Mark Chapman insists there is “absolutely no competition” between him, Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan after the trio were today confirmed as the new Match of the Day hosts.
Although the line-up was widely anticipated, some initially suggested that Chapman was unwilling to share the role and wanted it to be a solo gig.
However, the BBC today announced the widely expected line-up to succeed Gary Lineker, who has been sole presenter for the past 25 years, when the next Premier League season begins in August.
New team for next season! ✍️
We are delighted to announce that Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan will share Match of the Day presenting duties for 2025-26.#MOTD #BBCFootball #KellyCates #MarkChapman #GabbyLogan pic.twitter.com/r8hU5Owm8b
– Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) January 15, 2025
Not just Saturday night chores
As well as the flagship Saturday evening slot, they will also share duties for Match Day 2 and the Champions League highlights show on a Wednesday evening.
Chapman, who presented MOTD2 as well as numerous shows on BBC 5 Live for many years, said: “There’s something quite nice about the three of us having worked together for so many years, all at the same age, to have this opportunity. together, like three friends.
“There is absolutely no competition between the three of us.
“Kelly and I were doing shows together 20 years ago and still do radio shows together on 5 Live.
“But I’m excited to work with two presenters who are team players and who just want the best for the show, the people who work on it and the viewers.”
#BBCFootball #MOTD pic.twitter.com/9K59gFBCUy
– Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) January 15, 2025
Cates will keep his job at Sky Sports
Cates, the daughter of former Liverpool player and manager Kenny Dalglish, will retain her role at Sky Sports and embrace this new opportunity.
She said: “Once I sit in this chair and the theme music starts, I know it’s going to be a truly amazing moment. I’ve worked with lots of experts already and they’re all fantastic, so I can’t wait to get started.
“I’ve known Gabby and Mark really well for years, so putting all that together, incorporating the digital side of things, it feels like a really complete football package for the fans and that’s also what makes it so exciting.”
Logan added: “It’s always a real moment [sitting in the chair] because it has such a history. It’s still so relevant to so many people today and it’s talked about in a landscape where television has changed so much.
“There is a huge responsibility to ensure that we continue to evolve while respecting the traditions of Match of the Day. People want to see the goals, they want to see the incidents, they want to see the moments that everyone is talking about, so although we can tinker around the edges, the heart is football.
Gary did a phenomenal job – Kay-Jelski
Director of BBC Sport, Alex Kay-Jelski, said: “I know viewers will love these three incredible broadcasters and journalists at the heart of our football coverage next season.
“They are brilliant at what they do and MOTD viewers can be sure they will be well looked after as the big football talking points are expertly analyzed.
“Gary has done a phenomenal job on Match of the Day over the past 25 years, he will be greatly missed and we can still enjoy him on our screens at some of football’s biggest tournaments.
“Aside from Match of the Day, we have some great new shows, voices and surprises planned for the 2025-26 season in audio, video and digital and we can’t wait to share them with you all later in the year.
“It’s a really exciting time for BBC Sport’s football coverage.”
