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      Jermaine Jenas will RETURN to talkSPORT in just days – after being sacked by BBC for ‘inappropriate texts’

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      JERMAINE Jenas will return to talkSPORT in a matter of days – just months after being sacked by the BBC.The former One Show host was dropped in August last year amid allegations of workplace misconduct.Jermaine Jenas is due to return to broadcasting at the weekendCredit: AlamyJenas on talkSPORT the day he was sacked from the BBCCredit: TalkSportJenas spoke exclusively to the Sun about the scandal in AugustCredit: Andrew StyczynskiOn the same day it was confirmed he had lost his £190k-a-year Beeb job, Jenas, 41, anchored talkSPORT’s drive time show – and is due to return to the radio station for the first time over the weekend.The ex-England and Premier League midfielder is pencilled in to form part of the commentary team for the Aston Villa vs Tottenham match. Bosses at talkSPORT were made aware of his BBC sacking moments before he went on air in the summer.It later emerged he had been dismissed after sending explicit texts to two female colleagues.READ MORE ABOUT JENASIt came after the broadcaster had issued reformed workplace culture guidelines in light of the Strictly Come Dancing and Huw Edwards scandals.Jenas made an initial return to broadcasting in October – at the Emirates stadium covering Arsenal v Liverpool for an overseas network which was not shown on British airwaves.JENAS HAS HIS SAYSpeaking to the Sun at the time of his sacking, Jenas apologised to his wife but denied being a sex pest.He insisted he had done nothing illegal but said he was sorry if he made the women involved uncomfortable. Most read in FootballSpeaking less than 24 hours after The Sun revealed he had been fired from Match of the Day and The One Show following the complaints, Jenas said: “I am ashamed, and I am deeply sorry.He was sacked in an excruciating online meeting with HR and senior corporation execs, including being shown a string of X-rated messages he’d sent.Jermaine Jenas hints at next job as he teases ‘exciting stuff’ he has been working on after BBC axingHe told the Sun: “I am ashamed, and I am deeply sorry.”I have let myself down, my family, friends and colleagues down, and I owe everyone an apology — especially the women with whom I was messaging. I am so, so sorry.“I am sorry for what I have put them through.“I think it would be fair to say I have a problem. I know I self- sabotage and have a self-destructive streak when it comes to my relationship especially, and I know I need help. And I am getting help.“I have made a lot of mistakes, and I am asking myself a lot of questions at the moment. I know there’s a lot of work that needs to be done, and it will be hard.“Before any of this became ­public, I saw my private doctor and after a long discussion, booked in for therapy to try and address these issues, where they stem from, and why I have been doing this and hurting the people I love.“I’m not proud of what I wrote and what I said. And I do consider it cheating, yes, although nothing physical ever happened.“This is all on me and I fully accept there is a level of responsibility that needs to be upheld when you’re a member of the BBC.“And I fell below those standards. I must take the responsibility.“I was given an incredible opportunity and I know it’s on me that right now I feel I have lost everything. I feel like people are judging me and that I am the number one target right now in the country.”Jenas – who had previously been tipped to replace Gary Lineker as MOTD host – revealed he was sacked by the BBC five days after the initial HR consultation process began.The BBC’s Director of Sport Alex Kay-Jelski informed all staff of the former Spurs star’s sudden dismissal only after The Sun had broken the story online.Jenas insisted he thought this “says everything about the BBC’s handling of it all really”.While former colleagues, both on and off screen, had been advised not to contact him due to the legal situation, he says several well-known faces and production staff have offered their support.Jenas said he knows one of the women involved through work and she gave him her mobile number at a boozy work event.They then “frantically” sexted over 24 hours but he claims it ended amicably.Speaking at the West Lodge Park hotel in North London, Jenas denied sending any sexual pictures or videos.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: “That was not the case.”After being told of the allegations against him, Jenas lied to his wife Ellie in a desperate bid to stall and “find a way out of this mess”. More

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      Roman Abramovich denies owing UK £1billion over tax dodge ‘that helped fund Chelsea’

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      FORMER Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has denied allegations he knowingly owes the UK up to £1billion in unpaid tax.The Russian oligarch had been accused of using the money as part of a botched tax dodge to help fund his purchase of the Premier League club in 2003.Roman Abramovich bought Chelsea in 2003Credit: GettyHe denies having any knowledge or being personally responsible for any unpaid tax.The BBC and Bureau of Investigative Journalism claimed leaked documents show hedge fund investments worth £4.7billion were managed in the UK, despite being routed through firms in the British Virgin Islands.They claimed the money can reportedly be traced back to funding Abramovich used to buy Chelsea.But the oligarch’s lawyers said he “always obtained independent expert professional tax and legal advice” and “acted in accordance with that advice”.READ MORE SPORT NEWSRapper Central Cee is lost for words when Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella serenades him ON THE BRINKChelsea are close to escaping a points deduction for payments during Abramovich’s ownership, it is claimed.The Stamford Bridge club paid an £8.6m fine to Uefa in 2023 when they confessed to the illegal payments made to agents and players.Chelsea were under legal obligation to own up to the breaches, with Prem legal chiefs investigating the matter for 18 months.But it has emerged that the Blues are now negotiating a financial settlement with Prem legal beaks.Most read in FootballThis would allow them to avoid a points deduction.Last year it was claimed Chelsea were days from going out of business before Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital bought the club from Abromovich in 2022.The oligarch was sanctioned by the UK over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, meaning he was forced to relinquish control of the club.Joe Ravitch, the banker who oversaw the complex sale of the club to Boehly and Clearlake, claimed there would have been “catastrophic consequences” had the deal not gone through when it did.Ravitch, an American merchant banker who also worked on Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment in Manchester United, revealed Chelsea were on the brink of liquidation before the £4.25billion deal was finally approved. More

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      Chris Kamara joins choir in bid to get voice back as Sky Sports legend, 67, gives health update

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      CHRIS KAMARA has joined a choir as he continues his journey to recover his speech.The popular TV star and former midfielder stepped away from his broadcasting roles in 2022 when he was diagnosed with apraxia. Chris Kamara joined a choir to help improve his speechCredit: RexApraxia is a rare neurological disorder which sees sufferers unable to get their words out – even though they know what they want to say. Kamara’s difficult journey has included intense speech therapy.But he has now issued a positive update on his health – with the revelation about his singing exploits. Kamara, 67, told BBC Breakfast he signed up for a choir of Bradford City fans for an upcoming TV series Bantam of the Opera. READ MORE ON CHRIS KAMARAThe ex-Bantams player and manager joked his new venture may not have helped his ability to hit the right notes or sing in tune.But it has certainly helped his confidence and fluency with his words.Kamara said: “Well, the good news is, I could never sing before so it’s not made any difference!”But the truth of the matter is, you get more fluency in your voice when you sing so it’s a form of rehab when you’re trying to get your voice back. Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”Singing helps me.”The Bantam of the Opera choir are being supported by legendary composer Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber and will be involved in Bradford’s 2025 UK City of Culture celebrations.Watch Chris Kamara fight back tears as Soccer Saturday legend receives hero’s welcome from crowd at Leeds vs BrentfordWhat is apraxia of speech?CHRIS KAMARA has been diagnosed with apraxia of speech – but what is it?Apraxia of speech is a condition which makes talking difficult, with sufferers knowing what they’d like to say, but having trouble communicating their words.The NHS says that the condition can be extremely frustrating for people.They explained: “Frequently the person with apraxia will have difficulties with conversational speech. “However they may be good at ‘automatic’ speech tasks such as counting, swearing, repeating rhymes, greetings and farewell.”It’s usually caused by damage to the left side of the brain, such as a stroke.The condition does not affect a person’s understanding and the symptoms of the condition can vary occurring to the severity of the disorder.But this is not Kamara’s first venture into TV singing.Because the ex-Swindon and Brentford man appeared in the 2023 season of The Masked Singer, putting on a Scottish accent, and also on Get Britain Singing. Kamara’s popularity soared during his 24 years on Soccer Saturday, where he had a superb relationship with host Jeff Stelling. The pair were reunited in emotional scenes on Boxing Day when Kammy returned to TV to help Amazon Prime’s coverage of Nottingham Forest’s 1-0 win over Tottenham. Kammy returned to TV screens on Boxing Day to cover Nottingham Forest vs TottenhamCredit: Amazon PrimeBantam of the Opera will follow the Bradford fans’ singing ventureCredit: PA More

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      New Match of the Day host Mark Chapman, 51, ‘goes house-hunting’ with girlfriend, 43, five years after being widowed

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      NEW Match of the Day host Mark Chapman smiles as he appears to go house-hunting with his girlfriend.Chappers, 51, was seen looking in estate agents’ windows in Altrincham, Greater Manchester, with Clere Collier, 43.New Match of the Day host Mark Chapman appeared to go house-hunting with his girlfriend Clere CollierCredit: BackGridChapman window shopping in ManchesterCredit: BackGridPals say he has found happiness with Clere, five years on from being widowed.Blonde Clere regularly posts loved-up snaps of them together on social media and their relationship is flourishing.In October last year, when Mark celebrated his 51st birthday, Clere gushed over her man on Instagram, calling him “my one love”.Posting an image of the couple together as they went on a country walk, she wrote: “Happy birthday to this one. My one love.READ MORE ON MARK CHAPMAN“So proud of all you do, the biggest heart, the kindest soul, the leader of our pack and not to mention devilishly handsome. I love you, happy 51.”Last week the BBC announced Mark as the next MOTD presenter alongside Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan.The trio will replace footie legend Gary Lineker, 64, who leaves at the end of the season.Chapman is already one of the BBC’s hardest working presenters, currently hosting Match of the Day 2 as well as fronting a range of programmes on Radio 5 Live.Most read in FootballHe also hosts the BBC’s Champions League highlights and fronts Sky Sports’ Carabao Cup coverage.Wayne Rooney Eyes Pundit Spot on BBC’s Match of the DayA covered up Mark eyeing up a new homeCredit: BackGridKelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan have been announced as new Match of the Day presentersCredit: PAPals say Chapman has found happiness with her five years on from being widowedCredit: BackGridMark’s wife Sara dies aged 44 after a long illnessCredit: Twitter More

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      ‘Cry me a river’ – Match of the Day pundit Ashley Williams cheekily trolled after getting Arsenal ace’s name wrong TWICE

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      ASHLEY WILLIAMS was cheekily pulled up after getting Jurrien Timber’s name wrong TWICE on Match of the Day.Williams, 40, was appearing on Saturday night’s show, which featured highlights of Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Aston Villa.Ashley Williams was trolled after mistakenly referring to Jurrien Timber as JustinCredit: BBCWilliams was highlighting why Timber and Thomas Partey had cost Arsenal against Aston VillaCredit: BBCBut viewers at home wondered why he had not been pulled up on itCredit: BBCHowever, while analysing the game, fans noticed a slight error made by the former defender.The Welshman was heard accidentally referring to Gunners star Timber as “Justin” – possibly in a mix-up caused by pop star Justin Timberlake.Viewers were left doing a double-take as Williams then made the same mistake again moments later.And fans couldn’t help but poke fun at the former Swansea and Everton star.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTaking to social media, one fan said: “Can someone tell Ashley Williams that Arsenal’s Timber is called Jurrien, not Justin?”A second said: “Justin Timber…(lake)”A third, referencing the hit song by Timberlake, added: “Justin Timber?! Cry me a river, Ashley Williams.”Another said: “Justin Timber you know.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSWilliams’ analysis of the Dutchman came as he explained why he and Thomas Partey playing at right-back in the absence of William Saliba cost Arsenal from the defensive point of view.Arsenal had taken a 2-0 lead with goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz but were forced to settle for a draw after goals from Youri Tielemans and Ollie Watkins.Lone sad Arsenal fan being asked to leave by securityWilliams explained that the makeshift right side of the defence left them exposed down that flank, leading to the first Villa goal.Partey was then highlighted as he left Watkins unmarked for him to volley home the equaliser.With Liverpool enjoying a late comeback against Brentford through Darwin Nunez, Mikel Arteta’s side have now fallen six points behind the league leaders, who still have a game in hand.Arsenal host Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League next before travelling to Wolves next weekend.Arsenal ratings vs Aston VillaArsenal’s title hopes took a huge hit as they threw away a two-goal lead against Aston VillaLeandro Trossard turned provider for the Gunners to set up both goals as it looked like they would cruise to three points.But defensive lapses from two stars cost Arteta’s side dearly.Here is how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the players…DAVID RAYA – 6/10Let down by those in front of him for both goals, a duo of close range efforts he had no chance with.MYLES LEWIS-SKELLY – 8With performances like this, he is suddenly the first name on the team sheet for Arteta. So calm and composed for someone so young, and his strength against bigger opposition is scary at times.GABRIEL – 7Made a crucial tackle one-on-one with Watkins and another block from a speedy counterJURRIEN TIMBER – 7Alert to foil counters against the pace of Watkins and coped well in general. It is not his fault that he doesn’t have the defensive presence of Saliba.THOMAS PARTEY – 6A great stint at right back but one lapse in concentration cost Arsenal the lead, losing track of Watkins in the box before he volleyed in.MIKEL MERINO – 6A workman-like performance – won his duels and worked his socks off, but the small details were missing, shanking a good chance well wide in the first half.He then lost his marker to allow Tielemans to head in and make it 2-1. Could have won it at the end with a scuffed effort in off Havertz that VAR chalked off and smacked the post too.DECLAN RICE – 7Integral to everything good about Arsenal and came close with a long-range punt in the second half.MARTIN ODEGAARD – 6A solid display but he is really missing his partner in crime in Saka. He created as much as he could but sometimes needs to be more selfish to drag his team over the line.LEANDRO TROSSARD – 8Deflected effort was comfortable for Martinez but his superb cross made life much harder for the Villa keeper to tee up Martinelli for the opener before blazing over himself.The Belgian racked up his fifth Prem assist of the season in the second half for Havertz.GABRIEL MARTINELLI – 8Threatened at the far post early on, but got his rewards from the same position in the 35th minute with a stabbed effort ahead of Maatsen.KAI HAVERTZ – 8Again, lack of decent service left him living off scraps, but when he got a scrap he fired an effort straight at Martinez from close range.The German more than made up for it after the break with a clinical finish, even if Martinez should have done better. That will do wonders for his confidence.SUBS:RAHEEM STERLING (MARTINELLI, 82) – 6A few darting runs, but added virtually nothing, other than a needless yellow card. A cameo that screamed “lacking confidence”. More

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      Wayne Rooney in talks for HUGE new TV job after axed by Plymouth

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      OUT-of-work footie boss Wayne Rooney is said to be in negotiations to be a pundit on Match of the Day.The former England striker, 39, is eyeing up a lucrative move to the rejigged show following long-term presenter Gary Lineker’s departure at the end of this season.From left to right, Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan and are the new hosts of MOTDCredit: PAHe hopes to join new hosts Gabby Logan, Mark Chapman and Kelly Cates on the BBC highlights show as a rotating guest pundit.He could command up to £200,000 for the year, depending on how many appearances he makes. It comes after Man United great Rooney was sacked as manager of Plymouth Argyle at the end of last year, with the side rooted to the bottom of the Championship.Last night, a source said: “Punditry is one of a number of options open to Wayne for the future. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”He worked alongside Gary and co at the Euros last summer, and was a huge hit with viewers.“He’s also eminently likeable with a forensic knowledge and love of the game.“Match of the Day and a couple of other broadcasters are interested in having him on their programming.“Wayne and the BBC are in early stage negotiations but it is looking promising and he is taking some time to work out exactly what he wants to do next”.Most read in FootballLast April, Rooney was forced to withdraw from his debut appearance on the show because of a back injury.Meanwhile, Rooney’s 38-year-old wife Coleen has been inundated with offers following her stint in the I’m A Celebrity jungle, where she finished runner-up.Inside Wayne Rooney’s woeful spell at Plymouth as Manchester United legend AXEDA source said: “This is going to be a massively exciting year for Coleen and Wayne — they have so many options ahead of them.”The BBC want Wayne to be one of their MOTD punditsThe football legend is said to be in negotiations with the BeebCredit: BBCMicah in kit off for TV vowPUNDIT Micah Richards vowed to go naked on Match of the Day — one up on Gary Lineker who hosted in his pants.The ex-footie star, 36, said he will strip off if fourth-placed Newcastle win the league, having won nine games in a row.Lineker kept to a bet on Twitter and started the show in his boxers in 2016 after his former club Leicester won the Premier League.Richards, below, made the vow to Gary and pundit Alan Shearer on The Rest Is Football podcast. Alan joked: “We don’t want that idiot on TV with nowt on.”Lineker said: “Viewing figures won’t be the only thing that’s huge.” More

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      FA Cup fourth round TV games revealed with Man Utd vs Leicester and Leyton Orient vs Man City among fixtures moved

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      THE FA CUP fourth round will get underway with a bang after Manchester United’s clash with Leicester was picked for a Friday night TV slot.Ruud van Nistelrooy’s return to Old Trafford to go toe-to-toe with Ruben Amorim’s United – who beat Arsenal in a third-round thriller – will be broadcast live on ITV on at 8pm February 7.The FA Cup fourth round TV games have been confirmedCredit: PARuud van Nistelrooy’s return to Man Utd will be live on ITV at 8pm on Friday February 7Credit: GettyPlymouth were rewarded for their fine FA Cup win with a clash against Liverpool – which will be on ITV at 3pm on Sunday February 9Credit: GettyAnd with just six 3pm Saturday kick-offs and one double-booking, a whopping NINE FA Cup fourth round ties will be shown on UK telly.Leyton Orient’s home clash against reigning Premier League champions Manchester City will be the BBC’s first game of the weekend, as the 12.15pm kick-off on Saturday February 8.Leeds vs Millwall, the other Saturday 12.15pm game, will not be broadcast.Saturday evening sees a bumper double-header with Birmingham vs Newcastle live on the BBC at 5.45pm.READ MORE SPORT STORIESThat’s followed by Brighton vs Chelsea at 8pm on ITV.Blackburn vs Wolves is on iPlayer at 12.30pm for Sunday’s first taste of cup action.Plymouth’s tie with Premier League leaders Liverpool hits ITV at 3pm.Aston Villa vs Tottenham – fresh from their nervy, extra-time win at non-league Tamworth – follows at 5.35pm on BBC to round off the weekend.Most read in FootballBest new sign-up offersSunSport exclusivesBut there are two more matches to enjoy, with Doncaster vs Crystal Palace on BBC at 7.45pm on Monday evening.And Tuesday night brings the fourth round to a close as ITV show Exeter’s home tie against Champions League-chasing Nottingham Forest at 8pm.Ange Postecoglou praises hosts Tamworth after hard-fought FA Cup win Preston vs Wycombe, Coventry vs Ipswich, Wigan vs Fulham, Everton vs Bournemouth, Southampton vs Burnley and Stoke vs Cardiff are all at 3pm on Saturday and will not be televised.Scroll down to see the full list of FA Cup fourth round fixtures and their TV slot…FA Cup fourth round fixturesFriday 7 February – 20:00 GMTMan Utd vs Leicester (Live on ITV1, UTV, STV and ITVX)Saturday 8 February – 12:15 GMTLeyton Orient vs Man City (Live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer)Leeds vs MillwallSaturday 8 February – 15:00 GMTPreston vs WycombeCoventry vs Ipswich Wigan vs FulhamEverton vs BournemouthSouthampton vs BurnleyStoke vs Cardiff Saturday 8 February – 17:45 GMTBirmingham vs Newcastle (Live on BBC One and iPlayer)Saturday 8 February – 20:00 GMTBrighton vs Chelsea (Live on ITV4 and ITVX)Sunday 9 February – 12:30 GMTBlackburn Rovers vs Wolves (Live on BBC iPlayer)Sunday 9 February – 15:00 GMTPlymouth Argyle vs Liverpool (Live on ITV1, UTV, STV and ITVX)Sunday 9 February – 17:35 GMTAston Villa vs Tottenham (Live on BBC One and iPlayer)Monday 10 February – 19:45 GMTDoncaster Rovers vs Crystal Palace (Live on BBC iPlayer)Tuesday 11 February – 20:00 GMTExeter City vs Nottingham Forest (Live on ITV1 and ITVX) More

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      Kelly Cates’ future at Sky Sports confirmed after Liverpool icon’s daughter confirmed as BBC MOTD host

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      KELLY CATES’ future at Sky Sports has been confirmed after landing a host role at Match of the Day,The presenter will be on the iconic BBC football highlights show as one of the three people replacing Gary Lineker.Kelly Cates will be one of the new Match of the Day hostsCredit: GettyShe will share the role with Mark Chapman and Gabby LoganCredit: PACates, 49, along with Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan will front the show from next season.Her popularity with fans has risen during her stint at Sky Sports.It had been suggested that her time at the broadcaster could end with her new obligation to MOTD.However, it has been confirmed that Cates will continue to anchor Sky Sports’ live coverage of the Premier League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShe will continue in this role on the days that she is not on duty with the BBC.Speaking about taking the role, Cates insisted that she “can’t wait” to get going.She said: “We are all friends and we’ve known each other for a long time and that’s a really lovely part of it.”Not only is it a great role just on its own but I’m sharing it with two people I really admire, respect and genuinely like. It’s a great set-up.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”It’s something that’s so well-loved and so well-respected you don’t want to be the person that goes in and breaks that.”I’m just very excited, I can’t wait to get started.Gary Lineker ‘turns into Barry White’ as BBC viewers left stunned by sound of MOTD host’s voiceGary Lineker will step down as MOTD host at the end of the seasonCredit: Reuters”I keep thinking about that moment I’ll be sitting in the chair and the music starts, and I can’t wait for it to happen.”Cates has worked for the BBC on and off since 2013, for Radio 5 Live.She presented the fan phone-in show 606 alongside Ian Wright on Sunday’s between 2013 and 2018.After joining Sky Sports, her role was reduced, but Cates returned to host midweek sports show, 5 Live Sport while she also provided coverage of the 2022 World Cup.Meanwhile, Chapman is already working on MOTD and opened the show with a cheeky one-liner on Wednesday night.Earlier this season Lieneker confirmed that he will be stepping down at the end of the campaign.He will continue to present live FA Cup action next season, before hanging up his BBC mic after the 2026 World Cup.Who are the new Match of the Day hosts?MARK CHAPMANChapman, 51, already has the gig as MOTD2 host on a Sunday night.He also landed the hosting job for the new BBC Champions League highlights show.Though not a former player, Chappers has shown his quality as a presenter and will be an able replacement.GABBY LOGANLogan – who at 51 is the same age as Chapman – is one of the understudies to step in when Lineker is not available.A vastly-experienced broadcaster, presenter and host, Logan seems to have done it all to cover sport for BBC TV – doing everything from Sports Personality of the Year to the Olympics, including Paris 2024.She joined Lineker, Scott and Chapman as Euros presenters and is now on the BBC and Amazon Prime teams for the 2024-25 Champions League.Logan joined the BBC in 2007 and was the main face of Final Score from 2009 to 2013.KELLY CATESCates has worked for the BBC on and off since 2013, for Radio 5 Live.She presented iconic fan phone-in show 606 alongside Ian Wright on Sunday’s between 2013 and 2018.After joining Sky Sports her role was reduced, but Cates returned to host a midweek sports show, 5 Live Sport, mostly on Tuesdays, while she also provided coverage of the 2022 World Cup.The daughter of Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish became a TV presenter at Sky Sports, working on several Premier League shows including Friday Night Live and Super Sunday, which she appeared on for the Manchester Derby today. More