Mark Chapman Addresses Growing Speculation About Replacing Gary Lineker as Host of Match of the Day Following Lineker’s Departure Announcement at BBC

Mark Chapman has addressed the growing buzz about him potentially taking over from Gary Lineker as the host of Match of the Day (MOTD) after Lineker’s departure announcement.

As the BBC searches for a new face for its flagship football show, Chapman, who currently presents Match of the Day 2, has found himself among the top contenders.

Gary Lineker’s Departure from MOTD

Gary Lineker, the beloved host of Match of the Day for 25 years, confirmed that he will step down at the end of this season.

The 63-year-old’s departure marks the end of an era for the BBC’s flagship football program.

Despite offering to reduce his salary by £350,000 from his £1.35 million paycheck to remain in the role, the BBC’s decision-makers, including BBC Sport boss Alex Kay-Jelski, have opted to move forward with a refresh of the show, signaling the start of a competitive race to find a replacement.

Who Could Replace Gary Lineker?

One suggestion circulating is that Chapman could team up with Kelly Somers to share the hosting duties, or even rotate with other high-profile BBC sports personalities like Gabby Logan, Alex Scott, and Kelly Cates.

While Chapman is considered a frontrunner for the role, he has made it clear that he is not keen on a shared hosting arrangement.

According to sources, he is determined to take on the job solo, rather than co-hosting with someone else.

This preference complicates the BBC’s search for a solution, as they had initially hoped a job-share model would be an easy fix.

Mark Chapman’s Response to the Speculation

On a recent podcast episode of The Sports Agents, hosted by Chapman and Gabby Logan, the 51-year-old finally responded to the mounting speculation surrounding his potential promotion.

When his phone rang during the recording, Logan took the opportunity to tease him about the buzz.

Chapman joked about needing a personal assistant, highlighting the whirlwind of attention surrounding his name in the race for the hosting job.

BBC’s Search for a New Host

The BBC is now in the midst of considering its options, with Mark Chapman among the favorites to step into Lineker’s shoes.

Currently, Chapman juggles multiple roles within the BBC, including hosting Match of the Day 2 and presenting Carabao Cup coverage for Sky Sports.

He is also a regular podcast host, making him a familiar face in the sports media world.

However, reports suggest that Chapman is determined to hold onto the role as the primary host of Match of the Day, rather than share the position with another presenter.

Lineker’s Legacy and Future

As for Lineker, his time at the BBC has been defined by memorable moments, such as presenting Match of the Day in his underpants after Leicester’s surprising 2016 Premier League victory.

The BBC also announced that Lineker will continue his podcasting ventures and contribute to major events, including the 2026 World Cup coverage, before fully stepping down from the BBC after that tournament.

With Chapman among the top names to replace Lineker, the BBC will have to navigate its plans carefully as it moves forward in its search for the new Match of the Day host.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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