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    Cult hero BBC host rules himself out of replacing Gary Lineker on Match of the Day with eight-word statement

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    CULT hero BBC host Manish Bhasin has ruled himself out of replacing Gary Lineker on Match of the Day.Lineker, 63, will be stepping down from his role as host at the end of the season.Manish Bhasin has ruled himself out of the running for Match of the DayCredit: Getty Images – GettyGary Lineker will leave the show at the end of the seasonCredit: PAThe former England striker has been in the hot seat for over 25 years.And following the 2026 World Cup, Lineker will also be leaving the BBC for good.Many names are said to be in the running to replace him for next season.Match of the Day 2 host Mark Chapman is the favourite.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAlex Scott, Gabby Logan and Kelly Somers have also been tipped for the role.While fans have said they would love to see Alan Shearer promoted from the couch to the main chair.However, one BBC favourite will not be taking over.Bhasin, 48, first popped up on screens in 2004, after becoming the youngest host of Football Focus aged just 27.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe later became the BBC’s main cricket presenter and now works for Premier League Productions.But after being tipped by a fan to replace Lineker on Match of the Day, humble Bhasin ruled himself out with an eight-word statement.Gabby Logan backed to replace Gary Lineker on Match Of The Day by Lorraine Kelly saying she’d be ‘fantastic and amazing’Who could replace Gary Lineker as MOTD host?GARY LINEKER dropped the shock news that he is QUITTING Match of the Day.The popular presenter, 63, took over hosting duties on the flagship BBC programme from Des Lynam in 1999.But after more than 25 years in the studio hotseat, he has called time on his MOTD gig.But as part of a huge shake-up, the BBC is considering rotating the presenters on a weekly basis.So with Lineker vacating the chair, new names will step into his giant boots. But who could they be?MARK CHAPMANChapman, 51, is the obvious early favourite to follow on from Lineker as MOTD presenter.He already has the gig as MOTD2 host on a Sunday night plus landed the presenting job for the new BBC Champions League highlights show.ALEX SCOTTScott gets the nod from the Beeb bosses when Lineker is away.The former right-back, 40, is used to presenting the Saturday night show as well as live match coverage – plus ticks the box as a former England international.GABBY LOGANLike Scott, Logan, 51, is one of the understudies to step in when Lineker is not available.She has done most gigs since joining the BBC in 2007, including Olympics, Sports Personality of the Year and Final Score.MICAH RICHARDSLineker’s top pick to replace him is exuberant former Man City defender Richards.The departing host told his close pal, 36, on their Stick to Football podcast: “I’d love to see you take over Micah, I think you’d be brilliant in the chair.”JASON MOHAMMADMohammad could earn the “promotion” from Final Score to Match of the Day.The 51-year-old Welshman – who took over from Logan in 2013 – is one of the BBC’s top earners already and is more senior than fellow Final Score and BBC Sport broadcaster Kelly Somers, who could in theory become the main live host for the afternoon slot.JEFF STELLINGHe couldn’t, could he? While Lineker has been the face of Saturday night TV for football fans for years, the face of the afternoons was Stelling in his role as Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday presenter.He would bring plenty of on-screen charisma, wit and legendary TV expertise – but at nearly 70 and currently with talkSPORT, the Hartlepool fan would not be a cheap or long-term appointment.The fan initially said: “Your time has finally come @_manishbhasin.@Bhasin replied: “I wish! Thanks for the kind comments though.”He received plenty of support from other fans who backed him for the role.One said: “The perfect successor to Lineker.”Another declared: “He would be a great choice.”One noted: “Good a chance as any tbf.”Another added: “The ideal candidate.” More

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      Former England star named as fans’ favourite to take over Match of the Day with pundit more popular than Gary Lineker

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      FANS want a former England international to become the next Match of the Day host.Gary Lineker confirmed earlier this month that he will step down as host of the BBC highlights programme at the end of the season after 25 years in the role.The BBC are yet to confirm who will replace Gary Lineker as Match of the Day hostCredit: BBCA number of broadcasters have been linked with the role including the likes of Mark Chapman, Alex Scott, Gabby Logan and Kelly Somers.But a poll carried out from Ipsos of football fans between the ages of 18 and 75 has revealed a left-field name as the viewers’ choice for the position.That individual is Alan Shearer.A total of 71 per cent have a “favourable” view of him as a pundit, while 22 per cent would like to see him as the next host of Match of the Day.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat is a higher figure than any other candidate – with the next best being Chapman at 20 per cent, followed by Scott at 12 and Logan at ten per cent.Ian Wright has the next highest pundit favourability percentage at 65 per cent.Lineker is down in third at 57, narrowly ahead of Roy Keane [56], Gary Neville [55] and Micah Richards [54].Recent reports have claimed Shearer penned a new deal with the BBC in the wake of Lineker’s departure.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAlan Shearer, right, is the fans’ favourite to take over from LinekerCredit: Kieran Clarke/BBCShearer has a 22 per cent approval rating, higher than any other candidateHe also joked he would not sign an extension on Match of the Day if pal Richards was named as Lineker’s successor.Speaking on The Rest Is Football, he said: “That is a f***ing massive concern by the way [Richards hosting Match of the Day].”I’m not signing my new contract if you’re a presenter by the way.”Gabby Logan backed to replace Gary Lineker on Match Of The Day by Lorraine Kelly saying she’d be ‘fantastic and amazing’The fans’ favourite pundit is also ShearerShearer’s former England team-mate Paul Gascoigne recently tipped the Newcastle legend to take the Match of the Day job because he “loves a bit of money”.Premier League record scorer Shearer has been a pundit on the BBC show for nearly two decades.He has also worked for Amazon Prime on their football coverage.Who could replace Gary Lineker as MOTD host?GARY LINEKER dropped the shock news that he is QUITTING Match of the Day.The popular presenter, 63, took over hosting duties on the flagship BBC programme from Des Lynam in 1999.But after more than 25 years in the studio hotseat, he has called time on his MOTD gig.But as part of a huge shake-up, the BBC is considering rotating the presenters on a weekly basis.So with Lineker vacating the chair, new names will step into his giant boots. But who could they be?MARK CHAPMANChapman, 51, is the obvious early favourite to follow on from Lineker as MOTD presenter.He already has the gig as MOTD2 host on a Sunday night plus landed the presenting job for the new BBC Champions League highlights show.ALEX SCOTTScott gets the nod from the Beeb bosses when Lineker is away.The former right-back, 40, is used to presenting the Saturday night show as well as live match coverage – plus ticks the box as a former England international.GABBY LOGANLike Scott, Logan, 51, is one of the understudies to step in when Lineker is not available.She has done most gigs since joining the BBC in 2007, including Olympics, Sports Personality of the Year and Final Score.MICAH RICHARDSLineker’s top pick to replace him is exuberant former Man City defender Richards.The departing host told his close pal, 36, on their Stick to Football podcast: “I’d love to see you take over Micah, I think you’d be brilliant in the chair.”JASON MOHAMMADMohammad could earn the “promotion” from Final Score to Match of the Day.The 51-year-old Welshman – who took over from Logan in 2013 – is one of the BBC’s top earners already and is more senior than fellow Final Score and BBC Sport broadcaster Kelly Somers, who could in theory become the main live host for the afternoon slot.JEFF STELLINGHe couldn’t, could he? While Lineker has been the face of Saturday night TV for football fans for years, the face of the afternoons was Stelling in his role as Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday presenter.He would bring plenty of on-screen charisma, wit and legendary TV expertise – but at nearly 70 and currently with talkSPORT, the Hartlepool fan would not be a cheap or long-term appointment. More

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      ‘He’s got to be the man, surely’ – Jeff Stelling names his favourite to replace Gary Lineker on Match of the Day

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      JEFF STELLING believes there is only one man up for the job of replacing Gary Lineker on Match of the Day.There are several candidates mooted to replace legend Lineker, who will step down after 25 years at the end of the season.Jeff Stelling believes Mark Chapman should be the next presenter of Match of the DayCredit: Getty Images – GettyChapman is the host of Match of the Day 2Credit: PAGary Lineker will step down after 25 years at the end of the seasonCredit: ReutersFormer footballers and presenters have been linked to the role but Stelling believes the BBC should appoint Mark Chapman.He pointed to Chappers’ good sense of humour, with the Match of the Day 2 host already familiar with several pundits too.Stelling told The Telegraph: “Chappers is the man for the job. Great presenter, nice sense of humour, good rapport with the guests, he’s got to be the man, surely.”Stelling, 69, knows all too well what it is like to step down as a presenter from an iconic role, having left Soccer Saturday after 25 years in 2023.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe now presents talkSPORT Breakfast but he saw big changes during his time at Sky Sports, including the departure of several close colleagues as the company sought to appeal to a new demographic.The BBC could adopt a similar strategy to finding Lineker’s replacement, something Stelling is sceptical of.He continued: “Demographics? I’ve never bought the stuff about a new demographic.“It’s a forlorn pursuit to look for a younger audience that probably aren’t interested in the programme anyway by having younger presenters, influencers, social-media types. I’ve never believed that was the way forward.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“Call me old-fashioned, but I’ve always felt the way to attract an audience of any demographic is to make sure you put out a high-quality product. “If the programme is watched by mums and dads in their forties, make sure it is good enough so that when the new generation reach their forties it is something they want to watch.Gary Lineker will stop presenting Match of the Day the end of this season at and will quit Beeb by 2027“If I’m going to hear somebody talking about a football match, I’d rather it was somebody who had played the game and is able to see things people like me standing on the terraces can’t see, than is a big figure on social media.”Who could replace Gary Lineker as MOTD host?GARY LINEKER dropped the shock news that he is QUITTING Match of the Day.The popular presenter, 63, took over hosting duties on the flagship BBC programme from Des Lynam in 1999.But after more than 25 years in the studio hotseat, he has called time on his MOTD gig.But as part of a huge shake-up, the BBC is considering rotating the presenters on a weekly basis.So with Lineker vacating the chair, new names will step into his giant boots. But who could they be?MARK CHAPMANChapman, 51, is the obvious early favourite to follow on from Lineker as MOTD presenter.He already has the gig as MOTD2 host on a Sunday night plus landed the presenting job for the new BBC Champions League highlights show.ALEX SCOTTScott gets the nod from the Beeb bosses when Lineker is away.The former right-back, 40, is used to presenting the Saturday night show as well as live match coverage – plus ticks the box as a former England international.GABBY LOGANLike Scott, Logan, 51, is one of the understudies to step in when Lineker is not available.She has done most gigs since joining the BBC in 2007, including Olympics, Sports Personality of the Year and Final Score.MICAH RICHARDSLineker’s top pick to replace him is exuberant former Man City defender Richards.The departing host told his close pal, 36, on their Stick to Football podcast: “I’d love to see you take over Micah, I think you’d be brilliant in the chair.”JASON MOHAMMADMohammad could earn the “promotion” from Final Score to Match of the Day.The 51-year-old Welshman – who took over from Logan in 2013 – is one of the BBC’s top earners already and is more senior than fellow Final Score and BBC Sport broadcaster Kelly Somers, who could in theory become the main live host for the afternoon slot.JEFF STELLINGHe couldn’t, could he? While Lineker has been the face of Saturday night TV for football fans for years, the face of the afternoons was Stelling in his role as Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday presenter.He would bring plenty of on-screen charisma, wit and legendary TV expertise – but at nearly 70 and currently with talkSPORT, the Hartlepool fan would not be a cheap or long-term appointment. More

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      BBC ‘make TNT Sports host shock contender to replace Gary Lineker as Match of the Day presenter’

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      TNT SPORTS presenter Reshmin Chowdhury has emerged as a potential candidate to replace Gary Lineker on Match of the Day.Lineker will step away from the popular BBC highlights programme at the end of the season.Reshmin Chowdhury has emerged as a candidate for the Match of the Day jobCredit: The SunChowdhury is one of the nation’s top sports presentersCredit: EPAGary Lineker will leave MOTD at the end of the seasonCredit: AlamyHis full-time replacement is yet to be announced, with MOTD2 frontman Mark Chapman understood to be the favourite.The Sun exclusively revealed last week that BBC bosses wanted him to share the job with Kelly Somers.However, Chapman has made it clear that he is NOT keen on the idea of splitting the role.The One Show presenter Roman Kemp is also in the frame for some sort of role.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLGabby Logan and Alex Scott are among the other names understood to have been discussed.But the Daily Mail claims TNT host Chowdhury is now in contention.The 46-year-old has admirers within the BBC having already worked for the company numerous times.At the start of her career, Chowdhury worked as a reporter for BBC London and BBC News.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSShe then joined the BBC Sport team in 2010 and went on to present MOTD2 as a stand-in.The presenter has also fronted coverage of the Women’s Super League and was a live match reporter throughout the 2018 World Cup.Gary Lineker’s best Match of the Day momentsAlex Kay-Jelski, the BBC’s director of sport, reportedly attempted to sign Chowdhury for The Athletic when he was previously editor.But the fan-favourite broadcaster could be tempted by one of the biggest jobs in football media.Chowdhury currently fronts TNT Sports’ coverage of the Europa League and Conference League.She has also presented coverage of the Champions League and FA Cup.As well as football, Chowdhury has also covered darts, tennis, the Olympics and the Paralympics. More

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      When choosing Match of the Day’s new host, BBC must take a good look at Football Focus & do the EXACT opposite

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      SOME advice for the BBC team choosing the new Match Of The Day presenter and their team.Take a good look at Football Focus and then do the exact opposite. Gary Lineker will be replaced as host of Match of the DayCredit: BBCAlex Scott sees it as her divine mission to re-educate the herd and often punctuates her speeches with the phrase: ‘Football is for everyone’Credit: GettyI promise them, if they go in the polar opposite direction, the show won’t go far wrong.For, on the face of it, both shows should be performing the same basic task.They show some football highlights and then the host engages in some tactical analysis and light-hearted banter with two knowledgeable ex-pros.It’s almost impossible to screw up, yet this is precisely what the BBC has achieved by allowing Football Focus to be captured by host Alex Scott and the cult of woke.Read More on SportTo the extent that football is no longer even the chief focus of the show.Despite the title, it’s now a political propaganda exercise which would much rather tell you about Black History Month, a trans referee or Russell Martin’s veganism than look forward to the weekend’s games and back at the previous week’s goals.Last Saturday, for instance, the Chelsea v Arsenal preview was left to an obscure Afro beats jazz group called the Ezra Collective and there were updates from the England women’s amputee team and the performance of England’s partially sighted futsal squad at the European championships, but not a word about the Scottish League Cup semi-finals.And in case you think this is just the fringe carping of a bitter Tartan Army obsessive, it’s not. Most read in FootballWell, not entirely, because Alex and her woke agenda have crushed everything in their path, including the giants of the game and even ignored the 30th anniversary of Bobby Moore’s death last year, because they were too busy covering the Football v Homophobia awards and updating viewers on the mental health struggles of a random French female footballer, Wendie Renard.Alex Scott, who’s rarely off her high horse, sees it as her divine mission, of course, to re-educate the herd and often punctuates her speeches with the phrase: “Football is for everyone.”Gabby Logan backed to replace Gary Lineker on Match Of The Day by Lorraine Kelly saying she’d be ‘fantastic and amazing’She doesn’t mean it, obviously. Watch Football Focus with its new generation of tedious young female pundits who’ve all swallowed the coaching manual, and out-of-their-depth reporters like Love Island’s Jordan Mainoo-Hames, and you’ll quickly realise, as a middle-aged bloke, you’re the last person the BBC wants to watch the showWe’ve taken the hint as well and Football Focus viewing figures have fallen from 849,000, in 2019, to 564,000, by 2023. Alex Scott’s over-entitled reaction to this “go woke go broke” disaster is perhaps telling.Rather than realise the viewers have a point and change the show accordingly, she has threatened to quit hosting Football Focus and move to America due to a perceived lack of support from management.The BBC should use her threat as guidance during their MOTD recruitment process and as an opportunity to pull its sport content back from the brink of total destruction.READ MORE SUN STORIESIf Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan both want to replace Gary Lineker, choose the better candidate.And if Alex Scott threatens to quit and go to America if she doesn’t get it, drive her to the airport. More

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      BBC launch reality show to find new football expert just hours after Gary Lineker’s bombshell MOTD exit revealed

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      THE BBC has launched a new reality show to find a fresh-faced football expert following Gary Lineker’s announced exit.The Match of the Day presenter will be stepping down from the much-loved show at the end of the season.Gary Lineker is stepping down from his role at the BBCCredit: PAThe broadcaster is looking to social media to find a new football expert – perhaps like Man Utd content creator Mark Goldbridge (pictured)Credit: RexLineker, 63, will continue to feature on FA Cup shows and at the World Cup in 2026.However, the Beeb are planning on bringing new faces into their talent pool.The new show will try to attract a younger audience to the broadcaster.It will be aiming to recruit a new football expert who uses the social media platform TikTok – perhaps like divisive Manchester United content creator Mark Goldbridge.READ MORE ON SPORTIt will be broadcast on iPlayer in the lead-up to the Women’s European Championship next summer.The winner of the show will apparently be offered a paid role producing digital content for BBC Sport.Their work will also appear on TV programmes like Football Focus, radio channels like BBC Radio 5 Live as well as digital and social media.A web page created for the new show states: “We are looking for talented football obsessives who are as comfortable explaining the latest tactical innovations to fan culture to interviewing top players.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”All shortlisted candidates will have an on-screen opportunity as well as receiving training and upskilling as part of the scheme.”After completion of the series, the competition winner will be also offered a paid opportunity as a BBC Sport contributor.Gary Lineker will stop presenting Match of the Day the end of this season at and will quit Beeb by 2027″The window for applications will open in December 2024 and full details will be available on this page in the coming weeks.”Director of BBC Sport Alex Kay-Jelski has insisted that the opportunity could be life-changing for the winner.He said: “There can’t be many better jobs than working with the BBC’s football team, so if you think you know the game better than anyone, get applying.”This could change your life.”It comes as SunSport revealed BBC staff fear Match of the Day will go woke following Lineker’s exit.They predict some of the traditional fans’ favourite pundits could be ditched to reduce the number of middle-aged, male former players.We also revealed that Roman Kemp is being lined up for a shock role in a revamped version of the show.Who could replace Gary Lineker as MOTD host?GARY LINEKER dropped the shock news that he is QUITTING Match of the Day.The popular presenter, 63, took over hosting duties on the flagship BBC programme from Des Lynam in 1999.But after more than 25 years in the studio hotseat, he has called time on his MOTD gig.But as part of a huge shake-up, the BBC is considering rotating the presenters on a weekly basis.So with Lineker vacating the chair, new names will step into his giant boots. But who could they be?MARK CHAPMANChapman, 51, is the obvious early favourite to follow on from Lineker as MOTD presenter.He already has the gig as MOTD2 host on a Sunday night plus landed the presenting job for the new BBC Champions League highlights show.ALEX SCOTTScott gets the nod from the Beeb bosses when Lineker is away.The former right-back, 40, is used to presenting the Saturday night show as well as live match coverage – plus ticks the box as a former England international.GABBY LOGANLike Scott, Logan, 51, is one of the understudies to step in when Lineker is not available.She has done most gigs since joining the BBC in 2007, including Olympics, Sports Personality of the Year and Final Score.MICAH RICHARDSLineker’s top pick to replace him is exuberant former Man City defender Richards.The departing host told his close pal, 36, on their Stick to Football podcast: “I’d love to see you take over Micah, I think you’d be brilliant in the chair.”JASON MOHAMMADMohammad could earn the “promotion” from Final Score to Match of the Day.The 51-year-old Welshman – who took over from Logan in 2013 – is one of the BBC’s top earners already and is more senior than fellow Final Score and BBC Sport broadcaster Kelly Somers, who could in theory become the main live host for the afternoon slot.JEFF STELLINGHe couldn’t, could he? While Lineker has been the face of Saturday night TV for football fans for years, the face of the afternoons was Stelling in his role as Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday presenter.He would bring plenty of on-screen charisma, wit and legendary TV expertise – but at nearly 70 and currently with talkSPORT, the Hartlepool fan would not be a cheap or long-term appointment. More

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      Alan Shearer ‘signs new BBC deal’ days after Gary Lineker’s MOTD exit and it may rule out potential replacement

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      ALAN SHEARER has reportedly signed a new deal with the BBC following Gary Lineker’s bombshell announcement.The Match of the Day presenter will be stepping down after two decades in the role.Alan Shearer has reportedly signed a new deal with the BBCCredit: PAGary Lineker is leaving Match of the DayCredit: PALineker, 63, will leave the flagship show at the end of the season but will present coverage of the FA Cup in 2025/26 and the World Cup in 2026.However, it appears that Shearer will be staying on the show for the foreseeable future.The Daily Mail have claimed that Shearer has put pen to paper to continue on MOTD.It is suggested that the deal will keep the Newcastle legend on the panel as one of the “key on-screen experts”.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBBC figures released in the summer revealed that Shearer pocketed £380,000 last year.However, this figure was down from the £445,000 the prior year.The report claims that the 54-year-old took a reduced paycheck as the BBC cut their costs.The all-time Premier League goalscorer started working on the show back in 2006.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIt is also suggested that the broadcaster and Shearer have been in negotiations for some time.It says that the two parties were talking before Lineker decided to leave after 26 years.Video emerges of Roy Keane throwing ball at Alan Shearer’s head amid Erling Haaland debateThe pair will continue to work together on The Rest Is Football podcast.Shearer has made a public statement over his future on MOTD.He joked that he would also not be signing a new contract if pundit Micah Richards was named as the host.He joked: “That is a f***ing massive concern by the way.”I’m not signing my new contract if you’re a presenter by the way.”Paul Gascoigne claimed that Shearer would make a good host for the show simply because he “loves a bit of money”.READ MORE SUN STORIESMark Chapman is one of the favourites to be named the new host of the show.However, it is believed that he has refused the chance to share the job with Kelly Somers.Who could replace Gary Lineker as MOTD host?GARY LINEKER dropped the shock news that he is QUITTING Match of the Day.The popular presenter, 63, took over hosting duties on the flagship BBC programme from Des Lynam in 1999.But after more than 25 years in the studio hotseat, he has called time on his MOTD gig.But as part of a huge shake-up, the BBC is considering rotating the presenters on a weekly basis.So with Lineker vacating the chair, new names will step into his giant boots. But who could they be?MARK CHAPMANChapman, 51, is the obvious early favourite to follow on from Lineker as MOTD presenter.He already has the gig as MOTD2 host on a Sunday night plus landed the presenting job for the new BBC Champions League highlights show.ALEX SCOTTScott gets the nod from the Beeb bosses when Lineker is away.The former right-back, 40, is used to presenting the Saturday night show as well as live match coverage – plus ticks the box as a former England international.GABBY LOGANLike Scott, Logan, 51, is one of the understudies to step in when Lineker is not available.She has done most gigs since joining the BBC in 2007, including Olympics, Sports Personality of the Year and Final Score.MICAH RICHARDSLineker’s top pick to replace him is exuberant former Man City defender Richards.The departing host told his close pal, 36, on their Stick to Football podcast: “I’d love to see you take over Micah, I think you’d be brilliant in the chair.”JASON MOHAMMADMohammad could earn the “promotion” from Final Score to Match of the Day.The 51-year-old Welshman – who took over from Logan in 2013 – is one of the BBC’s top earners already and is more senior than fellow Final Score and BBC Sport broadcaster Kelly Somers, who could in theory become the main live host for the afternoon slot.JEFF STELLINGHe couldn’t, could he? While Lineker has been the face of Saturday night TV for football fans for years, the face of the afternoons was Stelling in his role as Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday presenter.He would bring plenty of on-screen charisma, wit and legendary TV expertise – but at nearly 70 and currently with talkSPORT, the Hartlepool fan would not be a cheap or long-term appointment. More

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      Gary Lineker reveals why he’s leaving Match of the Day and says it’s ‘right time’ as BBC plans changes

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      GARY Lineker has revealed why he’s leaving Match of the Day and says it’s the “right time” – as the BBC is planning changes to the show.Lineker said hosting Match Of The Day for more than two decades has been “an absolute joy and privilege”.But he said it is “the right time” for him to exit and “someone else to take the helm” as the BBC look to make changes to the programme.The star will step down as host of the BBC’s flagship football show at the end of the season.He will continue to present coverage of the FA Cup in 2025/26 and the World Cup in 2026, the BBC said.Speaking on The Rest is Football, Lineker said: “It has been an absolute joy and privilege to present such an iconic show for the BBC, but all things have to come to an end.Read More Football”It came at a point where really the BBC and Match Of The Day, they’ve got the rights for another three years.”The cycle starts from next season so it felt like if I just do one more year it would be a bit weird. I feel this is now the right time.”I think the next contract they’re looking to do Match Of The Day slightly differently.”Lineker added: “So I think it makes sense for someone else to take the helm.”Most read in FootballBut the 63-year-old refused to speculate who would be taking his place.He said: “Obviously I don’t know who it’ll be, and I would never tell publicly my preference.”I don’t think that’d be the right thing to do – but whoever it is, I would say be yourself.”I had to fill the ginormous shoes of certain Des Lynam. I would say just be yourself and enjoy it.”It’s a wonderful programme to be a part of. It was brilliant before I took over, and it will be brilliant after I leave.”Lineker has hosted Match Of The Day since taking over from Lynam in 1999.Gary Lineker is quitting Match of the DayCredit: PA More

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      Roman Kemp lined up for shock job with Match Of The Day as part of shake-up in wake of Gary Lineker exit

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      ROMAN Kemp is being courted by the BBC’s Director of Sport for a new role on Match Of The Day.The move comes after Gary Lineker stepped down from his role as the host of the flagship football show after 25 years at the helm.Roman Kemp is being lined up as the next host of Match of the DayCredit: Maxtrix PicturesThe BBC’s Head of Sport is courting the TV presenter following Gary Lineker’s decision to step down after 25 yearsCredit: PARoman, 31, already has a large following online as the Beeb plan to modernise the programmeCredit: GettyInsiders said BBC boss Alex Kay-Jelski wanted TV star Roman, 31, for a digital role as the show modernises in the years to come.A source said: “Match Of The Day is moving with the times and next season there will be more of a focus on digital highlights.“Alex has been speaking with Roman about possibly coming on board and how it could work.”Roman has a massive following online and is hugely popular with a younger audience thanks to his years hosting the Breakfast Show on Capital FM.more on match of the day“He is also a huge Arsenal fan and knows what he is talking about when it comes to football.“It is very much in the early stages but Match Of The Day is coming into a new digital age and Alex would love to have Roman front and centre.”The move comes after the BBC struck a new deal with the Premier League which means they will be able to share match highlights before Match Of The Day airs.The agreement means that the BBC will be putting a renewed focus on their digital and social output.Most read in SportFollowing Gary’s decision to step down this week, the BBC are now looking for a new host of the show.Mark Chapman refuses Match of the Day job share as Gary Lineker quits after 25 yearsThe Sun revealed this week how MOTD2 host Mark Chapman was offered the role as a job share alongside rising star Kelly Somers – but turned it down.We first revealed how Gary, 63, had agreed to step away from Match Of The Day on Tuesday.He will host MOTD until the end of the season and anchor the FA Cup in 2025 and 2026, along with fronting the BBC’s coverage of the next World Cup.Roman has a massive following online and is hugely popular with a younger audience thanks to his years hosting the Breakfast Show on Capital FMBBC sourceGary will continue to host the MOTD Top Ten podcast and the BBC will also now host his popular The Rest is Football podcast on BBC Sounds.The podcast – which also features Alan Shearer and Micah Richards – is part of Goalhanger productions, co-founded by Gary.A spokesperson for the BBC added: “It would be an own goal to comment on every name put to us – but any new signings will be announced as soon as deals are done.”Who could replace Gary Lineker as MOTD host?GARY LINEKER dropped the shock news that he is QUITTING Match of the Day.The popular presenter, 63, took over hosting duties on the flagship BBC programme from Des Lynam in 1999.But after more than 25 years in the studio hotseat, he has called time on his MOTD gig.But as part of a huge shake-up, the BBC is considering rotating the presenters on a weekly basis.So with Lineker vacating the chair, new names will step into his giant boots. But who could they be?MARK CHAPMANChapman, 51, is the obvious early favourite to follow on from Lineker as MOTD presenter.He already has the gig as MOTD2 host on a Sunday night plus landed the presenting job for the new BBC Champions League highlights show.ALEX SCOTTScott gets the nod from the Beeb bosses when Lineker is away.The former right-back, 40, is used to presenting the Saturday night show as well as live match coverage – plus ticks the box as a former England international.GABBY LOGANLike Scott, Logan, 51, is one of the understudies to step in when Lineker is not available.She has done most gigs since joining the BBC in 2007, including Olympics, Sports Personality of the Year and Final Score.MICAH RICHARDSLineker’s top pick to replace him is exuberant former Man City defender Richards.The departing host told his close pal, 36, on their Stick to Football podcast: “I’d love to see you take over Micah, I think you’d be brilliant in the chair.”JASON MOHAMMADMohammad could earn the “promotion” from Final Score to Match of the Day.The 51-year-old Welshman – who took over from Logan in 2013 – is one of the BBC’s top earners already and is more senior than fellow Final Score and BBC Sport broadcaster Kelly Somers, who could in theory become the main live host for the afternoon slot.JEFF STELLINGHe couldn’t, could he? While Lineker has been the face of Saturday night TV for football fans for years, the face of the afternoons was Stelling in his role as Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday presenter.He would bring plenty of on-screen charisma, wit and legendary TV expertise – but at nearly 70 and currently with talkSPORT, the Hartlepool fan would not be a cheap or long-term appointment. More