Gary Lineker picked a Match of the Day successor who now seems unlikely to win the job (Image: Getty)
once tipped to win his Match of the Day presenting job – but it now seems unlikely that the former midfielder will ever sit in the hot seat. Jenas was sacked by the in .
The 40-year-old admitted to sending ‘inappropriate messages’ but has insisted that they were between consenting adults and that his behaviour was not illegal. He , thanking his fans for their support.
But Jenas’ chances of ever hosting Match of the Day have never been so remote. The ex- and star was widely believed to have been lined up for the role, with the handing him several presenting roles including The One Show to prepare him for the high-profile position.
Lineker, who has fronted Match of the Day since 1999, even believed Jenas was his natural heir. Speaking on the Match of the Day Top 10 podcast in 2023, the former England captain said: ” – who is probably drifting more towards my role. I think Jermaine is doing it really well as well, doing The One Show.”
Pundit Micah Richards jokingly asked Lineker if he was nervous about Jenas taking his job. He replied: “Nervous? I’m ancient. My time is nearly up.”
It comes amid speculation that this season may be Lineker’s last as the host of the highlights show. His £1.35million per-year contract expires at the end of the 2024-25 campaign, with no new terms reported to have been agreed.
According to the , an bosses apparently suggests that plans are being made to announce Lineker’s departure. Express Sport has not seen the email and the veracity of the communication has not been verified.
Jermaine Jenas was sacked by the BBC last month and seems unlikely to become MOTD host (Image: Getty)
The could therefore be scrambling to appoint a new Match of the Day host if Lineker steps down. It will not be Jenas after the broadcaster abruptly announced in August that he was no longer part of their presenting line-up.
Jenas, who says he has plans to return to football broadcasting, recently told his followers: “I just thought it was important for me to jump on here actually and just talk to you lot and say thank you for the level of support that you’ve shown me.
“It’s clearly been a difficult period for me but one I will definitely grow from. We’re human beings, it is what it is, you’ll learn from it. Become a better person. I think those are the things that are important in life.”