Des ditches TV

Legendary sports presenter Des Lynam thinks he's too old for TV.

08:02 18 August 2004

Des Lynam, one of the most celebrated sports presenters of his generation, has decided to quit TV.

The former face of Match of the Day, who sensationally switched to rival broadcaster ITV when Auntie lost the rights to Premiership highlights, thinks he's too old for the anchor role.

In an interview with the Radio Times, Lynam said: "I don't think I'm doing the nation a great service by being decrepit in front of their fireplaces.

"If you're talking about athletic young people, it's inappropriate to get too old doing it."

Fans of the great man will be pleased to hear that he's not quite ready for his pipe and slippers.

Des is in fact planning a return to the BBC, where he made his name, to front his own sports show on Radio Five.

He will use his enviable reputation to attract some of the biggest stars in sport to join him for a chat.

Since giving up his Match of the Day berth, Des has been succeeded by the former England striker and housewives' favourite, Gary Lineker.