Second series of ESPN and Bite Yer Legs co-produced series to premiere ahead of new Premier League season
Players featured include Cristiano Ronaldo, Robbie Fowler, David Beckham and Ian Wright
ESPN’s Legends of the Barclays Premier League is returning for a second series on ESPN Classic as ten more greats join the likes of Alan Shearer, Eric Cantona and Tony Adams. The new series premieres at 10pm on Monday 6th August, with a new episode every weeknight until Friday 17th August, the day before the start of the new Premier League season.
The list of players profiled includes four Manchester United stars: defensive stalwarts Gary Neville and Peter Schmeichel, plus two magnificent sevens – David Beckham and his replacement at the club, Cristiano Ronaldo. Joining them are all-time Arsenal greats Ian Wright and Patrick Vieira, midfield general Gary Speed, as well as legendary forwards Robbie Fowler, Les Ferdinand and Paolo Di Canio.
The new series combines archive footage with interviews and comment from former teammates of the legends, opponents who have faced them and journalists who have closely followed their careers. Those interviewed include two of the legends themselves – Ian Wright and Paolo Di Canio – former England internationals Danny Mills, Nigel Martyn, Nigel Winterburn and John Scales as well as ex-Premier League stars Dietmar Hamann, Gary McAllister, Don Hutchison and former manager David Pleat alongside some of Fleet Street’s finest football writers.
Each episode of the series profiles a legend, focusing on the moments, rivalries and personalities that earn them their legendary status. Neil Sullivan recounts being on the receiving end of David Beckham’s famous halfway-line strike. Analysts attempt to explain the mystery of the mechanics of Ronaldo’s free-kicks. Paolo Di Canio’s Jekyll and Hyde character is laid bare – from pushing referee Paul Alcock to stopping play with a clear chance to score when Everton’s keeper lay injured. Patrick Vieira’s profile includes his infamous on- and off-pitch battles with Roy Keane. Les Ferdinand’s successful strike partnerships are highlighted as is the story of Ian Wright’s journey from labourer to legend.
The new series of Legends of the Barclays Premier League follows on from the first series, which will also be aired on ESPN Classic from Monday 30th July. Double episodes will be broadcast each night, starting with two mercurial forwards, both justifiably nicknamed “Le God” – Eric Cantona and Matt Le Tissier. Following them are Alan Shearer, Ryan Giggs, Dennis Bergkamp, Gianfranco Zola, Tony Adams, Roy Keane, David Ginola and Thierry Henry.
Legends of the Barclays Premier League on ESPN Classic:
10:00pm Monday 6th August Ian Wright
10:00pm Tuesday 7th August Cristiano Ronaldo
10:00pm Wednesday 8th August Peter Schmeichel
10:00pm Thursday 9th August Gary Speed
10:00pm Friday 10th August Robbie Fowler
10:00pm Monday 13th August Paolo Di Canio
10:00pm Tuesday 14th August Gary Neville
10:00pm Wednesday 15th August Patrick Vieira
10:00pm Thursday 16th August Les Ferdinand
10:00pm Friday 17th August David Beckham
Other highlights on ESPN Classic during August include action from previous X Games, giving viewers the chance to catch high-flying feats in events such as Moto X, skateboard park and vert, as well as freestyle BMX. That is followed each day by Sid Waddell’s Wrestling Show. The start of the Premier League season will be marked with a host of dedicated programming on the channel: season highlights and great goals from classic campaigns, plus some of the finest howlers in Own Goals and Gaffes.
