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    New Match of the Day hosts sign up for huge reality TV show together as they rival each other for Gary Lineker’s job

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    Sky Sports in talks with TV star Roman Kemp to be part of football coverage after seven presenters left in huge shake up

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    BBC star shares shock theory as to why Tottenham waited exactly 16 days after Europa League win to sack Ange Postecoglou

    ANGE POSTECOGLOU was sacked 16 days after winning the Europa League – and now a theory has emerged as to why Spurs waited til then.Spurs chief Daniel Levy axed the boss last night – just over two weeks after that glorious night in Bilbao.Ange Postecoglou was sacked after exactly two years at SpursCredit: GettyDaniel Levy held fire for 16 days after the finalCredit: GettyVictory over Manchester United in Spain ended the club’s 17-year wait for a trophy.But after leaving Postecoglou in the dark over his future, Spurs finally announced he was relieved of his duties on Friday afternoon.It marked exactly two years to the day from when the Australian landed the job in North London.BBC senior football reporters Ian Dennis and Sami Mokbel discussed the sacking on the Football Daily Podcast.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBoth were adamant that the move to get rid of Postecoglou was made before the final.They said league form was seen as the “true barometer” and Europa League success was just a “bump in the road” to their ultimate decision.Dennis shared a theory that explained the over two-week wait for the confirmation.He tweeted: “Interesting his departure was timed after he had completed two years and on the first day of his third year. Significant in any settlement?”Most read in Europa LeaguePostecoglou has reportedly pocketed £4m after being shown the exit door by Levy.JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHe already collected a £2m bonus for getting the club into the Champions League.Brentford’s Thomas Frank is the leading candidate to take over and he has a £10m release clause in his contract.Who could replace Ange Postecoglou as Tottenham manager?Fulham’s Marco Silva and Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola remains in contention.On Postecoglou’s departure, Dennis said: “It was such an inevitability that it was going to happen.”They got off to an absolutely flying start when he first arrived and it’s funny how perceptions can change through results.”If they had started slowly and finished well, you would not be referring to the 78 points from the last 66 games.”It seems there has not been an improvement in their league form.”Ange Breaks Silence On Tottenham SackingANGE Postecoglou issued a statement just moments after being axed.It read: “When I reflect on my time as manager of Tottenham Hotspur, my overriding emotion is one of pride.”The opportunity to lead one of England’s historic football clubs and bring back the glory it deserves will live with me for a lifetime.”Sharing that experience with all those who truly love this club and seeing the impact it had on them is something I will never forget.”That night in Bilbao was the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication and unwavering belief in a dream.”There were many challenges to overcome and plenty of noise that comes with trying to accomplish what many said was not possible.”We have also laid the foundations that means this club should not have to wait 17 more years for their next success.”I have enormous faith in this group of players and know there is much more potential and growth in them. I sincerely want to thank those who are the lifeblood of the club, the supporters.”I know there were some difficult times, but I always felt that they wanted me to succeed and that gave me all the motivation I needed to push on.”It’s important to acknowledge the hard working people at Spurs who gave me encouragement on a daily basis.”And finally, I want to thank those who were with me every day for the last two years.”A fantastic group of young men who are now legends of this football club and the brilliant coaches who never once doubted we could do something special. “We are forever connected. Audere est Facere.” More

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    Ex-BBC football pundit BANNED from driving for six months after being caught speeding in his Mercedes

    RETIRED BBC football pundit Garth Crooks got a six-month driving ban yesterday after being caught speeding again.The former Tottenham Hotspur striker, 67, admitted driving his 1.4l Mercedes A Class diesel hatchback at 24mph in a 20mph zone.Garth Crooks got a six-month driving ban after being caught speeding againCredit: BBCHe complained that the speed camera that caught him in Holloway, North London, in January this year was hidden.But JPs at Lavender Hill magistrates’ court said the limit applies at all times and not just when a camera is spotted.Crooks already had nine points for two speeding offences and a traffic signal rap.He got a further three — triggering an automatic ban.Read more on FootballFA Cup and Uefa Cup-winner Crooks was fined £666 with £110 costs.He was also and ordered to pay a £266 victim surcharge.Crooks – who was awarded the OBE in 1999 – told the court he was now “retired” and in receipt of a £118,000 a year pension.On seeing a press photographer outside, Crooks covered his face with his jacket as he descended the court steps.Most read in FootballMartin Keown battles epic rant from Garth Crooks on BBC’s Final score More

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    Iconic BBC presenter leaves job at Premier League after nine years and posts emotional message

    FAN favourite football presenter Manish Bhasin has announced he is leaving his job at the Premier League after nine years.Bhasin, 49, has been on fans’ screens for over two decades and is known by many as the face of the BBC’s defunct Football League Show. Manish Bhasin has announced his next career moveCredit: Getty Images – GettyBhasin, pictured with Premier League CEO Richard Masters, has been working at Premier League productions for nine yearsCredit: GettyBut for the last nine years he has fronted up matchday coverage of Premier League action for Premier League Productions – the league’s official broadcast outlet.Bhasin was the host of their official global match coverage, popping up on televisions across the world as he chatted about the Prem’s biggest fixtures.But the Leicester-born presenter and journalist has now revealed he is ready for a new chapter in an emotional statement announcing his exit.He wrote on X: “After 9 years of hosting for the Premier League official global match coverage, sadly the time has come to move on.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I’ve loved every second. A big thanks to the production team and the on-screen pundits who made the job so enjoyable. “Time now to write the next chapter…”Bhasin is one of many familiar faces that are leaving their roles this summer as the landscape of football coverage is set for a shakeup ahead of the new season.Sky Sports announced last week that seven of their stars are leaving the the company as part of a major redundancy programme.Most read in SportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSIncluded in that mass change is the likes of Melissa Reddy, Jeremy Langdon and the experienced Rob Wotton.Meanwhile Gary Lineker presented his final Match of the Day after 26 years in the hot-seat after revealing his exit from the BBC last month.Gary Lineker tears up as he bids emotional farewell to iconic Match of the Day after controversial BBC axeHowever, Lineker won’t be stepping away from football highlights completely.It was announced today that his podcast The Rest Is Football, which he co-hosts alongside Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, will be showing highlights of the upcoming Fifa Club World Cup.Gary Lineker has left the BBCCredit: PA More

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    Gary Lineker agrees deal with new broadcaster for Club World Cup after Match of the Day exit

    GARY LINEKER has agreed a deal with a new broadcaster after leaving the BBC.The presenter stepped back from hosting Match of the Day after 26 years in the hotseat at the end of the Premier League season just over a week ago.Gary Lineker has agreed a deal with DAZNCredit: PAThe Rest Is Football show will include Club World Cup highlightsCredit: The Rest Is FootballHe has now agreed a deal with DAZN that will see his The Rest Is Football Podcast broadcast highlights of the Club World Cup.The show, which features Alan Shearer and Micah Richards as co-hosts, will show the best bits from matches in the video version of the podcast.DAZN chief Pete Oliver said: “The Rest Is Football is essential viewing and listening for fans who want insight, entertainment, and personality.”This partnership is a brilliant way to bring the Fifa Club World Cup even closer to that audience.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“It’s about connecting global football with the voices fans trust and love, and showing the tournament in a fresh, exciting, and authentically British way.”The Club World Cup begins on June 15 and it is being held in the US.Fifa president Gianni Infantino has revamped the tournament to include 32 teams, with Chelsea and Manchester City flying the flag for England. Streaming giants DAZN are the event’s global rights holder and will broadcast all 63 matches for free.Most read in FootballChannel 5 will also show 23 live games after striking a sub-licencing agreement.Lineker’s Rest Is Football Podcast was removed from the BBC’s streaming service last week following the former England striker’s departure from the company.Gary Lineker reveals Match of the Day blunder he made in last-ever appearance for first time in 26 yearsIt comes amid a bitter end to his time at the Beeb as Match of the Day chiefs dealt him a final snub just hours before his farewell show.The Sun exclusively revealed that they decided to axe his last interview with Liverpool star Mo Salah without warning due to fears he would say something controversial about Gaza.Lineker issued an apology last month after sharing a pro-Gaza video that likened supporters of Israel to rats.He has since been enjoying some time off in Ibiza, attending his son Harry’s wedding and appearing to put his feud with brother Wayne aside during celebrations.It has always been Lineker’s plan to expand his podcast empire after his BBC departure, saying: “Professionally, I’ve got a big podcast company and I think it takes up quite a bit of my time and it will probably take up a bit more now.“It’s really exciting and it’s a lot of fun. We’re doing really well. I don’t think I’ll do much television.”Lineker’s plan after leaving the BBC was to expand his podcastThe revamped Club World Cup begins later this monthCredit: EPA More

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    Gary Lineker’s bitter feud with BBC worsens as final interview with Mo Salah BLOCKED amid fear pair ‘would discuss Gaza’

    BBC chiefs delivered a final snub to Gary Lineker when they axed his last interview without warning — just before his final Match of the Day.He was due to talk to Liverpool goal hero Mo Salah, but there were fears Lineker — involved in an online row over an antisemitic post — would say something controversial about Gaza.Gary Lineker had an interview with Mo Salah axed without warning — just before his final Match of the DayCredit: AFPThere’s ‘no love lost’ between Lineker and the BBC’s director of sport Alex Kay-JelskiCredit: BBCA source said the plug was pulled by director of sport Alex Kay-Jelski, who got the job last summer.The Sun has revealed there was “no love lost” between Lineker and Kay-Jelski — with the ex-England hero allegedly giving him the cold shoulder at the FA Cup final.An insider said: “The plan was for the interview to be shown across the BBC the weekend of Gary’s final Match Of The Day.“That would include on Football Focus the day before as well as online and on social media.read more on Gary Lineker“Out of nowhere, it got cancelled. “Some people think they didn’t want Gary and Mo to talk about Gaza.“Salah has spoken out in his support for Palestinians living in Gaza and Gary has made his feelings clear too. “It felt like it may have come up naturally in conversation.Most read in Football“It seems they axed it rather than risk possible editorial issues. “They’d only just overcome one storm so to face another would have been a nightmare.”Eagle-eyed fans spot awkward Match of the Day gaffe on Gary Lineker’s farewell showThe Sun revealed Gary, 64, was leaving the BBC after 26 years following his sharing of an Instagram post which criticised Zionism. It included an illustration of a rat — historically used as an antisemitic slur.With the BBC coming under increasingly intense pressure, Lineker issued two apologies, then agreed to step down from his £1.3million-a-year jobThe ex-Spurs star is understood to be focusing on his Goalhanger Podcasts business, as well as considering rival broadcasters’ offers.He had been suspended from Match Of The Day in March 2023 after a post about the small boats controversy, but was reinstated after a boycott by his co-stars.The BBC said: “The interview was cancelled because it was planned to air after Gary’s last Match of the Day.“It would be wrong to suggest anything else.”Read More on The SunHowever a source insisted: “A cross-platform interview with the Champions’ star player could have aired anytime. “Salah wanted to speak to Gary so to axe it entirely seems short-sighted.”Gary and Mo have both spoken out in support for Palestinians living in GazaCredit: AlamyLineker on his last MOTDCredit: BBCUnlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club. More

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    Alan Shearer breaks silence on Match of the Day future after Gary Lineker’s emotional BBC exit

    ALAN SHEARER has opened up on Gary Lineker’s emotional Match of the Day exit – and his own future on the show. Lineker, 64, signed off from his role as MOTD host after 26 years on Sunday night. Alan Shearer has broken his silence on his Match of the Day futureCredit: GettyGary Lineker signed off on the show for the final time on Sunday after 26 yearsCredit: BBCThe England legend revealed his intention to quit from the Beeb show back in November. But his exit was overshadowed by an antisemitism storm, which saw Lineker step away from the BBC completely. Shearer, 54, made his BBC punditry debut back in 2006 and has worked alongside Lineker ever since. Shearer told The Daily Mail: “He got a really emotional send off on Sunday, and one he deserved.READ MORE ON GARY LINEKER”He’s a brilliant broadcaster, and he’s a great friend of mine, and we will all miss him.”The Toon icon confirmed he will continue to appear on the iconic BBC show. Shearer and Lineker are also set to carry on with their hit podcast The Rest Is Football.They are joined on the pod by Micah Richards, another popular Beeb pundit.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKShearer admits Lineker’s farewell didn’t hit too hard – as they’ve already recorded two more episodes since. The Newcastle legend continued: “It’s different for myself and Micah, because it’s not as if we’re not ever going to see him again. Gary Lineker reveals Match of the Day blunder he made in last-ever appearance for first time in 26 years”I mean, we’ve done two recordings of our podcast as well, so we’re still going to be sort of working together.”Lineker’s production company Goalhanger Productions are reportedly in talks with DAZN ahead of the summer. The discussions are based around “launching shows featuring MOTD-style match clips of the Club World Cup.”TV insiders also believe Lineker moving to a rival such as ITV or Sky Sports is “highly unlikely.”Lineker faced a huge backlash after he re-posted a video earlier this month which criticised Zionism and included an illustration of a rat.I’m sorry that your team was always on last. Time to say goodbyeGary LinekerMOTD The Three Lions legend agreed to leave the BBC for good and apologised unreservedly.Lineker was given a seven-minute tribute during his final Match of the Day broadcastTearing up, he added: “It’s been an absolute privilege to host Match of the Day for a quarter of a century. It’s been utterly joyous.”I’d like to wish Gabby [Logan], Mark [Chapman], and Kelly [Cates] all the best when they sit in the chair.”The programme is in the best of hands. My final thank you goes to all of you. Thank you for watching. Read More on The Sun”Thank you for all your love and support over the years. It’s been so special. “I’m sorry that your team was always on last. Time to say goodbye.” More