Gary Lineker has made a dramatic U-turn on his claim that he would not watch Match of the Day, now suggesting he “can’t miss” the BBC programme. The former England striker shared a video of the show’s opening titles on his Instagram story with the caption: “Can’t miss Match of the Day.”
Lineker’s long spell hosting the programme ended last season following an online controversy. The new-look show returned over the weekend with Mark Chapman taking the reins as joint host, alongside Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan. Earlier, Lineker had said he would likely watch on iPlayer rather than on Saturday nights, adding: “I don’t think I’ll be watching on Saturday. Maybe the odd time, if I’m in.”
Having tuned in, Lineker would have seen Chapman kick off the programme with a joke at his predecessor’s expense. Chapman said: “The Premier League is back and Match of the Day is back. You may have seen and heard there’s a big change to the show this season, and that is that Wayne Rooney has joined us as a regular pundit. Some things don’t change though, and Alan (Shearer) is still here.”
Kelly Cates, one of the new presenters, revealed that Lineker has not been in touch with her or sought to offer advice. She said: “No he hasn't got in touch and I haven't got in touch with him, but not because we're not avoiding each other. We just don't know each other. I know Gary to say hello to. We just don't know each other that well.”
Cates added that Lineker had reportedly said: “Why would I tell three broadcasters how to do their job?” She explained her own approach, saying: “I don't want to be Gary. I think there's a temptation to try and be someone else, and I think that you get a job because of yourself.”
