Will Fergie sign up for TV clash with Keane? ITV and BBC go head-to-head for legendary gaffer for next summer's World Cup



ITV have signed up footballing ‘brainbox’ Clarke Carlisle to be part of their team at next summer’s World Cup in Brazil — but the big prize for the station and their BBC rivals remains the recruitment of Sir Alex Ferguson.

Although he retired this summer at the age of 33 without any international experience, Carlisle is regarded as one of the brightest men to have played the game, appearing as a panellist on Question Time and a victorious contestant on Countdown.

The former QPR, Leeds and Burnley defender remains the PFA chairman until later this year and recently presented the well-received documentary Football’s Suicide Secret in which he revealed his own problems battling alcoholism and depression.

In demand: BBC and ITV are desperate to secure the services of Sir Alex Ferguson next summer

New man: ITV have announced PFA chairman Clarke Carlisle as part of their punditry team next summer

Carlisle is the first ITV signing for the World Cup beyond their regular team of Roy Keane, Gareth Southgate and Andy Townsend.

But the role of Ferguson is going to prove fascinating following his Manchester United retirement.

The 71-year-old has so far declined all media requests, including Sky Sports, who were keen to land the first major ‘post-retirement’ piece.



Reunion: A move to ITV would see Ferguson link up with Roy Keane, with the two at United (below)

With Ferguson recovering from hip surgery, there is a feeling he may want to stay out of the limelight before resurfacing at the World Cup. ITV are planning to send only their commentary teams to Brazil, with pre-match and half-time punditry coming from England.

Any move for Ferguson would raise the prospect of him sitting alongside Keane. The pair fell out when Keane was let go by United after he criticised team-mates in an MUTV interview.