SHEAR CLASS
Alan Shearer makes cheeky pitch to be new Match of the Day host in first show since Gary Lineker exit confirmed
An experienced presenter is the favourite to take over from Lineker
ALAN SHEARER made a cheeky pitch to become the new host of Match of the Day.
Last night's edition of the Premier League highlights show was the first since the BBC confirmed Gary Lineker would leave at the end of the season.
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The 63-year-old was in the hotseat yesterday, with Shearer and Ashley Williams the pundits.
But Lineker did not introduce the show as usual - instead giving the honours to the Newcastle legend as the pair performed a hilarious joke.
Looking down the lens of the camera like a presenter, Shearer quipped: "All good things must come to an end."
Lineker then replied: "Yes, Alan. Lee Carsley's England reign is over.
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"It's back to business in the Premier League. Seven games on the way. Alan Shearer and Ashley Williams join us."
Lineker then whispered under his breath: "Al ain't getting the job, is he?"
Shearer has been a pundit on Match of the Day since 2006 but is not thought to be in the running to take his pal's job after his 26 years at the helm.
Though he would be a popular choice as a study by Ipsos revealed 22 per cent of viewers want him as the new host.
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But experienced presenter Mark Chapman is currently the favourite.
Alex Scott, Kelly Cates and Kelly Somers are also in the running.
Gary Lineker's best Match of the Day moments
Lineker will cover FA Cup and World Cup games with the Beeb until 2026 and he will then officially leave.
Who could replace Gary Lineker as MOTD host?
GARY LINEKER dropped the shock news that he is QUITTING Match of the Day.
The popular presenter, 63, took over hosting duties on the flagship BBC programme from Des Lynam in 1999.
But after more than 25 years in the studio hotseat, he has called time on his MOTD gig.
But as part of a huge shake-up, the BBC is considering rotating the presenters on a weekly basis.
So with Lineker vacating the chair, new names will step into his giant boots. But who could they be?
MARK CHAPMAN
Chapman, 51, is the obvious early favourite to follow on from Lineker as MOTD presenter.
He already has the gig as MOTD2 host on a Sunday night plus landed the presenting job for the new BBC Champions League highlights show.
ALEX SCOTT
Scott gets the nod from the Beeb bosses when Lineker is away.
The former right-back, 40, is used to presenting the Saturday night show as well as live match coverage - plus ticks the box as a former England international.
GABBY LOGAN
Like Scott, Logan, 51, is one of the understudies to step in when Lineker is not available.
She has done most gigs since joining the BBC in 2007, including Olympics, Sports Personality of the Year and Final Score.
MICAH RICHARDS
Lineker's top pick to replace him is exuberant former Man City defender Richards.
The departing host told his close pal, 36, on their Stick to Football podcast: "I'd love to see you take over Micah, I think you'd be brilliant in the chair."
JASON MOHAMMAD
Mohammad could earn the "promotion" from Final Score to Match of the Day.
The 51-year-old Welshman - who took over from Logan in 2013 - is one of the BBC's top earners already and is more senior than fellow Final Score and BBC Sport broadcaster Kelly Somers, who could in theory become the main live host for the afternoon slot.
JEFF STELLING
He couldn't, could he? While Lineker has been the face of Saturday night TV for football fans for years, the face of the afternoons was Stelling in his role as Sky Sports' Soccer Saturday presenter.
He would bring plenty of on-screen charisma, wit and legendary TV expertise - but at nearly 70 and currently with talkSPORT, the Hartlepool fan would not be a cheap or long-term appointment.
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