Mark Chapman has warned fans expecting Match of the Day to be drastically different without Gary Lineker that they’re going to be ‘disappointed’ as he prepares for his new gig.
The 51-year-old was recently confirmed as one of three replacement presenters for Lineker, with Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan also poised to share the job.
Lineker is leaving the programme at the end of the season, with the ex-England star set to depart the BBC completely in 2026.
It has been reported that MOTD will undergo some more changes, with BBC chiefs keen to freshen things up in order to keep their audience.
Mark Chapman has warned fans expecting Match of the Day to be drastically different without Gary Lineker that they’re going to be ‘disappointed’ as he prepares for his new gig
PA
Yet Chapman, speaking at the Sports Journalism awards, he insisted that things are unlikely to be too different.
Furthermore, he’s told fans expecting a major shake-up that they’re ‘going to be disappointed’.
He said: “Nothing different. I know people keep saying, ‘Oh this will change or that will change’. I genuinely don’t think anything will change.
“It will still be showing all the highlights and having a bit of a chat.
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“So, if you’re wanting a lot of change, I suppose you’re going to be a bit disappointed by it.
“I think we are still just going to do the same thing and talk about football and have a laugh and that will be that.”
Lineker has been host of Match of the Day ever since 1999.
However, reports have suggested that he’s departing at a time when BBC officials have grown tired of his outspoken and controversial nature.
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@markchapman gives us an insight into the new look of next season’s Match of the Day. pic.twitter.com/bVzH3bIiNu
— Sports Journalists (@SportSJA) March 24, 2025
Lineker was infamously hooked from MOTD presenting duties in 2023 after comparing the Conservative government in charge of the country to 1930s Germany based on their views on immigration.
However, after pundits, staff and other staff at the BBC protested, he was reinstated.
Logan, meanwhile, recently revealed she was sworn to secrecy over taking over from Lineker – and didn’t even tell her own mother the news.
“I didn’t even tell my mum,” she said.
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“I set up a group chat and called it ‘The Match of the Day three’ and there were disappearing messages as Chappers was really paranoid about this.
“The only person I told was Kenny [Logan, her husband].”
Lineker’s exit was confirmed in November.
He said at the time: “It has been an absolute joy and privilege to present such an iconic show for the BBC, but all things have to come to an end.
Mark Chapman will be one of three replacements for Gary Lineker on Match of the Day from next season
PA
“It came at a point where really the BBC and Match of the Day, they’ve got the rights for another three years, the cycle starts from next season so it felt like if I just do one more year it would be a bit weird.
“I bowed out in my football career when I felt it was the right time. I feel this is now the right time.
“I think the next contract they’re looking to do Match of the Day slightly differently, so I think it makes sense for someone else to take the helm.”
