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      Alex Scott issues statement on Football Focus after public spat with Dan Walker over ‘struggling’ BBC show

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      ALEX SCOTT tweeted a cheeky dig after her public spat with Dan Walker about Football Focus. Scott replaced Walker on the BBC show but the former presenter claimed it was “struggling” with viewership.
      Alex Scott released an update on Football Focus after her public spat with Dan WalkerCredit: BBC
      But ex-Arsenal star Scott – who hit back at Walker with an ‘interesting’ meme – boasted about the show’s viewing figures.
      She posted on X: “Thank you to everyone who tuned into Football Focus your support for such an iconic show means so much to everyone who works across it.
      “Viewing figures double that of anything on TV at that time yesterday.
      “Have a bless Sunday and See you at the Emirates you gunners.”
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      Walker was host of Football Focus for 12 years, but he was replaced by Scott in 2021.
      There were reports the iconic show faced the axe after a dramatic drop in viewing figures.
      But the BBC did deny that the fan favourite was at risk of coming to an end.
      Still, Walker posted online: “It’s hard to see Football Focus struggling. I loved it growing up and it was an honour to present it and I still miss it.
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      “We poured everything into that show each week and worked hard to keep it relevant. I hope it stays part of the TV landscape.”
      Scott replied with a GIF from kids TV show Drake & Josh, showing Miranda Cosgrove’s character Megan sipping a drink and saying: “Interesting.”
      Walker responded: “I’m not saying you haven’t Alex. It’s a saturated market and it’s hard work every week. I hope you have a good show today.”
      Dan Walker said Football Focus was ‘struggling’Credit: Getty More

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      Legendary football presenter is now enjoying new career as real-life Dr Doolittle ‘making animals speak English’

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      DES LYNAM has swapped presenting for a new career as a real-life Dr Doolittle.The legendary former football presenter is known for presenting Grandstand and Match of the Day during his time on TV.
      Des Lynam has swapped presenting for a career as the real-life Dr DoolittleCredit: Rex Features
      Lynam has written two parts one and two of Now Who’s Talking?
      Lynam also hosted coverage from Wimbledon, the Grand National and the World Cup during his broadcasting career.
      However, he has now swapped TV for the book shelf after writing a series of animal-themed books.
      His first two were even published earlier this year, with parts one and two of Now Who’s Talking? going on sale.
      Speaking to Sussex World in July, Lynam explained: “It never occurred to me about writing about animals.
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      “I was looking out of the window one day, and the two magpies who usually stood together were at opposite ends of the garden.
      “I wondered if they’d had a row. Obviously, we don’t know how they communicate, so I made it up from there.
      “I made them speak English obviously, and created some dialogue, that was the first one and it grew from there, doing other animals. I thought it was quite funny and hoped somebody else would.
      “Then one day Bryony Hill, widow of Jimmy Hill, phoned me up and asked me what I was up to.
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      “When I told her she asked me to read them to her over the phone, thankfully she laughed out loud, she found them hilarious.
      “She then said ‘I’d love to do the illustrations for them’ … she sent me some and they were perfect.”
      Lynam’s idea soon snowballed and he has since written enough for four books, including farmyard and baby animal versions.
      “Someone suggested I get them published,” the 80-year-old added.
      Lynam had his first two animal-themed books published in JulyCredit: BBC
      “So I contacted BBC publications, they said the best publishers out there for this kind of new work were Austin Macauley. So, I sent them in, and they sent back glowing praise, which I found astonishing and very heartening.
      “Jonathan Martin, who was my Head of Sport at the BBC, asked me where I got that imagination from! And Dick Knight (ex-Brighton and Hove Albion chairman) joked ‘If you’re not careful you’ll be rich again!’
      “Since I stopped doing television, people often ask me, what do you do all day now? ‘I say stare out of the window into space’, and this is what that’s produced!” More

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      Alex Scott and Dan Walker in public spat over Football Focus future as she responds to his claims show is ‘struggling’

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      ALEX SCOTT and Dan Walker are in a public spat after Scott left a cryptic response to Walker on his emotional post about the future of “struggling” Football Focus.Walker was host of the BBC programme for 12 years, but was replaced by Scott in 2021.
      Alex Scott replaced Dan Walker as host of Football Focus in 2021Credit: BBC
      Walker was host of the show for 12 years beforehandCredit: BBC
      There have been reports that the popular show could face the axe after a dramatic drop in viewing figures, but the BBC have denied that the fan favourite is at risk of coming to an end.
      And Walker has taken to his Instagram to send a heartfelt message about his hopes that it stays alive.
      He wrote: “It’s hard to see Football Focus struggling. I loved it growing up and it was an honour to present it and I still miss it.
      “We poured everything into that show each week and worked hard to keep it relevant. I hope it stays part of the TV landscape.”
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      Scott replied with a GIF from kids TV show iCarly, showing the main character sipping her drink and saying: “Interesting.”
      Walker responded: “I’m not saying you haven’t Alex. It’s a saturated market and it’s hard work every week. I hope you have a good show today ⚽️”
      The iconic programme has been on air since 1974, but has seen it’s early-season audience tank by over a third in the last four years.
      The average weekly viewing figures for August fell from 849,000 in 2019 to 809,000 in 2020, 599,000 in 2022 and then just 564,000 last month.
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      Although Football Focus isn’t understood to be under immediate threat, the Daily Mail have said that the long-term future has been put into doubt.
      However, the BBC have denied that there is any ongoing issues and claim there is no threat to the beloved show’s future.
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      A spokesperson said: “Football Focus continues to herald the start of a whole weekend packed full of sporting coverage for fans across BBC Sport, including radio, our website and Player.
      “Week-on-week it is the most watched programme during that time slot and iPlayer viewing figures are also strong, so we know its popularity is enduring for fans, wherever they choose to watch.”
      Walker’s emotional message echoes the sentiment by many football fans who have been watching Football Focus for the last 49 years.
      The journalist and presenter recently left the BBC for good in a switch to Channel 5, but has said he has no regrets about ditching his former employer.
      Walker left the BBC to join Channel 5 after his time at Football Focus came to an endCredit: Alamy More

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      Alex Scott looks amazing in low-cut top as she interviews Arsenal star Martin Odegaard for BBC’s Football Focus

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      ENGLAND legend Alex Scott revealed she will be interviewing Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard on BBC’s Football Focus.Scott, 38, made the announcement after Odegaard signed a new five-year deal with the Gunners that will see him staying at the Emirates until 2028.

      Alex Scott will interview Arsenal captain Martin OdegaardCredit: Twitter @BBCMOTD
      Arsenal legend Scott and Odegaard will have an exclusive sit-down on Football FocusCredit: Twitter @BBCMOTD
      Scott is currently presenting Football Focus on BBCCredit: Getty
      The pundit, who spent 12 years across three stints with the North Londoners, will have an exclusive sit-down with the attacking midfielder on Saturday.
      Scott announced on Twitter as she posed next to the Norway international: “Catch us on Football Focus.
      “I’m with the main man. Look at that, front page news. See you then.”
      This comes after the BBC denied the future of Football Focus is in doubt after a huge drop in viewing figures.
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      The popular show, which has been on air since 1974, has lost more than a third of its early-season audience in the space of four years.
      Scott replaced Dan Walker, who had anchored the show for 12 years before leaving, in 2021 and the major change coincided with a drop in viewing figures.
      The average viewership dropped by around 18,000 when the switch was made, but the BBC have placed no blame on the former right-back.
      A spokesperson said: “Football Focus continues to herald the start of a whole weekend packed full of sporting coverage for fans across BBC Sport, including radio, our website and Player.
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      “Week-on-week it is the most watched programme during that time slot and iPlayer viewing figures are also strong, so we know its popularity is enduring for fans, wherever they choose to watch.”
      Odegaard insists signing a new deal with Arsenal was a “really easy decision” for “lots of reasons”.
      The 24-year-old added that he has learned to call the Emirates as his “home” ever since his arrival in 2021.
      Odegaard said: “Signing a new contract was a really easy decision for me for lots of reasons.
      “Mainly what we are doing right now as a club is special, and I want to be a part of that.
      “I’m really excited for what’s to come here. I’ve found a place where I can be really settled and call my home.” More

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      Iconic BBC football show starring fan favourites ‘set for axe after dramatic drop in viewing figures’

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      THE future of Football Focus is reportedly in doubt due to a huge drop in viewing figures.The popular BBC show , which has been on air since 1974, has lost more than a third of its early-season audience in the space of four years.
      Football Focus has seen a huge drop in viewing figuresCredit: BBC via Twitter
      Lionesses icon Alex Scott presents the showCredit: Getty
      According to The Daily Mail, the average weekly viewing figures for August fell from 849,000 in 2019 to just 564,000 last month.
      Football Focus is not thought to be under immediate threat, but the long-term future of the show has been plunged into doubt.
      The programme is set to celebrate it’s 50th anniversary next year and BBC chiefs are understood to be considering a major rebrand.
      England legend Alex Scott replaced Dan Walker, who had anchored the show for 12 years before leaving, in 2021 and the major change coincided with a drop in viewing figures.
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      The average viewership dropped by around 18,000 when the switch was made, but the BBC have placed no blame on fan favourite Scott, who has covered several major tournaments as well as the Olympics.
      Raising hopes that the show can survive, a BBC spokesman said: ‘Football Focus continues to herald the start of a whole weekend of sporting coverage across BBC Sport.
      “Week-on-week it is the most watched programme during that time slot and iPlayer viewing figures are also strong, so we know its popularity is enduring for fans.’
      Football Focus would become the second iconic sports show to be axed, following the end of Soccer AM.
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      The popular Sky Sports show was pulled off air at the end of the 2022-23 Premier League season in May.
      It was axed because of a significant drop in weekly viewers.
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      The final episode featured many references to the show’s past, shout-outs to those who worked behind the scenes and final appearances for fan favourites.
      It’s Saturday morning slot has now been taken up by Saturday Social – which previously aired before Soccer AM at 9.30am.
      The football show focuses more on the social media side of the game in the hope of appealing to younger viewers.
      Dan Walker left Football Focus in 2021Credit: PA More

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      Gary Lineker nominates two England stars and former title winner to replace him as MOTD presenter

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      GARY LINEKER has tipped two England stars as potential replacements for him on Match of the Day.And he also nominated a former Leicester City Premier League title winner as another contender to step into the much-loved show’s hotseat in the future.
      Gary Lineker has named his tips to replace him in the Match of the Day hotseatCredit: Alamy
      He mentioned England stars James Maddison and Mason Mount as potential hostsCredit: Reuters
      The legendary ex-England striker worked as a pundit on the long-running programme before replacing Des Lynham as presenter in 1999.
      Lineker hit the headlines back in March after he criticised the Government’s treatment of refugees and likened Home Secretary Suella Braverman’s language to that used in 1930s Germany.
      That led to the BBC suspending him, although he returned to hosting duties after a huge show of support from colleagues and the football world.
      The 62-year-old is now back in the famous chair and recently launched The Rest Is Football podcast alongside MOTD pundits Alan Shearer and Micah Richards.
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      During the latest episode, the topic of Lineker’s potential long-term successor came up, with Shearer first bringing up the name of Tottenham attacker James Maddison.
      The Newcastle icon said: “I think James Maddison because I think he talks really, really well.”
      Lineker then added: “He’s very eloquent and he’s very good tactically. I think he’s the best of the players in the post-match interview.”
      He then brought up ex-Leicester star Kasper Schmeichel before throwing Manchester United midfielder Mason Mount’s name into the mix, saying: “Kasper Schmeichel as a goalkeeper, very good. His dad’s done lots of punditry, that’s not a bad shout.
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      “Can you remember Alan, when we did the World Cup in Moscow and there were three young footballers?
      “It was Mason Mount, Phil Foden and Ryan Sessegnon. They came to watch us do the TV shows. And Mason Mount sat in my chair and was doing a few things to camera, and he wasn’t too bad.
      “Who knows, maybe Mason Mount, we’ll see.”
      But Micah Richards has his own ideas – and it was another Leicester City player he had in mind.
      The ex-Man City ace said: “A little bit left field, but Conor Coady. In terms of people want strikers, but I’m going with a defender.
      “He knows the game really well, speaks really good. I’ve worked with him on Match of the Day and he’s done Sky as well.”
      Former Leicester City goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel was also mentioned by LinekerCredit: PA:Press Association More

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      I played for Worcester City Ladies and was bodybuilding superstar… now I’m appearing in hit BBC show reboot

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      FORMER Worcester City Ladies player Livi Sheldon once swapped football for bodybuilding.And she is now set to feature in the comeback of hit show Gladiators.
      Livi Sheldon is set to star in he reboot of GladiatorsCredit: Instagram @livisheldon
      Sheldon used to play for Worcester City LadiesCredit: Instagram @livisheldon
      She has been a finalist in a bodybuilding competitionCredit: Instagram @livisheldon
      Sheldon has 12,100 followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram @livisheldon
      Sheldon had a passion for sport from the age of six when she begun playing in a boys football team.
      Standing at 6ft tall, she beat the bullies that picked on her due to her height and she was eventually signed by Worcester City Ladies.
      Sheldon was soon made captain of the team that now play in the fifth tier of women’s football.
      The 29-year-old balanced the beautiful game with hitting the gym as she launched a career in bodybuilding.
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      Her hard work led to her being a finalist in the ‘England Toned Figure’ competition.
      And the influencer, with 12,100 followers on Instagram, has now been confirmed as one of the Gladiators ahead of the popular programme’s reboot.
      The BBC series hosted by Bradley Walsh is set to hit screens this autumn.
      Filming has taken place over the summer and it is a remake of the show which first aired in the 1990s and early 2000s.
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      Livi Sheldon will be nicknamed Diamond in the BBC seriesCredit: Instagram @livisheldon
      She has described the Gladiators chance as a dream opportunityCredit: Instagram @livisheldon
      Sheldon will star as a Gladiator nicknamed “Diamond” due to her “unbreakable strength and spirit.”
      On the struggles she has faced and the chance to show off her super strength on tele, she said: “When I was growing up I used to get picked on for being taller than everyone else.
      “Now I get to show everyone that being unique is your superpower.
      “I can’t wait to get into the arena and take on the contenders as Diamond.
      “If there was an opportunity I could wish for this would be it.
      “This truly is the biggest thing that has ever happened to me.”
      The blonde bombshell also posts workout videos onlineCredit: Instagram @livisheldon More

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      My dad was one of the greatest footballers ever – my career was completely different but now I’m a football chairman

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      REALITY TV icon Calum Best has announced he is now the chairman of Dorking Wanderers FC’s women’s team.The son of football superstar George Best has taken some time away from his reality TV career to get involved with his father’s old passion.
      Calum Best has confirmed he is now chairman of Dorking Wanderers women’s teamCredit: Getty
      The 42-year-old was approached by his friend Marc White – the owner of Dorking Wanderers Football Club – to see if he’d like to take the volunteer position of chairman for his team.
      Calum could not have turned down the opportunity of working in women’s football after being an active campaigner for the Her Game Too movement.
      It aims to tackle sexism and champion women’s football.
      Calum told the BBC: “I’d never even thought of being involved in football like this before.
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      “But, I thought there was the opportunity to do something positive for women’s football. And, of course, I quite liked the title.”
      There has been huge growth in interest in women’s football – not least since the Lionesses’ success at the Euros last summer.
      Dorking only formed in 2020 but have quickly established themselves and they now play in the London and South East Premier Women’s League – tier 5 of the women’s football pyramid.
      Calum also confirmed the team have been filming a BBC series titled “Squad Goals: Dorking ‘Til I Die”.
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      But he admitted he took the role before receiving the TV deal.
      He continued: “I took the role before any television was involved.
      “I’ve done a lot of reality TV, but I took the role as chairman for a different reason.
      “I just wanted to do something exciting and to learn as much as possible as I go.
      “It is all new, but this is a professional role. I think people who have watched me on TV before will see a very different side to me.”
      The Celebrity Love Island star grew up loving the game – his father George Best has been regarded as one the greatest players of all time in the sport.
      George spent the best part of his career at Manchester United, making 470 appearances and scoring a whopping 179 goals.
      He passed away in 2005 aged 59 as a result of alcohol addiction – meaning Calum had been raised by his mother Angie Best
      Calum said the decision to champion women’s football was linked to his childhood.
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      He added: “I was raised by my mother, so I’ve been surrounded by women my whole life.
      “Working for a ladies’ team has opened my eyes up to parts of the game I’ve never really known before.”
      Calum Best with his mother Angie Best and father GeorgeCredit: PA:Press Association More