Match of the Day to replace 1 ex-Arsenal pundit with another | OneFootball

Theo Walcott is set to be one of the replacements for former Arsenal striker Ian Wright on Match of the Day this season.

LONDON, ENGLAND: Theo Walcott of Arsenal scores his sides first goal past Ian Lawlor of Doncaster Rovers during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Arsenal and Doncaster Rovers at Emirates Stadium on September 20, 2017. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Ian Wright is stepping back from Match of the Day duties this season, but the programme is set to replace one former Arsenal forward with another.

The BBC have confirmed (via Mirror) that Theo Walcott is set to join the show’s panel on a regular basis along with Joe Hart, with Gary Lineker still presenting and Alan Shearer remaining a regular as well.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND: Former Footballer Ian Wright looks on as they present on ITV Sport prior to the Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final match between Manchester United and Fulham at Old Trafford on March 19, 2023. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

When he left the show, former Gunner Wright explained that he’s got other priorities in his life now.

“I’m stepping back having made great friends and many great memories,” Wright revealed.

“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.

“I don’t want to stay over in Manchester. I used to but there are personal reasons why I always want to get back home (after filming).

“Especially, when you’re on Match of the Day, you’re live and I’ve had a massive problem before with people knowing where you are, so I always want to get back home to the missus and the girls.

“I’m getting older, I just want to make sure I use the time well and efficiently for myself and at the moment, Match of the Day is the one that if something had to go, it had to be that.”

LONDON, ENGLAND: Gary Lineker speaks during a rally on November 14, 2018. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images)

It will be a shame to lose Wright from the Match of the Day panel, but at least there will be some form of Arsenal presence in the room.

With former Spurs striker Lineker presenting the show, having an ex-Arsenal player involved helps to balance things out a bit.

Wright will get more of the family time he was missing, and Walcott will have an opportunity to move more seriously into punditry work, which is good news for both.