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      Favourites to host Match Of The Day after Gary Lineker’s exit revealed – as BBC plan HUGE shake-up to show

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      GARY LINEKER is QUITTING Match of the Day at the end of the season – and the BBC are planning major changes as they look to replace him.The popular presenter, 63, took over hosting duties on the flagship BBC programme from Des Lynam in 1999.Gary Lineker is stepping down as Match of the Day presenterCredit: BBCWho will fill the empty chair?But after more than 25 years in the studio hotseat, he has called time on his MOTD gig.BBC chiefs are now looking to fill his considerable boots.And The Sun can exclusively reveal that one proposed option includes a series of presenters with Mark Chapman, currently host of MOTD2, one of the anchors likely to be rotated.Former Leicester, Everton, Tottenham and Barcelona hero Lineker will continue presenting the Premier League highlights show until the end of the season.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHowever, his 18-month contract extension means he will anchor live FA Cup matches in 2025-26 and leave the BBC for good after presenting coverage at the 2026 World Cup.A BBC source said: “Gary absolutely adores Match of the Day and has been incredibly happy at the BBC.“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.Most read in Football“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.“Negotiations have been ongoing for the past six weeks and finally a deal has been struck that everyone is pleased with. FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“BBC execs will be giving Match of the Day a reboot to keep it fresh in the wake of such a huge departure.”And part of that will include finding the replacement – or replacements – for Lineker.Gary Lineker’s best Match of the Day momentsJermaine Jenas was long seen as the successor but the former Prem star is now out of the running after being AXED by the Beeb for his sexting scandal.So with Lineker vacating the chair, several new names will collectively step into his giant boots.Who, though, could they be?MARK CHAPMANSunSport understands 51-year-old Chapman will likely be one of the presenters rotated in the new-look MOTD format.He already has the gig as MOTD2 host on a Sunday night plus landed the hosting job for the new BBC Champions League highlights show.Liverpool legend Mark Lawrenson, 67, feels Chapman is poised for the job because he’s the clear No1 candidate.He said: “In Chappers, there is a ready-made replacement if it goes that way. It will be up to Gary.”Though not a former player, Chappers has shown his quality as a presenter and would be an able replacement.Mark Chapman would be one of the obvious choices as he currently presents MOTD2Credit: GettyChapman has been on the sofa for the new BBC Champions League highlights showCredit: BBCALEX SCOTTScott gets the nod from the Beeb bosses when Lineker is away.She is used to presenting the Saturday night show but is also perfectly adept at the live match coverage at football stadiums – as demonstrated at the Euros, FA Cup and WSL. The former right-back, 40, also ticks the box of being an ex-England international and has a long broadcasting career still ahead of her.Alex Scott has shown she has what it takes to present live in stadiums and studiosCredit: AlamyGABBY LOGANLike Scott, Logan – 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.Gabby Logan is a top broadcaster who has worked on the biggest sporting eventsCredit: AlamyMICAH RICHARDSLineker’s top pick to replace him is 36-year-old former Man City defender and close pal Richards.The former England forward revealed his preferred candidate on their Stick to Football podcast last month.Lineker told the exuberant pundit: “I’d love to see you take over Micah, I think you’d be brilliant in the chair.”It prompted a hilarious one-liner from Alan Shearer, who said: “That is a f****** massive concern by the way.”The Newcastle icon joked, “I’m not signing my new contract if you’re a presenter,” as the trio were left in hysterics.Micah Richards is a pundit on Match of the Day and Sky SportsCredit: GettyJASON MOHAMMADGoing back to Final Score and Mohammad, also 51, could earn the “promotion” from the afternoon show to Match of the Day.The Welshman is one of the BBC’s top earners already and is clearly well thought of within the organisation after taking over from Logan in 2013.He is more senior than fellow Final Score and BBC Sport broadcaster Kelly Somers, who could in theory become the main live host for the PM slot with Mohammad on the Match of the Day rota.Jason Mohammad could be ready to get the promotion from Final Score to Match of the DayCredit: BBCJEFF 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.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Hartlepool supporter is hugely popular among football fans and would bring plenty of on-screen charisma, wit and legendary TV expertise.However, Stelling would not be cheap, already hosts talkSPORT’s breakfast show and turns 70 later in the season so would not be a long-term appointment. Jeff Stelling left Soccer Saturday but would be a popular MOTD presenterCredit: Sky Sports More

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      My family hammered me after my first MOTD appearance but hosting TV’s best football show is an honour, says Gary Lineker

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      GARY LINEKER has blown the final whistle on his Match Of The Day presenting career – and what a goal-den run it has been.Over a quarter of a century, his highlights reel includes hosting the programme in his undies and having toast thrown at him by footie hardman Vinnie Jones.Gary Lineker presented the first MOTD of the new season in his Leicester City emblazoned pants after his former club won the title in 2016Credit: BBCGary’s first appearance as the main presenter on MOTD in 1999Credit: Pixel8000Gary with pundits Alan Hansen and Mark Lawrenson in 2000Credit: BBCYet the ex-England ace’s debut on the world’s longest-running TV football show left him squirming. “My first-ever appearance on Match Of The Day was probably my worst,” he told the BBC.“I was playing for Leicester in 1980 and, in those days, there was usually just one game shown. So it was incredibly exciting when I heard that our match against Aston Villa had been chosen.“Unfortunately, I missed an easy chance, knocking it over the bar from five yards out. I remember going home and being absolutely hammered by my family when they watched the show that night.”Gary, 63, who hails from a family of greengrocers, added: “My dad enjoyed a bet, but if you’d offered him odds that night back in 1980 that one day I’d present MOTD in my pants, as a result of Leicester winning the Premier League, then he would have laughed you out of town.”Read More on Sport‘I wanted Des’s job’Few have had more stellar England careers than Gary, whose final show will be at the end of this season.The former striker remains the Three Lions’ top scorer at World Cups, with ten goals to his name, and is England’s fourth-highest scorer of all time.He notched up four goals at Italia 90 when England reached the semi-final. He scored in that match before West Germany famously won on penalties.Later, showing an aptitude for a pithy phrase, he said: “Football is a simple game — 22 men chase a ball for 90 minutes and, at the end, the Germans win.”Most read in FootballThe ex-England skipper always had his eye on a career in the media during his playing career.On retirement, he went into presenting and punditry with the BBC, initially for Radio 5 Live.Gary Lineker will stop presenting Match of the Day at the end of this season at and will quit Beeb by 2027He was also a witty team captain on TV sporting quiz show They Think It’s All Over from 1995 to 2003.Dad-of-four Gary took over presenting Match Of The Day in 1999 from Des Lynam, who many at the time regarded as irreplaceable.And earlier this year, he told the BBC: “I didn’t do punditry for very long. I wanted Des’s job.”At the time he stepped up to the top hosting role, Gary said: “I’ve been watching Match Of The Day since I was a boy.“And just as captaining England was an honour, so too is hosting the best football show on TV.“It’s a job any sports broadcaster would be proud to do and I’m thrilled.” Gary would say of his first show in the hot seat in 1999: “You can’t really practise telly. I don’t get nervous, didn’t as a player, don’t as a presenter, but I remember that first show, there were a few butterflies.”At first, Gary says his presentation style was not as honed as he would have liked. He recalled: “I remember for a couple of years driving home and thinking, ‘I’m never going to be able to crack this’.“But, in the end, you get used to the environment and then it becomes natural — and then it really depends on whether you’ve got enough likeability, that more people like you than hate you.”Gary’s mix of assured authority and quick sense of humour won him legions of fans.Following Premier League rights returning to the BBC from ITV in 2004, Gary pushed for all the day’s matches to be screened.“It’s constantly evolved,” he told the BBC when celebrating Match Of The Day’s 60th anniversary in August this year. “I can remember when I grew up there was just one game shown. Then it went to two.“Then we lost the rights for three years to ITV. When we got the rights back, I said, ‘Is there any way we can show all the games?’.“We found a way of doing it, so I thought, ‘Right, we won’t get people moaning their team is never on Match Of The Day’.“But, of course, then it becomes where the team is in the running order. ‘We’re always last’, and this kind of stuff’.”Despite Gary and his pundits’ forthright criticism, he says few players have had a go at him, explaining: “Very, very rarely. Not with players.“Managers more so, managers are touchy. Footballers get it — they know when they’ve made a mistake.”The MOTD team, clockwise from top left: Jimmy Hill, Barry Davies, John Motson, Gary, Des Lynam and Alan at the 1998 World CupCredit: PA:Press AssociationGary, Alan Shearer and Ian Wright with the MOTD team behind the scenes in 2016Credit: Bradley Ormesher – The TimesGary, Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard amd Micah Richards go wild after England go through after beating Switzerland on penalties at Euro 2024Credit: Pixel8000Gary covering the match between Leicester City and Manchester United in 2000Credit: ColorsportA young Lineker at Leicester City in 1979Credit: AlamyOne player who did have a “pop” at him was former Wimbledon hardman Vinnie Jones. The player-turned actor told The Sun how Gary “said he’d rather watch Ceefax than watch Wimbledon”.Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels star Vinnie, who was not amused, said: “If I’d got hold of him, I’d have ripped him a f***ing new a***hole.“So when I saw him in a hotel in Dublin, I threw me f***ing dinner at him and said, ‘Well, you want to say something now, big ears?’.”The 1995 set-to also involved Vinnie chucking slices of toast at Gary.Three years later, the pair appeared together in a Walkers crisps advert, the hatchet seemingly buried.If I’d got hold of him, I’d have ripped him a f***ing new a***holeVinnie JonesNow Vinnie says: “He’s not on my Christmas card list. I’m sure I’m not on his.”In 2016, Gary promised to present Match Of The Day in his pants if his beloved Leicester City achieved the remarkable feat of winning the Premier League title.“I did a tweet in December saying if Leicester win the league I’ll do the first show of next season in my undies. When I did that tweet, I knew there was categorically zero chance Leicester would win the league. But, of course, they did.“I kind of had to do it. It was the most surreal thing I’ve done on TV.”Gary also showed his cheeky side when then-Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette let out a blood-curdling scream after being fouled, falling to the ground and clutching his leg, in 2021. Lacazette soon returned to his feet without needing treatment.‘Exceeded expectations’At the end of the show, Gary threw himself off his presenter’s chair with mocking screams.His prowess behind the mic has also seen him present coverage from the Olympics, major golf tournaments and the Sports Personality Of The Year awards.He has been the BBC’s highest-paid on-air talent for the past seven years and would work for other networks, including BT Sport.There is also a lucrative long-term sponsorship deal with Walkers crisps, and he jointly owns TV production company Goalhanger Films.It produced sports documentaries including Rooney: The Man Behind the Goals, about Manchester United icon Wayne.Goalhanger also has a podcast division, which has proved Gary’s Midas touch.I did a tweet in December saying if Leicester win the league I’ll do the first show of next season in my undies. When I did that tweet, I knew there was categorically zero chance Leicester would win the league — but, of course, they didGary LinekerNow the largest British producer of podcasts, its shows include The Rest Is History, The Rest Is Politics and his own podcast, The Rest Is Football, which he hosts with fellow goal-scoring great Alan Shearer and ex-Manchester City defender Micah Richards.With his Match Of The Day contract expiring next summer, Gary said in an August interview: “Podcast-wise, things have really exceeded our expectations.“But at the same time, I love being part of Match Of The Day, I love working for the BBC.“I know it has its issues and it has its troubles, but I think it’s brilliant.”Gary is not content to do what his critics demand and stick merely to football.Controversy over his political tweets reached boiling point in March 2023, with the resulting furore seeing the Match Of The Day host taken off air.He had written on X that the language used by the then-government to launch a policy on small boat crossings was “not dissimilar to that used by Germany in the 30s”.Esquire magazine called the ex-Leceister, Everton, Tottenham and Barcelona striker “the voice of liberal Britain”.But BBC chiefs suspended Gary — who never received a yellow card, let alone a red, during his 16 years and 654 competitive matches.In a mark of Gary’s popularity among his peers, sport presenters from across BBC programming, including Shearer, Ian Wright, Alex Scott, Jermain Defoe and Dion Dublin, mutinied and came off air.Wright said he would quit Match Of The Day if the BBC “get rid of Lineker”. TV and radio shows including Football Focus, Final Score and Fighting Talk were pulled.Match Of The Day lasted just 20 minutes without presenters or analysts and only edited highlights screened.I love being part of Match Of The Day, I love working for the BBC. I know it has its issues and it has its troubles, but I think it’s brilliantGary LinekerIt was a mark of the esteem Gary is held in by the public that the BBC backed down and reinstated him.An independent review of the corporation’s social media guidelines saw tougher new rules introduced. Then last month came rumours of a leaked email that hinted the BBC was drafting a statement on Gary’s departure from Match Of The Day.A BBC spokesman insisted: “We have nothing to announce, and we have not agreed next steps with regard to his contract. He is on contract until the end of the season.”Gary characteristically treated the speculation over his future with a gag. He introduced Match Of The Day by saying: “Hello. Seven games on the way and it’s my final show . . . ”READ MORE SUN STORIESThen, pausing with impeccable comic timing, he added: “Before the international break.”Now, one of football’s most cherished sons really is leaving — as perhaps the iconic programme’s greatest-ever presenter. More

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      in Boxing

      Jake Paul and Eddie Hearn heading back to court to settle their $100m defamation lawsuit after years-long stand-off

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      JAKE Paul and Eddie Hearn are working to settle their $100 million lawsuit with a new hearing scheduled for next month – after the YouTuber’s big fight with Mike Tyson. British promoter Hearn and Matchroom Boxing first filed a lawsuit in a New York court against Paul in September 2022.Jake Paul looks on during their cruiserweight fight against Mike Perry at Amalie Arena in Tampa, FloridaCredit: GettyBritish boxing promoter Eddie Hearn speaks during a press conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in MayCredit: EPAMike Tyson and Jake Paul face off during a news conference, ahead of their big fightCredit: ReutersThe legal complaint came after Paul criticized boxing judge Glenn Feldman in an interview with iFL TV, regarding the scoring of two prior matches.They included an April 2022 bout between Katie Taylor andAmanda Serrano in New York; and an August 2022 bout between Oleksandr Usyk and Anthony Joshua in Saudi Arabia.Feldman scored in favor of boxers Joshua and Taylor.”Clearly [Glenn Feldman] is getting paid money by Matchroom Boxing,” Paul said. “It’s just so blatantly obvious and they’re not even trying to hide it.”Eddie Hearn is the chairman of Matchroom Sport, a company founded by his father, Barry.Hearn slammed his comments as “outrageously false” and later filed suit, seeking $100 million in damages.Paul attempted to have the lawsuit dismissed but was unsuccessful, and then counter-sued, with his legal team invoking New York’s Anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) laws. They argued that Hearn’s lawsuit was an attempt to intimidate and silence him.Most read in BoxingCOMING TO AN END?Now, new court documents seen by The U.S. Sun show the long-running court battle could soon be over. A settlement conference has been scheduled before Magistrate Judge Henry J. Ricardo on December 17, 2024 at 12 pm.The filing states, “The conference will be held virtuallyvia Microsoft Teams and will not be open to the public.Countdown Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson”The parties should exchange their initial settlement demands and responses in advance of their Ex Parte Settlement Letter submissions. “The parties – not just the attorneys – must attend the settlement conference.”A joint letter filed with the court shows all parties are available on December 17 for the “virtual mediation conference.”Hearn and Matchroom Boxing previously filed a letter trying to get Paul’s countersuit dismissed. A filing alleges: “New York’s anti-SLAPP law does not apply because Plaintiffs’ defamation claim has a substantial basis in fact and law.”Paul’s counsel responded with a letter dated November 7, which reads, “After Matchroom Boxing complained to Jake Paul about his statements, and to appease Matchroom Boxing, Jake Paul promptly arranged for the interview to be removed from public view.”Nonetheless, Matchroom Boxing and Hearn then commenced this action (and Feldman later intervened as a co-plaintiff) against Jake Paul alleging that they were defamed by his statements.”The letter goes on to claim, “The lawsuit was filed as an intimidation tactic to chill Jake Paul’s freedom of speech and to silence other critics of the boxing industry, which is precisely the type of misconduct that the anti-SLAPP statute is intended to deter and remedy. “Upon information and belief, Plaintiffs coordinated various mediaoutlets to immediately broadcast, worldwide, that Plaintiffs had commenced this action, as a warning to journalists and anyone else who may want to expose and discuss corruption in the boxing industry.”Hearn’s team is yet to reply or comment on the letter ahead of the settlement conference. Meanwhile, Paul has a lot to prove on November 15, when he takes on boxing legend Tyson at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.The fight is a huge moneymaker, with Netflix streaming it live. Hearn himself is one of the many critics who slammed the idea of Paul going up against Tyson, calling the match “dangerous, irresponsible, and disrespectful to boxing.”In an interview with Pro Boxing Fans, he said he didn’t believe the match was anything more than greed, despite Paul and Tyson saying it’s not just about the money. Tyson is 58 and retired 20 years ago, while Paul is 31 years his junior. Hearn said, “I’m not saying abandon the fight. I am just saying, not for me mate. I don’t wanna watch it.”The heavyweight boxer goes into the bout with 50 wins under his belt, as opposed to his much-younger opponent’s 10.Tyson, who was once reportedly worth an estimated $300 million, blew through most of his fortune and is now said to have a net worth of around $10 million. He is expected to pocket a staggering $40 million from the fight, with Paul making the same amount. The internet sensation, who is worth around $80 million, released a cheeky video offering the champ an extra $5 million if he lasts longer than four rounds.READ MORE SUN STORIESTyson responded to the offer saying, “He should offer more. Tell him probably about 20 (million).”However, if he fails to get past the fourth round, the caveat is that he must get a tattoo that reads ‘I love Jake Paul’.Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson fight poster ahead of it being streamed on NetflixPromoter Eddie Hearn during the press conference after Daniel Dubois won his fight against Anthony JoshuaCredit: ReutersJake Paul stands in the ring during the fifth round of his fight against Nate DiazCredit: Getty More

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      Eight England players pull out of Nations League squad in huge blow to Tuchel’s scouting report and Carsley’s swansong

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      LEE CARSLEY’S swansong as England interim boss has turned into a car crash after a staggering EIGHT players withdrew from his squad through ‘injury’.The FA’s decision to allow incoming manager Thomas Tuchel to delay his arrival backfired spectacularly with the biggest mass withdrawal of players in England’s history.Lee Carsley will take a skeleton squad to GreeceCredit: GettyDeclan Rice is out after playing with a broken toe against ChelseaCredit: GettyBukayo Saka limped off at Stamford BridgeCredit: GettyThomas Tuchel will not take charge of England until JanuaryCredit: SplashThe Arsenal duo of Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, the Manchester City pair Phil Foden and Jack Grealish, Chelsea’s Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill, Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold and back-up keeper Aaron Ramsdale are all out.England visit Greece on Thursday and host the Republic of Ireland on Sunday in two Nations League clashes, with promotion back to the competition’s top tier at stake.Yet after Tuchel opted not to take up his post until January, several players with fitness issues are taking a rest, leaving Carsley with a skeleton squad to work with and the FA with egg on their faces.John Stones, Harry Maguire, Kobbie Mainoo, Luke Shaw and Ebere Eze were already ruled out from the original party named by Carsley last week.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn all, six of the eleven who started this summer’s Euros Final defeat by Spain are now absent – as well as Palmer, who scored England’s goal after arriving as a sub in Berlin.Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers has received his first call-up, with West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen, Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, Newcastle full-back Tino Livramento and keeper James Trafford also added to the party.Rice, Saka, Palmer and Colwill all started the 1-1 draw between Chelsea and Arsenal on Sunday but all have cried off international duty – Rice and Palmer after passing late fitness tests to play for their clubs.Midfield man Rice played with a broken toe on Sunday but will not be risked for England.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSaka limped off late on at Stamford Bridge but Chelsea’s Colwill and Palmer lasted the distance.Alexander-Arnold could face a lengthy lay-off with a hamstring problem after being substituted in the first half Liverpool’s win over Aston Villa on Saturday.SunSport’s Charlie Wyett runs the rule over England’s squad after two players are given first call-upFor Foden and Palmer, it is a second injury withdrawal in three camps under Carsley’s temporary charge.Grealish has not trained for two weeks and Carsley’s decision to include him in his squad sparked a sarcastic response from City boss Pep Guardiola.City right-back Kyle Walker has remained in the squad but is also believed to be a fitness doubt.Dodgy sicknotes became a thing of the past under previous manager Gareth Southgate but you would not have to be a major cynic to suggest they have returned in droves under Carsley.Rogers, Livramento and his fellow Newcastle full-back Lewis Hall can all expect to win their first full caps this week, given the extent of the injury crisis.England must beat Greece by at least two goals and also defeat Ireland if they are to seal automatic promotion from the second tier of the Nations League.Tuchel is not expected to attend either match and the FA claim the decision to delay the German’s arrival was made by mutual consent – although it is believed to be a money issue related to his departure, and subsequent gardening leave, from Bayern Munich. More

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      Beth Mead says Arsenal are “moving in the right direction” under interim women’s team boss Renee Slegers

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      BETH MEAD reckons Renee Slegers has been a “breath of fresh air” for Arsenal ahead of their Champions duel with Juventus tomorrow. The Gunners star, 29, was speaking before their 5:45pm clash with the Serie A side with Slegers taking charge of the side for the second time in the contest. Beth Mead says Arsenal work with Renee Slegers on “small details” in the final third has been positiveCredit: GettyThe Gunners are hoping to win their third group stage game when they take on Juventus awayCredit: GettyMead and her team-mates have registered three wins and a draw in the WSL and the Champions since Slegers became interim bossCredit: GettyThe Dutch coach, 35, was handed the responsibility of being Arsenal Women’s interim boss after former gaffer Jonas Eidevall resigned last month.Before she took charge the Gunners endured a tough start in the WSL this term and their first group stage outing in the Champion League.Results included a hefty 5-2 loss to Bayern in Munich in Europe and three winless games at the Emirates that preceded Eidevall’s exit.Since then, the team have gone unbeaten under Slegers, winning three of their last four games across all competitions including a 5-0 trouncing of Brighton in the WSL. Read More Football StoriesMead, who broke the deadlock in that game four nights ago, said: “It’s been a breath of fresh air with Renee and I’ve been enjoying it so far. “We’ve been working really hard alongside Renee in training. “We’ve really tried to hone in on the small things that we’re not getting quite right in front of goal at the moment. “Sometimes those small details can win you games and that’s what we did (on Friday).Most read in Football”We’re heading in the right direction and it puts us in good stead for Tuesday night and we’re looking forward to that challenge.”Slegers, who is interim head coach until at least the November international break, guided Arsenal to a 4-1 defeat of Valerenga last month in the Champions League. The head coach has refused to be drawn on whether she would consider the role on a permanent basis. Former Manchester City Women’s boss Nick Cushing had been heavily linked with the job last month. However Cushing, who manages New York City FC, dismissed the speculation and stated he will be with the MLS side in 2025. Before joining the Gunners’ as their women’s team assistant Slegers was head coach of Rosengard from She led the side to back-to-back top-flight title wins in Sweden 2021 and 2022. When asked if she would like to see Slegers remain at Arsenal, Mead added: “In some capacity. “We love having Renee here and will be happy with whatever she chooses to do.Juventus are good form having won eight of their nine top-flight games in Serie A this seasonCredit: Getty”We’ve worked with Renee for quite a while now in different roles to the one she’s in now.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I think she’s taken to it like a duck to water. “It’s been easy for us as a group. We know what she gives us and the confidence she gives us.” More

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      Five potential new careers for Gary Lineker after quitting MOTD including politics and celebrity chef

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      GARY LINEKER’S decision to quit Match of the Day has sent speculation soaring over his next career move.The BBC’s best-paid presenter, 63, has fronted British football’s most famous highlights show for 25 years.Gary Lineker is looking for something new after MOTDCredit: BBCLineker’s rising interest in cooking included becoming ‘ Chef Gaz’ for fellow presenter Piers MorganCredit: Instagram/piersmorganLineker will step down as Match of the Day presenter at the end of the campaign, although he will front the BBC’s FA Cup coverage next season before hosting at the World Cup and then stepping down.He will take a pay cut and could focus on his interests outside of the BBC, namely his Goalhanger podcasting business which is proving to be a hit.A BBC source told The Sun: “Gary absolutely adores Match of the Day, and has been incredibly happy at the BBC.“He wants to leave on a high – and if England win the World Cup, it doesn’t get much higher.READ MORE TOP FOOTBALL“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.“Gary is incredibly popular with both players and viewers, and news of his departure will send shockwaves around the Corporation. In other words, no-one is immune from change.“Gary will be 65 when he leaves; frankly, he isn’t getting younger and just feels the time is right to focus solely on his mogul interests outside the BBC – namely his Goalhanger podcasting business which is becoming huge Stateside.”However there are plenty of possible options for the England legend to pursue as his wry, relaxed manner has won millions of admirers.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut his willingness to speak out on controversial matters in recent years has divided opinion.All that, however, only makes Lineker even more marketable – in broadcasting and beyond.Gary Lineker reveals how his views on Match of the Day can sometimes get him into trouble The former Barcelona striker has also hinted at new interests, such as cooking.So what’s the £1.35million-a-year broadcaster got next in his pot?  Here we look at four potential options – with offers sure to flood in.POLITICSLineker has insisted he speaks out on “humanitarian issues” rather than making party-political comments. But he frequently irked the previous Conservative Government with several cutting social media posts.And he might appreciate the freedom to have a voice completely free from BBC guidelines for presenters.Lineker has often stirred national debate, most notably in March 2023 with comments on the UK’s asylum policy – a row which even forced a re-think of Beeb rules.He was briefly taken off air at the time, with fellow BBC commentators backing him by refusing to work.The corporation insist Lineker is “free to contribute to projects for third parties, as long as these do not conflict with his BBC commitments”.But with the ex-Tottenham ace determined to use his large following “as a power for good,” is he ready to become a new type of frontman?CELEBRITY CHEFLineker has emerged as a kitchen connoisseur – after telling the Beeb in the spring he “only started cooking about eight years ago”.Lineker could put his feet up, but will he become a TV cook?Credit: Instagram/piersmorgan“Gambas al ajillo” – Spanish garlic shrimp, to you and me – is his speciality.Such is his devotion to learning, he even cooked “three or four meals a day” during the Covid lockdown “not to eat but to practise”.Piers Morgan labelled Lineker “Chef Gaz” after the MOTD star served what the celebrity Arsenal fan called a “quite delicious feast” in front of the cameras.And don’t forget the 48-goal ex-Three Lions’ marksman has a far better footballing pedigree than Britain’s best-known TV chef – Gordon Ramsay!The Scot briefly trialled for his dream club Rangers aged 15 – but a serious knee injury ruined his playing hopes.JOINING A RIVAL BROADCASTERRecruiting Lineker would certainly be a coup for ANY Beeb rival.The Daily Mail even claimed he approached ITV at one stage over the past two years to assess if they were interested in him.But there’s been little talk of a move from fellow broadcasters like Sky Sports or TNT Sports.And Lineker, whose MOTD contract expires at the end of the season, has regularly stated his strong backing for the BBC.HOSTING OWN TALKSHOWLineker appears to love the laidback style of The Rest is Football podcast – alongside MOTD team-mates Alan Shearer and Micah Richards.Lineker clearly enjoys his podcast with Alan Shearer and Micah RichardsCredit: YouTube/ The Rest Is FootballAnd his willingness to dip his oar into many issues means he’d be in demand for all sorts of shows.He also did longer, more in-depth interviews in front of cameras for the Beeb’s “Gary Lineker Meets” series.But the ex-Leicester City hero has so far not expressed much keenness to branch out into a wider talkshow format.REALITY STARTV bosses would lap up the chance to sign top-target Lineker to just about any show.The renowned presenter has previously been tipped to sign-up for BBC flagship show Strictly Come Dancing.When previously asked by judge Shirley Ballas on Sport Relief if he was keen, Lineker said: “Sorry, I’ve got a Saturday job.”But with his Saturday night’s now free for the first time in 25 years, Lineker is finally free to sign up.READ MORE SUN STORIESOr he could be offered to front up another show away from sport.He previously hosted ITV quiz show Sitting on a Fortune from 2021-2023.Lineker could be getting top marks on a new Saturday evening showCredit: BBC More

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      in Athletics

      World’s sexiest athlete Alica Schmidt makes career change as she switches event after ’emotional rollercoaster’ Olympics

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      ALICA SCHMIDT has made a big career change after an “emotional rollercoaster” Olympics.The athletics star, who is dubbed the ‘world’s sexiest athlete’, completed her dream of competing in the Olympics this year.Alica Schmidt has made a career change after a topsy-turvy yearCredit: ReutersThe runner competed in the Olympics for the first time this yearCredit: GettySchmidt is eager to push herself out of her comfort zoneCredit: Instagram / @alicasmdSchmidt’s participation in the Games proved controversialCredit: Instagram @alicasmdShe missed out in Tokyo after being left as a reserve by Germany.In Paris she was selected in the 4x400m mixed relay, which proved controversial as Luna Bulmahn was expected to get the nod.Germany failed to qualify from the heat but Schmidt was delighted to take part in the Olympics, even if her selection was not wholly supported.She reflected on a topsy-turvy year while revealing she has big plans for the future – competing in the 800m.READ MORE IN SPORTShe wrote on social media: “It’s been quite a year. It was filled with so many highlights and I made some memories that will last forever – from the world relays in the Bahamas, where we qualified the mixed relay for the Olympics.”To the European championships in Rome, where we qualified the women’s 4x400m for Paris to the German nationals and of course: THE OLYMPICS.”After Paris I tried something new and ran an 800m and 600m and really enjoyed pushing out of my comfort zone. “Back in 2022, I decided that I wanted to give the 800m a shot after the Paris Olympics, so now it means… I’m going for it next year. I‘m on my way to my first high altitude training camp where I’ll join an international 800m group to train alongside great athletes where I can learn a lot.Most read in AthleticsCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I‘m super excited for this new challenge and what it will bring (I‘m also going to run the 400m but focus more on the endurance part in training for now). Let this journey begin.”Schmidt, 26, marked her achievement by getting a tattoo of the iconic Olympics rings on her thigh, which she says will be her first and only tattoo.Alica Schmidt gives fans glimpse behind scenes at final day at Olympic village and closing ceremony More

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      Gary Lineker leaves Match of the Day having made a HUGE change to the show that fans love

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      GARY LINEKER will leave Match of the Day having been responsible for a major change in the format of the show.The England and Leicester hero agreed to call time on his 25-year stint as host of the iconic show at the end of the season.Gary Lineker leaves Match of the Day having made a huge impact on how the show works these daysCredit: BBCLineker has hosted Match of the Day since 1999Credit: News Group Newspapers LtdHe will stop presenting the Premier League highlights on a Saturday night in May but will continue to do live FA Cup matches in 2025-26.Then he plans to quit the BBC entirely after anchoring the coverage of England’s next major tournament at the 2026 World Cup.After Lineker reached new terms a new 18-month contract extension with the Beeb, a source said: “Gary absolutely adores Match of the Day, and has been incredibly happy at the BBC.“He wants to leave on a high – and if England win the World Cup, it doesn’t get much higher.READ MORE ON GARY LINEKER“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.“Negotiations have been ongoing for the past six weeks and finally a deal has been struck that everyone is pleased with. “Gary will be 65 when he leaves; frankly, he isn’t getting younger and just feels the time is right to focus solely on his mogul interests outside the BBC – namely his Goalhanger podcasting business which is becoming huge Stateside.”Lineker, 63, has hosted the much-loved BBC show since 1999 and, for many, is the face of the Premier League on free-to-air TV.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe star hasn’t just put his own spin on the show with his presenting style though, but also with a tweak he helped the BBC make back in 2004.It came after the Beeb had lost the rights to show Premier League highlights to broadcasting rival ITV in 2001.Gary Lineker’s best Match of the Day momentsWhen winning the rights back in 2004, Lineker wanted to ensure the coverage was the best it could be with plans to “stop fans moaning”.The retired Barcelona and Spurs striker requested that the show provided highlights for EVERY Premier League game, something it had not done up until that point.Lineker explained the moment it all changed in an interview with BBC Breakfast back in August, he said: “When it came back, when we got the rights back, I said, ‘Is there any way we could show all the games?’”We found a way of doing it and I thought, ‘Right, we finally won’t get people moaning that they’re never on Match of the Day’.”Since that decision, the show was changed forever with Match of the Day now showing every match in one show so fans up and down the nation can see how their side got on.Although Lineker tried his best to stop fans moaning, the 80-time England international revealed that viewers found something else to complain about instead – the programme’s running order.He added: “But of course then it becomes about where they are on Match of the Day, on the running order! ‘We’re always last’.”SunSport understands that the BBC is now planning a number of shake-ups to revive the format once Lineker leaves.READ MORE SUN STORIESA source added: “The BBC are desperate not to see figures haemorrhage and want to maximise on the show’s current popularity.“They will bring in some exciting new measures over the next few years, whilst not reinventing the wheel.”Lineker earns a pretty penny for his work on Match of the Day More