Kelly Cates has revealed she hasn't reached out to Gary Lineker for guidance ahead of joining Match of the Day, stating plainly: "I don't want to be Gary."
The Sky Sports presenter confirmed neither she nor Lineker have made contact about the role, though she stressed this wasn't due to any animosity between them.
"We just don't know each other that well," Cates explained during Sky Sports' season launch.
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Kelly Cates has admitted she has not contacted Gary Lineker as she prepares to host Match of the Day
|PA
"I think that you get a job because of yourself. And if then you try to be someone else, it can all just get a bit confused."
Cates has made clear she won't follow Lineker's approach to social media, particularly regarding political and social commentary.
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"I haven't ever really used my social media for that, so it isn't something that I'm going to have to change," she stated.
Lineker's departure from the BBC in May came after he shared a controversial post from a Palestine Lobby group featuring a rat image, considered an antisemitic symbol. He subsequently apologised unreservedly for the incident.
The former England striker frequently used his platform to comment on Conservative party policies, migration issues and the Qatar World Cup, often testing the BBC's impartiality guidelines.
In contrast, Cates believes she isn't "the best placed person" to discuss such matters, preferring to "keep quiet and let experts talk about it."
The 49-year-old will share presenting responsibilities with Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan when the new season begins, with Chapman taking charge of Saturday's opening programme.
Cates will juggle her new BBC commitments with her existing Sky Sports role, where she'll continue hosting Super Sunday coverage as the broadcaster shows at least 215 Premier League matches this season.
She explained the logistics aren't as complex as they might appear. "I can't do both of them on the same day, but I could do Match of the Day on Saturday and Sky on Sunday – that would work, or vice versa," she said.
The presenter, who has two teenage children aged 14 and 16, noted the timing works well as neither faces crucial exam years. She described her schedule as "a bit of a moveable feast."
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Kelly Cates currently fronts Sky Sports' Premier League coverage | GettyCates articulated her philosophy on using her platform, stating: "I always feel like if I couldn't cope well with being challenged heavily on it, then I shouldn't be putting my opinion out publicly."
She suggested others are "much better informed" to address political and social issues, rejecting the notion that silence equals indifference. "I think it's perfectly possible to care about something and keep quiet," she explained.
Regarding her presenting approach, Cates acknowledged broadcasting has evolved towards a more relaxed style, influenced by digital media's growth and fan-led content.
"I think you can have a conversational tone without having a conversation... you can still interview somebody while having a conversational tone," she said.
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