Match of the Day legend Mark Lawrenson has warned the BBC that the iconic show could end up suffering the same fate as Football Focus. The Beeb axed Football Focus after 52 years in May, with the corporation reshaping its football coverage.
On Wednesday, chiefs announced more changes ahead of the new Premier League season, this time to its line-up for Match of the Day. Familiar faces Martin Keown, Dion Dublin, Shay Given, Stephen Warnock, Nedum Onuoha and Theo Walcott were all not named on their list of pundits, although Mirror Football understands that they will still play a role for MOTD in the 2026-27 campaign.
New faces and hosts
Meanwhile, newcomers Ashley Young, Robbie Keane, Toby Alderweireld and Thomas Frank will join the show. Last season saw a new set of hosts, with Mark Chapman, Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan stepping in to replace the long-serving Gary Lineker following his abrupt departure after a fallout with BBC bosses.
Assessing the state of Match of the Day four years after he exited the BBC, Lawrenson penned a column for the Telegraph. While he praised the show's new hosts, the former Liverpool defender wrote: "My worry is that there are now so many vehicles out there for the most insightful pundits - especially with the growth of podcasts such as Gary's - why would anyone feel an obligation to stay if they are worried about the direction of Match of the Day?"
Lawrenson's concerns
"There may come a point when questions such as, 'what is happening here?' will be asked, and other offers will feel more attractive. How long before they say, 'get me out of here?' It looks like it is already happening."
Lawrenson added: "Like all the best football shows, what attracts viewers is the familiarity of the personalities offering their insights. You may not always agree with them, but when they have authority, respect and gravitas you will still tune in to hear what they have to say."
Lineker already has a new gig, with his The Rest is Football podcast being shown on Netflix during the World Cup as part of a £14million deal, and it'll also be streamed on the platform throughout the new season. Lineker was joined in New York by ex-MOTD colleagues Alan Shearer and Micah Richards, whereas the BBC presented most of their coverage from Salford.
World Cup approach criticised
Lawrenson labelled the decision 'nuts' and claimed that it sent a 'bad signal' to staff. "I could not believe the BBC's approach to the World Cup, with the presenting team based in Salford for the majority of the tournament while Gary and his two former BBC colleagues - Alan and Micah Richards - were in the US," the 69-year-old said.
"I know care has to be taken with budgets, but it's the World Cup for God's sake. That was nuts and it sends out a bad signal about priorities."
