Surprise contender for Gary Lineker's Match of the Day role emerges after Mark Chapman snub
The search goes on for Gary Lineker's successor in the Match of the Day hotseat, with early front-runner Mark Chapman reported to have turned down an offer from the BBC
by Tom Victor · The MirrorTNT Sports anchor Reshmin Chowdhury is among the contenders to replace Gary Lineker as host of Match of the Day, it has been claimed.
Lineker will leave his role at the end of the 2024-25 season, after more than a quarter of a century as the face of the BBC's flagship football highlights show. However, he will remain with the broadcaster until the end of the 2026 World Cup after agreeing a new contract for live football matches.
One of the early candidates touted as Lineker's successor was Mark Chapman. The Match of the Day 2 host was brought onto the BBC's Champions League highlights show this season, but he reportedly rejected a job-share situation which could have seen hosting duties divided between him and Kelly Somers.
With the new host not needing to take charge for more than six months, there's a bit of time for the BBC to reach a decision. And that decision could see Chowdhury take the reins.
According to The Mail, BBC director of sport Alex Kay-Jelski previously attempted to hire Chowdhury for The Athletic. Broadcaster and journalist Chowdhury, 46, is said to have admirers within the corporation - for whom she has previously commentated.
Speaking after Lineker's short-term deal was confirmed, Kay-Jelski said: “Gary is a world-class presenter, and we’re delighted that he’ll lead our coverage of the next World Cup and continue to lead our live coverage of the FA Cup.
“After 25 seasons Gary is stepping down from MOTD. We want to thank him for everything he has done for the show, which continues to attract millions of viewers each week. He’ll be hugely missed on the show but we’re so happy he is staying with the BBC to present live football.”
Lineker put out a short statement himself after the new deal was agreed. “I’m delighted to continue my long association with BBC Sport and would like to thank all those who made this happen," he said.
Who do you want to see replace Gary Lineker? Have your say in the comments section
If reports of Chapman rejecting the opportunity prove true, one man who will be disappointed is Danny Murphy. Former England midfielder Murphy has been a pundit on BBC highlights shows for a number of years, and he previously gave Chapman his backing.
"I feel that they've got [a candidate]. Mark Chapman, who I work with a lot on Sundays," the 47-year-old told talkSPORT. "I think he's a brilliant presenter and very, very knowledgeable on sport and football. Somebody who is ready-made for it.
"Whether he wants it or not, I don't know. That's a different question, you'd have to ask him. But he would be the glaring, obvious choice for me."
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