The Sports Desk

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The Sports Desk

Your weekly dive into the biggest talking point in sport, featuring interviews with top stars and influential figures, plus discussion and debate around the issues that resonate beyond the field of play. BBC Sport’s Sarah Mulkerrins, Dan Roan and Nesta McGregor and their guests take you behind the headlines and tell you what’s really going on.

  1. 21 FEB

    Sir Jim Ratcliffe: full exclusive interview

    Sir Jim Ratcliffe sits down with BBC sports editor Dan Roan after completing his deal to buy a 27.7 per cent stake in Manchester United. The British billionaire's investment is worth about £1.25bn. He says it's a boyhood dream to be involved in United and that restoring them to the pinnacle of English and European football is the greatest challenge. Sir Jim also discusses how it's his "preference" to build a new stadium for the club that can also "serve the north of England". Producer: Jonathan McKeith

    50 min

  2. 8 FEB

    Harry Kane on breaking records and building resilience

    We catch up with England captain Harry Kane after his brilliant start to life at Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga. Kane talks to Alex Howell about his pre-move nerves, his pride at his goalscoring feats and his hopes of ending his personal trophy drought. We also hear from Bayern fans, who have taken Kane to their hearts. Kane also talks about the work he and his wife are doing to promote mental health and resilience in schools via the Harry Kane Foundation. Germany football commentator Taufig Khalil joins the podcast to explain why Kane has been such a hit on and off the field. Panel: Sarah Mulkerrins, Alex Howell, Taufig Khalil Producer: Sam Sheringham

    33 min

  3. 3 JAN

    Luke Littler: The Boy who Changed Darts

    The public has watched with growing astonishment at the 16 year old darts prodigy who has beaten players forty years his senior to progress in one of the biggest tournaments in the world. We discuss the impact Luke Littler has had on the sport already and how his success could change darts in the years to come. Jane Dougall is joined by semi-professional darts player Deta Hedman, who has known Luke since he was just ten years old, and darts journalist Chris Hammer from Sporting Life, who believes the teenager’s achievements aren’t a flash in the pan and that he will go on to emulate the success of other sports people like snooker's Ronnie O’Sullivan. We also hear from PDC Chief Executive Matt Porter who talks about the challenges of the world championships for someone as young as Luke and how he’s been coping with the pressure of playing in front of the Alexandra Palace crowd. Presenter: Jane Dougall Panel: Deta Hedman, Matt Porter, Chris Hammer Producer: Jonathan McKeith

    33 min

  4. 08/12/2023

    Inside the Saudi sporting revolution

    Whether it’s the Saudi Pro League's £750m spending spree, the unopposed bid for the 2034 men’s World Cup or the growing influence in golf, tennis, boxing and F1, the scale of Saudi Arabia’s sporting ambitions seem boundless. But the more money that’s spent, the greater the concerns over human rights, the environment and the very integrity of sport. BBC sports editor Dan Roan has been to Saudi Arabia to interview Saudi sports minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal and several other key figures in Saudi sport. We also hear from Amnesty International and tennis great Martina Navratilova. Panel: Sarah Mulkerrins, Dan Roan, Ian Herbert, Mohamed Qoutb Producer: Sam Sheringham

    58 min

  5. 25/10/2023

    How should football react to the Middle East conflict?

    As the Israel-Gaza war intensifies, we examine the stance taken by football and some of its key protagonists. Following the row over the decision not to light the Wembley arch in Israeli colours - and fans being urged not to bring Palestinian flags into stadiums - what considerations are clubs, players and governing bodies having to make when responding to an international crisis? And what geopolitical forces are influencing those decisions? Does football and its star players have a moral obligation to use their power and influence in global affairs – or should it stay out of politics all together? Panel: Sarah Mulkerrins, Prof Simon Chadwick, Jacob Steinberg & Bassil Mikdadi

    51 min

  6. 29/09/2023

    Climate of fear: What's the solution to women's football's ACL crisis?

    England captain Leah Williamson and star Beth Mead were among more than 25 players to miss the Women's World Cup due to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) damage, drawing attention to an injury that's threatening to derail the progress of the women's game. Women's health expert Dr Emma Ross from The Well HQ explains some of the reasons why women are six times more likely to have a non-contact ACL injury than men, while orthopaedic surgeon Nev Davies details how the Power Up To Play grassroots warm-up routine could reduce the risk of ACL injury. We hear from Birmingham City's Siobhan Wilson, who is currently recovering from an ACL injury – and football’s global players’ union Fifpro on what needs to change to support women in football. Panel: Katie Smith, Elizabeth Conway, Emma Ross, Nev Davies Producer: Sam Sheringham

    45 min

  7. 20/09/2023

    Is Spain's football crisis really over?

    Katie Smith is joined by Spanish football expert Guillem Balague and reporter Antia Andre from RNE radio to react to the news that most of the Spain women's team have agreed to end their boycott. The deal was reached at 05:00 local time on Wednesday after more than seven hours of meetings. They discuss how the decision was reached following government intervention and whether it will bring lasting change for women in Spanish football and society. The players began the boycott after then RFEF president Luis Rubiales kissed forward Jenni Hermoso following Spain's triumph over England in the Women's World Cup final last month. The kiss, which Hermoso said was not consensual, led to Rubiales' resignation, while Spain manager Jorge Vilda was sacked. Presenter: Katie Smith Producer: Sam Sheringham Photo: Ivana Andrés of Spain lifts the Women's World Cup trophy and players celebrate the winning of the tournament during the ceremony after the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Final game between England and Spain at Stadium Australia on August 20, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/ISI Photos/Getty Images)

    23 min

  8. 13/07/2023

    Can women’s football be a billion pound industry?

    On the eve of the Women's World Cup, we discuss Karen Carney's landmark review into domestic women's football. Carney joins the podcast panel to outline her plan to drive investment and growth by creating two fully professional leagues, better grassroots facilities, a regular TV slot - and much more. Carney warns that unless her proposals are acted upon "the moment of the Lionessess in 2022 could be lost and the team deserves more than that." Panel: Katie Smith, Emma Sanders, Karen Carney, Siobhan Chamberlain Producer: Sam Sheringham Image: Georgia Stanway of England celebrates after scoring their team's second goal with teammates Chloe Kelly, Rachel Daly and Fran Kirby during the Women's International Friendly match between England and USA at Wembley Stadium on October 07, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Harriet Lander - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)

    34 min
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About

Your weekly dive into the biggest talking point in sport, featuring interviews with top stars and influential figures, plus discussion and debate around the issues that resonate beyond the field of play. BBC Sport’s Sarah Mulkerrins, Dan Roan and Nesta McGregor and their guests take you behind the headlines and tell you what’s really going on.

Information

  • Creator
    BBC Sounds
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2024
  • Episodes
    103
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © (C) BBC 2024
  • Show Website
    The Sports Desk

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