The Essential Football Podcast

Ron Walker is in Munich's Marienplatz with Sky Sports journalists Adam Bate and Declan Olley the morning after the Champions League final, to look back at Paris Saint-Germain's dominant victory over Inter Milan. We discuss if this is the start of PSG's dominance in Europe, and ask what's next for Inter and manager Simone Inzaghi.

Sky Sports' Ron Walker, Peter Smith and Sam Blitz look ahead to the final weekend in the Premier League and focus on the race for European football next season, with 10 teams all in contention for the different competitions.  Plus, ahead of what's expected to be his final game for Manchester City, we hear from Kevin de Bruyne and ask where he might rank amongst Premier League greats.  Follow the final day of the Premier League across Sky Sports, Sky Sports News and skysports.com/football. Listen to every episode of Essential Football on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Spreaker.You can also listen to Essential Football on your smart speaker by saying "ask Global Player to play Essential Football".To get in touch with the pod, email: skysportspodcasts@sky.uk.

Hear exclusively from Hearts CEO Andrew McKinlay as he discusses Derek McInnes being named head coach, the mistakes around Neil Critchley's appointment, his relegation fears, the future of Lawrence Shankland, Tony Bloom's possible investment, challenging for the Scottish Premiership title and more.

Sky Sports' Alan Myers looks back at the history and memories of the 'Grand Old Lady', as Everton's men's senior side prepare to say 'Goodbye Goodison'.You can watch the full documentary on the Sky Sports News YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWHu3ZiE_eA. The 'Goodbye Goodison' audio podcast was produced by Daniel Eales, Matthew Prior, Alan Myers and Chessie Bent. 

Even with the prospect of winning the Europa League, can Manchester United or Tottenham claim to have had a more successful season than Champions League semi-finalists Arsenal?Sky Sports' Football Journalists Sam Blitz, Declan OIley and Zinny Boswell join Dougie Critchley for this special Essential Football podcast.Listen to every episode of Essential Football on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Spreaker.You can also listen to Essential Football on your smart speaker by saying "ask Global Player to play Essential Football".For all the latest football news, head to skysports.com/footballTo get in touch with the pod, email: skysportspodcasts@sky.uk.

Adam Smith brings you the last in our series of special podcasts for Mental Health Awareness Week, where Premier League stars discuss the times in their careers where they've struggled with their mental health. In this episode, goalkeeper Jason Steele opens up about suffering back-to-back relegations and nearly quitting the game, to signing for Brighton in the Premier League. Jason speaks very openly and honestly about his mental health. If you've been affected by any of the themes covered in this podcast, advice and organisations that can help can be found at sky.com/viewersupport.As well as listening to us, you can also watch the interviews from this series on Saturday, 17th May on Sky Sports Premier League or find us on the Sky Sports Premier League YouTube channel. 

For Mental Health Awareness Week, Adam Smith brings you the latest in our series of special podcasts, where Premier League stars discuss the times in their careers where they've struggled with their mental health. In this episode, Adam is joined by Nottingham Forest's Harry Toffolo, who opens up about a decision that he made early on in football that he feared could have finished his career. Harry also explains the impact his many loan moves had on him and his family, and how he overcame 's now settled and playing his best football at Forest. Harry speaks very openly and honestly about his mental health and problems with betting. If you've been affected by any of the themes covered in this podcast, advice and organisations that can help can be found at sky.com/viewersupport.As well as listening to us, you can also watch the interviews from this series on Saturday, 17th May on Sky Sports Premier League.  

It's Mental Health Awareness Week and in a series of special podcasts for Sky Sports, Adam Smith sits down with Premier League stars to discuss the times in their careers where they've struggled with their mental health. In this episode, Adam is joined by defender Conor Coady who explains how it felt to leave his boyhood club Liverpool, how relegation with Leicester City is the toughest moment of his career, and how he balances life as a footballer with being a dad of four.If you've been affected by any of the themes covered in this podcast, advice and organisations that can help can be found at sky.com/viewersupport.

Duncan Ferguson joins the Essential Football Podcast, to discuss his life in football - on and off the pitch. His new book, Big Dunc, tackles his time at Everton and Newcastle, his managerial aspirations and saying goodbye to Goodison Park. Ron Walker and Peter Smith also look back on a week of European football for our English sides. Listen to every episode of Essential Football on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Spreaker.You can also listen to Essential Football on your smart speaker by saying "ask Global Player to play Essential Football".For all the latest football news, head to skysports.com/footballTo get in touch with the pod, email: skysportspodcasts@sky.uk

Sky Sports' Peter Smith, Nick Wright and David Richardson look back on a memorable week in Europe for some of our Premier League clubs, and look ahead to their return to League action this weekend. Listen to every episode of Essential Football on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Spreaker.You can also listen to Essential Football on your smart speaker by saying "ask Global Player to play Essential Football".For all the latest football news, head to skysports.com/footballFor advertising opportunities email: skysportspodcasts@sky.uk

"LFC Twenty" looks back on Liverpool's Premier League title victory of 2025. Search for it wherever you get your podcasts or click on this link: https://pod.fo/e/2cdc16

Peter Smith, Sam Blitz and Adam Bate look ahead to Liverpool against Tottenham on Super Sunday, as the Reds need just a point to clinch their 20th English League title. Hear from manager Arne Slot in the build up to a match you can watch on Sky Sports on Sunday. Plus, who will make it to the FA Cup final? We preview this weekend's semi-finals at Wembley.  Keep across all the action on Sky Sports. 

Ron Walker, Sam Blitz and Will Bitibiri look ahead to the weekend's Premier League fixtures and discuss what Mo Salah's new contract at Liverpool could mean for the club as they try to wrap up the title.Watch Arsenal vs Brentford, Liverpool vs West Ham, Newcastle vs Manchester United and Bournemouth vs Fulham all live on Sky Sports over the weekend.Listen to every episode of Essential Football on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Spreaker.You can also listen to Essential Football on your smart speaker by saying "ask Global Player to play Essential Football".For all the latest football news, head to skysports.com/footballFor advertising opportunities email: skysportspodcasts@sky.uk

Legendary goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel joins the podcast this week to preview Sunday's Manchester derby between United and City at Old Trafford.Ron Walker and Dave Richardson tee up the game and discuss the major talking points before we hear from Peter in the second half of the episode.Peter also talks to Ron about "Schmeichel" - a brand-new Sky Exclusive feature documentary which offers an exclusive look at his life and career."Schmeichel" is available on Sky Documentaries and streaming service NOW from Sunday 6th April.Listen to every episode of Essential Football on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Spreaker.You can also listen to Essential Football on your smart speaker by saying "ask Global Player to play Essential Football".For all the latest football news, head to skysports.com/footballFor advertising opportunities email: skysportspodcasts@sky.uk

Former Liverpool defender, Jamie Carragher, joins Sky Sports' Vicky Gomersall to discuss Trent Alexander-Arnold's expected move from Liverpool to Real Madrid this summer.Listen to every episode of Essential Football on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Spreaker.You can also listen to Essential Football on your smart speaker by saying "ask Global Player to play Essential Football".For all the latest football news, head to skysports.com/footballFor advertising opportunities email: skysportspodcasts@sky.uk

In the latest episode of the Next Up series, we take a closer look at Geovany Quenda after Chelsea agreed a deal with Sporting for the exciting teenager.Ron Walker and Zinny Boswell look at how Chelsea moved quickly to sign him amid Man Utd interest, his rise to prominence and where he might fit in at Stamford Bridge.Listen to every episode of Essential Football on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or Spreaker.You can also listen to Essential Football on your smart speaker by saying "ask Global Player to play Essential Football".For all the latest football news, head to skysports.com/footballFor advertising opportunities email: skysportspodcasts@sky.uk

On an Essential Football special and only days before Thomas Tuchel becomes the third foreign coach to sit in the home dugout for an England Men's national team game, we're going on a deep dive into why there are so few English coaches at the top of the game.At the start of the Premier League in 1992, only one of the 22 managers was from overseas - and that was Irishman Joe Kinnear.But as the game has grown more global, Englishmen have fallen by the wayside. How do England make sure when they make their next appointment after Tuchel, they have a pool of English coaches to choose from - or is it even possible?Hear from Eddie Howe, Graham Potter, Roy Hodgson, Harry Redknapp and more, as we get to the bottom of why English coaches are on the decline.Watch the accompanying documentary, English Coaches: The Decline, on YouTube or On Demand.Presented by Ron Walker, with Sky Sports News Reporter Rob Dorsett. This episode was produced by Daniel Eales for Sky Sports. 

What's a vegan football boot, and is it any good? Rangers Women's Tessel Middag is the final guest on Playing for the Planet season 4, and she tells David Garrido about her journey in climate action, including wearing sustainable Sokito boots. Tessel talks about how fans can get involved, about standing up to FIFA, all ahead of Rangers v Hibernian in the Sky Sports Cup Final this weekend.

Sky Sports presenter David Garrido has an engaging chat with Dr Brett Staniland - model, sustainable fashion advocate and Derby County fan.They discuss how the clothing and textile industry contributes to climate change, how sportswear companies can help by setting new standards, and where progress is being and could be made in future - all in episode 3 of season 4 of Playing for the Planet.

This week, we open the doors to a British boxing legend. The first female to compete for Team GB at The Olympics and a two-weight world champion, but did you know she had early ambitions of being a World Cup winner instead?A Liverpool fan, she remembers the 2005 Miracle of Istanbul very fondly, but not for the reason you might expect. And stand by for the most unique Favourite Player selections in Football Museum history. The Football Museum will be closing its doors for a brief refurbishment, but we'll be back with some new exhibits very soon. 

In this second episode of season 4 of our Playing for the Planet series, David Garrido speaks to Magda Pozzo, part of the ownership group at Udinese Calcio.Magda explains how she brought football, fashion and sustainability together in the club's launch of their third shirt, and why being climate-conscious and activating well with partners can help a club's bottom line and balance sheet.

Sky Sports presenter David Garrido speaks to former England and Premier League goalkeeper David James as the Green Football campaign continues.  In this first episode of season 4 of Playing for the Planet, they discuss James' favourite jerseys from his career, how kit has changed over time, and his role with Utilita as co-founder and ambassador of their Football Rebooted initiative.

Sky Sports' Ron Walker, Richard Morgan and David Richardson look ahead to Sunday's League Cup final, live on Sky Sports, between Liverpool and Newcastle.

Dance music legend Pete Tong swaps decks and tunes for footy firsts and favourites. A rave icon across the world - but which iconic Arsenal goal was he in the stands to witness? He's played to some very famous faces, but find out which Premier League players used to join him in the DJ booth after their match on a weekend. Ibiza Classics returns for its tenth anniversary this year, and Pete is taking it back to where it all began - The Royal Albert Hall. Tickets are available now. The Football Museum is open every week. For your exclusive membership, search for 'The Football Museum' and give this show a follow wherever you get your podcast.

Sky Sports' Football Journalists Ron Walker, Peter Smith, Nick Wright & David Richardson assess the progress (or lack of) being made by Ruben Amorim, how that compares to Mikel Arteta's improvement of Arsenal and whether the Portuguese can again restrict the Gunners after their goal glut at PSV. You can watch Manchester United against Arsenal live on Super Sunday from 4.30pm on Sky Sports. 

National treasure, TV hardman and West Ham-obsessed Danny Dyer enters The Football Museum! He talks us through the moment he first fell in love with The Hammers, and why 'Cockney Reds' aren't for him.  The future father-in-law of West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen, Danny reveals why Jarrod gets an easier ride than most.Danny's new film, Marching Powder, is only in cinemas on March 7th.  The Football Museum is open every week, so if you enjoyed your visit, please leave us a review on your podcast platform of choice and we'll see you at the doors next time! 

Sky Sports' Sam Blitz is joined by senior reporter Melissa Reddy and football journalist Zinny Boswell as they analyse Manchester United's recent turmoil on and off the pitch.Stuck in the bottom half of the Premier League and announcing up to 200 redundancies due to cost-cutting, is it crisis time at Old Trafford - and are the next few months crucial to the long-term success of Ruben Amorim and INEOS?

From The Castle, to The Football Museum, winner of The Traitors Season 3, Jake Brown, is here! Jake explains why there is no point in even having a debate about the Premier League's greatest ever midfielder. That title belongs to Paul Scholes, apparently, and he won't hear anything more about it. And on the subject of Scholes, hear how Jake followed in his idol's footsteps to become an England international.Jake became very used to banishing fellow contestants in The Traitors Castle, but which football moment will he expel from his memory?  The Football Museum is open every week, so if you enjoyed your visit, please leave us a review on the way out! 

After Liverpool's draw at Aston Villa on Wednesday, do they need maximum points at Man City live on Sky Sports on Sunday to keep title rivals Arsenal at bay and end talk of a wobble from Arne Slot's side?  Peter Smith is joined by Sam Blitz and Richard Morgan to dissect the form of the Premier League leaders, as well as the defending champions, following City's Champions League exit at the hands of Real Madrid.  The team also share insight on Chelsea's drop off, ahead of the Blues' own visit to Villa Park in a game which could be key for Champions League qualification for next season.

The One and Only Chesney Hawkes has entered The Football Museum, and fortunately he does have clothes on!  The West Ham fan talks us through watching Jarrod Bowen score the club's most memorable goal from the stands in Prague, but does have a bone to pick with the Hammers captain for not keeping a promise.  As you'd expect, the famous Europa Conference League triumph features heavily, but Chesney explains why an event hours before kick-off proved to be the greatest moment of his life!The Football Museum is open every week, so for your exclusive membership, give this podcast a follow: podfollow.com/the-football-museum

Ahead of a bottom-half clash with top billing this weekend as Man Utd travel to Tottenham, whose faithfuls will be celebrating come full-time and whose hopes of climbing the table banished for another week?If the puns are confusing you - the Essential Football castle welcomes a special guest as Jake Brown joins Ron Walker and Sam Blitz for this week's episode, fresh from winning the third series of The Traitors.A Man Utd fan since birth, Jake gives his thoughts on their hopes for Sunday's game as well as United's season, Ruben Amorim and where Kobbie Mainoo will end up after his False 9 experiment last time out.As well as discussing Ange Postecoglou's hopes, where Spurs sit after their back-to-back cup exits and how big a game this is for the Tottenham boss, there's plenty of behind-the-scenes Traitors chat, the story of Jake's journey to playing football for England's Cerebral Palsy team and much more.Tottenham Hotspur against Manchester United is live on Sky Sports on Sunday from 4pm. 

Michael Dawson enters 'The Football Museum' and explains why a special moment with Brian Clough forced him to support Nottingham Forest. He also remembers being picked over his sibling to make his debut for his boyhood club.  The former England defender reveals which Premier League legend he once had in his back pocket, before a wake-up call against the very same opponent in their next match. And as bad days go, will Dawson's 13-minute disasterclass against Fulham ever be topped?The Football Museum is open every week, so for your exclusive membership, give this podcast a follow: podfollow.com/the-football-museum

From security guard to Olympic medallist, Frazer Clarke has seen a lot in his short boxing career so far, but hear how it could have all ended before it even started.  The Manchester United fan tells us which unfortunate incident from a former England captain led to the happiest moment in his life.  Big Fraze also recalls watching an iconic Red Devils moment on a fuzzy portable TV in Jamaica, considers an Arsenal player as his favourite ever, and deliberates whether he'd prefer scoring in a World Cup final or winning a World title by knockout. The Football Museum is open every week, so for your exclusive membership, give this podcast a follow: podfollow.com/the-football-museum

Ron Walker, Sam Blitz and Ben Grounds look ahead to a bumper Super Sunday that sees title chasing Arsenal host Manchester City whilst Spurs travel to Brentford, in what could be two must wins games for sides at different ends of the table. You can watch both matches live on Sky Sports. 

Keith Duffy and Shane Lynch step out of popstar life and into The Football Museum. The pair discuss their hopes and dreams for their beloved Chorley FC, Keith talks turning 'Average Joe' and the pop sensations tell us why Toto and Titi are still very much enemies number 1 & 2. Boyzone: No Matter What is available on Sky Documentaries from Monday, February 3rd.The Football Museum is open every week, so for your exclusive membership, give this podcast a follow: podfollow.com/the-football-museum

Ron Walker and Pete Smith preview the Saturday Night Football clash between Manchester City and Chelsea in the Premier League.With both sides coming into the game off the back of some inconsistent performances, who will be able to win the game and gain the upper hand in the race to qualify for next season's Champions League?

Peter Smith and Sam Blitz look ahead to the Premier League fixtures this weekend including some of the big matches you can watch live on Sky Sports.Can Arsenal keep the pressure on Liverpool in the title race with a win against Aston Villa? Will David Moyes' return to Goodison Park be enough to turn around Everton's fortunes? Can Manchester City find some consistency as they travel to Portman Road to take on Ipswich?

Mercury Prize winners, Arsenal fans and brothers, Femi and TJ Koleoso from Ezra Collective create their joint exhibit in The Football Museum.They reminisce to Josh Hayward over their first matchday experience, but explain why it turned into an annual nightmare. Even though it did allow them to witness an iconic Premier League moment...The brothers relive Arsenal's historic win at the Bernabeu in 2006, tell us why Patrick Vieira was their comfort blanket, and Femi reveals the one thing he's managed that no Arsenal player has ever done before. The Football Museum is open every week. For your exclusive membership, give this podcast a follow: https://podfollow.com/the-football-museum

Your Essential Football feed is the new home of 'The Football Museum', the podcast where stars from the world of sport and entertainment curate their own exhibit in our virtual archives. Josh Hayward kicks off series three by chatting to world famous foodie Adam Richman, who swaps plus-sized portions for football firsts and favourites.The Man vs Food star reveals which bit of footy scran he cannot stand, explains why he's a shareholder of Grimsby Town and empathises with Zinedine Zidane.He tells us which famous bit of skill he has locked down, gets his Tottenham tattoo out during the pod, and discloses what he did after the dreaded Battle of the Bridge.Adam's new show, Adam Richman Eats Football, airs on Mondays at 10pm on Food Network and is streaming on Discovery+The Football Museum is open every week. For your exclusive membership, give this podcast a follow wherever you get your podcasts: https://podfollow.com/the-football-museum

Host of 'The Boardroom from Sky Sports', Mark McAdam, is here to tell you about our latest podcast featuring the inside story of how Brighton got promoted to the Premier League - and stayed there -  becoming the envy of many other football clubs.To listen to Chief Executive Paul Barber in conversation, search for 'The Boardroom from Sky Sports' on your podcast app or click on this link: podfollow.com/the-boardroom-from-sky-sports

Sky Sports' Ron Walker, Peter Smith and Sam Blitz preview Liverpool's huge derby game vs Manchester United - which affects both ends of the table!Can Liverpool be stopped in their pursuit of the title and should Ruben Amorim's Red Devils be looking over their shoulders at the bottom three? It's a match you can watch on Sky Sports on Super Sunday. Plus, we make some bold and brave New Year predictions including who wins the title, who goes down and who is arranging a European tour!

As we count down to the end of a memorable year in the football, relive the last 12 months in the Premier League and beyond as Sky Sports football journalists Ron Walker, Ben Grounds and Sam Blitz dish out the awards for the best and the worst of 2024.Who's been top of the tree, who's been the surprise package... And who's been the biggest disappointment?Get the discussion started around the Christmas table in the company of Sky Sports.