'People kept asking me if I was replacing Gary Lineker on Match of the Day – as if!'

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Guy Mowbray was baffled by rumours linking him to the Match of the Day presenter's job following Gary Lineker's exit in 2025. The 53-year-old was quick to shut down the suggestion, pointing out how his role in football media differs significantly from Lineker's.

Lineker stepped down from the BBC flagship programme following the 2024/25 season. The 65-year-old has since been replaced by the trio of Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan.

Explaining why he was never in the mix for the job, Mowbray told The Athletic: "I sometimes don't think people understand the difference between a commentator, a presenter and a pundit. They're all very distinct, different roles.

"The number of times, when Gary Lineker stepped down from Match of the Day, people asked me, 'Are you going to take over? Are you going to throw your hat in there?' I don't do that job! As if!"

Lineker announced in November 2024 that he would depart the show at the end of that season, but would host the BBC's coverage of the World Cup 2026 and the 2025/26 FA Cup .

However, Lineker cut all ties with the BBC after the final episode of MOTD that season. His decision to do so came after he shared a social media post about Zionism that featured an illustration of a rat.

The image has historically been used as an antisemitic insult and sparked a significant backlash. Lineker was quick to apologise and delete the post, saying he would "never consciously repost anything antisemitic".

He continued: "I recognise the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry I am. Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action."

Adding: "I would like once again to say I'm sorry unreservedly for the hurt and upset caused. It was a genuine mistake and oversight. But I should have been more diligent. I know that."

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Since Lineker's departure, Cates, Chapman and Logan have picked up the baton. Lineker recently revealed his theory on why the BBC selected three people to do his one job in his place.

He told FourFourTwo: "That's probably down to the fact it's a massive commitment. Those three have all got families, and if you're saying someone is going to do it for the next 10 or 20 years, then your weekends are gone.

Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.