Gary Lineker has refused to name his ideal candidate to succeed him as Match of the Day presenter but has one key piece of advice for whoever does replace him.
Once he has completed 25 years as host of the BBC’s flagship sports programme, Lineker will stand down at the end of the current Premier League season.
Lineker will continue with the corporation in a reduced capacity, fronting coverage of the FA Cup and the 2006 World Cup which will be hosted by USA and America.
The likes of Alex Scott, Mark Chapman and Gaby Logan are all in the running, meanwhile, to take one of the most coveted positions in broadcasting and Lineker has encouraged whoever takes over to remain true to themselves.
‘Obviously I don’t know who it will be and I would never tell publicly my preference, I don’t think that would be the right thing to do,’ said Lineker, broaching the subject of who would inherit the reins on his The Rest is Football Podcast.
‘Whoever it is be yourself. I had to fill the ginormous shoes of a certain Des Lynam.
‘I think I was the only person who was pleased he left for ITV because I thought I might get the job. I would say just be yourself and enjoy it.
‘It’s a wonderful programme to be part of. It was wonderful before I took over and it will be brilliant after I leave. So I would just say that really, enjoy it, live it and be yourself.’
Asked how he has dealt with the scrutiny that comes hand in hand with the role, Lineker added: ‘I quite enjoy it.
‘I’m quite driven and ambitious and I always want the show to be as popular as it possibly can and it’s nice to leave it in really good shape.
‘People’s viewing habits have changed slightly. A lot more people will watch it on iplayer. It’s always right up there.
‘Most often it’s No.1 on the iplayer charts after the weeekend with 2 million viewers. We also get another 2 million on Saturday night and another million on a Sunday morning.
‘Overall you’re looking at four, five, six million who watch the show. Overall it’s been a huge success. It’s the flagship BBC sport’s programme and hopefully it always will be.
‘You always have the issues of rights but hopefully it has a long future.’