Gary Lineker replaced by Mark Chapman and new face joins - How Match of the Day could look

Mark Chapman is the early frontrunner to replace Gary Lineker (Image: Getty Images)

Match of the Day is poised for its most significant revamp this century following the news that Gary Lineker will step down at the end of the season. The ex-England forward has been the face of the iconic Saturday night programme since the late 1990s.

While his forthcoming exit signifies the end of an era, Lineker won't vanish from the BBC entirely as he will stay with the corporation until the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup. The mutual decision to part ways comes after months of conjecture about his future and debates over whether his £1.4million salary offered value for money.

Lineker's departure will afford him more time to concentrate on his expanding podcast empire, which includes The Rest is Football and The Rest is Politics. But what could it mean for Match of the Day going forward?

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Mark Chapman, the seasoned presenter, is the frontrunner to replace Lineker, if the BBC opts for a permanent replacement. Seen as a 'safe pair of hands', this would be the continuity choice as the broadcaster has already hosted the show and its Sunday night version, MOTD2.

Chapman, 51, enjoys a strong rapport with pundits, having collaborated with many of them across TV and radio. A rotating roster of presenters has also been suggested. Even so, Chapman is likely to remain a key figure. Regardless of the direction the BBC chooses, Chapman's role is set to expand.

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Lineker's looming exit prompts questions about Shearer and Richards' future, given their close professional ties. Not only are they regulars on Match of the Day alongside Lineker, but they also feature prominently on Lineker's The Rest of Football podcast.

Might they step back from Match of the Day to dedicate more time to the podcast? Could Richards allocate more time to his punditry duties on Sky Sports and CBS? While it's anticipated that both will stay with the programme, their roles could be downsized.

Theo Walcott could get more air time on Match of the Day (Image: Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images) SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

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Theo Walcott becomes a regular

The ex-Arsenal and Southampton speedster is no newcomer to the Match of the Day studio. However, in light of Lineker's departure, he might be given a more consistent role if the BBC opts to revamp its punditry team.

As a recently retired player familiar with many current players, Walcott can provide fresh perspectives and has won over audiences with his articulate analysis.

'English Roy Keane' comes in

If the BBC truly wants to kick off Match of the Day's new chapter with a bang, they could bring the outspoken Sutton onto the punditry panel. The ex-Blackburn and Chelsea forward, known for his forthright opinions in a similar mould to Roy Keane, is already a BBC radio pundit and co-presents the long-standing 606 phone-in show.

There's potential for a nostalgic reunion with former teammate Alan Shearer, with whom he clinched the 1994/95 Premier League title at Blackburn. Not the closest of pals, Sutton has previously remarked: "We weren't best friends, but we didn't dislike each other, either."

Gary Lineker replaced by Mark Chapman and new face joins - How Match of the Day could look

Gary Lineker replaced by Mark Chapman and new face joins - How Match of the Day could look

Gary Lineker replaced by Mark Chapman and new face joins - How Match of the Day could look

Gary Lineker replaced by Mark Chapman and new face joins - How Match of the Day could look

Gary Lineker replaced by Mark Chapman and new face joins - How Match of the Day could look