Match of the Day could undergo significant changes by the 2025/26 season. The BBC has already confirmed that current host Gary Lineker will be stepping down at the end of this season.
Although no successor has been officially named, the hunt for a new host is underway. Several potential replacements have been suggested since Lineker’s departure was announced, and the BBC has already encountered some obstacles in their plans.
In addition to finding a new host, there may be further changes behind the scenes at Match of the Day. So, what might the future hold? One thing is for sure, replacing Lineker is no small task for the BBC.
The former footballer has been the face of the show for 25 years, taking over from Des Lynham. Several candidates have been suggested to fill the iconic role, reports the Mirror.
Mark Chapman, host of Match of the Day 2, was initially considered the top contender. However, despite remaining a frontrunner, plans to appoint him were disrupted.
It was previously reported that he would share the role with Kelly Sommers, but Chapman has expressed his preference not to do so.
A number of high-profile names have been linked with succeeding Lineker, including Alex Scott, Gabby Logan, and Jason Mohammed. Recently, TNT Sports presenter Reshmin Chowdhury has also been talked about as a possible contender for the role.
Before a new host is confirmed, Lineker offered some pearls of wisdom, stating: “Obviously I don’t know who it’ll be, and I would never tell publicly my preference. I don’t think that’d be the right thing to do but whoever it is, I would say be yourself.”
Looking towards the future, sources indicate the BBC has plans to adapt Match of the Day in line with changing media consumption habits.
According to an insider quoted by The Guardian: “The BBC isn’t worrying about Match of the Day being less relevant because of how people consume modern media, there is actually an opportunity here to exploit that change. The show is still hugely popular and has been remarkably resilient, plus there are new digital opportunities – we’re not looking at retrenchment of the brand, but growth.
As part of this shift, Roman Kemp, famed for his role on The One Show, could take up a significant ‘digital role’ according to speculations. BBC’s director of sport, Alex Kay-Jelski, appears to have earmarked Kemp for this position within the organisation’s digital strategy.
The specifics of the role are yet to be determined, but it’s likely to involve a significant social media push – Kemp’s strong presence is always a draw. Match of the Day already has its own Instagram and TikTok accounts, which are expected to lead any digital evolution.
As for pundits, there will be both departures and arrivals. Ian Wright has already left, swiftly replaced by former Premier League stars Joe Hart and Theo Walcott, with ex-England star Steph Houghton also making appearances.
Micah Richards, Alan Shearer, Danny Murphy and Martin Keown are all set to feature next season. Regulars on Match of the Day 2, including Dion Dublin, Shay Given, Stephen Warnock, Leon Osman, Ashley Williams, Fara Williams, Glenn Murray and Troy Deeney, could stay on.
Changes are anticipated ahead of the new season, but details remain under wraps. As per tradition, the iconic programme will undergo some tweaks ahead of the new campaign, likely including new titles featuring clubs promoted to the Premier League at the end of the current season.
While the Match of the Day studio has maintained a consistent look over the years, it might be due for a makeover before the new season kicks off. Thus, while Lineker’s successor will be filling his shoes, they’ll be settling into a brand-new chair.
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