Broadcasting legend Jeff Stelling believes there is an obvious replacement for Gary Lineker as Match of the Day presenter.
Last week the BBC confirmed that the former England striker would leave the job at the end of the season after 25 years. He will still present their FA Cup coverage in 2025/26 as well as the next Fifa Men’s World Cup.
It’s a huge role to fill, but Stelling says the right person for the Premier League highlights show is already in the employ of the corporation; Mark Chapman, who currently anchors MOTD2 on Sunday nights.
“Chappers is the man for the job,” he told The Telegraph. “Great presenter, nice sense of humour, good rapport with the guests, he’s got to be the man, surely.”
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Stelling has not been on television since leaving Sky Sports‘ flagship programme, Soccer Saturday, in 2022. But the 69-year-old laughed off suggestion he could present Match of the Day in Lineker’s stead.
“No, no, we old white blokes have had our day in the sun,” he said. “Hard as it is – and believe me I’ve found it hard – we’ve just got to accept we had a great run, and say good luck to the next lot coming in.
“If they enjoy it as much as I have done, then they will have a wonderful time.”
