MOTD reshapes lineup with Rooney

The first edition of a revamped Match of the Day features Wayne Rooney as a regular pundit and invites public reaction to the BBC’s new format.

Rooney Debut Draws Mixed Reactions on New Look MOTD

Mark Chapman presented the first edition of the new look Match of the Day on Saturday night, joined by Wayne Rooney and Alan Shearer. Rooney has signed a substantial deal to appear regularly on MOTD after leaving his managerial post at Plymouth last year. The episode marks the BBC’s first airing without Gary Lineker in the host seat, with Gabby Logan and Kelly Cates stepping in alongside Chapman.

Viewers took to social media to share reactions, with some praising the new presenting team and others criticizing Rooney’s punditry. The BBC has kept Shearer on the panel and introduced a trio of hosts to guide the show through a transition after Lineker’s departure.

This shift signals a wider moment for public broadcasters as they balance tradition with fresh voices. Paying Rooney signals the BBC’s willingness to invest in star power to sustain viewer interest, yet it also invites scrutiny over value for money and editorial judgment. The response to Rooney’s analysis will help determine whether the show can maintain depth in post-match discussions while embracing a more collaborative format.

The episode underscores how a long running program can hinge on a single change in presentation. If the audience accepts the new trio, the BBC may push further experimentation; if not, the show risks alienating core viewers who value Lineker’s presence and the familiar rhythm of the past years. The coming weeks will reveal how much weight the audience gives to format and punditry versus nostalgia.

Highlights

Audience appetite will guide how far the BBC leans into change this season