JERMAINE JENAS’ sacking by the BBC means the favourite to succeed Gary Lineker as Match of the Day host is out of the running.
The former Tottenham midfielder has lost his presenting roles on MOTD and The One show after the Beeb launched an investigation into allegations of “inappropriate behaviour”.
He’d been seen as the frontrunner to succeed the England legend but has now been totally taken off air.
It comes as Lineker’s future remains uncertain, with his lucrative BBC contract ending in 2025.
Asked how long he’ll stay in the job, the 63-year-old replied: “I don’t know. It depends how long they want me, I suppose.
“I love doing it at the moment. I’ve still got another year left, at least.”
But speculation is mounting over who will be the next person to host arguably the most famous weekly broadcasting spot in British broadcasting.
Lineker took the hotseat in August 1999 – as Manchester United were still celebrating completing the Treble of Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League just months earlier.
The Red Devils immediately followed that up with their sixth Prem crown in eight seasons.
United had few challengers domestically back then – whereas the race to replace former Spurs striker Lineker on the Beeb could not be more open.
Several familiar names appear to lead the way, however.
And here’s our list of possibly the eight top contenders.
The former Lionesses’ hero is a favourite with many fans having swapped her boots for a microphone a decade ago.
Picking up 140 caps while enjoying a peak-level club career with Arsenal in the WSL and and Boston Breakers gives her an impressive CV of knowledge.
And her wide-ranging roles in broadcasting, plus huge presence on social media, makes her one of the best-known and most accessible candidates for the chief MOTD position.
She’s covered sport for the Beeb, BT Sport and Sky Sports, also guest-presenting on The One show and appearing on Strictly Come Dancing.
The jovial ex-Manchester City defender is rated a brilliant team player behind the mike by many fans.
His banter, laughter and upbeat manner balances the approaches of colleagues like Roy Keane, Jamie Carragher, Gary Neville, Thierry Henry and Co.
That’s included Sky Sports, CBS Sports and Match of the Day – meaning he’s done the groundwork for stepping into Lineker’s shoes.
Such an exuberant would be an intriguing choice for the Beeb.
Highly-respected for her general professionalism and insight across the sports, her chances of getting the MOTD gig have shot up since landing the job fronting the Beeb’s new Champions League highlights show.
The former top gymnast worked for ITV, switching to the Beeb in 2007.
She was undoubtedly a stellar presenter at this summer’s Olympics, effortlessly flitting between events.
A respected all-round sports presenter who would arguably be the “safest” choice, especially as he’s famed for presenting Match of the Day 2.
Few broadcasters can match the 50-year-old’s CV and ability to handle any situation.
Chapman is one of the few candidates with a professional playing career.
But he boosted his street cred with “serious” fans by becoming Non-Executive Director at fifth-tier Altrincham in 2022.
The ex-England forward and MOTD veteran would surely be the most strait-laced choice.
The Newcastle icon’s incredible career in front of goal demands respect.
And he’s been a leading pundit for the Beeb since 2006.
However, he might be seen as more of an earnest analyst than a charismatic guider of others’ views.
The affable ex-target man wears his broadcasting career likely – slipping effortlessly between sports punditry and presenting Homes under the Hammer.
His playing days were just as varied as his roles with the mike – progressing up the leagues from the contrasting Uniteds of Cambridge to Manchester.
Might be seen as a serious candidate if the Beeb wants to appeal more to a general audience.
A global face in football – as the amiable presenter fronts Premier League Productions across the world.
The Leicester supporter, 48, first presented on the Beeb’s Football Focus in 2004, covering all sorts of sporting roles since then, including the Cricket World Cup.
Like Chapman and arguably Shearer, he might be considered as a low-risk pick.
Possibly the most serious-minded option, the former Arsenal hardman is a long-time pundit for the BBC and BT Sport.
Whether he’d want to be the man in the middle, rather than just dishing out his verdict, might be in question.
But there’s one thing you can say about the 58-year-old, who played in four major tournaments for England – he’s rarely ducked a challenge.
The three-time Prem winner is also a part-time Gunners’ scout.
