Gary Lineker has reportedly resigned from his role as manager of the second series of the Bowler League, citing struggles to develop passion for the project. Last November, it was announced that Lineker would join Alan Shearer and Micah Richards to manage the Deportrio club during their inaugural campaign. The pundit trio had an impressive performance in the competition, finishing top of the league standings with seven wins, one loss and three draws.
Their excellent performance secured them a place in the tournament finals, where they faced MVP United, Yanited and SDS FC. Deportrio’s journey ended in heartbreak as they lost to SDS FC in the semi-finals. SDS FC clinched the title with a thrilling 4-3 victory over MVP United. Despite appearing committed throughout the first series, Lineker chose not to return for the second series, which begins Monday.
Bowler League chief executive Felix Starck has given insight into why the former Leicester City striker decided to leave.
He suggested that Lineker was not completely enamored with the project after having private conversations to gauge interest in a second series.
Starck said in an interview with talkSPORT: “We sat down and had a discussion with Gary, does it make sense to continue or not?”
“I think you have to be obsessed with this project to keep it going, because it’s time-consuming. It’s very time-consuming. It’s full of people who spend hours (investing their time).
“John Terry calls me every week and complains that I’m taking up too much time, but then he says it’s the best thing he’s ever done, the best thing he’s ever done.
“As for Gary, I think he’s got a lot going on in his life. He’s got a very busy schedule and if you’re not into this game, you can’t be in this game. It’s really up to you.”
While Lineker left the club, Richards stayed on and brought in Daniel Sturridge to help in his second season in the Bowler League.
The opening game was against Wembley Rangers, of whom Shearer is co-manager alongside England icon Ian Wright.
Lineker was also in the latter’s dugout during the game, but in a supporting role rather than in an official coaching role.
This comes after Mr Lineker left the BBC earlier this year, ending an illustrious 26-year spell with the company.
