Gary Lineker is set to be replaced by a trio of presenters on Match of the Day at the end of the 2024/25 season, with his long-time colleague Danny Murphy sharing his thoughts on the replacements
Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy insists Match of the Day is in “very good” hands if the three reported presenters replace Gary Lineker. The England legend announced in November that he will depart from his role as host after 25 years at the end of the current 2024/25 season.
However, he will continue as the face of the BBC’s FA Cup coverage next season as well as the 2026 World Cup in North America. The bombshell news sparked plenty of speculation over the 64-year-old’s replacement, with reports claiming that a trio of presenters will succeed Lineker in the form of Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan and Kelly Cates.
Though there has been no official confirmation from the BBC about the new lineup, big names across the industry have weighed in on the potential appointments. Speaking to Jim White and Simon Jordan on talkSPORT, Murphy, who has been a regular pundit on Match of the Day, remained coy when asked for his opinion.
READ MORE: BBC make Match of the Day presenter decision as Sky Sports face nightmare scenarioREAD MORE: ‘The best I’ve ever witnessed’ – Alan Shearer gushes over Liverpool’s Anfield atmosphere
“Simon pushing me for Match of the Day didn’t work because it looks like Kelly Cates is going to be in there,” former Sky Sports anchor White started off by saying.
Murphy replied: “I don’t know if it’s been confirmed, but that sounds like a good plan to me. They’re all very good.” White asked: “You must have been consulted, Danny?” To which Murphy replied: “Of course.”
Jordan pressed: “Why is it a good plan? Are you trying to make sure you’re falling on the right side of the fence?” Murphy responded with: “No, they’re all good, they’re all great. We’ll have to wait and see when it’s confirmed. Then, you can have a proper opinion.”
It comes after Murphy, who spent seven seasons playing in Reds colours, told talkSPORT on the day that Lineker’s departure was announced: “I feel that they’ve got [a candidate], Mark Chapman, who I work with a lot on Sundays. 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.”
Carrying on the Liverpool connection on the show will be Cates, the daughter of Anfield hero Kenny Dalglish, who is reportedly leaving her current role on Sky Sports. Set to join her as hosts will be Match of the Day 2’s Chapman and long-time BBC sports presenter Logan.
