From Motty to totty as girl power conquers Match of the Day

Oatley, 32, will take the microphone for the BBC1 flagship sports show, hosted by Gary Lineker, during a Barclays Premiership game this weekend.

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The legendary John 'Motty' Motson alongside the first female commentator for the BBC's Match of the Day, Jacqui Oatley

She will become the first female commentator in the 43-year history of the programme, commentating on the game between Fulham and Blackburn.

Oatley, originally from Codsall, South Staffordshire, spent four years working in the field of intellectual property before deciding to switch career.

She played football at an amateur level but had to give up the sport after suffering a nasty knee injury.

Oatley chose to fill the gap by embarking on a postgraduate on broadcasting and reporting on the game instead.

The broadcaster, who now lives in London, eventually secured a job commentating for Radio 5 Live.

She joins a team that includes legendary commentator John "Motty" Motson.

She recently said of her female status: "I don't think of it as breaking down barriers for women in sport. I do it for the same reason as any bloke does. I love my football.

"There are certainly a few more (women) in the press box these days, so we don't stick out like a sore thumb any more.

"Gabby Logan has done us all a favour, fronting a main channel. She has become accepted and I think more women will be, in time."

Showing there is still resistence to change, ex-Premiership manager Dave Bassett told the Daily Mail: "Maybe the BBC are trying to be innovative and ground-breaking but I think it undermines the credibility of the programme and when she commentates at the weekend I will not be watching.

"I never really agreed that we should have women officials and I don't think we should have female commentators. And my wife agrees."