BBC plans ‘raise eyebrows internally’ with fresh changes set to be implemented after Gary Lineker exit
BBC Sport’s plan to hire a ‘Football Correspondent (Tactics)’ has sparked controversy within the organisation, according to reports.
The role is part of a major restructuring of the sports department that has left many staff confused.
Questions are being raised about why the broadcaster would employ a journalist to analyse tactics when they already have former professional players as pundits, according to the Daily Mail.
The move comes amid wider changes to BBC Sport’s football coverage.
The restructuring is being led by director of sport Alex Kay-Jelski, with 27 roles being cut and 27 new positions created.
Staff were informed of the changes just 24 hours before a meeting at Gary Neville’s Hotel Football.
The restructuring will result in redundancies among sports news presenters and correspondents.
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One puzzled staffer questioned the logic behind the new role, saying: “What’s the point of having all these people who have played the game at the highest level to then bring in a journalist who will presumably never have kicked a ball professionally to spout off about how the likes of Pep Guardiola should be setting up their teams?”
The criticism highlights growing tension within the department over the direction of BBC Sport’s football coverage.
At the meeting, attended by almost all of the broadcaster’s pundits, Alan Shearer spoke about the importance of expert analysis.
He emphasised the need for experts to provide accurate analysis which they can back up with their experience.
The restructuring comes as Gary Lineker is set to leave Match of the Day at the end of the current season.
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The ex-England star will continue working with the broadcaster until the 2026 World Cup.
From next season, Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan will share presenting duties on the flagship football show.
This marks a significant change for the programme, with the presenting role being shared between three presenters for the first time.
A statement released by the BBC in January outlined the changes: “For the first time, the role of lead presenter across the BBC’s iconic Premier League highlights programmes, Match of the Day and Match of the Day 2, and the latest addition to the BBC’s football highlights portfolio, Match of the Day Champions League, will be shared by three presenters.”