Gary Lineker's thoughts clear on new MOTD hosts and admits he probably won't watch on Saturdays
Gary Lineker believes that Match of the Day are replacing him with three new hosts due to the "massive commitment" required to be the face of the BBC One show. The former England star, who spent over two decades as the main face of MOTD, stepped down from his role in May after severing ties with the broadcasters following online controversy.
Lineker's name has become almost synonymous with the flagship show, since he made his debut in 1999 by replacing the iconic Des Lynam. Following his exit announcement in November 2024, the BBC worked hard to source an adequate replacement - and came up with three.
Mark Chapman, Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan will enter the studio this season to take over from Lineker; a decision that many were confused by. Viewers questioned why three presenters were drafted to take over one person's job, but the departed host has had his say on exactly why this happened.
Lineker, who turned out for Leicester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Everton in his playing days, claims that the three hosts will have to share the massive workload that can take over your life. Speaking to FourFourTwo, the 64-year-old said: "That's probably down to the fact it's a massive commitment.
"Those three have all got families, and if you're saying someone is going to do it for the next 10 or 20 years, then your weekends are gone. That might be it, I don't know. I didn't get involved in any of that. I take it as a compliment that they've named three, but I suspect it's not due to that."
Lineker went on to confirm he won't be an avid viewer of his old stomping ground on the weekends, and will instead spend his time catching up on time missed while doing the show. Sending well wishes to the new MOTD faces, he added: "I haven't seen them yet to speak to them, but I will do – they'll be fine and they'll do a great job. I've known them all for years, they're top presenters.
"I'll be watching, but probably on iPlayer … I don't think I'll be watching on Saturday. Maybe the odd time, if I'm in."
With the Premier League kicking off this weekend, Chapman has been confirmed as the first to sit in Lineker's old spot for the 2025/26 campaign. He will be joined by ex-Manchester United star Wayne Rooney and the league's all-time topscorer, Alan Shearer.
Chapman has plenty of experience in broadcast and also on the show specifically, having presented the Sunday spin-off since 2013. Cates made her debut on Wednesday, covering the UEFA Super Cup final between Spurs and Paris Saint-Germain.
Cates has been a Sky Sports regular since 2016, covering the Premier League and is set to continue her role with BBC's rival during this campaign. Meanwhile, Logan has been with the BBC since 2007, presenting shows like Inside Sport, Final Score and also standing in as presenter of MOTD since 2012.
Despite sending his best regards to all three presenters, Cates confirmed that Lineker hasn't spoken to the new hosts, and is not keen on instructing them on how to run the show. Speaking before the launch of the new Sky Sports Premier League season, the 49-year-old admitted she isn't trying to replace the iconic presenter, but instead put her own stamp on the show.
Cates said: "No he hasn't got in touch and I haven't got in touch with him, but not because we're not avoiding each other. We just don't know each other. I know Gary to say hello to, We just don't know each other that well.
"And I think Chappers was saying that Gary said: 'Well, why would I tell three broadcasters how to do their job?' which is very lovely of him because he was brilliant at the job and adored. And as much as he was a controversial character at times, any focus group that was researching will tell you how much he was adored in that role.
"So I think from my point of view, the reason not to do it would be, I don't want to be Gary. I think there's a temptation to try and be someone else, and I think that you get a job because of yourself. And if then you try to be someone else, it can all just get a bit confused.
"I don't need another thing to think about. I don't need to be sitting there thinking: 'What would Gary do? It's not a decision not to. It's just we don't have that relationship."
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