Former Newcastle United player ‘set’ to succeed Gary Lineker as Match of the Day host

Former Newcastle United midfielder Jermaine Jenas is the frontrunner to replace Gary Lineker as the host of BBC’s flagship football program, Match of the Day. Lineker, an England legend, has been the face of the show since 1999. However, recent developments suggest that his tenure might be nearing its end, and bookmakers have earmarked Jenas as the leading candidate to take over.

Gary Lineker, who has been a mainstay on Match of the Day for over two decades, faced temporary suspension last year due to his comments on the government’s immigration policy, which conflicted with the BBC’s impartiality guidelines.

Despite this hiccup, Lineker, who is the BBC’s highest earner at £1.35 million per year, returned to his hosting duties shortly after. Nevertheless, discussions about his successor have intensified, with Jenas emerging as the top choice.

Jermaine Jenas, a former Newcastle and Tottenham midfielder, joined Newcastle United in 2002 after the club fought off competition from Leeds United.

During his three-year stint at St James’ Park, Jenas was part of the team that competed in the Champions League under Sir Bobby Robson. His career, however, was cut short by injuries, leading to his retirement in 2014.

Following his retirement, Jenas transitioned into a media career, much like Lineker. Football fans are familiar with Jenas from his appearances on Match of the Day.

His charisma and football insight have made him a popular figure in sports broadcasting. In 2021, he expanded his media presence by becoming a main presenter on The One Show, further solidifying his credentials as a top-tier presenter.

According to bookmakers, Jenas is the 2/1 favorite to succeed Lineker. His blend of football expertise and media experience makes him a compelling choice to lead Match of the Day. His connection to the show as a pundit and his successful stint on The One Show have positioned him as a natural successor to Lineker.

While Jenas is the favorite, several other candidates are also in the running. Ex-Lionesses star Alex Scott is a strong contender at 7/2, bringing her extensive football knowledge and broadcasting experience to the table. Micah Richards, known for his insightful and entertaining punditry, is also in the mix with 5/1 odds.

Mark Chapman, who regularly presents Match of the Day 2, is another potential successor with 8/1 odds. Newcastle legend Alan Shearer, a leading pundit on the show, is considered a long shot at 10/1.

Jenas’ journey from a promising footballer to a respected broadcaster is a testament to his versatility and resilience. His deep understanding of the game, coupled with his engaging personality, makes him an excellent candidate to host Match of the Day.

If he were to succeed Lineker, Jenas would bring a fresh perspective to the show, potentially attracting a younger audience while maintaining the program’s rich tradition.

Jermaine Jenas stands as the leading candidate to replace Gary Lineker as the host of Match of the Day. His transition from the pitch to the studio has been seamless, earning him accolades and a strong following.

As the discussions about Lineker’s successor continue, Jenas’ blend of football expertise and broadcasting skill positions him as the ideal choice to lead the iconic football program into a new era. With his potential appointment, viewers can expect a dynamic and insightful presentation of the beautiful game, maintaining the high standards set by Lineker.