Gary Lineker's replacement? Alan Shearer makes cheeky pitch to succeed BBC colleague as new Match Of The Day host to open Saturday's show

Match Of The Day typically starts in one way only, with host Lineker opening proceedings with a pithy, topical line and introducing his fellow pundits. However, the start to this Saturday's show was a little different. Instead of opening on Lineker, the camera was immediately on pundit and Premier League record scorer Shearer, who had the first word of the evening's broadcast.

Recent reports of Lineker's departure came as a shock to all fans of the show. Now with his exit confirmed, the rumour mill is once again turning with who will replace the long-standing host, with name such as Mark Chapman, Gabby Logan and Dan Walker all among the favourites. However, it seems Shearer has gone under the radar for many, and he made a brief pitch for taking over from Lineker on Saturday.

In the opening line of the show, Shearer referenced the end of Lineker's time as host, saying: "All good things must come to an end."

Lineker promptly responded in his typical joking fashion, responding: "Yes Alan, Lee Carsley's England reign is over... Al ain't getting the job!"

Lineker has been host of Match Of The Day since 1999, making him the longest-serving anchorman of the show in its history.

While he is set to leave his role as Match Of The Day presenter, Lineker will still play a role still play a role at the forefront of the BBC's football coverage, including but not limited to covering next season's FA Cup drama and acting as main host for the 2026 World Cup/