- Gary Lineker is leaving his role at the BBC after 26 years at the helm of the show
- Cates will take on hosting duties alongside Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan
- Listen to It all starts! Why Manchester United may have to sell Kobbie Mainoo or Alejandro Garnacho
Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan have appeared to confirm the new Match of the Day hosting line-up for next season.
In December, Mail Sport exclusively revealed that Kelly Cates will share hosting duties on the BBC’s flagship show, along with Chapman and Logan, when Gary Lineker steps down from his current role at the end of the term.
Chapman, who has been the main presenter of Match of the Day 2 since 2013, and Logan welcomed Cates to The Sports Agents podcast to announce that the Sky Sports presenter will replace Logan during his holiday.
But their chat ended with a tease of news that has yet to be confirmed by the BBC.
“Depending on what happens in the next few weeks, this could be my life for the next three or four years, who knows?” said Chapman.
Logan replied, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Before laughter could be heard off camera.
Mail Sport exclusively revealed in December that Kelly Cates will leave her role at Sky Sports to join the BBC’s flagship show
The 49-year-old will share hosting duties with Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman from next season
Gary Lineker will step down from his role as host of Match of the Day at the end of his term after 26 years
Mail Sport revealed in December that Sky bosses were deeply saddened by the loss of Cates, who has worked at the broadcaster since 1998.
However, she had been identified by the BBC as the leading outside player who would replace Lineker if he leaves at the end of the season.
Cates’ smooth presentation of Sky’s Premier League coverage and previous experiences with the BBC have clearly been to her advantage.
She regularly presents on Radio 5 Live, has hosted 606 and her arrival will be seen as a huge coup – especially given the increase in live matches on Sky next season.
It’s clear that the three are already close and are looking forward to working together. They are the same age and have developed over a similar period of time.
In Chapman’s case, sharing the role allows him to continue his radio work for the BBC, for which he is known.
Those who know them say the group is modest and has no problem sharing the spotlight. The format indeed seems to suit everyone involved.
Lineker, who took over presenting duties on the flagship BBC show from Des Lynam in 1999, will bring down the curtain after 26 years. The 63-year-old is also set to leave the BBC entirely after the 2026 World Cup in America, Mexico and Canada.
It is understood executives, led by new sporting director Alex Kay-Jelski, want to move the show in a new direction and, as Mail Sport revealed, are considering adding a news element to the show.