TNT Sports quietly appoints Rio Ferdinand replacement ahead of Liverpool vs Crystal Palace

TNT Sports quietly appoints Rio Ferdinand replacement ahead of Liverpool vs Crystal Palace

TNT Sports have reportedly found a replacement for Rio Ferdinand ahead of the new season, with the former Manchester United captain having announced his departure in May

Rio Ferdinand on punditry duty for TNT Sports (Image: Nigel French/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)

TNT Sports appear to have found a replacement for Rio Ferdinand ahead of Liverpool's clash against Crystal Palace in the Community Shield. The Manchester United legend confirmed his exit from the broadcaster in May with a statement on social media.

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After 10 years with the company, formerly known as BT Sport, Ferdinand chose to stand down to concentrate on 'other business interests' and his family. Writing on X, previously Twitter, the 46-year-old stated: "Since retiring from football, it has been a privilege talking about the game I love for a decade.

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"I want to acknowledge the tremendous support from the team behind the scenes, whose hard work often goes unseen but has been essential to our success. As I turn the page to the next chapter, I carry with me countless memories.

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"I am excited about what the future holds - spending more time with my family, focusing on Rio Ferdinand Presents and my other business interests."

Steven Gerrard and Rio Ferdinand were on punditry duty for TNT Sports at the Champions League final (Image: Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Ferdinand has built up more than one million followers on his YouTube platform, whilst also running his own fashion brand, FIVE. With the fresh season approaching, TNT Sports have apparently identified a successor for the former United skipper.

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As reported by business publication City AM, TNT Sports have enlisted Joel Ward to join Steve McManaman on the punditry panel for the Community Shield clash between Liverpool and Crystal Palace. The report suggests that the former Crystal Palace defender is not being considered as a long-term replacement for Ferdinand.

After 13 years at Selhurst Park, Ward left Palace following the expiry of his deal in the summer. Speaking to the club website, the 35-year-old said: "For me, it’s been a huge privilege to wear this shirt, to represent this club.

Joel Ward and Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace lift the FA Cup (Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

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"It’s been an incredible journey with so many fond memories, so many incredible moments – moments that will live on in my mind for the rest of my life. Obviously, I came from somewhere else.

"But I’ve been a part of this club and a part of the furniture for so long that I’d like to think I’m part of the family. This isn’t ‘goodbye’ – it’s merely a 'see you later'."

Despite leaving Palace and landing a feature on TNT Sports, Ward told talkSPORT he has no plans to hang up his boots. The defender said: "The idea is to carry on.

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Marc Guehi and Joel Ward of Crystal Palace celebrate with the FA Cup. (Image: Sebastian Frej/Getty Images)

"I've still got the hunger, still got the desire to play and to cross that white line. So until that leaves my body, I don’t plan on giving up any time soon."

Earlier this year in March, TNT Sports secured a four-year contract with the FA for the broadcasting rights to the Emirates FA Cup, commencing from the 2025/26 season. The broadcaster will air live matches starting from the first round, with all games from the third round of the world's oldest national football competition – excluding 3pm kick-offs – available up to the final at Wembley Stadium.

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TNT Sports will also broadcast the Community Shield this Sunday. In addition, the broadcaster obtained the rights to air Premier League matches for another four years, extending through to the 2028/29 season.

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