Mark Lawrenson has revealed who he believes should replace Gary Lineker as the next presenter of Match of the Day.
Lineker has presented the programme for 25 years but there remains uncertainty regarding his future on the show.
Lawrenson insists that it will be Lineker’s choice as to when he decides to leave.
However, he believes that there is an individual already working for the BBC who would be a ‘ready-made replacement’ for Lineker.
Former Liverpool star Lawrenson worked alongside Lineker as a pundit on Match of the Day for many years and left the BBC in 2022 after being told that his contract wouldn’t be renewed.
Mark Lawrenson has given his verdict on who should succeed Gary Lineker
There has been much speculation over Lineker’s future as presenter of Match of the Day
According to Lawrenson, Mark Chapman, who presents Match of the Day 2, is the ideal candidate to eventually replace Lineker.
Lawrenson told Metro courtesy of Free Bets: ‘I still tune in regularly. It is still a very good programme, full stop.
‘I know there is a lot of speculation over Gary at the moment. Would it surprise me if he left at the end of the season? Possibly no. But he has earned the right to make his own decision, there is no doubt there whatever. And in Chappers, there is a ready-made replacement if it goes that way. It will be up to Gary.’
Lawrenson reiterated that it will be up to Lineker to decide when he departs. He proceeded to add that leaving the programme ‘feels like someone has chopped your arm off’.
Lawrenson says Match of the Day 2 presenter Mark Chapman could replace Lineker
Lawrenson said: ‘Replacing Gary, it’s a big role for whoever takes it. Before him, Des [Lynam] and Jimmy Hill did it for years and were wonderful but at the end of it all, your time comes.
‘But the good thing for Gary is, I think he will decide. I don’t think the BBC will decide. He will decide if he wants to go. He has earned the right to do so. He’s earned the right to leave.
‘He’s in his 60s now, I’m not sure what else he has going on that could possibly be a substitute for Match Of The Day because when you first leave it feels like someone has chopped your arm off. But he can do whatever he wants.’
Chapman has also worked for Sky Sports and has provided coverage of the Rugby League World Cup for the BBC.
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