BBC Match of the Day set to have new ‘element’ with trio of presenters set to replace Gary Lineker
The BBC are considering bringing a ‘news element’ to Match of the Day from next season with a trio of presenters reportedly set to replace Gary Lineker.
Lineker’s exit from the popular football highlights show was confirmed last month, with the former England star set to walk away at the end of the season.
He will continue to work for the BBC until the World Cup in 2026 before then leaving the broadcaster for good.
On Sunday, it emerged that Kelly Cates was set to leave Sky Sports in order to work for their fierce rivals.
Cates, who is the daughter of Liverpool icon Sir Kenny Dalglish, was reportedly the BBC’s leading external candidate to take over.
She will apparently share presenting duties with Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman, who are both BBC veterans.
And the Daily Mail say that, as part of a revamp, BBC chiefs are considering bringing a ‘news element’ to Match of the Day from next season.
Though viewing figures remains strong, those within the Beeb are keen to move with the times to keep the show relevant.
Football highlights are usually uploaded by Sky Sports just minutes after matches are finished.
And that means the BBC have been plotting ways to ensure they can still compete with their rivals, with many flocking to YouTube instead.
Sky Sports chiefs are reportedly ‘deeply saddened’ that Cates has chosen to jump ship.
She has impressed everybody with her work for the broadcaster and is currently leading their coverage of Super Sunday.
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Brighton lock horns with Crystal Palace in the early fixture before Manchester City and Manchester United meet at the Etihad Stadium.
Tottenham, Southampton, Chelsea and Brentford are also in action today.
Meanwhile, speaking recently, Lineker shed more light on his departure from Match of the Day.
“It has been an absolute joy and privilege to present such an iconic show for the BBC, but all things have to come to an end,” Lineker said on his podcast, The Rest Is Football.
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“It came at a point where really the BBC and Match Of The Day, they’ve got the rights for another three years, the cycle starts from next season so it felt like if I just do one more year it would be a bit weird.”
He later added: “I bowed out in my football career when I felt it was the right time. I feel this is now the right time.
“I think the next contract they’re looking to do Match Of The Day slightly differently, so I think it makes sense for someone else to take the helm.”
Lineker has been the host of Match of the Day ever since 1999.
He took over from Des Lynham that year after the veteran jumped ship to ITV.
Lineker reportedly offered his services to ITV earlier this year, only to be informed they weren’t interested.