Gary Lineker tells Match of the Day colleague he was his No 1 choice for show

Gary Lineker has revealed to Micah Richards that he was the top pick to join him and Alan Shearer on his The Rest Is Football podcast. In Monday’s episode, as they discussed whether Lee Carsley feels like The FA’s first choice for England manager, Richards quipped: “It’s like this pod innit? Wrighty [Ian Wright] was your first choice and I was your second choice,” prompting Lineker to respond: “Well you know, that happens. Yeah.”

Richards chimed in: “Sometimes it happens. It’s what you do with your opportunity, and that was it no? ” Lineker, with a serious tone, then affirmed: “Can I say Micah? Can I say that for this podcast, The Rest Is Football, you were first choice,” which led to Richards erupting with joy.

Lineker clarified: “I think that you’re going back to the Match of the Day top 10s when Wrighty was.” He quickly continued his banter, though, adding: “I mean Wrighty obviously was unavailable anyway,” before all three pundits shared a laugh, reports the Mirror.

The trio, regular faces on MOTD, have forged a strong bond both professionally and personally, leading them to start The Rest Is Football podcast in August last year. By October 2024, the podcast now boasts over 200 episodes and shows no sign of stopping.

Speculation has been mounting that the BBC might be considering replacing Lineker as the face of Match of the Day, following a reported leaked email suggesting the ex-Tottenham and Leicester frontman would leave the iconic show. Since 1999, Lineker has been at the helm, but with his £1.35 million contract ending after the current Premier League season, it’s not clear if he’ll stay thereafter.

However, it turns out the speculation may be off target. A spokesperson for the programme clarified the situation, stating: “We have nothing to announce, and we have not agreed next steps with regard to his contract. He is on contract until the end of the season.”

Facing rumours with his usual wit, Lineker humorously announced on the programme that it was his “final show… before the international break” earlier this month. Addressing the rumours head-on during The Rest Is Football podcast alongside Shearer and Richards, Lineker shared: “It’s been a strange few days. As you know, like Trent [Alexander-Arnold], like Virgil [van Dijk], like Mo [Salah], I am coming to the end of my contract in the summer.

“It’s natural at some point that you have to have conversations and they’ve just started. I don’t know why it all spiralled out of control, but all is okay.” Speculation is rife over who will fill the presenter’s seat, with names like MOTD2’s Mark Chapman in the mix, while Jermaine Jenas’ chances have dwindled following his BBC axing.

Richards was tipped at “4/1” odds to be the new face of the show, prompting Lineker to express his support on their podcast: “4/1? Blimey. I’d love to see you take over Micah, I think you’d be brilliant in the chair.” However, Lineker couldn’t resist a playful jab at Richards, quipping: “I told them with your eyesight you’ll never be able to read an autocue.”