"And Smith Must Score!"

Yes, it's the finale!We're retreating with tears in our eyes, scarves round our necks, cramp and bottles of milk, but this one is a cracker.If you've ever argued about the greatest ever Cup Final XI, you can use this as your true guide as Stig, Mick & Marv finally put any debate ever held to bed with a large cup of Ovaltine.We go 4-4-2 and there are some of the game's greatest ever names such as Sherwood, Hazell & Bailey.Plus, unknown to Stig & Marv, Mick booked a surprise guest for the last ever episode of And Smith Must Score - a player that luckily, all three had already unanimously voted in to their Greatest Cup Final XI.And what a player he was. We've talked about him on virtually every episode and it was only right that we went out on a high. Thanks for all your emails over the past two years.It's been emotional.Much Love,Stig, Mick & MarvTwitter: @smithmustscoreFacebook: @andsmithmustscore Email: andsmithmust@gmail.com

Evertonian God & Goal Machine Matt Jackson joins us to talk about his semi-final goal against Tottenham that set the Toffees on their way to Wembley in 1995.It's got a bit of everything this one: Tales of Stig's drunken past, Marvyn's visit to Portman Road with the Black and White Minstrels and an emotional meltdown that has seen Michael enter anger management therapy.Oh, and a smashing chat with an FA Cup winner.We apologise for the language in advance, it's not big and it's not clever.Much Love,Stig, Mick & MarvTwitter: @smithmustscoreFacebook: @andsmithmustscore Email: andsmithmust@gmail.com

As Cup Fever takes hold on one of our presenters, we are honoured to welcome former England International and Ashes winner Bill Athey on to the show.Bill talks about his beloved Middlesbrough ahead of the weekends clash with Chelsea, choosing cricket over football, playing in a World Cup Final and his proudest moment ever....No, not beating the Aussies down under but logging on to the Zoom meeting to take part in the Pod. Some achievement!Much Love,Stig, Mick & MarvTwitter: @smithmustscoreFacebook: @andsmithmustscore Email: andsmithmust@gmail.com

Headlines are easy to write but proper books that relate to us all certainly aren't.Mick 'Baz' Rathbone joins us to relive one of the most horrific personal and professional cock-ups that could happen in front of 6 million viewers on the BBC on a Friday night.We all saw it, but never thought about the player affected. Baz is some bloke though and he talks us through many of his experiences in the game as well as his new book 'The Smell of Football 2".Open, honest, vulnerable, funny, intelligent - a bloke called Baz from Brum who kicked a ball about with no little talent.This episode reflects his book which has more depth than most, so please give it a read. https://www.thesmelloffootball2.co.uk/Much Love,Stig, Mick & MarvTwitter: @smithmustscoreFacebook: @andsmithmustscore Email: andsmithmust@gmail.com

Steve Williams was one of the finest players of his generation and although we chatted to him about the 4th Round at Fratton Park in 1984, we got so much more out of him that we decided to put it out in its entirety.The list of topics covered:Captaining Southampton's Greatest SideHis love of ArsenalThe South Coast DerbyFrank WorthingtonSteve Moran's goalThe 1984 Semi Final v EvertonMick Channon encouraging a move to ArsenalFinally moving to Arsenal & his role in their resurgenceWhy selling your best players is a jokeA Kenny Sansom story v SaintsGetting the '84 lads together againHis Arsenal heroesHow Southampton were at The Dell:Ted MacDougall, Peter Osgood, Phil Boyer, Peter Shilton, Bobby StokesGetting a £5 tipBeing gifted Puma bootsGetting a Puma contract and not wearing PatricksCollecting football memorabilia kits, pin badges & photosBeing an apprentice, forging Ossie's signature and his part in winning the FA CupA skint 'urchin' from LondonWhere England went wrong in not picking their best midfield - Robbo & Willo.That's a decent list that was completely unplanned.A top class player -  unfazed and totally honest.Thanks to Steve Williams for his time.Much Love,Stig, Mick & MarvTwitter: @smithmustscoreFacebook: @andsmithmustscore Email: andsmithmust@gmail.com  

Uninspired by the 4th Round of 2022, we found a 4th Round tie worth talking about.At 4.45pm on Saturday 28th January 1984, the Hampshire Police Force were weighing up the pros and cons of overtime the following Wednesday with the consequences of a replay at the Dell.Alan Biley, Mark Hateley, Kevin Dillon, Ruben Agboola, David Armstrong, Mark Dennis and airborne loose change.What a time to be alive. Steve Moran was there as well.Alan Knight & Steve Williams - along with Scummer/Skate Mick Channon join us for a trip down a terraced memory lane. This is about a moment, not allegiances. A great sporting moment that sums the Cup up.Epic, cruel & exhilarating.'Bloody Hell!'Watch the start here: https: //www.youtube.com/watch?v=9REAzluTKj0&t=153sAnd the Finale here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kc-GmmO0uSc&t=60sMuch Love,Stig, Mick & MarvTwitter: @smithmustscoreFacebook: @andsmithmustscore Email: andsmithmust@gmail.com

This has got everything.We have excelled in this episode - truly excelled - whilst obsessing over Mickey Thomas's goal for Wrexham against Arsenal in 1992Jimmy Ball is back with us to talk about his new role at Stevenage, Michael confesses to fancying AFC Fylde's deep lying centre forward, whilst Stig mentions Ronnie Radford in the same breath as Alans Shearer and Ball. Oh, and a bloke called Marvyn gets involved as well.Round 3 is incomprehensively covered right here - AND IT'S (NOT) LIVE!Much Love,Stig, Mick & MarvTwitter: @smithmustscoreFacebook: @andsmithmustscore Email: andsmithmust@gmail.com

Former Forest Green Rovers (Interim) Manager Jimmy Ball chats with the non league injury prone Michael Channon about his career in football and his hopes for the future as a manager.Luckily we're talking about Jimmy's career and not Michael's which ended at Buxton in 2000, just by the penalty box at the end at the bottom of the slope (it's mentioned in this episode).In addition, he (Jimmy) shares his thoughts about the upcoming Round 2 fixtures of the Greatest Cup Competition in the world in company with Ipswich Town's very own Stuart Hayton.Michael doesn't even know what leagues the teams are in.Stig & Marv couldn't be contractually arsed this week but 'We Go Again' (Fist Bump Emoji).Much Love,Stig, Mick & MarvTwitter: @smithmustscoreFacebook: @andsmithmustscore Email: andsmithmust@gmail.com

Stig takes it upon himself to chart the relatively unknown waters of the FA Cup 1st Round as Marv tends to Mick who is being held hostage in a basement at an unknown location.Luckily a hero arrives in the form of Ipswich Town's Club Secretary Stuart Hayton who saves us all,  talking about the Tractor Boys clash with Oldham Athletic this weekend.Undoubtedly though, the best bit is when he describes his time at Wigan and how their players' Cup bonus scheme saw their historic victory over Manchester City actually cost the club more money than the tournament awarded them.That's Living All Right!Much Love,Stig, Mick & MarvTwitter: @smithmustscoreFacebook: @andsmithmustscore Email: andsmithmust@gmail.com

What lies beneath?A fascinating chat with a lad who put himself about but was racked with self doubt. David Cross is a winner in more ways than one - a Cup winner, a proud father, a reader of literature and willing to expose his frailties that fly in the face of his rampant persona as a footballer.Bravo!Time with chaps like this is fascinating for the little lads who we once were.We hope you enjoy it.Much Love,Stig, Mick & MarvTwitter: @smithmustscoreFacebook: @andsmithmustscore Email: andsmithmust@gmail.com

Our interview with the Newcastle United legend took him back to a time he'd rather forget as he talks Cup defeat in 1998 & 1999, as well as discussing his knackered knees and the trauma of his disappearing barnet.There's even takeover talk although, in a true reflection of our journalistic qualities, this chat with Big Al took place 48 hours before it happened.Our fan guest is Professor Danielle George MBE who tries to explain rocket science to three idiots, although how Stig managed to get Hereford United into the Shearer interview in stoppage time was borderline genius - as was Alan's response.We hope you enjoy it.Much Love,Stig, Mick & MarvTwitter: @smithmustscoreFacebook: @andsmithmustscore Email: andsmithmust@gmail.com 

After a summer's hiatus, Stig, Mick & Marv are back!This is your opportunity to see what goes on behind the scenes when it comes to booking guests and launching yet another outstanding podcast. Newcastle's Cup runs of the late 1990's were on the radar although there was friction in the production meeting.This is a revealing, inspiring, emotional and at times life affirming listen as three idiots bicker about their individual shortcomings.That's what makes them one of the most admired podcasting teams in the business.Much Love,Stig, Mick & MarvTwitter: @smithmustscoreFacebook: @andsmithmustscore Email: andsmithmust@gmail.com

Stig, Mick & Marv meet a man with a story to tell in the shape of Leeds United's Cult Hero Ian Baird as they tackle the painful issue of the Hillsborough Semi in '87.This is simply magnificent if you love the Cup.How much can you dream of Cup glory?How devastating is it to see Keith Houchen score the sort of goal you were famed for?How badly can your career be guided?Bairdy did it all himself and he did it brilliantly.Playing under Billy Bremner, falling out with Alan Ball, telling Howard Wilkinson to stuff it and suffering the consequences as Carl Shutt scores at the Nou Camp.All this and his wannabe Chris Waddle mullet.He should have gone to Celtic. It's a gas!The videos on which this podcast is based are here:"A Season to Savour" Leeds United 1986/87.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWshspo_WNE&t=2407sThe 1987 semi-final is here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAeequtFOAc&t=154sMuch Love,Stig, Mick & Marv (plus the Grandstand and World of Sport staff)Twitter: @smithmustscoreFacebook: @andsmithmustscore Email: andsmithmust@gmail.comWebsite: https://andsmithmustscore.buzzsprout.com/

Stig, Mick & Marv complete their journey with Reidy in the company of their friend and  Evertonian Stevie Griffin.It's all here - Reidy's triumph in '84, his heartbreak in '85 & '86, how he carried bricks around his manager's office when he was a fat reserve, twatting Billy Whitehurst to no effect plus altercations with Mick Harford, Graeme Souness & trying to swear at Jimmy Case.This chat also features the longest question in history.We had a ball with a great of the game and also look back on Leicester's first ever win in the greatest Cup competition in the world ahead of an epic next episode.We look to Leeds United in 86/87, their Cup run as well as their cruel elimination in the play-offs. There's a video that sums it all up and that's where we're heading next time out.Ian Baird and Alan Biggs are our targets!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWshspo_WNEGet in touch - we've neither booked them, nor done the chat yet!Much Love,Stig, Mick & Marv (plus the Grandstand and World of Sport staff)Twitter: @smithmustscoreFacebook: @andsmithmustscore Email: andsmithmust@gmail.comWebsite: https://andsmithmustscore.buzzsprout.com/

Stig, Mick & Marv are over the moon to welcome a true footballing legend to relive his own experiences with the FA Cup in the shape of the brilliant Peter Reid.To say we had a laugh would be an understatement and it was all the better for the presence of our friend, Everton fan and Kirkby's finest Steve Griffin.Our thanks to Reidy for giving us so much of his time - this was not only an honour but a hell of a lot of fun.We even have emails this week! What more do you want?Oh, and just a polite advisory note that this very entertaining episode does contain an impressive amount of swearing from the start.....Much Love,Stig, Mick & Marv (plus the Grandstand and World of Sport staff)Twitter: @smithmustscoreFacebook: @andsmithmustscore Email: andsmithmust@gmail.comWebsite: https://andsmithmustscore.buzzsprout.com/

Stig, Mick & Marv head back to 1981 as Tottenham's Ricky Villa waltzes through the Manchester City defence to achieve FA Cup immortality.The Spurs skipper Steve Perryman joins us to relive not only lifting the Cup in '81 but his return to do it all again a year later.Our Spurs fan is none other than Matt Le Tissier.Marv meanwhile is still having a stinker with the Grandstand and World of Sport teams in the social media department so, for their sake if nothing else, get in touch .You could be our very first emailer!!!.Much Love,Stig, Mick & Marv (plus the Grandstand and World of Sport staff)Twitter: @smithmustscoreFacebook: @andsmithmustscore Email: andsmithmust@gmail.comWebsite: https://andsmithmustscore.buzzsprout.com/

Stig, Mick & Marv seem rooted in 1990!Crystal Palace were a revelation in their Cup run, beating Champions Liverpool in a Villa Park thriller before taking Manchester United all the way to a Replay in the final.Eagles fan and ITV Racing's Luke Harvey joins us as we relive the whole experience with Palace defender Andy Thorn.Wimbledon's Wembley win in '88 also features with some amazing tales of Thorny's time with the Crazy Gang.Get in touch - you could be our very first emailer!!!.Much Love,Stig, Mick & Marv (plus the Grandstand and World of Sport staff)Twitter: @smithmustscoreFacebook: @andsmithmustscore Email: andsmithmust@gmail.comWebsite: https://andsmithmustscore.buzzsprout.com/

Stig, Mick & Marv speak to an all time great in the form of Oldham Athletic's most revered manager and Everton legend Joe Royle.Latics fan Che Burnley is with us again to introduce his deified hero with the type of hype and  flamboyance not witnessed since Liberace.  Joe takes us on a journey of wit, wisdom and downright robbery to the detriment of mainly Leeds and Man City as an explanation as to how he guided Oldham to the top flight on a shoestring and dented a few egos in the Cup along the way.All hail Sir Joe!(Marv is really warming to his social media role by the way). Get in touch and tell us what you think.Much Love,Stig, Mick & Marv (plus the Grandstand and World of Sport staff)Twitter: @smithmustscoreFacebook: @andsmithmustscore Email: andsmithmust@gmail.comWebsite: https://andsmithmustscore.buzzsprout.com/

Stig, Mick & Marv meet up with Latic fanatic Che Burnley and Oldham's centre-half that day, Andy 'Taff' Holden.The first ever televised 'Super Sunday' saw Giant Killers Oldham scare the life out of Manchester United in this epic semi-final that ended 3-3 AET before another thriller in the replay.Taff talks about the antics in the Boundary Park dressing room; the talent, the lunacy and the ongoing nature of Roger Palmer's day to day location.It's all here guys - fun, frolics, football and downright unfiltered nostalgia! Get in touch and tell us what you think.Much Love,Stig, Mick & Marv (plus the Grandstand and World of Sport staff)Twitter: @smithmustscoreFacebook: @andsmithmustscore Email: andsmithmust@gmail.comWebsite: https://andsmithmustscore.buzzsprout.com/

Stig, Mick & Marv enter therapy to explain their childhood obsessions with the FA Cup.Along with their tragic total recall of their Cup relationships, Marvyn takes us into rather murky waters as he describes his role in the invasion of the Ladies toilets at Wembley on Cup Final day in 1983.As if that's not enough, he then confesses to an absurd tale of when he harassed his local MP over the issue of staging semi-finals at Wembley. That's where the bar has been set.It's all rather embarrassing but well worth a Wembley listen if only to find out who our guests are in Episodes 2, 3 & 4.That Wembley turf was strength sapping wasn't it?Get in touch and tell us what you think.Much Love,Stig, Mick & Marv (and the Grandstand staff)Twitter: @smithmustscoreFacebook: @andsmithmustscore Email: andsmithmust@gmail.comWebsite: https://andsmithmustscore.buzzsprout.com/