Following the news that Gary Lineker was paid between £1,350,000 and £1,354,999 for the 2023/24 period by the BBC, topping the broadcaster's list of its highest paid on-air talent for the seventh consecutive year, his Match of the Day predecessor has given his own thoughts.
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Speaking with Radio Times magazine, Des Lynam was asked about Lineker's salary, given that his own, when he first joined the BBC as a sports reporter aged 26 in 1969, was £2,030 per annum.
Lynam said of Lineker's salary: "I don’t suppose you can justify it in terms of what a nurse or fireman does, but it’s the market – that’s what the BBC feel they have to pay to get his services.
"You can’t say that anybody saying a few words into a television screen is worth more than someone who saves lives, but money dictates.
"He’s a very lucky chap. He’s had two great careers, and the second one is helped along by the fact he had the first one."
Gary Lineker on Match of the Day. BBC/Pete Dadds
Lynam also gave his own thoughts on Lineker as a presenter, saying: "He wasn’t comfortable (as a pundit) at the beginning. Of course, he’s been highly critical of the England team in the Euros, but when he first came on he wouldn’t criticise anybody.
"When I left, he immediately got the job and he grew into it very rapidly. I know he’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but for my money I think he does a first-class job."
Lynam presented Match of the Day between 1988 and 1999, with Lineker having been with the show ever since then.
Within the interview, Lynam was also asked for his thoughts on the discussion surrounding female pundits commentating on men's football.
"I’ve got no gripe with female presenters," he said, "but when you’re a pundit and you’re offering opinions about the game, you have to have played it at the level you are talking about – ie, the men’s game... in my view."
James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.
