Retiring host Rider criticises BBC replacement saying his departure was inevitable

SPORTS broadcaster Steve Rider has hit out at Gary Lineker in his final interview before retiring.

- BY MARK JEFFERIES and ARCHIE GRIGGS

The 75-year-old presented his final show on Sunday, covering the fifth round of the British Touring Car Championship at Oulton Park for ITV4.

But he was said to be unimpressed by the BBC's decision to pick Gary as his replacement on their golf coverage in 2005.

Steve, who had moved to ITV to become the anchor of their F1 and World Cup games, has not spoken to the former England footballer since then, according to The Telegraph who he spoke to about his retirement.

Asked about Gary's recent exit from the BBC earlier than planned, he said: "To put forward his opinions so energetically, you need to step outside the framework of the BBC.