We caught up with some of the big names and passionate players at the 888Poker London Live Festival here in Stratford and spoke to them about the burning issues in poker.

One hot subject in poker right now is definitely whether there should be a 'shot clock' in poker. Should players have the right to take as long as they like over every hand in live poker? Or is a prevalence for taking too long over decisions ruining the cut and thrust of competitive game play? We spoke to former England, Spurs and Manchester United striker Teddy Sheringham alongside poker professionals Charles Chattha and Arron Fletcher to gauge the feeling of those who sit down at the felt.

Arron Fletcher: There's a shot clock online, so if it's done sensibly, then yes. You could just apply a bit more time to live.

Teddy Sheringham: I think poker needs something. I'd put a shot clock in most tournaments.

Charles Chattha: I'd have one. In normal games, I think it's fair if someone calls the clock and you have a minute.

But there's a difference between having the clock called on you in a key position like Stacy Matuson did at the World Series of Poker Main Event and a mandatory clock that is applied to every hand.

AF: If people want to waste time on hands, its really bad for poker. The more unwatchable the World Series of Poker Main Event gets. They're entitled to take as much time as possible. It's the most viewed television poker, but it's really bad that people take so long.

So how long is too long to think about a hand, and why should players who have experience make that decision. Would it benefit the amateur or recreational player entering the game? What is the perfect length of time for a shot clock?

TS: People are taking it to new levels now and sitting there thinking for five minutes. That happens far too often.

AF: For key hands, a little extra time would be right. I don't really mind too much - I go into my own world and I don't really call the clock that often now . I call the clock way more in cash games than in tournaments. I take longer now than I used to - I've got more to think about!

So is taking time as sign of inexperience or being professional to a certain extent? Where is the cut-off?

CC: It depends on the time. I'd say two minutes for every decision is fair. I think two minutes is the perfect amount of time.

AF: You should be allowed a time bank if there's a shot clock, for sure.

A shot clock and a time bank in a live event? Whether everybody would embrace such a move remains to be seen. One thing is for sure, unless there are shot clock tournaments that are readily available to the poker players who are looking for them, the debate will go on and players will discuss amongst themselves how best a shot clock could be initiated.