Sport + Life

Merry Christmas! I hope you and your's have had a good holiday season!I believe this will be a warming, nostalgic conversation to entertain you in this downtime.Martin Middleton, a racing car fanatic has lived a remarkable life working on race cars as a mechanic and a remarkable spell as companion/translator to Formula One Legend Juan Manuel Fangio. I hope you enjoy this one. Go well and keep moving in 2026! If you need any help with getting more active drop me a note - Teddy@drapermedia.co.ukBest wishes,Teddy**********Chief Sponsor: Bang & Olufsen Cheltenham: https://stores.bang-olufsen.com/en/united-kingdom/cheltenham/unit-15-the-courtyard-montpellier-streetInfo on Sponsor Offerings: For 15% off Herring Shoes enter the code SPORTANDLIFE at checkout at - https://www.herringshoes.co.ukFor 30% off Cytoplan supplements for your first purchase at https://www.cytoplan.co.uk and a 10% discount ongoing: Check out the intro to the podcast.

JP joins the show once more to update on Cheltenham Football Club's rejuvenated season, look ahead to a big FA Cup showdown with Leicester plus reflects on his soft spot for Cameroon with AFCON upon us.

A compelling conversation with Jack Bannister - a Cruiserweight boxer from Gloucester who won the Southern Area title in November 2025.Jack talks about falling in love with the sport, his frustration at trying to find opponents and his ambitions for the future. Jack's sparred some big names and talks about the challenge of going into another fighter's camp. Also discuss his day job as an electrician and why representing his home city means so much to him. ************Chief Sponsor: Bang & Olufsen Cheltenham: https://stores.bang-olufsen.com/en/united-kingdom/cheltenham/unit-15-the-courtyard-montpellier-streetInfo on Sponsor Offerings: For 15% off Herring Shoes enter the code SPORTANDLIFE at checkout at - https://www.herringshoes.co.ukFor 30% off Cytoplan supplements for your first purchase at https://www.cytoplan.co.uk and a 10% discount ongoing: Check out the intro to the podcast.

I hope you enjoy this uplifting conversation with Ash Loveridge as much as I did. Ash is a seasoned sports journalist who is approaching the 5th year of running the independent website https://stroudtimes.com In this episode we talk about how former Premier League footballer and Wales international Robbie Savage has helped lift Forest Green Rovers on and off the pitch. We also talk about the continued growth of Stroud Times and people's hunger for local news and sports coverage in an age where traditional outlets are under the pump.

Dr Laura O'Loghlen is a GP and private doctor in Cheltenham - co-founding Montpellier Medical in the heart of the town (https://www.montpelliermedical.co.uk) In this conversation we covered some key areas of how to stay healthy in winter including:* Modifying our physical output if fatigued/sleepy in the dark days of mid winter.* Sleep (and screens) * Alcohol * Vitamin D * Vitamin B12 * Relating to vitamin levels - the importance of blood tests. * Daylight * Socialising * Flu (and how this year's vaccine may have been dodged by the prevalent strain in the UK)I found this a really useful and practicable chat - and fun! Let me know what you think. ***************Chief Sponsor: Bang & Olufsen Cheltenham: https://stores.bang-olufsen.com/en/united-kingdom/cheltenham/unit-15-the-courtyard-montpellier-streetInfo on Sponsor Offerings: For 15% off Herring Shoes enter the code SPORTANDLIFE at checkout at - https://www.herringshoes.co.ukFor 30% off Cytoplan supplements for your first purchase at https://www.cytoplan.co.uk and a 10% discount ongoing: Check out the intro to the podcast.

Mark Weir is not far off 60, but you'd never guess it! A UFC pioneer and Gloucestershire legend , 'The Wizard' recorded a 10-second KO win in the inaugural UFC in London in 2002 - he still trains, eats and sleeps like a Champion and is a bundle of energy and enthusiasm. In this conversation we discuss a coming-of-age year for his charge Christian Leroy Duncan who recorded three victories in the UFC to move to a 13-2 record and showed potential to be a championship contender. Mark reflects on the incredible growth of the UFC and the money and prestige that's now up for grabs for fighters like Christian. We also talk about his continued work training aspiring pros and everyday people at Range Martial Arts Academy in Gloucester. https://www.facebook.com/RangeMartialArtsAcademy/?locale=en_GBMark tells me why MMA is the sport to choose for self-defence.We also discuss Mark's secrets to longevity and health - the importance of movement and his adherence to a daily fast. ***********Chief Sponsor: Bang & Olufsen Cheltenham: https://stores.bang-olufsen.com/en/united-kingdom/cheltenham/unit-15-the-courtyard-montpellier-streetInfo on Sponsor Offerings: For 15% off Herring Shoes enter the code SPORTANDLIFE at checkout at - https://www.herringshoes.co.ukFor 30% off Cytoplan supplements for your first purchase at https://www.cytoplan.co.uk and a 10% discount ongoing: Check out the intro to the podcast.

Andy Tucker is a football legend where I live in Cheltenham - an ex player for Cheltenham Town FC and Gloucester City, he created soccer schools that are famous in the this part of the world. And through his national franchise supa strikers Tuxs is helping kids as young as two learn the ropes of the beautiful game.Great to talk football and business with this passionate man.If you're looking to coach kids in that 2-7 age bracket and need a little help, Tuxs has an entire system in place and can help you get started: https://www.supastrikers.co.uk*****Chief Sponsor: Bang & Olufsen Cheltenham: https://stores.bang-olufsen.com/en/united-kingdom/cheltenham/unit-15-the-courtyard-montpellier-streetInfo on Sponsor Offerings: For 15% off Herring Shoes enter the code SPORTANDLIFE at checkout at - https://www.herringshoes.co.ukFor 30% off Cytoplan supplements for your first purchase at https://www.cytoplan.co.uk and a 10% discount ongoing: Check out the intro to the podcast.

I met Claire Richardson recently at a networking event and was seriously impressed with her passion and vision - and overwhelming conviction that we can enjoy a healthy second half of life. I'm in my forties and I'm often saddened by the limiting beliefs of many of my peers. “I'm too old to exercise.” Or “it's time to maintain what I've got.” To be honest, I first noticed comments like this in my twenties. As Claire underscores with hard science - we can get fitter and stronger as we age. Claire has set up GHS Clinics - https://ghsclinics.health/services/ - in Cheltenham to help clients maximise their health-span (how long they live in good physical and mental health) so it's closer to their lifespan (total years lived). In this pod we talk about GHS' Second Prime plan and the importance of taking some time to create a plan for ageing well. ********Chief Sponsor: Bang & Olufsen Cheltenham: https://stores.bang-olufsen.com/en/united-kingdom/cheltenham/unit-15-the-courtyard-montpellier-streetInfo on Sponsor Offerings: For 15% off Herring Shoes enter the code SPORTANDLIFE at checkout at - https://www.herringshoes.co.ukFor 30% off Cytoplan supplements for your first purchase at https://www.cytoplan.co.uk and a 10% discount ongoing: Check out the intro to the podcast.

Powerful conversation with ex Antiguan and Barbudan international Craig Heskey on his role steering young players through the highs and lows of trying to make it as professional players at Liverpool Football Club. Craig over the past six or seven years - at Leyton Orient and Millwall previously - has been a pioneer in this new, and, I think, vital role.Craig and others' work is big from the clubs' perspective: by giving nurturing and mentoring care you increase the club's chances of maximising the talent in the ranks. But also from the players ' perspective, I love the fact that one of Craig's big drivers is keeping the players' joy for the game (whether they make it pro or not). We also discuss Craig's cousin, Ex England star Emile Heskey and his role as an inspirational figure to Craig. ****Chief Sponsor: Bang & Olufsen Cheltenham: https://stores.bang-olufsen.com/en/united-kingdom/cheltenham/unit-15-the-courtyard-montpellier-streetInfo on Sponsor Offerings: For 15% off Herring Shoes enter the code SPORTANDLIFE at checkout at - https://www.herringshoes.co.ukFor 30% off Cytoplan supplements for your first purchase at https://www.cytoplan.co.uk and a 10% discount ongoing: check out the intro to the podcast.

I've been to watch horse racing lots of times - most often here in the town I live in at the iconic Cheltenham Racecourse. And I know a fair bit about training - from a degree in sports science to qualifying as a personal trainer. But I don't know too much about the training of horses. Turns out they're not all that different to humans. It was illuminating then to chat with Max Kendrick - an ex jockey who know helps training horses at Fergal O'Brien's picturesque yard near Cheltenham. Max is doing pioneering work with horse heart rate monitors, that also track metics like the speed of the horse and distance covered. This gives insight that will help trainers coax horses to peak performance, but also from an animal welfare perspective make sure the horses aren't overtrained. Pretty cool to hear Max talk about how the data is often backing up old school trainers' ‘feel' for how the horses are.*******Chief Sponsor: Bang & Olufsen Cheltenham: https://stores.bang-olufsen.com/en/united-kingdom/cheltenham/unit-15-the-courtyard-montpellier-streetInfo on Sponsor Offerings: For 15% off Herring Shoes enter the code SPORTANDLIFE at checkout at - https://www.herringshoes.co.ukFor 30% off Cytoplan supplements for your first purchase at https://www.cytoplan.co.uk and a 10% discount ongoing check out the intro the podcast.

I've recently begun hosting a podcast called The Blindside for Gloucester Rugby. Rhys was a fascinating guest on that show, so it was a treat to get him on Sport and Life for a thorough conversation on health and fitness from a physio's perspective.Ground covered1) Rhys' sporting background, being deemed too small to be an elite goalkeeper.2) Training in physiotherapy 3) Working at Sheffield United Football Club4) The counselling role of the physio and the importance of creating a good ‘vibe' in the treatment room. 5) General tips for injury prevention including your pelvis position. 6) The spectre of brain injury in rugby and football and how Gloucester Rugby have combined with The University of Oxford in landmark new research to understand and minimise player concussion. Info on Sponsor Offerings: For 15% off Herring Shoes enter the code SPORTANDLIFE at checkout at - https://www.herringshoes.co.ukFor 30% off Cytoplan supplements for your first purchase at https://www.cytoplan.co.uk and a 10% discount ongoing check out the intro the podcast.Hope you like this one. Let me know your thoughts.Go well and keep moving, Teddy

Russell Milton has had a near 30-year relationship with ( couple of short spells away) Cheltenham Town as player, coach, head of recruitment and caretaker manager. I was loosely familiar with that. But loved hearing about ‘Milts' beginnings as a Kent boy who didn't start playing organised football until the age of 10. He played for Arsenal and, when released by the Gunners, spent a chunk of time playing in Hong Kong and Japan. An effervescent character! Russ is also a qualified PE teacher and he says having that qualification allowed him to have a go at being a pro with Cheltenham when the club went full-time in the 90s. Hope you enjoy this one.Go well and keep moving, Teddy

This is a little bit different. I qualified as a personal trainer a few years back, but alongside my sports broadcasting career have developed a slightly different training service for clients in Cheltenham: The Triple Tonic is based on three health pillars: movement, fresh air and conversation. My sister-in-law Kerry Halloran in this conversation has kindly offered to (gently) quiz about the evidence behind each pillar, how I fastened onto this approach and what the science says.We also discuss the nuance of each workout and how I incorporate balls, rackets, agility ladders and more while getting clients fitter and stronger in the great outdoors.If you're in Cheltenham and want to get out there with me, or live elsewhere and want some remote fitness coaching there is more info here: https://drapermedia.co.uk/the-triple-tonicInfo on Sponsor Offerings: For 15% off Herring Shoes enter the code SPORTANDLIFE at checkout at - https://www.herringshoes.co.ukFor 30% off Cytoplan supplements for your first purchase at https://www.cytoplan.co.uk and a 10% discount ongoing check out the intro the podcast.Go well and keep moving, Teddy

Sporting a black eye today after a football injury, but very much feeling good after chatting to author Wayne Barton about two of my favourite topics: football history and Manchester United. I've just finished reading Wayne's book Football Taught by Matt Busby' and great to elucidate his findings on the quintessential style of United. It's hard to define - Wayne found it to be from and related to Hungarian football, Total Football but yet slightly different. Wayne does a great job here in articulating a way of playing that had practical elements, but also an ethereal freedom to it. As fan, there is a sense of flair and do and dash that feels a prerequisite of a United team - but perhaps different to other ‘entertaining' clubs, there is a firm commitment to winning. To win in style seems the ultimate goal. To elucidate sponsor offerings: For 15% off Herring Shoes enter the code SPORTANDLIFE at checkout at - https://www.herringshoes.co.ukFor 30% off Cytoplan supplements for your first purchase at https://www.cytoplan.co.uk and a 10% discount ongoing check out the intro the podcast. Let me know what you think of this one. Go well and keep moving,Teddy

Hi Team, Slightly different podcast. Thought it might be useful to give you the details of three books I've been reading and a podcast I've found to entertaining and helpful.Let me know if indeed you do find this useful:Books:Football Taught by Matt Busby https://reachsportshop.com/book/football-taught-by-matt-busby/Nigel Benn autobiography: https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/nigel-benn-book-nigel-benn-9781857826074?sku=GOR001703117How to Winter: https://www.worldofbooks.com/en-gb/products/how-to-winter-book-kari-leibowitz-9781035006977?sku=NGR9781035006977Podcast: Solved with Mark Manson: Let me know your thoughts.Go well and keep moving,Teddy

Pro boxing is a tough business starting out. You have to punch opponents, avoid being punched and you have to sell tickets - often while working a day job.I found this a fascinating insight into this world - Louis Bacon currently has a record of 2-0 and is still working three days a week as. landscape gardener. I hope Louis has a bright, healthy and successful future in the ring ahead. But significantly boxing has already helped him in life - he turned to the sport after getting punched in the face on his first day at high school. 

I love speaking to people who are passionate, particularly those who are passionate about sport. Steve Kitchen is one of the most passionate people I've met when it comes to sport - especially sport in Gloucestershire. Steve is sports editor at the BBC's local radio station and loves his job and the local teams - he's been covering them for 30 years, but he was a fan way before that. We discuss football - Cheltenham Town football club, Forest Green Rovers and Gloucester City - Gloucester Rugby Club, horse racing at Prestbury Park, Gloucestershire County Cricket Club and women's sport and para athletes. Steve is poignantly touched by para sport as his sport-playing youth was abruptly changed when he was run over by a car, leaving him with life-changing injuries. While that may have stopped Steve playing the sports he loves, his enthusiasm for the local sports scene is unrivalled. Beat journalist like Steve are the lifeblood of sporting communities and long may he continue to document the exploits of local athletes for the fans.

Andy Tucker is a football legend where I live in Cheltenham - an ex player for Cheltenham Town FC and Gloucester City, he created soccer schools that are famous in the this part of the world. And through his national franchise supa strikers Tuxs is helping kids as young as two learn the ropes of the beautiful game across the UK. Great to talk football and business with this passionate man.If you're looking to coach kids in that 2-7 age bracket and need a little help, Tuxs has an entire system in place and can help you get started: https://www.supastrikers.co.uk*****Chief Sponsor: Bang & Olufsen Cheltenham: https://stores.bang-olufsen.com/en/united-kingdom/cheltenham/unit-15-the-courtyard-montpellier-streetInfo on Sponsor Offerings: For 15% off Herring Shoes enter the code SPORTANDLIFE at checkout at - https://www.herringshoes.co.ukFor 30% off Cytoplan supplements for your first purchase at https://www.cytoplan.co.uk and a 10% discount ongoing: Check out the intro to the podcast.

I've known Alex Payne for well over a decade. We worked together covering rugby at Sky Sports and have both presented Sky Sports News. But this a man who wears many hats and seems to do very well whichever one he's sporting that moment. Alex still does ad hoc rugby presenting on TV - most recently The Lions tour of Australia for Sky - but is arguably better known for hosting the hugely successful podcast - The Good, The Bad and The Rugby: https://open.spotify.com/show/1LJJ9KUF4aAjcSPimyKfp3?si=29cc3e61ecff432dAlex and his pod buddies, England legends Mike Tindall and James Haskell, have created a gin - the proceeds of which help grassroots rugby and research into injury prevention and care: https://blackeyegin.co.ukEven that's not enough to sate his appetite for work though! Alex has also helped build a tech business that pairs social media influencers with brands: https://www.theinfluenceroom.com. But Alex in his very candid way admits he doesn't really use social media because it distracts him from his many jobs. He doesn't have the apps on his phone. I loved this conversation, in large part due to Alex's openness and willingness to chat about the complexities and contradictions of the world that's in front of us. I do find it very interesting that most of the successful people I know don't spend time scrolling on social media. I think kicking that vice will be big for me. How about you?One thing's for sure - as I too navigate the early steps of a similar path away from full-time broadcasting - Alex's example is an inspiring one. I'm just not sure how he keeps all the balls in the air. Let me know what you think of this conversation. Go well and keep moving, Teddy

Old School Soccer Story 13James is a good pal and a fitness professional who I hold in the highest esteem when it comes to training and h ealth information. But that's nothing compared to what he knows about Queens Park Rangers in the 1990s! Based in the Cotswolds now James was a West London lad who remembers all the swashbuckling players who lifted The Rs to a 5th placed finish in 92/93. Follow James: aka_thefitnesspro His new kids football camps: https://www.elitesoccerstars.com

A very uplifting and practical conversation with the effervescent Shane Duff. Shane's pro football career was prematurely ended through a freak injury, but he's rebuilt himself as a successful property developer in Cheltenham. ( https://www.linkedin.com/in/

I found this conversation with Ben, an Osteopath at Origin Health Clinic - https://originhealthgroup.com - a fascinating thought-provoker.Ben talks about his dramatic night earlier this year when he unexpectedly came close to his lights going out and how he approaches life with that palpable sense of mortality. With a baby at home we also discuss how the experience has affected his outlook on work and spending time with his wife and daughter. Ben is also coming back from stomach surgery and is targeting a triathlon to galvanise his return to fitness. We talk about that dance between challenging ourselves physically and looking after our body so it continues to serve us into old age. We also discuss Ben's multi-discipline outlook and how he and his brother, Dan work with other practitioners at Origin, including physiotherapists and private GPs, to make sure their patients get the most effective care.

Jon Palmer has followed Cheltenham Town FC for decades, man and boy, personally and professionally. So great to get his take on the big story in my hometown - the return of Steve Cotterill 23 years on from his historic first stint at the club.Cotterill lead Cheltenham into the football league as a young manager and JP explains why he believes a successful second era could be upon us. JP continues to illustrate the power and importance of local beat journalists in sport. 

I've always enjoyed interviewing Chris during his rise as a respected but, in retrospect, underrated boxer who upset big names to become world champion. Spectacular nights followed in his hometown of Bournemouth. Then came defeat in 2024 to Gilberto Ramirez. But Chris' hunger for the sport remains ravenous. He's very candid though about the sense of internal conflict he feels being away from his two little boys. He's very real in articulating something I've experienced and I think a lot of us can identify with - the pull to provide coupled with the pain of not being able to be physically present with our kids because of our jobs. He also speaks here powerfully and glowingly about a former high-school teacher who left a lasting impression on him and others - Mr Clayton. I'm sure a lot of us can resonate with the idea of a hugely influential teacher. Mr Sockelov and Mr Dudah (I can't remember the spellings, sorry as both were from Eastern European families) left a lasting mark on me and I think it's important for teachers to here stories like Chris'. Teachers - you are vital!Thought s on this? Fatherhood? Influential teachers? 

Really candid conversation with Charlie here about the challenges, uncertainties and pressures of one and two-year contracts when you're a dad. We also talk about the physical challenges of having twins whilst playing for Cheltenham Town FC too - trying to train and play after a few hours sleep.Ultimately, fans want their teams to win, but I do think we underestimate how difficult pro sport can be - particularly when you're not financially set from your playing days. Charlie, 32, talks openly here about the future and what his next career could be. As someone who was lucky enough to do a fun job, but now I have to ‘go again' I can certainly empathise with how daunting (and exciting) that can be. 

I loved this conversation with Danny Donachie. Danny for a long time was head of medical services at Everton Football Club, but now works one-to-one coaching with players and managers. We talk about Danny's approach in helping players' mental approach to the game - including visualisation, meditation and switching off social media. Connected to this we talked about how lonely being a player and manager can be - and how, inadvertently, sports science (by ending drinking/socialising culture etc) had reduced connection. We discuss Danny's reflections on former Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti and current boss David Moyes and also his experience of Newcastle star Anthony Gordon's mental strength. We talk about Danny's father, Willie, a professional footballer and how he opened Danny's eyes to ‘alternative' methods of self development. A lot of ground covered here and a lot of insight into professional football. But also I believe some important notes on how we can all make improve our mental experience of life, find the joy in what we do, and perform better (if that's our goal). What do you think about this one? How do you manage the opinions of others? Follow Danny here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannydonachie/

Old School Stories 12: Paul Gascoigne inspired Spurs to an epic Wembley win versus the club's arch rivals but, at not yet 24, was this his peak? I loved Paul Gascoigne as a little boy. His dribbling… his power… his passing… his smile. When I look back at think of watching him play, I smile. But the smile is often followed by a slight sinking sense that we missed out. For Gazza left UK shores in the summer of 1991, aged just 24 and with knee ligament damage following a self-inflicted injury in the early stages of the FA Cup Final. After his time in Italy, Gazza bedazzled Rangers fans but didn't return to English football until his 30s. He was still class, but the burst of power and pace and effervescence had dimmed. And so I wonder if that heady day at Wembley in April 1991 when Spurs, big underdogs, bested their arch rivals Arsenal (best team in England at the time), represented peak Paul Gascoigne? 

This was a significant and powerful conversation for me with Ross Mitchell. One of my Personal Training coaches during my training, Ross also works in combat sports. Ross is a deep thinker and candid. But please be WARNED we discuss serious issues like mental health and suicide here so please skip if you don't feel like listening to that right now.What Ross has struck upon is the reverse of discipline - whereas most people chide themselves for not having the consistency to workout, some people just can't NOT workout. They don't do it to feel good, they do it to feel less bad about themselves - it's a should rather than ‘I get to.' That nagging feeling can drain other life pursuits of joy and, for me, at times has caused me stress because I've tried to shoehorn workouts into an already full day. We also talk about male body dysmorphia and how a healthy goal to improve our physique can be hijacked by an impossible quest for perfection.Let me know your thoughts on this one. It's a delicate one, in my opinion, because being healthy in the modern world requires some kind of mental drive - most people's jobs don't include movement or daylight, for example - but that drive has to be managed and balance sought. 

Really thought-provoking to have Lorien back on the show. Lorien is qualified personal trainer, a mindfulness and wellbeing expert and a psychology student. This is a free-wheeling conversation around how to manage modern life.Discuss how movement and physical training is important, but how it can be a negative experience if we frame it in the wrong way - how it can fuel a negative body image, for example - or use it to compensate for something else. Lorien also brings an interesting definition of trauma - that helped me reconcile how we live (in the UK) in an extended period of peace, a ‘soft' era, and yet there is so much conversation about widespread trauma. We also talk about the power of nature, the importance of being bored and community to health - and the importance of taking breaks/holidays (Holiday on holidays, if you like!). To contact Lorien: https://www.lorienholiday.com

Poppy Murray started the BE LADS campaign in response to the horrific kidnapping and murder of Sarah Everard. Poppy joined me to chat about the what BE LADS stands for and how well-intentioned men can help lone women feel safer on the streets. Practical steps. We also talked about sports and the differences I found when coaching boys/men versus girls/women. What do you think? If you're a man would you be prepared to cross the road to help a lone woman feel more at ease? I'd previously thought women might feel patronised, but Poppy has made me reconsider that take.

I worked for 15 years with Tony Wright at Sky Sports. A brilliant broadcaster, he's also found recognition in decades as a published author and hosting his own podcast ‘Biohacking News.' (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/biohacking-news-by-zestology/id970597412) . Tony's focus has been health optimisation and feeling energised since a mysterious illness left him bedridden - and devoid of energy. Somewhat unexpectedly (to me, at least) Tony has in recent years become the world's bestselling histamine intolerance author. May he reign at the top forever! In this episode of Sport and Life we discuss Tony and family's decision to leave London and move to Portugal and the effect of the different culture and lifestyle on his health. We also discuss daylight, diet, movement, sleep, histamine (what is it?) and more. What are your go-to daily habits that make you feel healthy and happy? Hope you enjoy this one.Go well and keep moving,Teddy

The last ever FA Cup semifinal replay was played on Wednesday the 14th April 1999. It turned out to be one of the greatest games in recent history as the 10 men of Manchester United edged the holders Arsenal 2-1 after extra-time with substitute Ryan Giggs scoring one of the most sensational goals of modern times to win it. United went onto win the treble. ESPN's Mark Ogden was working as a young journalist at the time and joins Teddy to reminisce about the game and the era - when Arsene Wenger's Arsenal and Sir Alex Ferguson's United were slugging it out for domination.

On October the 6th, 2001, at his beloved Old Trafford, David Beckham stepped up in the 93rd minute and hit a 30-yard free-kick into the top corner. It finished England 2 Greece 2 and England were going to the 2002 World Cup. It was an extraordinary free-kick, capping an extraordinary performance from Beckham. Award-winning journalist Henry Winter was covering the game for The Daily Telegraph and joins Teddy to remember the match and the time in English football. Here's Henry's report from the day: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/england/3014263/Beckham-hits-the-jackpot.html?icid=return_to_article

When John Ryder lost a Middleweight British title fight with Nick Blackwell in 2015, many people wrote off his chances of becoming an elite boxer. Those people were wrong. In November 2022 Ryder became a world champion at Super Middleweight and went on to take one of the sport's all-time greats Saul ‘Canelo' the distance in Mexico. He trains young fighters under the stewardship of his old coach Tony Sims in Essex, England. 

Johnny Nelson was WBC Cruiserweight Champion from 1999 to 2006. He remains the longest reigning Cruiserweight Champ in history.In this conversation with Teddy, Johnny discusses competing in Hyrox, learning to run again after two hip replacements, fasting and the mooted fight between Floyd Mayweather and Mike Tyson.

Keith's second appearance on the pod and a great listen for people interested in fitness: we talk about knee rehab, the pros and cons of running, rep range for building muscle and things to consider for those of us attempting to stay strong and fit into middle age. Also consider sleep and how having babies in the house may have to change our exercise plans and out expectations of our capacity. https://keithirvinept.co.uk

In February 2019, Gareth joined the podcast to discuss being a professional rugby union player with Gloucester. After that conversation Gareth's life moved quickly - he signed for Ospreys and then Leicester Tigers before being forced to retire suddenly following a training-ground concussion in November 2021.In early September 2025, Gareth sat down with me to discuss his new career as a Financial Advisor, based in Cheltenham. The idea of identity and career shift has fascinated me for years - particularly, as a sports journalist, the shift pro athletes have to make into a new life. Hope you enjoy this one - hope for all of us contemplating career change. Also, towards the end of the conversation some great tips on pensions and financial management.

Old School Soccer Stories 9:Kevin Phillips was rated too small to be a striker so played right back at Southampton. Then headed back to semi-pro football after being released as an 18 year-old. Nine years later he was European golden boot winner, aided in that achievement by his classic strike partnership with the towering veteran Niall Quinn.The Quinn-Phillips partnership fired Sunderland to consecutive 7th place finishes and lives long in the memory of football fans - especially lifelong Sunderland fans like Sky Sports presenter Tom White. Tom talks us through those heady days for his club and why Sunderland didn't quite kick on to be a Premier League contender.

On the 20th of February 1991, Merseyside rivals Everton and Liverpool played out on one of the all-time great football matches. The FA Cup replayed finished 4-4. Four times Liverpool took the lead, four times Everton equalised.Tony Cottee watched the first 86 minutes from the subs bench. But then entered the frey to score two goals and send the tie to another replay.Fantastic to have Tony's crystal clear recollections of this epic night. My first experience of this was watching the highlights as a 9 year-old boy and the game has stuck with me ever since. It was also a significant time in English football history as two days later Sir Kenny Dalglish resigned as Liverpool manager and a near three-decade run of glory came to an end. 

On 26th May 1989 Arsenal pulled off the seemingly impossible task - beating Champions Liverpool at Anfield by two goals on the final day of the season to claim the title.John Cross - now a football writer for the Daily Mirror, then a beat journalist in North London - explains why he believes it's the most dramatic game in the history of English football and the best ever ending to a league season. John and Teddy also reflect on Liverpool's extraordinary success across different managerial reigns in the 60s, 70s, 80s and early 90s.

Manchester United historian and author Wayne Barton joins Teddy to talk about the strike partnership between Eric Cantona and Mark Hughes.The players formed an unorthodox combination to secure United the inaugural Premier League season (92-93) and the club's first league title since 1967.

On September 25th 2025 Saul Canelo Alvarez (63-2-2) and Terence Crawford (41-0) meet with the WBC, IBF and WBO Super Middleweight titles on the line. Spencer Fearon -aka Master Knowledge - is a former fighter and works as a boxing trainer, manager and pundit. Spencer gives his thoughts on the fight and why Crawford is an all-time great.

Ash is the co-founder and editor of https://stroudtimes.com.He has also, as a reporter and co-commentator followed Forest Green Rovers for many years.In this conversation we talk about how FGR are shaping up under new manager Robbie Savage and also the hunger for 'hyper local' reporting.

In August 1994, Tottenham Hotspur people were having a tough time. A fine, a points deduction and a cup ban had put the club on the back foot. But manager Ossie Ardilles shifted to a front foot, all-out attack style as Spurs exploded into the new season at Hillsborough.The crescendo of the game centred on a new striker, who stole the show with a goal and a celebration to last the ages.The Famous Five was born. It didn't last long. But this swashbuckling team lives long in the memory. 

Football journalist Jon Palmer discusses Cameroon's historic and magical run to the quarter-finals of the 1990 World Cup, inspired by 38 year-old super sub Roger Milla.

A former editor of Boxing News, Tris is a hugely respected boxing journalist and author.In this episode Tris and Teddy discuss:* Boxers careers getting longer - re Usyk (38) and Pacquiao (46) both impressing this past weekend.* The issue of brain damage and how Tris reconciles with his son boxing * Social Media and YouTube merging with boxing (and the need for boxers to learn to build an online 'brand.'

This is a podcast shared from a new project of Teddy's called Old School Soccer Stories.In this episode, Teddy relives the moment David Beckham exploded onto the national consciousness in the summer of 1996.For more Old School Soccer Stories: https://oldschoolsoccerstories.substack.com

Jon Palmer is a journalist working for Gloucestershire Live and others - his main beat being Cheltenham Town FC.Jon also works as a journalism lecture at The University of Gloucestershire.In this episode, Jon updates us on the changing ownership situation at Cheltenham Town and hopes for the club's future.We also touch upon Robbie Savage taking over at Forest Green Rovers.

As a pro footballer Michael Duff played in the Premier League for Burnley and represented his country Northern Ireland. He's since managed Cheltenham Town, Barnsley, Swansea and Huddersfield.

Teddy talks to distinguished boxing writer Don McRae about his new book 'The Last Bell: Life, Death and Boxing.' The book and the conversation covers Don's conflicted feelings towards the sport.

Max is a qualified Doctor with a decade's experience as a General Practitioner in the UK.Two years ago,following the turnaround of his own health due to testosterone replacement therapy, Max began working as a consultant for Alphagenix and other companies.His main work involves assessing and treating hormonal deficiencies, as well as advising on lifestyle factors such as exercise, sleep, nutrition, supplementation and stress management.Here we talk about the impact testosterone has made to the lives of his patients.Follow Max on Instagram: dr_max_draper