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      Why has Ian Wright quit Match of the Day?

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      IAN Wright has announced that he will be stepping down from his job as a Match of the Day Pundit at the end of the season.Wright, who first appeared on the show back in 1997, broke the news of his exit on social media, explaining that the decision had ”been coming for a while”.
      Ian Wright pictured in April 2023
      Why has Ian Wright quit Match of the Day?
      In December 2023, Ian Wright announced that he will be leaving his Match of the Day role.
      A statement shared on social media by the Arsenal legend read: ”After my debut show whilst still a player in 1997 and many more memorable years, I’ll be stepping back from BBC MOTD at the end of this season.
      ”I feel very privileged to have had such an incredible run on the most iconic football show in the world.
      ”Anyone that knows my story knows how much the show has meant to me since I was young boy. MOTD is my Holy Grail.
      Read More on Ian Wright
      ”On my first ever show, I told Des Lynam, ‘This is my Graceland’. It will always be my Graceland and I will always be watching.”
      Wright added: ”I’m stepping back having made great friends and many great memories.
      ”This decision has been coming for a while, maybe my birthday earlier this year fast tracked it a little, but ultimately it’s time to do a few more different things with my Saturdays.
      ”I’m really looking forward to my last months on the show and covering what will hopefully be an amazing Premier League title race.”
      Most read in Football
      Following the announcement, head of BBC Sport content Philip Bernie said: ”Ian has been a wonderful star player on MOTD since his first appearance over 20 years ago.
      ”His insight, wit and warmth have richly entertained and informed all those watching him.
      ”We will miss his unique style and presence when he goes at the end of this season, but we will be sure to give him the send-off he deserves.”
      How long did Ian Wright work on Match of the Day for?
      As mentioned above, Ian Wright first appeared on the hit sports show back in 1997 – while he was still playing.
      However, it wasn’t until years later that the former footballer became a regular pundit.
      Wright hung up his boots and retired from playing in 2000, before becoming a familiar fixture on Match of the Day in 2002.
      His first stint lasted until 2008, before Wright once again returned for a second spell on the highlights show in 2015.
      Who else presents Match of the Day?
      Dubbed ”the world’s most famous football show”, Match of the Day brings viewers big names and big games from the Premier League.
      Prior to announcing his exit, Ian Wright became a regular on the programme alongside host Gary Lineker and fellow pundit Alan Shearer.
      Reacting to the news, an emotional Lineker said: “It has been an absolute pleasure and privilege to work alongside you, Ian. One of my favourite people on the planet. Farewell my friend.”
      Read more on The Sun
      And Shearer added: “See you in 3 hours. I’ll give you a big hug!!!”
      Following his statement, SunSport has taken a look at five pundits who could fill Wrighty’s boots on MOTD. More

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      Match of the Day praised for ‘perfect’ coverage after Luton captain Tom Lockyer’s cardiac arrest on pitch at Bournemouth

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      THE BBC have been praised for Match of the Day’s coverage of Tom Lockyer’s cardiac arrest on Saturday.Luton’s match against Bournemouth was abandoned in the 65th minute as their skipper Lockyer received treatment on the pitch.
      Tom Lockyer was treated on the pitch at BournemouthCredit: Getty
      Match of the Day have been praised for their handling of the incident
      The Hatters later confirmed that the 29-year-old was responsive as medics stretchered him off.
      He was then taken to hospital, where he remained in a stable condition.
      The match had been level at 1-1 when the incident occurred.
      Addressing what happened, Match of the Day opened the programme by quickly showing both goals from the match, while experienced host Gary Lineker explained what had happened.
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      Lineker called it a “traumatic day in the Premier League”, before sending best wishes to Lockyer.
      He added: “It goes without saying that everyone here at Match of the Day sends their thoughts and best wishes to Tom, his family and anyone connected to Luton Town.”
      Many viewers were pleases with the tone that the programme struck in their sensitive handling of such a distressing event.
      One wrote on social media: “Watching Match of the Day, handled the Lockyer situation very well.”
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      While a second opined: “Beautifully done Match of the Day. Handled the Tom Lockyer situation with the utmost respect and decency. Quality broadcasting and decision-making like that at key moments is, and always should be, the BBC’s role. A careful balance of news and privacy in such a situation.”
      A third commented: “Great job by @BBCSport and Match Of The Day, the way they covered the Tom Lockyer situation at the start of the show.”
      And a fourth posted: “Hugely powerful start to Match Of The Day around the Tom Lockyer story. Really well handled – so sensitive.”
      Another added: “Match Of The Day have handled the Tom Lockyer situation perfectly there. Shown what they needed to, relayed what they needed to. Doesn’t need anything more obtrusive than that.”
      Luton boss Rob Edwards was also hailed for his quick thinking at the time of the incident.
      While the football world came together to wish Lockyer well.
      Lineker himself tweeted: “Reports coming in that Tom Lockyer is now alert and responsive. Thank heavens.”
      While John Terry wrote: “Praying for Tom Lockyer.”
      David de Gea posted: “Tom Lockyer 🙏🏼”.
      And Ashley Young added: “Thoughts and Prayers with Tom Lockyer and his family 🙏🏾”.
      Luton wrote in a statement: “We are able to provide a further, positive update on Tom Lockyer’s condition.
      “Our medical staff have confirmed that the Hatters captain suffered cardiac arrest on the pitch, but was responsive by the time he was taken off on the stretcher.
      “He received further treatment inside the stadium, for which we once again thank the medical teams from both sides.
      “Tom was transferred to hospital, where we can reassure supporters that he is stable and currently undergoing further tests with his family at his bedside.
      “We would like to thank everyone for their support, concern and loving messages for Locks.”
      Brentford and Luton are likely to replay the match in full at a later date.
      Read more on The Sun
      Premier League Rule L15 states that any match abandoned with the consent of the referee will be replayed, with the Board to confirm a date and kick-off time.
      And according to the Mail, the top flight is expected to stick to this protocol.
      Rob Edwards was hailed for his quick thinkingCredit: Rex More

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      Arsenal fans say ‘Arteta needs to show this tweet in the changing room’ after Ian Wright’s shock MOTD exit announcement

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      MIKEL ARTETA has been urged to use Ian Wright’s shock Match of The Day exit as extra motivation in the Premier League title race. The Arsenal legend, 60, first appeared on the hit TV show while still playing back in 1997.
      Ian Wright announced his shock Match of The Day exitCredit: PA
      And he has been a regular on the programme alongside host Gary Lineker and fellow pundit Alan Shearer since hanging up his boots.
      But the ex-England striker announced on social media that this will be his last season working on MOTD.
      In one emotional post, he wrote: “I’m really looking forward to my last months on the show and covering what will hopefully be an amazing Premier League title race.”
      Arsenal finished second last season to Manchester City and currently trail leaders Liverpool by a point.
      READ MORE ON IAN WRIGHT
      So winning their first league title could be the perfect way farewell present for Wright in fans’ eyes.
      One said: “Arteta needs to show this tweet in the changing room – do not let Wrighty leave MOTD without his last show being Arsenal winning the title.”
      Another added: “We have to win the league now for Ian Wright’s last show.”
      One followed up: “All the best Wrighty, gonna miss you, but if we win the league what a way it will be for you to sign off.”
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      Wright broke the news on Sunday, posting a statement that read: “After my debut show whilst still a player in 1997 and many more memorable years, I’ll be stepping back from BBC MOTD at the end of this season.
      “I feel very privileged to have had such an incredible run on the most iconic football show in the world.”
      “Anyone that knows my story knows how much the show has meant to me since I was young boy. MOTD is my Holy Grail.
      “On my first ever show, I told Des Lynam, ‘This is my Graceland’. It will always be my Graceland and I will always be watching.”
      Wright retired from playing in 2000 and began working as a regular pundit two years later and has enjoyed two spells on Match of the Day.
      The first was from 2002 until 2008 and then he returned in 2015. 
      Back in May this year, Wright also made history when he appeared alongside Shaun Wright-Phillips as they became the first father and son punditry team to appear on the show. More

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      Ian Wright reveals the moment he decided to leave Match of the Day in emotional statement

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      IAN WRIGHT has revealed the moment that “fast-tracked” his decision to step down from Match of the Day.The Arsenal legend, 60, announced this morning that he will be quitting the BBC show at the end of the season.
      Ian Wright has announced that he is stepping down from Match of the DayCredit: BBC
      Wright is part of the BBC’s top team with Gary Lineker and Alan ShearerCredit: BBC
      He first appeared on Match of the Day in 1997Credit: X/@BBCMOTD
      Wright first appeared on the show while still a player at Highbury in 1997, later returning for further stints between 2002-2008 and 2015 to the present.
      After announcing his decision on social media Wright, who turned 60 last month, wrote: “I’m stepping back having made great friends and many great memories.
      “This decision has been coming for a while, maybe my birthday earlier this year fast tracked it a little, but ultimately it’s time to do a few more different things with my Saturdays.”
      He then went on to add: “I feel very privileged to have had such an incredible run on the most iconic football show in the world.
      READ MORE ON IAN WRIGHT
      “Anyone that knows my story knows how much the show has meant to me since I was young boy. MOTD is my Holy Grail.
      “On my first ever show, I told Des Lynam, “This is my Graceland”. It will always be my Graceland and I will always be watching.”
      In recent years he has become part of Match of the Day’s top team alongside Alan Shearer, with host Gary Lineker.
      Last season he made history by appearing on the show with Shaun Wright-Phillips, with the duo becoming the first father-son combination in the show’s entire run.
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      Head of BBC Sport content Philip Bernie said: “Ian has been a wonderful star player on MOTD since his first appearance over 20 years ago.
      “His insight, wit and warmth have richly entertained and informed all those watching him.
      “We will miss his unique style and presence when he goes at the end of this season, but we will be sure to give him the send-off he deserves.”
      An emotional Lineker tweeted: “It has been an absolute pleasure and privilege to work alongside you, Ian. One of my favourite people on the planet. Farewell my friend.”
      And Shearer added: “See you in 3 hours. I’ll give you a big hug!!!”
      Piers Morgan wrote: “Congrats on a magnificent run, Legend.. and on quitting at the very top of your punditry game. We’ll miss your smart analysis, passion and mischievous laugh.”
      Wright appeared on Match of the Day alongside son Shaun Wright-PhillipsCredit: BBC
      Wright was also on MOTD between 2002 and 2008Credit: BBC More

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      Five pundits who could replace Ian Wright on Match of the Day including Premier League legend and his own son

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      IAN WRIGHT is leaving Match of the Day at the end of the season.The former Arsenal and England striker first appeared on the Premier League highlights show in 1997 while he was still a player.
      Ian Wright is leaving Match of the Day at the end of the seasonCredit: BBC
      And he has been a regular in recent years alongside Alan Shearer and host Gary Lineker.
      Wrighty, 60, confirmed his shock departure on social media and then shared a brilliant throwback clip from his debut.
      He said: “I feel very privileged to have had such an incredible run on the most iconic football show in the world.
      “Anyone that knows my story knows how much the show has meant to me since I was young boy. MOTD is my Holy Grail.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      “On my first ever show, I told Des Lynam, ‘This is my Graceland’. It will always be my Graceland and I will always be watching.”
      But with Wright quitting after the 2023-24 campaign which ends in May, who could join the team of pundits in the studio next year?
      DIDIER DROGBA
      Talk about replacing one big-name striker for another… Didier Drogba would be a major coup for the BBC.
      Two-time Golden Boot winner Drogba, 45, scored 104 Premier League goals in 254 appearances for Chelsea, winning four titles.
      Most read in Football
      He worked for the BBC as a pundit at the Qatar World Cup 2022 so knows what it takes and already has a working relationship with the team.
      Didier Drogba could be a big-name replacement for WrightCredit: BBC
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      RIO FERDINAND
      Like Drogba, Rio Ferdinand worked for the Beeb for the World Cup last year and is one of the top pundits around these days.
      He is TNT Sports’ main man for their Saturday lunchtime kick-offs and Champions League coverage so a deal would need to be struck – but Micah Richards has proven it is possible to be a pundit for multiple broadcasters.
      Ferdinand, 45, carries a wealth of expertise and insight both from a player and pundit perspective after six Premier League winner’s medals, a Champions League and 81 England caps.
      Rio Ferdinand has worked for the BBC for major international tournaments including the World CupCredit: BBC
      SHAUN WRIGHT-PHILLIPS
      They could keep it in the family by bringing in Shaun Wright-Phillips to take over from his dad Ian.
      The pair created history as the first father-and-son duo on the show back in May – the former Chelsea and Manchester City winger’s debut.
      Shaun, 42, was not afraid to give his old man a bit of banter and could be a suitable option after announcing his retirement in 2019.
      Shaun Wright-Phillips made his Match of the Day debut alongside his dadCredit: BBC
      FARA WILLIAMS
      Fara Williams has made a seamless transition from the stadium to the studio since hanging up her boots in 2021.
      The 172-cap England international boasts tremendous knowledge – representing her country more times than any other footballer in history, male or female.
      Williams, 39, demonstrated her ability to analyse the game during the Women’s World Cup and is part of the BBC’s WSL team with Alex Scott.
      Fara Williams, middle, is part of the BBC’s WSL coverage with Alex Scott and Ellen WhiteCredit: Getty
      JERMAIN DEFOE
      Jermain Defoe sure knows what is takes to perform in the Premier League after 162 goals in 496 games for West Ham, Tottenham, Portsmouth, Sunderland and Bournemouth before retiring in 2022 with 57 Three Lions caps to his name.
      Read more on The Sun
      He has stayed in football and is back working with Spurs as an academy coach with the Under-18s on top of punditry with Channel 4 for recent England matches as well as Premier League Productions.
      Defoe, 41, has done plenty of media work already with the BBC – including his own fly-on-the-wall Outside The Box documentary and the Football Firsts podcast with SunSport columnist Troy Deeney.
      Jermain Defoe is building experience in the media with various rolesCredit: Getty More

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      Ian Wright shares brilliant clip of his Match of the Day debut after Arsenal icon announces he is quitting BBC show

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      IAN WRIGHT has shared a brilliant clip of his Match of the Day debut in 1997.The Arsenal legend this morning announced that he will be stepping down from his role on the iconic BBC show at the end of the season.
      Ian Wright shared a clip from his first Match of the Day appearanceCredit: X/@BBCMOTD
      He debuted while still a player in 1997Credit: X/@BBCMOTD
      Wright, 60, has announced that he will leave MOTD at the end of the seasonCredit: X/@BBCMOTD
      Wright, 60, then fondly shared a clip from his first appearance, in which he described the programme as his “Graceland”.
      Appearing alongside former host Des Lynam and fellow pundit Trevor Brooking, the striker grinned as he was introduced.
      Referencing the clip while announcing his exit, Wright wrote on social media: “Anyone that knows my story knows how much the show has meant to me since I was young boy. MOTD is my Holy Grail.
      “On my first ever show, I told Des Lynam, “This is my Graceland”. It will always be my Graceland and I will always be watching.”
      READ MORE ON ARSENAL
      He then added: “I’m stepping back having made great friends and many great memories.
      “This decision has been coming for a while, maybe my birthday earlier this year fast tracked it a little, but ultimately it’s time to do a few more different things with my Saturdays.”
      After hanging up his boots in 2000, Wright first became a Match of the Day regular in 2002, his initial run lasting until 2008.
      He later returned in 2015, cementing his role as one of Britain’s favourite pundits.
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      Wright made further history earlier this year when he appeared alongside Shaun Wright-Phillips, making them the first father/son duo in the show’s entire run.
      His decision to quit has led to an out-pouring of emotions from fans.
      One wrote on social media: “Thank you Wrighty.”
      While a second admitted: “It won’t be the same, but good luck in your new venture.”
      A third gushed: “TV Legend. Legend full stop.”
      And a fourth simply commented: “What a man.”
      Another added: “Good luck Wrighty! You’ll be sorely missed on MOTD.”
      Philip Bernie, head of BBC Sport content, said: “Ian has been a wonderful star player on MOTD since his first appearance over 20 years ago.
      Read more on The Sun
      “His insight, wit and warmth have richly entertained and informed all those watching him.
      “We will miss his unique style and presence when he goes at the end of this season, but we will be sure to give him the send-off he deserves.”
      Wright had a previous spell as a Match of the Day regular between 2002 and 2008Credit: BBC
      Wright, 60, has cemented his place as a fans’ favouriteCredit: BBC
      Alan Shearer and Wrighty have become the BBC’s top team alongside host Gary LinekerCredit: BBC
      Wright appeared on Match of the Day alongside his son Shaun earlier this yearCredit: BBC More

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      Dan Walker turns from critic to supporter as he defends Alex Scott in face of Joey Barton slamming Football Focus

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      DAN WALKER launched a passionate defence of Alex Scott against Joey Barton.The former Football Focus host had previously had a public spat with the ex-England defender about the future of the BBC Saturday lunchtime show.
      Dan Walker defended Alex Scott amid Joey Barton’s latest tweetsCredit: Getty
      Scott and Walker clashed in September but he backed her up amid the online rowCredit: Getty
      But he turned from critic to supporter amid Barton’s prolonged misogynistic Twitter rant.
      The former midfielder has piled in on the likes of Scott and Laura Woods this week, inexplicably claiming women pundits “shouldn’t be talking with any kind of authority” on men’s football.
      And he continued his social media tirade on Saturday by slamming Football Focus.
      Barton said: “36 minutes. Football Focus turned off. Sorry, it’s just terrible.
      READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
      “Drivel and nonsense served with a side of boring. No wonder it’s getting canned.
      “Well done to all involved. Another flagship destroyed by The Tokens.”
      And then following news of Question of Sport being pulled by the BBC, Walker expressed his sadness at the show coming to an end.
      He tweeted: “Really sad to read the news about Question of Sport. One of THE iconic shows.
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      “I used to dress up as David Coleman as a kid and pretend to host it and always loved Sue [Barker] on it too. There is definitely still a winning format in there somewhere.”
      Barton replied: “‘Wokeness’ killed it. Poor quality guests. Standards dropped. So sad to watch it slowly deteriorate.
      “It was essential viewing as a kid who loved sports. Just like Soccer AM.
      “I’m hearing they’re about to do for Football Focus next? @AlexScott? Hopefully not. Definitely, someone can make it work online. Won’t be long.”
      Walker then launched his weight behind Scott and added: “Hi Joey. Hope you’re ok. One of my Christmas wishes is that people with a big platform on here wouldn’t use it to drag others down.
      “Alex WAS a great pro and IS a top television presenter – and a lovely person.
      “Women who love football already have too many hurdles to climb over and too many doors slammed in their face. You have a big voice… use it to encourage.”
      But Barton hit back: “I’m using it to tell the truth. It would help if you did the same. Love and respect to you and yours.
      ‘BILE & HATRED’
      “Look forward to catching up after Christmas. We can collaborate again. Use both our platforms to educate and inform.”
      Walker then continued: “Would love to catch up. The truth for me is that quality is important and I think that also comes from having a variety of voices.
      “If you do meet some of the women who have been in your crosshairs, I would encourage you to ask them to show you some of the bile & hatred they have received on the back of your posts.
      “I think you’re better than that. Have a good Christmas.”
      Ex-Bristol Rovers manager Barton doubled down on his controversial and sexist comments throughout the week – prompting outrage from the football community.
      And West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady wrote in her SunSport column: “Joey’s entitled to his opinion, of course, but I suspect his comments just encouraged more vile social media abuse aimed at women who just want to be left alone to get on with their job.
      “I wonder what Joey’s wife and daughter make of his anger on a fresh target, singling out Alex Scott because, I suspect, the England international is making much more of a splash than Barton ever will.
      “Scott has no chip on her shoulder. Barton has a whole plank on his.
      Read more on The Sun
      “Why should she be subjected to abuse and singling out just because she is a woman? Barton’s attitude is reminiscent of the one that women should stay at home, clean the house, look after the kids and not dabble in men’s business.
      “There are many that still think like that. Sadly, the view that only men should cover men’s football is common.”
      Barton infuriated the football community with his misogynistic tweetsCredit: PA More

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      BBC axes legendary sports show on screen for 50 years – just 3 years after Sue Barker dropped as presenter

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      LEGENDARY BBC panel show A Question of Sport has been axed after more than 50 years.Bosses say dwindling ratings and limited iPlayer appeal forced them to blow the whistle on the show, which first aired in 1970.
      BBC panel show A Question of Sport has been axed after more than 50 years, Sue Barker presented the show alongside Matt Dawson (L) and Phil Tufnell (R)Credit: PA
      The Beeb insists it is not for sale and say it reserves the right to bring it back in the future.
      A BBC spokesperson told the Mirror: “Due to inflation and funding challenges difficult decisions have to be made, therefore Question of Sport is currently not in production at the moment.”
      For 24 years the show was hosted by former Wimbledon tennis star Sue Barker.
      Famous team captains included ex-England rugby legend Matt Dawson, former cricketer Phil Tufnell and ex-Scots footballer Ally McCoist.
      Read More on this story
      Ian Botham and jockey Frankie Dettori also starred as captains on the show, which broadcast 1,365 episodes between 1970 and 2021.
      Its heyday came in the 1980s and it broke records in 1987 when over 19 million tuned in to watch Princess Anne taking part.
      Under Barker, the quiz show achieved an average four to five million viewers every episode.
      But in September 2020, it was announced Barker, then 66, would be replaced as host by Paddy McGuinness.
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      Ex-Team GB hockey star and Morning Live presenter Sam Quek, and ex-rugby international Ugo Monye replaced captains Dawson and Tufnell.
      But Barker’s departure was mired in controversy after she claimed bosses forced her to put her name to a statement which said she left on her own accord.
      Speaking to BBC Breakfast last year, the presenter described the corporation’s handling of her departure as “insulting”.
      She added: “I would never walk away from a job I love. I don’t mind being replaced. Absolutely fine.
      “They wanted to refresh the programme and that is absolutely fine.
      “I was asked to announce I was leaving for the good of the show. I was astounded.
      “Was that because I was too old or not good enough? Either way, it was insulting. Did they expect me to sack myself?
      “Naively, I’d expected more after 24 years. Why had we been shown so little respect?”
      The re-brand proved a death knell to viewing figures, slumping to a record low of 730,000 on August 19 last year.
      More tuned in to watch Channel 5’s Britain’s Poshest Farm Shops that night.
      Read more on The Sun
      On Friday, insiders told the Mirror that presenters and captains had been informed of the show’s fate and were “gutted”.
      It is a particular blow for McGuinness, 50, who recently lost his presenting role on Top Gear after programme makers scrapped the motoring show he’d presented since 2018. More