The Athletic FC Podcast

Ian Wright, The Comoros & Why AFCON Matters

<p>Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by The Athletic's Carl Anka and Jay Harris to discuss <strong><em>why AFCON matters</em></strong>, as the 33rd edition of the tournament kicked off in Cameroon...</p><p>The panel discuss this rite of passage for a diaspora of young football fans, how European attitudes towards the festival of football continue to evolve, de-bunk some of the typical misconceptions about African football and tell the sensational story of Comoros, aka, <em>'The Island of the Moon'.</em></p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Arsenal, Villa transfer targets plus Ndombele future

<p>Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton &amp; David Ornstein to discuss some of the latest transfer news. Aston Villa are confident of signing Everton left-back Lucas Digne after picking up <strong>Philippe </strong>Coutinho on loan, Arsenal could be after a striker and Newcastle are targeting further signings ahead of their crunch relegation showdown with Watford.</p><p>The Athletic’s Jack Pitt-Brooke will join us to tell us what has gone wrong at Spurs for record signing Tanguy Ndombele who wants to leave the club in January. </p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

(FA Cup) Weekend Preview: Lanzini's Level, Phil Jones' Tears & Could This Be Palace's Year?

<p>Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are once again in the company of bet365's Steve Freeth to preview the best of the weekend's FA Cup Third Round action... Will Ben Garner's Swindon stand toe-to-toe with Pep's Man City, could Arsenal be light in midfield against Nottingham Forest and is the Hull City takeover done yet?</p><p>Plus, why Crystal Palace could be dark horses for the trophy this season, Manuel Lanzini's inspired West Ham form and what Ralf Rangnick could learn from his 29-year-old centre half, Phil Jones.</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

AFCON & Southampton Takeover: Business of Sport

<p>With the Africa Cup of Nations kicking off this weekend Mark Chapman &amp; Matt Slater are joined by Hicham El Amrani, former Secretary General of the African Football Federation.</p><p>And later in the pod we’ll be joined by The Athletic’s Dan Sheldon who has been speaking to Martin Semmens CEO of Premier League side Southampton following their takeover by a London-based investment firm.</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Attwell, VAR & The Great Referee Conspiracy

<p>Which referee's name strikes fear into your heart as a fan. Does Stuart Attwell really hate Arsenal and why do Premier League referees all look alike?... Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by The Athletic's Stuart James and Dan Barnes to reflect on the 'Great Referee Conspiracy' gripping the hearts of supporters across the country...</p><p>The guys discuss the concerning lack of diversity, accountability and whether 'consistency' is even possible in football.</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Lukaku future, Newcastle transfer targets, United's identity crisis

<p>Mark Chapman discusses the future of Romelu Lukaku - after he was dropped from the Chelsea squad - with The Athletic’s Simon Johnson &amp; James Horncastle &amp; Adam Crafton.</p><p>Adam Crafton was at Old Trafford last night for The Athletic and has plenty of thoughts on United's struggles following their loss to Wolves. </p><p>And with the transfer window now open, The Athletic's Newcastle United writer Chris Waugh joins the pod ahead of a very busy month on his beat. </p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Introducing...In The Boardroom

<p>The Athletic Football Podcast is taking break this week so we wanted to point you in the direction of the newest addition to the Athletic podcast network.</p><br><p>In The Boardroom is hosted by Jacqui Oatley and she speaks to people from up and down the football pyramid about the day-to-day to running a football club. As a taster, this is Jacqui's conversation with Leon Mann, co-founder of The Football Blacklist, where they discuss Leon's on-going mission to make football more inclusive - from coaching to club administration to the media.</p><br><p>If you like what you hear, you can listen to the other interviews from the series by searching for In The Boardroom and subscribing for free on Apple, Spotify and everywhere else you get your pods, including of course the Athletic app.</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

(Xmas) Weekend Preview: Rigid Leeds, Ashworth's Dilemma & A Good Time To Play Chelsea?

<p>Ho-Ho-Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet365's Steve Freeth to preview the best of the Boxing Day action as Dan questions whether this is a good time for his beloved Villa to face Chelsea and the trio debate where both Newcastle and Manchester United most need to strengthen in January...</p><p>Plus, Phil Hay chimes in on how badly Leeds need some players back from injury this Christmas, if Liverpool can sustain a title challenge without their African stars and whether the Newcastle project is a more interesting proposition than Brighton's?</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Covid-19, Free-Transfers & The January Transfer Window

<p>Mbappe, Pogba, Rudiger and countless other star players are out of contract next summer; The Athletic's senior writer Stuart James joins Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes to explain...</p><p>How the pandemic has helped to create a truly 'unique' summer, the role of football agents in this trend and how clubs are trying to wrestle back some control. Plus, who the big winners and losers might be in January?</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Premier League to play on despite COVID concerns

<p>Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton to discuss the fallout from the Premier League's decision on Monday not to postpone a round of fixtures over Christmas despite the rise in COVID cases continuing to put matches in jeopardy.</p><p>We're also joined by The Athletic's senior writer Dominic Fifield and our Leeds correspondent Phil Hay to look at Chelsea and Leeds - two of the clubs who have been badly affected by the recent chaos in different ways, and with it being announced that 16% of Premier League footballers are unvaccinated we attempt to work out the reasons why and whether football can do anything about this issue.</p><p>All that plus a look ahead to the January transfer window and our panel pick their footballing highlights of 2021.</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Weekend Preview: De Bruyne's Reminder, Martinelli's Horse Power & Will Kane Ever Score Again?

<p>Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet365's Steve Freeth to preview (what's left of) the weekend's Premier League action, as Covid outbreaks continue to disrupt the festive fixture calendar... Has 'Auba-gate' actually galvanised the Arsenal squad and can they take their impressive home form to Elland Road on Saturday? How much Kane would be worth if he tried to engineer another move away from Spurs in January and more on KdB's frighteningly good return to action. Plus, why Gareth Southgate MUST find a way to get Trent Alexander-Arnold into his England team for the World Cup next year.</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Business of Sport: Edwin van der Sar on leading an iconic football club

<p>Mark Chapman &amp; The Athletic's Matt Slater are joined by Edwin van der Sar to discuss his journey from being a hugely successful player to leading one of European football's most famous football clubs as CEO of AFC Ajax.</p><p>We also hear how Edwin's work at Ajax is being noticed from other clubs including his former side Manchester United.</p><p>In a wide ranging discussion, Edwin also details the every day challenges he faces in his role from recruitment, managing finances and creating an authentic connection with fans through the club's unique culture and Bob Marley.</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

A Footballer's Guide To Christmas Parties

<p>Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by Wolves writer Tim Spiers to shine a spotlight on his article: <em>‘</em><strong><em>A footballer’s guide to Christmas parties: The fines, fisticuffs, foreign trips and fancy dress,’ </em></strong>for which Tim enlisted the help of former Wolves winger Matt Jarvis...<strong><em> </em></strong>Standby for some outrageous tales from what Matt proudly describes as the 'biggest night on the footballing calendar', how the tradition has withstood scrooge-esque managers, a pandemic and the ever-increasing professional standards we've come to expect.</p><p>Plus, Dan and Flo react to the news that Arsenal have stripped Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of the captaincy.</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Aubameyang & Arteta: The Dispute, The Captaincy, The Future

<p>Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein &amp; Adam Crafton to discuss the off field dispute that led to Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang being dropped by Mikel Arteta.</p><p>David &amp; Adam will share what they know following COVID outbreaks at Aston Villa &amp; Manchester United and explain what could happen next.</p><p>And we’ll speak to The Athletic’s Crystal Palace writer Matt Woosnam after an important win for Patrick Vieira’s side against Everton at Selhurst Park with Connor Gallagher stealing the show.</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Weekend Preview: Schmeichel Struggling, Wan-Bissaka's Flaws & Brentford's Conveyor Belt

<p>Hosts Dan Bardell, George Elek and bet365's Steve Freeth reconvene to discuss their first impressions of the Ralf Rangnick era at Old Trafford, as Aaron Wan-Bissaka fails his first audition infront of his new manager... They also explore Kasper Schmeichel's big dip in form, how Brentford keep finding new ways to replace their star strikers, Man City's ominous recent PL form and more.</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Business of Sport: EFL Chair Rick Parry On Regulating The Football Pyramid

<p>Mark Chapman &amp; The Athletic's Matt Slater are joined by Rick Parry, Chairman of the English Football League to discuss regulation and sustainability at all levels of English football in the wake of the recommendations made in the Fan-Led Review.</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

'They're Lesbians, Stacey'

<p>Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by Women's football writer Jessy Parker Humphreys, to reflect on the many ways in which the sport's openly gay power-couples are creating a safe and 'joyous' environment for the LGBTQ+ community... They discuss how love-stories like Sam Kerr and Kristie Mewis, the in-jokes, social media sub-culture and sincere efforts to celebrate the joy of 'queerness' in sport, has left the men's game in the dust.</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Inside Rangnick's first week at United & Brands leaves Everton

<p>Mark Chapman &amp; The Athletic's Adam Crafton assess the impact Ralf Rangnick is already having as Manchester United interim manager with our German writer Raphael Honigstein</p><p>The Athletic’s Andy Jones will share his concerns for Burnley who are joint bottom of the Premier League following defeat at Newcastle on Saturday.</p><p>And, more disarray at Everton means another uplifting Everton chat, this time with Greg O’Keefe as news came through yesterday that director of football Marcel Brands has left the club.</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Weekend Preview: Immature Arsenal, Carrick's Legacy & Everton's Toxicity Level

<p>Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet365's Steve Freeth to reflect on Arsenal's bad habits after scoring a goal, Michael Carrick's Manchester United legacy and Aubameyang's ability to disappear in big away games... Plus, the trio debate Chelsea's best attacking combination, why Everton are lucky to have Rafa Benitez in charge and if Raheem Sterling is back in Pep's good books?</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Business of Sport: Tracey Crouch MP on Fan-Led Review criticism

<p>Mark Chapman &amp; Matt Slater are joined by Tracey Crouch MP who responds to criticism from some leaders at Premier League clubs of The Independent Fan Led Review of Football Governance that was chaired by Crouch.</p><p>Also on the pod, Danny Macklin, CEO of Leyton Orient, who play in League Two in the English football league, to get his thoughts on the review that he hopes can provide lower league clubs the financial support they need.</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Shearer Remembers Gary Speed & Howe Newcastle Can Avoid Relegation

<p>Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by Senior Writer for The Athletic, George Caulkin, to discuss Newcastle's perilous Premier League position, the Saudi's first January transfer window and early impressions of new manager Eddie Howe...</p><p>Plus, a special tribute to Gary Speed - 10 years on from his death - as Alan Shearer asks likes of Sam Allardyce, Duncan Ferguson, Chris Coleman, Gordon Strachan and others, what made his mate 'Speedo' so unique.</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Rangnick confirmed, Ferran Torres future & Benitez the politician

<p>As Ralph Rangnick is confirmed as Manchester United interim manager, David Ornstein who broke the story on The Athletic, joins Mark Chapman to bring the very latest details, whilst Adam Crafton will share some of the details from his piece on United’s five-year pursuit of Mauricio Pochettino.</p><p> The Athletic's Patrick Boyland joins us to look at what is going wrong at Everton after another defeat at the weekend ahead of the Merseyside Derby on Wednesday.</p><p>Whilst our Manchester City writer Sam Lee will be with us to share his story on the future of Ferran Torres and why he is thinking about a move in the January window.</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Weekend Preview: Ralf Rangnick Surprise, Thiago's Grass-Cutter & Newcastle Entertaining Again

<p>Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet365's Steve Freeth to reflect on The Athletic's exclusive story, that Ralf Rangnick has agreed a deal to manage Manchester United until the end of the season! Our very own German football expert Raphael Honigstein gives us the low-down on the 'Godfather of Gegenpressing' and the guys discuss what his appointment has done for United's chances at Stamford Bridge on Sunday...</p><p>Plus, whether Arsenal will be able to bounce back from their annual Anfield humiliation against Eddie Howe's ultra-attacking Newcastle, why there are no more excuses for both Brentford and Everton, why Dan's sceptical of all the recent praise for Graham Potter and why Leeds' teenager Joe Gelhardt is like a young Wayne Rooney.</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Business Of Sport: Crystal Palace Co-owner John Textor Interview

<p>Mark Chapman &amp; The Athletic's Matt Slater are joined by John Textor, who earlier this year invested almost £90million in English Premier League side Crystal Palace and in doing so became a fourth partner and director at the club.</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Spurs & The Y-Word

<p>Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by The Athletic's Tottenham correspondent Charlie Eccleshare and News Editor Amitai Winehouse, to discuss Spurs' complicated relationship with an antisemitic slur - The Y word...</p><p>The panel delve into this nuanced debate, reflect on the origins of its association with the North London club, how it continues to divide the fanbase and even the wider Jewish community. Plus, how the heart-warming story of a lesser-known, Leeds-mad Jewish community in Yorkshire factors into this enduring debate.</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Inside Solskjaer’s dismissal at Man United

<p>Mark Chapman is joined by The Atheltic’s David Ornstein, Lauire Whitwell &amp; Adam Crafton to discuss the dismissal of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as manager of Manchester United. </p><p>We’ll go inside the turbulent final weeks of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s reign with detail of how it went wrong and who Manchester United are planning to bring in next.</p><p>Later in the pod Mark &amp; Adam are joined by to The Athletic’s Tim Spiers who has been speaking to Wolves striker Raul Jimenez about his excellent return to form and the documentary that charts his return from a life-threatening injury.</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Weekend Preview: Kane Vs Rooney, Arteta's Anfield Mid-Term & Is Brendan Rodgers Distracted?

<p>Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet365's Steve Freeth to preview some much-needed Premier League football following the last international break of 2021... Antonio Conte welcomes Marcelo Bielsa to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in a fascinating tactical match-up and Arsenal travel to Liverpool to find out how much progress they've <em>really</em> made since the start of the season...</p><p>Plus, has Brendan Rodgers achieved all he can at Leicester and is Rafa Benitez 'pragmatism' starting to stifle Everton's creative talents?</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Business of Sport: Premier League chairman Gary Hoffman resigns

<p>The Athletic's Matt Slater and guests react to the news that Gary Hoffman has announced he is resigning as chairman of The Premier League after just 18 months in the job.</p><p>He is joined by Simon Johnson, currently chair of The Rugby Football League, he spent 5 years as Chief Operating Officer at the English Football Association and was Director of Legal &amp; Business Affairs at the Premier League. Also, on the panel is Alex Horne, former CEO of The English FA for 5 years, he oversaw financing, completion and opening of both Wembley National Stadium and the National Football Centre.</p><p>And in the final part of the podcast, Keith Wyness, former CEO of Premier League sides Aston Villa &amp; Everton reveals what it’s like inside meetings between executives and chairs like Gary Hoffman at The Premier League and CEOs at Premier League clubs</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Gerrard's 'Big Audition', Klopp's Sabbatical & Edwards' Departure

<p>Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by Rangers correspondent for The Athletic, Jordan Campbell, to explore the warning signs that Gerrard had become unsettled at Ibrox... The carefully assembled back-room staff Villa are set to inherit, including revered assistant coach Michael Beale, and why the likes of Emi Buendia could be set to flourish under new management.</p><p>Later, Liverpool writer James Pearce joins in to discuss Klopp's contract, the impact of Sporting Director Michael Edwards' decision to step down at the end of the season and where Gerrard now fits into the bigger picture at Anfield.</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>

Lampard's managerial future, Howe's Newcastle plans & Smith new Norwich boss

<p>Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton to look at the different challenges faced by three newly appointed managers in the Premier League. </p><p>We’ll hear about the unlikely bond between Steven Gerrard &amp; Christian Purslow that played a part in Gerrard landing the Aston Vila job.</p><p>They also look at how Newcastle United could be about to be given a new identity by new boss Eddie Howe and how they might approach the transfer window - The Athletic's George Caulkin will join us for that. </p><p>And Michael Bailey will be with us to tell us why Norwich City have decided to go for Dean Smith as their new manager and why Frank Lampard pulled out. </p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>