- Gary Lineker is stepping down after nearly 26 years as Match of the Day’s host
- BBC presenter Manish Bhasin has spoken out on the prospect of changing him
- LISTEN NOW: It is All Kicking Off! , obtainable wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes each Monday and Thursday
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BBC presenter Manish Bhasin has spoken out on the prospect of succeeding Gary Lineker on Match of the Day, after a number of followers known as for him to step in as host.
Lineker, who’s stepping down after nearly 26 years on the helm of BBC’s flagship soccer present, will start his lengthy farewell to the programme this weekend after the Beeb opted to nominate a brand new presenter from the beginning of subsequent season.
Followers have keenly speculated who ought to succeed Lineker within the Match of the Day chair, with Mark Chapman, Alex Scott, Gabby Logan and Kelly Cates all within the body.
A number of supporters took to social media this week to endorse Bhasin for the function.
Bhasin, 48, is a sports activities presenter finest recognized for internet hosting BBC’s The Soccer League Present, which — very like Match of the Day — confirmed highlights from throughout the Championship, League One and League Two.
Previous to his involvement on the highlights present, Bhasin hosted Soccer Focus and has labored on Matchday Dwell for Premier League Productions since 2016.
BBC presenter Manish Bhasin has spoken out on the prospect of internet hosting Match of the Day
The seek for Gary Lineker’s successor started final week after the BBC introduced he could be stepping down on the finish of the season from their flagship soccer present after nearly 26 years
Some followers are calling for Bhasin to interchange Lineker after his work on The Soccer League Present
The programme, which instantly adopted Match of the Day, moved from the BBC to Channel 5 on the finish of the 2015-16 season.
‘Your time has lastly come,’ one fan posted on X alongside an image of Bhasin internet hosting The Soccer League Present.
‘The folks’s champion,’ one other added, replying to the put up.
A 3rd commented: ‘That is really it, that is the one man for the present.’
Though Bhasin isn’t at the moment on the Beeb’s books, he does have expertise internet hosting Match of the Day 2 and at the moment works on Premier League soccer, so may current an alternate candidate for the BBC.
In response to the feedback, Bhasin appeared to recommend that the Match of the Day gig is nothing however a pipe dream, replying: ‘I want! Thanks for the type feedback although.’
In accordance with a ballot carried out by market analysis firm Ipsos this week, followers wish to see recurring Match of the Day pundit Alan Shearer take the reins on the present.
When these surveyed had been requested to vote on who they wish to see succeed Lineker, 22 per cent selected the Newcastle and Blackburn legend.
One labelled Bhasin ‘the folks’s champion’ whereas one other stated he is the ‘solely man for the present’
Mark Chapman, who hosts Match of the Day 2, is without doubt one of the favourites to succeed Lineker
It seems Bhasin would not really feel he is in with a shot for the presenting function, as he replied: ‘I want!’
Chapman, who hosts the highlights present’s sister programme Match of the Day 2, was an in depth second-favourite to succeed Lineker amongst followers, with 20 per cent.
Alex Kay-Jelski, the BBC’s director of sport, is believed to be eager on taking the present down a distinct path and hopes a brand new presenter can appeal to a youthful viewers to the programme.
A number of feminine presenters are thus within the body to interchange Lineker, with Logan, Scott, Cates and Kelly Somers all touted as contenders.
Scott got here third within the Ipsos ballot rankings with 12 per cent of votes, whereas Logan is fourth with 10 per cent.
