Former Sky Sports presenter Richard Keys has issued a cautionary message to Kelly Cates as she steps into her new role as the host of Match of the Day.
A New Chapter for Kelly Cates
In a move that was first revealed by Mail Sport on Sunday, Cates, the daughter of football legend Kenny Dalglish, is set to leave Sky Sports and join the BBC’s Match of the Day team.
She will become part of a trio of presenters, alongside Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan, taking on presenting duties for both Match of the Day and Match of the Day 2 once Gary Lineker exits at the end of the season.
This transition marks a significant shift in Cates’ career.
At 49 years old, she will be stepping away from her role at Sky Sports, a departure that has left the network deeply disappointed.
Cates has been with Sky Sports since 2016, after rejoining the broadcaster following an earlier stint that ended about a decade ago. She has also gained experience with ESPN and Channel 4.
The move to the BBC seems like the next natural step in Cates’ impressive career.
However, Richard Keys, who left Sky Sports in 2011, has shared some words of advice for Cates, while also taking a swipe at her father.
Richard Keys Reflects on Kelly’s Career
In a blog post, Keys congratulated Cates but couldn’t help but reflect on some of the behind-the-scenes moments.
He wrote, “Congrats to Kelly Cates on her new job. I’m proud of her but not surprised. Success has many fathers, and I’m sure there’ll be a few people lining up to take credit for her career, but Kelly, Kenny, and I know the truth.”
He went on to recall a disagreement with Kenny Dalglish, Cates’ father, about her job at Sky.
“Kenny and I once fell out about her getting a job at Sky,” Keys revealed.
“He said it meant she didn’t finish Uni. I replied, ‘But you asked me to get her a job.’ Her dad is a man of many contradictions, but that one was a belter.”
While he clearly respects Cates’ ability, Keys expressed surprise that she would choose the role, given the challenges of presenting live football.
He said, “There’s nothing like presenting live football. I would never have made that decision. Highlights shows are deadly dull.”
Keys also raised concerns about the future of Match of the Day, stating, “MotD desperately needs fresh blood, but I’m not sure it will survive for much longer. Eventually, Grandstand died for similar reasons – the march of time.”
Keys Reflects on His Own Departure from Sky
Keys’ exit from Sky Sports in 2011 followed the infamous leaked conversation with former colleague Andy Gray, where sexist remarks were made during an off-air exchange.
Since then, both Keys and Gray have relocated to the Middle East, where they are now the faces of Premier League coverage across North Africa and the Middle East for beIN Sports.
Throughout his time away from Sky, Keys has remained vocal about his former employer, frequently clashing with pundits like Jamie Carragher.
His commentary on the broadcasting world has sparked plenty of conversation, particularly when it comes to other presenters.
Richard Keys’ Take on Gabby Logan
Keys didn’t stop with just Cates—he also took aim at Gabby Logan, who will join the Match of the Day team alongside Cates and Chapman.
“Gabby Logan is someone else I opened the door for,” Keys wrote.
“I did that because her dad [Terry Yorath] had played for Coventry, and I was a big fan! She’s good—but a handful.”
He added, “I’m told by people that work with her now nothing has changed. Oh well—one day maybe. What’s next?”
It’s clear that Keys has strong opinions on the broadcasting world, but whether his warnings and reflections will influence Cates’ new journey at the BBC remains to be seen.