Gary Lineker's verdict on new Match of the Day hosts and why he might not watch on Saturdays

Gary Lineker believes the BBC have replaced him on Match of the Day with three new hosts due to the "massive commitment" it entails.

The former Tottenham Hotspur star, who was the face of Match of the Day for over two decades, saw his role come to an end in May after parting ways with the broadcasters amid his social media controversy.

Lineker's name became almost synonymous with the flagship programme since he made his debut in 1999, taking over from the legendary Des Lynam. Following his departure statement in November 2024, the BBC worked tirelessly to find a suitable replacement – and ended up choosing three.

Mark Chapman, Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan step into the studio this season to take over from Lineker; a decision that left some puzzled. Viewers questioned why three presenters were needed to fill one person's role, but the popular host has given his perspective on exactly why this happened.

The former Spurs goalscorer believes that the trio will need to share the immense workload that he admits can consume your life. Speaking to FourFourTwo, the 64-year-old said: "That's probably down to the fact it's a massive commitment.

"Those three have all got families, and if you're saying someone is going to do it for the next 10 or 20 years, then your weekends are gone. That might be it, I don't know. I didn't get involved in any of that. I take it as a compliment that they've named three, but I suspect it's not due to that."

Lineker went on to confirm he won't be a regular viewer of his former programme at weekends, and will instead use the time to catch up on what he missed whilst fronting the show.

Offering his best wishes to the new MOTD presenters, he added: "I haven't seen them yet to speak to them, but I will do – they'll be fine and they'll do a great job. I've known them all for years, they're top presenters.

"I'll be watching, but probably on iPlayer... I don't think I'll be watching on Saturday. Maybe the odd time, if I'm in."

With the new campaign getting underway this weekend, Chapman has been confirmed as the first to occupy Lineker's former position for the 2025/26 season. on Saturday night, he will be accompanied by ex-Manchester United star Wayne Rooney and Premier League record goalscorer Alan Shearer.

Chapman boasts extensive broadcasting experience and specific knowledge of the programme, having fronted the Sunday edition since 2013.

Cates made her debut on Wednesday, presenting coverage of the UEFA Super Cup final between Spurs and Paris Saint-Germain. Cates has been a Sky Sports mainstay since 2016, covering the Premier League and is expected to maintain her position with the BBC's competitor throughout this season.

Meanwhile, Logan has been with the BBC since 2007, fronting programmes such as Inside Sport, Final Score and also standing in as presenter of MOTD since 2012.

Despite offering his best wishes to all three presenters, Cates revealed that Lineker hasn't contacted the new hosts and shows little interest in advising them on how to manage the programme.

Speaking ahead of the launch of the new Sky Sports Premier League campaign, the 49-year-old claimed she isn't attempting to replace the legendary presenter but rather aims to bring her own approach.

Cates said: "No, he hasn't got in touch and I haven't got in touch with him, but not because we're not avoiding each other. We just don't know each other. I know Gary to say hello to, we just don't know each other that well.

"And I think Chappers was saying that Gary said: 'Well, why would I tell three broadcasters how to do their job?' Which is very lovely of him because he was brilliant at the job and adored. And as much as he was a controversial character at times, any focus group that was researching will tell you how much he was adored in that role.

"So I think from my point of view, the reason not to do it would be, I don't want to be Gary. I think there's a temptation to try and be someone else, and I think that you get a job because of yourself. And if then you try to be someone else, it can all just get a bit confused.

"I don't need another thing to think about. I don't need to be sitting there thinking: 'What would Gary do?' It's not a decision not to. It's just we don't have that relationship."

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