Match of the Day

Subterms

    More stories

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Gary Lineker in talks with BBC over multi-year deal for Match of the Day after volunteering to take pay cut

      by

      GARY Lineker is in talks with the BBC over a multi-year deal for Match of the Day — after volunteering to take a pay cut.The veteran presenter, 63, could agree to stay on for £1million a year — £350,000 less than his current salary.Gary Lineker is preparing to sign a new six-figure deal with the BBC after volunteering for a pay cutCredit: BBCGary Lineker during his first MOTD appearance in 1999Credit: Pixel8000Lineker, who has hosted the BBC footie highlights show since 1999, is to meet executives next month over a potential deal lasting at least two or three years.Talks are understood to have been briefly delayed following the recent Jermaine Jenas scandal.The shamed former Spurs star, 41, who was reportedly in the running to replace Lineker, was sacked for inappropriately texting two women on The One Show.A source said: “Gary is hugely popular with both fans and players alike. The sense is that, with so much uncertainty and scandal at the BBC, right now viewers are crying out for a safe pair of hands.READ MORE ON GARY LINEKER“Gary adores the BBC, and loves his job, and recognises what an honour it is to host television’s flagship football show, as well as international games.“Gary has long maintained that the BBC provides excellent value for money – and has quite literally put his money where his mouth is, and offered to take a substantial pay cut.”MotD2 host Mark Chapman, 50, has also been tipped to take over when Lineker’s contract expires at the end of the season.Last year the former England striker was reprimanded by the BBC after a critical social media post about the Government’s asylum policy. Most read in FootballHe was forced to miss a show but colleagues loyally refused to fill in for him, so only match highlights were shown instead.The upcoming pay negotiations come as the BBC is under enormous pressure to reduce its wage bill.BBC presenter stunned after going behind the scenes at Match of the Day studio with Gary Lineker Since 2021, it has laid off 1,800 employees and cut budgets across programmes.BBC chiefs are also still trying to claw back £200,000 paid to disgraced newsreader Huw Edwards since his arrest last November over child sex abuse images.BBC director-general Tim Davie said the crimes were “appalling”, adding: “We want the money back and we’ve asked for it back, and we’re waiting to hear back.”A spokesman for Lineker declined to comment, as did the BBC.Lineker is to meet executives next month over a potential deal lasting at least two or three yearsCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

    • 238 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Gary Lineker responds to bias accusations after Match of the Day decision hated by fans of Premier League club

      by

      GARY LINEKER has rubbished suggestions that Match of the Day is biased.The England legend and his colleagues received criticism from Nottingham Forest supporters on Saturday after the club’s 1-0 win over Liverpool was bumped down to second in the running order.Gary Lineker has denied suggestions Match of the Day is biasedCredit: AlamyNottingham Forest fans thought the club’s 1-0 win over Liverpool should have been first in the running orderCredit: GettyAston Villa’s dramatic 3-2 comeback against Everton topped the bill instead, with Lineker claiming it was simply due to the nature of the match and Jhon Duran’s incredible winning goal.The broadcaster hit back at complaints on Monday during an episode of The Rest is Football podcast and revealed he was “almost certain” Forest would lead the show before Villa’s win.He said: “It’s interesting with Forest, a lot of their fans think that us on Match of the Day, we really don’t like them and we don’t give them their flowers or their petals.”So they complained a lot and they were on again ‘they’re gonna have to say something nice about us, they’ll hate that’ which is quite fun because one of our producers as you know, Finchy, is a big Forest fan and our floor manager Marco is another Forest fan.Read More in Football”I always find it quite amusing that fans think that we could probably be against their particular side and be biased against them.”He continued: “Rich [Richard Hughes, the editor] and myself talk through it but I think it generally picks itself, it looked almost certain that Forest would lead the show yesterday and then obviously another incredible comeback by Villa against Everton with that incredible goal from Duran.”If you’re picking the game of the day, that probably just edged Forest which we thought would definitely lead but that went second.”Nottingham Forest are among five clubs that have not lost a Premier League match this season.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThey currently sit seventh in the table with eight points from four games.Manchester City are top, with Arsenal just behind in second.BBC presenter stunned after going behind the scenes at Match of the Day studio with Gary Lineker More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      New favourite lined up to replace Gary Lineker as Match of the Day host after Jermaine Jenas sacked by BBC

      by

      THE BBC have lined up a new replacement for Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker, it’s been claimed.The former Everton and England hitman, who succeeded Des Lynham, has been at the helm of the MOTD ship for a whopping 25 years.Gary Lineker’s days as Match of the Day presenter are coming to an endCredit: BBCJermaine Jenas was the front-runner to replace Lineker before the Beeb axed him for his sexting scandalCredit: BBCMark Chapman is reportedly now the favourite to succeed LinekerCredit: GETTYBut his long-term future with the Beeb remains in doubt following the public backlash to his likening of the former Conservative Government migrant policy to “Germany in the ’30s”.Jermaine Jenas was long seen as the successor to the MOTD hot seat but is out of the running after being AXED by the Beeb for his sexting scandal, which SunSport exclusively revealed.And the Britsh broadcasting powerhouse has reportedly pivoted to a presenter already in their ranks to replace Lineker.That’s according to The Times, who claim Mark Chapman is the new frontrunner to succeed Lineker.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSChapman, of course, is already well known to footie fans as he presents Match of the Day 2 on Sundays, a role he’s had since 2013.The 50-year-old is also a presenter on Radio 5 Live and recently became the face of the BBC’s new Champions League highlights show.Chapman’s new gig is set to get underway next week when Europe’s elite club competition kicks off.And The Times claims Chapman’s latest appointment is the reason why he’s the favourite to replace Lineker.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMark Chapman has presented Match of the Day 2 for the last 11 yearsCredit: BBCThe potential appointment of Chapman as Lineker’s eventual replacement doesn’t come as a surprise.Lineker, however, viewed the disgraced Jenas – whose marriage is on the rocks after his inappropriate work-related behaviour – as his eventual successor.Gary Lineker reveals how his views on Match of the Day can sometimes get him into trouble The 63-year-old said last year: “Jermaine Jenas – who is probably drifting more towards my role.”I think Jermaine is doing it really well as well, doing The One Show.”When asked Micah Richards if he was nervous about Jenas replacing him, he replied: “Nervous? ‘”I’m ancient. My time is nearly up.” More

    • 275 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Former England and Arsenal star says ‘I will be a different kind of sports pundit’ ahead of Match of the Day debut

      by

      THEO WALCOTT has promised to bring a new type of analysis to Match of the Day ahead of his debut appearance.The Arsenal legend will be in the BBC studio on Saturday night to provide his insight on the weekend’s games.Theo Walcott will make his Match of the Day debut this weekendCredit: RexWalcott, who hung up his boots last year after a spell at Southampton, said he wants to bring a different outlook on the biggest talking points.He said: “I feel I will be a different kind of sports pundit.”I will always like to bring a positive outlook and the insights of how I as a player would have responded in that way when a certain situation happens.“I would really look at it in depth, the fact that it could be simple, like body position, or shirt pulling, something that could have just really disrupted a certain situation happening.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”We all look at the TV and say ‘he should have scored that’ – but do we actually really break it down? Then try to take a look at why has he not hit the target?“I am going to be that kind of pundit I suppose and see if it works for me.”Walcott is ready for his role on Match of the Day after helping the BBC with their coverage of the Euros over the summer.The ex-England star has also landed a job on the Beeb’s new Champions League highlights show.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSArsenal start their European campaign away at Atalanta on Thursday.But Walcott reckons the Premier League could be where glory lies, explaining: “I have said Arsenal will win the league – and they are going to have to be exceptional to win the league.How Raheem Sterling can make huge difference to Arsenal’s season“The way Manchester City have started, they have just wiped people to the floor and they have the fear factor now that when they walk on the field, the opposition players and their fans are terrified.“I would be worried as a league that we don’t want it to be a one-horse race.“We have got to be wary of Liverpool as well, they have started exceptionally well.”Walcott’s career2005-2006: Southampton: 23 appearances, 5 goals2006-2018: Arsenal: 397 appearances, 108 goals2018-2020: Everton: 85 appearances, 11 goals2021-2023: Southampton: 59 appearances, 5 goals2006-2016: England: 47 appearances, 8 goalsHonours: 2x FA Cups, 2x Community Shields More

    • 163 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      BBC MOTD pundit slammed by international manager for ‘talking s*** all the time’

      by

      NEW Wales manager Craig Bellamy once berated pundit Micah Richards for “talking s*** all the time”.The Match of the Day analyst was speaking about the Nations League with pals Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker on the Stick to Football podcast.Pundit Micah Richards recalled the time he was “mugged off” by Craig BellamyThe former Man City defender’s story left Gary Lineker in stitchesWales boss Bellamy told Micah Richards to up his punditry gameAfter dissecting England’s 2-0 win over Ireland, attentions turned to Wales, who kicked off their international break with a goalless draw against Turkey. Bellamy left Burnley after two years as an assistant to take charge of the Welsh national team, following the departure of Rob Page after the nation failed to qualify for Euro 2024.It prompted Richards to recall a “quick story” about visiting Bellamy – or “Bells” – before Burnley’s 3-0 defeat to Manchester City last season.Richards said: “Bellers is Marmite. You either love him or you hate him. He worked his socks off when he was at Man City.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”But he would tell you how it is. If you played rubbish he would tell you. “So I’ve gone to see Vincent Kompany last season before Burnley’s first game of the season last year, I went to a training session and I went to the game.”And I’m walking into Turf Moor and I see Bellamy come up and he goes ‘F*** me, you’re f***ing everywhere talking s*** all the time’.””And I said ‘Bellers what do you mean?’.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”You boys on analysis don’t know what you’re talking about. You’ve got basic analysis. It’s ABC, 123 stuff. If you want proper analysis come to a Burnley training and I will show you how it is done.”I was thinking to myself whether or not he was being serious or if he was having banter. But he was being deadly serious. I did not know how to take it.Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballers”I didn’t say nothing, I got in my car and drove home and just thought he’s just mugged me right off there and I’ve basically just taken it.”The brutal anecdote left Lineker and Shearer in stitches as they both burst out in laughter.Richards then admitted that he’ll be pulling Bellamy up on certain bits and pieces when he sees his former Man City team-mate again.Man City signed the former Welsh winger back in January 2009 from West Ham for £14m.Bellamy also formed a successful strike partnership with Shearer at Newcastle between 2001-2005 under Bobby Robson.Meanwhile, the appointment of Bellamy as Wales manager was to push for a rebrand before the 2026 World Cup and Euro 2028, when Cardiff will stage matches. Bellamy, who won 78 Welsh caps, scoring 19 goals, never qualified for a major finals and hopes for his first win as boss against Montenegro tonight. More

    • 263 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      Joe Hart’s Match of the Day appearance with Lineker divides fans as some confused by him ‘going on about smelling stuff’

      by

      JOE HART’S Match of the Day punditry has split opinion among viewers.The former Manchester City and England keeper, 37, hung up his gloves at the end of last season after winning the double with Celtic.Joe Hart appeared on Match of the Day for a second time on Saturday nightCredit: BBCHart’s opinion in between Gary Lineker and Danny Murphy divided opinionCredit: BBCHe was a part of the BBC’s coverage of Euro 2024, regularly offering his insight to presenter Gary Lineker and those watching at home.Now he is set to become a regular fixture on Match of the Day following the departure of Arsenal legend Ian Wright.Hart’s first appearance on the iconic highlights programme came earlier this month as he suffered a blunder by getting Newcastle star Joelinton’s name wrong.But two weeks later he was back on the MOTD screen when he accompanied Lineker and ex-Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy on Saturday night.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd some people were loving his appearance on the show.One social media user said: “Joe Hart is probably BBC’s MOTD best analyst and he only just joined lol.”While another added: “How good is Joe Hart as a pundit by the way? Breath of fresh air! 👍”And a third replied: “Joe Hart really is an excellent addition to #MOTD. His analysis is detailed and insightful, and focuses on really breaking down moments in a way MOTD often doesn’t.”Most read in SportCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAwkward moment Celtic hero Joe Hart gets Newcastle star’s name wrong live on Match of the DayBut others were somewhat confused by a few of his comments and left unimpressed.One person said: “Does Joe Hart think he’s Gordan Ramsay on #motd? Keeps going on about smelling stuff.”A second agreed, responding: “Why is Joe Hart talking like a poet?? ‘They can smell it, they can smell it’ 😂 #MOTD.”And another added: “Joe Hart was a fantastic GK and will forever be a Celtic legend, but Jesus Christ he is a boring a** pundit.”Drones on and on and on about teams ”smelling’ their opponents. Ready to jump off a cliff. His analysis is neither insightful nor interesting with his monotone voice.”Hart is one of two ex-footballers replacing Wright on Match of the Day, with former England international Theo Walcott the other.After being announced as a pundit on the show, Hart 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.”Some fans were confused by Hart’s references to ‘smelling’Credit: BBC More

    • 163 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Gary Lineker reveals Match of the Day ‘secret’ only BBC insiders know about

      by

      GARY LINEKER has revealed a secret of Match of the Day that only insiders know about.The MOTD host admitted that he does not always come up with the puns at the end of the show.Gary Lineker admitted he only writes half the puns at the end of the Match of the DayCredit: BBCLineker said ‘Wow Pedro’ for Joao Pedro’s winning goal against Man UnitedCredit: GettyMIcah Richards was not impressed by the punCredit: GettyLineker, 63, ended Saturday’s show with “Wow Pedro” as a nod to Brighton star Joao Pedro’s winning goal against Manchester United.The Brazilian forward headed the Seagull’s winner in the dying moments to hand Erik ten Hag’s first defeat of the season.The moment was met by pundit Micah Richards, who said, “Deary me”.Lineker was asked if he comes up with jokes while filming an episode of the Rest is Football podcast.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe admitted that he shares the responsibility with his editor after watching the day’s action.He said: “I’m going to share a little secret here.”Our editor Richard Hughes and myself have a disease, a thing that we can’t help but make dad jokes.”We basically come up with them together, 50 per cent of the time it will be him and 50 per cent of the time it will be me.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”We sit down at the end of all the games, and we figure out the best story to close the show.”We then think of some crappy and cheesy and occasionally funny pun.”Gary Lineker & Zoe Ball top BBC’s best-paid list – but scandal-hit Huw Edwards still in top 3Ultimate sports presenters rich listTV sports presenters make a mint.The biggest and best are signed up on yearly deals with the likes of the BBC, ITV and Sky for your viewing pleasure.Laura Woods is dominating the media landscape at the moment, leading TNT Sports’ coverage and ITV’s.Alex Scott and Jermaine Jenas are two of the fresher faces for the BBC’s sporting output.Then, it’s the old guard of Gary Lineker and Mark Chapman who also command hefty fees for their Match of the Day programmes.SunSport has taken a look at how those big names rank and compiled a list of the top 10 highest earning stars that grace our TV screens.With number one worth a whopping £29.4million more than number 10!Read the story and see the full list here.Lineker then insisted that “Wow Pedro” was one of his editor’s puns.He said: “Can I say that was not mine, that was Richard’s, we could not come up with anything better.”Richards then said: “Richard is normally amazing at the dad jokes at the end of it, but Wow Pedro.”I mean come on, deary, deary me.”Lineker then insisted: “I always think if you are going make it really really bad or really cheesy.”Because that in itself is fun.”Meanwhile, Match of the Day was rocked after the sacking of Jermaine Jenas.The former Tottenham midfielder also lost his presenting role on  The One show after the Beeb launched an investigation into allegations of “inappropriate behaviour”.It comes as Lineker’s future remains uncertain, with his lucrative BBC contract ending in 2025. READ MORE SUN STORIESAsked how long he’ll stay in the job, Lineker replied: “I don’t know. 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.”Jermaine Jenas was sacked by the BBCCredit: PAWho are these famous footballers? More

    • 213 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

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

      by

      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