BBC fan favourite rules himself out of replacing Gary Lineker as Match of the Day host

There'll be a new host in Gary Lineker's seat next season (Image: Getty)

BBC presenter Manish Bhasin has dismissed suggestions he could replace Gary Lineker as Match of the Day host. The Beeb is on the hunt for a presenter to take over from next season.

Lineker, 63, recently announced he’ll be leaving after more than 25 years in the role, although he’ll return for one last gig at the 2026 World Cup. It’s going to be no mean feat to fill the England legend’s shoes.

As host of Match of the Day 2, Mark Chapman is the bookies’ favourite to succeed him. But another man who has experience in that seat and hasn’t been widely mentioned is Bhasin.

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In recent years, he’s stepped up to host the Sunday programme in Chapman’s absence. And he was a hit with football fans as host of The Football League Show between 2009 and 2015, when the BBC held the rights for highlights of the Championship, League One and League Two.

However, Bhasin, 48, distanced himself from Lineker’s job on social media on Wednesday (November 20). After the news broke earlier this month, one X user posted a picture of him with the caption: “Your time has finally come @_manishbhasin.”

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Nine days later, he replied: “I wish! Thanks for the kind comments though.” Bhasin’s association with the Beeb stretches back over two decades.

Manish Bhasin doesn't consider himself a candidate for the job (Image: Getty) SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

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He became the youngest host of Football Focus, aged 27, in 2004, and soon became their primary cricket presenter. He’s now the frontman for Premier League Productions.

Chapman, current Football Focus host Alex Scott, Kelly Somers, and Gabby Logan are believed to be high on the list of internal candidates. If the broadcaster looks externally, TNT Sports' Reshim Chowdhury and Sky Sports' Kelly Cates have been touted.

As they look to move with the digital times, The Sun claims Roman Kemp is being targeted for a new online role. As part of their new deal with the Premier League, they can share highlights before Match of the Day airs.