Alan Shearer names 'logical' Gary Lineker successor as new MOTD host search continues

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Alan Shearer reckons that Mark Chapman would be a great choice to take over from Gary Lineker as the host of Match of the Day next season should he get the gig.

After a remarkable 25-year tenure, ex-England star Lineker will step down from the role after this current season. Since the announcement, made in November, there has been widespread speculation about his successor on the Saturday night Premier League highlights programme.

Chapman quickly became one of the front-runners for the high-profile position, as the current Match of the Day 2 host. Despite acknowledging being "out of the loop" regarding a final decision, Shearer understands why Chapman is considered "the logical choice" for the job. ALSO READ: Gary Lineker makes sack joke as BBC prepare to replace long-serving Match of the Day host ALSO READ: Gary Lineker replacement plan takes fresh twist after host 'turns down' Match of the Day job "Chappers does Match of the Day 2, so I guess if you're looking at it logically, he would have to have a real live chance of coming over to the Saturday, or doing both [shows]," the Betfair ambassador told The Mirror. "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." Lineker will no longer host Match of the Day next year, but he will continue leading the BBC's FA Cup coverage next season - and the corporation's coverage of the 2026 World Cup.