December 18th 2024.
It has been recently announced that Kelly Cates, the well-known presenter from Sky Sports, will be making a move to the BBC. However, this decision has not gone unnoticed by her former colleague, Richard Keys, who has warned her about the potential mistake she may be making. Keys, who himself left Sky Sports in 2011 amidst a controversy involving sexism, believes that Cates may face some challenges working alongside her new colleagues at the BBC, especially Gabby Logan.
Cates, who is 49 years old, is set to join the BBC's Match of the Day team when Gary Lineker steps down. She will be joining Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan as part of a three-person presenting team for next season's flagship highlights show on Saturday nights and Match of the Day 2 on Sunday evenings. Keys, in his personal blog, has mentioned that he was the one who opened the door for Logan to join Sky Sports, due to her father Terry Yorath's background in playing for Coventry. However, Keys also noted that Logan's demanding attitude became a cause of frustration for many at Sky, leading to her departure after just two years.
Keys did acknowledge that Cates is a talented presenter and the BBC has made a smart move by appointing her. However, he also expressed concerns about the future of Match of the Day in its current format, believing that it may not survive for much longer. He compared it to the fate of Grandstand, which eventually came to an end due to the passage of time. Lineker, who has been hosting Match of the Day since 1999, will continue to cover the FA Cup and the 2026 World Cup for the BBC.
In a recent interview, Lineker mentioned that it has been a privilege to present Match of the Day for the past two decades, but he feels that it is now the right time to step down. He also mentioned that the BBC is looking to make changes to the show in the next contract, and it makes sense for someone else to take the lead. As for Cates, she is known for her skills as a live football presenter, and it remains to be seen how she will adapt to the highlights show format. However, with her talent and experience, she is sure to make a positive impact on the BBC's Match of the Day team.
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