Alan Shearer in the dark on Gary Lineker’s MOTD replacement, but reveals why he doesn’t want to know who’s coming in
ALAN SHEARER remains in the dark over who will replace Gary Lineker as Match of the Day.
But he revealed that is just the way he wants it.
Lineker, 64, confirmed he will finish presenting the Premier League highlights show at the end of the season.
And No1 pundit Shearer still has no idea who the BBC plan to bring into the hot seat with Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan, Alex Scott and Kelly Somers among the bookies’ favourites.
But the Premier League record goalscorer and Betfair ambassador hinted at one name who could be the obvious choice – and confirmed one man who definitely will not be taking over.
Shearer, 54, told SunSport: “I haven’t got a clue what’s going to happen, who will present.
“Mark Chapman does Match of the Day 2, so I don’t know whether that means he’ll come into Match of the Day or not.
“I haven’t got a clue. I probably don’t want to know because I wouldn’t want to lie to people when they ask me. It’s probably best that I don’t know.”
SunSport revealed the Beeb want to introduce a job share in a major shake-up – but Chapman is understood to be refusing the idea.
Asked if he could be the next presenter, Shearer quickly ruled himself out of the running.
The Newcastle legend said: “I’m not planning to go anywhere soon but no [don’t want to be the presenter]. I enjoy the punditry side of it.
“I don’t know whether you saw it, I did it, I opened the show a couple of weeks ago and I only had eight words to do and I was sweating then. No, they’ll get someone else.”
Lineker started hosting Match of the Day all the way back in 1999 and the former Barcelona and England striker has developed into one of the best sports broadcasters in the country.
He will continue to present FA Cup matches next season before bowing out with the 2026 World Cup in North America.
Shearer is desperate for their swansong together to end with a major trophy for the Three Lions.
But he insists nothing has changed on Saturdays since news of Lineker’s departure has become public – although thankfully for the presenter, Shearer was not on this weekend’s show as Newcastle stuffed Leicester 4-0.
Shearer, who is also part of the Rest Is Football alongside Lineker, added: “It’s been as it was. There’s been no change. I think it’s fine that it’s out. It’s better for everyone.
“Gary’s been an amazing presenter for so long and still is.
Who could replace Gary Lineker as MOTD host?
GARY LINEKER dropped the shock news that he is QUITTING Match of the Day.
The popular presenter, 63, took over hosting duties on the flagship BBC programme from Des Lynam in 1999.
But after more than 25 years in the studio hotseat, he has called time on his MOTD gig.
But as part of a huge shake-up, the BBC is considering rotating the presenters on a weekly basis.
So with Lineker vacating the chair, new names will step into his giant boots. But who could they be?
MARK CHAPMAN
Chapman, 51, is the obvious early favourite to follow on from Lineker as MOTD presenter.
He already has the gig as MOTD2 host on a Sunday night plus landed the presenting job for the new BBC Champions League highlights show.
ALEX SCOTT
Scott gets the nod from the Beeb bosses when Lineker is away.
The former right-back, 40, is used to presenting the Saturday night show as well as live match coverage – plus ticks the box as a former England international.
GABBY LOGAN
Like Scott, Logan, 51, is one of the understudies to step in when Lineker is not available.
She has done most gigs since joining the BBC in 2007, including Olympics, Sports Personality of the Year and Final Score.
MICAH RICHARDS
Lineker’s top pick to replace him is exuberant former Man City defender Richards.
The departing host told his close pal, 36, on their Stick to Football podcast: “I’d love to see you take over Micah, I think you’d be brilliant in the chair.”
JASON MOHAMMAD
Mohammad could earn the “promotion” from Final Score to Match of the Day.
The 51-year-old Welshman – who took over from Logan in 2013 – is one of the BBC’s top earners already and is more senior than fellow Final Score and BBC Sport broadcaster Kelly Somers, who could in theory become the main live host for the afternoon slot.
JEFF STELLING
He couldn’t, could he? While Lineker has been the face of Saturday night TV for football fans for years, the face of the afternoons was Stelling in his role as Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday presenter.
He would bring plenty of on-screen charisma, wit and legendary TV expertise – but at nearly 70 and currently with talkSPORT, the Hartlepool fan would not be a cheap or long-term appointment.
“I think it’s good that he’s going out on a high in terms of the World Cup. To go out and finish in America, that’s without a doubt going on a high.
“Thomas Tuchel’s ultimately been hired with the objective of winning it and that would be pretty special.
“We’ll just enjoy the rest of the season. We always have a laugh and a joke on a Saturday, whether it’s about his team Leicester or Newcastle or whoever it may be and I think it’s really important that that will carry on.
“He’s done it for so long – 25 years will be his legacy of presenting the iconic football programme.
“I watched it every single week in my youth with my mum and dad. Then for me to play professional football and be on it, and then for me to sit on it, I’m lucky to be a part of Match of the Day for as long as I have been.
“It’ll be 20 years next year for me. So it’s been amazing. It’s a great show and still has the biggest numbers. And that iconic 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