Alan Shearer picks replacement for Gary Lineker on Match of the Day

Alan Shearer's pick to succeed Lineker on Match of the Day, Mark Chapman, is going to get the gig but he won't be flying solo.

The Match of the Day 2 host will share presenting duties with Sky Sports' Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan.

Lineker announced his departure from MOTD in November after joining in 1999.

He will remain a part of the BBC's football coverage for a further 18 months before cutting all ties with the broadcaster.

Lineker's contract with the BBC was due to expire at the end of the season but signed an 18-month extension to take him through to the 2026 World Cup.

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The 64-year-old took on the hosting role in 1999 when he replaced Des Lynam, having moved into punditry and presenting following his glittering playing career.

Along with Match of the Day, Lineker worked on Radio 5 Live, They Think It's All Over and Grandstand.

Lineker's contract with the BBC earned him over £1.3million a year, making him the broadcaster's highest-paid talent.

He was also suspended from hosting the show in 2023 after he breached the BBC's rules on expressing political views on social media.

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Shearer, a regular pundit alongside Lineker, will now see his preference for Lineker's replacement come to fruition.

It has been reported that Chapman will be one-third of the trio to take over hosting duties.

The three presenters are to take turns for the 2025/26 season.

This news follows Shearer's endorsement of Chapman for the position.

"Chappers does Match of the Day 2, so I guess if you're looking at it logically, then he would have to have a real live chance of coming over to the Saturday or doing both shows," Shearer told the Mirror earlier this week.

"I don't know, though, I haven't spoken to anyone about it. Whoever it is, they've got big shoes to fill, obviously, but yeah, the show goes on.

"Someone will come in and present it, and if it is Chappers, then he will do a great job, I'm sure."

Shearer wasn't the only one singing Chapman's praises as ex-Liverpool player Danny Murphy, now an analyst with the broadcaster, also threw his support behind the 51-year-old.

"I feel that they've got [a candidate]," Murphy told Kick Off on talkSPORT.

"Mark Chapman, who I work with a lot on Sundays. I think he's a brilliant presenter and very, very knowledgeable on sport and football. Somebody who is ready-made for it.

"Whether he wants it or not, I don't know. That's a different question, you'd have to ask him.

"But he would be the glaring, obvious choice for me."

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