T he BBC is searching for a successor to Gary Lineker, who will step down as the host of Match of the Day next year. The 63-year-old former Leicester City striker will leave the programme at the end of the Premier League season, after 25 years. Lineker is the corporation’s highest-paid presenter, with his current annual salary estimated at £1.
35 million. Speculation is already rife about who might step in, and our readers have been keen to share their opinions. When we asked for your views , leading candidates included Alex Scott, a former player with hosting experience on Football Focus and Sports Personality of the Year ; Mark Chapman, the seasoned host of Match of the Day 2 ; and Jason Mohammad, a veteran presenter of Final Score and regular stand-in for Lineker.
Reader Matt Allenby suggested: “Surely it’s a job for one of his pals [Alan] Shearer or Micah Richards,” while janapple declared: “Mark Chapman or Dion Dublin for me.” Lagunakid commented: “Jason Mohammad — safe pair of hands, plenty of experience, and always very professional.” Here’s a closer look at what else you had to say: The MotD format is so outdated anyway.
They need to offer this show on-demand and make it available within an hour of the last match, with immediate analysis. It should be a bit edgy and light-hearted, like the CBS team for the Champions League. — Kazmania MotD existed before Lineker, but he made it so much his own that I am not sure it will survive without him.
A com.
