Sky Sports presenter Kelly Cates will host BBC Match of the Day next season as one of three people chosen to replace the outgoing Gary Lineker.
According to a report by the Mail, Cates is switching to the BBC’s football flagship program as part of a trio of new faces.
Lineker, 64, is stepping down from the highlights show after 26 years of hosting.
Forty-nine-year-old broadcaster Cates (nee Dalglish), is the daughter of legendary Liverpool forward Sir Kenny.
Cates is highly respected in the industry, and her move to the BBC is seen by many as something of a coup.
Kelly Cates One Of Three New Match of the Day Presenters
The Mail’s report goes on to say that Cates will form a new presenting trio.
It is believed that hosting duties on the BBC programme – along with Match of the Day 2 – will be rotated between the three new presenters.
Fellow broadcasters Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman are the others expected to join Cates in presenting MotD.
Both Logan and Chapman have plenty of experience within the BBC. Chapman has hosted Match of the Day 2 since 2013 while Logan regularly presents for BBC Sport.
Cates has also worked for the BBC before and currently presents on Radio 5 Live.
This experience was key in the BBC’s decision to hire her – along with her excellent coverage.
Lineker Departure Marks End Of An Era
Former World Cup Golden Boot winner Gary Lineker took over from Des Lynam in 1999.
After 26 years presenting Match of the Day, he is the only host many younger viewers will remember.
But it is thought that the BBC want to move in a new direction. Lineker will leave the BBC completely following the 2026 World Cup in America, Mexico and Canada.
Lineker netted 48 goals for England in 80 caps, and is the nation’s fourth-highest all-time scorer.
