November 22nd 2024.
After an incredible 26 years at the helm, Gary Lineker has announced that he will be leaving Match of the Day at the end of the season. This news has sparked a race to find his successor, with many speculating about who will take over the iconic football show. However, Lineker has made it clear that there is one person who definitely won't be getting the job - and he wasn't afraid to tell him to his face.
While Lineker may be departing Match of the Day, he will still be with the BBC until the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup. This leaves plenty of time for the network to find a new host, with bookies currently favoring Mark Chapman, Alex Scott, and Kelly Cates for the role. Other contenders include Kelly Somers, Reshmin Chowdhury, and even Piers Morgan, who some have suggested would be an ideal fit.
One name that has been mentioned but is further down the list of potential replacements is Micah Richards. The former Manchester City defender has become a leading pundit on Match of the Day, as well as on Sky Sports and CBS. He also has a close relationship with Lineker, having worked together on both MOTD and The Rest is Football podcast. This has led some to believe that Richards could be a strong candidate for the hosting role.
However, Lineker put an end to any speculation during the latest episode of The Rest is Football podcast, where he appeared alongside West Ham star Michail Antonio. When Antonio joked that Richards was trying to take Lineker's job, the former England legend quickly shut down any aspirations Richards may have had. In fact, Lineker claims that Richards never even had the desire to become the host of Match of the Day.
Richards, on the other hand, took the opportunity to set the record straight. He stated that it would be a massive disrespect to all the talented presenters out there if he were to take over the role. While he may be a skilled pundit and have a strong knowledge of the game, Richards recognizes that hosting such an iconic show is a different skill set altogether. Antonio, however, wasn't convinced and playfully teased Richards for even considering himself a potential candidate.
With Lineker's exit, the BBC will have some big shoes to fill. They are expected to make a final decision on his replacement in the next few months, with the odds currently favoring Mark Chapman, Alex Scott, and Kelly Cates. While Richards may not be in the running for the role, he remains a valuable member of the MOTD team and will continue to provide insightful commentary on the show. As for Lineker, he will undoubtedly be missed, but his legacy on Match of the Day will live on for years to come.
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