Gary Lineker and Jake Humphrey reunite at BT Sport despite clash

Newspapers were quick to pick up on the fact that the pair had a strange spat on social media following the launch of BT Sport in 2013 as they were unveiled as the faces the broadcaster’s coverage of football’s top European event.

Lineker had agreed to a new non-exclusive contact with the BBC in a deal that has enabled him to front BT Sport's Champions League coverage, something which was first revealed in the Daily Telegraph.

As a result, the former England striker will now share presenting responsibilities with existing BT Sport anchor Humphrey - who himself moved from the BBC to take his role at the broadcaster.

But the Daily Mail’s media insider Charles Sale was among those quick to pick up on the fact that the new presenting partnership on BT Sport sees a pair who have not always seen eye-to-eye return together.

It started when Humphrey wrote a blog after BT Sport’s launch which appeared to have a dig at the BBC’s football analysis and presenting style.

“I believe the audience need incisive analysis delivered by current or recently retired players who can empathise with current stars of sport,” he wrote in the blog.

Lineker felt that this was an indirect comment towards Match of the Day pundits Alan Hansen and Mark Lawrenson.

As a result of his umbrage, Lineker tweeted back at Humphrey, warning the new BT Sport presenter that he had to watch himself.

“Be careful Jakey in the choice of your words,” Lineker wrote on the social media platform.

Humphrey appeared completely bewildered by the tweet and responded: “I’m sorry Gary, you seem to have found offence where none was intended.”

But Lineker had the last word, making sure that he both accepted the apology from Humphrey, but also made his point very clearly.

“Apology accepted on behalf of those you know you would have offended,” Lineker wrote, seemingly talking from Hansen and Lawrenson’s perspective.

“People with a lifetime’s experience in the game and TV.”

BT Sport will clearly be hoping that the two presenters can patch up any differences they still have and rediscover the unity they appeared to showcase when both working for BBC.

One thing the pair will have in common is previous experience of working with former England and Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, who will be joining them as a pundit.

There will always be tensions among talented broadcasters fronting high-profile shows, but if there's one thing that can give a sense of healthy team spirit it's a healthy set of contracts and a strong portfolio of football coverage. BT Sport's bosses will not be overly concerned by the spat Lineker and Humphrey had in the past and will trust in their talent as presenters and ability to overlook perceived differences. Any lingering tension from the BT Sport launch and Humphrey's perceived jibe at Match of the Day will surely have dissipated by now, particularly with Lineker's loyalty now being split as a result of his new BBC contract enabling him to work for other broadcasters.