November 11th 2024.
After 25 years of hosting Match of the Day, the iconic BBC show, Gary Lineker has decided to step down from his role at the end of the Premier League season. This news has left the BBC on the lookout for a new presenter to take over the reins. While Lineker will be greatly missed, he will still be a part of the BBC team, as he has signed a new 18-month deal to continue his coverage of sports events like the FA Cup in 2025/26 and the 2026 World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico.
With Lineker's departure, there is a significant gap to fill, and the BBC is already considering potential candidates. One of the top contenders is Mark Chapman, who is currently the host of Match of the Day 2. Chapman is a familiar face to viewers and has also been anchoring Sky Sports' coverage of the Carabao Cup. He has also been the host of the new Champions League highlights show launched by the BBC this season.
However, if the BBC decides to go for a fresh approach, they may turn to former footballer Alex Scott. Scott has made a name for herself in broadcasting since retiring from playing, and she currently appears on various BBC shows, including Football Focus. Another potential candidate is Gabby Logan, who has anchored coverage of major sporting events like the Paris 2024 Olympics and the Women's European Championships for the BBC.
Other names that the BBC may consider to replace Lineker include Jason Mohammed, Dion Dublin, and Kelly Somers. The odds are currently in favor of Mark Chapman, with Alex Scott a close second. But, as always, these odds are subject to change.
According to Jake Ashton, a sports betting expert at OLBG, the BBC has a tough decision to make in choosing Lineker's successor. While they may opt for continuity and go with one of the other presenters who have worked closely with Lineker, Chapman seems to be a popular choice among fans. On the other hand, Alex Scott would bring a fresh perspective to the show, making her a first for Match of the Day in many ways.
One person who is unlikely to be considered for the role is Jermaine Jenas, a former BBC presenter and footballer. Once seen as a potential favorite to take over from Lineker, Jenas was recently let go by the BBC due to complaints about his conduct in the workplace. So, while there may be plenty of speculation about who will be the next Match of the Day presenter, one thing is for sure – they will have big shoes to fill in following in Lineker's footsteps.
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