Richard Keys takes credit for Kelly Cates' career and warns MOTD switch is a mistake

Sky Sports presenter Kelly Cates is set to make a sensational switch to Match of the Day once Gary Lineker departs but Richard Keys has been left far from convinced

Richard Keys has brazenly claimed that he is one of the architects behind Kelly Cates’ success as she prepares to move to Match of the Day.

Cates, the daughter of Liverpool icon Kenny Dalglish, is set to leave her long-running role with Sky Sports to take the reins at the BBC. She will reportedly be part of a shared presenting role alongside Mark Chapman and Gabby Logan, with Gary Lineker leaving come the end of the season.

And while Keys has hailed Cates’ talents, he has been left far from convinced about the move. Writing in his personal blog, the former Sky man bizarrely alluded to being crucial in her early career, and has also claimed that Match of the Day is already on the way to being cancelled by the BBC.

He wrote: “Congrats to Kelly Cates on her new job. I’m proud of her but not surprised. Success has many fathers and I’m sure there’ll be a few people lining up to take credit for her career, but Kelly, Kenny and me know the truth.

“Kenny and I once fell out about her getting a job at Sky. ‘It meant she didn’t finish Uni’ he said to me. ‘No’ I replied. ‘But you asked me to get her a job’. Her dad is a man of many contradictions – but that one was a belter. I’m not holding my breath expecting he’ll call now to apologise.

“Kelly is good. Very good. But I’m still surprised she’s making the move. There’s nothing like presenting live football. I would never have made that decision. Highlights shows are deadly dull.

“MotD desperately needs fresh blood, but I’m not sure it will survive for very much longer. Eventually Grandstand died for similar reasons – the march of time.”

Who do you think should have replaced Gary Lineker? Share your thoughts in the comments below

Kates’ departure from Sky has yet to be announced, while Logan’s own move has also not been confirmed at the time of writing. Keys has also had plenty to say about the latter, having also oddly claimed credit for her career trajectory.

He added: “Gabby Logan is someone else I opened the door for. I did that because her dad [Terry Yorath] had played for Coventry and I was a big fan! She’s good – but a handful."

Join our new WhatsApp communityand receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

Sky Sports deal

Sky Sports launches discounted Premier League package
£46 (was £56)

Sky has slashed the price of its Sky Sports, Sky Stream, Sky TV and Netflix bundle in an unbeatable new deal that saves £240 and includes 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.

Sky
Get the deal here