Favourites to replace Gary Lineker as Match of the Day host revealed – as star locked in contract talks with BBC
THE BOOKIES’ favourites to replace Gary Lineker as Match of the Day host have been revealed.
It is understood Lineker will remain on the show until the end of the season, however contract talks – as revealed by the Sun – proceed.
Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan are joint-favourites with William Hill to replace Lineker as the host presenter of the BBC programme.
Former England striker Lineker is nearing the end of his current contract fronting the highlights show.
MotD2 host Chapman and Sports Personality of the Year host Logan are both 5/2 to pick up the reins, should he leave.
Ex-Manchester City defender Micah Richards (4/1) and Lionesses legend Alex Scott (5/1) are also in contention.
Other names in the frame include regular pundits Alan Shearer (14/1) and Danny Murphy (25/1).
Spokesperson for William Hill, Lee Phelps, said: “There is plenty of speculation regarding Gary Lineker’s future as the host of Match of the Day and we have two contenders neck and neck to replace him.
“Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan look to be the standout candidates, tied at 5/2 to take on the presenting duties, but at this stage there are plenty of other names in the conversation too.
“Former players Micah Richards (4/1), Alex Scott (5/1) and Dion Dublin (6/1) are all in the mix, while experienced presenters Clare Balding (7/1) and Jason Mohammad (10/1) cannot be ruled out.
“Martin Keown and David Moyes are among the long shots for one of the most prestigious roles on UK TV.”
The Sun revealed last month how Gary Lineker was in talks with the BBC over a multi-year deal for Match of the Day — after volunteering to take a pay cut.
Lineker, who has hosted the BBC footie highlights show since 1999, is meeting executives over a potential deal lasting at least two or three years.
The veteran presenter, 63, could agree to stay on for £1million a year — £350,000 less than his current salary – The Sun reported last month.
Talks were understood to have been briefly delayed following the recent Jermaine Jenas scandal.
The shamed former Spurs star, 41, who was reportedly in the running to replace Lineker, was sacked for inappropriately texting two women on The One Show.
A source said: “Gary is hugely popular with both fans and players alike. The sense is that, with so much uncertainty and scandal at the BBC, right now viewers are crying out for a safe pair of hands.
William Hill's odds for next permanent MOTD lead presenter after Lineker
Next permanent MOTD lead presenter after Gary Lineker, according to William Hill:
Mark Chapman 5/2
Gabby Logan 5/2
Micah Richards 4/1
Alex Scott 5/1
Dion Dublin 6/1
Clare Balding 7/1
Jason Mohammad 10/1
Colin Murray 12/1
Eni Aluko 12/1
Alan Shearer 14/1
Kelly Cates 16/1
Eilidh Barbour 16/1
“Gary adores the BBC, and loves his job, and recognises what an honour it is to host television’s flagship football show, as well as international games.
“Gary has long maintained that the BBC provides excellent value for money – and has quite literally put his money where his mouth is, and offered to take a substantial pay cut.”
MotD2 host Mark Chapman, 50, was previously tipped to take over when Lineker’s contract expires at the end of the season.
Last year the former England striker was reprimanded by the BBC after a critical social media post about the Government’s asylum policy.
He was forced to miss a show but colleagues loyally refused to fill in for him, so only match highlights were shown instead.
The pay negotiations came as the BBC faced enormous pressure to reduce its wage bill.
Since 2021, it has laid off 1,800 employees and cut budgets across programmes.