New MOTD host Kelly Cates almost SNUBBED football completely – despite being the daughter of Liverpool royalty
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KELLY Cates almost snubbed football completely despite being the daughter of Liverpool royalty. Gabby Logan, Cates and Mark Chapman will host Match Of The Day after Gary Lineker leaves at the end of the season. The confirmation follows speculation about the presenting line-up of the BBC's flagship football show following news last year that Lineker would step back from the role.
![[Kelly Dalglish, Setanta Sports News presenter, holding soccer balls.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/sky-sports-presenter-kelly-cates-958344082.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
The former England striker has presented the show since 1999. Cates, who will also continue her role with Sky Sports, said: "Once I sit in that chair and the theme music starts, I just know that's going to be a really incredible moment. "I've worked with a lot of the pundits before and they're all fantastic, so I'm just looking forward to getting started.
![[Sky Sports' Super Sunday panel discussion.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/kelly-cates-957640711.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
"I've known Gabby and Mark really well for years so to bring it all together, embracing the digital side of things, it feels like a really comprehensive football package for fans and that's what makes it so exciting too.". She has been a presenter with Sky Sports since rejoining them in 2016, fronting their coverage of the Premier League.
![[Kenny Dalglish with his family at Buckingham Palace after receiving an MBE.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/scotland-liverpool-player-kenny-dalglish-811402.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
The 49-year-old daughter of former Scotland and Liverpool footballer Sir Kenny Dalglish also hosts BBC Radio 5 Live's Tuesday night sports coverage. But Cates had no intention of taking when she was at university studying maths. Kelly grew up with football around her.
![[Kelly Cates at the Legends of Football 2023 event.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/kelly-cates-attends-legends-football-957632172.jpg?strip=all&w=640)
