MARK CHAPMAN opened last night’s Match of the Day with a cheeky one-liner.
The popular host, 51, was yesterday confirmed as one of three presenters that will replace Gary Lineker on MOTD next season.
Chapman will assume hosting duties on rotation with fellow BBC stalwart Gabby Logan and current Sky Sports anchor Kelly Cates.
On last night’s mid-week Match of the Day, Chapman stepped in for Lineker, presenting the show alongside regular pundits Alan Shearer and Micah Richards.
Opening the show, he said: “Evening. Thought I’d get the practise in.”
After being introduced, Shearer joked: “You haven’t wasted any time, have you?”
Grinning, Richards added: “The ink’s not even dry Alan!”
Shearer, 54, continued: “You’re six months too early!”
As Richards and Shearer giggled, Chapman responded, with a smile: “It’s going to be a long night!”
At the end of the show, Chapman had a quip of his own for the pundits.
He said: “That is it. Not bad from you two. A few little improvements and myself, Kelly and Gabby might keep you on. Good night!”
Lineker has been Match of the Day’s primary presenter since 1999.
Earlier this season he confirmed that he will be stepping down at the end of the campaign.
He will continue to present live FA Cup action next season, before hanging up his BBC mic after the 2026 World Cup.
Explaining his decision on The Rest Is Football podcast, Lineker said: “I feel this is now the right time (to leave).
“I think the next contract they’re looking to do Match of the Day slightly differently, so I think it makes sense for someone else to take the helm.”
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