Chapman, Cates and Logan have been confirmed as Lineker’s replacements
Mark Chapman insists there is “absolutely no competition” between him, Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan after the trio were confirmed as the new hosts of Match of the Day today.
Although the casting had been widely expected, there were initial indications that Chapman was not interested in sharing the role and that it was intended to be a solo appearance.
However, the BBC today revealed the widely predicted line-up to take over from Gary Lineker, who has been sole host for 25 years, at the start of the next Premier League season in August.
New squad for next season! ✍️
We are pleased to announce that Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan will share Match of the Day hosting duties from 2025 to 2026.#MOTD #BBCFootball #KellyCates #MarkChapman #GabbyLogan pic.twitter.com/r8hU5Owm8b
– Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) January 15, 2025
Not just Saturday night services
In addition to the flagship Saturday night slot, they will also share Match of the Day 2 and Champions League highlights show duties on a Wednesday evening.
Chapman, who has hosted MOTD2 for many years as well as numerous shows on BBC 5 Live, said: “It’s something quite beautiful that the three of us have all worked together for so many years, all of a similar age, to get this opportunity together.” , as three friends.
“There is absolutely no competition between the three of us.
“Me and Kelly did shows together 20 years ago and still do radio shows together on 5 Live.
“But I’m excited to be working with two hosts who are team players and just want what’s best for the show, the people who work on it and the viewers.”
#BBCFootball #MOTD pic.twitter.com/9K59gFBCUy
– Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) January 15, 2025
Cates keeps his job at Sky Sports
Cates, the daughter of former Liverpool player and manager Kenny Dalglish, will retain her role at Sky Sports and take advantage of the new opportunity.
She said: “As soon as I sit in that chair and the theme music starts, I just know that this is going to be a really incredible moment. I’ve worked with a lot of experts and they’re all fantastic, so I’m just excited to get started.
“I have known Gabby and Mark very well for years. So when you bring it all together and take the digital side of things into account, it feels like a really comprehensive football package for fans and that’s what makes it so exciting.”
Logan added: “It’s always a real moment (sitting in the chair) because it has such a big history. It’s still relevant to so many people and discussed in a landscape where television has changed so much.
“There is a huge responsibility to ensure we continue to develop whilst respecting the traditions of Match of the Day. People want to see the goals, they want to see the incidents, they want to see the moments that everyone is talking about. So while we can tinker around the edges, the core is football.”
Gary did a phenomenal job – Kay-Jelski
Alex Kay-Jelski, BBC director of sport, said: “I know viewers will love these three incredible broadcasters and journalists who will be at the heart of our football coverage next season.”
“They are brilliant at what they do and MOTD viewers can be assured they will be well looked after as the most important talking points in football are expertly analyzed.”
“Gary has done a phenomenal job on Match of the Day over the last 25 years, we will miss him dearly and we can all still enjoy him on our screens at some of football’s biggest tournaments.
“Outside of Match of the Day, we have some great new shows, voices and surprises planned for the 2025-26 season across audio, video and digital and we look forward to sharing them with you all later in the year.”
“It’s a really exciting time for BBC Sport’s football coverage.”
