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      Five pundits who could replace Ian Wright on Match of the Day including Premier League legend and his own son

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      IAN WRIGHT is leaving Match of the Day at the end of the season.The former Arsenal and England striker first appeared on the Premier League highlights show in 1997 while he was still a player.
      Ian Wright is leaving Match of the Day at the end of the seasonCredit: BBC
      And he has been a regular in recent years alongside Alan Shearer and host Gary Lineker.
      Wrighty, 60, confirmed his shock departure on social media and then shared a brilliant throwback clip from his debut.
      He said: “I feel very privileged to have had such an incredible run on the most iconic football show in the world.
      “Anyone that knows my story knows how much the show has meant to me since I was young boy. MOTD is my Holy Grail.
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      “On my first ever show, I told Des Lynam, ‘This is my Graceland’. It will always be my Graceland and I will always be watching.”
      But with Wright quitting after the 2023-24 campaign which ends in May, who could join the team of pundits in the studio next year?
      DIDIER DROGBA
      Talk about replacing one big-name striker for another… Didier Drogba would be a major coup for the BBC.
      Two-time Golden Boot winner Drogba, 45, scored 104 Premier League goals in 254 appearances for Chelsea, winning four titles.
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      He worked for the BBC as a pundit at the Qatar World Cup 2022 so knows what it takes and already has a working relationship with the team.
      Didier Drogba could be a big-name replacement for WrightCredit: BBC
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      RIO FERDINAND
      Like Drogba, Rio Ferdinand worked for the Beeb for the World Cup last year and is one of the top pundits around these days.
      He is TNT Sports’ main man for their Saturday lunchtime kick-offs and Champions League coverage so a deal would need to be struck – but Micah Richards has proven it is possible to be a pundit for multiple broadcasters.
      Ferdinand, 45, carries a wealth of expertise and insight both from a player and pundit perspective after six Premier League winner’s medals, a Champions League and 81 England caps.
      Rio Ferdinand has worked for the BBC for major international tournaments including the World CupCredit: BBC
      SHAUN WRIGHT-PHILLIPS
      They could keep it in the family by bringing in Shaun Wright-Phillips to take over from his dad Ian.
      The pair created history as the first father-and-son duo on the show back in May – the former Chelsea and Manchester City winger’s debut.
      Shaun, 42, was not afraid to give his old man a bit of banter and could be a suitable option after announcing his retirement in 2019.
      Shaun Wright-Phillips made his Match of the Day debut alongside his dadCredit: BBC
      FARA WILLIAMS
      Fara Williams has made a seamless transition from the stadium to the studio since hanging up her boots in 2021.
      The 172-cap England international boasts tremendous knowledge – representing her country more times than any other footballer in history, male or female.
      Williams, 39, demonstrated her ability to analyse the game during the Women’s World Cup and is part of the BBC’s WSL team with Alex Scott.
      Fara Williams, middle, is part of the BBC’s WSL coverage with Alex Scott and Ellen WhiteCredit: Getty
      JERMAIN DEFOE
      Jermain Defoe sure knows what is takes to perform in the Premier League after 162 goals in 496 games for West Ham, Tottenham, Portsmouth, Sunderland and Bournemouth before retiring in 2022 with 57 Three Lions caps to his name.
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      He has stayed in football and is back working with Spurs as an academy coach with the Under-18s on top of punditry with Channel 4 for recent England matches as well as Premier League Productions.
      Defoe, 41, has done plenty of media work already with the BBC – including his own fly-on-the-wall Outside The Box documentary and the Football Firsts podcast with SunSport columnist Troy Deeney.
      Jermain Defoe is building experience in the media with various rolesCredit: Getty More

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      Ian Wright shares brilliant clip of his Match of the Day debut after Arsenal icon announces he is quitting BBC show

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      IAN WRIGHT has shared a brilliant clip of his Match of the Day debut in 1997.The Arsenal legend this morning announced that he will be stepping down from his role on the iconic BBC show at the end of the season.
      Ian Wright shared a clip from his first Match of the Day appearanceCredit: X/@BBCMOTD
      He debuted while still a player in 1997Credit: X/@BBCMOTD
      Wright, 60, has announced that he will leave MOTD at the end of the seasonCredit: X/@BBCMOTD
      Wright, 60, then fondly shared a clip from his first appearance, in which he described the programme as his “Graceland”.
      Appearing alongside former host Des Lynam and fellow pundit Trevor Brooking, the striker grinned as he was introduced.
      Referencing the clip while announcing his exit, Wright wrote on social media: “Anyone that knows my story knows how much the show has meant to me since I was young boy. MOTD is my Holy Grail.
      “On my first ever show, I told Des Lynam, “This is my Graceland”. It will always be my Graceland and I will always be watching.”
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      He then added: “I’m stepping back having made great friends and many great memories.
      “This decision has been coming for a while, maybe my birthday earlier this year fast tracked it a little, but ultimately it’s time to do a few more different things with my Saturdays.”
      After hanging up his boots in 2000, Wright first became a Match of the Day regular in 2002, his initial run lasting until 2008.
      He later returned in 2015, cementing his role as one of Britain’s favourite pundits.
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      Wright made further history earlier this year when he appeared alongside Shaun Wright-Phillips, making them the first father/son duo in the show’s entire run.
      His decision to quit has led to an out-pouring of emotions from fans.
      One wrote on social media: “Thank you Wrighty.”
      While a second admitted: “It won’t be the same, but good luck in your new venture.”
      A third gushed: “TV Legend. Legend full stop.”
      And a fourth simply commented: “What a man.”
      Another added: “Good luck Wrighty! You’ll be sorely missed on MOTD.”
      Philip Bernie, head of BBC Sport content, said: “Ian has been a wonderful star player on MOTD since his first appearance over 20 years ago.
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      “His insight, wit and warmth have richly entertained and informed all those watching him.
      “We will miss his unique style and presence when he goes at the end of this season, but we will be sure to give him the send-off he deserves.”
      Wright had a previous spell as a Match of the Day regular between 2002 and 2008Credit: BBC
      Wright, 60, has cemented his place as a fans’ favouriteCredit: BBC
      Alan Shearer and Wrighty have become the BBC’s top team alongside host Gary LinekerCredit: BBC
      Wright appeared on Match of the Day alongside his son Shaun earlier this yearCredit: BBC More

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      BBC bosses ‘are talking to Gary Lineker’ after Match of the Day host slammed Rwanda plan in ANOTHER Twitter storm

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      BBC bosses are said to be talking to Gary Lineker after the Match of the Day host was slammed for blasting the Government’s Rwanda plan.The TV host, 63, found himself at the centre of yet another Twitter storm after urging ministers to scrap their Rwanda scheme and come up with a “fair new plan for refugees”.
      BBC bosses are said to be talking to Gary Lineker about his recent tweetsCredit: PA
      The TV pundit called out the government and Grant Shapps for the Rwanda schemeCredit: PA
      In a letter which is campaigning for change, Together With Refugees branded Britain’s refugee system “ever-more uncaring, chaotic and costly”, and said asylum policies are not working.
      And Lineker landed himself in hot water after co-signing a letter with other celebs, calling for the scheme to be thrown out.
      Now, BBC bosses are “talking to Lineker” about his posts, the Times reports.
      The former England star turned pundit said about the letter: “We need a new system that reflects the will of the British people who have opened their homes, donated and volunteered in their local communities.
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      “That’s why I’m backing this new campaign, because fair really can begin here.”
      The Beeb are now said to be discussing whether their updated social media guidelines, which came into play in September, are tight enough after Lineker is accused of ridiculing cabinet minister Grant Shapps and Conservative backbenchers.
      Talks between bosses and Lineker about his tweets are reportedly set to take place.
      A BBC spokesman said: “We aren’t going to comment on individuals or indeed individual tweets.
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      “While the guidance does allow people to talk about issues that matter to them, it is also clear that individuals should be civil and not call into question anyone’s character.
      “We discuss issues that arise with presenters as necessary.”
      Lineker previously sparked an impartiality row in March after saying the Government rhetoric on immigration was similar to that of 1930s’ Germany.
      But after a review, BBC bosses decided to allow its top stars to share their own views on social media and only ruled they should stop short of political campaigning.
      Grant Shapps said on Monday morning that Lineker should stick to presenting football.
      When asked if the Match of the Day host should continue expressing political views, Defence Secretary Mr Shapps told Times Radio: “He’s been through all of this before.
      “The BBC have told him he shouldn’t do this type of thing but still it continues.
      “The point I would make to Mr Lineker is: what is right or moral about having people trafficked dangerously across the English Channel, losing their lives at sea, illegally entering the country?
      “That is not a civilised, morally correct thing to do.”
      He added: “I just fundamentally disagree with him. What happens to him next is up to the BBC.
      “As far as I see it, they have issued previous warnings to him, so it’ll be interesting to see what they do and say at this point.
      “I know millions of people watch him for his football commentary and TV presenting, I would have thought it’s better to stick with that.”
      Tory deputy chairman Lee Anderson told the Daily Mail: “For once in his life, Gary’s absolutely right – we do need a system that reflects the will of the British people. What the people want is to stop the boats and to tell overpaid crisp salesmen to put a sock in it.
      “Alongside cracking down on illegal migration, we need another robust system which keeps Lineker as far away from the public as possible, to give us all a rest from his Left-wing, out-of-touch nonsense.”
      The Beeb row comes as the Prime Minister is trying to convince his own backbenchers to support his Rwanda Bill, with both the right of the party and the One Nation faction set to announce whether they support it later on today.
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      The Bill seeks to declare Rwanda a safe country and also empowers ministers to ignore parts of the Human Rights Act.
      Mr Shapps told Sky News Home Office modelling suggests that of the current cases which are challenged successfully, “99.5% of them would not be challenged once this is in place”. More

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      Future of Match of the Day decided with Gary Lineker ‘set for mega new pay deal’ despite rival eyeing up BBC hot seat

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      FAN favourite show Match of the Day will continue to show Premier League highlights after striking a new TV deal.The English top flight has struck a new four-year agreement until 2029 with BBC Sport, giving MOTD highlight rights for all 380 matches each season.
      Match of the Day has been handed a new deal to broadcast Premier League highlightsCredit: BBC
      Host Gary Lineker looks set to also pen a new mega dealCredit: BBC
      It means the popular show’s future is no longer in doubt, with its previous agreement expiring in 2025.
      And Gary Lineker, whose deal to host the show also runs out that year, looks set to agree a whopping new contract with BBC bosses too.
      Just months after being suspended over a tweet criticising the government’s language around their asylum policy, Lineker is reportedly set to pen a new £1.35million-a-year extension.
      The contract will see him continue as the BBC’s top-paid presenter, despite taking a pay cut from £1.75m in 2020.
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      And it is also set to dash Jermaine Jenas’ hopes of taking over from Lineker as the main man in the chair.
      As for live TV match packages, TNT Sports and Sky Sports are the big winners.
      Amazon Prime will no longer broadcast matches from the 2025/26 season after missing out on all five available deals.
      TNT Sports won package A, which covers 52 live games during the season.
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      The channel, formerly BT Sport, retains its 12.30pm Saturday matches and also gets full coverage of two midweek match rounds.
      As for Sky Sports, they have been handed the remaining B, C, D and E packages to cover 215 games each term.
      140 of those matches will be played on weekends, with the others falling on Fridays and Mondays — plus an extra three midweek match rounds.
      And Sky Sports has, for the first time, been handed all 10 final day matches to broadcast simultaneously.
      In total, the agreements will deliver a total of £6.7BILLION in revenue.
      Richard Masters, Premier League Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted to announce new deals with Sky Sports and TNT Sports that will extend our partnership for a further four years and see more Premier League matches than ever before shown live from 2025/26 onwards.
      “As longstanding and valued partners, Sky Sports and TNT Sports are renowned for consistently delivering world-class coverage and programming. 
      “We have enjoyed record audiences and attendances in recent seasons, and we know that their continued innovation will drive more people to watch and follow the Premier League. 
      “We are also extremely pleased to extend our partnership with BBC Sport, which will continue to bring weekly highlights of all Premier League matches to the widest possible audience in the UK. 
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      “Match of the Day has been an institution for generations of football fans in this country and remains incredibly popular with fans of all ages.
      “The outcome of this process underlines the strength of the Premier League and is testament to our clubs, players and managers who continue to deliver the world’s most competitive football in full stadiums, and to supporters, who create an unrivalled atmosphere every week.” More

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      Jermaine Jenas reveals he’d FIGHT Gary Lineker for Match of the Day host job… but names pundit he’d avoid

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      JERMAINE JENAS has jokingly said he would fight Gary Lineker to become Match of the Day host – but he revealed the one man he would not.England legend Lineker, 60, landed the role after an iconic playing career for the likes of Leicester City, Everton, Barcelona and Tottenham.
      Jermaine Jenas has joked he’d fight Gary Lineker for the Match of the Day jobCredit: Getty
      The England legend has been in the MOTD chair since 1999Credit: Rex
      He took over from Des Lynham presenting the hit BBC football highlights show in 1999 and has remained in the hot-seat ever since.
      Jenas, who played for Spurs, Newcastle and QPR as well as for the Three Lions 21 times, has followed Lineker into the television world since hanging up his boots.
      He is co-host of BBC’s The One Show and the 40-year-old has also appeared several times on Match of the Day as a pundit.
      He has recently stated that he would love to take over from Lineker, and that led to an amusing moment last Saturday during his latest appearance on the show.
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      Lineker asked him live on air: “You want this job?”
      Jenas replied: “No, no, I’m alright, thanks, for now.”
      Lineker, grinning along with the rest of Jenas’ co-pundits, then said: “Later.”
      Jenas, who also works for TNT Sports, then appeared on talkSPORT Drive this week where the show’s presenter Andy Goldstein jokingly asked Jenas if he would fight Lineker for the job.
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      The 2008 League Cup winner joked: “Gary? Yeah I’d fight him.”
      When asked whether he would win, Jenas remarked: “I’d like to think so!”
      But when fellow MOTD pundit Alan Shearer, whom he played with at Newcastle, was put forward as a potential opponent, Jenas said: “Yeah I mean, I don’t get where you’re going with this line of questioning to be honest with you!
      “Al was a strange one, I feel like Al has shrunk over the years.
      “When I first turned up to Newcastle, we used to get changed at St. James’ Park and then catch a coach to training.
      “We didn’t have a training ground, so when they signed me, I think somebody said, ‘Take him to the training ground.’
      “Bobby Robson was like, ‘No don’t take him to the training ground, take him down the Quayside,’ which is another story. But eventually, once I’ve signed, I turn up at St. James’ Park, got changed.
      How the two former footy stars compare
      “I remember looking at Al getting changed and I thought, ‘I’ve got to wear shin pads for training, I didn’t realise.’ We didn’t, his legs were that big, his calves and his ankles were just huge.
      “People like him and [Wayne] Rooney, they’re just built that way. But yeah, that Shearer, I’m not fighting him.”
      It comes after we reported this week how Lineker is set for a new £1.35million-a-year contract extension with the BBC.
      His contract is set to expire at the end of next season – at the same time as the BBC’s current Premier League highlights rights package.
      With the Corporation set to seal a four-year extension to show Prem action on Saturday nights, they are keen to keep Lineker on as presenter.
      That is despite him being controversially suspended for a week by the BBC for his social media activity earlier this year.
      Jermaine Jenas (left) says he would avoid a fight with Alan Shearer (right)Credit: PA:Press Association
      Jenas (right) is a regular pundit on Match of the Day alongside Shearer (centre) and host Lineker (left) More

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      Gary Lineker ‘set for new £1.3m-a-year Match of the Day deal’ just months after BBC suspended him over tweets

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      GARY LINEKER is set for a new £1.35million-a-year contract extension with the BBC, according to reports.The 62-year-old has been hosting Match of the Day since 1999 and is the Beeb’s top-paid presenter.
      Gary Lineker has been presenting Match of the Day since 1999Credit: BBC
      Lineker’s contract is set to expire at the end of next season – at the same time as the BBC’s current Premier League highlights rights package.
      With the Corporation set to seal a four-year extension to show Prem action on Saturday nights, the Mail claim that they are keen to keep Lineker on as presenter.
      The experienced broadcaster is their top-paid presenter on £1.35m-a-year but did take a pay cut from £1.75m in 2020.
      Earlier this year he was suspended for a week by the BBC for his social media activity.
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      Lineker criticised the Government’s stance on asylum policy, claiming their language used was “not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s”.
      Amid his suspension many of Lineker’s BBC colleagues opted to go on strike in support.
      The strike saw a bizarre 20-minute Match of the Day aired, with no presenter, pundits or commentators.
      Lineker was later reinstated to his role.
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      And an independent panel later decided that the BBC’s non-news presenters shouldn’t face punishment for expressing political opinions online.
      From next season the BBC will begin broadcasting mid-week Champions League highlights.
      The presenting gig could go to Lineker, with the ex-Barcelona and Tottenham striker having previously been BT Sport’s No1 Champions League anchor prior to quitting in 2021.

      In a recent interview with GQ, Lineker revealed that his BBC future depended on them winning the rights to show Prem highlights.
      He appeared keen to carry on in the role, adding: “The Premier League have been very clever, making sure that there is a show on terrestrial television to maintain interest in the sport.
      “As still over half the public don’t have Sky or TNT. So hopefully that will continue.”
      Lineker, 62, could extend his current deal with the BBCCredit: Splash More

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      Gary Lineker called ‘f***ing idiot’ for snubbing Sir Alex Ferguson as Match of the Day presenter reveals one career wish

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      GARY LINEKER was called a “f***ing idiot” by Alan Shearer for snubbing Sir Alex Ferguson.The Match of the Day host admitted that he had the chance to join Manchester United on two different occasions.
      Alan Shearer called Gary Lineker a ‘f***ing idiot’Credit: PA
      Lineker, 62, turned down the Red Devils for the first time in 1985 as he instead opted to join Everton.
      He also rejected United when Ferguson was manager but he decided to star at Tottenham.
      The revelation came up during an episode of The Rest is Football podcast.
      Lineker, Shearer and Micah Richards were all discussing which clubs they wished they had played for during their careers.
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      Speaking about United, Lineker said: “I had two opportunities to join them, once when Ron Atkinson was manager but I went to Everton instead.
      “You’ve got to remember, Man United weren’t that dominant in those days.
      “The second time was when I went to Spurs when Sir Alex was in charge, but it was still a good three or four years before he started to have any success.
      “They also gave me a lovely send-off in my last-ever game in English football, so I’d perhaps say Manchester United.”
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      Shearer also rejected the legendary manager twice in his career then joked: “You turned Sir Alex down? You f****** idiot!
      “What idiot does that?”
      Lineker then hilariously responded: “I can’t think of anyone, Alan. You thought you were the first.”
      Shearer turned down Fergie when he joined Blackburn and when he left Rovers for Newcastle.
      However, he had a different answer to the question of who he would have liked to have played for.
      The Newcastle legend said he would have joined arch-rivals Sunderland.
      However, this was so he would be able to “relegate them”.
      Richards on the other hand claimed that he would have loved have played for Arsenal under Arsene Wenger and been in the Invincible squad.
      But both Shearer and Lineker joked he would have not got into the team. More

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      Gary Lineker reveals how long he has left presenting Match of the Day as he says ‘they’ve been very clever’

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      GARY LINEKER has hinted at how long he has left as host of Match of the Day. The England legend has been presenting the beloved show since 1999 and is a fan favourite of many across the country.
      Gary Lineker has revealed how long he has left as host of Match of the DayCredit: Getty
      But he may not have much time left on the television screens of viewers with his contract at the BBC heading towards expiry.
      In an interview with GQ, he revealed: “I’ve got two years left [contractually]. Beyond that it depends on the rights because the BBC have got to keep winning the rights to show the highlights.”
      The Premier League are currently selling the rights to their coverage for future years with new broadcasters emerging as potential contenders.
      But Lineker thinks that if the footballing organisation continue to give the BBC the rights to the highlights it’s only a good thing for the sport.
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      He said: “The Premier League have been very clever, making sure that there is a show on terrestrial television to maintain interest in the sport.
      “As still over half the public don’t have Sky or TNT. So hopefully that will continue.”
      The majority of all of England’s top flight football is televised between Sky Sports and TNT Sports at the moment with Amazon Prime holding the rights to a small number of fixtures.
      But Match of the Day has a cult following and has been on TV screens since 1964 allowing fans to catch up with the weekend’s action.
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      And if the BBC are able to renew their deal with the Premier League then Lineker could stay on as host of the show.
      The 62-year-old certainly isn’t getting bored of football despite it being his life since a very young age.
      He said: “I don’t [get bored of football]. It’s the one ever-present in my life.
      “I had kids at a certain age; I was married for a lot of time; my parents are no longer here. Football is the one thing that’s been there the whole way through.
      “And I’m not one of these old players who thinks it’s not as good as it was. It’s massively improved.”
      Lineker has been hosting the show since 1999Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      The former pro thinks that the Premier League should continue to allow the highlights to be shown on terrestrial TV going forwardCredit: BBC More