By The Independent (Sports) | Created at 2024-11-24 09:04:56 | Updated at 2024-11-24 11:33:29
2 hours ago
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Alan Shearer broke tradition as he opened Match of the Day in the first show since Gary Lineker confirmed he is to step down.
Saturday night’s programme began with Shearer directly addressing the camera and saying: “All good things must come to an end.”
The BBC announced last week that Lineker will leave his role as host, which he has held since 1999, at the end of the current football season.
But Lineker then appeared to joke about his departure, with a reference to the end of Lee Carsley’s interim charge of the England team during the international break.
“Yes Alan – Lee Carsley’s England reign is over. It’s back to business in the Premier League,” Lineker said, as he resumed presenting duties.
And just as Lineker introduced the opening highlights package of the evening, the 63-year-old muttered under his breath: “Al ain’t getting the job, is he?”
Shearer and fellow pundit Ashley Williams laughed at Lineker’s joke, and the show continued as usual from there.
Despite his exit from Match of the Day, Lineker will remain with the BBC after both parties agreed to a contract extension through to the 2026 World Cup.
Lineker will host BBC Sport’s coverage of the FA Cup in the 2025-26 campaign and continue presenting the Match Of The Day: Top 10 podcast for BBC Sounds, which will also host The Rest Is Football podcast, produced by Lineker’s Goalhanger Podcasts, with one episode released on the platform each week.
The BBC has said future plans for Match Of The Day would be “announced in due course” with Mark Chapman, Alex Scott, Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan among those being tipped as candidates to replace him.
Following the announcement, Lineker said it “has been an absolute joy and privilege to present such an iconic show for the BBC, but all things have to come to an end” on his podcast, The Rest Is Football.
He added: “I bowed out in my football career when I felt it was the right time. I feel this is now the right time.
“I think the next contract they’re looking to do Match Of The Day slightly differently, so I think it makes sense for someone else to take the helm.”
Lineker has hosted Match Of The Day since 1999 and will have presented the show for more than a quarter of a century when he leaves in May 2025.
Includes reporting from PA
