We’ve known that football is a cut-throat business for a long time now. But the exact extent and scope of the privations of young footballers is brought to light in Michael Calvin’s latest book “No Hunger in Paradise”, and he joins us on today’s show.

He exposes how young boys aged 6 or younger are fed into the football meat-grinder with little or no thought to their development as children, let alone as adults.

Michael covers it all with us – the over-zealous parents, the hawkish agents, and the entire warped value system.

 

We also discuss the latest chapter in Jim McGuinness’ extraordinary sporting life – a move to China as assistant coach to Roger Schmidt at Beijing Sinobo Guoan.

Plus there’s Sir Clive’s musical taste, ice-hockey emails, and we discuss if Eoin has it in him to be a pushy parent.

Click the image at the top of the page to play the show. To listen to all our programming become a member of the Second Captains World Service. It’s independent, commercial-free, member-led broadcasting. Be sure and check out last week’s edition of The Player’s Chair which features Damien Duff, and yesterday’s show with Shane Horgan on Gatland’s curveballs, Alastair Campbell’s communications and his bizarre run-in with a New Zealand referee.

Go to Patreon

CHECK OUT OUR UPCOMING LIVE SHOWS & GET TICKETS WHEREVER YOU ARE.

LIVE SHOW TICKETS

BECOME A SECOND CAPTAINS WORLD SERVICE MEMBER AND GET COMPLETE ACCESS TO ALL OUR SHOWS AND ARCHIVE.

JOIN US