Eamonn Holmes has slammed the BBC for potentially seeking a “younger host” for Match of the Day, stating they would be “wasting their time”.

The 64-year-old presenter shared his thoughts on the future of the Beeb’s iconic football highlights show following news that Gary Lineker, 63, will step down at the end of the current season after over 25 years in charge.

When his GB News co-host Isabel Webster suggested Eamonn himself would be a “brilliant” choice for the role, he criticised the BBC’s rumoured approach. On Wednesday’s edition of their show, he said: “See they also do this ridiculous thing in the BBC, it’s always been the case, try and get a younger audience.

“So what does that mean? Get a younger host? And younger people do not watch television. So why are they wasting their time? ” Isabel joked that younger fans “watch it in bed on a Sunday with a hangover”, but Eamonn wasn’t convinced. He added: “No. They watch it on their phones and on their devices.” The former This Morning host insisted: “The best thing about Match Of The Day is the music.”

Eamonn spoke out on GB News ( 
Image:
GB News)

It remains to be seen who will replace Gary when he steps down, with rumours the BBC are looking for a younger host. Recent reports claimed Match of the Day 2 host Mark Chapman, 51, turned down an offer to share the job with Kelly Somers, 33. An insider told The Sun: “As soon as Gary’s deal was done, [BBC Sport Director Alex Kay-Jelski made it clear he wanted Mark and Kelly to replace him.”

“It would effectively be a job share and they would rotate hosting duties between them. Mark has made it clear within the team at MOTD that this isn’t something he would want to do. He doesn’t want a job share, he wants Gary’s role as his own, which is understandable. It’s a headache for the BBC because they thought they’d found an easy solution.”

Gary Lineker is leaving his Match of the Day role ( 
Image:
AFP via Getty Images)

On The Sports Agents podcast, Gabby Logan made the most of an opportunity to rib her co-host when Chapman’s phone could be heard ringing during the latest episode. Logan, who has also been mentioned as a possible successor to Lineker, joked: “I know, yeah. That’s the BBC, Match Of The Day!” to the amusement of listeners on social media.

Chapman took the quip in good spirit, replying: “Haha! I tell you what, honestly, I don’t know what it’s like for you at the moment, but bloody hell, I could do with a PA at the moment!”

Others linked with the job include former Lioness Alex Scott. Theo Walcott and Joe Hart, who are newer additions to the Match of the Day panel are also thought to be in the frame, as too are Dion Dublin and Alan Shearer, who are more established regulars.