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      BBC presenter stunned after seeing behind the scenes at Match of the Day studio with Gary Lineker

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      BBC presenter Matt Allwright was left shocked when given a behind the scenes tour of the Match of the Day set by Gary Lineker.The Beeb’s iconic football highlights show is celebrating its 60th anniversary this week.BBC presenter Matt Allwright was shocked when he saw the Match of the Day setCredit: BBCMatch of The Day is celebrating 60 years on airCredit: BBCGary Lineker has been hosting the show since 1999Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdLineker, who has hosted Match of the Day since 1999, was being interviewed by BBC colleague Allwright for a piece on the One Show about the historic moment.And the Leicester and England legend gave Allwright a tour of the studio, leaving him flabbergasted at what the set looks like in real life.Allwright claimed he “couldn’t get over” the fact almost the entire set is made up of GREEN SCREENS.Other than the pundits’ chairs and tables, everything is added in post-production with the set unrecognisable in person.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLineker is now in his 25th year as host of Match of the Day, having taken over from Des Lynam before the turn of the century.And the 63-year-old has said that his lengthy stint in the hot-seat has been “amazing”.Although he did cast doubt over his future on the show in an interview with BBC Breakfast, as he heads into the final year of his current deal with the free-to-air broadcaster.He said: “I don’t know [how long I’ll stay]! It depends how long they want me, I suppose.Most read in FootballThe set is actually entirely made of green screensCredit: BBCThe behind the scenes shots makes the studio look unrecognisableCredit: BBCPresenters can see what the viewers see on a screen in front of themCredit: BBCBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”I love doing it at the moment; I’ve still got another year left, at least.”So we’ll have to wait and see what happens. Obviously it’s another change in football and television and the rights of the Premier League and stuff like that.Gary Lineker reveals how his views on Match of the Day can sometimes get him into trouble “All of these things will play a part. But I just feel it’s been an absolute privilege to have presented it for 25 years now. I must be getting old!”Lineker has already been snubbed for the BBC’s new Champions League highlights show that begins this season.Instead, Gabby Logan is reportedly set to be the head presenter for the new European football show.Whether he leaves or not, Lineker will have left his mark on the show – not least because many viewers will have never seen Match of the Day without the former Barcelona bagsman.But also because he actually helped transform the show’s format back in 2004 with a crucial tweak to the BBC’s coverage.The Beeb had lost the rights to show Premier League highlights to broadcasting rival ITV in 2001.So when they regained the rights in 2004, at the end of ITV’s three-year contract, Lineker wanted to “stop fans moaning” about the coverage.The Three Lions icon asked if the show could provide highlights for EVERY Prem match, something it had not been doing previously.He explained: “When it came back, when we got the rights back, I said, ‘Is there any way we could show all the games?’READ MORE SUN STORIES”We found a way of doing it and I thought, ‘Right, we finally won’t get people moaning that they’re never on Match of the Day’.”But of course then it becomes about where they are on Match of the Day, on the running order! ‘We’re always last’.”Lineker hosted the show in his boxers after losing a wager when Leicester won the title in 2016Lineker earns a pretty penny for his work on Match of the Day More

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      Gary Lineker reveals how he changed Match of the Day forever with tweak to ‘stop people moaning’

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      GARY LINEKER has revealed the tweak he made to Match of the Day that has changed the show forever.Lineker, 63, has been hosting the nation’s beloved football highlights show since 1999.Gary Lineker has revealed the tweak he made that changed Match of the Day foreverCredit: AlamyLineker has been hosting the iconic show since 1999Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdThe England legend has become synonymous with the programme since he started hosting some 25 years ago, with many football fans never experiencing the show without the former Leicester ace.Lineker hasn’t just put his own spin on the show with his presenting style though, but also with a tweak he helped the BBC make back in 2004.The BBC had lost the rights to show Premier League highlights to broadcasting rival ITV in 2001. So when they regained the rights in 2004, at the end of ITV’s three-year contract, Lineker wanted to “stop fans moaning” about the coverage.READ MORE ON GARY LINEKERThe former Barcelona bagsman asked if the show could provide highlights for EVERY Prem match, something it had not been doing previously.Speaking on BBC Breakfast this week, Lineker revealed: “When it came back, when we got the rights back, I said, ‘Is there any way we could show all the games?’”We found a way of doing it and I thought, ‘Right, we finally won’t get people moaning that they’re never on Match of the Day’.”Since 2004 every Premier League match has been squeezed into the show so that fans up and down the country can catch up with how their side got on.Most read in FootballLineker hosted the show in his boxers after losing a wager when Leicester won the title in 2016BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut Lineker didn’t stop all the moaning, with the Beeb’s star presenter revealing that people now whinge about where their team is placed in the programme’s running order.He joked: “But of course then it becomes about where they are on Match of the Day, on the running order! ‘We’re always last’.”SunSport’s Latest Transfer HeadlinesLineker also described the role as Match of the Day presenter as the “toughest” show he’s ever been apart of.However, he is certainly compensated handsomely for his hard work, after the BBC revealed that the retired footballer is the company’s best-paid sports star.Lineker pockets a whopping £1.35MILLION per year, that’s more than TRIPLE what BBC Sport’s second highest earner, Alan Shearer, is getting paid for his role.Although Lineker may not be on the payroll for too much longer as he cast doubt over his future with the company as he heads into the final year of his contract this season.He said: “I don’t know [how long I’ll stay]! It depends how long they want me, I suppose.”I love doing it at the moment; I’ve still got another year left, at least.”So we’ll have to wait and see what happens. Obviously it’s another change in football and television and the rights of the Premier League and stuff like that.”All of these things will play a part. But I just feel it’s been an absolute privilege to have presented it for 25 years now. I must be getting old!”READ MORE SUN STORIESLineker has already been snubbed for the BBC’s new Champions League highlights show that begins this season.Instead, Gabby Logan is reportedly set to be the head presenter for the new European football show.Lineker has just one year remaining on his contract at the BBCCredit: BBCThe salaries of BBC Sport presenters and pundits More

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      Frank Lampard lands new job following BBC Euro 2024 role and 15 months after Chelsea exit

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      FRANK LAMPARD can’t stay away from football despite leaving his last role as a manager some 15 months ago.The Chelsea and England legend has landed himself a new job as a pundit for the Champions League.Frank Lampard has landed a role as a pundit for Amazon Prime’s Champions League coverageCredit: GettyLampard will join a whole host of other former players as part of Amazon Prime’s brand new coverage of the Champions League.The 46-year-old, who won the European competition during his career, will form part of a stellar cast for the global broadcaster alongside the likes of Clarence Seedorf, Daniel Sturridge and Gael Clichy.While Gabby Logan is set to head up the coverage with Premier League legend Alan Shearer joining the team as a commentator.Lampard won’t be out of his depth in front of the camera, after playing a part in the BBC’s coverage in Euro 2024 this summer too.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 106-time England international is yet to find a new managerial role in football after leaving Chelsea in June last year.Lampard took charge of just 11 games in his second stint as Blues boss after coming in as caretaker manager following the sacking of Graham Potter.Lampard, who has also held roles with Derby and Everton, has been outspoken about wanting a return to the dugout at some point.And BBC colleague Gary Lineker has even suggested he could be the right fit for the biggest job of all – the next England manager.Most read in FootballAmazon Prime Video Champions League TeamPresenter: Gabby LoganCommentators: Jon Champion, Alan ShearerReporters: Gabriel Clark, Alex AljoePundits: Clarence Seedorf, Daniel Sturridge, Frank Lampard, Josephine Henning, Laura Georges, Gael ClichyBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSpeaking on the Rest is Football podcast, Lineker said: “I wouldn’t disregard Frank Lampard [as Gareth Southgate’s replacement]. “I think he tactically gets it. I think the players would respect him immediately.BBC pundit tipped to replace Gareth Southgate as England manager after Euro 2024″Maybe I’m getting ahead of myself here but if you’re going to go English you think who else? Eddie Howe maybe?”FA chiefs are still searching for a permanent replacement for Gareth Southgate following his decision to step down after the summer’s Euro 2024 heartbreak.Former U21s boss Lee Carsley has been handed the job on an interim basis and will take charge of the Three Lions’ upcoming Nations League clashes against Ireland and Finland.Lampard has already admitted he is “looking to get back” into management at some point in the near future.Speaking to TalkSPORT back in March, he said: “I’m enjoying being with the family and looking to get back at some point.”Hopefully something comes up that feels right for me, I’m keen to get working again but as I reiterate, I’m enjoying family life.“It’s an intense job so when you’re out of it, it’s nice to appreciate being around all my children.READ MORE SUN STORIES“You love the job. you understand the rigours of it in the modern day. I’ve enjoyed all the clubs I’ve worked with.“They’ve all been big challenges for different reasons. I enjoy working with players, improve players and the team, so let’s see what comes.”Gareth Southgate vs Frank Lampard managerial recordFrank LampardDerby County May 2018 – July 2019P57 W24 D17 L16 Win percentage 42.1%Chelsea July 2019 – January 2021P84 W44 D17 L23 Win percentage 52.4%Everton January 2022 – January 2023P44 W12 D17 L24 Win percentage 27.3%Chelsea (caretaker) April 2023 – May 2023P11 W1 D2 L8 Win percentage 9.1%Overall: P288 W132 D72 L16 Win Percentage 45.83%Gareth SouthgateMiddlesbrough June 2006 – October 2009P151 W45 D43 L63 Win percentage 29.8%England U21 August 2013 – September 2016P37 W27 D5 L5 Win percentage 72.97%England September 2016 – PresentP110 W60 D24 L16 Win percentage 60%Overall: P156 W81 D44 L71 Win Percentage 41.3% More

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      Chelsea fans slam ‘weak wrists’ Robert Sanchez as ‘Kepa regen’ after keeper’s howler against Man City

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      CHELSEA fans are worried they have another goalkeeping flop on their hands.The Blues were chasing an equaliser against Manchester City when former midfielder Mateo Kovacic let loose from range.Robert Sanchez was close to keeping out Mateo Kovacic’s effortCredit: AFPThe Spaniard was beaten twice as Man City wonCredit: GettyMateo Kovacic stung his former clubCredit: ReutersHis effort gave City a 2-0 lead but Robert Sanchez got a hand on it and probably should have kept it out.Chelsea fans on social media saw shades of Kepa Arrizabalaga in the ex-Brighton keeper, 26.One wrote: “Sanchez has weaker wrists than Kepa. Wasn’t even a hard shot!”A second added: “no WAY we have a kepa regen.”READ MORE CHELSEA NEWAA third said: “How many times did this club need to see Robert Sanchez be absolutely diabolical to realise he was absolutely diabolical. It actually boils my blood. He’s terrible, he’s a calamity. GET HIM OUT.”A fourth fumed: “No manager who starts Robert Sanchez in 2024 gets sympathy from me.”Chelsea were second best for long periods at Stamford Bridge and it was no surprise to see Erling Haaland give City the lead.Nicolas Jackson thought he had netted an equaliser but saw his effort chalked off for offside.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd after a decent second-half spell for the Blues, City took control again and Kovacic settled the contest.Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca told BBC Match of the Day: “The performance was good and we competed against the best team in the world. Robert Sanchez shows off his unbelievable reflexes in Spain training “We played well and created chances. The biggest difference was inside the box and how they managed the ball at the end, they are a master. “We don’t like to lose games but the performance was good.”We can for sure improve many things, we’ve been together for just six weeks. “At the same moment, we liked to analyse the game and we tried to play football and create chances. It’s not easy but we did well.”It’s always tough because many of them deserve to play from the start. “We have another game soon so they have chances to play for sure.” More

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      Match of the Day confirm appointment of new pundit just hours before start of new Premier League season

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      MATCH OF THE DAY chiefs have added a former Lioness to the line-up this season.The shift comes after Arsenal icon Ian Wright stepped down from the role in May after 27 years on the show.Retired Manchester City captain Steph Houghton has joined Match of the DayCredit: GettyShe joins a new look panel that will also see Theo Walcott and Joe Hart joining regulars Alan Shearer and Gary LinekerCredit: GettyIn a new-look campaign, the BBC have added Steph Houghton to their line-up of new pundits.The newly-retired Manchester City captain will join fellow newbies Theo Walcott and Euros pundit Joe Hart.Houghton eased into punditry with the BBC during England women’s games after missing out on various Sarina Wiegman’s squads after fitness concerns.Alan Shearer will continue as a weekly pundit, while the likes of Micah Richards will take on “a more prominent punditry role” this season according to the Beeb.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSDanny Murphy, Jermaine Jenas and Dion Dublin are expected to continue being utilised when needed.Houghton, 36, said: “I am looking forward to being able to share my experiences and provide insights into the game that I love.”She has won three Women’s Super League titles across her spells with Arsenal and City.The defender also has 121 caps for her country, leading the Lionesses to third place at the 2015 World Cup.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMeanwhile, Walcott – who debuts on Match of the Day this Saturday alongside regular host Gary Lineker – said: “I grew up watching BBC Sport so I’m over the moon to be joining.”It’s a dream come true for me and I’m excited to get going. Life after retiring from football was always going to be scary.Star-Studded Glamour at the ‘It Ends With Us’ Premiere”There’s plenty for me to learn but I can draw on the career I’ve had to offer different views.”Houghton announced her retirement from football in MarchCredit: Getty More

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      Heartbroken Alan Shearer reveals death of his dad and says MOTD will be ‘tough’ after theme tune was played at funeral

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      NEWCASTLE legend Alan Shearer has opened up about the death of his dad for the first time.The 54-year-old’s father, also named Alan, passed away earlier this year following a battle with cancer.Alan Shearer has opened up about the death of his dadCredit: GettyHe admits it will be ‘tough’ returning to work on Match of the DayCredit: BBCShearer with wife LainyaCredit: GettyHe had been diagnosed in February having already fought and beat the cruel disease at the age of 65.It spread to his lungs and brain, leaving him with just months to live.Shearer has now opened up about the tragic death of his dad for the first time as he gets set to return to work on Match of the Day.In a column for The Athletic, he wrote: “He told us exactly what he wanted and he told us that when the time came, he wanted to be at home. And he was. We were all there with him and it was very peaceful. The pain had gone.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”On the way, there were light and dark moments. We knew what was coming and one day when I was trying to switch off for a couple of hours, I got a call from my mam, ‘Dad wants you and Karen home now. He’s ready to go.'”In the end, he lasted for another 27 or 28 hours, but on that final evening, he talked through his life, the people he had fights with and didn’t like and plans for his own funeral. He was laughing and reminiscing. The clarity was amazing.”Shearer, who is married to wife Lainya and has three children – Hollie, Chloe and Will, also revealed that his dad wanted the Match of the Day theme tune played at his funeral.The ex-striker recalled: “Along with Will, my son, I’d carried his coffin into the crematorium — the hardest thing I’ve ever done — as the Match of the Day theme blared out, jaunty and loud.Most read in Premier League”The music was his decision too, although he pinched that idea from my mam, telling us shortly before he died that this was what he wanted.”Mixed emotions on MOTD returnShearer continued his broadcasting duties following the death of his dad, although he admits he “glided” through “with the blinkers on”.Best ten new Premier League kits for next seasonHe now has mixed emotions about returning to work for the new Premier League season, which kicks off tonight.The Newcastle icon continued: “I got to the end of last season with the blinkers on. I appeared on Match of the Day a couple of times and glided through it, just as I did for my punditry work at the European Championship, but the here and now feels different.”I’ll be in the BBC studios in Salford this weekend and I honestly can’t tell you how it will feel when that famous tune starts up, but I do know it will be tough — very tough.”This won’t come as a total surprise to most of you, but like my dad, I’m not emotional by nature, yet at 54 years old I’m heading into my first season without him beside me, without him just there. It’s a void that can’t be filled and it still feels very raw.”Shearer will be working with a new look team on Match of the Day, with long-time fellow pundit Ian Wright having quit the show.Alan Shearer with his family (left-right) Hollie, Lainya, Will and Chloe after he was presented with a CBE in 2016Credit: GettyShearer’s family including wife Lainya and kids Hollie, Will and ChloeCredit: willshearer9/InstagramShearer will be back on Match of the Day this weekendCredit: BBC More

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      Alex Scott and girlfriend Jess Glynne look all loved up as they jet off to Ibiza on romantic holiday

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      ALEX SCOTT and her partner Jess Glynne soaked up the sun as they enjoyed a loved up trip to Ibiza.It has been a busy summer for Scott, who was part of the BBC team covering the Euros.Alex Scott and Jess Glynne enjoyed a holiday to IbizaCredit: InstagramThe couple were loved up on the Spanish islandCredit: InstagramScott decided to unwind after appearing at the Euros for the BBCCredit: Instagram @alexscott2The couple enjoyed a day at Ushuaia nightclub with palsCredit: Instagram @alexscott2She decided to unwind from her punditry duties by visiting Ibiza with girlfriend Jess, who she has been dating since last year.The pair stripped down to their bikinis and took a luxury boat trip around the island, enjoying drinks as they soaked up the sun.They cuddled and were arm in arm, with Scott resting her head on Jess’ lap.As well as the sights the couple also took in the sounds with a visit to legendary club Ushuaia.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLScott, 39, dazzled in a black trousers and matching top with Jess wearing the same.They also enjoyed dinner with friends and cosied up on a sun lounger for a selfie.Scott and Glynne often appear loved up despite the presenter admitting it was difficult for her to show affection at first.The BBC host revealed her dad banned her from showing emotion when she was young, meaning she rarely hugged her relatives, even her brother.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSScott told The Times: “We weren’t allowed to express emotion.“Dad didn’t allow us to hug each other or say ‘I love you’. It had a huge impact on us all. To this day, if I want to show people love, I’ll do it by taking them out to dinner and paying.”They soaked up the sun on their tripCredit: Instagram @alexscott2Scott has been dating Jess since last yearCredit: InstagramAlex Scott shows off stunning new look in glamorous white dress for Soccer Aid More

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      BBC turn to two former England stars to replace Ian Wright after Arsenal legend’s emotional Match of the Day exit

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      ARSENAL hero Theo Walcott will be taking the hot seat next to Gary Lineker on Match of the Day next season.It comes after former Gunner Ian Wright, 60, emotionally stepped away from the role after 27 years at the end of the last campaign.Ian Wright’s Match of the Day replacements have been namedCredit: PAWright joined the footie show during his playing career in 1997Credit: BBCTheo Walcott will fill into his shoes next seasonCredit: RexJoe Hart was confirmed as the second ex-England star to replace WrightCredit: GettyNewly retired Joe Hart will also appear alongside the regular team in a new look panel for the 24/25 Premier League season.The former Manchester City and Celtic goalkeeper eased into punditry with the BBC during England’s run to the Euros final and will be in the studio for the first weekend of Prem action.Meanwhile, Walcott, 35, has regularly featured on Sky Sports’ top-flight games since calling time on his career last summer, after a stint back at boyhood club Southampton.Alan Shearer will continue in his weekly role as a pundit, while the likes of Micah Richards will take on “a more prominent punditry role” this season according tot the BBC.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSDanny Murphy, Jermaine Jenas and Dion Dublin are expected to continue being utilised when needed.Weekly panellist Wright – endearingly nicknamed “Wrighty” – departed Match of the Day in May and has since revealed the reasons behind his surprise exit.He told the Stick to Football Podcast: “It’s time. I had a dear friend who said that sometimes you’ve got to know when to step back, change, rest, have a break, and say no, it’s just time.”The way I am now, because I have to get back to London from Manchester after filming it’s like 3:30am in the morning – it’s a long day. Most read in Football”It takes me two to three days after that to get ready and there are other things I’m doing which I just haven’t got the energy for sometimes.”New duo Hart and Walcott starred for England at several international tournaments and have racked up an impressive 738 Premier League appearances between them.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWalcott became England’s youngest-ever senior star, aged 17 years and 75 days against Hungary in May 2006, before being included in the World Cup squad that summer.The 35-year-old brings plenty of Prem knowledge, having notched 108 goals in 270 Arsenal appearances before joining Everton in 2018.ITV pundits gush over Yamal and reveal what they did at 16 from working on building sites to drinking cider in a fieldWhile Hart picked up 75 caps during his nine year spell as the Three Lions’ No1.Speaking on his new role, the ex-goalkeeper said: “I’m very excited, very proud, and looking forward to growing into an incredible role on something that I grew up watching.”I want to try and give back as much as I can from the career I’ve had and keep learning.”I’m thrilled to be in an around an incredible set up, learning first and foremost in a new part of my life.”On Wright’s Match of the Day exit, previous host Des Lynam, 81, said: “It’s a shame, because he has developed into a first-class broadcaster and pundit. “He speaks from the heart and people like that. He’s never bland. He made his first appearance on MotD when I was there. “He came on, as a player, and said ‘Des, this is my Graceland’ because he’d watched it since he was a boy.”Lynam also backed Micah Richards to step into Wright’s shoes and become a regular pundit on the BBC’s flagship footie show.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe said: ‘I think it’s Richards isn’t it? He’s got a sense of humour and he knows football.”I think he needs to calm down a little but his opinions are quite solid, though I don’t think anybody can quite match Wrighty.”Alan Shearer remains on the panel to show Walcott and Hart the ropesCredit: BBCJoe Hart will be on screen most Saturday’s for Match of the DayCredit: BBCWalcott will also replace fellow Arsenal star WrightCredit: Getty More