Mark Chapman insists there is “absolutely no competition” between himself, Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan after the trio were today confirmed as the new hosts of Match of the Day.
Although the line-up was widely anticipated, there were initially suggestions that Chapman did not want to share the role and wanted it to be a solo gig.
However, the BBC today announced the widely-predicted line-up to take over from Gary Lineker, who has been the sole host for the past 25 years, at the start of the next Premier League season in August.
New mission for next season! ✍️
We are delighted to announce that Kelly Cates, Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan will share Match of the Day presenting duties from 2025-26.#MOTD #BBCFootball #KellyCates #MarkChapman #GabbyLogan pic.twitter.com/r8hU5Owm8b
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) January 15, 2025
Not just Saturday night duties
As well as the flagship slot on Saturday night, they will also share Match of the Day 2 duties and Champions League highlights on Wednesday night.
Chapman, who has presented MOTD2 as well as many shows on BBC 5 Live for many years, said: “There’s something really cool about the three of us working together for so many years, all at a similar age, to have this opportunity. together, as three friends.
“There is absolutely no competition between the three of us.
“Me and Kelly did shows together 20 years ago and we still do radio shows together on 5 Live.
“But I’m excited to be working with two hosts who are team players and 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 take advantage of the new opportunity.
He said: “As soon as I sit in that chair and the theme music starts, I just know it’s going to be a really incredible moment. I have worked with many specialists in the past and they are all fantastic so I can’t wait to get started.
“I’ve known Gabby and Mark really well for years, so to bring it all together, embracing the digital side of things, it’s like a really complete football package for the fans and that’s what makes it so exciting.”
Logan added: “It’s always a real moment (sitting in the chair) because it has such history. It’s still so relevant to so many people now and it’s being discussed in a landscape where television has changed so much.
“There is a huge responsibility to ensure that we continue to evolve while at the same time 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 while we can pinch the edges, the core is football.”
Gary has done an amazing 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 great at what they do and MOTD viewers can be sure they will be well looked after as football’s big talking points are expertly analysed.
“Gary has done an amazing job on Match of the Day for the past 25 years, he will be sorely missed and we can all still enjoy him on our screens at some of football’s biggest tournaments.
“In addition to Match of the Day, we have some great new shows, voices and surprises for the 2025-26 season in audio, video and digital and we look forward to sharing them with you later in the year.
“It’s a really exciting time for BBC Sport’s football coverage.”
