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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

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      Inside MOTD favourite Mark Chapman’s relationship with Dubai-based estate agent after tragically losing his wife

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      MARK CHAPMAN is favourite to replace outgoing Match of the Day host Gary Lineker in the BBC hot-seat.And the legendary broadcaster has found happiness away from the TV cameras too, finding new love with partner Clere Collier.Mark Chapman is favourite to replace Gary Lineker as host of Match of the DayCredit: GettyThe BBC broadcaster is dating Dubai-based estate agent Clere CollierCredit: X @ClereCollierChapman, 51, has been dating Clere since the start of the year with the pair regularly posting loved-up snaps on social media together.Divorcee Clere is a Dubai-based estate agent who runs an international property empire and splits her time between the UK and the UAE.Despite the challenge of living on different continents, Clere and Chapman have found ways to see each other.Chapman jetted out to Dubai for an Easter break earlier in the year.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLWhile mother-of-two Clere is regularly visiting Chapman in Manchester, where the BBC star lives.For Chapman, it’s his first relationship since the tragic loss of his wife Sara to cancer in 2020.The pair were married for 19 years and welcomed three children together.But after battling with the heartbreak and loss of Sara, Chapman has found new love with Clere.Most read in FootballChapman lost wife Sara to cancer in 2020Credit: TwitterFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSClere, who was married to ex-husband James for three years before they split, announced her relationship with Chapman in January of this year.And the smitten couple have already celebrated milestones together as the property expert took to social media to wish Chapman a happy 51st birthday last month.BBC host Mark Chapman jokes he’s ‘glad Rod Stewart’s not beside me’ for complicated Carabao Cup draw as fans slam ‘fix’ She wrote: “Happy birthday to this one. My one love.”So proud of all you do, the biggest heart, the kindest soul, the leader of our pack and not to mention devilishly handsome. I love you, happy 51.”Chapman is one of the leading sports broadcasters in the UK and has got to his level through immense amounts of hard work and dedication.The MOTD 2 host already splits his time between a range of programmes on Radio 5 Live, live coverage of the FA Cup on the BBC, Carabao Cup fixtures on Sky Sports and occasionally NFL broadcasts.Now Chapman has his eyes on the Match of the Day presenter job after Gary Lineker announced he will be stepping down from the role at the end of the season following 25 years as host.However, The Sun exclusively revealed Chapman has refused to share the job with another BBC host.Chapman remains favourite to take the Beeb’s biggest job, but it’s understood that the broadcasters are hoping to split duties between ‘Chappers’ and another lead presenter.Ultimate 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.Kelly Somers, who regularly appears on BBC show Final Score, is one of the names touted to share the role.But other pundits across the football world have claimed that it’s not right to shake up the MOTD coverage, suggesting just one presenter should get the role.Former Rangers star Ally McCoist said: “I don’t know about a job share…”. While former Watford striker and SunSport columnist Troy Deeney was quick to agree.Speaking on talkSPORT, he said: “Yeah, I was about to say the same thing. I feel it’s an iconic show and you’re used to seeing one person.”I want to go and see one person, whether that be Chappers or that be Kelly. I know both of them, great, great people.READ MORE SUN STORIES”So whoever you choose to go with, I think trying to job share it is a cop out, in my opinion.”Make a decision, go with somebody and then we all know that’s where the show’s going, that’s who it is.”Gary Lineker will step down as Match of the Day host at the end of the seasonCredit: ReutersChapman is reluctant to share the role as hostCredit: GettyBBC presenter Kelly Somers has been linked with splitting the role with ChapmanCredit: Getty More

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      MOTD favourite Alex Scott, 40, dazzles as she steps out in 1920s-inspired outfit with snowy-white coat

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      ALEX Scott goes from Football Focus to fluffy flapper in a 1920s-inspired outfit including a snowy-white coat. The former Lioness, 40, in the running to be Match of the Day’s new host, was seen leaving a party at Claridge’s Hotel in London’s Mayfair.Alex Scott stepped out in London in a 1920s-inspired outfit including a snowy-white coatCredit: GoffAlex is in the running to be Match of the Day’s new hostCredit: GoffAlex, who’s hosted Football focus for three years, is now one of the favourites to take over from Gary Lineker as host of Match of the Day.Gary Lineker announced earlier this week that he was quitting Match of the Day at the end of the season.The popular presenter, 63, took over hosting duties on the flagship BBC programme from Des Lynam in 1999.A BBC source said: “Gary absolutely adores Match of the Day and has been incredibly happy at the BBC.read more alex scott“But he has been at the helm since 1999, and by the time he leaves he will have been at the Beeb for 30 years.“He wants to leave on a high – and if England win the World Cup, it doesn’t get much higher.“It’s one of the industry’s worst-kept secrets that the new BBC Director of Sport Alex Kay-Jelski and Gary aren’t exactly close. “The former is very keen to make his mark by bringing in new faces and slashing wage bills.Most read in Football“Negotiations have been ongoing for the past six weeks and finally a deal has been struck that everyone is pleased with.“BBC execs will be giving Match of the Day a reboot to keep it fresh in the wake of such a huge departure.”TV presenters Alex Scott and Jules Breach stun on red carpet for PFA awards night in daring outfits More

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      BBC staff fear MOTD will go woke after ruined Football Focus was geared towards ‘snowflakes and millennials’

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      RANK and file staff at the BBC fear Gary Lineker’s departure could see Match of the Day go woke — just like much-mocked Football Focus.They predict some of the traditional fans’ favourite pundits could be ditched to reduce the number of middle-aged, male former players.BBC staff fear Gary Lineker’s departure could see Match of the Day go wokeCredit: GettyAlex Kay-Jelski, who became the BBC’s Director of Sport seven months agoInstead, under Alex Kay-Jelski who became Director of Sport seven months ago, they could be replaced by online influencers and celebrities.That has happened on sister show Football Focus, with core viewers complaining it is being geared more towards “millennials and snowflakes”.A BBC insider said: “The hope would be to draw in younger, new audiences — but the danger is they end up alienating their current viewers and driving them away.“Everyone expects there to be some changes but they don’t want to have MOTD left unrecognisable just because of the whims of a handful of executives.READ MORE ON MATCH OF THE DAY“They want experts on the show who have some genuine expertise and experience, not amateurs who are brought on for their star appeal or online pulling power.“But with change at the top, there’s the concern that the BBC will take the chance to make a major overhaul.”The Sun exclusively revealed on Tuesday that ex-England captain Gary, 63, was leaving as the show’s frontman after 25 years.Yesterday it emerged that bosses wanted Mark Chapman and Kelly Somers to take turns as host, but Chappers is against the idea. MOTD this year celebrated its 60th birthday while Football Focus has been screened on Saturday afternoons since 1974.Most read in FootballHowever, it has been derided due to some of the stars featured.These include Love Island’s Jordan Mainoo-Hames interviewing players, and actors Will Mellor and Ralf Little who appeared together in BBC sitcom Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps.Mark Chapman refuses Match of the Day job share as Gary Lineker quits after 25 yearsFormer Lioness Alex Scott took over as host of the show in 2021.By last year it had lost a third of its viewers in the space of four years, leaving some fearing the Beeb may end up axing it.Previous presenter Dan Walker said at the time: “It’s hard to see Football Focus struggling. I loved it growing up and it was an honour to host it and I still miss it.“We poured everything into that show each week and worked hard to keep it relevant. I hope it stays part of the TV landscape.” More

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      Match of the Day job share would be a ‘COP OUT’ say ex-footballers as controversial plan to replace Lineker revealed

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      ONLY one person should be appointed to replace Gary Lineker as Match of the Day presenter, according to ex-footballers Ally McCoist and Troy Deeney.Lineker will step down from his role at the end of the season having fronted Match of the Day for the last 25 years.Gary Lineker will quit Match of the Day at the end of the seasonCredit: PAMark Chapman is the favourite for the role but has no interest in a job shareCredit: GettyKelly Somers is also in the runningCredit: GettyMOTD2 presenter Mark Chapman is one of the favourites to replace him.The Sun exclusively revealed on Tuesday that BBC bosses want him to share the role with Kelly Somers.However, ‘Chappers’ has no interest in a job share.A source said: “He doesn’t want a job share, he wants Gary’s role as his own, which is understandable.Read More in Football”It’s a headache for the BBC because they thought they’d found an easy solution.”Rangers legend McCoist believes it would be wrong to appoint two people for the job.Discussing the issue on talkSPORT Breakfast, the 62-year-old said: “I don’t know about a job share…”SunSport columnist Deeney was quick to agree and explained: “Yeah, I was about to say the same thing. I feel it’s an iconic show and you’re used to seeing one person.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I want to go and see one person, whether that be Chappers or that be Kelly. I know both of them, great, great people. “So whoever you choose to go with, I think trying to job share it is a cop out, in my opinion.Gary Lineker will stop presenting Match of the Day the end of this season at and will quit Beeb by 2027″Make a decision, go with somebody and then we all know that’s where the show’s going, that’s who it is.”McCoist then went on to say: “I’ve grown up with it, I’ve always loved it. I really have. I’ve loved it. And I’m with you mate.”I think whether it’s Chappers or Kelly, I think you should have one focal point presenting it. And it’s a tough job to follow because Gary’s been brilliant. “Gary’s been brilliant since 1999, 24, 25 years and like Des Lynam before him, all the guys before him are iconic. But you make an interesting point, Shebahn, like anything else, like newspapers, for example. It is really hard to be a part of it. “We’re seeing the goals before we pick up a newspaper. We’ve seen the goals before we watch Match of the Day – we’ve known all about the sending offs, everything, so it’s very, very difficult to keep it as topical as possible.”But for me, guys… I think it should be one person, new person fronting it.”READ MORE SUN STORIESBBC chiefs are still in the process of appointing a new full-time Match of the Day presenter.Whoever is selected will likely step into the role from the start of the 2025-26 season.Ally McCoist does not believe the job should be sharedCredit: GettyTroy Deeney is also not convinced it would be the right moveCredit: The Mega Agency More

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      Paul Gascoigne tips two former England team-mates to take over from Gary Lineker as Match of the Day host

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      PAUL GASCOIGNE has tipped TWO former England team-mates to succeed Gary Lineker as the next host of Match of the Day.Lineker, 63, will step down from the iconic BBC show at the end of the season after 25 years fronting the programme.Gary Lineker is stepping down as Match of the Day hostCredit: PAPaul Gascoigne has tipped two former England team-mates to succeed LinekerCredit: GettySunSport exclusively revealed on Tuesday that bookies favourite Mark Chapman is refusing a job share with Kelly Somers.Kelly Cates, Alex Scott and Gabby Logan have also been tipped for the position.But Gascoigne has named two left-field people for the role, both of whom he played alongside for England.And he believes one would be up for it simply because he “loves a bit of money”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat man is Newcastle legend Alan Shearer – who has been a pundit on the show alongside Lineker for nearly 20 years.The other is ex-Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate – who has stepped away from the limelight after resigning as national team coach in the summer.Speaking to Sport Casting, Gascoigne said: “With Lineker quitting Match of the Day, I wonder if Shearer is going to take over, or Southgate.”I reckon Shearer will take over because he loves a bit of money. He’s so tight he only cries from one eye!Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAlan Shearer has been a Match of the Day pundit for nearly two decadesCredit: GettyGareth Southgate is also being tipped by GascoigneCredit: Reuters”So for me it’s between Shearer and Southgate.”Shearer shares the podcast “The Rest Is Football” alongside Lineker and Micah Richards.Gabby Logan backed to replace Gary Lineker on Match Of The Day by Lorraine Kelly saying she’d be ‘fantastic and amazing’Ex-Man City and England right-back Richards recently acknowledged he was in the frame to replace Lineker according to the bookies’ odds.To which Shearer jokingly replied: “”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.”Southgate has not worked since stepping down as England manager and has indicated he plans to take some time away from the game after eight years as boss of the Three Lions. More

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      Fresh row at BBC as host Mark Chapman refuses to share MOTD job with female star after Gary Lineker quit

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      A ROW has kicked off over who replaces Gary Lineker after 25 years hosting Match of the Day — with bosses pushing for a job share.They want Mark Chapman and Kelly Somers to take turns in the hot seat, but insiders said bookies’ pick Chappers is not a fan of the idea.Mark Chapman is ruling out a Match of the Day job shareCredit: GettyBBC bosses want Kelly Somers to take turns in the hot seatCredit: GettyGary Lineker was spotted walking his dog yesterdayCredit: PAA source said: “It’s a headache for the BBC.”Chapman has flatly refused a Match of the Day job share.The 51-year-old, currently hosting Match of the Day 2, made it clear he does not want to split the bigger role with Kelly Somers, 33.BBC Sport Director Alex Kay-Jelski is keen on the sharing plan.Read More on SportBut insiders said bookies’ favourite Chappers — recently named frontman for the BBC’s new Champions League highlights show — has declined the offer. A source said: “As soon as Gary’s deal was done, Alex made it clear he wanted Mark and Kelly to replace him.“It would effectively be a job share and they would rotate hosting duties between them.“Mark has made it clear within the team at MOTD that this isn’t something he would want to do.Most read in Football“He doesn’t want a job share, he wants Gary’s role as his own, which is understandable.“It’s a headache for the BBC because they thought they’d found an easy solution.Gary Lineker will stop presenting Match of the Day the end of this season at and will quit Beeb by 2027“It’s back to the drawing board and negotiations are ongoing.”BBC Sport reporter Somers is in the frame after winning fans with her Euros coverage this summer. In recent years she has worked for Premier League Productions, BBC’s Final Score, talkSPORT, West Ham United and the Women’s Football League Show.Yesterday the BBC confirmed The Sun’s exclusive story about Lineker’s departure.The 63-year-old will leave MOTD at the end of the season. He will anchor BBC FA Cup ­coverage in 2025 and 2026, along with the next World Cup.In a statement, the BBC said: “After 25 seasons Gary is stepping down from MOTD. We want to thank him for everything he has done for the show.“He’ll be hugely missed on the show but we’re so happy he is staying with the BBC to present live football.” The Sun revealed Lineker, spotted walking his dog yesterday, was in talks over a new deal in September. Insiders said he wanted a multi-year contract and offered to take a pay cut.However, after weeks of tense negotiations, the BBC agreed only to extend his MOTD deal to the end of this season.It is understood his new contract pays at least £500,000 less.Lineker will continue to host the MOTD Top Ten podcast and The Rest is Football — part of his own stable of podcasts — will now be available on BBC Sounds.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe podcast attracted headlines during the Euros when Lineker described an early England performance as “s**t” — a much punchier verdict than the reaction he gave on the BBC.The BBC declined to comment last night.Chapman has recently been named frontman for the BBC’s new Champions League highlights showCredit: GettySomers is in the frame after winning fans with her Euros coverage this summerCredit: Instagram @kellyesomersLineker will quit the role after 25 years hosting the showCredit: Doug Seeburg More