The Athletic FC Podcast

Business of Sport: The Power Of Sports Documentaries

<p>Mark Chapman &amp; Matt Slater discuss the rise of sport documentaries that pull back the curtain on the lives of professional athletes and attract new fans into watching live sport.</p><p>Guests include Christian Horner, Team Principal of the Red Bull Racing Formula One who features in the hugely successful Netflix series Drive to Survive.</p><p>Then we’ll hear from Leo Pearlman from Fulwell 73 who has produced multiple hours of television and feature films including Sunderland Till I Die &amp; I am Bolt.</p><p>And we’ll get a commercial overview with sports media rights expert Murray Barnett of 26 West Sport who has also worked for the likes of Formula 1, The NBA, World Rugby and ESPN.</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>

Erik ten Hag, Marc Overmars, Edwin van der Sar & The Ajax Pheonix Project

<p>Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by The Athletic's European football writer Raphael Honigstein, to discuss one of the "forgotten super-coaches" - Ajax manager Erik ten Hag... Rafa, reveals the secrets to their re-emergence as a major European force, just two years on from *that* sensational Champions League run and their heart-breaking semi-final exit to Spurs.</p><p>Plus, the trio compare the trajectory of both Tottenham and Ajax since that game, analyse why the stars of their 'Class of 2019' side (Ziyech, van de Beek, de Jong et al.) have struggled since leaving, as well as, how the trio of ten Hag, Sporting Director Marc Overmars and Chief Exec Edwin van der Sar, has become the envy of the footballing world.</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>

Aston Villa & Norwich City's new manager shortlists

<p>Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton, David Ornstein &amp; Gregg Evans to discuss the sacking of Aston Villa manager Dean Smith and who might replace him.</p><p>Norwich City are also now looking for a new manager, Michael Bailey covers the club for The Athletic and tells us what he knows from inside Carrow Road &amp; who might take over from Daniel Farke.</p><p>The Athletic's Roshane Thomas brings some positivity by talking West Ham and David Moyes, who last week coached his one thousandth and saw his side beat Liverpool to move to third 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: Moyes Smiling Again, Ramsdale's England Stock & Ronaldo's Sore Back

<p>Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet365's Steve Freeth to preview another fascinating weekend of Premier League action... Can Ronaldo outscore Man City and is Liverpool's trip to West Ham actually the game of the weekend? Plus, why Saints are quietly impressing George and Dan's ready to give Arsenal (and Ramsdale in particular) some overdue credit.</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: how football can take action against climate change

<p>Mark Chapman &amp; The Athletic's Matt Slater are joined by Dale Vince, owner of Forest Green Rovers Football Club who is at the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow. Dale's side are recognised by FIFA as being the greenest football club in the world - we’ll discuss how sport can take action against climate change..</p><p>And we are joined by Rob Sullivan, CEO of The Football Foundation to tell us about the £205million worth of Government funding the charity received last week to invest in grassroots football in England and how their work is linked to the 2030 UK and Ireland World Cup bid.</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>

Xavi, Conte, Emery: 'Club DNA' & Modern Management

<p>Hosts Dan Bardell and Flo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by The Athletic's Andy Mitten to discuss Xavi's 'inevitable' return to manage Barcelona... Senior Writer Dom Fifield sheds some light on what Spurs fans can expect from new boss Antonio Conte and with David Ornstein reporting that Unai Emery could soon become Newcastle's first post-takeover head coach, they discuss the true value of 'club DNA' in modern management as big clubs continue to turn to inexperienced former players to get them out of trouble!</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>

Conte set for Spurs, Bielsa secure at Leeds & how Potter works at Brighton

<p>Mark Chapman is joined by The Athletic's Jack Pitt-Brooke &amp; James Horncastle to get the inside track on the sacking of Nuno Espirito Santo as Tottenham boss and the imminent arrival of Antonio Conte.</p><p>We’ll also talk Brighton and their manager Graham Potter whose reputation continues to grow after an impressive draw at Anfield at the weekend with The Athletic’s Andy Naylor.</p><p>And Phil Hay explains why Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa is rarely linked with other jobs and gives his thoughts on an important win at Norwich.</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: Maddison's Swagger, Bielsa Burnout & Villa Post-Grealish

<p>Hosts Dan Bardell and George Elek are joined by bet365's Steve Freeth, to discuss Leicester's return to form, as Maddison 'gets his swagger back' and with summer signing Patson Daka's star on the rise... Are Leeds "too good to go down", how much does David Moyes deserve a trophy and why it's too soon to expect Villa to move on from Jack Grealish. Plus, who's worse right now - Spurs or Man United?</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: 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>