Image via BBC iPlayer
We’re not even halfway through his final season yet, but Gary Lineker’s replacements on Match of the Day have apparently already been chosen. According to Mike Keegan at the Daily Mail, Kelly Cates will join from Sky Sports, alongside Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan.
Keegan reported that the three will cover Match of the Day and Match of the Day Two.
Bosses at Sky are understood to be deeply saddened at the loss of the 49-year-old. However, she had been identified by the BBC as the leading external to replace Lineker when he leaves at the end of the season
This triumvirate does make sense in many ways. I’m not the biggest fan of Cates, but the BBC is obviously keen to bring in a fresh face. Mark Chapman was always going to be involved. Gabby Logan is a vastly experienced, excellent host. It means that the BBC has been able to bring in quality while giving the hosts some level of flexibility. Logan and Chapman already worked together on The Sports Agents podcast.
Having three presenters cover two shows will also give a semblance of consistency. (I wonder how long the Match of the Day Two branding will remain.) It is a bit of shame though that the football highlights show will no longer be associated with one single host, as it always has been. We await the official announcement from the BBC.
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