Nine names in battle to be next Match of the Day host after Gary Lineker BBC email ‘leak’

Gary Lineker's future with Match of the Day is in question, after reports of an internal BBC email leak contemplating his early exit. Since taking over in 1999, Lineker has become synonymous with the iconic sports show, but with his current deal due to run until the end of the 2024/25 Premier League season, it now appears the BBC Sport Director Alex Kay-Jelski might be setting the stage for his exit ahead of schedule.

The Daily Mail claims access to an email indicating the BBC is preparing an exit announcement for Lineker, though the network has refuted claims of an early termination, with a spokesperson clarifying to the paper: "We have nothing to announce, and we have not agreed next steps with regard to his contract. He is on contract until the end of the season."

Amidst the controversy, Lineker didn't mince words when confronted by a journalist outside his home in south-west London, bluntly stating: "F*** off, I won't talk to you. Go away." With the seeds of uncertainty sown regarding Lineker's future on Match of the Day, speculation has kicked off about his potential successors, with Mirror Football speculating on notable replacements...

Mark Chapman

Mark Chapman, who began his career with the BBC in 1996, has a wealth of experience across various sports including American Football and Rugby. However, it's his football expertise that could see him land a role on Match of the Day.

Currently, he serves as the BBC's chief rugby league presenter and also fronts MOTD2, demonstrating his readiness to step up to the main football highlights show. He's also been at the helm of the BBC's new weekly Champions League highlights show this season. Known for his loyalty and reliability, Chapman is seen as an ideal candidate should Lineker depart.

Alex Scott

Alex Scott, former England and Arsenal defender, has recently risen to prominence in the world of punditry. She launched her media career with Soccer AM, BBC Sport, BT Sport and Sky Sports, and took over as the lead presenter of Football Focus in May 2021 following Dan Walker's departure.

She has also worked on MOTD. In March, the 39 year old filled in for Lineker when he was suspended for criticising the Government's controversial asylum policy. However, regulars Ian Wright and Alan Shearer were absent in support of Lineker and chose to boycott the show. With her experience, Scott could be a strong contender to replace Lineker.

Gabby Logan

Gabby Logan, who has been with the BBC since 2007, has previously filled in for Lineker on Match of the Day (MOTD). She also hosted Final Score from 2009 to 2013. This summer, she alternated with Lineker during the Euro 2024 tournament in Germany and later presented the Summer Olympics in Paris for BBC One and BBC Two.

Jason Mohammad

Jason Mohammad is another familiar face, having worked on Final Score, Match of the Day and MOTD 2, stepping in for Lineker and Chapman when needed. A BBC veteran since 1997, he has covered major events such as the Rio Olympics in 2016 and the RBS Six Nations.

Kelly Somers

Kelly Somers had a busy summer with the BBC, serving as the corporation's England camp reporter for Euro 2024. She has also contributed to Final Score alongside Mark Clemmit, covering the English Football League.

Notably, Somers has hosted Match of the Day in the past, making her debut in August 2020. However, it remains uncertain if she would take up a role previously held by Lineker, as she announced earlier this year that she would not be filling in for Scott on Football Focus when the MOTD head was suspended.

Theo Walcott

Retired Arsenal, Everton, and Southampton ace Theo Walcott has recently swapped his football cleats for the pundit's chair on Match of the Day. Delving into his new role, Walcott shared: "I grew up watching BBC Sport so I'm over the moon to be joining the line-up as a pundit, it's a dream come 'true' for me and I'm excited to get going.

"Life after retiring from football was always going to be scary but exciting. There's plenty for me to learn but I can draw on the career I've had to offer up different views and opinions. It will be a fantastic challenge for me." Though it's early days in his analysis career, Walcott's fame could see him eventually taking up the reins as a host.

Joe Hart

In similar news, former Premier League champion Joe Hart joined the ranks of MOTD experts following his retirement at Celtic earlier this year. Echoing Walcott's sentiments about stepping into broadcasting, Hart said: "I'm very excited, very proud, and looking forward to growing into an incredible role on something that I grew up watching.

"I want to try and give back as much as I can from the career I've had and keep learning. I'm thrilled to be in an around an incredible set up, learning first and foremost in a new part of my life.

"But I'm also trying to transition over and give my opinion from football through my eyes, still being in a position where I see and feel things, trying to get the understanding of what it takes to be at a level and why things happen."

Alan Shearer

Alan Shearer, the Newcastle United legend and a staple of the BBC's football coverage since hanging up his boots in 2006, is a natural for television thanks to his insightful game analysis and robust views. Having evolved into a seasoned presenter, Shearer could be a prime contender to step into displaced Lineker's presenting shoes, if the opportunity arises on Match of the Day.

Nonetheless, Shearer taking the helm may be dubious, as he shares a strong bond with Lineker professionally and personally. He demonstrated allegiance to his colleague during the latter's March suspension by temporarily stepping back from his own Match of the Day responsibilities until Lineker was restored.

Dion Dublin

Dion Dublin, the ex-Manchester United and Aston Villa forward, has seamlessly transitioned into a punditry role post-retirement in 2008, garnering accolades for his commentary on Sky Sports' Super Sunday with Richard Keys and UEFA Champions League action alongside Martin Tyler.

In addition to his playing career, he has been a familiar face on BBC Sport, offering his insights on Football Focus, Final Score and Match of the Day, as well as covering FA Cup matches. Bookies have suggested that Dublin could be in line for a more prominent role on Match of the Day if Lineker were to depart.