Gary Lineker’s Unforgettable Pursuit to Bring Premier League Highlights to the Masses
As we continue to bask in the glow of the Premier League, it’s easy to forget the humble beginnings of how we got here. Among the pioneers who played a significant role in shaping our beloved highlights package is the one and only Gary Lineker.
The 63-year-old football legend, who’s been a part of the BBC’s esteemed Match of the Day for over two decades, once revealed his determination to transform the show into the modern institution we know today.
Prior to the BBC regaining the Premier League rights in 2004, the highlights package was rather limited. Clips from select games were broadcast, often reduced to just showcasing goals. Lineker, not one to shy away from a challenge, implored the BBC to explore ways to show highlights of all games played that day.
In an interview with BBC Breakfast, Lineker recalled: "When it came back, when we got the rights back, I said, ‘Is there any way we could show all the games?’" His persistence paid off, and the BBC finally found a way to do so.
This seismic change revolutionized the way football fans consumed their highlights, allowing them to see every team in action, week in and week out. It’s a testament to Lineker’s tireless advocacy and the BBC’s willingness to adapt.
While some fans may still gripe about the running order or lack of their favorite team’s highlights, Lineker’s efforts have brought the Premier League to an unprecedented level of accessibility. As he humorously observed, "Of course, then it becomes about where they are on Match of the Day, on the running order! ‘We’re always last’." Ah, the eternal curse of being a football fan!
So, the next time you’re flipping through the channels, relish the Premier League highlights you’ve grown accustomed to, knowing that it’s due in part to Lineker’s unyielding drive to bring the beautiful game to the masses.
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