Rule The Roost

In the first of a two-part special, Jack sits down with Dan Kilpatrick, now an editor at The Athletic, to look back on his years covering Tottenham as a beat journalist. They discuss how the job changed as Spurs grew into a modern superclub, how the wider football media landscape evolved over the past decade, and what it was like reporting during the Mauricio Pochettino era — including an anecdote about a chance encounter with Poch and Jesús Pérez in Russia. Dan also reflects on Daniel Levy's deep involvement in all areas of the club, whether it's ultimately damaging, and shares his impressions of both Ange Postecoglou and Thomas Frank. Part two — where Dan answers your questions — will be out soon. For now, enjoy part one of this deep dive into Tottenham Hotspur with one of the most familiar faces in Spurs journalism. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by Phil in the wake of Tottenham's 2-0 win over Manchester City to reflect on why things feel so different under Thomas Frank. With the era of Lloris, Kane and Son now firmly in the past, it feels like the stage is set for a new generation of players to become the figureheads of the club. We dig into the brilliance of Pape Matar Sarr, his outstanding start to the season and why he still isn't quite being spoken of as one of the very best young midfielders in Europe. Joao Palhinha's arrival has brought a new level of steel to Spurs' midfield, giving freedom to the likes of Sarr and Bentancur to flourish. There's also chat about the Eberechi Eze deal that never was, whether his allegiance to Arsenal softens the blow, and the continuing frustration around how Spurs operate in the market. A weekend of positives, but as ever, still plenty to chew over. The show's theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Spurs went to the Etihad and came away with yet another win over Manchester City. Brennan Johnson opened the scoring before João Palhinha capitalised on a mistake to double the lead and secure another clean sheet. Jack talks through a huge afternoon for Tottenham, with Mohammed Kudus once again producing a memorable performance in attack and Pape Matar Sarr running the midfield in a man of the match display that continues his outstanding start to the season. Palhinha's arrival has already transformed the side, adding the kind of defensive steel that allows those around him to flourish, while Thomas Frank's tactical set up frustrated City and gave Spurs the platform to strike. It is another big step forward for Tottenham in the Premier League and a result that could have a lasting impact on the season ahead. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by John (aka Lilywhite Rose) for this week's Thursday Q&A, where the frustration of the collapsed Eberechi Eze deal takes centre stage. With Arsenal swooping in at the last minute, was this another case of Daniel Levy's drawn-out negotiations costing Tottenham, or is there any comfort to be found in missing out? John brings his expertise on Spurs' academy to the table, discussing the progress of Alfie Devine and Jamie Donley and whether either could have played a role in solving Tottenham's need for a number 10. Listener questions also spark debate on Luca Williams Barnett, Arsenal's Max Dowman, and the best young talent John has ever seen come through the Spurs academy. The pod closes with a spirited defence of Harry Kane because some things never change. Theme music is Ghost Cat by Gillen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by Lara to look back on Tottenham's opening day win over Burnley, where Richarlison lit up Thomas Frank's debut with two superb goals including an outrageous bicycle kick. Mohammed Kudus was equally impressive, pulling the strings in midfield and combining brilliantly with Richarlison to give Spurs a new attacking edge. We also dive into the latest twists in the transfer market, from the rollercoaster pursuit of Eberechi Eze with Oliver Glasner insisting he is staying put at Palace, to Spurs' ambitious chase for Savinho at Manchester City. Plenty to be optimistic about as the new season begins. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Spurs returned to Premier League action under new manager Thomas Frank in stunning fashion with a 3-0 victory over Burnley. Scott Parker's side were praised for their defensive solidity in the Championship, but the Premier League is a different story. Tottenham are now without Harry Kane and Son Heung-min, yet may already have a couple of new heroes in their ranks. Mohammed Kudus and Richarlison combined brilliantly for two impressive goals, including an absolute worldie from the Brazilian, before Brennan Johnson sealed the win with a neat finish. Join Jack as he breaks down the performance, the standout players and what this opening day statement could mean for Spurs this season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Athletic's James Maw joins Jack to unpack Tottenham's narrow Super Cup defeat to PSG, a “heartbreak adjacent” loss but one full of positives. They break down standout performances from Richarlison, Kudus and Djed Spence, who will likely give Thomas Frank a real selection headache ahead of Destiny Udogie's return. They also discuss what Eberechi Eze could bring if Spurs complete the signing. James answers listener questions on his career, Danny Kelly's cooking and whether he has ever made an Arsenal fan cry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On a night with much to be proud of, Tottenham came close but couldn't quite seal the deal against PSG in Udine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the new season fast approaching, we take a hard look at Tottenham's squad depth and where the concerns really lie. Is there any point still getting angry about the way Daniel Levy and ENIC run the club, or is this simply who they are? We also talk through Harry Kane's “exclusive” interview on the Spurs website and why it was such an odd move from the club, even if it didn't exactly wind us up. We also look ahead to the UEFA Super Cup final against PSG and why there's every reason to stay hopeful, even with the odds stacked against us. If you enjoy the show, please consider supporting us on Patreon: patreon.com/rtrpod and leave us a rating and review wherever you get your podcasts. Theme tune: Ghost Cat by Gillen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's Thursday Q&A time and The Fighting Cock's Flav returns for a fun packed episode. Opening with that emotional farewell from Sonny, what does it mean for the team, the dressing room, and Spurs' identity moving forward? Has some of the star factor gone with him? Then it's onto the transfer window. Another frustrating summer? Maybe. But is it just the usual Levy cycle or are we all guilty of forgetting just how much has already been spent? Plus, Flav fields your questions, including: – Would he rather swim with sharks or eat a fermented one? – Which Sonny goal does he wish he'd scored and how would he celebrate it? – And... has he finally sent out those Patreon badges? New theme music is Ghost Cat by Gillen, and you might've spotted the fresh new podcast art too. As always, like, subscribe, share, and drop us a review etc. It all helps. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After nearly a decade of brilliance, Son Heung-min has officially announced his departure from Tottenham Hotspur. Jack is joined by Gavin to pay tribute to one of the greatest players to ever wear the lilywhite shirt.We revisit the emotional farewell in Seoul and reflect on the unforgettable highs of his Spurs career. From that solo goal against Burnley and running past half the Chelsea team at Wembley, to lifting the Europa League as club captain. We also dive into his iconic partnership with Harry Kane, the records they smashed, and the legacy they leave behind.Plus, we read your favourite Son memories and stories, an overwhelming outpouring of love for one of the all-time Spurs greats.Cheers Son's crying - I'm crying - you're crying. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/ruletheroost. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Spurs tasting glory once more, this time at the hands or arch-rivals Arsenal in the Hong Kong Festival of Football, spirits were high... almost high enough to put behind us the Morgan Gibbs White saga.But to talk over the deal that never was, Jack is joined by Tottenham's man in the know, Paul O Keefe - who not only dives into the MGW deal, but gives an additional perspective on Levy and the inner workings at Spurs.He also answers your questions, everything from bombas that never materialised to what he likes best on a sunday roast.If you've enjoyed the pod and you're not already a subscriber, then why not consider dropping a follow - and if you're feeling especially generous, a rating and a review.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/ruletheroost. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

He may well have scuppered our deal for Morgan Gibbs White, but why haven't Spurs been proactive elsewhere? It feels like the same old story yet again up in ENIC towers. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/ruletheroost. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the news that club legend Son Heung-min might be leaving, Jack is joined by billie t to discuss why we understand the reasons for that, but why we don't exactly love the idea of it.What's going on with Morgan Gibbs-White, what's the gut feeling? Is it off? We think it might be off.There's been a sack load of questions this week so expect some in-depth discussions on Forest and their owner Marinakis, as well as their increasingly irritating fan base.How are we rating the transfer window? Despite the lack of signings, is there still hope for the season with the squad we have at our disposal?Where would you get a Daniel Levy tattoo? And why are we so mean to pigeons?All this and more.If you have enjoyed this week's episode, please make sure to like, subscribe, rate, comment... all that stuff. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/ruletheroost. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vuskovic, that's it. That's the description.What on earth are we about to unleash unto the Premier League? Surely we won't be loaning him out. Not that we want to get excited about a 45 minute runout against League One opposition, but he may well be our best player already, say Jack and this week's guest Hunter Godson.It's worth mentioning the Kudus was also really great, and is spoken about at length.Where do they all play, you ask? Well, we try to answer that too.Some chat on potential transfers, what we need, what we're expecting from this season as things stand etc.Also, Sonny... what's going on there?As ever, if you've enjoyed the pod, please leave a rating and a review, and why not consider sharing it with your Spurs supporting chums?Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/ruletheroost. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen along with me as I react to Thomas Frank's first press conference as Tottenham Hotspur's new head coach. Held just before out first preseason game against Reading, the presser gave us a some idea of what Frank wants to bring to Spurs.I give my thoughts on his approach to tactics, journalists asking him leading questions about Levy and the club's tendency for cycling through managers and share my take on what he said about key players like Son and Romero, as well as the club's transfer plans.Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe if you enjoy the pod.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/ruletheroost. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Thurday Q&A, I'm joined by The Athletic's Jack Pitt-Brooke for a wide-ranging conversation on everything going on at Spurs - past, present, and future. We dig into Ange Postecoglou's passing of the baton to Thomas Frank, the club's direction and new-look coaching team and of course, the Morgan Gibbs-White saga. Plus, listener questions, that range from Kane's legacy to the best Tottenham cricketer. Enjoy.Please remember to leave a rating and a review wherever you get your podcasts. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/ruletheroost. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark is back and he's here swinging. He leads an impassioned championing of his countryman Thomas Frank and why he's the right fit for Spurs. We discuss the Morgan Gibbs-White transfer and its current bump, as well as excitement for Mohammed Kudus. Plenty to sink your teeth into here. Enjoy!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/ruletheroost. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ricky is back! We talk Kudus and ambition.Why we're excited about Thomas Frank and Ben Haines content.Then we're on hand to answer your questions, leading to a discussion about which player we think would be most likely to behave disgracefully at your house party.Leave ratings and reviews please, and most of all, enjoy!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/ruletheroost. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here's a peak behind curtain on some of the exclusive content you can get over at patreon.com/rtrpod with the first episode of this nostalgia-soaked series You Had To Be There.These episodes are all about those matches that live on in the collective psyche of THFC. Each week I speak to a different guest about one of their favourite games, the memories, the feelings, the context and usually the limbs. In Episode 1, friend of the show Tom Foins joins Jack to relive that unforgettable night in 2010 when Gareth Bale absolutely ruined Maicon, Spurs were in dreamland playing one of Europe's biggest off the park. One of those moments where we truly stood up and reminded everyone what Tottenham Hotspur were really all about.If you like what you hear, there'll be plenty more where that came from across the summer on Patreon.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/ruletheroost. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jack and Phil answer YOUR questions! :) Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/ruletheroost. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jack is joined by Gavin to discuss the current transfer noises around the club. Romero out? Would we want him out? As annoying as he can be, isn't he still really, really good? Who takes his place? Is Eze now going to Arsenal? That'd be quite annoying... Maybe we'll get Kudus instead? All this, and a lot of Europa League final chat (once again). Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/ruletheroost. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mid Jon Bass is back and we basically just talk about winning the Europa League.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/ruletheroost. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jack welcomes Sean Walsh back to the show to share his, frankly brilliant, insight into Tottenham's new manager.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/ruletheroost. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ange Postecoglou is officially OUT at Tottenham a move that will anger and delight fans in equal measure after a mixed season. Daniel Levy can't get enough of sacking managers, even the fella who delivered the first silverware in 17 years. Jack breaks down the news, looks at where it went wrong for Ange, and discusses the big question: Is Thomas Frank the right man to take Spurs forward?Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/ruletheroost. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jack and Phil talk about Spurs, kinda.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/ruletheroost. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To get the best discount off your NordVPN plan - go to https://nordvpn.com/roost our link will also give you 4 extra months on the 2-year plan. There's no risk with Nord's 30-day money-back guarantee!Spurs get pecked apart like a pensioner's chips on the sea front by the plucky seagulls in their last game of the season. Despite the fact the lads have been on a week long bender, should we be looking into this result as a warning for next season?Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/ruletheroost. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

More (noisy) thoughts.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/ruletheroost. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Con, Phil, Charlotte, and Jack bask in the afterglow of Tottenham Hotspur's historic Europa League triumph. We relive the tension, the euphoria, and the hoovering up on content.With two of the gang fresh from watching it all unfold at The Fighting Cock social at EV Bar, they share raw reactions from the crowd and debate what this victory means for Spurs, for Ange, and for what comes next.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/ruletheroost. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We did it. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/ruletheroost. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Time to show up. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/ruletheroost. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jack welcomes his old pal Scott back to the pod to delve into the Man Utd mind ahead of a little football match that's happening on Wednesday evening.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/ruletheroost. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Just win it, Tottenham.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/ruletheroost. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jack talks to Lara about the Europa League final - and some other stuff.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/ruletheroost. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

YESSSSSSSSSSSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/ruletheroost. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Both of these sides are absolutely awful, but at least we have the excuse of a big game on the horizon.To get the best discount off your NordVPN plan, go to https://nordvpn.com/roost. Our link will also give you 4 extra months on the 2-year plan. There's no risk with Nord's 30-day money-back guarantee.Promo Code: RoostSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/ruletheroost. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I'm not being negative, I promise. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/ruletheroost. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tottenham Hotspur were hammered 5-1 at Anfield as Liverpool sealed the Premier League title in emphatic style.Despite taking an early lead through a scrappy Dominic Solanke goal, Spurs were soon overwhelmed by strikes from Luis Díaz, Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah, and an unfortunate own goal from Destiny Udogie.It might have been a dead rubber for Spurs, but it still stings.Jack picks through the wreckage of another heavy defeat, reflects on the season as a whole, and looks ahead to the Europa League semi-final.

Jack's joined by Phil this week to get stuck into the current state of affairs at Tottenham. They kick off with Cristian Romero's fiery interview – what does it tell us about the standards behind the scenes at Spurs, and is it a sign of deeper issues?The chat inevitably drifts towards you know who – would bringing Pochettino back be the right move or just another example of the club clinging to the past? There's also a look at how Spurs are treated differently to Arsenal in the media, and why those double standards seem to persist.To round things off, the lads look ahead to Thursday night's huge Europa League tie – why, despite a terrible season, we're still excited.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/ruletheroost. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tottenham suffer another humiliating blow at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, losing to Nottingham Forest and former manager Nuno Espírito Santo. That's now 18 losses this season - and yes, Nuno has done the double over us. What does this say about the state of Spurs right now? Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/ruletheroost. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jack unpacks Tottenham's tense but vital 1-0 win away at Eintracht Frankfurt - a result that books Spurs a place in the Europa League semi-finals and maybe, just maybe, marks a turning point for Ange Postecoglou and his squad.Amazing character the lads showed on the night, Solanke's calm from the spot, a backline that finally looked like it had a bit of steel to it and yes, Ange. I've said my fair share about him in recent weeks, and after that performance, it might be time for a bit of a rethink… possibly even an apology.Like, subscribe, validate me - please...Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/ruletheroost. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tottenham have just lost 4-2 to Wolves, their 17th league defeat of the season and now sit 15th in the Premier League table. In any other season, this kind of form could potentially have them in the thick of a relegation battle. Shocking stuff for a club of this size, and for a side that's never been relegated from the Premier League.Jack is joined by screenwriter Charlie Brafman to make sense of the chaos. A long-time admirer of Ange Postecoglou, Charlie offers his take on why we should have some compassion when discussing the Aussie manager and whether there's any world he could stay or if the rot has gone too deep.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/ruletheroost. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jack's instant reaction to Tottenham's brutal 4-2 defeat at Molineux. Spurs started slow, never really recovered, and now serious questions hang over Ange Postecoglou. Should he be left in charge for Tottenham's make or break game against Frankfurt?Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/ruletheroost. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Full-time at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and it ends 1-1 in the first leg of the Europa League quarter-final. A frustrating night for Spurs with plenty of possession, some real moments of quality, but no killer blow.Pedro Porro's audacious backheel cancelled out an early Frankfurt opener, and while Maddison tried his best to pull the strings and Bergvall rattled the bar, it just wasn't quite enough to take a lead to Germany.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/ruletheroost. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Tottenham prepares to face Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League, Jack is joined by German football journalist Konrad Ringleb to delve into Frankfurt's current form, key players, and tactical approach. We discuss how the team has adapted since the departure of Omar Marmoush and highlight the threats Spurs should be aware of.​Additionally, with reports linking former Frankfurt manager Oliver Glasner to Tottenham, Konrad shares his insights on Glasner's managerial style, personality, and potential impact at Spurs.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/ruletheroost. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jack wants to know if Flav thinks he'll see Spurs win something again before he dies. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/ruletheroost. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bye bye Southampton - relegation for the south coast big club as Ange Postecoglou's side narrowly get it across the line. Doesn't change much for Spurs but it's at least a deent bit of momentum leading into their midweek game against Frankfurt. Also a first Premier League goal for Mathys Tel.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/ruletheroost. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jack welcomes Phil back to the show to go over last night again, and to look ahead at where Spurs go from here. Ange Postecoglou has once again found himself in a weird spot with the fans – or maybe not, depending on who you ask.He's claiming there's no issue, but his comments in today's pre-Southampton presser suggest otherwise, with talk of falling out of love with football because of VAR. Is this really the message we want to be hearing from the manager? Is something deeper going on?We get into the increasingly toxic atmosphere around the club, what it says about the direction we're heading in, and whether it's time to start moving on from the “NameBall” era of managers. Is it too much to ask for someone who's simply flexible and willing to work with the players at his disposal?Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/ruletheroost. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Spurs lose at Stamford Bridge once again - but in one of the most bland matches you'll ever see between the two sides. What are Tottenham even trying to do? Is there a plan? It all looks like a waste of time now, and with Ange Postecoglou getting into a slanging match with the fans yet again, has he all but seal his own fate?Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/ruletheroost. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jack is joined once again by Ben Bowman to unpack Tottenham Hotspur's latest financial statement and what it really means for the club's future. Where's the game-changing stadium we were promised? From mounting frustrations off the pitch to stagnation on it, things aren't looking quite as shiny as they were sold.The pair also break down the pre-season fixture against Arsenal and why the increasing disregard for the meaning of these matches is more damaging than it might seem. The episode wraps with a candid conversation about Ange Postecoglou's role as manager, fan sentiment, and whether there's any real hope heading into the Chelsea game.Up the Spurs!Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/ruletheroost. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jack welcomes a man who needs no introduction (Ricky from Lads Anonymous/The Fighting Cock) back to the podcast to delve fully into international break listlessness.Were we expecting Ange to be sacked? Should he be sacked? What are our and your thoughts on Djed Spence's appearance on Rio's podcast? Cristian Romero and selling at the 'right time'...and while we're on centre backs, we say goodbye to Jan and Toby.Buckle up, it's a longy but it's a goody.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/ruletheroost. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.