bosses at Sky are believed to be deeply saddened
It is reported that Kelly Cates is set to leave Sky Sports to become part of a three-person team of Match of the Day presenters.
In November 2024, it was announced that Gary Lineker would be leaving the long-running BBC show at the end of the 2024/25 season.
Since then, a whole host of names have been touted as Lineker’s replacement.
According to Daily Mail, Kelly Cates will succeed Gary Lineker.
It is expected that Cates will join Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan, with presenting duties for Match of the Day and Match of the Day 2 split between the trio.
Kelly Cates is the daughter of the Liverpool legend Sir Kenny Dalglish.
Her smooth presentation of Sky’s Premier League coverage and past experience with the BBC have gone in her favour.
She regularly presents on BBC 5 Live, used to host 606 and her arrival will be seen as a huge appointment.
Meanwhile, bosses at Sky are believed to be deeply saddened by her imminent exit.
Gary Lineker, who took over presenting duties on the flagship BBC show from Des Lynam in 1999, will exit after 26 years.
The 63-year-old is also set to leave the BBC altogether after the 2026 World Cup.
It is believed that executives want to move Match of the Day in a fresh direction and are considering bringing a news element to the show.
Alan Shearer insisted his close friend remains one of the best presenters in the business as he prepares to depart.
He said: “It’s been as it was. There’s been no change. I think it’s fine that it’s out. It’s better for everyone.
“Gary’s been an amazing presenter for so long and still is.
“I think it’s good that he’s going out on a high in terms of the World Cup. To go out and finish in America, that’s without a doubt going on a high.
“Thomas Tuchel’s ultimately been hired with the objective of winning it and that would be pretty special.”
“We’ll just enjoy the rest of the season.
“We always have a laugh and a joke on a Saturday, whether it’s about his team Leicester or Newcastle or whoever it may be and I think it’s really important that that will carry on.
“He’s done it for so long – 25 years will be his legacy of presenting the iconic football programme.
“I watched it every single week in my youth with my mum and dad. Then for me to play professional football and be on it, and then for me to sit on it, I’m lucky to be a part of Match of the Day for as long as I have been.
“It’ll be 20 years next year for me. So it’s been amazing.
“It’s a great show and still has the biggest numbers. And that iconic theme music never gets old, does it?”
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