Gary Lineker sends message to Match of the Day replacement after BBC statement

Gary Lineker sends message to Match of the Day replacement after BBC statement

Gary Lineker will step away from Match of the Day at the end of the season after the BBC continue to make plans for life without him

(Image: The Rest is Football )

Gary Lineker has urged the next host of Match of the Day to carve out their own unique style, rather than emulating his approach, although he admitted he has no knowledge of who is being considered for the role.

After 25 years at the helm, Lineker will step down as the main presenter of the flagship Premier League highlights show next summer, but will continue to present live football until the 2026 World Cup final in the USA.

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Reflecting on his time as the face of the "iconic" Match of the Day, Lineker described it as "an absolute joy and privilege". "All things have to come to an end," he said on the Rest Is Football podcast, which will be available on BBC Sounds once a week.

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Lineker will remain involved with the BBC, hosting Match of the Day Top 10 episodes and likely the next two Sports Personality of the Year ceremonies, before departing the corporation for good in 2026. He explained that the BBC's plans to revamp Match of the Day made it a logical decision to leave the show next summer.

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According to BBC News, Lineker, who earns £1.35m annually for his BBC work, had initially expressed a desire to continue hosting the show but was not given the opportunity. Both parties are reportedly satisfied with the outcome, reports Football London.

The BBC has declined to reveal its exact plans for the football programme, stating that more information will be shared "in due course". A statement hinted at upcoming changes, suggesting that the programme will continue to adapt: "The show continually evolves for changing viewing habits bringing its unique and unmatched analysis and commentary across all platforms."

Speculation is rife about who will take over the presenting role, with names like Mark Chapman, Alex Scott, and Gabby Logan being touted by bookies as top contenders. Gary Lineker, while uncertain of his replacement, expressed a personal preference which he chose to keep private.

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"Obviously I don't know who it'll be, and I would never tell publicly my preference," he commented. "I don't think that'd be the right thing to do but whoever it is, I would say be yourself."

Reflecting on his own experience taking over from Des Lynam, Lineker advised: "I had to fill the ginormous shoes of a certain Des Lynam. I would say just be yourself and enjoy it, it's a wonderful programme to be a part of. It was brilliant before I took over, and it will be brilliant after I leave."

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