sportskeeda
ALAN SHEARER continues to express uncertainty regarding who will succeed Gary Lineker as the host of Match of the Day.
Nonetheless, he revealed that he actually prefers this ambiguity.
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Lineker, 64, has confirmed he will step down from presenting the Premier League highlights program at the end of the season.
The top pundit Shearer remains unsure who the BBC intends to appoint as his successor, with Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan, Alex Scott, and Kelly Somers listed among the favorites by bookmakers.
Despite this, the Premier League’s leading goal scorer and Betfair ambassador hinted at one strong candidate while also confirming another who certainly will not be taking over.
Shearer, 54, told SunSport: “I don’t have a clue what’s being planned or who will take over.
“Mark Chapman hosts Match of the Day 2, so I’m not certain if that means he’ll transition into Match of the Day.
“I honestly have no idea. Perhaps it’s better for me not to know, so I won’t mislead anyone who asks. It’s probably best that I remain uninformed.”
SunSport has reported that the BBC plans to introduce a job-sharing arrangement in a significant revamp, but Chapman is said to be against this idea.
When asked about potentially stepping into the presenter role, Shearer immediately ruled himself out.
The Newcastle icon stated: “I’m not looking to leave anytime soon, and I don’t want to be the presenter. I much prefer being a pundit.
“If you didn’t catch it, I presented the show a few weeks back, and I only had eight words to say, but I was sweating. No, they’ll find someone else.”
Watch Alan Shearer’s light-hearted proposal to become the new Match of the Day host in the first episode since Gary Lineker confirmed his departure.
Lineker, who began hosting Match of the Day in 1999, has become one of the foremost sports broadcasters in the UK.
He will still host FA Cup matches next season before wrapping up his tenure with the 2026 World Cup in North America.
Shearer hopes their final appearances together will end with a significant victory for the Three Lions.
However, he asserts that Saturdays have remained unchanged since the announcement of Lineker’s exit; fortunately for the presenter, Shearer was not on this weekend’s show as Newcastle won against Leicester 4-0.
Shearer, who also peers in The Rest Is Football alongside Lineker, added: “It’s the same as always. Nothing has changed. I believe it’s good that it’s public now. It’s better for everyone.
“Gary has been an exceptional presenter for many years and continues to be one.”
Who could succeed Gary Lineker as MOTD presenter?
GARY LINEKER stunned everyone by announcing his departure from Match of the Day.
The cherished host, 63, took over the reins of the flagship BBC program from Des Lynam in 1999.
After more than 25 years on air, he has chosen to conclude his time on MOTD.
In a major overhaul, the BBC is considering a rotation of presenters on a weekly basis.
With Lineker stepping down, new faces will take on his significant role. But who could they be?
MARK CHAPMAN
Chapman, 51, is the front-runner to follow Lineker as the MOTD presenter.
He already hosts MOTD2 on Sunday evenings and is set to take the role for the new BBC Champions League highlights show.
ALEX SCOTT
Scott is preferred by the BBC management for guest hosting when Lineker is unavailable.
The former right-back, 40, is experienced in hosting the Saturday night show along with live match coverage – and boasts the advantage of being a former England international.
GABBY LOGAN
Similar to Scott, Logan, 51, often steps in when Lineker cannot present.
Since joining the BBC in 2007, she has garnered diverse experiences including at the Olympics, Sports Personality of the Year, and Final Score.
MICAH RICHARDS
A top choice for replacing Lineker is the lively former Man City defender Richards.
The departing presenter expressed to his close friend, 36, on their Stick to Football podcast: “I would love to see you take over Micah, you’d excel in the chair.”
JASON MOHAMMAD
Mohammad could transition from Final Score to Match of the Day.
The 51-year-old Welshman – who took over from Logan in 2013 – is already one of the BBC’s highest earners and holds a more senior role than fellow Final Score and BBC Sport broadcaster Kelly Somers, who would theoretically step into the primary live presenter role for the afternoon slot.
JEFF STELLING
Could he handle it? While Lineker has been the face of Saturday night television for football fans, Stelling has represented afternoons as the presenter for Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday.
He would undoubtedly bring charisma, humor, and exceptional television skills – however, at nearly 70 and presently with talkSPORT, the Hartlepool supporter may not be a cost-effective or long-term option.
“I think it’s fantastic that he’s going out on a high, thanks to the World Cup. Ending it in America is undeniably a high note.
“Thomas Tuchel has ultimately been brought on board with the goal of obtaining that title, which would indeed be quite special.
“We’ll just cherish the remaining season. We always have fun and banter on Saturdays, whether discussing his team Leicester or Newcastle or others, and I believe it’s vital that continues.
“He has been a remarkable presenter for an incredible 25 years; that’s his legacy with this iconic football program.
“I watched it every week growing up with my parents. To play professional football, feature on it, and now to be part of it has been a fortunate experience for me.
“Next year will mark 20 years for me. It’s been a fantastic journey. It remains a tremendous show, continuing to draw the largest audience. And that unforgettable theme music never gets old, does it?”
- Don’t miss Alan Shearer vs Rachael Blackmore in Betfair’s Christmas Quizzing… Only Bettor, streamed live on Friday 20 December
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