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    Dan Walker to step down from BBC’s Football Focus after 12 years as he looks forward to ‘exciting opportunities’

    BBC presenter Dan Walker has announced his departure from Football Focus.The programme has been a Saturday lunchtime staple since its launch as part of Grandstand in 1974, with Walker the host for the past 12 years.
    Dan Walker announced his departure from Football Focus on ThursdayCredit: Twitter @mrdanwalker
    On Thursday, 44-year-old Walker confirmed the move.
    He said: “This is going to be my last season presenting Football Focus.
    “It has been an amazing 12 years and I can honestly say I have loved every single second of it.
    “I am so proud of the job we’ve done, the changes we’ve made and issues we’ve looked at a time when the football landscape has changed immeasurably.
    “But, having said all that, after 12 years it’s time for someone else to take the reins.”

    Crawley-born Walker will remain with the BBC as host of Breakfast, as well as presenting sports shows including the upcoming summer Olympics.
    And he teased ‘one or two exciting opportunities’ that will be revealed soon.
    Walker added: “I’d like to say thank you to the amazing team at Focus who put so much into the show each week and thank you to the audience for tuning in every Saturday.”
    Football Focus presenter odds: Who will replace Dan Walker?

    The final Football Focus presented by Walker will air on May 22 with no news of a replacement announced yet.
    Former morning television rival Piers Morgan, now available after leaving Good Morning Britain, joked that he will be the one to jump in the hotseat.
    He quote-tweeted the announcement with the phrase: “I start Saturday.”
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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    Alex Scott hails landmark multi-million WSL Sky Sports and BBC broadcast deal as ’emotional day for women’s football’

    ALEX SCOTT has hailed the landmark megabucks WSL TV deal as an “emotional day for women’s football”.The English top-flight has landed the biggest broadcasting deal in women’s football history after securing an agreement with Sky Sports and the BBC.
    The Women’s Super League has landed a landmark broadcasting deal with Sky Sports and the BBC More

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    DAZN target Premier League rights to rival Amazon and increase foothold in UK after launching with big boxing fights

    DAZN are ready to target Premier League rights after launching in the UK. The streaming platform have focused on big boxing fights but are set to rival Amazon in a bid to secure football coverage.
    DAZN want to move into streaming Premier League footballCredit: AP
    Canelo Alvarez is one of the marquee boxers covered by DAZNCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    New chairman Kevin Mayer told CNBC: “To have staying power, you need to deliver the sports that matter to consumers no matter where they are. And those are the local sports.
    “So in the UK, the English Premier League and maybe some cricket and maybe some rugby.
    “In Germany, it’s Bundesliga, which is their equivalent of the EPL. In Japan, it’s baseball.
    “So you have to get those local rights in those countries. And that’s how you can make a real service take hold.”
    DAZN launched in the UK in December with Canelo Alvarez’s fight against Callum Smith showcasing the streaming service.
    But the platform, which is owned by billionaire Len Blavatnik, want to expand into Premier League football and are set to provide competition to Amazon.
    In 2019, Amazon started broadcasting matches after agreeing a three-year deal.
    The £90million package gives them 20 matches a season, spread over two rounds, but Amazon have shown additional matches due to the pandemic stopping fans from attending.
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    The auction for UK broadcasting rights for the 2022-25 seasons starts later this year and DAZN are expected to bid for coverage.
    Mayer said: “Yeah, I think we are positioned to do it. We have the capital to do it, and Len Blavatnik is committed to it. And it’s going to work.
    “It’s a flywheel that happens. Once it starts spinning, you can create momentum.”
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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    BBC presenter Kelly Somers told to ‘get off Final Score and stick to women’s football’ by sick troll who has daughter

    BBC Sport presenter Kelly Somers was told to ‘stick to women’s football’ by an Instagram troll who has a daughter of his own.
    Somers detailed the abuse online and also revealed the dad suggested her and other female colleagues should ‘get off Final Score’.

    BBC Sport presenter Kelly Somers revealed sexist abuse she received on InstagramCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Talented reporter Somers used her experience to shine a light on the problem on International Women’s Day (IWD).
    She tweeted to her 30,000 followers: “On Saturday I got a message from a man on Instagram, telling me myself & other females should get off Final Score & stick to women’s football.
    “I searched the man, he has a daughter. Does he send her the same message? That she can only do certain jobs?
    “The point of me telling this isn’t for sympathy (I feel sorry for him), it’s because messages on IWD are fab but they’re not enough.

    “Everyone should think about their attitudes to women & their jobs, everyday. How would he feel if his daughter received the message he sent?!
    “Also I should add this isn’t all men. SO many amazing men, & dads, out there doing the exact opposite, showing their daughters they can do whatever they want.
    “I may not have been fortunate to have mine around, but many are out there smashing fatherhood.”
    The post received more than 1,000 likes and fortunately fans rushed to support Somers and condemn the dad.

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    On Saturday I got a message from a man on Instagram, telling me myself & other females should get off final score & stick to women’s football. I searched the man, he has a daughter. Does he send her the same message? That she can only do certain jobs? #IWD
    — Kelly Somers (@KellySomers) March 8, 2021

    ALSO I should add this isn’t all men. SO many amazing men, & dads, out there doing the exact opposite, showing their daughters they can do whatever they want. I may not have been fortunate to have mine around, but many are out there smashing fatherhood 👏🏼
    — Kelly Somers (@KellySomers) March 8, 2021

    Somers also added: “On a more positive note (sorry Mr Instagram man), I’m so fortunate I was raised just by my mum. Taken to football by my mum. Encouraged to work in football by my mum.
    “I’ve seen the obstacles women can face, but also that they’re there to be broken down.
    “Thanks mum for making me realise how important having strong women around you is.”
    Aaron leaped to her defence and wrote: “Kelly – you absolutely smash it on Final Score, Football Focus etc and I absolutely love watching your interviews.
    “They clearly have no idea what the hell they’re talking about- you ace it.
    “Some terrific female pundits in the sport too – Alex Scott immediately springs to mind.”
    Amar tweeted: “That’s not a man, that’s a buffoon.”
    And Richie said: “It’s such a shame. You do a fantastic job and come across as being very passionate about football and of course the lower leagues which is great.
    “I can tell how much you enjoy being a pundit and interviewing the top players too.”
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

    Kelly – you absolutely smash it on Final Score, Football Focus etc and I absolutely love watching your interviews. They clearly have no idea what the hell they’re talking about- you ace it. Some terrific female pundits in the sport too – Alex Scott immediately springs to mind.
    — Aaron James (@aaronjamesf1) March 8, 2021

    Saw your potential a few years ago when you hosted pre-match and half-time at #LondonStadium priot to @WestHam matches … so pleased that you’ve done so well since. You’d be more than welcome back in east London.
    — Prince1Keith (@Prince1Keith) March 8, 2021

    It’s such a shame. You do a fantastic job and come across as being very passionate about Football and of course the lower leagues which is great. I can tell how much you enjoy being a pundit and interviewing the top players too.
    — FPL Richie J 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 (@RichieFlair92) March 8, 2021

    Keep up the good work Kelly you are a huge part of the Final Score team very sorry to hear you received that message.
    — Darrell Allen💙 (@DarrellAllen94) March 8, 2021

    You are a superb presenter. Sadly the chain is never broken until someone intelligent breaks the chain. Alot of hate through race and sexism comes from lack of education. He probably also doesn’t realise his mum was also indeed female. Ignore the dinosaurs!
    — Lee Thompson (@lufcThommo) March 8, 2021

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    FA Cup fifth-round games on TV this week: Man Utd clash with West Ham, Barnsley vs Chelsea FREE with all games televised

    FANS will be able to watch three FA Cup games for free in next month’s fifth round including Manchester United versus West Ham.
    The television schedule for the last-16 has been announced with BBC and BT Sport sharing the fixtures.

    With the fifth round taking place in midweek, the first game kicks off on Tuesday, February 9 at 5.30pm.
    Burnley host Bournemouth on BT Sport 1 before United face West Ham at Old Trafford.
    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s quest for a first trophy from the Red Devils dugout continues at 7.30pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
    BT have scheduled in a triple header for Wednesday February 10 starting with Swansea versus Manchester City.

    The 5.30pm kick-off will be shown on BT Sport 1 with Everton and Tottenham facing off on the same channel at 8.15pm.
    In between, Leicester’s game with Brighton will start at 7.30pm on BT Sport 2.
    And a busy evening of cup football also sees Sheffield United host Bristol City at 7.30pm in a game shown online only, on BBC iPlayer.
    Thursday February 11 rounds off the action with BT Sport 1 showing Wolves versus Southampton at 5.30pm.

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    Manchester United host West Ham having beaten the Hammers earlier this seasonCredit: Getty – Pool

    Barnsley are out to inflict another famous FA Cup defeat on ChelseaCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

    At 8pm, Barnsley host Chelsea aiming to emulate their famous 2008 win over the Premier League side at Oakwell.
    BBC are scheduled to show the game on BBC One and via the iPlayer service.
    The victors will look forward to the quarter-finals taking place on the weekend of March 20.

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    Man Utd clash with West Ham and Chelsea at Barnsley to be shown FREE on BBC as FA Cup fifth round TV matches announced

    FANS will be able to watch three FA Cup games for free in next month’s fifth round including Manchester United versus West Ham.
    The television schedule for the last-16 has been announced with BBC and BT Sport sharing the fixtures.

    With the fifth round taking place in midweek, the first game kicks off on Tuesday, February 11 at 5.30pm.
    Burnley host Bournemouth on BT Sport 1 before United face West Ham at Old Trafford.
    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s quest for a first trophy from the Red Devils dugout continues at 7.30pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
    BT have scheduled in a triple header for Wednesday February 12 starting with Swansea versus Manchester City.

    The 5.30pm kick-off will be shown on BT Sport 1 with Everton and Tottenham facing off on the same channel at 8.15pm.
    In between, Leicester’s game with Brighton will start at 7.30pm on BT Sport 2.
    And a busy evening of cup football also sees Sheffield United host Bristol City at 7.30pm in a game shown online only, on BBC iPlayer.
    Thursday February 12 rounds off the action with BT Sport 1 showing Wolves versus Southampton at 5.30pm.

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    Manchester United host West Ham having beaten the Hammers earlier this seasonCredit: Getty – Pool

    Barnsley are out to inflict another famous FA Cup defeat on ChelseaCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

    At 8pm, Barnsley host Chelsea aiming to emulate their famous 2008 win over the Premier League side at Oakwell.
    BBC are scheduled to show the game on BBC One and via the iPlayer service.
    The victors will look forward to the quarter-finals taking place on the weekend of March 20.

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    Man Utd’s FA Cup showdown with bitter rivals Liverpool will be shown live on BBC iPlayer as TV picks are made

    MANCHESTER UNITED’S FA Cup showdown with bitter rivals Liverpool will be shown live on BBC One.
    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side will go head to head with Jurgen Klopp’s men in the fourth round as the race for the Premier League title heats up as well.

    Manchester United will take on Liverpool on terrestrial TVCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    United leapfrogged Liverpool this week to claim the top spot in the league following their narrow 1-0 win over Burnley.
    And both club’s seasons could be heavily shaped by their back-to-back clashes in the Prem and FA Cup.
    United and Liverpool’s fourth-round clash is the highlight of TV picks for the BBC when it kicks off at 5pm on Sunday, January 24.
    ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

    The Old Trafford fixture will be the first meeting in the competition between the two teams since 2012.
    Manchester City’s visit to League Two outfit Cheltenham Town the day before will also be screened on terrestrial TV.
    Last season’s FA Cup finalists Chelsea will be looking to secure their fifth round spot when they host Championship side Luton Town on BBC One.
    Elsewhere, Sheffield United against Plymouth Argyle and West Ham United v Doncaster Rovers will be available via BBC iPlayer.

    Non-league Chorley have been handed another showing on BT Sport with the opening tie of the round against Wolves on the Friday night.

    BBC’s TV Picks for FA Cup fourth-round

    Saturday, January 23
    Cheltenham Town v Manchester City – KO 5.30pm, BBC One and BBC iPlayer
    Sheffield United v Plymouth Argyle (15:00 KO) – Live on BBC Digital Platforms
    West Ham United v Doncaster Rovers (15:00 KO) – Live on BBC Digital Platforms
    Swansea City v Nottingham Forest (15:00 KO) – BBC One Wales
    Sunday, January 24
    Chelsea v Luton Town – KO 12.00pm, BBC One and BBC iPlayer
    Manchester United v Liverpool – KO 5.00pm, BBC One and BBC iPlayer

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    Similarly, FA Cup holders Arsenal will be on BT on Saturday, January 23 against either Southampton or Shrewsbury.
    SunSport recently revealed that League One Shews have been handed an FA Cup reprieve – after Prem bosses agreed to put back Southampton’s trip to Leeds to create space in the calendar.
    Shrewsbury faced being booted out of the competition when a Covid outbreak meant they could not play their third-round tie at St Mary’s last weekend.

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    BBC ‘reach agreement to show Women’s Super League games next season’ in huge boost to the sport

    THE BBC have reportedly reached an agreement to show Women’s Super League games from next season in a huge boost to the sport.
    The Telegraph claims regular WSL broadcasts will be aired on both BBC One and BBC Two next year.

    The BBC have reportedly reached an agreement for regular WSL broadcasts next seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    A shared TV rights deal by the FA with the BBC and Sky Sports is apparently close to completion.
    And it’s reckoned negotiations will be finalised in January.
    SunSport exclusively revealed Sky Sports were set to nick broadcasting rights from rivals BT Sport.
    For the first time ever, the FA made fixtures available for tenure for the next campaign in a bid to take in more profit for the women’s game.

    That was opposed to previous years in which they were provided for free to the likes of BT Sport to cover at their own cost.
    In September, the FA agreed a deal with NBC Sports and DAZN for the WSL to be broadcast in the USA, Germany and Italy.
    Women’s top flight football viewing figures have more than doubled since 2017.
    A peak TV audience of 270,000 tuned in to watch Chelsea face off with Spurs in September last year.

    And more than two million people tuned in to watch the BBC Women’s Football Show last summer.
    Arsenal snatched the North London bragging rights in front of a record WSL crowd of 38,262 last year at the Tottenham Stadium.
    The attendance far outstripped the previous record of 31,213 set at the Etihad for the Manchester derby at the start of the same season.

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