BBC presenter Manish Bhasin has addressed the growing buzz around him potentially taking over from Gary Lineker as host of Match of the Day.
After Lineker’s announcement that he will step down from the role after nearly 26 years, fans have begun to speculate about who will fill his shoes.
Some supporters have even turned to social media to voice their preference for Bhasin as the new host.
Lineker’s Departure and the Search for a New Host
Gary Lineker, the long-standing face of BBC’s iconic football show, will begin his farewell to Match of the Day this weekend.
The BBC has confirmed that a new presenter will take over from next season, leading to a wave of discussions among fans about who could step into the role.
While Mark Chapman, Alex Scott, Gabby Logan, and Kelly Cates are all in the running, several fans are pushing for Bhasin to take the helm.
Bhasin’s Background in Sports Presenting
At 48, Bhasin is a seasoned sports presenter, known for his work on The Football League Show, which aired highlights from the lower leagues of English football, much like Match of the Day.
His career also includes hosting Football Focus and a stint on Matchday Live for Premier League Productions, which he has been involved with since 2016.
Despite not being directly employed by the BBC at the moment, Bhasin’s extensive experience in football broadcasting makes him a familiar face to many viewers.
Fans Rally Behind Bhasin
This week, Bhasin found himself at the center of a social media campaign, with fans calling for him to replace Lineker.
Comments flooded in, with one fan sharing a picture of Bhasin hosting The Football League Show, writing, “Your time has finally come.”
Others referred to him as “The people’s champion” and insisted, “This is actually it, this is the only guy for the show.”
While Bhasin has yet to be officially linked with the role, his supporters are vocal about their desire to see him as the new host.
Bhasin Responds to the Hype
Despite the growing fan support, Bhasin appeared to downplay the idea of becoming the next Match of the Day host, responding with a humble “I wish! Thanks for the kind comments though.”
His lighthearted reply suggests that, for now, he may not see the role as a realistic possibility, even if many fans think he’s a perfect fit.
Public Opinion on Lineker’s Successor
In a recent Ipsos poll, fans were asked who they would like to see take over from Lineker, with Alan Shearer emerging as the frontrunner, securing 22% of the vote.
Mark Chapman, who hosts Match of the Day 2, was a close second with 20%, while Alex Scott came third with 12%, and Gabby Logan took fourth with 10%.
The poll results reflect the wide range of potential candidates that fans are considering for the iconic role.
A New Direction for Match of the Day?
The BBC’s director of sport, Alex Kay-Jelski, is reportedly keen on modernizing the show and appealing to a younger audience.
As such, there is significant interest in bringing more female presenters into the fold.
This has led to speculation that Scott, Logan, Cates, and even Kelly Somers could be in the running to succeed Lineker, potentially marking a shift in the show’s direction.
The Road Ahead
As the countdown to Lineker’s departure begins, the search for his successor is only intensifying.
While Bhasin’s supporters continue to rally for his appointment, it’s clear that there are many contenders for the role, and the BBC’s decision will ultimately shape the future of Match of the Day.
Fans will have to wait and see who will step into the spotlight next season.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
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