Her odds of succeeding Gary Lineker as the next Match of the Day host have shortened dramatically, but Kelly Cates seems happy enough with her lot in life right now. “Do you know, and you never want to say this, but at the moment I’ve got a really lovely mix of everything,” the Sky Sports presenter tells The Independent from her home in London.
“I’ve got TV, live matches, radio, and when it gets towards the end of the season I do live Champions League games too. I could be at an Olympics or a World Cup during the summer so the balance of everything feels really nice. But I’m not tempting fate.”
Cates has earned huge acclaim for her presenting on Sky Sports’ Premier League coverage, including its flagship Super Sunday programme, working alongside pundits such as Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher, Roy Keane, Jamie Redknapp and Micah Richards. She also hosts on BBC Radio 5 Live and recently started her own podcast, Not Just Football, with Hayley McQueen and Christine Lampard.
Cates’ easy-going style has gained her a reputation as one of the UK’s leading sports presenters. She is behind Mark Chapman and Alex Scott in the early running to succeed Lineker on Match of the Day, but ahead of Kelly Sommers and her close friend Gabby Logan at the time of writing.
Speaking last week before news officially broke of Lineker’s exit at the end of the season, the daughter of Liverpool legend Sir Kenny Dalglish was diplomatic when asked about her chances. “Gary is still very much in the job and I know him,” said Cates. “Chappers and Gabby, who are also being mentioned as frontrunners, are really good mates of mine.
This story is from the November 15, 2024 edition of The Independent.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 15, 2024 edition of The Independent.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
LOSING MY RELIGION
Sara Maitland shares how the Bible - with its fabulous variety of genres - influenced her writing and self-understanding
It's not the end of the street for British soap operas - but they arrive at a crossroads
After 'Corrie' was usurped in Christmas Day ratings by a game show, Nick Hilton asks if soaps can adapt to survive
'I don't think anyone knows I've been in a Disney movie'
Harris Dickinson tells Adam White about filming graphic sex scenes with Nicole Kidman in provocative thriller 'Babygirl', and explains why he'd hate his looks to be his 'sole currency'
BANG FOR YOUR BUCK
The new-generation MG HS SUV is well equipped and offers terrific value - its arrival could make the genre even more popular than it already is, writes an impressed Sean O'Grady
It might be a stretch to say this will cure chronic pain
Many fitness fans have turned to trendy reformer pilates to give their health and body an overhaul,
Why men turning to Botox.no longer raises eyebrows
Cosmetic procedures are soaring in popularity and they’re not just the preserve of women as more men seek to turn the clock back. Helen Coffey investigates the brotox’ boom
Coach Murray is ready to face Djokovic's tantrums
Pair reunite on same side of the net at Australian Open
Amorim can learn from the Basque and his 'basket case'
Mikel Arteta's comprehensive rebuild at Arsenal provides a blueprint for what needs to be done at Manchester United
Villa spoil Potter's debut as Hammers lead snuffed out
Graham Potter’s spell as West Ham manager began with defeat as Aston Villa celebrated their 150th anniversary by fighting back to claim a 2-1 FA Cup third-round win.
Starmer must end taboo of highlighting harm of Brexit
Ignoring the reality of why the UK’s economy has been damaged makes it hard to move on
