Barclay and Barton on the Premier League

Legendary football journalist Paddy Barclay and football writer Wayne Barton explore the Premier League era, dedicating time to some of the great teams and players, and aiming a forensic microscope over some of the most fascinating stories of the times. Having discussed the coronavirus, Liverpool and Manchester City in part one, this episode looks at VAR, and the managerial changes at the top of the table. Enquiries should go to bbpods@waynebartonbooks.com Barclay and Barton on the Premier League is in association with Pitch Publishing. Follow Paddy and Wayne on social media @paddybarclay / @waynesbarton

Legendary football journalist Paddy Barclay and football writer Wayne Barton explore the Premier League era, dedicating time to some of the great teams and players, and aiming a forensic microscope over some of the most fascinating stories of the times. It's a new season and a new ball game. Now all the retrospective podcasts are done, Paddy and Wayne discuss the season so far. What went so right for Liverpool? What went wrong for Manchester City? And could they still have a silver lining? The coronavirus pandemic changed the sporting world but will the changes since the restart of the competition be here to stay? Enquiries should go to bbpods@waynebartonbooks.com Barclay and Barton on the Premier League is in association with Pitch Publishing Follow Paddy and Wayne on social media @paddybarclay @waynesbarton Intro music “Calm Down” by Pete Yorn

Legendary football journalist Paddy Barclay and football writer Wayne Barton explore the Premier League era, dedicating time to some of the great teams and players, and aiming a forensic microscope over some of the most fascinating stories of the times. Manchester City make history by becoming the first team to ever win the domestic treble in England; Liverpool become the best-ever runners-up, but have the significant consolation prize of a European Cup. There is continental glory too for Chelsea, whilst the North London clubs Tottenham and Arsenal have a flatter feeling than their achievements might suggest they should. Enquiries should go to bbpods@waynebartonbooks.com Barclay and Barton on the Premier League is in association with Pitch Publishing Follow Paddy and Wayne on social media @paddybarclay @waynesbarton Intro music “Calm Down” by Pete Yorn

Legendary football journalist Paddy Barclay and football writer Wayne Barton explore the Premier League era, dedicating time to some of the great teams and players, and aiming a forensic microscope over some of the most fascinating stories of the times. Pep Guardiola's Manchester City finally click into gear and dominate the league; Antonio Conte's Chelsea win the FA Cup, and Liverpool get to the Champions League final but are undone by mistakes and brilliance. Enquiries should go to bbpods@waynebartonbooks.com Barclay and Barton on the Premier League is in association with Pitch Publishing Follow Paddy and Wayne on social media @paddybarclay @waynesbarton Intro music “Calm Down” by Pete Yorn

Legendary football journalist Paddy Barclay and football writer Wayne Barton explore the Premier League era, dedicating time to some of the great teams and players, and aiming a forensic microscope over some of the most fascinating stories of the times. Manchester United hire a born winner in Jose Mourinho. Manchester City hire a born winner in Pep Guardiola. But it is Chelsea who win the Premier League with Antonio Conte. And, after unprecedented glory, Leicester City sack their league-winning manager! *Please accept our apologies for the audio problem at the start of this episode. There is an issue with Wayne’s problem for the first fifteen minutes or so. Enquiries should go to bbpods@waynebartonbooks.com Barclay and Barton on the Premier League is in association with Pitch Publishing Follow Paddy and Wayne on social media @paddybarclay @waynesbarton Intro music “Calm Down” by Pete Yorn

Legendary football journalist Paddy Barclay and football writer Wayne Barton explore the Premier League era, dedicating time to some of the great teams and players, and aiming a forensic microscope over some of the most fascinating stories of the times. Is this the greatest story in Premier League history? Leicester City win the Premier League. Two new revolutions in Manchester splutter into life, and one in Liverpool continues to pick up a quiet pace… Enquiries should go to bbpods@waynebartonbooks.com Barclay and Barton on the Premier League is in association with Pitch Publishing Follow Paddy and Wayne on social media @paddybarclay @waynesbarton Intro music “Calm Down” by Pete Yorn

Legendary football journalist Paddy Barclay and football writer Wayne Barton explore the Premier League era, dedicating time to some of the great teams and players, and aiming a forensic microscope over some of the most fascinating stories of the times. Jose Mourinho’s second season back at Chelsea brings the ultimate reward, but Manchester City disappoint as champions again. It is another seriously impressive season for Swansea, and for Southampton, who have lots of goals in their new striker Sadio Mane. Leicester City, meanwhile, begin one of the most remarkable stories in football history… Enquiries should go to bbpods@waynebartonbooks.com Barclay and Barton on the Premier League is in association with Pitch Publishing Follow Paddy and Wayne on social media @paddybarclay @waynesbarton Intro music “Calm Down” by Pete Yorn

Legendary football journalist Paddy Barclay and football writer Wayne Barton explore the Premier League era, dedicating time to some of the great teams and players, and aiming a forensic microscope over some of the most fascinating stories of the times. Manchester City and Liverpool battle it out for the Premier League title. Anfield captain Steven Gerrard declares that his team's must 'not slip' - and he is promptly the unfortunate victim of cruel fate. Manchester United suffer a particularly traumatic post-Ferguson season but Arsenal enjoy their first trophy success for the first time in almost a decade. Enquiries should go to bbpods@waynebartonbooks.com Barclay and Barton on the Premier League is in association with Pitch Publishing Follow Paddy and Wayne on social media @paddybarclay @waynesbarton Intro music “Calm Down” by Pete Yorn

Legendary football journalist Paddy Barclay and football writer Wayne Barton explore the Premier League era, dedicating time to some of the great teams and players, and aiming a forensic microscope over some of the most fascinating stories of the times. At the end of this season Sir Alex Ferguson retired - in typical style, he went out a winner. Chelsea fired a popular manager who won the Champions League, and hired an unpopular one who won the Europa League. It was also a memorable season for Swansea City and Wigan Athletic. Enquiries should go to bbpods@waynebartonbooks.com Barclay and Barton on the Premier League is in association with Pitch Publishing Follow Paddy and Wayne on social media @paddybarclay @waynesbarton Intro music “Calm Down” by Pete Yorn

Legendary football journalist Paddy Barclay and football writer Wayne Barton explore the Premier League era, dedicating time to some of the great teams and players, and aiming a forensic microscope over some of the most fascinating stories of the times. In this second part Paddy and Wayne discuss everything other than the trophies - the headline stories were unsavoury incidents featuring accusations of racism are on the table. In the league, Bolton and Blackburn see their top flight journeys come to an end for now. Enquiries should go to bbpods@waynebartonbooks.com Barclay and Barton on the Premier League is in association with Pitch Publishing Follow Paddy and Wayne on social media @paddybarclay @waynesbarton Intro music “Calm Down” by Pete Yorn

Legendary football journalist Paddy Barclay and football writer Wayne Barton explore the Premier League era, dedicating time to some of the great teams and players, and aiming a forensic microscope over some of the most fascinating stories of the times. This was a season so eventful that two episodes are needed to discuss it. In this first part, Paddy and Wayne concentrate on the silverware; Manchester City win the Premier League in dramatic fashion with a very late goal, and blue is the colour in Europe, too, as Roman Abramovich's dream of the Champions League finally has a realisation with Chelsea. Enquiries should go to bbpods@waynebartonbooks.com Barclay and Barton on the Premier League is in association with Pitch Publishing Follow Paddy and Wayne on social media @paddybarclay @waynesbarton Intro music “Calm Down” by Pete Yorn

Legendary football journalist Paddy Barclay and football writer Wayne Barton explore the Premier League era, dedicating time to some of the great teams and players, and aiming a forensic microscope over some of the most fascinating stories of the times. Manchester United win their 19th league title, making history by "knocking Liverpool off their perch". They are, however, humbled at Wembley by Barcelona in the Champions League Final. Manchester City end their long wait for a trophy by collecting the FA Cup, while the Blues of Birmingham defeat Arsenal in the League Cup Final. Roy Hodgson's success at Fulham earns him a shot at Liverpool, but it does not go very well at all. Enquiries should go to bbpods@waynebartonbooks.com Barclay and Barton on the Premier League is in association with Pitch Publishing Follow Paddy and Wayne on social media @paddybarclay @waynesbarton Intro music “Calm Down” by Pete Yorn

Legendary football journalist Paddy Barclay and football writer Wayne Barton explore the Premier League era, dedicating time to some of the great teams and players, and aiming a forensic microscope over some of the most fascinating stories of the times. Carlo Ancelotti's Chelsea make a bold claim for the best Stamford Bridge side in history, scoring over 100 goals and blistering past opponents. Fulham salvage the reputation of the UK with a heroic Europa League run, whilst Spurs overcome Manchester City for a Champions League spot. City, meanwhile, claim Manchester is blue when they sign Carlos Tevez. Money is talking on the south coast, as Portsmouth pay the ultimate price for overspending. Enquiries should go to bbpods@waynebartonbooks.com Barclay and Barton on the Premier League is in association with Pitch Publishing Follow Paddy and Wayne on social media @paddybarclay @waynesbarton Intro music “Calm Down” by Pete Yorn

Legendary football journalist Paddy Barclay and football writer Wayne Barton explore the Premier League era, dedicating time to some of the great teams and players, and aiming a forensic microscope over some of the most fascinating stories of the times. Manchester United complete a hat-trick of Premier League titles in a row, equalling Liverpool's league title record and almost equalling, or arguably even bettering, their own treble season. They are pushed all the way by the Anfield club, where Rafa Benitez has his 'facts' rant. There are a few 4-4 draws and plenty of other stories; Harry Redknapp breathes new life into Spurs, Stoke City and Hull City make a fair impression on top league, little Fulham get a nosebleed as they finish 7th, and Newcastle - the great entertainers - are shockingly relegated. Enquiries should go to bbpods@waynebartonbooks.com Barclay and Barton on the Premier League is in association with Pitch Publishing Follow Paddy and Wayne on social media @paddybarclay @waynesbarton Intro music “Calm Down” by Pete Yorn

Legendary football journalist Paddy Barclay and football writer Wayne Barton explore the Premier League era, dedicating time to some of the great teams and players, and aiming a forensic microscope over some of the most fascinating stories of the times. Manchester United win the European Cup and are desperately close to repeating a treble, but their conquerers Portsmouth win the FA Cup. Cristiano Ronaldo wins the Ballon D'or. Arsenal and Liverpool win plenty of plaudits for their progression, but it's a big backward step for Jose Mourinho and Chelsea as the power struggle at Stamford Bridge explodes spectacularly early in the season. At the other end of the table, Fulham begin a new era with a great escape. Enquiries should go to bbpods@waynebartonbooks.com Barclay and Barton on the Premier League is in association with Pitch Publishing Follow Paddy and Wayne on social media @paddybarclay @waynesbarton Intro music “Calm Down” by Pete Yorn

Legendary football journalist Paddy Barclay and football writer Wayne Barton explore the Premier League era, dedicating time to some of the great teams and players, and aiming a forensic microscope over some of the most fascinating stories of the times. At Stamford Bridge, the power struggle between owner and manager provides an opportunity for Manchester United to grasp; and, inspired by Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney, they do just that. Arsenal and Liverpool have good seasons, Watford and Charlton go down, but surely the story of the campaign was between West Ham United and Sheffield United - the Hammers bring in Argentina striker Carlos Tevez, who makes quite an introduction to English football. Enquiries should go to bbpods@waynebartonbooks.com Barclay and Barton on the Premier League is in association with Pitch Publishing Follow Paddy and Wayne on social media @paddybarclay @waynesbarton Intro music “Calm Down” by Pete Yorn

Legendary football journalist Paddy Barclay and football writer Wayne Barton explore the Premier League era, dedicating time to some of the great teams and players, and aiming a forensic microscope over some of the most fascinating stories of the times. Chelsea continue their dominance of the Premier League as Jose Mourinho continues to charm the country. Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney are central to their team's cup glories, but Arsenal suffer a flat final season at Highbury despite getting to the Champions League final. All this and much more as Paddy and Wayne discuss the Premier League's rise to self-proclaimed best league in the world. Enquiries should go to bbpods@waynebartonbooks.com Barclay and Barton on the Premier League is in association with Pitch Publishing Follow Paddy and Wayne on social media @paddybarclay @waynesbarton Intro music “Calm Down” by Pete Yorn

Legendary football journalist Paddy Barclay and football writer Wayne Barton explore the Premier League era, dedicating time to some of the great teams and players, and aiming a forensic microscope over some of the most fascinating stories of the times. "A special one" arrives to change English football, as Chelsea usher in a new era in the Premier League. Rafa Benitez arrives at Liverpool to mastermind an extraordinary Champions League triumph. Arsenal and Manchester United's rivalry goes out with a bang, Harry Redknapp causes controversy on the south coast, and Everton incredibly break into the top four. It's another eventful walk down memory lane! Enquiries should go to bbpods@waynebartonbooks.com Barclay and Barton on the Premier League is in association with Pitch Publishing Follow Paddy and Wayne on social media @paddybarclay @waynesbarton Intro music “Calm Down” by Pete Yorn

Legendary football journalist Paddy Barclay and football writer Wayne Barton explore the Premier League era, dedicating time to some of the great teams and players, and aiming a forensic microscope over some of the most fascinating stories of the times. The Roman Abramovich and Jose Mourinho era marked a definite time in Premier League history when the tone changed. Things were a little different once the self-proclaimed 'Special One' came to England. With over 25 years of history to discuss, sometimes some great moments and players get forgotten, so Paddy and Wayne take a convenient break from the season reviews to look at some of the very best moments and Hall of fame worthy contributions from the opening twelve years of the Premier League. Enquiries should go to bbpods@waynebartonbooks.com Barclay and Barton on the Premier League is in association with Pitch Publishing Follow Paddy and Wayne on social media @paddybarclay @waynesbarton Intro music “Calm Down” by Pete Yorn

Legendary football journalist Paddy Barclay and football writer Wayne Barton explore the Premier League era, dedicating time to some of the great teams and players, and aiming a forensic microscope over some of the most fascinating stories of the times. Arsenal's remarkable unbeaten season in the Premier League is the headline story, naturally. But this was another eventful year in English football, with Chelsea showing that they meant business with a record expenditure in the transfer market. Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren became the first English manager to win a major trophy since 1996, while Portsmouth and Wolves enjoyed their first season in the Premier League. Enquiries should go to bbpods@waynebartonbooks.com Barclay and Barton on the Premier League is in association with Pitch Publishing Follow Paddy and Wayne on social media @paddybarclay @waynesbarton Intro music “Calm Down” by Pete Yorn

Legendary football journalist Paddy Barclay and football writer Wayne Barton explore the Premier League era, dedicating time to some of the great teams and players, and aiming a forensic microscope over some of the most fascinating stories of the times. Manchester United bounced back to win the league in a season they had some epic encounters with Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle. Thierry Henry and Ruud van Nistelrooy had a duel for the golden boot. Southampton enjoyed a great season under Gordon Strachan and Everton had a fine season led by David Moyes. Leeds continued to have an eventful time, and on the last day of the season, Jesper Gronkjaer left a fateful imprint on English football. Enquiries should go to bbpods@waynebartonbooks.com Barclay and Barton on the Premier League is in association with Pitch Publishing Follow Paddy and Wayne on social media @paddybarclay @waynesbarton Intro music “Calm Down” by Pete Yorn

Legendary football journalist Paddy Barclay and football writer Wayne Barton explore the Premier League era, dedicating time to some of the great teams and players, and aiming a forensic microscope over some of the most fascinating stories of the times. Arsenal won the double in impressive fashion - Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira in particularly imperious form. Liverpool continued their progression under Gerard Houllier, while Leeds continued to spend big. So too did Manchester United, breaking their transfer record twice before the season began. Premier League newcomers Fulham made waves while Sam Allardyce's Bolton made quite an introduction. Enquiries should go to bbpods@waynebartonbooks.com Barclay and Barton on the Premier League is in association with Pitch Publishing Follow Paddy and Wayne on social media @paddybarclay @waynesbarton Intro music “Calm Down” by Pete Yorn

Legendary football journalist Paddy Barclay and football writer Wayne Barton explore the Premier League era, dedicating time to some of the great teams and players, and aiming a forensic microscope over some of the most fascinating stories of the times. Manchester United and Arsenal continued to compete for the Premier League title but this season was really the story of Liverpool and Leeds United. Gerard Houllier's team won three trophies and David O'Leary's blend of youth and expense thrilled fans and neutrals alike as they got to the Champions League semi-final. There is also the superb story of how ducks ensured Derby County stayed in the top flight. Enquiries should go to bbpods@waynebartonbooks.com Barclay and Barton on the Premier League is in association with Pitch Publishing Follow Paddy and Wayne on social media @paddybarclay @waynesbarton Intro music “Calm Down” by Pete Yorn

Legendary football journalist Paddy Barclay and football writer Wayne Barton explore the Premier League era, dedicating time to some of the great teams and players, and aiming a forensic microscope over some of the most fascinating stories of the times. As Manchester United regained their title, the juicier stories were to be found elsewhere in the division (though a trip to Brazil certainly made headlines for the Old Trafford club); the new eras at Liverpool and Leeds suggested that fierce rivals might be ready to threaten their supremacy. Elsewhere, two Premier League ever-presents were sadly lost, never to return (as of 2020, anyway). But plucky Bradford City enjoyed final day joy at their expense. Enquiries should go to bbpods@waynebartonbooks.com Barclay and Barton on the Premier League is in association with Pitch Publishing Follow Paddy and Wayne on social media @paddybarclay @waynebarton Intro music “Calm Down” by Pete Yorn

Legendary football journalist Paddy Barclay and football writer Wayne Barton explore the Premier League era, dedicating time to some of the great teams and players, and aiming a forensic microscope over some of the most fascinating stories of the times. This is, of course, a year famous for Manchester United winning the treble. It was also a great year for entertainment in the Premier League. Arsenal pushed United all the way, while Leeds and Chelsea continued their own improvement of recent times. There were sadder times down the table - this season marked the first time a former Premier League title-winning team were relegated. Paddy and Wayne explore an eventful season. Enquiries should go to bbpods@waynebartonbooks.com Barclay and Barton on the Premier League is in association with Pitch Publishing Follow Paddy and Wayne on social media @paddybarclay @waynebarton Intro music “Calm Down” by Pete Yorn

Legendary football journalist Paddy Barclay and football writer Wayne Barton explore the Premier League era, dedicating time to some of the great teams and players, and aiming a forensic microscope over some of the most fascinating stories of the times. After a few false starts, finally a credible long-term challenger to Manchester United's supremacy emerged in the form of Arsene Wenger's Arsenal. The Frenchman completely revolutionised the London club, taking them to a League and Cup double. Across town, Spurs continued to struggle with the infamous appointment of Christian Gross, whilst Chelsea looked as if they were set to join the elite under Gianluca Vialli. Paolo Di Canio made an impressive first impression on the English game, and there was a 17 year old rookie striker at Anfield who was about to take centre-stage... all that and much more are discussed on this look at the 1997/98 campaign. Enquiries should go to bbpods@waynebartonbooks.com Barclay and Barton on the Premier League is in association with Pitch Publishing Follow Paddy and Wayne on social media @paddybarclay @waynebarton Intro music “Calm Down” by Pete Yorn

Legendary football journalist Paddy Barclay and football writer Wayne Barton explore the Premier League era, dedicating time to some of the great teams and players, and aiming a forensic microscope over some of the most fascinating stories of the times. There were more significant changes in British Football. England brought 'football home' with Euro 1996 and many foreign players remained in the country after the abolition of the foreigner rule. Newcastle broke the world transfer record for Alan Shearer but by the end of the season Kevin Keegan would be gone. There were new title challengers in the shape of Arsene Wenger's Arsenal. Back in the North East, Middlesbrough had one of the most remarkable and controversial seasons in the division's history (check out Tom Flight's book for more, available from Pitch Publishing!). It was, however, Manchester United who would retain the title, though their talismanic Frenchman would stun the football world once more at the end of the campaign... Enquiries should go to bbpods@waynebartonbooks.com Barclay and Barton on the Premier League is in association with Pitch Publishing Follow Paddy and Wayne on social media @paddybarclay @waynebarton Intro music “Calm Down” by Pete Yorn

Legendary football journalist Paddy Barclay and football writer Wayne Barton explore the Premier League era, dedicating time to some of the great teams and players, and aiming a forensic microscope over some of the most fascinating stories of the times. Champions Blackburn had as disastrous a title reign as Leeds four years prior; Manchester United reclaimed their crown, but Newcastle United won the hearts of the nation with their cavalier style. Liverpool, with Robbie Fowler in scintillating form, threatened to challenge but it was Eric Cantona who had as influential an impact on a title race as anybody ever has. Enquiries should go to bbpods@waynebartonbooks.com Barclay and Barton on the Premier League is in association with Pitch Publishing Follow Paddy and Wayne on social media @paddybarclay @waynebarton Intro music “Calm Down” by Pete Yorn

Legendary football journalist Paddy Barclay and football writer Wayne Barton explore the Premier League era, dedicating time to some of the great teams and players, and aiming a forensic microscope over some of the most fascinating stories of the times. Blackburn Rovers, bankrolled by Jack Walker, recorded a dramatic victory on the last day of the season; a fitting conclusion to one of the most controversial campaigns in living memory. Scandal, bungs, karate kicks - all of this and more are on the table in this season review. Enquiries should go to bbpods@waynebartonbooks.com Barclay and Barton on the Premier League is in association with Pitch Publishing Follow Paddy and Wayne on social media @paddybarclay @waynebarton Intro music “Calm Down” by Pete Yorn

BARCLAY AND BARTON ON THE PREMIER LEAGUE Legendary football journalist Paddy Barclay and football writer Wayne Barton explore the Premier League era, dedicating time to some of the great teams and players, and aiming a forensic microscope over some of the most fascinating stories of the times. This time out, they look at the 1993/94 campaign - a history-making one for Manchester United, but also with European glory for Arsenal, this was a wonderful season for entertainment. Enquiries should go to bbpods@waynebartonbooks.com Barclay and Barton on the Premier League is in association with Pitch Publishing Follow Paddy and Wayne on social media @paddybarclay @waynebarton Intro music “Calm Down” by Pete Yorn

Legendary football journalist Paddy Barclay and football writer Wayne Barton explore the Premier League era, dedicating time to some of the great teams and players, and aiming a forensic microscope over some of the most fascinating stories of the times. This first episode looks at the inaugural season of the Premier League; the inception, the championship chase, and the retirement of Brian Clough are all major topics discussed. Enquiries should go to bbpods@waynebartonbooks.com Barclay and Barton on the Premier League is in association with Pitch Publishing Follow Paddy and Wayne on social media @paddybarclay @waynebarton Intro music “Calm Down” by Pete Yorn