Gary Lineker became the face of the BBC – but his exit shows everyone is replaceable
Sign up to Miguel Delaney’s Reading the Game newsletter sent straight to your inbox for free Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter Sign up to Miguel’s Delaney’s free weekly newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The exit of Jermaine Jenas, for rather different reasons, removes one possible successor; Jenas’s rapid rise, however, was a sign of the opportunities granted to former footballers whereas Lineker was a rarity – a penalty-area poacher who became an outstanding broadcaster in his own right, as relaxed on the box and as he used to be in it. open image in gallery Gary Lineker was a fresh-faced broadcaster when he began presenting Match of the Day open image in gallery One of Lineker’s most famous moments cmae when opening MOTD in just his underwear after his beloved Leicester City won the title He is nevertheless replaceable. open image in gallery Lineker’s business interests have grown far beyond the BBC Besides principles, he has business acumen and he has used his astuteness to take on the BBC. In the future, Lineker may only have one outlet for his views though presumably Shearer and Richards, fundamental to the BBC’s coverage, will remain on television and radio as well.
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