The BBC have reportedly revealed the two pundits who will replace Ian Wright on Match of the Day.
Back in December 2023, Wright confirmed his decision to step away from Match of the Day on the back of the 23/24 season.
Speaking about the decision on the Stick to Football podcast, the Arsenal legend said: “It's time. I had a dear friend who said that sometimes you've got to know when to step back, change, rest, have a break, and say no, it's just time.
“The way I am now, because I have to get back to London [after filming] it's like 3:30am in the morning – it's a long day. I leave at 8am in the morning and get back at midnight.”
Advert
He added: “I don't want to stay over in Manchester. I used to but there are personal reasons why I always want to get back home (after filming).
“Especially, when you're on Match of the Day, you're live and I've had a massive problem before with people knowing where you are, so I always want to get back home to the missus and the girls.
“I'm getting older, I just want to make sure I use the time well and efficiently for myself and at the moment, Match of the Day is the one that if something had to go, it had to be that.”
With the new season fast approaching, Wright’s replacements have been revealed.
As reported by the Daily Mail, former Arsenal winger Theo Walcott and ex-Manchester City star Joe Hart will be joining the likes of Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Micah Richards on Match of the Day.
Meanwhile, former MOTD presenter Des Lynam has given his support to Richards to step up and become a regular on the show.
He said: “I think it's Micah Richards isn't it? He's got a sense of humour and he knows football.
“Obviously he's played for England and Manchester City, though he didn't make a huge mark on me playing for either. I think he needs to calm down a little but his opinions are quite solid, though I don't think anybody can quite match Wrighty.”
Topics: Match Of The Day, Ian Wright, Football
Marcus Chan