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    Forgotten Premier League star, 36, picked in new Baller League draft to play under Lineker, Shearer and Richards

    GARY LINEKER has selected a forgotten Prem star to play in his new Baller League team. The Match of the Day host takes charge of ‘Deportrio’ in the tournament alongside his Beeb colleagues Micah Richards and Alan Shearer.Gary Lineker has selected a forgotten Premier League star for his Baller League teamCredit: APAlan Shearer has joined Lineker in the venture alongside MOTD pundit Micah RichardsCredit: PALineker, 64, joined Richards and Shearer at the Baller League Draft on Monday night.The new six-a-side league kicks off later this month, with twelve star-studded teams entered in total. A host of former pros and A-listers from the social media world attended the glittering event at London’s Copper Box Arena.Ian Wright and Luis Figo are among the other captains, along with reality TV presenter Maya Jama.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLLineker’s team were handed the seventh overall pick in the draft. And the trio opted to go for former Wolves, Crystal Palace and West Brom star Bakary Sako. The 36-year-old played over 100 times for Wolves before joining Palace in 2015. He spent three seasons in the top-flight at Selhurst Park, scoring 8 times in 50 games. Most read in FootballBakary Sako will play for Gary Lineker’s team in the Ballers LeagueCredit: GettyCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsSako left for the Baggies in 2018 but returned to Palace for another stint a year later.He has since played for clubs in Cyprus, France and Greece. Baller League lands major UK broadcast deal ahead of draft with star-studded competition to be shown on TV The Ballers League has proved a huge hit in Germany. The UK version will feature 12 teams – each with 12 players -competing in 15-minute halves. In the final three minutes, the match transforms into a quickfire three-a-side format, with goalkeepers unable to use their hands. Over 160 players were available in Monday’s draft, with matches to be shown live on Sky Sports from March 24.Baller League CEO, Felix Starck explained: “Baller League is a brand new way to consume football.”We’re redefining how the game is played by bringing an exhilarating and authentic approach to football, and one that will appeal to current fans along with future generations.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Baller League is all about forward-thinking, aggressive, hyper-exciting football.”We’re about creating a version of the game that’s impossible to ignore – thrilling, bold and packed with excitement.”What are the Baller League rule?THE Baller League promises to be “excitingBut what are the rules?Matches will be played in a six-a-side format on an smaller indoor pitch.Each half set to last 15 minutes.Shock rule twists to be introduced for the final three minutes of each half including a three vs three format, long-range goals counting as double, and goalkeepers not allowed to use their hands.These rule twists for the final three minutes will be randomised.MLS style one-vs-one penalties to be used.12 teams in the league with the top four going through to the playoffs.League set to start in March 2025, with the final four play-off in May to crown the winner. More

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    ‘I don’t like it’ – Gary Lineker has wild reaction after spotting ex-Match of the Day star at Baller League launch

    GARY LINEKER has been accused of being too friendly with his Baller League opposition – before a ball has even been kicked. The England legend, 64, attended the Baller League UK draft on Monday alongside a host of familiar faces. Gary Lineker went rogue at the Baller League UK Draft in LondonCredit: PAThe Match of the Day host (left) ditched fellow managers Alan Shearer (centre) and Micah Richards (right)Credit: YouTube/Baller League UKLineker raced over to give former MOTD colleague Ian Wright – a rival in the league – a massive hugCredit: YouTube/Baller League UKLineker was joined by stars including Luis Figo, John Terry and Robert Pires ahead of the upcoming six-a-side tournament. The Match of the Day host is managing a team in the tournament alongside his BBC colleagues Alan Shearer and Micah Richards. Host Olivia Buzaglo introduced the three former players to the crowd, as they debuted their team ‘Deportrio’,As they walked out past the other managers, Lineker spotted his former MOTD mate Ian Wright. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe England legend had a wild reaction as he immediately ditched Shearer and Richards to sprint over to Wright, before giving him a huge hug.Buzaglo was joined by influencers KSI and Chunkz to introduce the teams.And Chunkz was not impressed by Lineker failing to put on his gameface. He complained: “I don’t like the niceties, you know? They’re getting too friendly there.”Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free betsA laughing Buzaglo added: “Too friendly aren’t they.”Chunkz added: “I don’t like it.”Baller League lands major UK broadcast deal ahead of draft with star-studded competition to be shown on TV The Baller League saw immense success in Germany and will launch in the UK on March 24. Former pros, social media stars, and free agents are all invited to tonight’s draft in the capital. 12 teams in total are entering the competition, with six matches being held weekly before the playoffs. Baller League CEO, Felix Starck explained: “Baller League is a brand new way to consume football. “We’re redefining how the game is played by bringing an exhilarating and authentic approach to football, and one that will appeal to current fans along with future generations. “Baller League is all about forward-thinking, aggressive, hyper-exciting football. “We’re about creating a version of the game that’s impossible to ignore – thrilling, bold and packed with excitement.”What are the Baller League rule?THE Baller League promises to be “excitingBut what are the rules?Matches will be played in a six-a-side format on an smaller indoor pitch.Each half set to last 15 minutes.Shock rule twists to be introduced for the final three minutes of each half including a three vs three format, long-range goals counting as double, and goalkeepers not allowed to use their hands.These rule twists for the final three minutes will be randomised.MLS style one-vs-one penalties to be used.12 teams in the league with the top four going through to the playoffs.League set to start in March 2025, with the final four play-off in May to crown the winner. More

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    MOTD pundit makes embarrassing blunder live on BBC that leaves Lineker ‘corpsing with laughter’ – did you spot it?

    JOE HART made a subtle error while appearing on Match of the Day as a pundit at the weekend, leaving Gary Lineker and Micah Richards in stitches.The 37-year-old was a guest pundit on Saturday’s edition of the Premier League highlights show.Joe Hart left Gary Lineker and Micah Richards in stitches with a bizarre piece of analysis on MOTDCredit: https://x.com/BBCMOTDLineker revealed he was copying and speaking to the directorCredit: https://x.com/BBCMOTDBut when discussing Brighton’s clash with Fulham he stunned his colleagues with a small mistake.During his analysis of Jan Paul van Hecke’s equaliser, he said: “What a great header that is.”He’s got a clean run. Yeah, you’re right. It’s a heck of a header, that.”Both Lineker and Richards burst into laughter before the former revealed that Hart was just agreeing with the director giving him instructions behind-the-scenes.Read More in FootballThe ex-goalkeeper responded: “I’m having conversations in my head!”Lineker discussed the incident further in Monday’s episode of The Rest is Football podcast.He explained: “There was a wonderful moment, I don’t know whether you saw it Alan but it was brilliant.”Micah and myself were almost corpsing with laughter because he’s doing his analysis and Joe was going through his bits.Most read in FootballCheltenham Festival betting offers and free bets”Van Hecke scored and Jamie (the editor) said, ‘oh that was a heck of a header,’ and Joe answered him, he was in his ear and he went, ‘yes it was.'”Micah and myself, because we hear the same feed in our ears, you know the gallery talking, and it was so funny.”BBC viewers spot bonkers MOTD editing blunder as Tyrone Mings is in two places at once Richards went on to say: “It was a brilliant moment.”The duo then referenced the slip-up again later in the episode, with Lineker saying: “There was a really good header, wasn’t there, Micah? from Van Hecke.”Ex-Manchester City star Richards responded: “It was a heck of a header!”And Lineker joked: “It was a heck of a header. ‘Yes it was, yes it was.'”It comes after BBC chairman Samir Shah revealed that he believes Match of the Day should not be about football highlights.He told The Times: “[Match of the Day] should not be built around highlights.”It should be built around analysis and examination of the match to give viewers a deeper insight.”Furious supporters have urged him not to mess with the 61-year-old format and ex-boss Harry Redknapp, 78, said: “It’s not a talk show. People tune in because they want to watch the football.”I know it’s different to the old days, when it was the only way to see football on TV, but you still want to see what’s happened, not listen to someone telling you why.”Meanwhile, the Sun’s head of sport Shaun Custis hit back: “There is a misconception that everyone has seen the goals before Match of the Day. People do have lives, they aren’t watching football all day on Saturday.”We’re already drowning in analysis. Nobody down the pub talks about expected goals, transitions and goal involvements.”And many people I know record MoTD and fast- forward through the analysis just to watch the matches.”READ MORE SUN STORIESMotD is already in line for a summer make-over when long-time host Gary Lineker steps aside after 26 years.Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan and Kelly Cates will take over. More

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    Match of the Day should ‘not be about football highlights’, says BBC chairman in bombshell interview

    BBC chairman Samir Shah believes Match of the Day should not be about football highlights.The new Beeb chief is eager to make sweeping changes to the organisation as he looks to maintain its independence amid falling income.BBC chairman Samir Shah believes Match of the Day should show fewer football highlightsCredit: PAThe iconic BBC show will undergo a big change this summer with Gary Lineker stepping downCredit: BBCAn avid Manchester United fan, Shah has a keen interest in Match of the Day but argues it needs an update.Many fans now watch Premier League highlights online hours before Gary Lineker and co take to the screen on Saturday night.Because of that, Shah told The Times: “[Match of the Day] should not be built around highlights. “It should be built around analysis and examination of the match to give viewers a deeper insight.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLMatch of the Day is set for reform this summer as long-term anchor Lineker will step down after 25 years as host.Replacing him will be a trio of Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan and Kelly Cates.There is also speculation Wayne Rooney could join the show as a pundit.He has already made his BBC debut as he worked with the broadcaster during Euro 2024.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSRooney also impressed as a pundit during his recent appearance for Amazon Prime.He appeared in the coverage of the Champions League clash between Manchester City and Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium.Wayne Rooney Eyes Pundit Spot on BBC’s Match of the Day More

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    ‘For the better? I don’t know’ – Match of the Day legend, 87, ‘surprised’ by BBC’s Gary Lineker replacements

    BARRY DAVIES made his name talking about the stars – he never dreamt he would be joining them.The commentating great has become the first from his trade to be inducted into the National Football Museum hall of fame.Gary Lineker will leave Match of the Day at the end of the seasonCredit: PAThe Beeb have replaced hom with Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby LoganCredit: BBCIconic MOTD commentator Barry Davies has been left surprised by the decisionCredit: PAA day in his company and it is not long before it is clear that being pipped to few too many FA Cup finals by John Motson still grinds.But Davies, 87, now has an honour no other broadcaster can boast.Davies, sitting in his London home surrounded by a number of accolades from his career, cannot hold back a smile when he is asked how it all happened.He told SunSport: “Flabbergasted I was, absolutely.”I couldn’t believe it. When I looked at the list of people who are already members, it’s extraordinary.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I heard through my son who really sort of looks after me like an agent these days.”And better than at least one of the agents that I had in my time, I might have got more Cup finals if he’d been there in the role!”Key Barry Davies MomentsFIRST GAME: August 9, 1969 – Crystal Palace 2-2 Manchester United Davies made his Match of the Day debut nearly 56 years ago from the gantry at Selhurst Park – though it never should have been that way.He said: “It’s extraordinary. It shouldn’t have been the first one.”I was in Leeds. It should have been Leeds against Tottenham which I thought was quite amusing as a Spurs supporter.”I knew quite a lot about Manchester United and had commentated on them several times.”But Crystal Palace had just been promoted and we didn’t do matches outside the top division. So that was a test and it was a good match.”LAST GAME: August 23, 2014 – Crystal Palace 1-3 West Ham A decade after he officially left Match of the Day, Davies was called back into action to celebrate the 50th anniversary.That game was the final in an incredible career covering football, with one clear highlight.Davies said: “If I could watch England playing Holland in Euro 96, which I think is the best England performance I’ve ever seen, I would love to see that again.”Euro 96 was my favourite tournament by a distance. They should have been in the final.”I don’t know how we didn’t get there. It was amazing. I used the expression, I don’t believe that.”Davies added: “I have no idea why the decision was made.”I did two, and I took over David Coleman’s interview role for quite a time.Most read in Football’Won’t be able to look him in the eye’ – Christine Lampard and MOTD’s Kelly Cates in hysterics over ‘Frank’s hot sauce'”I didn’t hold anything against anybody who was involved in the decision.”Davies may have had to play second fiddle at Wembley, but his voice still accompanies a great many iconic moments from sporting history – not just football.That variety made him the best in the game, but presented the odd challenge.Davies and his wife, Penny, recently totted-up that there were 17 different sports he put his voice to, with some of them requiring a fair bit of swatting up.He said: “I was asked to be involved with badminton. I learnt about that as I went on.”I did rather reach the stage where I hoped when I turned up that they would say, ‘Oh not him again!’ But they never did.”I usually got persuaded to do other sports, I mean the Olympics I went from hockey to gymnastics.”But I loved that. I just loved sitting in the chair.”Davies now sits in a rather different chair, in his living room, still consuming plenty of sport.Though he feels there is probably a bit too much football nowadays and certainly too much talking over it.He added: “The television over there gets well looked after.”I would say it’s all a bit too much.Barry Davies began working for the BBC all the way back in 1969Credit: NEWS GROUP NEWSPAPERS LTDBarry Davies was pipped to several FA Cup finals by fellow icon John MotsonCredit: PADavies covered several World Cups for the BeebCredit: PA”I think your man in the street would say the same. He wants to see his team, of course.”But it has changed an awful lot.”I don’t like some of the tackling, that’s certainly going through a bad stage. And the acting. I find that very off-putting.”There are one or two very good commentators around, but too many in the chair at a match, in my opinion.”The viewer wants time to make his own decisions.”If we’re sitting down and watching a match on television there probably will be a couple of points where you’ll make a point or I’ll make a point.”But if we both keep doing it, I would say shut up for a minute. That is my attitude of watching now.”There are too many words. There are good commentators but it’s not their fault, it’s the producer’s fault.”It’s the decision that they think that’s the way it should be done. I don’t think I would have kept a job very long.”Despite not liking the way football has gone since the start of his career with Match of the Day in 1969, Davies can still find some gems.Barry Davies opened up about his iconic career in an exclusive interview with SunSport’s Jack RosserCredit: THE SUNDavies is extremely proud of his accomplishmentsCredit: THE SUNHaving grown up a Tottenham fan with goalkeeper Ted Ditchling his idol, before adoring any chance to commentate on Glenn Hoddle, there is one current player Davies would like to see join him in the hall of fame.He said: “The chap I enjoy watching most of all is Jack Grealish of Manchester City.”I’m very disappointed how things have worked out for him.”Obviously, his manager is considered to be the top in the land, if not in the world.”But Grealish is the sort of player you have to put in and let him play and offer what he can offer.”Sticking him out on the wing I find appalling.”Their last match on the air, I remember, every flipping attack City had in that match started from him.”His ability to see where to go and so on and so forth.”But if he’s being told, you do this, that and the other, I think some players have to be left.”And too many attacks have to go back to the goalkeeper to start again.”The number of passes going back in football now is so different. I don’t quite understand it, I must admit.”One thing Davies does have a deep understanding of is Match of the Day, having started working on the show in 1969 and ending in 2004 before being called back for one more gig in 2014.Huge changes are being made to the BBC’s flagship sports show, with Gary Lineker departing after 25 years to be replaced by Gabby Logan, Kelly Cates and Mark Chapman.Davies said: “I’m surprised at the decision that’s been made.”But then I’m quite surprised at the jobs that are given to various people these days, and the need apparently to use people.Barry Davies will be inducted to the National Football Museum Hall of FameCredit: THE SUN”They’re very good broadcasters, but I’m surprised that they think it’s better to have three people doing it.”Gary himself would feel that he’s done long enough.”They’re all very good broadcasters, and they know about the games, no doubt about that.”It should go on forever. Because it’s very popular, it’s recorded matches, some of the matches I’ve been watching these days are much better recorded!”I’m sure, as sure as I can be, television has changed and football has changed.”For the better? I don’t know, no.”Davies will be inducted into the National Football Museum Hall of Fame at Selhurst Park on Saturday, with his family watching from the stands.Tim Desmond, CEO of the National Football Museum, said: “Barry Davies is a true legend of the game.”His commentary has provided the soundtrack to some of football’s greatest moments and has brought joy to millions of fans.”To honour his incredible contribution to the sport at a venue that means so much to him is truly special.READ MORE SUN STORIES”We’re thrilled to celebrate Barry’s legacy at Selhurst Park and soon welcome him into the Hall of Fame.” The application window for the Hall of Fame is open, and football fans, communities, and clubs across the country are encouraged to nominate the players, coaches, contributors and key figures in football who have made an extraordinary impact on the game. You can find the form at: nationalfootballmuseum.com/hall-of-fame. More

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    ‘Nobody wants to throw the baby out with the bath water’ – Gabby Logan’s bizarre hint about new-look Match of the Day

    GABBY Logan used an old turn of phrase to promise that Match of the Day will NOT radically change from next season.Logan, 51, will team up with Mark Chapman and Kelly Cates to host the BBC’s flagship football show, with Lineker stepping down from the role after 26 years in the hotseat.Gabby Logan has vowed fans that Match of the Day ‘won’t be totally different’ in the futureCredit: AlamyKelly Cates (left), Mark Chapman (centre) and Logan have teamed up to host the BBC’s flagship football show from the start of next season, with Gary Lineker stepping down after 26 yearsCredit: PAGary Lineker will step down from the BBC flagship show in MayCates, Chapman, and Logan are set to split presenting duties for Match of the Day and the Sunday show between the three of them.Lineker’s quitting statement said the Beeb planned to make changes when its new contract for the rights to Premier League football began in August.But, despite the end of an era, Logan has vowed that the content of the show will stay the same.Logan told the ainslie + ainslie Performance People podcast: “We’ve all presented the show before as stand ins.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS”But it will feel very exciting at the start of next season. It won’t be totally different.”Nobody wants to throw the baby out with the bath water. It’s a football highlights show, we’ve got the same kind of pundit.”And it’s all about the football.”The idiom is a warning against accidentally throwing away something good when discarding something else.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSLogan also revealed the lengths to which she and her co-hosts went to keep the news a secret ahead of January’s official announcement.The former Sky Sports presenter was forced to keep it from her closest pals and family, only husband Kenny being told.’New MOTD host’ Gabby Logan’s live TV interview with Liverpool boss Arne Slot ends awkwardly She explained: “I didn’t even tell my mum. I set up a group chat and called it ‘The Match of the Day three’.”And there were disappearing messages as Chappers [Chapman] was really paranoid about this. The only person I told was Kenny!”Logan was not the only one to keep her new position secret. New colleague Cates also kept it to herself, with even Dad Kenny Dalglish kept in the dark.They will become the show’s first permanent female presenters.Logan said broadcasting was a “completely different landscape” for women working in sport, both in front of and behind the camera, since she started her career.She added: “There are now so many great male and female broadcasters.READ MORE SUN STORIES”But also, so many more females working in sports, not just in front of the camera or the microphone, but also behind the scenes.”The BBC have confirmed that Alan Shearer and Micah Richards will continue as pundits of Match of the Day next season. More

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    Gary Lineker shrugs off Match of the Day exit with ‘spectacular’ podcast profit as BBC host’s company makes millions

    GARY LINEKER won’t be counting the pennies after his departure from Match of the Day following a massive financial windfall.The 64-year-old’s iconic run as presenter of the flagship BBC show will come to an end at the end of the season.Gary Lineker will step down as Match of the Day host at the end of the seasonCredit: PAThe 64-year-old has been preparing for life without MOTD by setting up a podcasting companyCredit: YOUTUBE@THERESTISFOOTBALLLineker’s Goalhanger Podcasts company made a massive profit last yearCredit: BBCLineker, however, will continue with the broadcaster until the summer of 2026.The former Everton and England star has seemingly been preparing for life after the show for the last few years.One post-MOTD preparation has been getting into the world of podcasting, starting up the much-loved The Rest is Football podcast.But he’s also set up his own podcasting company Goalhanger Podcasts, which has had a litany of shows – including The Rest is Politics and The Rest is History – under its umbrella.READ MORE ON GARY LINEKERAnd business is booming for Goalhanger, which raked in a stunning profit last year.Account records filed at Companies House have shown Goalhanger’s earnings for 2024 were a whopping £2.3million.That’s a whopping £1.4m increase from the £590,000 they pocketed in 2023.Goalhanger’s overall financial reserves also grew from £560,000 to £2.7m.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSGary Lineker began presenting Match of the Day back in 1999Credit: NEWS GROUP NEWSPAPERS LTDFootie finance expert Kieran McGuire told The Times: “These figures are spectacular.”Gary Lineker’s eye for a smart business opportunity is as keen as when he was playing football for England and scoring goals.Gary Lineker ‘turns into Barry White’ as BBC viewers left stunned by sound of MOTD host’s voice”This raft of podcasts run by Goalhanger are now among the most popular in the country and all the parties involved have benefited significantly as a result of that.”A Goalhanger spokesman said: “We’re pleased with the continued growth of Goalhanger and the success of our shows.”And we look forward to seeing our network continue to expand.”Lineker’s departure from Match of Day, which was exclusively revealed by The Sun late last year, will come at the end of the 2024/25 season.His exit from the Beeb will take place after the 2026 World Cup final in New York.Kelly Cates, Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman will replace the veteran presenter at the MOTD helm. More

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    Gary Lineker moves to ITV with Match of the Day host to hold ‘most honest interview yet’

    GARY LINEKER is set for a move to ITV – but he won’t be heading up their footie coverage.SunSport exclusively revealed last year that Lineker’s incredible run as Match of the Day host will come to an end this summer.Gary Lineker will leave Match of the Day at the end of the season and the Beeb next summerCredit: PALineker has been presenting MOTD since 1999Credit: NEWS GROUP NEWSPAPERS LTDThe former Everton and England star is set to appear on a brand new ITV showCredit: RexLineker is set to leave the Beeb in the summer of 2026.And he’s already bagged himself a temporary gig on a new ITV show.The former Everton and England hitman has been confirmed as the first star on the broadcaster’s new show, Assembly, where guests will face their “most honest interview yet”.In the show, Lineker will field questions from people who are neurodivergent, autistic and/or learning disabled.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAn ITV statement read: “After a long and illustrious career as both a Golden Boot-winning footballer and top sports broadcaster, and with his tenure as the longest-serving presenter of Match of the Day drawing to a close this summer, there’s no end to the stories that Lineker might share.”Carefully considered PR fluff won’t cut it on this show.”And the celebrities can expect plenty of mischief and surprises once they get in the hotseat.”JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSGary Lineker will officially leave the BBC after the 2026 World Cup finalCredit: PALineker will appear on the show with other celebs, including former Doctor Who, David Tennant, Little Mix star Jade Thirwall and actor Danny Dyer.Most read in FootballITV have previously tried to acquire Lineker’s services, offering him a chance to appear on Celebrity Big Brother.Gary Lineker ‘turns into Barry White’ as BBC viewers left stunned by sound of MOTD host’s voiceDuring a recent episode of The Rest is Football podcast, he revealed: “Do you know, last week I got requests to go on Celebrity Big Brother.”He added: “My agent sent it through, and then jokingly he replied, ‘Oh, yes. Gary’s fee will be £50 million!'”He did it completely as a joke, obviously. And they came back said, ‘Oh, that’s a little bit…that’s not within our budget.'”Lineker’s 25-year stint presenting Match of the Day will end at the culmination of the 2024-25 season.He will, however, head up the Beeb’s coverage of the 2025/26 FA Cup and the 2026 World Cup, which will take place in Canada, Mexico and the USA.The final of the tournament, which will take place at the MetLife Stadium in New York on July 19, will be his farewell appearance for the broadcaster.It was announced in December that Lineker will be replaced by veteran footie presenters Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan. More