Kelly Cates, known for her tenure at Sky Sports, is set to make headlines as she joins the BBC's newly formed three-person presenting team for the iconic football show, Match of the Day, slated to begin after the current season.
The announcement follows the news of Gary Lineker's impending departure after 25 seasons as the flagship presenter of the show. This change marks the end of an era for Lineker, who has been a notable face of the program since 1999. Cates, the daughter of Liverpool and Scotland legend Sir Kenny Dalglish, has built her career at Sky Sports since rejoining the network in 2016, earning acclaim for her coverage of the Premier League.
According to the Daily Mail, Cates will share presenting responsibilities with well-known BBC figures Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan. The trio is expected to rotate across both Match of the Day and the additional Match of the Day 2. This new lineup aims to modernize the show, which has traditionally relied on a small group of presenters—only five have graced its hosting duties before: Kenneth Wolstenholme, David Coleman, Jimmy Hill, Des Lynam, and Lineker.
Lineker, who will stay connected with the BBC, will continue to lead the broadcaster's FA Cup coverage next season before departing entirely after the 2026 World Cup scheduled for the USA, Canada, and Mexico. This phased exit suggests the corporation remains committed to ensuring the program maintains its legacy amid significant changes.
On the anticipated role, Cates expressed her thoughts about the transition, saying, "Gary is still very much in the job and I know him... I’m happy where I am,” as reported by The Independent. These remarks hint at her initial reluctance to be seen as vying for the role, stating her current setup offers her valuable experiences across TV, live matches, and radio, presenting on shows like Football phone-in 606 and as part of Radio 5 Live.
Chapman, another familiar face, is already recognized as the current host of Match of the Day 2. Since his regular anchoring of the highlights show, he has contributed significantly to BBC's sports programming, including coverage for the Carabao Cup and the recently launched Champions League highlights. Logan, too, is no stranger to large sporting events, having led coverage for significant competitions like the Paris 2024 Olympics and Women's European Championships.
This new trio was not formed lightly; Sky Sports reportedly feels the loss of Cates deeply. They have relied on her expertise for years, especially during intense Premier League coverage, where her chemistry with analysts like Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher has been palpable.
Cates's future at the BBC promises to be exciting; with responsibilities across major events, she seems well-positioned to make her mark following Lineker. It’s no secret the BBC is aiming for not only to retain its long-standing viewers but also to attract younger audiences with fresh perspectives and formats.
Reflecting on her experiences, Cates mentioned, "I do some work at Premier League Productions out of Stockley Park on a Monday morning show,” showing her versatility as she balances various facets of her career. This multifaceted approach might serve her well as she gears up to tackle the iconic presenting role at the BBC.
The future of Match of the Day, with Cates, Chapman, and Logan at its helm, suggests potential shifts and enhancements to the show’s traditional format. The BBC wants to instill new life and vibrancy within the program, which has also received calls for more news-driven segments and innovative storytelling.
With only just over two months left before the new presenting trio takes the stage, viewers can expect the traditional charm of Match of the Day mixed with modern flair. The time of reflection for Lineker was thorough; he leaves behind not just memories, but immense respect and admiration among fans.
Kelly Cates's new role isn't just about stepping onto the screen as new leading talent, but also embracing the opportunity to redefine the Match of the Day experience for both longtime viewers and newcomers alike.
It’s the dawn of a new chapter, one which promises to blend nostalgia for Lineker’s era with innovative approaches for the future of football broadcasting.”
