Paul Gascoigne says Gary Lineker is ‘leaving Match of the Day’ and names his two picks to take over
Paul Gascoigne believes Alan Shearer or Gareth Southgate should replace Gary Lineker on Match of the Day amid uncertainty over the 63-year-old’s future.
Lineker’s contract with the Beeb is due to expire in 2025 and, recently, talk of a departure has ramped up.
The former Tottenham, Barcelona, Leicester and England star has been the host of Match of the Day ever since replacing Des Lynam in 1999.
Recently, it was claimed that BBC chief Alex Kay-Jelski is ‘backing moves’ to end Lineker’s tenure.
It’s been claimed that he wants to ‘freshen up’ the iconic football show by bringing in someone younger to lead their coverage.
And Kay-Jelski is said to feel that Lineker’s name ‘doesn’t carry as much weight as it once did’.
Gascoigne, speaking to SportsCasting, believes the 63-year-old will leave the BBC.
And he’s also tipped either Shearer or Southgate to step in to take over, too.
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“Lineker is quitting Match of the Day isn’t he and I thought, I wonder if Shearer is going to take over, or Southgate because he’s been doing a little bit of commentary,” he said.
“I reckon Shearer will take over because he loves a bit of money.
“He’s so tight he only cries from one eye!
“If Man United do get rid of [Erik] ten Hag, I could see Gareth Southgate taking over as manager.”
Shearer first started appearing on Match of the Day in 2006, when he retired from football after a brilliant stint at Newcastle.
As for Southgate, the former England boss has worked in punditry in the past and is currently a free agent following his decision to leave his role earlier this summer.
The pair are not believed to be among the favourites at the current moment in time, however.
Instead, Mark Chapman is in pole position – with Gabby Logan also among the candidates who may take over.
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One person who was previously the frontrunner was Jermaine Jenas.
Lineker, speaking last year, even backed the 41-year-old to become his replacement.
But Jenas was axed by the BBC back in August following complaints from two female members of staff of inappropriate behaviour.
The ex-Newcastle and Tottenham star has since fronted up and apologised for his actions, saying he’s let himself and his family down.
Jenas is currently focused on repairing his marriage to wife, Ellie Penfold.
He could yet return to television, however, amid claims that TNT Sports may offer him a lifeline.
