Experts are tipping a former Newcastle United star to take over 'Ian Wright's job on Match of the Day, after the ex Arsenal and England striker decided to quit at the end of last season.
Much loved football icon Ian had been part of the team on the famous BBC Saturday night highlights show for two decades, joining the likes of Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer in the studio; so it came as a shock when he announced his intentions to step down midway through the 2023/4 Premier League campaign.
Announcing his Match of the Day departure, Ian said: "I feel very privileged to have had such an incredible run on the most iconic football show in the world. I’m stepping back having made great friends and many great memories. This decision has been coming for a while. Maybe my birthday earlier this year fast-tracked it a little but, ultimately, it’s time to do a few more different things with my Saturdays."
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Ian's exit leaves a vacancy on the Match of the Day team and now, as he has also been earmarked as the clear favourite to eventually succeed Gary as Match of the Day's main host, ex Newcastle star Jermaine Jenas has also emerged as the frontrunner to step into Ian's shoes.
Betting experts OLBG have Jermaine at Evens to be the star who takes over from Ian, ahead of Micah Richards, a big favourite with fans at the Euros, on 2/1, the same odds offered for Gareth Southgate, who has just stepped down as England manager. Further down in the odds are Ian's x Arsenal teammate Martin Keown on 6/1, the same odds offered on son and ex Manchester City star Shaun Wright-Phillips.
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