December 16 – The identity of the presenter to replace the beloved Gary Lineker on the BBC’s flagship show, Match of the Day is Kelly Cates who will be leaving her current role at Sky Sports.
Born in Glasgow, Cates, 49, comes from a rich footballing heritage as her dad is former, Scotland and Liverpool great, Sir Kenny Dalglish and her brother, Paul Dalglish, a longtime coach in Major League soccer in the USA. Cates will be joining MOTD 2, presenter, Mark Chapman, and Gabby Logan at the start of next season.
As well as working at Sky, Cates, presents for BBC Radio 5 Live, and she will share rotating hosting responsibilities for Match of the Day and Match of the Day 2 with the other two presenters.
According to the Daily Mail, the top brass at Sky were understood to be “deeply saddened” by the loss of Cates, who has been the face of the channel’s Premier League coverage since 2017.
Lineker will step down at the end of the season after 25 glorious years, however, the 64-year-old will stay on to host the 2026 World Cup coverage for the BBC, which will be held in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
Cates, has been a mainstay in the broadcast industry appearing as a presenter on Sky Sports News, Virgin Media, ESPN, and Setanta Sports News.
Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at moc.l1734879625labto1734879625ofdlr1734879625owedi1734879625sni@o1734879625fni1734879625