Mark Chapman insists there is “no competition at all” between him, Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan after the trio were confirmed today as the new hosts of Match of the Day.
Although the line-up was widely anticipated, there were initial suggestions that Chapman was not keen on sharing the role and wanted it to be a solo performance.
However, the BBC today announced the widely expected line-up to replace Gary Lineker, who has been the sole host for 25 years, at the start of the next Premier League season in August.
New collection 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 to 2026.#MOTD #BBC Football #KellyKeats #Mark Chapman #GabbyLogan pic.twitter.com/r8hU5Owm8b
– Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) January 15, 2025
Not just Saturday night duties
In addition to Saturday night's main show, they will also share matchday two duties and Wednesday night's Champions League highlights.
Chapman, who has presented MOTD2 as well as numerous programs on BBC 5 Live for many years, said: “There's something very beautiful about the three of us having worked together for so many years, all the same age, to get this opportunity. Together, as three friends.
“There is no competition at all between the three of us.
“Kelly and I have been presenting together for 20 years and we still present radio shows together on 5 Live.
“But I'm excited to be working with two presenters who are on the team and want only the best for the show, the people who work on it and the viewers.”
#BBC Football #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 with Sky Sports as well as embrace the new opportunity.
“As soon as I sit in that chair and the music starts, I know it's going to be a really amazing moment,” she said. “I've worked with a lot of critics before and they've all been great, so I'm looking forward to getting started.”
“I've known Gabby and Mark well for years, so bringing it all together, and embracing the digital side of things, feels like a really comprehensive football package for the fans and that's what makes it so exciting as well.”
“It's always a real 'sit-in-the-chair' moment because it has such history. It's still relevant to a lot of people now and talked about in a landscape where television has changed so much,” Logan added.
“There is a huge responsibility to make sure we continue to improve while respecting the traditions of Match of the Day at the same time. People want to see the goals, they want to see the action, they want to see the moments that everyone is talking about, so while we can fiddle with the edges, the essence is football.
Gary did a great job – Kay Gilski
Alex Kay Gilski, BBC Director of Sport, said: “I know viewers will love these three fantastic broadcasters and journalists who are at the heart of our football coverage next season.
“They are good at what they do and MOTD viewers can be sure they will be well looked after as football's big talking points are expertly dissected.
“Gary has done a fantastic job on Match of the Day over the past 25 years, he will be greatly missed and we can all still enjoy him on our screens across some of football's greatest tournaments.
“Aside from Match of the Day, we have some great new shows, sounds and surprises for the 2025-2026 season across audio, video and digital, and we look forward to sharing them with you all later in the year.
“It's a really exciting time for BBC Sport football coverage.”
