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    Six potential Jake Humphrey replacements on BT Sport including Laura Woods and big hitters currently at BBC

    JAKE HUMPHREY is leaving BT Sport this summer after a decade with the channel.The 44-year-old has opted to step back from his presenting duties to focus on other projects.
    Jake Humphrey is leaving BT Sport after a decadeCredit: Getty
    He had already been predominantly replaced on Premier League coverage by Lynsey Hipgrave, but has remained BT’s lead presenter on Champions League nights.
    With BT Sport rebranding as TNT Sports this summer, they will be chasing a big-name new anchor.
    And they aren’t short of high-profile contenders
    Ahead of the change, SunSport examines six contenders to take over from Humphrey as lead presenter.
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    LAURA WOODS
    Popular talkSPORT host Laura Woods has been linked with a move to the new TNT Sports.
    According to the Mail, positive talks have taken place between the two parties as they look to agree a deal.
    In addition to her radio work, Woods hosts boxing on DAZN and presented for ITV at the World Cup in Qatar – having previously spent 13 years with Sky Sports before leaving 12 months ago.
    Laura Woods is being lined up by TNT SportsCredit: Getty
    LYNSEY HIPGRAVE
    Should TNT Sports fail to land Woods, Hipgrave could be given a more prominent role.
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    In addition to continuing to host Premier League action, the 43-year-old could start to present Champions League coverage.
    Hipgrave has worked for BT Sport in a variety of roles since its inception in 2013.
    Lynsey Hipgrave has presented Premier League action for BT SportCredit: Getty
    JERMAINE JENAS
    The former Tottenham man is a regular pundit on BT Sport, but could yet be offered a hosting role.
    Jenas, 40, presents MOTDx on the BBC, and has occasionally hosted European matches on BT, as well as Match of the Day 2.
    The ex-England international may be in the pipeline to host more matches next season.
    Jermaine Jenas has done plenty of punditry work for BT SportCredit: AFP
    GARY LINEKER
    Match of the Day host Gary Lineker previously hosted BT Sport’s Champions League coverage before quitting in 2021 to follow Leicester in Europe.
    His MOTD commitment has always prevented him from taking on a weekend Prem gig elsewhere, but after his suspension controversy earlier this year, perhaps he could be tempted away from the Beeb.
    And with the Foxes nearing relegation, European jaunts won’t be an issue for Lineker next term.
    Gary Lineker quit BT Sport in 2021 to watch Leicester in EuropeCredit: PA
    MARK CHAPMAN
    MOTD 2 host Mark Chapman could be a target for TNT Sports’ new coverage.
    The 49-year-old is synonymous with the BBC, but did replace Laura Woods as Sky Sports’ League Cup presenter at the beginning of the season.
    Chapman would provide an experienced, reliable option.
    Mark Chapman is synonymous with BBC football coverageCredit: PA
    JULES BREACH
    Rising star Jules Breach has become a popular figure within BT Sport in recent years.
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    Host of BT Sport Score, she has also covered Manchester United and West Ham’s recent European runs, as well as England games for Channel 4.
    With BT Sport Score being axed ahead of next season, TNT could opt to promote Breach into an even more prominent role.
    Jules Breach has been a welcome addition to BT Sport and Channel 4 in recent yearsCredit: Getty More

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    Jake Humphrey leaving BT Sport after decade fronting TV channel with top presenter already tipped to replace him

    JAKE HUMPHREY has announced he is leaving BT Sport after a decade of anchoring the TV Channel’s football coverage.The 44-year-old is leaving to pursue other projects – with Laura Woods tipped to replace him.
    Humphrey has become a familiar figure to football fans after hosting their major football coverage for yearsCredit: Getty
    The presenter often speaks to some of Europe’s biggest stars in his role as presenterCredit: Rex
    Humprey appears alongside famous football pundits such as Rio Ferdinand, Joleon Lescott and Michael OwenCredit: Reuters
    Laura Woods had been tipped for a move to BT even before today’s newsCredit: Getty
    Humphrey presents BT Sport’s Champions League coverage and has become familiar to football fans since the channel took European football from Sky.
    He used to also front their Saturday lunchtime Premier League game before he was replaced by Lynsey Hipgrave.
    The presenter will now focus on other projects like his popular ‘High Performance’ podcast.
    Humphrey tweeted this afternoon: “After 10 wonderful years, I am stepping back from BT. As a football fan, hosting Premier League matches, FA Cup games and European Finals has meant the world to me. It has been my dream job.
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    “I’ve loved being a very small part of a world class production team.
    “I also feel blessed to have shared the screen with legends of the game and incredible broadcasters, who have become friends. Thank you all.
    “Stepping back from BT will allow me space to pursue other projects and fulfil other ambitions. I’m excited. To everyone that’s watched and commented, both good and bad (!), thank you!”
    Humphrey’s unique personality away from the camera has often got fans talking such as earlier this year when he revealed his “world class” morning routine.
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    TalkSPORT, ITV and Amazon Prime presenter Laura Woods has been tipped to join BT.
    The 35-year-old has proved to be a hit with fans across various platforms and would have plenty of experience for the role.
    She presents talkSPORT’s Breakfast show alongside Ally McCoist and was one of ITV’s presenters during last year’s Qatar World Cup.
    The anchor is also one of the many presenters used by Amazon Prime during their rounds of Premier League fixtures.
    Along with Woods, Hipgrave could also step up to replace Humphrey on European nights.
    Jermaine Jenas, who hosts The One Show and has fronted Europa League coverage before, could also step into the role.
    Gary Lineker quit BT Sport two years after fronting their Champions League coverageCredit: Getty
    Gary Lineker may also be linked for a return having previously presented BT’s Champions League coverage.
    And popular presenter Mark Chapman could also be a candidate – if he’s not snapped up by Sky as Jeff Stelling’s replacement first.
    BT Sport is already set for a summer of change as the channel prepares for a major rebrand on July 18.
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    The channel will become TNT Sports after the merger between BT and Warner Bros. Discovery-owned Eurosport.
    The merger is intended to allow BT Sport to become efficient and offer a more premium product. More

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    Laura Woods ‘wanted as face of major Premier League coverage next season by new channel’

    LAURA WOODS is being chased to host BT Sport’s Premier League coverage next season, according to reports.BT Sport are rebranding as TNT Sports ahead of the next campaign.
    Laura Woods is in high-demand this summerCredit: Getty
    Lynsey Hipgrave hosted the bulk of BT’s Prem action this term, with former anchor Jake Humphrey filling in from time to time.
    According to the Mail, TNT Sports want to mark their launch by sealing Woods’ signature for their coverage.
    They claim that talks are progressing well between the two parties.
    And they are confident that Woods will sign on the dotted line.
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    Woods hosts talkSPORT’s breakfast show, as well as boxing coverage on DAZN.
    She also presented ITV’s coverage of the World Cup in Qatar.
    Should Woods sign up with TNT Sports, she would also be involved in “other live programming” – in addition to presenting Prem matches.
    TNT Sports is set to debut in July, replacing BT Sport altogether.
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    Lynsey Hipgrave has presented BT Sport’s Prem action this seasonCredit: PA
    Prior to this season, Woods spent 13 years working for Sky Sports.
    She held a number of roles, including presenting their League Cup action.
    Woods also served as a touchline reporter on Sky’s Prem coverage.
    Laura Woods presented World Cup coverage for ITV last yearCredit: Alamy
    The popular host also presents boxing coverage for DAZNCredit: Rex More

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    Rio Ferdinand delivers brutal snub to Carragher and jokes ‘why the red face?’ amid feud as BT Sport & CBS teams collide

    RIO FERDINAND joked “why the red face” as he hilariously snubbed Jamie Carragher on the touchline at the Etihad.The rival former centre-backs have been in a feud in recent days after Carra labelled Ferdinand a “clown” live on air last week.
    Rio Ferdinand snubbed Jamie Carragher amid their ‘clown’ feudCredit: https://twitter.com/rioferdy5
    Ferdinand gave Thierry Henry a big hugCredit: https://twitter.com/rioferdy5
    Carragher stood awkwardly on the side of the Etihad pitchCredit: https://twitter.com/rioferdy5
    They disagreed on a penalty decision in the Champions League clash between AC Milan and Inter Milan.
    Ferdinand admitted he was baffled by the comment and warned he will demand an explanation next time they meet – especially because Carragher has always shown him love, including carrying his rival’s boots on England duty.
    That next time happened to be tonight ahead of the Manchester City vs Real Madrid second leg.
    Ferdinand was there for BT Sport while Carragher was covering the game for CBS Sports.
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    And the ex-Manchester United man posted a video of the two sets of pundits saying hello to each other on Wednesday evening.
    Ferdinand started off by shaking hands with Micah Richards, even though the former right-back was on the phone, and then walked straight past Carra to give Thierry Henry a big hug.
    That left the pundits, including Patrice Evra in a bright-red suit, in hysterics.
    Ferdinand did, though, turn back and acknowledge the Liverpool legend as they shared a handshake and a laugh together.
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    The Old Trafford hero tweeted the video and wrote: “Why the red face!!?? @Carra23”
    And fans were loving the banter from Ferdinand as he posted the clip online.
    One said: “Left hanging in brutal fashion.”
    Another wrote: “His face is literally turned red.”
    A third commented: “Class.”
    And a final user quipped: “Full on beetroot.”
    The pair did share a laugh and a handshakeCredit: https://twitter.com/rioferdy5
    Patrice Evra was on hand to provide plenty of colourCredit: https://twitter.com/rioferdy5 More

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    Premier League set for major change to broadcasting schedule in huge boost to fans

    FOOTBALL fans are set to have the chance to watch even more matches next season.The Premier League are reportedly set to give broadcasters the chance to buy games that were not initially scheduled for television.
    Arsenal’s 4-1 win over Crystal Palace was not televised despite being in a vacant broadcast slotCredit: Getty
    While two midweek Manchester United games were also missed outCredit: Reuters
    The Premier League is set to offer broadcasters more games to buyCredit: Getty
    The option would come into effect for the next rights cycle between 2025 and 2028, according to the Daily Mail.
    This season has seen complaints from supporters that have not been able to watch some matches that had been rescheduled and played in vacant broadcast slots.
    Arsenal’s 4-1 win over Crystal Palace in March was not shown despite kicking off in Sky Sports’ 2pm broadcast slot because of the FA Cup draw.
    The broadcaster was not permitted to show the game, leaving fans with a Sunday afternoon without televised football on the channel.
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    Two Manchester United matches against Brentford and Leeds have not been televised despite being played on mid-week evenings after being rescheduled.
    A number of Premier League clubs are believed to have criticised the system which has been touted as “outdated”.
    This is thought to have been heard by the Premier League as it is expected to include a way for broadcasters to purchase more games when it launches the UK rights tender in October.
    England’s top division is expected to follow the EFL by selling more matches for the 2025/26 to the 2027/28 campaigns.
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    The report suggests that the number of games available will increase from 200 to between 260 and 280.
    The traditional blackout between 2.45pm and 5.15pm is expected to remain.
    However, the increase of televised fixtures would see fewer and fewer games kick off at 3pm on a Saturday.
    It is thought that on average there would only be three games in that slot for the Premier League’s 34 weekend rounds. More

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    Jamie Carragher slams ‘CLOWN’ Rio Ferdinand and even takes dig at Steven Gerrard as he savages BT Sport punditry

    CBS SPORTS pundit Jamie Carragher brutally savaged his BT Sport rivals last night.That’s by branding Rio Ferdinand a “clown” while also aiming a dig at ex-Liverpool teammate Steven Gerrard.
    Jamie Carragher savaged BT Sport duo Rio Ferdinand and Steven Gerrard last nightCredit: Twitter
    Carragher stunned CBS pals like Thierry Henry following Inter Milan’s 2-0 win over ACCredit: Twitter
    Carragher was adamant Inter Milan should not have had a penalty for a challenge on Lautaro MartinezCredit: Getty
    The trio were all on punditry duty for their respective outlets in yesterday’s Champions League semi-final between AC and Inter Milan.
    Two early goals from the Nerazzurri saw them secure a 2-0 advantage in the first leg.
    It could and should have been more as they ended up having 16 shots at goal in a dominant performance.
    But Inter felt they were wrongly denied a penalty in the first half when Lautaro Martinez went down following contact from Simon Kjaer.
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    The referee initially blew for a spot-kick and even proceeded to book the Dane.
    But VAR advised him to check a replay, and after consulting the pitch-side monitor he reversed his decision.
    Footage suggested there had been some contact on Martinez, albeit he had made the most of it.
    BT Sport duo Ferdinand and Gerrard were livid at the ref’s decision to overturn the penalty.
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    Simon Kjaer was initially penalised for the slight contact before VAR overturned the decisionCredit: Getty
    Carragher said ex-Liverpool teammate Gerrard used to go down easily for penaltiesCredit: Getty
    Carragher called Ferdinand a ‘clown’ for thinking Inter should have won a penaltyCredit: Getty
    But Carragher was adamant that, especially after watching the replay, it was the right call.
    And he left fellow CBS pundits Thierry Henry and Micah Richards stunned with his comments.
    Carragher said: “I think anyone out there who is watching the replay and seeing what VAR do and still believe that is a penalty, they must be a clown.”
    When shown a tweet revealing Gerrard’s thoughts, Carragher continued: “He was an attacking player, wasn’t he?
    “He was liable a little bit himself under a little bit of contact — always contact, never a dive. I understand where he is coming from.
    “It’s just when players in my position who are defenders, English defenders who are commentating on the game…
    “I understand attackers thinking it was a penalty if you (Henry) did, and Steve was an attacker. Maybe he felt there was a little bit of contact.
    Rio Ferdinand! I’m happy to call him a clownJamie Carragher
    “But as a defender we have to stick together, don’t we, and I just felt people were getting a little bit carried away.”
    Pal Richards then chirped: “Name names!”
    To which Carragher replied: “Rio Ferdinand! I’m happy to call him a clown.”
    But Ferdinand doubled down as he tweeted: “Still think it’s a penalty…”
    Ferdinand and Carragher famously clashed on Twitter in October after the latter was snubbed pitch-side by ex-Man Utd striker Cristiano Ronaldo.
    Responding to Ferdinand joking he was upset, Carragher said: “No I’m delighted it went viral. 
    “Rio I know how it works, he’s your mate and you/Evra and the rest are on the group Whatsap and he asks you to come out and defend him.
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    “Don’t be his fan boy you’re Rio Ferdinand FFS!”
    This saw Ferdinand reply: “What Whatsapp group? Leave off lad… I want this same energy with Roy Keane when you’re next in the studio ffs. Stop getting bullied.” More

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    Fans beg for BT Sport to be stripped of Champions League coverage for ‘making a mockery’ of monster Milan derby

    BT SPORT suffered a major Twitter backlash for their coverage of Inter Milan’s clash with AC Milan.The two Italian sides came face-to-face in the first-leg of the Champions League semi-final at the San Siro.
    Fans blasted BT Sport for their major own goal in the coverage of the Milan derbyCredit: Getty
    Edin Dzeko and Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s early strikes stunned AC Milan and sealed Inter a 2-0 advantage ahead of next week’s return match.
    BT Sport have been highly praised for their broadcasts of the Italian top-flight this term with James Richardson and James Horncastle leading the show.
    But the channel opted against using their Italian football experts this evening to go with their usual Premier League crew as pundits tonight.
    And the inclusion of Rio Ferdinand and Steven Gerrard plus the choice of Steve McManaman, who screamed out “bloody hell” after an explosion in the crowd, on commentary frustrated viewers.
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    Journalist Colin Millar started the debate by tweeting: “BT Sport cover every Serie A match with specialist commentators, pundits, presenters.
    “Ignoring all that to end up with this standard of coverage for one of the biggest games of the season is desperately selling viewers short.
    “Their coverage of the Champions League is generally atrocious. Absolutely miles off the standard it should be and comfortably the biggest underperformer of football TV coverage in the UK.”
    And it seemed many echoed his sentiments, with another tweeting: “BT Sport have fantastic Serie A commentators as well James Horncastle and James Richardson who specialise in Italian football.
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    “So why pay for 7 clueless numpties to have a Jolly for Inter V AC Milan Champions League semi final.”
    Another wrote: “More shoddy UEFA Champions League coverage from BT Sport tonight. A wasted opportunity… James Richardson & Co. are 𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆.”
    A fellow viewer said: “Champions League coverage on BT Sport is absolutely shocking.”
    Another said: “BT Sport are so weird, their Serie A and National League coverage is great, but Premier League and Champions League is f***ing horrendous!”
    “Someone needs to take Champions League coverage off BT Sport, they’re making a mockery out of this competition,” blasted another.
    While a fellow fan said: “Absolutely nothing unites football fans quite like their dislike for BT Sport Champions League coverage.” More

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    Jack Grealish interview drowned out as Man City fans serenade Rio Ferdinand with X-rated chant

    THE air turned sky blue during Jack Grealish’s post-match interview with BT Sport as Manchester City fans aimed an X-rated chant at Rio Ferdinand. Following City’s 1-1 draw with Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu, Grealish was interviewed by BT Sport’s panel of pundits pitchside.
    Rio Ferdinand became the subject of an X-rated chant from Manchester City fansCredit: Rex
    It occurred during a post-match interview with Jack GrealishCredit: Getty
    The interview had started with chants serenading GrealishCredit: Getty
    As Grealish came out for his interview, City fans who were still in the ground could be heard chanting “Super, super Jack”.
    The 27-year-old began his interview by lauding the game he had just played, revealing playing in a match of such magnitude was “like a dream come true”.
    However, as Manchester United legend Ferdinand enquired about Grealish and Co’s nerves going into the game, City fans made their voices known once again.
    This time though, their chant was aimed at the former United defender.
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    The visiting fans could be heard chanting: “Rio is a w******, Rio is a w******.”
    Their voices were so loud that the interview with Grealish became difficult to hear for a short time.
    But Grealish carried on and explained how City were different to the team Real Madrid dumped out of the competition at the same stage last season.
    He said: “I think we have a new team, different players and one thing I can say is that we’ve learned so much since last year.
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    “I think now we have the perfect balance of experience and youngsters. Obviously Phil [Foden], Erling [Haaland] who are world class.
    “I’ve never felt so confident going on to the pitch and having these players around me.”
    BT Sport’s interview with Grealish also gave fans an eyeful as they zoomed into his calves after he admitted to getting some cramp.
    However, there was also an awkward moment near the end of the interview as a suspected fart was let rip by a mystery pundit, which fans were quick to pick up on.
    The reverse leg of the fixture takes place next Wednesday at the Etihad. More