Dubai: He may not be the face of the Barclays English Premier League coverage across the Middle East any more, but the small matter of a Fifa World Cup means former Orbit Showtime Network (OSN) presenter Rob McCaffrey can still look forward to a busy summer.
With Abu Dhabi Sports replacing OSN as the region's exclusive broadcaster of the most glamorous football league in the world when the new season rolls around in August, McCaffrey is currently unemployed. However, he has undoubtedly left a vibrant impression on his audience during his three-year stint with OSN as the 46-year-old Briton is all set to team up with old pal Derek Whyte and give football fans a World Cup experience to remember over 11 nights at Meydan.
Meydan magic
The show, titled Rob and Derek Live at Meydan, will see the pair joined by a host of big names in the football industry, providing fans with an in-depth analysis of the biggest games from June 11 to July 11.
McCaffrey is aware the thrill will last just 30 days, but ever the professional, there is only one thing on his mind for now, putting on a great show. "It's going to be incredibly different," he said excitedly. "We've got Premier League managers and ex-Premier League players coming down. It will be like doing Showtime but for people to ask questions and get involved in it. I'm really looking forward to it," he added.
Despite his enthusiasm about the event, McCaffrey could not help but reflect on what he called "the three best years" of his life.
"I didn't even know where Dubai was when I first came here. I was working for Sky Sports, but my lifestyle in England was very hard. I got this chance out of the blue. Work-wise, the first week was a disaster, but after that it just got better and better," he said. "The sadness obviously is we've lost the contract, but I think I've had so many people to say ‘thanks very much' and all the staff at Showtime because we've produced a really professional show."
"More than work, my children have absolutely loved it to the point where my wife will just not go anywhere now because they are so settled at school."
"It's been the most incredible cultural experience for them and for me as well. I've made so many new friends. It's been the best three years of my life by a million miles."
