Lineker rules out becoming bid leader
Former England striker Gary Lineker has stated that he is not interested in becoming the figurehead for England’s bid to host the 2018 World Cup.
Rumours had been spreading that Lineker, England’s second highest ever goalscorer, would be asked to adopt a higher role in the bid similar to the position Sebastian Coe has during the 2012 Olympic bid.
However, despite calls for a more prominent figurehead to replace the under fire Lord Triesman, Lineker stated in his Sunday column for the Daily Mail that he wishes to concentrate on his career as a TV presenter with the BBC.
Lineker wrote: ”There is nobody more keen to see the tournament here for the first time since 1966. I’ve already done a couple of things to help the bid but I should stress I have not been asked to be the big Lord Coe figurehead. I’m just one of several bid ambassadors who will help in any way.”
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There’s not an obvious name amongst former players that comes to my mind, I have to say.
Ray Wilkins is working full time at Chelsea – he would be possible in terms of stature and experience. I wonder whether Kevin Keegan has the nous for it? He’s certainly got the passion, the energy and the brand name. Presumably Sir Trevor Brooking is already otherwise engaged?