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    New favourite lined up to replace Gary Lineker as Match of the Day host after Jermaine Jenas sacked by BBC

    THE BBC have lined up a new replacement for Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker, it’s been claimed.The former Everton and England hitman, who succeeded Des Lynham, has been at the helm of the MOTD ship for a whopping 25 years.Gary Lineker’s days as Match of the Day presenter are coming to an endCredit: BBCJermaine Jenas was the front-runner to replace Lineker before the Beeb axed him for his sexting scandalCredit: BBCMark Chapman is reportedly now the favourite to succeed LinekerCredit: GETTYBut his long-term future with the Beeb remains in doubt following the public backlash to his likening of the former Conservative Government migrant policy to “Germany in the ’30s”.Jermaine Jenas was long seen as the successor to the MOTD hot seat but is out of the running after being AXED by the Beeb for his sexting scandal, which SunSport exclusively revealed.And the Britsh broadcasting powerhouse has reportedly pivoted to a presenter already in their ranks to replace Lineker.That’s according to The Times, who claim Mark Chapman is the new frontrunner to succeed Lineker.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSChapman, of course, is already well known to footie fans as he presents Match of the Day 2 on Sundays, a role he’s had since 2013.The 50-year-old is also a presenter on Radio 5 Live and recently became the face of the BBC’s new Champions League highlights show.Chapman’s new gig is set to get underway next week when Europe’s elite club competition kicks off.And The Times claims Chapman’s latest appointment is the reason why he’s the favourite to replace Lineker.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMark Chapman has presented Match of the Day 2 for the last 11 yearsCredit: BBCThe potential appointment of Chapman as Lineker’s eventual replacement doesn’t come as a surprise.Lineker, however, viewed the disgraced Jenas – whose marriage is on the rocks after his inappropriate work-related behaviour – as his eventual successor.Gary Lineker reveals how his views on Match of the Day can sometimes get him into trouble The 63-year-old said last year: “Jermaine Jenas – who is probably drifting more towards my role.”I think Jermaine is doing it really well as well, doing The One Show.”When asked Micah Richards if he was nervous about Jenas replacing him, he replied: “Nervous? ‘”I’m ancient. My time is nearly up.” More

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    Former England and Arsenal star says ‘I will be a different kind of sports pundit’ ahead of Match of the Day debut

    THEO WALCOTT has promised to bring a new type of analysis to Match of the Day ahead of his debut appearance.The Arsenal legend will be in the BBC studio on Saturday night to provide his insight on the weekend’s games.Theo Walcott will make his Match of the Day debut this weekendCredit: RexWalcott, who hung up his boots last year after a spell at Southampton, said he wants to bring a different outlook on the biggest talking points.He said: “I feel I will be a different kind of sports pundit.”I will always like to bring a positive outlook and the insights of how I as a player would have responded in that way when a certain situation happens.“I would really look at it in depth, the fact that it could be simple, like body position, or shirt pulling, something that could have just really disrupted a certain situation happening.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We all look at the TV and say ‘he should have scored that’ – but do we actually really break it down? Then try to take a look at why has he not hit the target?“I am going to be that kind of pundit I suppose and see if it works for me.”Walcott is ready for his role on Match of the Day after helping the BBC with their coverage of the Euros over the summer.The ex-England star has also landed a job on the Beeb’s new Champions League highlights show.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSArsenal start their European campaign away at Atalanta on Thursday.But Walcott reckons the Premier League could be where glory lies, explaining: “I have said Arsenal will win the league – and they are going to have to be exceptional to win the league.How Raheem Sterling can make huge difference to Arsenal’s season“The way Manchester City have started, they have just wiped people to the floor and they have the fear factor now that when they walk on the field, the opposition players and their fans are terrified.“I would be worried as a league that we don’t want it to be a one-horse race.“We have got to be wary of Liverpool as well, they have started exceptionally well.”Walcott’s career2005-2006: Southampton: 23 appearances, 5 goals2006-2018: Arsenal: 397 appearances, 108 goals2018-2020: Everton: 85 appearances, 11 goals2021-2023: Southampton: 59 appearances, 5 goals2006-2016: England: 47 appearances, 8 goalsHonours: 2x FA Cups, 2x Community Shields More

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    BBC MOTD pundit slammed by international manager for ‘talking s*** all the time’

    NEW Wales manager Craig Bellamy once berated pundit Micah Richards for “talking s*** all the time”.The Match of the Day analyst was speaking about the Nations League with pals Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker on the Stick to Football podcast.Pundit Micah Richards recalled the time he was “mugged off” by Craig BellamyThe former Man City defender’s story left Gary Lineker in stitchesWales boss Bellamy told Micah Richards to up his punditry gameAfter dissecting England’s 2-0 win over Ireland, attentions turned to Wales, who kicked off their international break with a goalless draw against Turkey. Bellamy left Burnley after two years as an assistant to take charge of the Welsh national team, following the departure of Rob Page after the nation failed to qualify for Euro 2024.It prompted Richards to recall a “quick story” about visiting Bellamy – or “Bells” – before Burnley’s 3-0 defeat to Manchester City last season.Richards said: “Bellers is Marmite. You either love him or you hate him. He worked his socks off when he was at Man City.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”But he would tell you how it is. If you played rubbish he would tell you. “So I’ve gone to see Vincent Kompany last season before Burnley’s first game of the season last year, I went to a training session and I went to the game.”And I’m walking into Turf Moor and I see Bellamy come up and he goes ‘F*** me, you’re f***ing everywhere talking s*** all the time’.””And I said ‘Bellers what do you mean?’.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”You boys on analysis don’t know what you’re talking about. You’ve got basic analysis. It’s ABC, 123 stuff. If you want proper analysis come to a Burnley training and I will show you how it is done.”I was thinking to myself whether or not he was being serious or if he was having banter. But he was being deadly serious. I did not know how to take it.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballers”I didn’t say nothing, I got in my car and drove home and just thought he’s just mugged me right off there and I’ve basically just taken it.”The brutal anecdote left Lineker and Shearer in stitches as they both burst out in laughter.Richards then admitted that he’ll be pulling Bellamy up on certain bits and pieces when he sees his former Man City team-mate again.Man City signed the former Welsh winger back in January 2009 from West Ham for £14m.Bellamy also formed a successful strike partnership with Shearer at Newcastle between 2001-2005 under Bobby Robson.Meanwhile, the appointment of Bellamy as Wales manager was to push for a rebrand before the 2026 World Cup and Euro 2028, when Cardiff will stage matches. Bellamy, who won 78 Welsh caps, scoring 19 goals, never qualified for a major finals and hopes for his first win as boss against Montenegro tonight. More

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    England star reveals NO team-mate would make a ‘great manager’ and says ‘we’re all assistants’

    KYLE WALKER has claimed NOT ONE of his England team-mates at Manchester City would make for “great manager” material.Instead, he insists they would all be assistants, but did also name four other team-mates who would fit into that bracket.Kyle Walker was asked which England team-mates at Man City would make a ‘great manager’Credit: https://www.instagram.com/kylewalker2/Walker answered by saying none of themCredit: https://www.instagram.com/kylewalker2/Instead he insisted they would all be assistants insteadCredit: https://www.instagram.com/kylewalker2/But Walker named four stars at City who would be good managersCredit: https://www.instagram.com/kylewalker2/He then called John Stones to ask him for his viewCredit: https://www.instagram.com/kylewalker2/Speaking on BBC 5 Live Sport, Walker was asked what team-mates, if any, at Man City he would fancy to be a good manager in the future.Walker, 34, said: “I’d probably say Kevin [De Bruyne], Bernardo [Silva], Rodri and Ruben [Dias].”When asked about club-mates he has starred with at international level, Walker swiftly responded: “Nah, no chance…”Nah, assistants. We’re all assistants aren’t we.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWalker was then asked whether John Stones, who has played alongside him for both club and country, would agree. This prompted the defender to call the 30-year-old.Once Stones had picked up, Walker asked him for his thoughts.The former Everton defender singled out Dias as his pick for a good manager in the future.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe also revealed two members of the England Euro 2024 squad who also fit into that category, and in doing so also revealed the two stars’ nicknames in the camp.Brainstorming their opinions together, Walker said: “Uncle Marc [Guehi] I think.”How England’s last ten managers fared on debut and who started in their first XIStones chuckled at the namedrop but agreed, before adding: “Uncle Marc or the Hurricane probably.”The BBC presenter was confused by the name and asked who it referred to, with Walker answering it was Harry Kane.Walker failed to make the cut for Lee Carsley’s first England squad for Uefa Nations League clashes against Ireland and Finland.It is the first time the 90-cap defender has been out of the squad since March 2022.The Three Lions beat Ireland 2-0 – with 80-cap Stones playing five minutes off the bench – and face Finland tomorrow evening.England Player Ratings vs IrelandDECLAN RICE silenced his Irish critics with a dominant display in England’s Nations League opener.Lee Carsley’s players handed him a debut win as interim manager of the Three Lions.Rice starred in the first half as he netted the opener and then set up England’s second goal.Jack Grealish doubled up for England after being set up by Rice 15 minutes later.Anthony Gordon however faded in the match as he was not able to have as much success as Grealish.SunSport’s Charlie Wyett has rated England’s players’ performance against Ireland…JORDAN PICKFORD – 6Pushed away a half decent shot from Sammie Szmodics at the start of the game but as England took control, he had a stress-free game.After a difficult couple of weeks with Everton, he would have been grateful for this. TRENT ALEXANDER-ARNOLD – 7Looked more at home at right-back compared to the disastrous midfield experiment at the Euros.Stunning pass in a move that eventually led to the first goal. He has to remain as England’s right-back. MARC GUEHI – 7Enjoyed a decent Euros and switched over to the right of central defence as John Stones was named on the bench.Looks increasingly like a top-drawer defender. HARRY MAGUIRE – 7Was left devastated after failing to make the Euro 2024 squad but he has enjoyed a decent start with Manchester United and looked solid here.When he is not in the team, England do miss his aerial presence. 7LEVI COLWILL – 7Second appearance for England and was deployed at left-back.Unlike the Euros, England have much better balance in defence with a natural left footer in this position. 7DECLAN RICE – 9Enjoyed an absolute stormer in what could have been a difficult afternoon.Booed every time he touched the ball, the former Irish international quietened the boisterous home fans with a brilliant finish although refused to celebrate.He then set up the second for Grealish. KOBBIE MAINOO – 7Fits perfectly into Carsley’s style of play. Some of his passing was excellent, particularly in the final third of the pitch, and this included his part in the outstanding second goal. BUKAYO SAKA – 7Enjoying a terrific start to the season with Arsenal – he has been nominated as their player of the month – and played with plenty of confidence here.Was involved in the second goal.JACK GREALISH – 8Left out of the Euros squad, but loved every minute of this.A decent finish for 2-0 and unlike Rice, celebrated in front of the visiting fans by raising both arms in triumph.ANTHONY GORDON – 6Looked really lively early on but faded.He should have put England ahead when clean through but was lucky that seconds later, Rice hammered his shot into the corner. 6HARRY KANE – 6Missed with a header and despite working hard, did not actually have that many chances despite England having so much possession. SubsGibbs-White (for Grealish 77 mins) 6, Gomes (for Mainoo 77) 6, Eze (for Gordon 77 mins) 6, Bowen (for Kane 84 mins) 6, Stones (for Maguire 85) 6.Subs not used: Henderson, Pope, Lewis, Gallagher, Livramento, Konsa, Madueke. More

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    Alex Scott shows off incredible toned abs as she launches campaign with major store and fans gush ‘lucky to have you’

    SUPER-TONED Alex Scott looked as quick off the “Marks” as ever in “stunning, gorgeous” snaps for a sporty new fashion line.The popular presenter and Lionesses legend, 39, awed fans with her bristling abs, sprinting routine and sleek “chic” style.Alex and partner Jess Glynne took a relaxing trip to IbizaCredit: InstagramThey could hardly have looked more relaxed than thisCredit: Instagram @alexscott2Alex regularly wows followers with glam pics and top eventsCredit: GettyScott is a prime contender to succeed Gary Lineker as host on the BBC’s flagship football show Match of the Day, if he departs when his contract expires next summer.And if it comes down to fitness she appears a racing certainty – judging by her breezy pics for the Marks & Spencer chain.”Beautiful and awesome,” was one response to her Instagram post parading a range of outfits.More than one fan told her that M&S was “lucky to have you” as she went through a vigorous routine of exercises.READ MORE TOP STORIESAlex wore sports bras, revisited her football skills and let tops dangle down off her arms as she enjoyed a sunny session outside.She wrote: “It’s been an inspiring Summer of Sport and I’m SOOOO excited to be launching my first campaign proper with @marksandspencer, featuring so many brands that you will LOVE!!.”So let’s make moves, get active and let’s do this!!”The promotional work rounds off an eventful summer for Alex.Most read in FootballDaring and elegant outfits are a big part of Alex’s wardrobeCredit: RexUltimate sports presenters rich listTV sports presenters make a mint.The biggest and best are signed up on yearly deals with the likes of the BBC, ITV and Sky for your viewing pleasure.Laura Woods is dominating the media landscape at the moment, leading TNT Sports’ coverage and ITV’s.Alex Scott and Jermaine Jenas are two of the fresher faces for the BBC’s sporting output.Then, it’s the old guard of Gary Lineker and Mark Chapman who also command hefty fees for their Match of the Day programmes.SunSport has taken a look at how those big names rank and compiled a list of the top 10 highest earning stars that grace our TV screens.With number one worth a whopping £29.4million more than number 10!Read the story and see the full list here.She took a prominent role in the Beeb’s Euro 2024 coverage but missed out on their broadcasting team for the Olympics in Paris.So she decided a blissful-looking trip to Ibiza with partner Jess Glynne was the ideal way to unwind.Alex Scott looks stunning in bold see-through outfitNow she’s not only back in her stride with the Premier League season but also putting herself through the paces in a fun fashion shoot.”You Look Absolutely Stunning,” observed one fan.Another added: “Appreciate you representing a collection that has sizes for almost anyone.”And although that might be the most important message, one of her 2million followers found a rueful reason to not yet take up her plea to “make moves, get active”.Perhaps looking at Alex’s athletic frame, the fan insisted or maybe joked: “I will as soon as my abs are on point.”A dazzling glimpse into the presenter’s life…She is a presenter on Football Focus and The One ShowScott dazzled in a red leather outfit when presenting SoccerAidCredit: RexAlex made 148 appearances for Arsenal WomenCredit: Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards and Attitude magazine – on sale nowThe former right-back won 140 England Women’s capsCredit: Virgin Atlantic Attitude Awards and Attitude magazine – on sale nowScott began dating singer Jess Glynne in 2023Credit: RexThe 39-year-old looks so at ease in front of the cameraCredit: PAScott loves to dress up, with this her Halloween offeringCredit: GettyShe also dressed up as a scary clown on October 31Credit: Instagram @alexscott2Scott was awarded an MBE in 2017Credit: PA More

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    ‘Petrified’ BBC pundit forced to hide from rowdy rival fans for FOUR HOURS on packed train

    ALAN SHEARER revealed that he was “petrified” after being caught on a train with Sunderland fans.The BBC pundit and retired footballer is beloved in Newcastle but not liked by their biggest rivals, the Black Cats.Alan Shearer admitted he was ‘petrified’ while on a train with Sunderland fansCredit: GettyHe scored 206 goals for Newcastle during his careerCredit: GettyShearer, 54, found himself on a packed train from London to Newcastle, surrounded by the rival supporters.The Sunderland fans were in a great mood, having watched their side beat Portsmouth 3-1 at Fratton Park.The former Newcastle star was trying to get back up north after flying back to Heathrow from a friends wedding in Perugia in Italy.However due to the latness of the train, he was unable to get a spot in first class and ended up having to hide his face from the fans.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShearer revealed his ordeal on the Rest is Football podcast He said: “We get on the Heathrow Express and then get on the tube to King’s Cross.”There was a lovely lady from LNER and she was waiting for us and told us there were hardly any seats left.”She met us at King’s Cross and got us enough seats but there were no booths.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”She then said there was going to be a lot of football fans on, so I am sat thinking at least I am on the train.”We were not in first class and were in coach and I think ‘oh my f*****g god, Sunderland have played Portsmouth away.Watch Micah Richards belt out Bob Marley song with Danny Murphy and Alan Shearer as fans hail ‘nation’s treasure'”So I got my cap on, and I am wedged in the corner, and it is getting busier and busier, and the aisle is getting taken up by singing Sunderland fans.”Within half an hour, I can’t lift my head up because I am scared as it is just full of them in a great mood.”Then they started singing the Newcastle and Shearer songs and I had nearly four hours of which I could not lift my head up, I was petrified.”Shearer continued to reveal that he managed to make it all the way to Newcastle without being spotted by the Sunderland fans.He added: “I got all the way to Newcastle and was hoping they all got off at Durham, but only half of them did.”I was petrified getting off at Newcastle, but there was not one that recognised me.”I did not move for four hours and they had sung and abused me for four hours.”Shearer has often upset Sunderland fans during his appearances on the podcast.He has previously called the Stadium of Light a “s***hole” to which Gary Lineker said it was a “disgusting thing to say.Shearer made 405 appearances for his hometown club after signing from Blackburn in 1996.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe scored 206 goals for the Magpies during his 10-year spell at St James’ Park.Shearer is also the Premier League’s all-time top goalscorer.Who are these famous footballers? More

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    Joe Hart’s Match of the Day appearance with Lineker divides fans as some confused by him ‘going on about smelling stuff’

    JOE HART’S Match of the Day punditry has split opinion among viewers.The former Manchester City and England keeper, 37, hung up his gloves at the end of last season after winning the double with Celtic.Joe Hart appeared on Match of the Day for a second time on Saturday nightCredit: BBCHart’s opinion in between Gary Lineker and Danny Murphy divided opinionCredit: BBCHe was a part of the BBC’s coverage of Euro 2024, regularly offering his insight to presenter Gary Lineker and those watching at home.Now he is set to become a regular fixture on Match of the Day following the departure of Arsenal legend Ian Wright.Hart’s first appearance on the iconic highlights programme came earlier this month as he suffered a blunder by getting Newcastle star Joelinton’s name wrong.But two weeks later he was back on the MOTD screen when he accompanied Lineker and ex-Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy on Saturday night.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd some people were loving his appearance on the show.One social media user said: “Joe Hart is probably BBC’s MOTD best analyst and he only just joined lol.”While another added: “How good is Joe Hart as a pundit by the way? Breath of fresh air! 👍”And a third replied: “Joe Hart really is an excellent addition to #MOTD. His analysis is detailed and insightful, and focuses on really breaking down moments in a way MOTD often doesn’t.”Most read in SportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAwkward moment Celtic hero Joe Hart gets Newcastle star’s name wrong live on Match of the DayBut others were somewhat confused by a few of his comments and left unimpressed.One person said: “Does Joe Hart think he’s Gordan Ramsay on #motd? Keeps going on about smelling stuff.”A second agreed, responding: “Why is Joe Hart talking like a poet?? ‘They can smell it, they can smell it’ 😂 #MOTD.”And another added: “Joe Hart was a fantastic GK and will forever be a Celtic legend, but Jesus Christ he is a boring a** pundit.”Drones on and on and on about teams ”smelling’ their opponents. Ready to jump off a cliff. His analysis is neither insightful nor interesting with his monotone voice.”Hart is one of two ex-footballers replacing Wright on Match of the Day, with former England international Theo Walcott the other.After being announced as a pundit on the show, Hart said: “I’m very excited, very proud, and looking forward to growing into an incredible role on something that I grew up watching.”I want to try and give back as much as I can from the career I’ve had and keep learning.”I’m thrilled to be in an around an incredible set up, learning first and foremost in a new part of my life.”Some fans were confused by Hart’s references to ‘smelling’Credit: BBC More

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    BBC host Mark Chapman jokes he’s ‘glad Rod Stewart’s not beside me’ for complicated Carabao Cup draw as fans slam ‘fix’

    FANS blasted the Carabao Cup third-round draw as a “fix” after the complicated new format was introduced by BBC host Mark Chapman.The presenter even joked that he was “glad Rod Stewart and Martin O’Neill were not beside” him before he explained the changes.Mark Chapman was tasked with explaining the new Carabao Cup formatSir Stewart, 79, became and internet sensation after delivering the  2017 the Scottish Cup draw after a “few bevvies”.Sir Stewart ballsed it up after mixing up the numbers, shouting the wrong names out and putting his thumbs up to the camera.Former Ireland boss O’Neill had his own comical gaffe for the second-round of Carabao Cup draw last season.The Northern Irishman put each team ball to his mouth when it came out of the hat thinking it was a microphone to the amusement of fans.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSChapman didn’t want any repeats of these events and needed no distractions as he made subtle digs the new-look design.Expansive changes to the Champions League and Europa League this season have sparked up the need for the revised Carabao Cup format. Two bowls were used on Wednesday night to help the six European sides avoid fixture clashes. The first bowl only included the six Prem teams playing in the Champions League and Europa League.Most read in FootballThe other 26 teams were relegated to the second part of the draw.As such the first four teams picked were from the European bowl, which meant Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United lucked out with home fixtures.How the draw was laid out before teams were selectedCredit: Sky SportsFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSIn a bid to make it a tad bit fairer, the final two games swapped so that two other European teams would be drawn away. Aston Villa and Tottenham were the last two European qualifiers left to be selected, so they face Wycombe Wanderers and Coventry City away.Smoking and vaping to be banned in pub gardens and outside football stadiumsChelsea were not included in the first “Europe” bowl as their Conference League round begins later on in the season.However, fans are horrified by the new approach but absolutely loved Chapman’s presenting skills.One fan wrote on X: “Even Mark Chapman knows this draw is a farce, he’s laughing as he’s describing it.”A second said: “Bloody love Mark Chapman. He knows this draw is wrong.”A third replied: “Chapman taking the p** out of the format is hilarious 😂.”While another noted: “The draw is biased and embarrassing. As a result of ensuring they can’t draw each other. All those teams should be away and allow the smaller teams a chance of a home giant-killing and important revenue.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Premier League teams not in European competitions entered the Carabao Cup in the second round.Meanwhile, two additional matchweeks have been added to the calendar for the two European competitions as that is drawn on Thursday.Carabao Cup draw in fullLiverpool v West Ham UnitedManchester City v WatfordArsenal v Bolton WanderersManchester United v BarnsleyWycombe Wanderers v Aston VillaCoventry City v Tottenham HotspurWalsall v Leicester CityBrentford v Leyton OrientBlackpool v Sheffield WednesdayPreston North End v FulhamEverton v SouthamptonQueens Park Rangers v Crystal PalaceStoke City v Fleetwood TownBrighton & Hove Albion v Wolverhampton WanderersAFC Wimbledon v Newcastle UnitedChelsea v Barrow More