The Sports Agents

This week on The Sports Agents, UK cyclist Lizzy Banks joined Gabby & Mark in the studio, following her 10-month battle with UK Anti-Doping, for an insight into what actually happens when you fail a drugs test and the reality of trying to live as a 'clean' athlete under the current rules.The youngest executive in English football history, and current West Ham Director, Jack Sullivan, joined us later in the week to to help us find out how the big calls, like replacing the head coach, or voting on whether or not to scrap VAR, are actually made at Premier League clubs. Just scroll back through The Sports Agents feed to listen to these interviews in full. New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

Today on The Sports Agents - as Bayern Munich announce Vincent Kompany, Chelsea turn to Enzo Maresca and Barcelona appoint Hansi Flick - West Ham Director, Jack Sullivan, gives us an insight into how the big calls are really made at Premier League clubs.Jack reflects on how David Moyes exit was handled, the process of identifying his successor Julen Lopetegui, as well as, the due diligence involved in transfers, being a teenager in a Premier League boardroom and how clubs will work together ahead of next week's vote to decide on the future of VAR.Plus, Gabby & Mark explain the big shake-up in the Netball Super League, which has caused outrage on the south-coast and why it matters that Emma Hayes' replacement at Chelsea, is not a man. Running order: Jack Sullivan interview (06:40)Executive Producer: Adonis PratsidesProducer: Sophie PenneyVideo Producer: Sam Trudgill Social Media Editor: Georgia FoxwellTom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast networkVicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".And, the Sports Agents now have merch!

*Trigger warning* Some of the themes explored within our interview with Lizzy Banks contains mention of suicide and suicidal thoughtsToday on The Sports Agents, what's it really like for athletes living under the cloud of a failed drugs test? Lizzy Banks, the UK cyclist who has spoken out against Anti-Doping authorities following her 10-month battle to clear her name - which ultimately cost her, her sporting career and almost her life. Lizzy sheds light on the mind-blowing level of commitment it takes to be a 'clean athlete' and why WADA's rules are no longer fit for purpose.Plus, Gabby & Mark pay homage to some monster times from British middle-distance runners in the run up to the Paris Olympics as Josh Kerr and Keely Hodgkinson impressed in Oregon over the weekend.Running order: Lizzy Banks interview (11:07)Executive Producer: Adonis PratsidesProducer: Sophie PenneyVideo Producer: Sam Trudgill Social Media Editor: Georgia FoxwellTom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast networkVicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".And, the Sports Agents now have merch!

This week on The Sports Agents,We brought you an exclusive interview between The News Agents' own Jon Sopel and the Arsenal and Ukraine defender Oleksandr Zinchenko - who reflected Arsenal's season and waning support for the war. A special insight into how world title fights are actually scored from the referee at the centre of what was described as the 'biggest robbery in boxing history'.Gabby & Mark then sat down with the Football League Chairman Rick Parry to discuss the widening gulf between the Premier League and The Championship, ahead of this weekend's Play-Off final. Plus, reaction to Gareth Southgate's provisional squad for this summer's Euros with Joe Cole and much more... New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

Ahead of the Championship Play-off Final, dubbed 'the richest game in football', EFL Chairman Rick Parry, joins Gabby & Mark to answer the big questions facing the Football League - What’s the point in Premier League promotion? Is the gulf between the top two tiers of English football too big and how would a Government regulator close it? Plus, with Vincent Kompany set to succeed Thomas Tuchel at Bayern Munich and as Chelsea eye Ipswich's Kieran McKenna and Leicester's Enzo Maresca, how has the profile of a desirable manager changed? Executive Producer: Adonis PratsidesProducer: Rory SymonVideo Producer: Sam Trudgill Social Media Editor: Georgia FoxwellTom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast networkVicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".And, the Sports Agents now have merch!

Was Oleksandr Usyk's split-decision victory over Tyson Fury for the undisputed heavyweight crown the correct decision? Should the referee have stopped the fight in the 9th? Does boxing need VAR?...The Sports Agents brings you a bonus interview with former star referee and judge, Ian John-Lewis, days before the eagerly anticipated rematch between Josh Taylor and Jack Catterall - a fight described as the 'biggest robbery in boxing history', where Ian was one of the two judges who scored it in favour of Taylor... and never worked for the British Boxing Board of Control again. In this bonus episode, Gabby & Mark explore how elite fights are actually scored, what influences the decision to let a boxer continue and Ian's long drawn-out court battle to clear his name.New episodes every Tuesday & Thursday

Today on The Sports Agents, an exclusive interview with the Arsenal & Ukraine defender Oleksandr Zinchenko. In an emotional sit-down with The News Agents' Jon Sopel, Zinchenko talks about football and the war. The pride in representing Ukraine at this summer's European Championships and his 'duty' to use his profile to continue to help. Plus, as the Gunners missed out on the Premier League title on the final day, Zinchenko explains why Arteta's team are edging closer to silverware and reflects on that Son one-on-one! Later, after Gareth Southgate named his provisional England squad for this summer's Euros, Mark & Gabby speak to former England forward Joe Cole about what it feels like to make the squad for a tournament, Rashford's omission and Foden's best position. Guest Sports Agent: Jon Sopel Executive Producer: Adonis PratsidesProducer: David DombVideo Producer: Sam Trudgill Social Media Editor: Georgia FoxwellTom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast networkVicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".And, the Sports Agents now have merch!

This week on The Sports Agents former England defender Rio Ferdinand joined us to discuss the stigma around mental health in football and whether teams are now better equipped to work with players who are struggling. We were also joined by Jadon Sancho's former youth coach and mentor Sayce Lewis-Holmes to find out more about the level of pressure on aspiring footballers today. Plus, with a huge final couple of days in the Premier League and WSL seasons this weekend, football writer Henry Winter talked us through a whole host of topics including the 115 charges for Manchester City over alleged breaches of financial fair play. New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday

Today on The Sports Agents, is it ever OK to want your own team to lose, would Manchester City's historic fourth consecutive title require an asterisk and how do you move on from legendary managers like Jurgen Klopp and Emma Hayes... Writer Henry Winter joins Gabby and Mark in the studio to debate the big stories heading into the final weekend of the Premier League and WSL seasons. Running order: Big Ange's big ambitions (04:12)Man City's 115 charges (14:33)Jurgen Klopp & Emma Hayes (24:00)Fury v Usyk (41:20)Executive Producer: Adonis PratsidesProducer: David DombVideo Producer: Shane Fennelly & Arvind BadewalSocial Media Editor: Georgia FoxwellTom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast networkVicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".And, the Sports Agents now have merch!Clips: John Fury (Sky Sports)Mauricio Pochettino (BBC)

Rio Ferdinand joins The Sports Agents to discuss the stigma around mental health in sports and a new campaign aimed at helping children to understand their emotions. As more Premier League stars open up about their own mental health struggles, Gabby & Mark asked the former Manchester United defender if his old club has been equipped to help players like Marcus Rashford & Jadon Sancho.Later, we're joined by Sancho's mentor and former youth coach Sayce Holmes-Lewis to talk more about the mentality of a prodigious six-year-old Sancho, how Dortmund helped him to rediscover his confidence and the extreme pressures on young aspiring male and female players.Plus, a weather report from a leaky Old Trafford after Mark is soaked on TV duty and Gabby tells us about Phoebe Gill - the teenage runner who just shocked the Athletics world. Executive Producer: Adonis PratsidesProducer: David DombVideo Producer: Rory SymonSocial Media Editor: Rory SymonTom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast networkVicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".And, the Sports Agents now have merch!Clips: Wayne Rooney (Sky Sports) Phoebe Gill (Team GB)

This week on The Sports Agents, Gabby & Mark took a closer look at a controversial new rule in cricket - the impact player in the IPL - and whether it's introduction became a threat to the fabric of the sport. The Telegraph's Nick Hoult joined us in the studio to discuss it's impact on the game and whether the current domestic schedule demands too much from players.And with the 'fight of the century' a week away between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk, just how big is the latest drug scandal to hit boxing? Two-weight world champion Carl Frampton and broadcaster Adam Catterall explore how sensation Ryan Garcia is making headlines. Catch up with full episodes for more on how much Declan Rice's West Ham depature impacted David Moyes and his final season at the club, and just how do Real Madrid always find a way in the Champions League? New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

Today on The Sports Agents - with 'The Fight of the Century' between Fury and Usyk just over a week away - how damaging is its latest drugs scandal?Gabby & Mark are joined by the former two-weight World Champion Carl Frampton and broadcaster Adam Catterall to reflect on one of the most bizarre chapters in recent boxing history - involving Ryan Garcia.Handsome, talented and unstable. So why has his stunning victory over Super Lightweight Champion Devin Haney been overshadowed and when, if ever, will boxing take PEDs seriously? Plus, how Real Madrid always find a way to the Champions League final and just how difficult is it to measure a course for a marathon? Executive Producer: Adonis PratsidesProducers: David DombVideo Producer: Sam TrudgillSocial Media Editor: Rory SymonTom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast networkVicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".And, the Sports Agents now have merch!

Today on The Sports Agents - Has the introduction of 'impact players' in the Indian Premier League become a 'threat to the fabric of the sport?' The Telegraph's Nick Hoult joins Gabby & Mark to reflect on a rule change which has divided cricket fans all over the world... While the IPL's franchises, big broadcast deals, and brilliant blend of Bollywood has been widely celebrated - have they made a fatal mistake in meddling with the actual game?Plus, was David Moyes right to single out Declan Rice as the reason West Ham have suffered so many big defeats away from home this season and would any UK sportsperson ever submit themselves to a 'comedy roast' like Tom Brady? Executive Producer: Adonis PratsidesProducers: David DombVideo Producer: Sam TrudgillSocial Media Editor: Rory SymonTom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast networkVicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".And, the Sports Agents now have merch! Clips: The Greatest Roast of All Time: Tom Brady (Netflix) Kyren Wilson - World Snooker Championships (BBC) Rohit Sharma - Club Prairie Fire Podcast

This week on The Sports Agents, Gabby & Mark explored whether a Premier League salary cap will actually help smaller clubs bridge the gap to the 'Big 6' and if it could lead to a bigger drain on top English talent... Former Lioness Jill Scott was in the studio to explain why Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham is the obvious candidate to succeed Bayern Munich's Harry Kane as England captain - as they went head-to-head in the Champions League semi-finals. And legendary boxing promoter Frank Warren joined us to reflect on his rivalry with the Hearn family, the British public's complicated relationship with Tyson Fury and the night he was shot outside one of his shows... Catch up with the full episodes for more on Billy Vunipola's Mallorca arrest and Jadon Sancho's resurgence in Dortmund. New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

Today on The Sports Agents, a fascinating interview with legendary boxing promoter Frank Warren... Nothing was off-limits, including his long-standing rivalry with the Hearn family, Tyson Fury's remarkable comeback, Riyadh Season coming to Wembley and that fateful night back in 1989 when he was shot outside one of his own shows.Also on the podcast - Gabby & Mark discuss Sancho's starring role for Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League, and Billy Vunipola's Mallorca arrest.Executive Producer: Adonis PratsidesProducers: David DombVideo Producer: Sam TrudgillSocial Media Editor: Rory SymonTom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast networkVicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".And, the Sports Agents now have merch!

As Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane prepare to face off in the Champions League semi-finals, The Sports Agents explore whether plans to introduce a Premier League salary cap, could lead to a drain on top English talent? Former Lioness Jill Scott joins Mark and Gabby in studio, to reflect on their success at Real Madrid and Bayern Munich respectively, and if the Premier League's loss could still be England's gain at the Euros this summer. Plus, a sneak peek at a very special interview with the iconic British boxing promoter Frank Warren, coming your way on Thursday. Executive Producer: Adonis PratsidesProducer: David Domb Video Producers: Sam TrudgillSocial Media Editor: Rory SymonTom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast networkVicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".And, the Sports Agents now have merch!

This week on The Sports Agents...A Premier League launched an attack on VAR via their social media account - and threatened legal action... Is there actually any legal recourse for victims of a dodgy offside decision? The Athletic's David Ornstein joined us on the pod to discuss the chaos at Nottingham Forest. Ultra-marathon runner Jasmine Parris then spoke to Gabby & Mark about becoming the first women to ever complete the Barkley Marathons and just what it takes to conquer the legendary 100-mile race.With the NFL Draft taking place this weekend and the number one pick going to Mark's beloved Chicago Bears, former Dallas Cowboys star Jason Bell told us how it all works and why the ingenious system should be the envy of European football. And after Liverpool's defeat to Everton in midweek we asked if Jurgen Klopp has announced his Anfield departure too soon. New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

Today, The Sports Agents catch NFL Draft fever and are joined by former cornerback for the Dallas Cowboys Jason Bell to explore how one pick can transform the fortunes of their beloved team, overnight. Colleen Wolfe then joins us live from Detroit to discuss the global audience for the 3-day event and why it represents the kind of league parity that European football fans can only dream of... Who is number 1 pick Caleb Williams and how does a 22-year-old quarterback with a 'generational talent' tag already on his back, handle the pressure & expectation of Bears fans, like Mark Chapman.Plus, Mark and Gabby react to Liverpool's defeat in the Merseyside derby and Wayne Rooney's suggestion that Jurgen Klopp announced his departure from Anfield at the wrong time. Executive Producer: Adonis PratsidesProducer: David Domb Video Producers: Sam TrudgillSocial Media Editor: Rory SymonTom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast networkVicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".

After an explosive statement from a Premier League club alleged that a video-assistant referee, with allegiances to a rival team, should have been removed from their game on Sunday - The Sports Agents reflects on more unintended consequences of VAR and the growing threat to the sport's integrity... Should a 'melodrama' between Nottingham Forest, the Premier League and the FA ever play out on social media? What was former referee Mark Clattenburg's role in the story and should he resign? And why is the Barcelona President Joan Laporta demanding a replay following their El Clasico defeat on the same day!The Athletic's David Ornstein joins Gabby & Mark to unpack the conspiracy theories and whether or not there is infact legal recourse for clubs like Forest - plus his breaking story on Sporting's highly coveted head coach Ruben Amorim and if he'll be heading to West Ham this summer. Later, following Sunday's London Marathon, Ultra-marathon runner Jasmin Paris joins us to talk about the Barkley Marathons - after she became the first woman to finish the legendary race - which makes 26.2 miles sound like a stroll in the city!Executive Producer: Adonis PratsidesVideo Producers: Sam Trudgill & Rory SymonSocial Media Editor: Georgia FoxwellTom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast networkVicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".Clips: Jim Ratcliffe with Gabby Logan at the London Marathon (BBC)Gary Neville (Sky Sports)

This week on The Sports Agents... A Sports Agents exclusive - Mark & Gabby had a first-look at an independent report into diversity at the senior levels of sport across every major National Governing Body in UK - Sporting Equals Chief executive Arun Kang joined them in the studio to unpack the findings...Former Lioness Eni Aluko then reflected on her own experiences - after becoming the first black woman in Italy to own a football club.Plus, how damaging were Manchester City & Arsenal's Champions League exits for English football's chances of a fifth qualifying spot in next season's competition? And after Lord Seb Coe announced he had chaired the first meeting of The Old Trafford Regeneration taskforce - Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham sat down with Mark to talk about public money, opportunity and London 2012.Here's some of our favourite bits - new episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.