The 1-2 Podcast

Host Tom Johnson spoke to former player and captain for Blackpool F.C. Richie Wellens. Tom discussed issues surrounding Wellens departure, comments he siad, his thoughts on facing them again including the infamous Charlie Adam tackle. Tom also touches on Wellens time as a manager and working with now Blackpool talents Jerry Yates and Keshi Anderson. 

Host Tom Johnson speaks to former Blackpool player Paul Simpson on his playing and mangerial career to date. Including his time at Blackpool where he helped the tangerines secure promotion to the Second division and a LDV Vans Trophy win in 2002. 

Kaspars Gorkšs spoke to hosts Tom Johnson and Conor Hamiliton about his time at Blackpool F.C. Kaspars told us how he felt when he achieved his dream of playing in the Premier League, how he felt when his previous teammates achieved that dream at Blackpool before he did and the strange way in which he left due to a release clause which was picked up by QPR.  

Hosts, Tom Johnson and Dan Hopwood spoke to Tom Aldred on life in Australia. The turbulant years at Blackpool F.C. when the club suffered two back to back relegations before finally climbing out of league two. We delved into the reasoning behind Tom's departure from Bloomfield Road, who he thought his best manager was and what it was like to share a room with Gary Madine. Another, great listen from season two of the utmp podcast.

Hosts Conor Hamiliton and Tom Johnson spoke to Not the Top 20 co-host and EFL specialist Ali Maxwell about Blackpools continuous rise in the Football League. They discuss the foundations for success in the Championship, Neil Critchley and all things Blackpool.  

Ángel Martínez spoke to Tom Johnson about how he is recovering from his knee injury, his future plans and his years at Blackpool. He went into detail on how he could not speak much English but worked hard to learn this in Blackpool as he fell in love with the club by the seaside. 

Tom Johnson spoke to Sun journalist Alan Nixon to get his views on Blackpool's signings so far this summer, chances of survival in the Championship and get the latest on our moves for Jordan Gabriel, Elliot Embleton, Ellis Simms and more.

Tom Johnson and Ben Whetton meet new Blackpool F.C signing Olly Casey to find out about his style of play, life at Leeds and his development under Marcelo Bielsa, whether he's Messi or Ronaldo and his favourite beer. Ahead of joining up with his new team mates on Thursday, we find out why he joins from his boyhood club and his aspirations for the coming Championship season.

Dan Hopwood and Tom Johnson spoke with Author Nathan Fogg on his new upcoming book 'How not to run a Football Club'. Foggy gives us a low down on his book (released in September) which documents the rise and fall of Blackpool F.C under the previous regime and has interesting stories from Ian Holloway, Jose Riga, Valeri Belekon and unfortunately Karl Oyston. A must listen for any Blackpool fan or football fans suffering from owners who don't put #footballfirst. As many of our other podcasts, this also features explicit language and adult themes are briefly discussed when factoring in Owen Oystons' previous conviction.

Tom Johnson joins Matt Scrafton as they review Blackpool's promotion winning season. They look at key points over the season, players that played huge roles and discuss development plans along with player recruitment as Blackpool prepare their next season in the Championship.

Hosts Tom Johnson and Dan Hopwood spoke to former Manchester United, Norwich City, Plymouth Argle and Blackpool Midfielder David Fox. Foxy made 94 appearances for the Pool and scored 6 goals helping us to the initial promotion into the Championship and securing our status there. Fox was apart of the foundations that put together the Premiership promotion team in the 2009-10 season and was highlighted by Holloway as 'one of the players that got away' despite never playing for him.

Hosts Tom Johnson and Ben Whetton speak to former Blackpool left back Bob Harris on his career with Blackpool and playing under Holloway, Appleton and Ince. The left back made less than 15 appearances for Blackpool, mainly due to Stephen Crainley occupying the position. Despite the small amount of appearances, Bob was still well thought of by Blackpool fans for his effort, desire and spirited performances for the Seasiders. After three years he moved on to Sheffield United where he linked up with former Pool player Chris Basham.

Host Tom Johnson sits down with Gary Brabin to discuss his time playing for and coaching at Blackpool F.C. The relationship with the tangerines started when Gary first joined Blackpool in 1996 for a fee around £200k. He made 63 appearances with the Seasiders and scored two goals. He featured under manager Gary Megson who led the Tangerines to a seventh-place finish in the Second Division for the 1996-97 season. The midfielder scored another three goals under manager Nigel Worthington who led the seasiders to a twelth place finish in the 1997-98 season. However, he only played ten games at the start of the following 1998-99 season before departing Bloomfield Road and heading to bottom place Hull who were in the Third Division at the time. Brabin later returned to Bloomfield Road in September 2018 to join Terry McPhillips team as part of the coaching staff. Although, was quoted as stepping down for 'personal reasons' in 2019 amid news of a take-over at the club. Listen to this exclusive pod to find out more about Gary, in this refreshingly honest interview about his playing days and managing success and love for BFC.

Former Blackpool captain and current Tranmere Rovers defender Peter Clarke talks to Tom Johnson and Ben Whetton about his time coming through the ranks at Everton. Clarke has spent 22 years as a professional footballer, where he's made over 700 appearances across all four divisions of the football league. We focus on the time at Blackpool and the infamous return to the Seasiders under José Riga. When the club was in turmoil, started the season without a full squad and things turned very sour, subsquently leading to fans protesting against Huddersfield and the start of the NAPM campaign.

Hosts Tom Johnson and Dan Hopwood speak to former Pool striker Scott Taylor about his prolific scoring stats during his time with the Seasiders between 2002-2004. Super Scott scored 43 goals in 116 appearance and helped Blackpool secure the LDV Vans Trophy under manager Steve McMahon. The ex-Blackpool front man discusses his partnership with John Murphy, confidence in his scoring ability and the importance about being played in the right position. He also helps us preview the game on Tuesday as we discuss, another former club of his in MK Dons.

Hosts Tom Johnson and Dan Hopwood spoke to former Blackpool and current Wimbledon AFC defender Ben Heneghan about his recent time with the tangerines. Coming up through the youth ranks at Everton and Stoke, the ugly side of the game and fighting to get your opportunity. Ben spoke about the disruptive time when he first joined Blackpool F.C and having just one game under Gary Bowyer as manager. Before working under Terry McPhillips and then Simon Grayson. Ben was subject to the different changes of managers, the board and players as many came in and out of the club. He was also able to witness the resurgence of fans after years of boycotting the club due to the previous owners. Ben discussed with utmp why he didn't sign with Blackpool, the effects of COVID-19 and believing in your own ability in episode #31 of 1-2 Podcast.

Hosts Tom Johnson and Dan Hopwood are joined by former Blackpool loanee Stephen Dobbie to discuss his introduction into football at Rangers, making his name at Queen of the South and helping Blackpool to promotion in 2010. We find out why Dobbie never joined on permanent contract despite having four loan spells with the Seasiders. Dobbie sealed his fate into Blackpool folklore when he played his part in a special night at the City Ground as we beat Nottingham Forest, also rejoining for three further loan spells and firing some important goals at both ends of the Championship table.

Hosts Dan Hopwood and Ben Whetton are joined by Keith Southern to discuss his ten years in a tangerine shirt. Gnashers made over 300 appearances with the Seasiders, won PFA Fans Player of the Year in 2007 and gained promotion with Blackpool twice before departing for Huddersfield F.C, Fleetwood Town and Shrewsbury Town. He now currently coaches at Everton's academy. Listen to this episode to hear the clear passion and heart that Southern had for everything Blackpool and the up's and down's of his time with the Mighty Pool.

Host Tom Johnson was joined by former Ex Mansfield Town and Blackpool defender Alex Baptiste. Baps made nearly 200 appearances in Tangerine in the Championship and Premiership featuring in a play-off final for the seasiders. He currently plays for Bolton Wanders who are managed by former teammate and Pool defender Ian Evatt. Listen to this podcast to hear more about his time at Blackpool, the transition from Premier League to almost returning and the game that 'killed' Blackpool. The Pool defender lets us know everything that happened during his time, through his honest viewpoint. A great player and person Baps earned the captains armband during his time with Blackpool and shows true passion to 'the best time of his life' in episode 29 of the 1-2 Podcast.

Dan Hopwood and Tom Johnson spoke to ex Blackpool F.C Captain Jay Spearing about what it was like to come up through the ranks at Liverpool as well as his time on the seaside with the tangerines. He spoke to us about Gary Bowyer, Terry Mac, Simon Grayson and Neil Critchley. As well as the culture at Bloomfield Road before and after saviour Simon Sadler came in.

Tom Johnson and Dan Hopwood spoke to former Pool and Northampton defender Tommy Jaszczun about his time at Blackpool, winning the LDV Vans Trophy, Steve McMahon and the manager that signed him at Northampton Town - none other than current assistant head coach Colin Calderwood. Tommy, talks everything tangerine and gives his thoughts on upcoming game against Northampton Town in this utmp preview.

The team (Dan Hopwood, Ben Whetton, Tom Johnson and Sean McGinlay) spoke to Matt Scrafton to get his thoughts on Blackpool's season so far. Matt gives his perspective on Blackpool's season, expectations ahead of the January Transfer Window and explains some of the conversations he's had with Neil Critchley, Ben Mansford and Simon Sadler over the last few months.

Tom Johnson and Ben Whetton chat to former Hull and Blackpool F.C player Ben Burgess, to get his thoughts ahead of the game on Tuesday night at Bloomfield Road. Burgess discussed his career before Hull, the injury which he suffered there and solidering on through the pain, signing for Blackpool with Grayson and who he thought his best strike partner was. Ben speaks about the range of managers and coaches that he has worked with and who he thought were the better leaders. Utmp also delve into the reason behind the bird celebration? His later career in journalism and teaching, as well as what the future holds for the new Blackpool boys under Neil Critchley. For those watching the match on ifollow Burgess will be a commentating option for the away side.

Utmp brings you this exclusive episode with Sean McGinley and Tom Johnson who spoke to coaches Mac Barlow, Mike Healey and Blackpool FC Ladies Captain April Oldfield. The special guests from the ladies setup provide a real clear and engaging insight into how they operate. Utmp delves into the challenges that the ladies and girls team face and what support they need to progress further. Finally, we discussed the women's pyramid and their ambitions for the future.

Dan Hopwood, Tom Johnson and Sean McGinley spoke to Hugh Bunce host from the @PO4cast and writer from @Pompeynewsnow for his views on the upcoming game against Portsmouth. We discussed the situation with Kenny Jacket, playing 4-4-2, the players to play for both and the different tiers of COVID-19 now effecting the number of fans entering our beloved football stadiums.

Dan Hopwood and Sean McGinlay chat to Peterborough fan Nathan Brown about the upcoming game against Blackpool F.C. Footballing Journalist Nathan spent a bit of time with the League One club so has some insight on how the club is set up. He spoke to us about the players, formations and tactics of Darren Fergurson and what he predicts the score will be for the game. He has also recently brought out his own Podcast known as 'The Full Time Podcast' too.

Dan Hopwood and Tom Johnson chat with current Director of Football and Assistant Manager for Chorley F.C Andy Preece, after their recent 3-2 win over Wigan Athletic. The non-league side were 2-0 down before coming back with a stunning three goals to silence the League One side and progress to the next round in the FA Cup. Andy also discussed both his on-going managerial career and playing career. Key moments vary from playing for Palace during Eric Cantona's kung-fu kick, being bought by Big Sam to Blackpool for big money in the 90's and the painful loss in the Play-off final against Bradford, his goal scoring record including scoring against Preston and his thoughts on Chorley's recent win against Wigan.

Dan Hopwood, Tom Johnson and Ben Whetton review the season so far at the quarter point and analyse the mix of both poor defeats and gritty wins. We discuss the appointment of Colin Calderwood, the formations and chemistry of the players as well as the hard run of games that await Blackpool F.C.

A true Blackpool FC legend joins us on the show as Brett Ormerod talks tangerine to Tom Johnson and Ben Whetton. Brett has seen plenty of this new BFC side through his work with BBC Radio Lancashire and gives us his thoughts on the work Neil Critchley has done so far, recorded prior to the win at Burton Albion.Super Brett then discusses his career, what it was like joining Blackpool for his first spell from Accrington Stanley under Gary Megson whilst still working part time at a Cotton Mill, and his journey to the Premier League with Southampton which he forgot to mention to his wife before signing the five-year deal. Scoring important goals in the top seven leagues in England, the top four all with Blackpool, Brett scored the winning goal at Wembley to secure promotion to the Premier League and explains the impact that Ian Holloway had on his career. All this, despite having to recover from two leg breaks and Brett explains the mental side of recovering and getting back fit and firing. This is a must listen for any Blackpool fans, young or old, as we chat to the club legend who epitomises everything about Blackpool F.C, all from his mum's spare room.

utmp brings you this exclusive interview with former Blackpool striker Armand Gnanduillet. Dan Hopwood, Tom Johnson and Ben Whetton chat with Gnands about his time at Bloomfield Road and why he left in the summer when his contract expired. The big man had a rollercoaster of a career in tangerine, from the NAPM years through to the recent times under Simon Sadler's custodianship. He scored some important goals in his time with Blackpool, but left this summer to join Altay in the Turkish second tier. He tells us about how he has adapted to life in Turkey and his ambitions for the future, as well as whether he would have considered joining our neighbours up the M55.

Tom Johnson and Ben Whetton spoke to former Blackpool captain and cult hero Shaun Barker. Nicknamed 'Reggie' by his teammates at Blackpool, the defender helped the Pool to promotion to the Championship via the Playoffs in 2006-07.This season involved the incredible run of 10 wins in a row which was know as the 'Perfect 10' put together by Simon Grayson and that squad and is known by many Blackpool fans as the foundation which the team built their Premier League success on. Reggie talks all things tangerine from his first arrival at Bloomfield Road from Rotherham United through to his £1m transfer to Derby County which paved the way for Charlie Adam. He also told us about his life outside of football and his thoughts on the current Blackpool side under Neil Critchley.

Dan Hopwood, Tom Johnson and Sean McGinlay are joined by Ross Duffy from the MK1 Podcast to discuss the upcoming fixture of Blackpool F.C vs MK Dons. MK Dons fan and engineer Ross talked to us about previous meetings including the 3-0 drubbing for the Seasiders at Bloomfield Road last season. we also talk about former players for both clubs including Gary Mackenzie, Scott Taylor and Jason Puncheon, as well as former manager of both clubs - no other than Paul Ince. Our preview piece on the upcoming fixture considers the danger men for the visitors, analysis on how the visitors will set up and what Blackpool will need to do to get the better of them this time round.

Dan Hopwood and Tom Johnson introduce sports journalist and Blackpool fan Sean McGinlay. Sean talks us through the highs and lows of his time supporting the Seasiders and what he makes of our season so far under Neil Critchley. He analyses what we need to do better and where it's potentially not quite clicked just yet for the Tangerines. Sean will be a regular guest writer for us at utmp and will also join us on the 1-2 podcast regularly.

utmp spoke to Steven Dale from the Railwaymen Podcast about the Seasiders' upcoming game with Crewe Alexandra. We got their view on Neil Critchley who was formerly a player and academy coach at Gresty Road before moving on to Liverpool and eventually the dugout at Bloomfield Road. This episode also features players who played for both Blackpool and Crewe, as well as expected formations, tactics and threats the Alex will pose to the tangerines in the upcoming fixture.

utmp spoke to ex Nottingham Forest and current Arsenal camera man Dan Hayton to get his insight on recent loan signings Jordan Gabriel and Daniel Ballard. Dan gives his unique insight of both players on and off the pitch and the type of people, as well as players, that Blackpool have acquired. He also tells us what it's like to be involved in an elite club on a match day during Coronavirus and the subtle differences on a match day.

We spoke to former Blackpool Football Club player Trevor Sinclair otherwise known as 'Tricky Trev' about his time with the Seasiders, playing for England in the 2002 World Cup, the dressing room, characters and camaraderie. We go into detail about his career at the several clubs he has played for, THAT overhead kick and his coaching role now. As well as gaining his thoughts on Critchley and the new look Blackpool FC.

Tom Johnson and Ben Whetton are joined by Gazette reporter Matt Scrafton to discuss Matt's Blackpool FC reporting career to date, the recent poor performance of the Seasiders away at Gillingham and what needs to be improved. Before finally, previewing Lincoln City's arrival at Bloomfield Road and picking out some of dangermen to watch out for, along with City's style of football.

utmp preview the next Blackpool game, our trip to Gillingham, with special guest and Gills fan Danny @Nicemarker. We get a good understanding of how they will set up, danger men to watch out for and the infamous Steve Evans. Listen from the start for our review of the recent result against Swindon Town, or if you'd prefer just the Gillingham preview then skip to 29.25.

utmp spoke to special guest, Swindon Town fan and founder of The Loathed Stranger Podcast, Rich Pullen. Rich talks about former Swindon men Jerry Yates and Keshi Anderson, as well as former Blackpool captain Richie Wellens who currently manages the Robins. We also preview the game by digging into how Swindon will set up and what we can expect from a game that will see both teams play a similar style of football.

utmp spoke to special guest, Blackpool Gazette Journalist Matt Scrafton, who gives us his unique insight into Blackpool's pre-season preparations, expectations for the coming season and what Neil Critchley is really like off camera. He also discusses who is behind the Seasiders' transfer business under Simon Sadler and the ever-changing personnel at Bloomfield Road, as well as the current culture around the group ahead of the new season.

utmp are joined by special guest, Plymouth Argyle fan and social media hit '@argyleVoodoo' about the opening game of the season. We get Argyle's view on Ryan Hardie, how Plymouth might set up and the danger men to watch out for in the game.

utmp talk about Blackpool's pre-season, analysing the performances to date, what we make to the new signings and trialists. This episode was recorded immediately after the game against Blackburn Rovers and we discuss the 3-3 thriller against Everton at Bloomfield Road.

utmp are joined by special guest Andy Morrell. We speak to the fan favourite on how the move to Bloomfield Road came about, what the atmosphere was like in the changing room during the promotion season and his departure from Blackpool. We also delve into his life after football and into management too, where he's looking to pave his way in the game at Hednesford Town.

utmp spoke to special guest and Grimsby Town fan Jonny Artis about Blackpool's new signing Ethan Robson, who spent part of last season on loan at Grimsby. We also discussed other players and managers that have featured for both teams, notably Ian Holloway who is currently in charge of the Mariners. Jonny talks with passion about the crucial impact of the salary cap/Covid-19 for lower league clubs who are looking to stay afloat in this unprecedented time.

Dan from utmp spoke to Swindon Town fan and teacher Mark Godley about the ongoing transfer business between Blackpool and Swindon Town. This episode was recorded on the backdrop of the drama created by Keshi Anderson as he picked Anthony Grant up from Manchester airport, which he recorded live to Instagram as speculation grew about Blackpool signing Grant. Godley spoke passionately about the situation and his growing concerns of the breakup of the promotion winning squad under former Pool captain Richie Wellens.

utmp get a view from the other side with qualified Level 4 Referee and Rotherham United fan Liam 'Differ' Smith. Differ talks Jerry Yates, Curtis Tilt and Rotherham the impact of Covid-19 on the League One 2019-20 season. We're also joined by Chris Porter who was a special guest in Episode 1.

utmp discuss Blackpool FC's current transfer policy and consider the differences under Simon Sadler vs previous transfer windows. Special guest, Qualified Level 3 Referee and Seasider Chris Porter talks about his unique insight of the game through officiating.