Upsetting Fergie, 20 Hours With Steven Gerrard & Protecting The Football Pyramid
May 3, 2024
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Guest Henry Winter, leading journalist, discusses upsetting Fergie, ghostwriting Gerrard's book, and protecting the football pyramid. Topics include high-quality sports journalism, fairness in competitions, and the pivotal role of storytelling in football.
High-quality sports journalism is crucial for sharing impactful stories in football.
Regulating football to protect clubs outside the elite echelon is essential for preserving the pyramid's integrity.
Deep dives
Henry Winter Reflects on Italian '90 and Career Beginnings
Henry Winter discusses his early days covering the 1990 World Cup, recalling his experience watching Maradona play and the privilege of reporting on historic matches. Winter also reminisces about his first World Cup assignment, shares insights on players like Harry Kane, and expresses excitement for the upcoming Euros.
Importance of Regulating Football Pyramid and Protecting Clubs
Winter emphasizes the need to regulate football to protect clubs outside the elite echelon. He discusses the impact of overspending, potential American ownership in the Premier League, and the importance of safeguarding clubs down the football pyramid. Winter advocates for preserving the pyramid's integrity in light of global shifts in football dynamics.
The Role of Sports Journalism and Stories from the Field
Winter underscores the significance of sports journalism in holding power accountable and sharing impactful stories. He recalls interviewing figures like Gerrard and Dalglish and highlights the importance of trust and listening in his reporting. Winter also reflects on powerful stories he covered, including Hillsborough, emphasizing the impact of sports journalism in conveying diverse narratives.
Why did the first edition newspapers after Man United’s treble success agitate Sir Alex Ferguson? What was it like ghostwriting Steven Gerrard’s autobiography? How do we protect the football pyramid in England and ensure the game isn’t run in the interests of only a handful of clubs?
Gary, Alan and Micah are joined by leading journalist Henry Winter to talk about the importance of high-quality sports journalism and the privilege of being able to tell people’s stories.