Gary Lineker’s tenure as Match of the Day presenter will end at the conclusion of this season.
The former England striker has hosted the BBC’s flagship football show for 26 years, taking over from Des Lynam in 1999.
Rumors are already swirling about who will succeed him. Here we break down the candidates with odds from Betfred as of 1450 on November 12, 2024.
Alex Scott – 9/4
Former England international Scott has successfully transitioned to presenting after retiring in 2017. She has hosted various BBC shows, including Football Focus and The One Show, and has also filled in for Lineker on MOTD.
Recent reports hinted that she was considering leaving the UK due to criticism of Football Focus’ ratings and exploring opportunities in the US.
Mark Chapman – 3/1
Considered one of the BBC’s top football presenters after Lineker, Chapman made his mark as a sports reporter on Radio 1 before moving to Radio 5 Live. He hosts Match of the Day 2 and 5 Live Sport on Saturdays, as well as working for Sky Sports covering EFL Cup matches.
Kelly Cates – 8/1
A popular figure known for her work at Sky Sports, Cates has primarily covered the Premier League throughout her career. The daughter of former Liverpool player and manager Kenny Dalglish, she has a friendly persona that could complement Lineker’s laid-back style.
Gabby Logan – 8/1
With a BBC tenure starting in 2007, Logan has been a constant presence on screens. She is a key figure in the network’s women’s football coverage, including the World Cup, and has also hosted the Olympics for the corporation.
Kate Abdo – 16/1
An underdog choice after signing with CBS last year, Abdo has worked for Sky, CNN, and Fox. She gained recognition for presenting CBS’s Champions League coverage alongside Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher, and Micah Richards.
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