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Alan Shearer has responded to a fan poll naming him the preferred choice to present Match of the Day next season. A new face will host the weekly Premier League highlights show on the BBC in 2025 after Gary Lineker steps down. The footballer turned presenter is set to leave his role at the end of this season. Lineker will remain on the BBC's FA Cup coverage for the 2025/26 campaign, though, before leaving the broadcaster after the 2026 World Cup. Although his replacement has not yet been named, Shearer has been linked with the role. The Newcastle legend broke traditional protocol on Saturday night's edition of the Premier League highlights show. He spoke down the camera and said: "All good things must come to an end. " Lineker replied: "Yes, Alan. Lee Carsley's England reign is over. "It's back to business in the Premier League. Seven games on the way. Alan Shearer and Ashley Williams join us. " Lineker then whispered: "Al ain't getting the job, is he? " On the latest episode of The Rest Is Football podcast, Lineker discussed the possibility of Shearer replacing him. “I was so nervous, " Shearer added. "We only decided to do that a minute or two before we went on air. " Lineker continued: “Just before the start of the show. I was going to do the opening bit that you did and someone said ‘you can do that, Alan’. “And we thought it was a good idea. " Shearer said: “I only had to say eight words and I was s****** myself. I have got a new respect for presenters, I know it’s not easy. “The countdown in my ear was 10… 9… 8… and they went ‘on air’. I thought if I mess this up now I’m going to look like a right idiot. Lineker: “I was hoping you would. ” Shearer: “I’m even sweating now just thinking about it. ” Lineker then brought up a poll that he saw that wanted his co-host to replace him and said: "I saw a poll yesterday, Alan, of the proposed possible people who might present Match of the Day next season and you came out on top with 22 per cent. "So you better get used to it (delivering to camera). " However, the Newcastle legend replied: "No, I’m quite happy doing what I’m doing so I’ll leave that to the experts. " Shearer has been a regular pundit on Match of the Day since retiring in 2006. He is also a part of the BBC's coverage of the FA Cup and major international tournaments. The former striker has even served as a co-commentator for England's matches at the World Cup and Euros in the past. Shearer is not the only possible candidate to rule himself out of the race to replace Lineker. Former Football Focus presenter Manish Bhasin had been tipped for the role by fans on social media. However, he responded by saying: "I wish. Thanks for the kind comments though. " Match of the Day 2 host Mark Chapman remains the frontrunner to succeed Lineker on Saturday nights. Micah Richards and Alex Scott have also been linked with the gig ahead of Lineker's exit next summer. © 2024 talk SPORT Limited

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