MOTD HOSTS CAN BE THE PERFECT FIT

WE are a third of the way into BBC Sport's Match of the Day panel before any of the new hosts mention Gary Lineker, and even then it is only a brief nod.

- BY TOM VICTOR

Gabby Logan, Mark Chapman and Kelly Cates (above, from left) are sharing presenting duties this season after the much-publicised exit of Lineker (below).

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,” said 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.”

All three hosts are coming at the project with different experiences, with Chapman a regular in the format after regularly hosting Match of the Day 2 in recent seasons.