Jermaine Jenas sacking by BBC sees favourite to replace Gary Lineker on Match of the Day ruled out – so who will now?

MANCHESTER UNITED clinched one of the most dramatic and famous Trebles ever in the year Gary Lineker became Match of the Day host.

The Red Devils were then at their most dominant domestically – but 25 years later the race to replace Lineker could hardly be more wide open.

GettyAlan Shearer arguably had the best playing career of the candidates and has been a leading broadcaster for two decades[/caption]

GettyFormer England defender Micah Richards a popular and jovial broadcaster[/caption]

GettyEx-Lionesses ace Alex Scott turned to presenting after quitting playing in 2018[/caption]

Jermaine Jenas was the warm favourite to succeed the England legend, whose Beeb contract expires next year.

But Jenas’ axing by the BBC – amid allegations of “inappropriate behaviour” – means there is no clear frontrunner.

The broadcaster are investigating complaints made about the former Tottenham midfielder.

Jenas had high-profile roles on both MOTD and The One Show but has been taken off air.

Meanwhile, Lineker’s future remains uncertain. 

Asked how long he’ll stay in the job, the 63-year-old replied: “I don’t know. It depends how long they want me, I suppose.

“I love doing it at the moment. I’ve still got another year left, at least.”

But speculation is mounting over who will be the next person to host arguably the most famous weekly broadcasting spot in British broadcasting.

BBCThe BBC have axed Jermaine Jenas, who worked on MOTD and The One show[/caption]

BBCGary Lineker has been on MOTD since 1999 but his Beeb deal ends in 2025[/caption]

Lineker first sat in the hotseat in August 1999 – with United still celebrating completing the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League months earlier

The Red Devils immediately followed that up with their sixth Prem crown in eight seasons.

They had few challengers then – in contrast to an open field now to replace former Spurs striker Lineker.

Several familiar names appear to lead the way, however.

Here’s our list of seven top contenders.

ALEX SCOTT

The former Lionesses’ hero is a favourite with many fans having swapped her boots for a microphone a decade ago.

Picking up 140 caps while enjoying a peak-level club career with Arsenal in the WSL and and Boston Breakers gives her an impressive CV of knowledge.

And her wide-ranging roles in broadcasting, plus huge presence on social media, makes her one of the best-known and accessible candidates, with a CV suited to the role of chief host.

She’s covered sport for the Beeb, BT Sport and Sky Sports, also guest-presenting on The One show and appearing on Strictly Come Dancing.

MICAH RICHARDS

The jovial ex-Manchester City defender is rated a brilliant team player behind the mike by many fans.

His banter, laughter and upbeat manner balances the approaches of colleagues like Roy Keane, Jamie Carragher, Gary Neville, Thierry Henry and Co.

That’s included Sky Sports, CBS Sports and Match of the Day – meaning he’s done the groundwork for stepping into Lineker’s shoes.

Such an exuberant would be an intriguing choice for the Beeb.

MARK CHAPMAN

A respected all-round sports presenter who would arguably be the “safest” choice, especially as he’s famed for presenting Match of the Day 2.

GettyMark Chapman has a long and varied track record in broadcasting[/caption]

Few broadcasters can match the 50-year-old’s CV and ability to handle any situation.

Chapman is one of the few candidates with a professional playing career.

But he boosted his street cred with “serious” fans by becoming Non-Executive Director at fifth-tier Altrincham in 2022.

ALAN SHEARER

The ex-England forward and MOTD veteran would surely be the most strait-laced choice.

The Newcastle icon’s incredible career in front of goal demands respect.

And he’s been a leading pundit for the Beeb since 2006.

However, he might be seen as more of an earnest analyst than the main man steering the views of others.

DION DUBLIN

The affable ex-target man wears his broadcasting career likely – slipping effortlessly between sports punditry and presenting Homes under the Hammer.

GettyThe ex-striker has a versatile presenting CV[/caption]

His playing days were just as varied as his roles with the mike – progressing up the leagues from the contrasting Uniteds of Cambridge to Manchester.

Might be seen as a serious candidate if the Beeb wants to appeal more to a general audience.

MANISH BHASIN

A global face in football – as the amiable presenter fronts Premier League Productions across the world.

Manish Bhasin is known globally fro fronting  Premier League ProductionsGetty Images – Getty

The Leicester supporter, 48, first presented on the Beeb’s Football Focus in 2004, covering all sorts of sporting roles since then, including the Cricket World Cup.

Like Chapman and arguably Shearer, he might be considered as a straight-choice option.

MARTIN KEOWN

Possibly the most serious-minded option, the former Arsenal hardman is a long-time pundit for the BBC and BT Sport.

Whether he’d want to be the man in the middle, rather than just dishing out his verdict, might be in question.

But there’s one thing you can say about the 58-year-old, who played in four major tournaments for England – he’s rarely ducked a challenge.

The three-time Prem winner is also a part-time Gunners’ scout.

TNT SportsMartin Keown is a BBC and BT Sport pundit as well as part-time Arsenal scout[/caption]