Dan Walker discovered BBC were removing him from Football Focus ‘through rumours’
Channel 5 presenter Dan Walker is said to have discovered that the BBC were ‘removing him’ from his role on Football Focus though rumours according to former colleague Mark Lawrenson.
Walker took over from Manish Bhasin in 2009 and later took over on BBC Breakfast as well as reporting for both Final Score and Match of the Day and at European Championships, World Cups and from the Olympics.
Following 12 years on Football Focus, Walker was replaced as main presenter in the summer of 2021 and said it was down to his heavy workload having joined The NFL Show.
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However, former Liverpool and Republic of Ireland defender as well as BBC regular Lawrenson has given a different point of view on how Walker’s Football Focus departure was handled, having recently lashed out at being dropped because he is ’65 and a white male’.
“I just don’t get it. I think the premise should be, whatever age you are, colour or whatever, if you can do what you are asked to do, and are very good at the job, then you should still be in the job,” he told GB News.
“It is just very very strange. I mean, Dan Walker, I am sure you know Dan, he used to present Football Focus. He found out from basically rumours that he had lost his job at the end of the season.
“So it is just a strange way that the BBC operate I am afraid. And they seem to be very frightened to give you bad news. It is a very strange thing.”
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Walker himself posted a lengthy message to his followers at the time – and didn’t hint at any ill-feeling.
“Hello, I have some news. This is going to be my last season presenting Football Focus. It’s been a real pleasure, an amazing 12 years, and I can honestly say I’ve loved every single second of it,” he said in a Twitter video.
“I’m really proud about the job we’ve done, the changes that we’ve made to the show, the issues that we’ve looked at, and at a time when the football landscape is changing immeasurably.
(Image: Getty Images)
“But, having said all that, after 12 years it’s time for someone else to take the reins.
“I’m really going to miss the magic of the programme, the opportunities it has given me, the great friends, many friends I’ve made along the way, and the thousands and thousands of conversations I’ve had with people who thankfully love the show just as much as I do.
“And I’m also really looking forward to letting you know about one or two other exciting opportunities further down the road. I really hope you enjoy the rest of the season and I’ll see you soon.”
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