The Athletic FC Podcast

Business of Sport: The English coach transforming Canadian football

<p>Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Matt Slater as they speak with Canada Men's Football coach John Herdman.</p><p>Herdman is bidding to qualify for men’s World Cup in Qatar next year for the first time since 1986, having previously seen success with Canada's women's team at the Olympics, winning two bronze medals. Listen to his story and the way that he's been able to transform a nation's prospects, whilst not always receiving the best support out there.</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>

Super League 2.0: 'Evolution not Revolution'

<p>Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by The Athletic's Jack Pitt-Brooke, to discuss his article on the "inevitable" re-launch of a Super League...</p><p>The trio reflect on its failure to launch earlier this year, discuss why it was more successful than many believe and what a 'Super-league 2.0' might actually look like... Think boxing meets the biennial World Cup!</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>

Pressure builds at United & what next for Farke at Norwich?

<p>Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton, Oli Kay &amp; United writer Laurie Whitwell to analyse what is going wrong inside Old Trafford and what could happen next regarding the future of manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after Liverpool inflicted an embarassing defeat on Sunday.</p><p>Norwich City correspondent Michael Bailey drops in to discuss the future of manager Daniel Farke after the terrible run of results continues in the Premier League.  </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: Resting Ronaldo, Mane Under The Radar + Set Piece-Savvy West Ham

<p>Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet365's Steve Freeth, to preview Liverpool's trip to Old Trafford - could defeat really spell the end for United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer? Plus, how 'set-piece kings' West Ham have become favourites for their London derby against Spurs, whether Phil Foden could end up with both the Player AND Young Player of the Year awards at the end of the season and how Aaron Ramsdale has softened the blow of Emi Martinez' Arsenal exit.</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: Inside the 'incredible' Premier League meeting

<p>Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Dan Sheldon to take you inside the extraordinary meeting that saw Premier League clubs vote to block potential Newcastle United sponsorship deals. Sports Lawyer Daniel Geey will also be with us to discuss the various legal ramifications, the wider context as to how it got to this point and what could come next.</p><p>Matt Slater is away this week but we’ll also discuss his piece on the battle to show the Premier League in the US, The Athletic’s Felipe Cardenas - who co-wrote the piece - joins us from Atlanta.</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>

Kyrie Irving, Jurgen Klopp & The Premier League's Vaccination Fight

<p>Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton and Tas Melas (of NBA podcast 'No Dunks' fame) to dive into sport's global vaccination effort... Why the Premier League are still lagging behind major US sports leagues in terms of vaccine uptake, the 'conspiracy culture' in English football, how Qatar's vaccine mandate could rock the boat ahead of the World Cup next year and how Wolves managed to vaccinated their entire squad. Plus, more on the curious case of NBA superstar Kyrie Irving: Un-vaxxed and so un-able to play!</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>

Rashford camp upset over Solskjaer comments & Premier League clubs seething about Newcastle takeover

<p>Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein, Adam Crafton &amp; Simon Johnson to discuss issues involving Manchester United, Newcastle United &amp; Chelsea.</p><p>After a shambolic defeat at the start of a difficult run of games, we’ll discuss what the future holds for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Manchester United..</p><p>We’ll also talk about Newcastle United, who got off to a disappointing start under new ownership, The Athletic has learned there is considerable pressure from Premier League clubs around the takeover and other issues..</p><p>And our Chelsea writer Simon Johnson will join us to talk Edourd Mendy, Romelu Lukaku and Olivier Giroud who David has been speaking to for The Athletic.</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: Ranieri's Rough Start, Lukaku Teething & Vieira's Shadow

<p>Hosts George Elek and Ian Irving (standing in for Dan this week) are joined by bet365's Steve Freeth to preview the return of Premier League football...</p><p>The trio discuss Claudio Ranieri's tough start to life at Vicarage Road and whether Ismaila Sarr was guilty of 'coasting' last year? Plus, how the Arsenal faithful will feel if club legend Patrick Vieira, and his thrilling Crystal Palace side, can take the points on offer at the Emirates on Monday night?</p><p>Are Chelsea still working out how best to use Lukaku, what do Newcastle have to get right before they can start spending their new-found fortune 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: Les Ferdinand offers fans chance to invest in club's future

<p>The Athletic's Matt Slater visits Championship club Queens Park Rangers to speak to club legend Les Ferdinand who is now director of football at the club &amp; Ruben Gnanalingam, QPR vice-chairman to discuss the club's plans to offer their fans the chance to invest in the club's future both on &amp; off the pitch.</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>

Never-mind Newcastle Or Ronaldo, There's Something Going On In Non-League...

<p>Hosts Flo Lloyd-Hughes and Athletic Editor Dan Barnes (filling in for our usual Dan this week) are joined by reporter Michael Walker, to discuss his article on increasing attendances at non-league football...</p><p>As Newcastle supporters continue to chant 'we've got our club back', the trio discuss real fan-ownership, a nostalgic match-day experience, out-dated stigmas about supporters and quality of football - all of which, might explain why more and more fans are turning to their local clubs.</p><p>Plus, as The Athletic continues to celebrate Black History Month, Dan digests some of the latest articles from the collection.</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>

The key decisions for Newcastle owners & English football's moral maze

<p>Flo Lloyd-Hughes is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton, Chris Waugh &amp; Oli Kay to discuss the takeover of Newcastle United ending Mike Ashley's 14-year ownership of the club.</p><p>We’ll discuss the big decisions that need to be made by the new owners; the future of Steve Bruce, January spending, how to address the negative publicity and English football’s obsession with money no matter the source.</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: Will Kane find his scoring boots for England? Salah for golden boot? Brentford for top 6?

<p>The Athletic's George Elek is joined by Bet 365's Steve Freeth to look ahead to England's world cup qualifiers against Andorra and Hungary, games which are surely the perfect opportunity for Harry Kane to build up some form and score some much-needed goals.</p><p>There's also a look at how last weekend's Premier League action leaves the season poised as we head into the international break. Is Mo Salah heading for another golden boot and could he win Player of the Year for the second time? Might Brentford's excellent start have some of the top 6 hopefuls looking over their shoulder?</p><p>All this plus we're joined by From The Rookery End's David Cameron Walker for a look at what Claudio Ranieri's arrival at Watford could mean for the Hornets as they prepare to embark on a daunting run of fixtures against most of the top 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>

Newcastle takeover confirmed, West Ham bid still on table & Football Index update

<p>The Athletic's Matt Slater &amp; George Caulkin react to the takeover of Newcastle United by The Saudi Arabia-financed consortium.</p><p>Then Mark Chapman &amp; Matt Slater speak to Nasib Piriyev, the man who is the head of a consortium trying to buy Premier League club West Ham.</p><p>And The Athletic’s Joey D'Urso joins us for an exclusive update on a story he has been leading on - The collapse of Football Index. We hear from two people who have lost hundreds of thousands of pounds.</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>

Paul Riley & The NWSL: 'A Pattern Of Control & Silence'

<p>Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by The Athletic's NWSL &amp; Women's Soccer Correspondent, Meg Linehan, to discuss the impact of and fall-out from her sensational story that has brought the league to a standstill...</p><p>Meg reflects on the harrowing details from her piece, it's place in the wider context of protecting women in all walks of society and how the swell of support from across the globe can shape the future of women's soccer.</p><p>Also, as The Athletic marks Black History Month, you'll hear an extended clip from an exclusive interview between Adam Leventhal and Troy Deeney - on the continuing fight for equality.</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>

Salah waits for Liverpool contract talks & Ranieri to Watford

<p>Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Adam Leventhal, Adam Crafton &amp; Italian football writer James Horncastle to detail all you need to know about the owners of Premier League side Watford who have sacked Xisco Munoz to make way for Claudio Ranieri as their new manager.</p><p>And our Liverpool writer Simon Hughes joins us to discuss the future of Mohamed Salah as discussions over a contract extension have so far failed to reach an agreement.</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: Neglecting Curtis Jones, Sancho v Townsend & Wasting Vardy's Goals

<p>Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet365's Steve Freeth, to preview Manchester City's trip to Anfield... Will Liverpool seize an early opportunity to prove their title credentials and is Curtis Jones the most underrated English starlet in the Premier League?</p><p>Plus, how a buoyant Arsenal will fare against xG-defiant Brighton, how Leicester have flat-lined despite Vardy's goals, and a closer look at how two wingers - Jadon Sancho and Andros Townsend - have settled in to life at Manchester United and Everton respectively.</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: Was the Super League illegal?

<p>Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Matt Slater to explain why UEFA are locked in a legal battle with Barcelona Real Madrid &amp; Juventus as the Super League fallout continues.</p><p>Dr Katarina Pijetlovic an expert on breakaway leagues. Sports law specialist helps us dig a little deeper &amp; outlines why things played out the way they did and what could happen next.</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>

Does Bruno Have Anything To Apologise For?

<p>Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by The Athletic's Senior Writer Simon Hughes, to discuss his latest article on Bruno Fernandes' missed penalty apology and a growing trend of footballers feeling as though they have to say 'sorry' for in-game mistakes...</p><p>Do footballer's social media accounts need to be managed, who is drafting the posts - and for what kind of supporter? Plus, the impact of online abuse and players no longer just 'sticking to football' on the story.</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>

Arteta's bonds, Premier League propsal, Villa invest in youth

<p>Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein, Jack Pitt-Brooke &amp; Adam Crafton to discuss the stories behind Arsenal's demolition of Spurs and how Arteta, unlike Nuno, has built strong relationships at boardroom level to secure his future.</p><p>David shares a line from his column about a proposal from the Premier League for meaningful, competitive matches abroad.</p><p>And The Athletic's Gregg Evans, will tell us why he thinks Aston Villa are going places after beating Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday and how they are investing heavily in youth.</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: NLD Nerves for Arteta & Nuno, Pep v English Football + Hassenhuttl's Style

<p>Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet365's Steve Freeth to preview a North London Derby, which neither manager can afford to lose... Plus, whether Pep's Manchester City can enact some Champions League final revenge on Tuchel's Chelsea, how Southampton have coped with some big summer departures and what Michael Olise will bring to Crystal Palace.</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: What happens when a club enters administration?

<p>Mark Chapman &amp; Matt Slater are joined by football administrator Paul Appleton &amp; business economist Mark Gregory to explain what happens when clubs like Derby County enter administration, how clubs try to survive &amp; how English football can break the cycle of its professional clubs getting into severe financial difficulties in the first place.</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>

Ivan Toney & Brentford's B-Team 'Big Gamble'

<p>Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by The Athletic's Brentford correspondent Jay Harris, to explain why Brentford's impressive start to the season is no surprise to those who've been paying attention over the last five years...</p><p>Jay discusses the unprecedented decision to replace their Academy with a B-team, innovative recruitment strategy and a model which has become the envy of EFL clubs now trying to replicate the formula for their success.</p><p>Plus, what is Ivan Toney's ceiling and does a comparison between him and Didier Drogba stand up to scrutiny?</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>

Declan Rice Future, Guardiola Debate, Chelsea v Spurs Boardroom Battle

<p>Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton &amp; Roshane to discuss the future of West Ham midfielder Declan Rice and explain why United forward Jesse Lingard may play a key role for Manchester United this season.</p><p>Our Tottenham writer Charlie Eccleshare, saw Chelsea breeze past Spurs on Sunday &amp; he’ll be with us to tell us about the rivalry at boardroom level that has developed between the two clubs.</p><p>And The Athletic’s Manchester City writer Sam Lee will share his take on the Pep Guardiola comments about his club’s fans.</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: Bruce Wars, Doucoure Flourishing & Sorry Spurs

<p>Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet365's Steve Freeth to preview another big weekend of Premier League football... Who needs the points more on Friday night as Newcastle face Leeds - and how can Bielsa get record signing Rodrigo, to start firing? Can Manchester United bounce back from their Champions League humbling away at an Antonio-less West Ham? Plus, Brentford's work-rate, Spurs' dismay 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 Interview: Maheta Molango PFA chief

<p>Mark Chapman &amp; The Athletic's Matt Slater are joined by Maheta Molango, the new chief executive of the union that represents professional footballers in England - the PFA.</p><p>In a wide raging discussion - on topics such as racism, dementia, &amp; the two-year World Cup plan - Maheta shares his vision for leading an organisation, that has faced a series of challenges both on and off the pitch and within the PFA itself under the tenure of the previous CEO Gordon Taylor.</p><p>After visiting dressing rooms of Premier League clubs and beyond, Maheta tells us what the players in his union view as the most issues he should address.</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>

Marcelo Bielsa & Leeds Reborn

<p>Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by The Athletic's Leeds correspondent Phil Hay, to discuss his unmissable new book: 'And It Was Beautiful' - on Marcelo Bielsa's impact at Leeds United...</p><br><p>Phil dives into the 'cult of Bielsa' sweeping West Yorkshire, the origins of 'murder-ball', how Kalvin Phillips was transformed from the 'runt of the litter' and much 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>

Pogba exclusive, Wolves evolving & time for change in Bundesliga?

<p>Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein who reveals Paul Pogba leaning towards signing new Manchester United contract.</p><p>Our Wolves writer Tim Spiers joins us to assess the start of manager Bruno Lage and also to tell us about his interview with the club’s owner Jeff Shi..</p><p>Also as The Champions League returns, The Athletic’s Oli Kay tell us why he believes despite its imbalanced excesses, the tournament is fantastic and has lots to get excited about this season..</p><p>And The Athletic’s German football writer Raphael Honigstein joins us to talk about an exciting start to the Bundesliga that, like the Premier League, is dominated by familiar names and questions if that will ever change.</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: Patrick Vieira's Palace, Salah's Century & Villa Firepower

<p>Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet365's Steve Freeth as the Premier League returns... The trio assess Crystal Palace's summer overhaul ahead of Saturday's London Derby with Tottenham and ask if Dan James and Marcelo Bielsa are a match made in heaven? Plus, Newcastle's chances of spoiling Ronaldo's return to Old Trafford and Villa's slow start to the new campaign.</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: Barry Hearn on 40 years in the industry & what's next

<p>Mark Chapman &amp; The Athletic's Matt Slater are joined by Barry Hearn, a man who is a legend in the business of sport, to share what he has learnt in a 40 year career promoting a range of sports including football, boxing, snooker &amp; darts.</p><p>In a wide-ranging discussion, Hearn compares the running of football clubs to other industries. He also spoke about the pros and cons of gambling sponsorship and how boxing much embrace the evolving new audience that has been attracted to the sport by the likes of social media star Jake Paul &amp; KSI.</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>

Ronaldo's Homecoming & The 3pm Blackout

<p>Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by The Athletic's Manchester United correspondent, Laurie Whitwell, to discuss 'Article 48' and the 3 o'clock blackout in English football that will prevent many Premier League fans from seeing Cristiano Ronaldo's second debut on Saturday... </p><br><p>An outdated idea or a vital one, given the effects of the pandemic on football's landscape? Plus, how illegal streaming and a growing disparity between the biggest clubs, and the rest, may have accelerated the need for compromise? </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>