In depth 24-minute interviews with the stars, coaches and power brokers in the world of sport. Extra Time goes behind the glamour to see what makes them tick and examines the risks and rewards in a competitive business.
Marcel Desailly, Former French and Chelsea Footballer
Extratime is in Dubai where the English Premier League is showcasing the world's richest and most popular domestic football competition. Marcel Desailly is an ambassador for the Premier League and his career is that of a footballer who won it all; the World Cup with France in 1998, the European Championship in 2000, Champions League titles with Marseilles and AC Milan. He was also an icon at Chelsea where he mentored a young John Terry. But does he think the riches of the Premier League demand responsible behaviour from its players and should there be limits on what they earn? David Eades talks to Marcel Desailly in Dubai.
Barry Hearn, Chairman of Leyton Orient FC
In European football, it's the big clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid and Inter Milan which tend to hog the headlines, especially when it comes to money. Multi-million dollar player salaries and global merchandising are part of this sophisticated entertainment industry. But what about the little guys, the smaller clubs, fighting to stay afloat in the lower divisions? Barry Hearn owns the east London club, Leyton Orient. As he looks upon the big spending Premier League clubs in London and beyond, does he like what he sees? Barry Hearn talks to Rob Bonnet.
Richard Bevan, CEO English League Managers Association
This year Sir Alex Ferguson celebrates 25 years as the manager of Manchester United. In that time more than a thousand professional football managers in England have been sacked. Recently controversy has swirled around managers like Sir Alex for their public criticism of referees. The League Managers Association has become a vocal advocate for managers but should they also be prepared to criticise their own members when football authorities are pushing for more respect to be shown towards match officials? Rob Bonnet talks to the Chief Executive of the LMA, Richard Bevan.
Jeff Winter, English Premier League referee, 1995 - 2004
Extratime is in the north east of England to meet one of the small band of people whose decisions can turn football players, managers, fans, even entire nations into fits of rage. Referees are under more scrutiny than ever and their performances continue to spark fierce debate at club and international level. Jeff Winter was a referee in England’s Premier League for nearly ten years. What does he make of the constant abuse levelled at referees? Jeff Winter talks to David Eades.