Incredible throwback video of new MOTD host Mark Chapman presenting one of his first live football TV shows emerges
AN amazing throwback clip has emerged of Mark Chapman presenting Football Italiano on Channel 5.
Chapman, 51, was confirmed as one of three new Match of the Day hosts earlier this week.
The experienced presenter will share the gig with Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan, starting next season.
Chapman is widely known to many fans for his work presenting Match of the Day 2 since 2013.
But he has performed a variety of different roles during his impressive career.
He began as a continuity announcer on the BBC during the 1990s, before taking on a gig as Radio Newcastle’s cricket correspondent.
Chapman subsequently became a fans’ favourite on Radio 1, working as Newsbeat’s sports news reader on Sara Cox and Scott Mills’ shows.
During the 2007-08 season, he took on a TV presenting gig, working on Channel 5‘s Football Italiano.
A descendent of the iconic Football Italia, which had previously aired on Channel 4, the show broadcast a live Serie A game on Sunday afternoons, as well as a highlights programme.
Chapman presented the show alongside Italian Laura Esposto.
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In a brilliant throwback clip, a suited-up Chapman can be seen introducing coverage of the final day of that season alongside his co-host.
Chapman appeared fresh-faced and clean shaven on the show, with fans having since become accustomed to him with stubble on Match of the Day 2.
Channel 5 did not retain the rights to Serie A for the following season, with Football Italiano finishing after just one year.
In 2010, Chapman landed his popular Monday night show on BBC Radio 5 Live.
And six years later he replaced Mark Pougatch as the station’s lead anchor on a Saturday afternoon.
Versatile Chapman has also fronted the BBC’s TV coverage of rugby league and the NFL.
CHEEKY ONE-LINER
Earlier this week, the popular host stood in for Gary Lineker for a mid-week edition of Match of the Day.
Just hours after he’d been confirmed as one of three new permanent hosts for next season, he quipped: “Evening. Thought I’d get the practise in.”
After being introduced, pundit Alan Shearer joked: “You haven’t wasted any time, have you?”
And a grinning Micah Richards added: “The ink’s not even dry Alan!”