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      ‘My heart sank’ – BBC legend reveals she ‘had to drink a lot of vodka’ to deal with nerves of making MOTD history

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      FOOTIE commentator Jacqui Oatley has opened up about overcoming the backlash she faced when she made telly history.It’s been EIGHTEEN years since Oatley became the first woman to commentate on Match of the Day.Jacqui Oatley became the first woman to commentate on Match of the Day in 2007Credit: Getty Images – GettyThe announcement that Oatley would cover Fulham’s 1-1 draw against Blackburn Rovers in the Premier League on April 21, 2007 made headline news.In an interview with The Athletic, Oatley explained how she had honed her craft while offering live commentary and reports on radio for several years before that.And the Match of the Day gig would involve an editor clipping Oatley’s 90-minute commentary, recorded ‘as live’ at Craven Cottage.It would be cut into an eight-and-a-half-minute audio package to air over the match footage for the BBC highlights show.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut Oatley recalled the “stomach-drop moment” when she realised that her history-making commentary job had received a lot of negative coverage and fan fury.The Wolves fan told The Athletic: “My heart sank. That’s when it really grew legs with the sexism element.”Three days before her big job, Oatley’s radio alarm woke her up at 7am with the sound of Radio 5 Live talking about it.Presenter Rachel Burden, who Oatley “loves to bits”, was introducing vox pops from members of the public who had been asked whether Oatley should be allowed to do it.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBy the Friday, the day before the match, Oatley admitted to hardly having slept or eaten. The 50-year-old added: “My only regret was that I couldn’t be at my best for the most-watched game of my life. Unseen Match of the Day footage shows how pundit analysis really works as BBC boss looks to cut highlightsOatley’s career went from strength-to-strength as she became a leading figure in the world of sport journalismCredit: Getty“I’d love for it all to have stopped and just gone away. But that was never an option.“I was really conscious that if I’d commentated and people hated the sound of my voice, or they just didn’t trust me to convey what was going on.“It was purely the judging of my gender. I wanted to do a good job, but also hang around and stay around, not just do it on that day. “Because people do make assessments of an entire gender based on that kind of thing, which is hilarious and ridiculous at the same time.”And during the commentary itself, Oatley admitted to feeling like a bag of nerves and that she needed a strong drink afterwards.It was purely the judging of my gender.Jacqui OatleyIn his post-match interview, the then-Blackburn manager, Mark Hughes, asked her how it went.She then walked to her car in a daze, drove home and called Alison Mitchell, the cricket commentator, and 5 Live presenter Phil Williams to arrange a night out.Oatley said: “I wanted to drink a lot of vodka to make it possible to deal with the final thing.”She paced the hallway of Mitchell’s flat decided her efforts “didn’t sound too horrendous. I just needed to get through it”.Jacqui Oatley and Stuart Pearce presenting the FA Cup Youth Cup in 2017Credit: GettyMOTD presenter Gary Lineker – who is leaving the flagship show after 25 years at the end of this season – introduced Oatley’s segment.Lineker said: “After all the publicity this week, the moment has finally come for a little piece of history on Match of the Day. “For the first time ever, Lawrie Sanchez took charge of his Fulham side at Craven Cottage. Also making her debut, commentator Jacqui Oatley.”And now Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan will join Mark Chapman as part of a trio of presenters to front MOTD from next season.Oatley’s career went from strength-to-strength as she became a leading figure in the world of sport journalism. She was also the UK’s first female darts presenter, covering major tournaments for ITV.Read More on The SunThe BBC legend is an Ambassador for Women in Football and was awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours in 2016 for services to broadcasting and diversity in sport.At the 2022 Qatar World Cup, Oatley became the first female to offer play-by-play commentary of a World Cup match in the United States. More

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      ‘Really underrated pundit’ – Gary Lineker reveals left-field pick for favourite Match of the Day pundit ahead of exit

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      GARY LINEKER has revealed which pundit he will miss working with the most after quitting Match of the Day.The 64-year-old is stepping down as presenter of the highlights show at the end of this season.Gary Lineker has revealed which pundit he will miss the mostCredit: PALineker was full of praise for Danny MurphyCredit: The SunLineker will cover FA Cup games next campaign and the 2026 World Cup for the BBC before retiring.After 26 years as Match of the Day host, the ex-striker has worked with many of the best pundits in the game.Asked for his favourite, Lineker told FourFourTwo: “I don’t like any of the others… that’s a joke.”I’ll miss Danny Murphy, a really underrated pundit, analytically good, and always fun to be around.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLineker ruled out Alan Shearer and Micah Richards as he will still be working with them on their Rest Is Football Podcast.Former England midfielder Murphy first appeared on Match of the Day in August 2013 before he officially hung up his boots.The ex-Liverpool and Fulham star’s broadcasting career also extends to the radio, with him regularly on BBC 5Live and talkSPORT.Lineker’s replacement as Match of the Day host was revealed in January.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThe Beeb announced that Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan and Kelly Cates will share the role on a rotating basis.Asked why a trio are needed, Lineker explained: “That’s probably down to the fact it’s a massive commitment.’Early retirement for you-‘ – Danny Murphy makes cheeky comment to departing Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker“Those three have all got families, and if you’re saying someone is going to do it for the next ten or 20 years, then your weekends are gone.“That might be it, I don’t know. I didn’t get involved in any of that. “I take it as a compliment that they’ve named three, but I suspect it’s not due to that.“I haven’t seen them yet to speak to them, but I will do.”They’ll be fine and they’ll do a great job. I’ve known them all for years, they’re top presenters.” More

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      All 30 of BBC pundits’ Premier League predictions from start of season with Liverpool not backed by ANYONE

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      THE BBC pundit’s predicitons for the Premier League have resurfaced with one glaring issue.England’s top-flight already appears to be wrapped up with the champions and relegated trio practicially confirmed.Liverpool are set to win their second Premier League titleCredit: ReutersBBC pundits had only backed Arsenal or Man City for the titleCredit: AFPManchester United have suffered a shockingly bad season in the leagueCredit: AlamyOne Beed pundit backed West Ham for a top four finishCredit: AlamyLiverpool are on course to seal their second Premier League title – but not one pundit saw it coming.Arne Slot has built on the foundations laid by Jurgen Klopp and has them fully in the driving seat for the title.The Reds are just two wins away from confirming themselves as the league winners and snatch the crown away from Manchester City.The Citizens have not put up a fight to defend theiur title and are battling to stay in the top four.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLArsenal have been the closest competitors to Slot’s side but failure to convert draws into wins has seen them fall well off the pace.The Premier League has also seen some shock teams challenge for the European spots this season.Nottingham Forest have been a breath of fresh air with their surprise contention for the Champions League spaces.Under Nuno Espirito Santo the East Midlands side have consistantly remained in the top four this campaign.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSForest are in a good position to see the club return to the top European competition that they have previous won twice.However, regular top four contenders Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United have been languishing in the bottom half.Peter Crouch reveals wife Abbey Clancy mistook Liverpool star for another woman Fara Williams was one of two pundits to back Liverpool to come secondCredit: GettyThe BBC pundit predicitons did not relfect what would ultimately happen as not one backed Liverpool to win the title.Punidts were split between Arsenal and Man City for first place with only Stephan Warnock and Fara Williams backing the Reds to come at least second.There were some calls from the pundits that have turned out to be wide of the mark.Ellen White called for West Ham to finish fourth but they are 17th whil Steve Sidwell expected Manchester United to come second, they are 14th.BBC Pundits Premier League predictionsEllen White – Arsenal, Man City, Liverpool, West HamStephen Warnock – Man City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Aston VillaRachel Brown-Finnis – Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Aston VillaFara Williams – Arsenal, Liverpool, Man City, ChelseaSteve Sidwell – Man City, Man United, Arsenal, ChelseaNedum Onuoha – Arsenal, Man City, Liverpool, TottenhamSue Smith – Arsenal, Man City, Liverpool, TottenhamDanny Gabbidon – Arsenal, Man City, Liverpool, TottenhamLeon Osman – Arsenal, Man City, Newcastle, TottenhamMatt Upson – Arsenal, Man City, Liverpool, ChelseaChris Waddle – Arsenal, Man City, Liverpool, ChelseaGlenn Murray – Arsenal, Man City, Liverpool, ChelseaJermaine Beckford – Arsenal, Man City, Tottenham, LiverpoolAshley Williams – Man City, Arsenal, Chelsea, LiverpoolPat Nevin – Man City, Arsenal, Newcastle, ChelseaMicah Richards – Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Man UnitedKaren Bardsley – Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Man UnitedJoe Hart – Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Man UnitedDion Dublin – Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Man UnitedRob Green – Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Man UnitedTroy Deeney – Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool, NewcastleAnita Asante – Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool, NewcastleLindsay Johnson – Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool, NewcastleShay Given – Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool, NewcastleDanny Murphy – Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool, TottenhamClinton Morrison – Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool, TottenhamPaul Robinson – Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool, TottenhamChris Sutton – Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool, TottenhamRead More on The SunMichael Brown – Man City, Arsenal, Liverpool, TottenhamTheo Walcott – Arsenal, Man City, Liverpool, Tottenham More

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      ‘The concern is great’ – Red Bull advisor issues worrying Max Verstappen update as contract clause emerges

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      MAX VERSTAPPEN could leave Red Bull due to a clause in his contract, the team’s motorsport advisor Helmut Marko has revealed.The reigning Formula One world champion sits third in the World Drivers Championship standings and eight points off of top spot after a disappointing sixth-place finish at the Bahrain Grand Prix.Helmut Marko has said there is ‘great concern’ about Max Verstappen leaving Red BullCredit: GettyVerstappen has a clause in his contract stating he can leave if they do not provide a winning carCredit: GettyRed Bull have long suffered with pace problems compared to constructor champions McLaren, whose drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri – the winner in Bahrain – sit first and second in the drivers championship.Verstappen had one of his greatest-ever drives in F1 to win the Japanese Grand Prix earlier this month.But that performance was largely propped up by claiming pole position while a lack of tyre degradation and the narrow Suzuka track meant overtaking was next to impossible in the race.Regardless, performance issues this season – which Verstappen has highlighted as balance issues making the car unpredictable on corner entry and giving it mid-corner understeer – have left the Dutchman fuming.READ MORE IN F1And it could prompt the 27-year-old to consider his future with the team.According to BBC Sport, a clause written into his contract, which runs until 2026, says they have to provide him with a winning car or else he is free to leave.Team advisor Marko has suggested there is currently “great concern” over Verstappen’s future in F1 with Red Bull owing to the performance issues they are facing.Marko, 81, told Sky Germany: “The concern is great. Improvements have to come in the near future so that he has a car with which he can win again.Most read in MotorsportBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”We have to create a basis with a car so that he can fight for the world championship.”Verstappen has won four titles in a row with Red Bull but appears to have an uphill task to score an unprecedented fifth this season.Verstappen’s excruciating reaction to Jack Whitehall gag at F1 new season launch event Speaking to the BBC in March, Marko said: “We have this huge motivation to achieve this fifth title.”We also know that if we don’t deliver for Max, all the top drivers have performance clauses in their contract…”The whole team is focused to achieve this fifth title which we didn’t make with [Sebastian] Vettel but this time there is a possibility.”After Verstappen’s P6 finish in Bahrain, senior figures at Red Bull including team principal Christian Horner, technical director, Pierre Waché, chief engineer, Paul Monaghan and advisor Marko held a crisis meeting.It was also reported by Sky Sport’s Ted Kravitz that Verstappen’s manager, Raymond Vermeulen, was seen angrily confronting Marko in the team’s garage after the race. The Bahrain race was also underlined by two slow pit stops for Verstappen, something Red Bull are usually top of the class for.Verstappen has been linked to both Mercedes and Aston Martin, with the latter being forced to deny a report in January suggesting they would offer the F1 ace a package worth £1billion.Read More on The SunWith new engine and chassis regulations set to come into play in 2026, Verstappen could jump ship from Red Bull during a pivotal time for F1.Aston Martin have recruited former Red Bull designer Adrian Newey into their ranks for the era, while Mercedes are widely accepted to currently be in the best position to take advantage of the new rules. More

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      Thomas Tuchel made England stars play Traitors game in first camp prompting love cheat Kyle Walker into shock admission

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      ENGLAND boss Thomas Tuchel got his Three Lions stars to play a version of BBC TV hit The Traitors at their first training camp.And this time love-rat defender Kyle Walker was telling the truth when he said he was a Faithful.Thomas Tuchel got his Three Lions stars to play a version of BBC TV hit The Traitors at their first training campLove-rat defender Kyle Walker was telling the truth when he said he was a FaithfulThe AC Milan star has two children by his former mistress — and was forced to admit that finding wrong ’uns is harder than he imagined.Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham was quickly outed as a Traitor, soon followed by skipper Harry Kane.But goalie Jordan Pickford, midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White and striker Dominic Solanke all went under the radar.Kyle said: “You get to see a few of the characters.Read more on Thomas Tuchel“And I think, for Tuchel as well, it was more of a squad-building exercise. He could see who was vocal and stuff like that.“It’s a good bit of fun, trying to convince people if you are a Faithful or a Traitor. It brought the squad together.”He revealed the inside story of German Tuchel’s first England camp in the second episode of The Kyle Walker Podcast on the BBC.The footie star, below, who has won 95 England caps, explained: “I sat next to Harry Kane and Jordan Pickford — next to two Traitors.Most read in Football“And I’m talking to them, saying, ‘You’re not a Traitor, are you?’ Harry Kane’s like, ‘No, I’m not a Traitor’. I believed him.“Pickers, normally when he’s the Traitor he goes bright red. When I asked him, he was bang still. He’s lost his redness, so he’s become better at lying.”’That was missing’ – Brutally blunt Thomas Tuchel reveals disappointment in Rashford and Foden’s England performancesKyle, who has an elbow injury and could be out for the rest of the season, also told of his desperation to reach 100 England caps.He said: “The hundred is getting closer, which is a massive objective.“I look back to when I first started with Fabio Capello and to think all those years ago, I probably said I wanted to get to 25 caps.“Then you surpass 25 caps, you’re looking for the 50. And I was on 49 and got sent off. And then you’re thinking it’s all over.“So to get these caps in the last two games, it was great.”He praised former England boss Sir Gareth Southgate, but said with Tuchel, it was “a new way”.And he warned: “Like they say, Rome wasn’t built in a day. So it’s going to take a little bit of time.” More

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      Arsenal wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri set for mammoth pay rise as Gunners open talks over new contract

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      ETHAN NWANERI has been lined up for a huge pay rise after Arsenal opened talks over a new contract for the teen sensation.Nwaneri is enjoying an explosive breakthrough season after stepping in following injuries to the Gunners’ main attackers.Ethan Nwaneri is set to be rewarded for becoming a virtual regularCredit: GettyArsenal boss Mikel Arteta’s faith in Nwaneri has reaped big dividendsCredit: GettyThe England Under-21 star’s current deal runs until the end of next season.But the BBC say Arsenal have “initiated contact” with the 18-year-old’s representatives on extending his stay.New sporting director Andrea Berta, as well as manager Mikel Arteta, is keen to tie down the Gunners’ hottest prospects.And with the possible exception of left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly, Nwaneri is surely at the top of that list.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt’s understood no official contract offer has yet been made to Nwaneri.But there are unlikely to be any obstacles to the academy product agreeing a long-term deal and landing a huge wage increase.Formal negotiations with the Londoners’ representatives are expected to start in the next few weeks.Nwaneri signed his first professional deal – until 2026 – when he was still a Gunners’ youth player.Most read in FootballThat means his next contract is certain to be far bigger.Nwaneri has amassed 31 appearances for Arsenal across all competitions this term.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta heaps praise on ‘calm and composed’ youngster Ethan Nwaneri for Champions League victory And during his 21 Premier League games in 2024-25, he’s notched three goals and two assists.However, he remained on the bench in Tuesday night’s sizzling 3-0 Champions League win over Real Madrid.Instead, the same-aged Lewis-Skelly was a stand-out performer, although Declan Rice was Arsenal’s clear star man, scoring twice with stunning free-kicks.Nonetheless, Nwaneri has played more often this campaign than possibly even he would have hoped.Admittedly he’s profited from Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus getting crocked, plus the injuries of wingers Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, who are both now fit again.Saka is tipped for talks on extending his contract beyond 2027.The Gunners also want first-choice centre-backs William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes to agree new deals More

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      ‘You guys are my heroes’ – Emotional moment Michail Antonio meets paramedics who saved his life after horror car crash

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      WEST HAM star Michail Antonio touchingly sat down with the “hero” paramedics who helped save his life after his terrifying car crash.The 35-year-old crashed his Ferrari FF into a tree in Epping, Essex on a stormy December 7 and was rushed to hospital.Michail Antonio met the paramedics that saved his lifeCredit: BBCAntonio sat down with first responders Rob Moon and Dr James MoloneyCredit: Essex & Herts Air Ambulance TeamThe West Ham striker went to Essex and Herts Air Ambulance HQAntonio crashed his Ferrari FF into a tree in December and broke his legThe striker required surgery on a shattered femurHe suffered a broken leg in the accident and underwent surgery the following day.And now the Hammers’ record Premier League goalscorer has personally shown his appreciation to the men who helped him cheat death.Antonio met with the two first responders Rob Moon and Dr James Moloney on the BBC’s Morning Live show.The striker cannot remember the crash so he met with the heroic Essex and Herts Air Ambulance crew to “fill in the blanks”.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAfter meeting them in an ambulance hangar, Antonio began: “I want to say thank you because I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you guys.”So you guys are basically my heroes.”Antonio’s accident happened during Storm Darragh, which meant the air ambulance helicopter couldn’t take off due to strong winds. Dr Moloney and Moon – who were dispatched to the scene in a rapid response car – said they thought they recognised the Premier League footballer straight away.Most read in FootballAntonio was shocked to learn that the medics found his lifeless body in the back seat after noticing his fractured femur bone.As football fans, the paramedics clocked that they were helping a Premier League striker.Michail Antonio given hero’s welcome as he returns to West Ham for 1st time since escaping death in horror Ferrari crashBut their suspicions were confirmed after spotting a clue – his No 9 ‘Antonio’ shirt in the foot-well. Dr Moloney said: “We treat everyone the same whatever happens. But not many people have a shirt with their name on the back.”To get Antonio talking, the medics spoke to him about football, including his different managers and career highlights.The pair revealed that he was talking a lot and speaking repetitively, which is common when people bump their heads. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you guys.Michail AntonioBBCThe medics put him on a trolley before boarding him onto the ambulance, and tried to keep him warm.Antonio added: “For me, personally, I could never do your job. “If I go there and see blood or people in trouble, I would just panic or faint. It’s definitely something I wouldn’t be able to do.”The seriousness of it hit home when the forward saw the remains of the car at a scrapyard a few weeks ago.The former Nottingham Forest star explained: “Being involved in a major accident can have life-changing physical and mental effects.”I’ve processed it to a certain degree, but I think the emotions are going to take a long time. Mentally, trauma lasts a long time.”Antonio was shocked to find out that the medics found his body in the back seatCredit: BBCThe West Ham striker signed merch for the crewAntonio said the medics were his heroesHe also revealed that it was harder for his loved ones to see him that way.He said: “My family probably experienced the incident more than I did. “They had to see how I was in the hospital. I don’t remember my face being cut or going down for surgery the next day. “They lived it. They have those memories.”While there was some initial doubt as to whether or not he would ever play football again, Antonio is determined to get back on the pitch.He previously told the BBC: “The most difficult part is that I almost wasn’t there for my children.”It’s just made me happy, positive about life, because I’ve got another chance at life.”During this, we kept it away from the kids. My eldest saw it, and he struggled with it.”Not many people have a shirt with their name on the back.Dr James MoloneyBBCAntonio would watch West Ham games weekly throughout the early stages of his recovery to motivate him.The Hammers icon admitted that hearing his name being sung by supporters “helped him massively”.Read More on The SunHe made an emotional return to the London Stadium for West Ham’s 1-0 defeat to Newcastle last month.Antonio has also been able to return to light training. More

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      Gary Lineker explains why BBC need THREE presenters to replace him on MOTD and gives verdict on trio

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      GARY LINEKER suggested he is being replaced by THREE presenters on Match of the Day because it is such a “massive commitment”.Lineker, 64, will step down as host of MOTD after 26 years in May and will leave the Beeb altogether in 2026 after next season’s FA Cup and World Cup.Lineker will be replaced by three presenters on Match of the DayCredit: BBCMOTD2 host Mark Chapman is among the replacementsCredit: PALogan will be a regular on Saturday nights from now onCredit: PASky favourite Cates is making the switchCredit: PAThe legendary presenter will be replaced by a three-person presenting team consisting of Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan, who will rotate from next term.The England great joked that he thinks it’s a compliment that so many people are needed to succeed him, but he admits this decision has nothing to do with his legacy.Instead, the Leicester icon believes this comes down to family reasons as the job would demand they all sacrifice a number of weekends that they could spend with their loved ones over the next few years.The former Everton, Tottenham and Barcelona hitman himself recently stated that he never really had Saturdays and Sundays off throughout his adult life.Read More on FootballSo the TV star claims that having all three available on a rotation basis would allow them to continue enjoying quality time with their families.And he is very much looking forward to watching the new team of “top presenters” doing a “great job”.Lineker told FourFourTwo: “That’s probably down to the fact it’s a massive commitment.“Those three have all got families, and if you’re saying someone is going to do it for the next 10 or 20 years, then your weekends are gone.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS“That might be it, I don’t know. I didn’t get involved in any of that. I take it as a compliment that they’ve named three, but I suspect it’s not due to that.“I haven’t seen them yet to speak to them, but I will do – they’ll be fine and they’ll do a great job. I’ve known them all for years, they’re top presenters.’This is why I don’t talk to old people’ – Maya Jama bites back at Gary Lineker after he revealed relationship status“I’ll be watching, but probably on iPlayer… I don’t think I’ll be watching on Saturday. Maybe the odd time, if I’m in.”Lineker confirmed recently that he will no longer do TV after leaving the BBC and will instead focus on his podcasts. More