Elis James' Feast Of Football

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Elis James chews over the week's football in the company of former Wales internationals Danny Gabbidon and Iwan Roberts.

BBC Radio Wales


    • May 13, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 49m AVG DURATION
    • 419 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Elis James' Feast Of Football

    The Mehmet Dalman interview

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2025 38:21


    In this special episode, we hear from Cardiff City chairman Mehmet Dalman in his first interview since the club's relegation to League One. He tells our reporter Dafydd Pritchard how the board will appoint a new manager as they seek to bounce straight back to the Championship, and how much the personal abuse from a section of Cardiff fans has affected him.Dafydd then joins Carl to discuss some of the points raised by Dalman and whether his answers will appease the disgruntled fans.

    Bad Breaks & End of Season Awards

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025 54:45


    Carl Roberts, Iwan Roberts and Sam Vokes (still reeling from a freak and extremely painful broken arm) reflect on the final weekend of the season, and consider where each club's priorities lie over the summer weeks. They also pick the players to have made their team of the season chosen from the four Welsh EFL clubs and share their nominations for the Feast of Football end of season awards.

    Part 1: Mickey Thomas on Wrexham; Part 2: Cardiff hit 'rock bottom' & Swansea opt for Sheehan

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2025 64:16


    Part One: Wrexham legend Mickey Thomas reflects on the club's latest promotion and the pivotal role he played at the start of the incredible journey under Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. Thomas was centre stage at the Cae Ras alongside the charismatic owners as they celebrated an unprecedented third promotion in a row. The 70-year-old also pays tribute to his friend Mike Peters, the lead singer of The Alarm and huge football fan, who died this week.Part Two: Carl, Iwan and Sam ponder what next for Cardiff City after their relegation to League One. Did the troubled club need to hit "rock bottom" to instigate some of the operational changes many have demanded for such a long time? And is Alan Sheehan the correct man to bring stability and success to Swansea City?

    So you're saying there's still a chance?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2025 51:12


    And suddenly Cardiff City have just two games to save themselves from relegation to League One. Manager Omer Riza paid the price for a run of one win in 13 with the sack, leaving local hero Aaron Ramsey the unenviable task of trying to save the Bluebirds. He was close to securing a precious win in his first game in charge, but a wonder strike from Oxford's Cameron Brannagan ended that. So it leaves Cardiff needing to win their final two games of the season to stand a chance of staying up... and Iwan and Sam aren't ready to give up hope just yet.No such worries for Swansea, who have surged clear of relegation trouble with a record-breaking run of wins. Has Alan Sheehan done enough to warrant the manager's job on a full-time basis?And the battle between Wrexham and Wycombe for second place in League One took another twist over Easter, much to Sam's annoyance! But at least he felt the love from the Burnley faithful on the long journey back from Bolton.

    A make or break Easter weekend

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2025 57:12


    Carl Roberts is joined by Iwan Roberts and Sam Vokes to look ahead to a make or break Easter weekend as Cardiff look to stay up and Wrexham look to join them in the Championship.

    Cardiff's 'must win' game & Wrexham can't shake off Wycombe

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2025 56:33


    Carl Roberts, Iwan Roberts and Sam Vokes assess the importance of Cardiff's next game after two away draws keeps them in the Championship relegation zone. Can they afford not to beat fellow strugglers Stoke City at home on Saturday?Wycombe closed the gap on Wrexham by winning their game in hand, but for the first time this season, Phil Parkinson's side know their fate is now in their own hands.There's huge praise for Rhian Wilkinson's Wales side after impressive performances and results in the Nations League, but Craig Bellamy's no shirt-swopping policy raises a few eyebrows.

    "The one about Carol"

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2025 30:04


    Carl Roberts, Nathan Blake and Nia Jones are joined by Wales players Laura O'Sullivan, Gemma Evans and Rhiannon Roberts.

    wales carl roberts nia jones nathan blake
    Cardiff's critical situation, Wilkinson's rallying call and Parkinson fuming

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2025 55:32


    It's well and truly the "business end of the season" and the clichés are out in force. The race between Wrexham and Wycombe for second place and automatic promotion remains too tight to call as both sides drop points against relegation-threatened opposition. Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson felt crucial decisions went against them against Cambridge, while Sam still can't believe none of Wycombe's 33 shots found the net against Shrewsbury. Shooting practice this week?It's situation critical at Cardiff after the Bluebirds drop more points from a winning position by drawing with Sheffield Wednesday at home. For the first time this season, Iwan questions if they have enough to avoid relegation to League One.And with Wales women back in Nations League action, Carl again somehow manages to centre the discussion around food.

    Brooks salvages dramatic Skopje draw

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2025 29:13


    Carl Roberts is joined by Iwan Roberts and Nia Jones to reflect on Wales' World Cup qualifying draw in North Macedonia. David Brooks' equaliser with effectively the last kick of the game kept manager Craig Bellamy's unbeaten run intact.

    Wales win World Cup qualifying opener

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2025 29:21


    Former internationals Nathan Blake and Danny Gabbidon join Carl Roberts to dissect Wales' win over Kazakhstan and consider how manager Craig Bellamy will set up the team for the away match against North Macedonia.

    Inside the Wales camp: Brennan Johnson, Kieffer Moore & Liam Cullen

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2025 23:47


    Carl Roberts, Joe Ledley and Nia Jones chat about Wales' upcoming World Cup Qualifiers v Kazakhstan and North Macedonia with Wales players Liam Cullen, Kieffer Moore and Brennan Johnson.

    Fresh Ramsey blow leaves Cardiff in 'serious trouble'

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2025 58:29


    Carl Roberts, Iwan Roberts and Sam Vokes consider the impact of Aaron Ramsey's latest injury setback on Cardiff and Wales. And Joe Ledley drops in for a quick chat.

    Wrexham's away form, Sheehan's audition and Newport's response

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 6, 2025 56:20


    The battle between Wrexham and Wycombe for second place in League One shows no signs of abating as the Reds compensate for some dropped points at home with a fourth successive away win. With Wycombe's lead now cut to two points, the anticipation grows still further for the huge match between both clubs at Adams Park on March 15. Carl does his best to delve into Wycombe's tactics and formation, but Sam remains tight-lipped.Cardiff unexpectedly broke Burnley's remarkable clean-sheet streak, while Alan Sheehan continues to steady the Swansea ship during his audition for the manager's job. And how will Newport approach the final weeks of the season without the threat of relegation or any realistic hope of making the play-offs?

    James Chester

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2025 73:44


    Carl Roberts, Iwan Roberts and Sam Vokes are joined by Sam's former Wales teammate James Chester. James talks to us about his decision to hang up his boots recently, his 18-year career, and his time with Wales including Euro 2016. Carl, Iwan and Sam also preview the weekend's football.

    Wales come from behind to secure a superb draw with Sweden

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2025 21:09


    Carl Roberts is joined by former Wales internationals Helen Ward and Kath Morgan at the Stok Racecourse after Wales came from behind to secure a superb 1-1 draw at home to Sweden in the Nations League. We also hear from Wales boss Rhian Wilkinson.

    Italy v Wales review

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2025 26:52


    Catrin Heledd sits in for Carl Roberts this week and is joined by former Wales internationals Nia Jones and Nathan Blake to reflect on Wales' 1-0 defeat to Italy and look ahead to Rhian Wilkinson's side hosting Sweden in Wrexham on Tuesday.

    Swansea seek 10th manager in nine years

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2025 56:12


    Who next for Swansea City after the dismissal of manager Luke Williams? And what needs to change at the club to end the cycle of managerial instability? Despite the obvious shortcomings, Sam believes the job remains an attractive one for ambitious managers, while Iwan hopes the club will turn to one of their own to offer guidance.The shock news from Swansea has taken the spotlight away from Cardiff, but another draw on Saturday means the Bluebirds still haven't given themselves any breathing space from the bottom three. And Wrexham have suddenly lost their spark at home, much to the delight of Sam and his Wycombe team-mates.

    Inside the Wales camp: Lilly Woodham, Elise Hughes and Josie Green

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2025 27:22


    Carl Roberts, Katie Owen and Nathan Blake chat with Wales players Lilly Woodham, Elise Hughes and Josie Green as they embark on their League A Nations League campaign.

    Eligibility rules, Newport's revival and a dream Man Utd debut

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2025 53:43


    Should five years' residency make a player eligible to play international football for that country? It's allowed under Fifa rules, but historically Wales, Scotland, England and Northern Ireland have agreed not to take advantage of it. The Football Association of Wales, though, have been testing the waters to see if there is appetite for change. As it transpires, there isn't. And Iwan and Sam are in complete agreement with that.They also agree that Newport County deserve great credit for giving their season a completely different complexion with four successive wins, but a lacklustre start at Portsmouth by Cardiff comes under criticism.And Iwan takes great pleasure in returning to his Gwynedd roots with this week's pick of the week.

    Swansea fans seek answers, Cardiff ship seven and Wrexham spend big

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2025 55:36


    A hugely contrasting January transfer window for the four Welsh EFL clubs provides plenty of taking points. Swansea's lack of signings has prompted concern from the Supporters Trust, with Iwan also critical of how the club dealt with the departure of captain Matt Grimes to Coventry. Cardiff's activity - particularly in signing highly-rated Leicester youngster Will Alves - helped to mask the seven-goal mauling at Leeds as crucial league games await this month. Wrexham showed their intent with a flurry of high-profile forward signings, and celebrated with a dance lesson from a Hollywood star. Newport gave themselves much needed-breathing space with two crucial wins, and bolstered the threadbare squad.Sam gives an update on his coaching status at Wycombe with the arrival of a new manager, and welcomes the club's decision to hold onto key players for the League One title push. And who will fill Harry Wilson's boots as the Wales' World Cup qualifying campaign draws nearer?

    Swansea's grim form continues

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2025 57:14


    Carl Roberts, Iwan Roberts and Sam Vokes focus on Swansea City's alarming form and the shock departure of captain Matt Grimes.

    Derby review and Sam's new coaching role

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2025 55:21


    Carl, Iwan and Sam dissect Cardiff's thumping win over Swansea in the south Wales derby. And after Sam's unexpected call into the Wycombe interim coaching team, he reveals the array of emotions that accompanied their late win over Mansfield.

    Derby preview & Sam's lucky pants

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2025 42:25


    Carl Roberts, Iwan Roberts and Sam Vokes look ahead to Saturday's south Wales derby between Cardiff City and Swansea City. And it's all change at Wycombe as manager Matt Bloomfield leaves for Luton, just as Sam's prolonged injury absence finally comes to an end - the lucky pants were all set..!

    FA Cup distraction as derby looms

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2025 52:17


    Carl Roberts, Iwan Roberts and Sam Vokes preview the third round FA Cup ties for Cardiff and Swansea, and pay tribute to Phil Parkinson's managerial milestone.

    That's why you don't bet on the Championship!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2025 55:34


    Carl Roberts, Iwan Roberts and Sam Vokes reflect on a hectic festive period for the Welsh EFL clubs.

    A Tale of Two Draws

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2024 56:57


    It was the best of draws, it was the worst of draws... Carl Roberts, Iwan Roberts and Sam Vokes react to the contrasting draws for Wales in the men's World Cup 2026 qualifiers and the women's Euro 2025 finals. It's a favourable proposition for Craig Bellamy with qualifiers against Belgium, North Macedonia, Kazakhstan and Liechtenstein, but Rhian Wilkinson's squad could hardly have been drawn in a tougher group in their first appearance at a major championship with games to come against England, France and the Netherlands.

    Cardiff's Riza revival unravels

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2024 51:56


    From taking 12 points from his first six games, to just two from the next six, it's been an alarming slump in form for Cardiff City under manager Omer Riza. The poor run of results sees the Bluebirds sitting inside the relegation places, and showing little evidence of being able to reverse the alarming slide down the table.The lads also discuss Ben Cabango's contract situation at Swansea and whether the new owners will spend in January to make a push for the play-offs. And with the Christmas party season upon us, Iwan and Sam recall some of their favourite fancy dress exploits.

    Dublin delight as Wilkinson's Wales create history

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 5, 2024 54:49


    Former striker Helen Ward joins Carl Roberts, Iwan Roberts and Sam Vokes to celebrate Wales' play-off win over Ireland that sealed their place at Euro 2025 - the first time the team has reached the finals of a major tournament.

    Wales v Ireland review: All to play for in Dublin

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2024 23:31


    Carl Roberts, Katie Owen, Nia Jones and guest Helen Ward react to Wales' Euro 2025 play-off first-leg draw against the Republic of Ireland in Cardiff.

    How (not) to run a football club

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2024 52:39


    Elton John, Delia Smith and Georgian billionaire Mikheil Lomtadze - just a few club owners that Iwan and Sam have encountered during their nomadic playing careers. With Swansea City starting a fresh chapter under new ownership and Cardiff City stagnating under Vincent Tan, the boys share their thoughts and memories over playing under various owners, and how boardroom drama can affect performances on the pitch.There's finally some positive news for Sam as he steps up his return from injury - but how can he force his way back into a team on a 10-game winning streak? And Carl makes a startling film confession.

    Inside the Wales camp: Jess Fishlock & Rachel Rowe

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 28, 2024 26:52


    Carl Roberts, Katie Owen and Joe Ledley are joined by Wales players Jess Fishlock and Rachel Rowe to preview the two-legged Euro 2025 play-off final against the Republic of Ireland.

    Wales promoted after 4-1 Iceland win

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 20, 2024 19:13


    Carl Roberts is joined by former Wales strikers Iwan Roberts and Helen Ward to discuss Wales' 4-1 victory over Iceland and their promotion to League A of the Nations League.

    Turkey v Wales review with James Chester

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2024 43:14


    Former Wales defender James Chester joins Ashley Williams, Nathan Blake, Katie Owen and Carl Roberts to reflect on the goalless draw in Turkey in the Nations League, and to reminisce about his own international career.

    Inside the Wales camp: Harry Wilson

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2024 26:10


    Harry Wilson joins Ashley Williams, Joe Ledley, Kaite Owen and Carl Roberts at the Wales training camp to look ahead to the final two Nations League games against Turkey and Iceland.

    Wales squad, Swansea scoring and a ghost goal

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2024 47:50


    Carl Roberts, Iwan Roberts and Sam Vokes discuss the return of Dan James and Rubin Colwill to the Wales squad for the final Nations League matches against Turkey and Iceland, and the continued brilliance of Harry Wilson. Swansea finally end their goal drought, while Peterborough's bizarre disallowed goal at Newport plays tricks with Iwan and Sam's eyes.

    Fox in the cake box

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2024 51:45


    Carl Roberts is joined by Iwan Roberts and Sam Vokes to discuss Wales' playoff victory over Slovakia and Swansea's goal drought. Meanwhile, Sam reveals a surprise guest who made an appearance in the Wycombe changing room.

    Holland wins it for Wales

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 29, 2024 18:41


    Carl, Helen Ward, Kath Morgan and match-winner Ceri Holland react to Wales' extra-time win against Slovakia in their Euro 2025 play-off semi-final at the Cardiff City Stadium. Rhian Wilkinson's side will face the Republic of Ireland in a two-leg play-off final next month as they look to qualify for a first major tournament.

    Inside the Wales camp: Rhiannon Roberts and Gemma Evans

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2024 29:57


    Carl Roberts, Nathan Blake and Elise Hughes take stock with the Wales players Rhiannon Roberts and Gemma Evans before the second leg of the Women's Euro 2025 play-off with Slovakia in Cardiff. Wales trail 2-1 after the first leg after disappointing performance in Poprad.

    Special guest: Joe Morrell

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2024 72:03


    Wales midfielder Joe Morrell has faced one of the worst possible scenarios for a professional footballer - out of contract while rehabilitating from a long-term injury. The 27-year-old discusses the frustration of the last 10 months, watching from the sidelines during Portsmouth's title-winning season and then being told he wouldn't be offered a new contract. But a return to fitness is imminent, and he reveals moving abroad is one career option he is seriously considering - but admits his desire to play for a Welsh club one day.There's also plenty to discuss about Cardiff's recent revival under Omer Riza, and how Rubin Colwill and Alex Robertson are "Premier League" standard players. And Sam gets a lovely birthday surprise from Carl...

    Inside the Wales camp: Rhian Wilkinson, Ceri Holland and Hayley Ladd

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2024 33:32


    Carl Roberts, Joe Ledley and Nia Jones chat with Wales manager Rhian Wilkinson and players Ceri Holland and Hayley Ladd as they prepare for their Women's Euro 2025 play-off against Slovakia.

    Wonderful Wilson inspires Wales win over Montenegro

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2024 20:49


    Carl Roberts is joined by Iwan Roberts and Sam Vokes in the immediate aftermath of Wales' 1-0 win over Montenegro.

    Iceland review & Leon Britton

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2024 33:20


    Ashley Williams, Katie Owen and Joe Ledley are joined by special guest Leon Britton to discuss Wales' draw in Iceland. There's also plenty of Cardiff-Swansea rivalry to discuss, and we learn how close Leon came to playing for Wales.

    wales iceland ashley williams joe ledley leon britton

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