Gary Lineker gives replace on his Match of the Day future after ‘pure successor’ Jermaine Jenas was sacked by the BBC over inappropriate office behaviour allegations

Gary Lineker has indicated he’s prepared to remain on as host of Match of the Day after his ‘pure successor’ Jermaine Jenas was sacked by the BBC final week.

Lineker, 63, has introduced the BBC’s flagship sports activities present for 1 / 4 of a century however his profitable £1.3million-a-year contract is ready to run out on the finish of the season.

It’s at the moment unclear whether or not he’ll decide to a renewal and hypothesis over his potential replacements has been rife – with Jenas on the entrance of the queue.

However former Tottenham midfielder Jenas, 41, was dismissed by the BBC over allegations of inappropriate office behaviour after a feminine colleague complained she had acquired unsolicited messages from the pundit.

Lineker had beforehand labelled Jenas as a ‘pure’ match to succeed him within the Match of the Day hotseat however in a current interview, he expressed a willingness to proceed.

Lineker, 63, has introduced the BBC’s flagship sports activities present for 1 / 4 of a century

‘Match Of The Day is such an iconic present, 60 years is such a very long time and I’ve introduced it for 25 of these years,’ he advised The Independent.

‘Podcast-wise, issues have actually exceeded our expectations however, on the identical time, I like being a part of Match Of The Day. I like working for the BBC. I do know it has its points and it has its troubles however I believe it is sensible.

‘I believe typically we do not shout about how good we’re on the BBC.’

Requested earlier this week how lengthy he expects to remain on the helm of the present, Lineker advised BBC Breakfast: ‘I do not know. Relies upon how lengthy they need me, I suppose. I like doing it in the meanwhile – I’ve nonetheless bought one other yr left, at the very least.’

Lineker has featured on a number of podcasts produced by the BBC however angered bosses on the company after expressing his private opinions on the struggle in Gaza and the previous Conservative authorities’s language round asylum seekers.

He was suspended in March 2023, main colleagues to boycott the programme.

Jenas labored as a pundit on Match of the Day and likewise guested on FA Cup and World Cup protection – and made no secret of his want to in the future change Lineker.

His final BBC look got here on The One Present on July 22 whereas his last Match of the Day exhibiting was on Might 4. He was a part of the BBC’s Euro 2024 protection. 

Jermaine Jenas, extensively tipped because the favorite to succeed Lineker, was sacked by the BBC

Jenas is pictured on his final episode of the One Present on July 22 this yr alongside Alex Jones

The previous England worldwide issued a public apology to the 2 ladies he had texted however insisted they had been between consenting adults.

Jenas now fears for the way forward for his marriage together with his spouse of 13 years, Ellie Penfold. 

‘I have never slept correctly since they advised me, to be sincere,’ he advised The Solar. 

‘I imply, the nervousness that builds up in your physique over all these issues. I have never had any sleeping capsules. I’ve simply not been sleeping. 

‘You simply sort of lay there, thoughts’s ticking over till you simply go out. A part of me would simply quite exit and run till I collapse.’

Jenas is pictured together with his spouse Ellie Penfold on the Satisfaction Of Britain Awards on October 8, 2023

Jenas, who has three kids with Ellie and one other teenage daughter from a earlier relationship, revealed his spouse has not but advised him whether or not their marriage can final.

He added: ‘After I see Ellie most days, she simply sort of will get up. She goes to verify the kids are OK. I really feel ashamed. I really feel I’ve let all people down.’