Lineker delivers brutal putdown to his potential successor as MOTD host

Gary Lineker has brutally humiliated Micah Richards amid suggestions the popular pundit could succeed him as Match of the Day presenter.

Speculation is rife over who will succeed Lineker after it emerged he will leave his role as Match of the Day presenter at the end of the season after 25 years in the hotseat.

Former Manchester City defender Richards has won plaudits in recent years for his work as a pundit for both Sky Sports and the BBC.

Lineker and Richards both appeared on The Rest Is Football podcast, alongside West Ham striker Michail Antonio.

Antonio wasted no time discussing the possibility of Richards taking over.

Speaking on The Rest Is Football, Antonio claimed: 'Micah is trying to take your job'.

Richards was keen to play down such suggestions, saying: 'You know what, can I just put this out there, right?

'When people say that Micah Richards might take over as a presenter, I think that is a huge disrespect for all presenters. There are so many talented people.

'Just because I'm an expert I can give insight to a player, I feel like I know the game, I pay attention to the tactics.

'But to take over the presentation of one of the most iconic shows, not just in sport, but that the BBC has ever had?'

Antonio then responded by saying, “Blah, blah, blah, stop trying, buddy.”

Richards then indicated that he wouldn't even be considered for the job when he said, “Look what he's trying to do? “There are so many others they could choose over me, I just can't believe they would even put my name in the hat.”

Lineker then delivered a brutal humiliation to Richards, leaving the trio in hysterics.

He said, 'Micah, you can completely relax. I can assure you they won't ask you that.'

Match of the Day 2 host Mark Chapman has been linked with the position, with female presenters Gabby Logan, Alex Scott, Kelly Cates and Kelly Somers also reportedly in contention.

According to a poll conducted by market research company Ipsos, football fans would like to see returning Match of the Day pundit Alan Shearer host the show, for which he received 22 percent of the vote.

Lineker is set to receive a payday after the BBC unveiled a one-year licensing deal to host two podcasts from his production company.

BBC Sounds will host the Rest Is Football, fronted by Lineker, Richards and Shearer.

Lineker's company Goalhanger Productions is also overseeing The Rest Is History, hosted by Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook,