TRIO TO SHOW THERE IS LIFE AFTER LINEKER

WE ARE a third of the way into BBC Sport’s Match of the Day panel before any of the new hosts mentions Gary Lineker (inset), and even then it is only a brief nod.

- by TOM VICTOR

Gabby Logan, Kelly Cates and Mark Chapman are sharing presenting duties this season after Lineker’s much-publicised exit.

And, speaking at the Beeb’s 2025-26 season launch event in London, they are primed to look forward while not forgetting what has made the show great.

“It’s a team effort,” says Chapman. “All three of us have agreed it’s not going to be about us.

“We've all worked in sport and it’s about the pundits first and foremost, getting the best out of the pundits, and that’s the most important thing for us.

“But this, for me, is a show that is thriving. It’s a show that we hope to continue doing what’s been done so far.”