'I'm a Match of the Day regular – here are my true thoughts on Gary Lineker's replacements'
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Danny Murphy believes Match of the Day is in "very good" hands if the three reported presenters replace Gary Lineker. Lineker announced in November that he would be stepping down from his role as host of the iconic BBC football highlights programme after 25 years at the end of the 2024/25 season. He will, however, continue fronting the broadcaster's coverage of the FA Cup the following season and the 2026 World Cup in North America.
The bombshell revelation sparked huge discussion over the 64-year-old's replacement, with reports claiming that a trio of presenters will succeed Lineker in the form of Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan and Kelly Cates. While the BBC has yet to make an official announcement, big names across the industry have already had their say on the expected appointments. Murphy, a long-time pundit on Match of the Day, spoke to Jim White and Simon Jordan on talkSPORT on Wednesday.
The former Liverpool midfielder remained coy when asked for his thoughts on the rumours. "Simon pushing me for Match of the Day didn't work because it looks like Kelly Cates is going to be in there," former Sky Sports anchor White began by saying. Murphy responded: "I don't know if it's been confirmed, but that sounds like a good plan to me. They're all very good." White then asked: "You must have been consulted, Danny?" Murphy replied: "Of course.".
"Why is it a good plan?" Jordan then asked. "Are you trying to make sure you're falling on the right side of the fence?" Responding, Murphy said: "No, they're all good, they're all great. We'll have to wait and see when it's confirmed. Then, you can have a proper opinion.".
