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      New Match of the Day hosts officially CONFIRMED including Liverpool icon’s daughter after Gary Lineker’s exit

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      THE new hosts of the BBC’s Match of the Day have been confirmed for when Gary Lineker leaves.Kelly Cates, 49, will be part of a three-person presenting team alongside Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan from next season.Kelly Cates, 49, will be a presenter on Match of the DayCredit: GettyGabby Logan, 51, will share hosting duties on Match of the DayCredit: RexCurrent MOTD 2 presenter Mark Chapman, 51, will continue in his role and host MOTDCredit: PAGary Lineker is stepping down as Match of the Day presenterCredit: BBCCates, Chapman and Logan will share presenting duties for the flagship Match of the Day on a Saturday night, plus Match of the Day 2 on Sunday evenings.A statement posted on the show’s X page read: “New squad for next season!”We’re delighted to announce that Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan will share Match of the Day presenting duties from 2025-26.”Former England striker Lineker has hosted the highlights programme since 1999.Read more Sports NewsHe will continue to front the BBC’s live FA Cup coverage next season and its coverage of the 2026 World Cup finals.Lineker said last month it had been a “joy and a privilege” to present Match of the Day.But he added on The Rest Is Football podcast: “I feel this is now the right time (to leave).”I think the next contract they’re looking to do Match of the Day slightly differently, so I think it makes sense for someone else to take the helm.”Most read in FootballOn becoming one of the presenters Cates, who will also continue her role with Sky Sports, said: “Once I sit in that chair and the theme music starts, I just know that’s going to be a really incredible moment.”I’ve worked with a lot of the pundits before and they’re all fantastic, so I’m just looking forward to getting started.Gary Lineker will stop presenting Match of the Day the end of this season at and will quit Beeb by 2027″I’ve known Gabby and Mark really well for years so to bring it all together, embracing the digital side of things, it feels like a really comprehensive football package for fans and that’s what makes it so exciting too.”Logan, who is also at the heart of the BBC’s rugby and athletics coverage, said: “It’s always a real moment [sitting in the chair] because it has such history.”It’s still so relevant to so many people now and talked about in a landscape where TVs changed so much.”There’s an enormous responsibility to make sure we continue to evolve while at the same time respecting the traditions of Match of the Day.Who are the new Match of the Day hosts?MARK CHAPMANChapman, 51, already has the gig as MOTD2 host on a Sunday night.He also landed the hosting job for the new BBC Champions League highlights show.Though not a former player, Chappers has shown his quality as a presenter and will be an able replacement.GABBY LOGANLogan – who at 51 is the same age as Chapman – is one of the understudies to step in when Lineker is not available.A vastly-experienced broadcaster, presenter and host, Logan seems to have done it all to cover sport for BBC TV – doing everything from Sports Personality of the Year to the Olympics, including Paris 2024.She joined Lineker, Scott and Chapman as Euros presenters and is now on the BBC and Amazon Prime teams for the 2024-25 Champions League.Logan joined the BBC in 2007 and was the main face of Final Score from 2009 to 2013.KELLY CATESCates has worked for the BBC on and off since 2013, for Radio 5 Live.She presented iconic fan phone-in show 606 alongside Ian Wright on Sunday’s between 2013 and 2018.After joining Sky Sports her role was reduced, but Cates returned to host a midweek sports show, 5 Live Sport, mostly on Tuesdays, while she also provided coverage of the 2022 World Cup.The daughter of Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish became a TV presenter at Sky Sports, working on several Premier League shows including Friday Night Live and Super Sunday, which she appeared on for the Manchester Derby today.”People want to see the goals, they want to see the incidents, they want to see the moments everyone’s talking about, so while we can tinker at the edges, the core is the football.”Chapman will continue his usual programmes on BBC Radio 5 Live, including Saturdays with the iconic Sports Report.He added: “I know the history of a lot of radio programmes and TV programmes and I do feel honoured to be following in the footsteps of the people that we are following in and respectful of what they have done.”On sharing the role, Cates said: “This isn’t about the three of us, it’s about the three of us plus our pundits, plus our editors, plus our analysts and stats people and production people, radio and online.”Genuinely this is about all of us as a department working together.”Cates has worked for the BBC on and off since 2013, for Radio 5 Live.She presented iconic fan phone-in show 606 alongside Ian Wright on Sunday’s between 2013 and 2018.After joining Sky Sports her role was reduced, but Cates returned to host midweek sports show, 5 Live Sport, mostly on Tuesday’s, while she also provided coverage of the 2022 World Cup.The daughter of Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish became a TV presenter at Sky Sports, working on several Premier League shows including Friday Night Live.READ MORE SUN STORIESSky Sports bosses are reportedly sad to see her leave – but she was understood to be the BBC’s leading external candidate to take over from icon Lineker.Logan and Chapman have worked for the BBC for several years including on Match of the Day.Cates has worked as a presenter on Sky Sports since 2016Credit: GettyShe has presented flagship shows including Super SundayChapman already has the gig as MOTD2 host on a Sunday nightCredit: GettyHe has been on the sofa for the new BBC Champions League highlights showCredit: BBCLogan is a top broadcaster who has worked on the biggest sporting eventsCredit: AlamyFather and daughter share a laugh during Sky Sports’ coverageCredit: PA More

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      ‘Look at the reaction’ – MOTD2 presenters in hysterics after spotting Man Utd stars’ response to Harry Maguire miss

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      MANCHESTER UNITED players fell to their knees in disbelief after Harry Maguire’s last-gasp miss against Liverpool.The Red Devils put in a strong performance in the 2-2 draw against the league leaders yesterday.Harry Maguire missed a last-gasp chance to win it for UnitedCredit: RexHis team-mates could not believe he blazed it overCredit: BBCAndre Onana rolled onto the floor and Ruben Amorim put his heads in his handsCredit: BBCThe reactions left Mark Chapman in hystericsCredit: BBCUnited had the chance to win the it with the last kick of the game as Joshua Zirkzee teed up Maguire to finish from point blank range.But the centre-back agonisingly blazed over the bar with the goal gaping.Gutted Maguire put his head in his hands as Liverpool breathed a huge sigh of relief.And incredible footage on Match of the Day 2 showed the reaction of his team-mates as he fired high.READ MORE ON MAN UTDDiogo Dalot waved his arms in disgust and appeared to scream, while Lisandro Martinez hit the deck and rolled on the floor.Leny Yoro turned away in disgust as Manuel Ugarte and Noussair Mazraoui collapsed to their knees.And as Ruben Amorim looked on stunned, MOTD2 trio Mark Chapman, Shay Given and Alan Shearer were left in hysterics by Andre Onana’s reaction behind him.The goalkeeper performed a bizarre flip onto the ground and slapped the pitch in frustration.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMaguire has scored just once this seasonCredit: AFPGiven said: “Look at the reaction from the Man Utd players and the manager, they know it is the last kick. This is to get three points.”Onana in the background as well, he just can’t believe it.”Man Utd’s mentality praised by Amorim after draw with Liverpool Given did have sympathy for Maguire as the pundit felt “Zirkzee should have done a wee bit better with the pass” as it bounced across the turf to the England star.Sky Sports pundit Daniel Sturridge said similar, saying: “Just don’t bobble it into him. You’ve got all the time in the world to pull the ball back.”He’s a Premier League footballer playing for Manchester United, I’m not expecting a bobble into me if you’re in that position. It’s a three-yard pass.”But Amorim defended Zirkzee, saying: “For me, I think it was the perfect decision because he can shoot but he put the ball more in the centre.”The ball was really slow for Harry to score but sometimes you cannot do it. But Josh made a good decision in my opinion.”The moment also caused agony in the commentary box as Gary Neville let out a squeal and then slumped over the railings.Gary Neville was shocked by the missCredit: Sky Sports Shay Given felt Zirkzee’s pass should have been betterCredit: BBC More

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      ‘Are you alright?’ – ‘New Match of the Day host’ Mark Chapman stunned by Shay Given’s bizarre analysis on MOTD2

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      BBC anchor Mark Chapman was left baffled after Shay Given derailed Match of the Day with a series of bizarre puns.The MOTD2 host halted proceedings during Sunday night’s show to ask the ex-player: “Are you alright?”Shay Given left MOTD2 host Mark Chapman in stitches with his latest analysisCredit: BBCThe host could only groan after a succession of dodgy puns from the ex-Newcastle goalkeeperCredit: BBCEx-Newcastle fan favourite Given joined Chapman and fellow pundit Alan Shearer to discuss Fulham’s 2-2 draw with Ipswich. And the Irishman appeared determined to get as many cheesy metaphors into his analysis as possible.Looking over a late penalty given away by Ipswich’s Leif Davis, Given highlighted how tired the full-back was when tracking back.He quipped: “It’s Leif blowing, not Leif Davis.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLFollowing a belly laugh from Shearer, Chapman groaned in response: “Oh my word. Did you write that down on your pad?”You haven’t said that to us all day, you kept that up your sleeve.”But Given wasn’t done and just moments later derailed the show with another unexpected pun.Discussing whether Davies should have seen red in the first half for a tackle on Fulham’s Harry Wilson, the ex-keeper focused in on referee Darren Bond.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSReferencing fictional spy James Bond, he said: “I just want to say the referee Bond, he’s shaken not stirred with his decision.”An incredulous Chapman stuttered after a brief pause: “Are you alright?!”‘Performance of the day’ BBC pundit’s genius Alexis Mac Allister gag leaves fans in stitches on Match of the Day Given replied: “It’s one of those nights I think Chappers.”Chapman has been touted as an eventual replacement for Gary Lineker on MOTD.The former England striker is leaving the show after over 25 years at the end of the season. Chapman has hosted MOTD2 since 2013 and is a strong favourite to be handed the role by the Beeb.SunSport exclusively revealed in November the BBC are hoping to share the role between multiple presenters.It’s been reported that Chapman will share duties with Gabby Logan and Kelly Cates, who will switch over from presenting on Sky Sports.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. More

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      Gary Lineker ‘turns into Barry White’ as BBC viewers left stunned by sound of MOTD host’s voice

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      FANS were left stunned by Gary Lineker’s throaty voice as he presented Match of the Day last night.The veteran host, 64, fronted a bumper Boxing Day MOTD for the final time ahead of his exit at the end of the season.Gary Lineker presented his final Boxing Day MOTD last nightAlan Shearer and Joe Hart laughed at Lineker’s quipCredit: BBCAs he introduced the show, Lineker sounded more like Sean Dyche than his usual self.In gruff tones, he grunted: “Ready for some football? Eight games underway.”Introducing pundits Alan Shearer and Joe Hart, he continued: “Look who we’ve got for Christmas, one of them’s a keeper and the other one’s getting returned.”Despite Lineker’s quip, several viewers at home could only focus on his voice.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOne wrote on social media: “Lineker talking like his mom’s upstairs and told him and his mates to keep the noise down, or they’ll have to go home!”While a second claimed: “Blimey, Gary Lineker sounds rough.”A third pointed out: “Gary Lineker voice shot to bits.”And a fourth joked: “Lineker turned into Barry White.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother added: “Gary Lineker sounds awful on #MOTD are they so desperate for him to present it even when he’s clearly ill?”At the end of the programme, Lineker referenced his unusual-sounding voice.Alan Shearer in the dark on Gary Lineker’s MOTD replacement, but reveals why he doesn’t want to know who’s coming inHe closed the show by saying: “So Liverpool came from behind to beat Leicester, and it’s beginning to look a Slot like Christmas is over… and I’ve got a cold. Goodbye.”Lineker is set to leave Match of the Day after 26 years at the end of the season.He is reportedly set to be replaced by a rotating cast of Gabby Logan, Mark Chapman and Kelly Cates.Lineker will continue to present the BBC’s live FA Cup coverage during the 2025-26 campaign.He will then bring the curtain down on his illustrious Beeb career at the 2026 World Cup. More

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      ‘I take a hint’ – ‘New MOTD host’ Gabby Logan’s live TV interview with Liverpool boss Arne Slot ends awkwardly

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      GABBY LOGAN took the “hint” as she rapidly wound her up her interview with Liverpool boss Arne Slot last night.The popular host, who is set to be one of three new Match of the Day presenters next season, was on Boxing Day Amazon Prime Video duty.Gabby Logan caught up with Arne Slot after last night’s gameCredit: Amazon PrimeSlot and Ruud van Nistelrooy know each other from their time in HollandCredit: EPALogan, 51, presented the streaming service’s coverage of Liverpool’s Premier League clash with Leicester.She and pundits Roberto Martinez, Emile Heskey and John Arne Riise were joined by Slot after the match at Anfield.During their interview, they discussed whether he will catch up with fellow Dutchman Ruud van Nistelrooy after the game.Talking about seeing the Leicester manager, Slot revealed Van Nistelrooy and his family were waiting to meet up.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe then jokingly cut Logan off as he said: “If we don’t need to go to the media that long, we can have some time together…”Ever the pro, Logan took Slot’s quip with good grace.As Martinez, Heskey and Riise laughed, she said: “Well, I take a hint! Thank you very much, good to see you again.”The pair then shook hands as Slot said: “You’re welcome.”Most read in FootballLiverpool had just come from behind to beat Leicester 3-1, going seven points clear at the top of the table with a game in hand.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Reds went 1-0 down on just six minutes via Jordan Ayew, but Cody Gakpo levelled on the stroke of half time.Curtis Jones completed the turnaround four minutes into the second half, with Mo Salah netting a third late on.Gary Lineker ‘turns into Barry White’ as BBC viewers left stunned by sound of MOTD host’s voiceLogan, meanwhile, is set to be one of three presenters replacing Gary Lineker on Match of the Day next season.She is reportedly set to rotate with Mark Chapman and Kelly Cates between the Saturday show and Sunday’s Match of the Day 2.Logan, 51, was on Amazon Prime Video dutyCredit: Reuters More

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      ‘Performance of the day’: BBC pundit’s genius Alexis Mac Allister gag leaves fans in stitches on Match of the Day

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      FESTIVE cheers was apparent for many during the final Premier League weekend before Christmas.And it was certainly a given in the Match of the Day studio as well, as one witty joke left fans in stitches.Shay Given was in top form on Match of the DayCredit: Match of the DayHe quipped that Alexis Mac Allister was not the only McCallister to be left alone at ChristmasThe joke was a reference to Christmas classic film Home AloneCredit: AlamyLiverpool’s 6-3 thriller against Tottenham was the headline act of the programme.And while analysing the goals from the game, Shay Given was in top form with a clever Christmas gag.The joke came while talking Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister after he was allowed to ghost into the box unmarked before netting the Reds’ second of the game.Seeing Spurs defenders fail to pick up the Argentine, the former goalkeeper quipped: “Not the first Mac Allister to be left alone at Christmas.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLReacting on social media, one fan said: “What a line hahaha.”A second said: “Haha!! Brilliant!”A third added: “This is A+ commentary and creativity.”Another said: “Oh that is superb stuff.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFor the uninitiated, the gag was a reference to Christmas classic film Home Alone.In the film, an eight-year-old boy by the name of Kevin McCallister – played by Macaulay Culkin – is left behind when his family leaves from France, and things take a twist when thieves try to break into the family home.Tottenham boss Postecoglou REFUSES to answer questions after his team ship another hatful of goals in Liverpool lossIn an ironic twist that makes the joke even better, Mac Allister has an older brother called Kevin who currently plays for Belgian side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.The nine-goal thriller left Liverpool four points clear at the top of the table with a game in hand after Chelsea had been held to a goalless draw with Everton earlier in the day.Meanwhile, Spurs were left in the bottom half of the table, eight points adrift of the top four. More

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      Gary Lineker is being replaced by two women and a man on Match of the Day – BBC should be proud to lead the charge

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      THE BBC inclination to employ ever more women in jobs that were once male  territory has evoked not even a hum of male irritation.Gary Lineker is to be replaced by two women and a man on Match of the Day . . .Gary Lineker will step down as Match of the Day host at the end of this seasonCredit: PAGabby Logan will form one third of a new presenting trio replacing the former England strikerCredit: RexReaction: So what!Whether or not three-for-one presenter ratio will work is to become clear after the trio start next season, even if the company’s accountants approve the division of Lineker’s £1.3million salary.Money well earnt and deserved in my opinion.The fact I like this increasing number of women commentators should be no surprise, for when I moved into football 32 years ago women were rarer than a hen’s dentist.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSuch a short time later women are acknowledged as players both on the pitch and in the offices. Only with the whistle or in men’s football management are they rare. But in press boxes, behind microphones and contributing knowledgeably on television, they are as commonplace as they are in boardrooms, politics and executive positions.In several aspects BBC can be very proud to have led the charge away from attitudes that once were summed up in the insult “monstrous regiment of women”. Most read in FootballKelly Cates and Gabby Logan are both outstanding broadcasters.They will work on the show in rotation with Mark Chapman, already a BBC stalwart.Gary Lineker reveals he turned DOWN huge ITV show as he reveals salary demand for reality showsThey are a capable front line to follow the former England striker who will have fronted the show for 25 years. He has been witty and fearless. Criticisms only began seriously after he was revealed to be the corporation’s highest earner.Both Cates and Logan are daughters of league and international footballers, Kenny Dalglish, one of Scotland’s greatest, and Terry Yorath of Wales.Critics will approve their background and wait upon their merits.Kelly Cates has established a formidable reputation as one of Sky’s finest presentersCredit: GettyLogan is probably best known. She ousted male presenters at several Olympic Games and remains a brisk and skilled regular at big events, and deservedly so.Cates has worked on BBC radio and TV, mainly on Sky, for many years and is as slick and personable as you would expect in a skilled presenter.If theirs is a semi-takeover then even more striking was the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year, which on Tuesday featured three women, Clare Balding, Alex Scott and (of course) Gabby Logan.Can you name the famous fathers?As Olympic 800 metres gold medallist Keely Hodgkinson became the fourth consecutive female winner of the top prize and, on the night, beat any competition for the most daring dress.Men could only hope their duties did not include the washing up afterwards.The battle for equality is not won yet but the tide is sweeping us forward.It won’t be too long, I suspect, before the US has a female president.After all, even the Garrick Club which defined itself as a club for “men of refinement” has just opened the door to women. It may take some while for one of us to become Pope, Russia’s leader, or to chuck away forced hijabs in Iran but most of the West is now wide open to the new order.And what a shocking waste of human resources the past has been.As long ago as the Second World War, women showed they could shoulder martial discipline as well as intellectual pursuits.The days when us women were nurses but not doctors, are over.READ MORE SUN STORIESWe might not have as much muscle but we have proved that we carry so much else . . . the ability to organise, to lead, to plan and to have children and give birth to every tax payer on the planet.Quite some contribution. More

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      ‘I never enjoyed presenting it,’ says Gary Lineker as he reveals it was his decision to leave show before BBC exit

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      GARY LINEKER has revealed he “never really enjoyed” presenting one iconic show during his time at the BBC.The former England striker stepped away from his hosting roles on Match of the Day and Sports Personality of the Year last month. Gary Lineker left his role as host of Match of the Day last monthCredit: GettyThe ex-Three Lions talisman has presented MOTD and SPOTY for over two decadesCredit: GettyLineker announced he would leave the MOTD hot seat after 25 years. He will stay with the Beeb to front coverage of next season’s FA Cup and the 2026 World Cup. The 64-year-old also quit his hosting duties on SPOTY, which he had fronted for the past 23 editions.Lineker claims his decision was based on the ceremony being moved to an independent production company. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd he dropped the bombshell that he had never really been comfortable hosting the iconic awards. Speaking in front of a live audience for podcast The Rest is Football, Lineker said: “Just to make it clear, what happened with Sports Personality of the Year is that it went to an independent production company.”It was granted at the start of the year. Now, I saw that as an opportunity to get out of presenting Sports Personality. “It’s a great show, but it’s the one TV gig that I never really enjoyed.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSLineker added his former colleague Des Lynam “shared” the sentiment. He continued: “It’s a very strange show to do. Alan Shearer in the dark on Gary Lineker’s MOTD replacement, but reveals why he doesn’t want to know who’s coming in”Also, it’s the one thing where every single word that you say on it has to be agreed by all parties at the BBC. “Every single interview you do, you have to say what questions you’re going to ask. I mean, I like to ad-lib, I like to go off-piste.”This year’s edition of SPOTY was won by Olympic hero Keely Hodgkinson and featured an all-female presenting lineup for the first time.Lineker has revealed he was never a fan of hosting Sport’s Personality of the YearCredit: PALineker admitted he had not watched the ceremony – but added Hodgkinson “deservedly” took the top gong.The ex-England star will continue to present podcasts the Match of the Day: Top 10 and The Rest of Football on BBC Sounds. In a statement released on November 12, he said: “I’m delighted to continue my long association with BBC Sport and would like to thank all those who made this happen.”Meet ‘new Match of the Day host’ Kelly Cates, daughter of a Liverpool iconKELLY CATES is reportedly set to quit Sky Sports and move to the BBC.The 49-year-old, Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman will reportedly share hosting duties of Match of the Day and MOTD 2 next season, when Gary Lineker stands down.Cates has worked for the BBC on and off since 2013, for Radio 5 Live. She presented iconic fan phone-in show 606 alongside Ian Wright on Sunday’s between 2013 and 2018. After joining Sky Sports her role was reduced, but Cates returned to host midweek sports show, 5 Live Sport, mostly on Tuesday’s, while she also provided coverage of the 2022 World Cup. The daughter of Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish became a TV presenter at Sky Sports, working on several Premier League shows including Friday Night Live.READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE.Two weeks after the news he was leaving MOTD broke, Lineker’s newest project with Baller League UK was revealed. READ MORE SUN STORIESThe six-a-side spectacular has been a success in Germany – where it was set up by Mats Hummels and Lukas Podolski – and now makes its way to these shores.Lineker – alongside his MOTD pals Micah Richards and Alan Shearer – will take charge of a team, as will Arsenal Invincibles Freddie Ljungberg, Jens Lehmann and Robert Pires. More