Sky Sports are reportedly ‘deeply saddened’ with Kelly Cates set to leave the broadcaster to be one of three replacements for Gary Lineker on Match of the Day.
It was last month confirmed that Lineker, who has presented the popular football highlights show ever since 1999, would be leaving at the end of the season.
Many names have been tipped to take over from the former England, Tottenham, Leicester, Barcelona and Everton star.
And Cates, it seems, will be one of three replacements.
Sky Sports are set to be raided in the wake of Gary Lineker’s imminent exit from BBC Match of the Day
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According to the Daily Mail, Cates is set to leave Sky to become part of a three-person team of Match of the Day presenters.
The broadcaster, who is the daughter of Liverpool legend Sir Kenny Dalglish, will jump ship at the end of the season – when Lineker departs.
It’s said that Cates is expected to work alongside Mark Chapman and Gabby Mogan, with the trio set to host both Match of the Day and Match of the Day 2.
The report also says that bosses at Sky have been left ‘deeply saddened’ by her imminent exit.
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Cates has impressed the BBC with her presentation of Sky’s Premier League coverage.
She also regularly presents on Radio 5 Live and previously hosted their phone-in programme, 606.
Lineker’s departure was confirmed last month, with the 63-year-old set to stay on Match of the Day until the end of the current campaign.
He will officially leave the BBC after the 2026 World Cup, having recently penned an extension with the broadcaster.
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And Alan Shearer, speaking to The Sun, insists his close friend remains one of the best presenters in the business as he prepares to depart.
“It’s been as it was. There’s been no change. I think it’s fine that it’s out. It’s better for everyone,” he said.
“Gary’s been an amazing presenter for so long and still is.
“I think it’s good that he’s going out on a high in terms of the World Cup. To go out and finish in America, that’s without a doubt going on a high.
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Sky Sports are ‘deeply saddened’ with Kelly Cates set to join BBC Match of the Day
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“Thomas Tuchel’s ultimately been hired with the objective of winning it and that would be pretty special.
“We’ll just enjoy the rest of the season. We always have a laugh and a joke on a Saturday, whether it’s about his team Leicester or Newcastle or whoever it may be and I think it’s really important that that will carry on.
“He’s done it for so long – 25 years will be his legacy of presenting the iconic football programme.
“I watched it every single week in my youth with my mum and dad. Then for me to play professional football and be on it, and then for me to sit on it, I’m lucky to be a part of Match of the Day for as long as I have been.
Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman are also set to present BBC Match of the Day from next season
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“It’ll be 20 years next year for me. So it’s been amazing.
“It’s a great show and still has the biggest numbers. And that iconic theme music never gets old, does it?”
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