe thrived in Germany, racking up 120 goal contributions in 158 matches.That consistency earned him a £73million return to England where he signed for Manchester United. And after a difficult three years at Old Trafford, he is now on loan at Chelsea.Yet Sancho will be made to feel old if he sees a picture of him from seven years ago alongside a little boy… who is now his TEAM-MATE.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWinger Tyrique George, 18, met Sancho as an 11-year-old and smiled for the camera next to the talented prospect.The pair met at a goals centre in South London around the time Sancho joined Dortmund.Fast-forward to 2024 and George made his first-team debut for Chelsea back in August in a 2-1 defeat to Servette in the Europa Conference League.He has made four appearances in the Conference League and one in the Carabao Cup as he begins to make a name for himself at Stamford Bridge.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSGeorge made his Chelsea debut in the Europa Conference League this seasonCredit: AlamyAnd George, who has been with the Blues since he was eight, now looks back on that picture from seven years ago in astonishment.He told the Chelsea website: “I think most Chelsea fans have seen that picture as it’s somehow resurfaced again! That picture was taken years ago and I had no idea I would be playing with him back then.Rio Ferdinand tells Chelsea to fine Noni Madueke two weeks’ wages for ‘disrespectful’ act moments after Arsenal clash “I was with my dad and brother on our way to training when we saw Jadon with his friends.”My dad suggested we ask for a picture and I was nervous but excited to do it. I’ve always admired Jadon as he is such a great player.”It’s crazy and surreal to think I am now playing with someone I’ve always looked up to – not just Jadon, but the rest of the Chelsea squad. It makes me speechless.”Sometimes when I look around in the changing room with the team, I still can’t believe this is my life right now.”Seeing the picture is a nice reminder of how far I have come and how my hard work has paid off. I have given everything since joining Chelsea and it’s a good feeling to see the outcome.” More

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      Andres Iniesta buys ‘incredibly exciting’ football club just weeks after Barcelona legend announced retirement

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      ANDRES INIESTA has bought an “incredibly exciting” football club just weeks after retiring from playing.The Barcelona and Spain legend called time on his incredible career last month after starring in over 1,000 games.Andres Iniesta has become a club owner just weeks after retiringCredit: AFPThe ace ended his playing career after starring for Barcelona and SpainCredit: ReutersIniesta won nine titles and four Champions League at the Nou Camp.And he also played a key role in two Euro wins and a World Cup triumph with his national side.After leaving Barcelona in 2018, Iniesta spent five years in Japan with Vissel Kobe before heading to the Middle East with UAE side Emirates.But Iniesta decided it was time to bow out of the beautiful game this summer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd last month he broke down in tears while announcing his exit from the field.Iniesta has already made his next career move, starting a coaching course as he looks to get into management.But in the meantime, he has also entered the world of club ownership after purchasing a side in Europe.Thought his jointly-founded sports management and consulting company, NSN, Iniesta has now become co-owner of Danish third division side Helsingor.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSNSN have entered into an agreement with Swiss investment group Stoneweg.And Iniesta will now look to improve Helsingor’s standing in Denmark.Andres Iniesta ‘ends Gerrard/Lampard debate’ as he receives signed shirt from legend he has ‘always greatly admired’Andres Iniesta’s incredible careerHonoursBarcelona:La Liga x9, Champions League x4, Copa del Rey x6, Spanish Supercup x5, Uefa Super Cup x2, Club World Cup x3Vissel Kobe:J-League, Emperor’s Cup, Japanese Super CupInternational:World Cup – 2010, European Championship – 2008 and 2012Stats:Barcelona (2002 – 2018) – 674 appearances, 57 goalsVissel Kobe (2018 – 2023) – 134 appearances, 26 goalsEmirates Club (2023 – 2024) – 23 appearances, 5 goalsSpain (2006 – 2018) – 131 appearances, 13 goalsThe Scandinavian side already have a mighty Catalonian presence at the club, with former Barcelona youth manager Pep Alomar their head coach.Helsingor’s sporting director, Quim Ramon, also previously worked at Barca’s academy.And Iniesta feels he has made the perfect investment with an “incredibly exciting” side.He said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity to get to know football in a different way.“It’s an incredibly exciting club with really good facilities, a lot of good people in around the club, and a potential in the city to become an important part of Danish football.” More

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      Tottenham flop, 35, becomes an OIL TYCOON in major career change three years after retiring from football

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      FORMER Tottenham star Giovani dos Santos has swapped boots for barrels… by becoming an OIL TYCOON.The Mexico winger, a £9million Spurs buy from Barcelona, spent four seasons at White Hart Lane.Giovani Dos Santos has become an oil tycoonCredit: instagram @ oficialgioThe footballer spent time at Tottenham and Ipswich during his careerCredit: PA:Press AssociationHe scored three goals in 33 games, and also had a loan spell with Ipswich Town, before leaving for Mallorca in 2012.Dos Santos also helped Mexico win gold at the 2012 London Olympics, beating Brazil 2-0 in the final at Wembley.Dos Santos, 35, retired in 2021 and has since had a business buying and selling luxury cars in his home country.But the 106-cap international has now become the JR Ewing of football by investing in Procura Mexico.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe company is part of the country’s state-owned oil giant Pemex.And Dos Santos is reported to be earning up to £400,000 a year from Pemex, Latin America’s second-largest oil company.A source said: “According to our information, his new job brings him in four to five hundred thousand dollars a year – over 10 million Mexican pesos.”Barcelona academy product Dos Santos was once dubbed the new Lionel Messi.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe also had spells with Galatasaray, Racing Santander, Villarreal, LA Galaxy and Mexico’s Club America before hanging up his boots.Dos Santos played eight times for Ipswich in 2009, scoring four Championship goals.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballersDos Santos’ brother Jonatha, right, starred for VillarrealCredit: Rex FeaturesHe comes from a footballing family with his brother, Jonathan, also a successful pro.He also came through the youth ranks at Barcelona.He went on to play for Villarreal before moving to the MLS with LA Galaxy.He then returned to Mexico to join Club America in 2022 and is still playing for the club.Who are these famous footballers? More

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      BBC launch reality show to find new football expert just hours after Gary Lineker’s bombshell MOTD exit revealed

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      THE BBC has launched a new reality show to find a fresh-faced football expert following Gary Lineker’s announced exit.The Match of the Day presenter will be stepping down from the much-loved show at the end of the season.Gary Lineker is stepping down from his role at the BBCCredit: PAThe broadcaster is looking to social media to find a new football expert – perhaps like Man Utd content creator Mark Goldbridge (pictured)Credit: RexLineker, 63, will continue to feature on FA Cup shows and at the World Cup in 2026.However, the Beeb are planning on bringing new faces into their talent pool.The new show will try to attract a younger audience to the broadcaster.It will be aiming to recruit a new football expert who uses the social media platform TikTok – perhaps like divisive Manchester United content creator Mark Goldbridge.READ MORE ON SPORTIt will be broadcast on iPlayer in the lead-up to the Women’s European Championship next summer.The winner of the show will apparently be offered a paid role producing digital content for BBC Sport.Their work will also appear on TV programmes like Football Focus, radio channels like BBC Radio 5 Live as well as digital and social media.A web page created for the new show states: “We are looking for talented football obsessives who are as comfortable explaining the latest tactical innovations to fan culture to interviewing top players.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”All shortlisted candidates will have an on-screen opportunity as well as receiving training and upskilling as part of the scheme.”After completion of the series, the competition winner will be also offered a paid opportunity as a BBC Sport contributor.Gary Lineker will stop presenting Match of the Day the end of this season at and will quit Beeb by 2027″The window for applications will open in December 2024 and full details will be available on this page in the coming weeks.”Director of BBC Sport Alex Kay-Jelski has insisted that the opportunity could be life-changing for the winner.He said: “There can’t be many better jobs than working with the BBC’s football team, so if you think you know the game better than anyone, get applying.”This could change your life.”It comes as SunSport revealed BBC staff fear Match of the Day will go woke following Lineker’s exit.They predict some of the traditional fans’ favourite pundits could be ditched to reduce the number of middle-aged, male former players.We also revealed that Roman Kemp is being lined up for a shock role in a revamped version of the show.Who could replace Gary Lineker as MOTD host?GARY LINEKER dropped the shock news that he is QUITTING Match of the Day.The popular presenter, 63, took over hosting duties on the flagship BBC programme from Des Lynam in 1999.But after more than 25 years in the studio hotseat, he has called time on his MOTD gig.But as part of a huge shake-up, the BBC is considering rotating the presenters on a weekly basis.So with Lineker vacating the chair, new names will step into his giant boots. But who could they be?MARK CHAPMANChapman, 51, is the obvious early favourite to follow on from Lineker as MOTD presenter.He already has the gig as MOTD2 host on a Sunday night plus landed the presenting job for the new BBC Champions League highlights show.ALEX SCOTTScott gets the nod from the Beeb bosses when Lineker is away.The former right-back, 40, is used to presenting the Saturday night show as well as live match coverage – plus ticks the box as a former England international.GABBY LOGANLike Scott, Logan, 51, is one of the understudies to step in when Lineker is not available.She has done most gigs since joining the BBC in 2007, including Olympics, Sports Personality of the Year and Final Score.MICAH RICHARDSLineker’s top pick to replace him is exuberant former Man City defender Richards.The departing host told his close pal, 36, on their Stick to Football podcast: “I’d love to see you take over Micah, I think you’d be brilliant in the chair.”JASON MOHAMMADMohammad could earn the “promotion” from Final Score to Match of the Day.The 51-year-old Welshman – who took over from Logan in 2013 – is one of the BBC’s top earners already and is more senior than fellow Final Score and BBC Sport broadcaster Kelly Somers, who could in theory become the main live host for the afternoon slot.JEFF STELLINGHe couldn’t, could he? While Lineker has been the face of Saturday night TV for football fans for years, the face of the afternoons was Stelling in his role as Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday presenter.He would bring plenty of on-screen charisma, wit and legendary TV expertise – but at nearly 70 and currently with talkSPORT, the Hartlepool fan would not be a cheap or long-term appointment. More