The Game Football Podcast

Maybe the Premier League isn't a closed shop after all. Before the season started the talk was could any of the promoted teams buck the trend and stay up. Well straight away Sunderland thumped West Ham. Could it be the year the promoted clubs have a chance? Man City looked reinvigorated; Manchester United looked better, Brentford looked worse and are there areas for concern at Arsenal and Liverpool? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The new season is nearly here! On the eve of the first game who will be fighting for the title, who'll be the surprise package and who will be scrapping at the bottom? After a season of some surprises will we revert to type this season?Almost a billion pounds has been spent in the transfer market, the Isak affair rumbles on and Arsenal finally have a number nine. Will any of the promoted clubs manage to break the recent trend and avoid relegation? There is a lot of be excited about, and much to look forward to. Jonny Northcroft, Tony Cascarino and Martin Samuel join Gregor Robertson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Newcastle, Sunderland, Leeds and BurnleyThe last in our team by team look at the new Premier League season. Who have they signed? Who do they need to sign? Reporters give the inside track on any pending transfer business then its open house - how will they get on next season and why?Newcastle – Isak, does he stay, or does he go? The Magpies have had a tumultuous window, struggling to hold on to their star striker while failing to land any reinforcements. Are things going to change in the final weeks of the window? Have any of the three promoted clubs – Sunderland, Burnley or Leeds done enough business to tip the odds in their favour? Sports data suggest it is getting harder for promoted teams to survive? But why is that ?North East reporter Martin Hardy joins Gregor Robertson and sports data journalist George Willoughby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester United, Manchester City, Villa, Forest and WolvesThe third in our team by team look at the new Premier League season. Who have they signed? Who do they need to sign? Reporters give the inside track on any pending transfer business then its open house - how will they get on next season and why?Manchester United have spent big up front, will that be enough or do they need a number six as well?Manchester City have their best player back in Rodri. But is their manager rejuvenated or knackered?Nottingham Forest need players, and plenty of them. Expect them to have a busy close to the transfer window. Likewise, Wolves, without signings are they looking at a relegation fight? Villa may have to sell big before they buy big as they're restricted by financial regulations, will they have enough with the squad they have?Tom Clarke, Gregor Robertson and Charlotte Duncker run the rue over the clubs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liverpool, Everton, Fulham, Bournemouth and Chelsea. The second in our team by team look at the new Premier League season. Who have they signed? Who do they need to sign? Reporters give the inside track on any pending transfer business then its open house - how will they get on next season and why?Liverpool have been very busy big name players in and lots of fringe players out. Will they finally get their man in Isak, is centre half where they are really short?At Everton a new ground awaits but they have struggled to get new players. What do the next few weeks hold?Chelsea have also been busy and they intend to do more…but who? Is injury about to change their plans?Both Fulham and Bournemouth have been quite quiet in their transfer dealings. Is that by accident or design?Join Tom Clarke, Paul Joyce and Pete Rutzler for the latest. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Championship starts this weekend. To quote Gregor Robertson – “With some teams no one has a Scooby what is going to happen to them.” Big spending Birmingham City and Wrexham join the party, bringing some Hollywood glamour, how will they fare? Ipswich Town start as strong promotion favourites and both Leicester City and Sheffield Utd have fifty million pounds worth of parachute payment to help them on their way. At the other end it is anyone's guess – the spot light is on Hull, Sheffield Wednesday and Oxford…but how will Mark Robins do at Stoke and have Blackburn made the right signings? In the Championship any one of ten or fifteen teams could spring a surprise. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Premier League is nearly upon us!In a series of specials, we asses every team in the Premier League. Who have they signed? Who do they need to sign?Reporters give the inside track on any pending transfer business then it is open house - how will each team get on next season and why?In the first episode it's Arsenal, Spurs, West Ham, Brighton, Palace and Brentford.Arsenal have been busy, but not everyone thinks its good business. It's a brave new Thomas Frank world at Tottenham, but is he light up front? For Brentford, West Ham and Palace is it tough times ahead and are Brighton the best run club in England?More teams to follow... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's nearly back! Leagues One and Two kick off this weekend. Following two successive relegations Luton are among the favourites in League One alongside the likes of Cardiff, Stockport and Bolton. At the other end could it be a long season for Rotherham, Peterborough or Wimbledon? In League Two Walsall will try to go again while Gillingham and MK Dons have high hopes. Who will be fighting to stay in the football league at the bottom?Fans across the country will be full of hope and expectation but will their hope prove well founded or misplaced? Former football league defender Gregor Robertson joins Tom Clarke to assess the runners riders and also rans. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England are still European Champions! The Lionesses beat Spain in a nail-biting penalty shootout. It was revenge over a Spanish team who had beaten them in the World Cup Final two years ago.It is the first major trophy won by England on foreign soil and once again the hero was Chloe Kelly, who this time scored the winning penalty having scored the winning goal in the final three years ago. Manager Sarina Wiegman has now won the last three Euros with two different teams – a remarkable achievement. Former England international Izzy Christiansen joins Kit Shepard and Tom Clarke to get immediate reaction to the result. England – still Champions! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England have done it again, but wow did they leave it late. In the very last second, they scored a dramatic equaliser. Then with only a minute left of extra time they did it again, this time with a rebound penalty. The result was memorable but the performance less so. Can their resilience and winning mentality carry them over the line, or will it take a higher level of performance in the final against either Spain or Germany? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England face Italy in the Euro semi final tomorrow night but Which England will turn up? The team that demolished Wales and dominated the Netherlands; or the team which struggled against France and Sweden? Sarina Wiegman is plagued with injury worries over host of players, notably captain Lea Williamson and full back Lucy Bronze. Kit Shepard and Gregor Robertson join Tom Clarke to asses England's chances against the surprise package of the tournament, the Italians. After the break all the latest on the big transfers of the summer. Rashford to Barca; Gyokeres to Arsenal; Ekitike to Liverpool; Mbeumo to Man Utd and Isak to sign a new contract? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England are through to the Semi-finals, just. In a nerve-wracking game where they looked second best for large parts England refused to give in. Individual heroics, force of will and some super subs dragged them level with Sweden. Then came the penalties, high on drama low on quality. But the main thing, England won! What of the ninety minutes, can the shoot out even be analysed and will they have eleven fit players to face Italy in the semi-finals? Former England international Izzy Christiansen and The Times Women's football reporter Kit Shepard join Tom Clarke to offer some answers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stop the press Chelsea are champions of the world. Who saw that coming? They didn't just win; they won in style dominating a PSG team who had previously swept all before them. Chelsea reporter Pete Rutzler was in New York for the game and joins Tom Clarke to discuss Chelsea's performance. Was it a Maresca masterclass? Have they created a blueprint of how to beat PSG?Are Chelsea now serious title contenders? Might they even strengthen more before the season starts? Plus, all the latest on the other key signings at Arsenal, Spurs and reaction to Crystal Palace being demoted to the Europa Conference league. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England got a convincing but expected win against Wales. Next up in the quarter finals it's Sweden. Just how good are the Swedes?Former England International Izzy Christiansen and Times women's football reporter Kit Shepard join Tom Clarke to assess England's performance against Wales and look ahead to Sweden.Izzy and Kit both think Sweden will pose a serious threat as an organised physical team with direct fast wingers. Prediction time - will Wiegman change her winning line up to deal with the way Sweden play, which players will prove key and who are favourites?Check your feeds throughout the day as we'll have a special CLUB WORLD CUP episode later today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Sunday Chelsea take on PSG for the title of World Club Champions! Times report Pete Rutzler will be at the game in New York - what chance does he give Chelsea against the PSG juggernaut?With new signing Joao Pedro making an immediate impact up front, Brazilian signing Willian Estevao looking good and Cole Palmer on form Chelsea certainly pose a threat. After the break a round up of the latest transfer action: Gibbs White, Madueke, Kudos, Henderson and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England put their defeat against France behind them with an emphatic four nil win against the Netherlands. Qualification for the next round is back in their hands.Izzy Christiansen and Kit Shepard react to England's win. Who stood out, what changes did manager Sarina Wiegman make and is qualification now a formality? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester City looked back to their dominant best in parts of the Club World Cup…but they also showed signs of the same wide open defensive frailties as well. So was the Club World Cup a success? What next for Pep Guardiola's team this summer?Across the city the red half of Manchester still have much business to do. They need to off load as many as ten players according to some…who will they be, how much money will they generate and who needs to come in?The Times Manchester football reporter Paul Hirst joins Tom and Gregor to run the rule over Manchester City and Manchester United's summer preparations.Lastly a look at the chaotic situation over the Pennines at Sheffield Wednesday. Heading into the new season they have sixteen fit players, no manager, a transfer ban and nowhere to train… Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former England international Izzy Christiansen and Kit Shepard the women's football reporter for the Times and Sunday Times join Tom Clarke to assess England's poor start to the defence of their European title.Where did it go wrong against France? Was it selection, tactics, substitutions? The team look at where England can improve how they might react to being under pressure this early in the tournament. Lastly they and look ahead to the who they would pick to face the Netherlands in a must win game on Wednesday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chief Correspondent for The Times and Sunday Times Martin Samuel joins Tom Clarke and Gregor Robertson to pay tribute to Portugal and Liverpool forward Diogo Jota following his tragic death in a car accident. After a pause Martin reflects on the Club World Cup and its potential to become an enduring tournament and a look at how the English teams have approached it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England enter the tournament as defending Champions, but their preparation has not been smooth. With three senior players either retiring or making themselves unavailable, how will that affect Sarina Wiegman's squad? Tom Clarke is joined by former England international Izzy Christiansen and women's football reporter for the Times and Sunday Times Kit Shepard.They discuss England's key players, the ‘group of death' and the who are the other favourites for the tournament.England kick of on Saturday with a huge game against France. We'll be back with Izzy and Kit to review the match. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England are European U21 Champions again.Lee Carley's side defended their title with an impressive 3-2 extra time win over Germany So, what next for a talented squad and their manger? Player of the tournament Harvey Elliot has to decide if his future lies with Liverpool while many of the team now ply their trade in top European leagues Should Carsley want to move in to league management there are plenty of moves in the football league - Gregor Robertson assess nine managerial changes in the championship alone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Times' Northern Sports Correspondent Martin Hardy analyses the chances of Alexander Isak remaining at St James' Park and the potential destinations should Newcastle's star striker leave. He also discusses preparations ahead of massive seasons for newly promoted clubs Sunderland, Leeds and Burnley. Plus, Hamzah Khalique-Loonat on Lee Carsley's England Under 21s, who are into a second successive European Championship final. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After the capture of Matheus Cunha, what next for Ruben Amorim's Manchester United? Charlotte Duncker discusses summer transfers and new season ambitions at Old Trafford and chats about potential comings and goings at Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa and Wolves. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Club World Cup is up and running, with some serious prize money on offer. Judging by the line ups of Chelsea and Manchester City in their first games, they're talking it seriously. Pete Rutzler is in Philadelphia following Chelsea; he has been assessing local interest in the tournament and also gives an update on the blues new signings and other potential transfer business. After the break, what's in a football shirt? We've all got our favourites but do they also offer a secret guide to global and local history. From Russian gas giants Gazprom to Young's fish in Grimsby; football shirts offer a snapshot of the economy at point in time. The team look at the big picture but also indulge in some nostalgia as they go through their favourites… Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It has already been a busy summer of transfer activity. Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool have all brought big signings in to their teams.In this episode we hear the latest from Manchester City's camp as they welcome new signing Rayan Cherki to their Club World Cup campaign and from our Liverpool reporter Paul Joyce as they prepare to break the British record transfer fee for Florian Wirtz. Plus, a low down on how the Club World Cup is being received in the states and if/when it is likely to get more competitive. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

First, they were embarrassed, then they were humiliated. It wasn't the start Thomas Tuchel had in mind for his England team.How big are the problems he faces – a full rebuild or just cosmetic? To make matters worse Tuchel gave an interview in which he referred to his star player Jude Bellingham. He suggested his behaviour could be perceived as repulsive by some. Were the comments a distraction from a loss to Senegal, or a hint at deeper issues?The club World Cup starts next week – does football ever end? What effect will the work load have on the two English sides in attendance Chelsea and Man City? Both have signed players in time for the tournament so they must be taking it seriously…The women's Euros is just around the corner…is Sarina Wiegman's camp any happier than the men's as they prepare to defend their title? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Seventeen days after ending Spurs' seventeen year wait for a trophy Ange Postecoglou was out, sacked by Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy. Was it the right decision? Was leading Spurs to their lowest finish in over forty years a sackable offence? Or are the club constantly asking their managers to overachieve, given their wage bill in comparison to other top six teams?Thomas Frank looks to be in line to replace Postecoglou, what will he bring?After the break a look at a lack lustre England. Will a demanding Thomas Tuchel be able to achieve his plans with so little time with the players? And where does this England team's greatest weakness lie? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will England be the best prepared team at next year's World Cup? Will it matter?As they head into a friendly with Andorra how many true tests of his team will Thomas Tuchel face before the World Cup? And what has happened to England's forward line from the 2022 Euros…only one remains first choice at his club.Domestically teams are making early moves in the transfer market. Could Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo be good signing for Manchester United? Does that mean Bruno Fernandes has to leave? And Manchester City are in the process of a re-build so, where does that leave Jack Grealish? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PSG finally have their European crown, and they look phenomenal in winning it. Did their demolition of Inter Milan set a new standard? Gone are gifted forwards who don't work for the team, now talents such as Doue, Dembele and Kvaratskhelia putting in performances with breath taking effort from start to finish. What st them apart as a team this year? But… is their triumph tainted by where the money comes from? Does the influence of Qatar also set a new standard?After the break, transfers you'd like to see, serious and not so serious, signings that haven't worked this season and which might not work next year? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chelsea triumph in Wrocław (which is in Poland) to bring home the first major trophy of the Boehly-Clearlake era. So are things looking up for next season? Meanwhile United's post season, pre season friendly tour of Asia turned to misery as they lost 1-0 to Asean All-Stars to boos from the initially adoring Malaysian fans. Amorim astutely pointed out: ‘We should win these kind of games'. Tom Clarke is joined by Tony Cascarino and Martin Samuel to discuss all that and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The play offs are done and dusted. For Sunderland their manager Regis Le Bris championed his team's togetherness, it showed as they scored another last gasp winner. For Sheffield united, heart break as their woeful Wembley record continues.In League One Charlton went through the play offs without conceding a goal, that was enough to see off Leyton Orient. Manager Nathan Jones made no apology for his teams approach.A scrappy League Two final saw up and down Walsall face one last heart break losing to AFC Wimbledon. How do they come back from that? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the Champions League places decided it's time to evaluate who is happy with their season?Forest we're tipped for relegation but ended up in Europe. But after missing out on Champions League football will it still feel like a failure?Spurs finished 17th but won a trophy, did they have a better season than rivals Arsenal?And for Aston Villa, did their season come down to one officiating decision?Our end of season awards - manager of the year, team of the year, break through player of the year.Plus, lets look back at our pre season predictions...were we on the money or miles off? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is Spurs first trophy in seventeen years vindication for their manager Ange Postecoglou?Despite finishing 17th in the league they'll be playing Champions League football next season and Ange was true to his word, he won a trophy in his second season. Will he stay?For the losers Manchester United it will be their worst finish in Premier League history, no European football next season and squad in need of a re build. But is Ruben Amorim the man to do it?Plus, end of season awards… Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's play off finals weekend. Is it something fans love or hate? For some it is hard to enjoy the stomach churning, nerve shredding matches with so much at stack. For others it is a free hit at glory, a day out at the national stadium and the tantalising hope of what if we actually win…In the Championship both Sunderland and Sheffield United have appalling Wembley records, one will at least be changing that.In League One Leyton Orient are the club on a charge Charlton have the irrepressible Nathan Jones in charge, in League Two Walsall have had a season or two very district halves, while AFC Wimbledon boast the best defence in the division. So, who wins…over to Tom Clarke and Gregor Robertson… Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Crystal Palace have won their first major trophy – the FA Cup! Oliver Glasner's side beat Man City 1-0 giving Palace European football next season. How did they do it and will they be able to hold on to their best players and their manager?For runners up Manchester city where now? A star striker who didn't want a penalty, a manager who may or may not stay and their first trophy less season since 2016/17.In the Premier League; qualification for the Champions League will go to the final day with Newcastle, Chelsea, Forest, City and Villa all fighting for three places.Everything is riding on the final of the Europa League with Spurs and Man Utd looking at win or bust seasons.Plus, fond farewells to Jamie Vardy and Goodison Park. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Taiwo Awoniyi recovers from a very serious injury, is it time to review VAR protocols. If it is a clear and obvious offside, why are officials told not to flag? Are the consequences more injuries for players? With Saudi Arabia and Spain starting to attract some of the world's top footballing talent is the Premier League getting complacent in its ability to retain the world's best?He FA Cup final could be a feast of attacking football. Will Crystal Palace play with the same attacking intent they did in the semi final, or will their manager Oliver Glasner be more cautious. For Pep Guardiola he thinks a cup in won't rescue their season, but do the fans agree? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The race for Europe is going down to the wire. After spending all season at the top are Forest on the brink of throwing it away, does a ‘passionate' owner help or hinder? Newcastle look strong after a pivotal win over rivals Chelsea and with City faltering Aston Villa are still in contention for top five. Villa's last two games are against Spurs and Man Utd. Any other season that would be tough, this year it looks a guaranteed six points. Why are both teams not in a relegation fight and is it fair that teams in 16th and 17th could end up in the Champions League?At Anfield some fans booed Trent Alexander Arnold. Is it a sign of the times or totally justified? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The dream is over for Arsenal. How does Mikel Arteta turn his team from nearly men to winners? Is he even the man to do it?Arteta described Arsenal as the best team in Europe. None of the panel can understand how he justifies a statement like that. If he oversees the summer changes what is needed? Some even think that his team may have gone backwards this season.The other semi final was an all time classic. Seesawing from Inter to Barca and back again. Thirteen goals over two legs, has there been a better two legged semi-final? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The final day of the regular season didn't disappoint. Twenty four thousand turned out for Bradford v Fleetwood…in the fourth tier. Leeds and Burnley both reach one hundred points in the Championship and Leyton Orient storm into the League One playoffs on the back of five straight wins. ‘Producer Neil' joins Gregor Robertson to review the final day and ponder who makes it to the play off finals at Wembley…? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trent Alexander Arnold has finally confirmed what seemed inevitable – he is leaving Liverpool at the end of the season. His destination is not yet confirmed, but it is widely thought to be Real Madrid. What will be the Liverpool fan's reaction be to a player won everything with his childhood club? ‘How could you' or ‘all the best'? And how will he fit in at Real?In the league the race for Europe is very tight. Chelsea look to have strengthened their grip on a Champions League spot, while Brentford are making a late charge for the Conference league. Bournemouth are still in the race for Europe, thanks to beating Arsenal. It was far from ideal preparation for the Gunners ahead of a monumental week. Say it quietly, but could Arsenal end the season without a trophy while Spurs lift the Europa League…? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was a tough night for Arsenal at the Emirates as they were largely second best to PSG. What hope do they have for a second leg in Paris? Well, PSG don't have a set piece coach, could that be Arsenal's best bet? What if any weaknesses do PSG have? The other semi-final was a classic. Inter Milan showed all their guile and solidity to get a three three draw in Barcelona. But their performance was overshadowed by a seventeen year old. Is Barca's Lamine Yama already the best player in the world? The panel are in awe of a remarkable, unplayable talent. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tom Clarke and Gregor Robertson round up the penultimate round of fixtures in the EFL. Slowly but surely the key places are being decided. In the Championship Sunderland are limping into the play offs, while Blackburn and Millwall are on a charge. Game of the final weekend is a winner takes all between Coventry and Middlesborough At the bottom Preston have been pulled into a late relegation fight. In League One Gary Bowyer and Burton look to have pulled off a remarkable survival feat, while in League Two Walsall are in danger of a remarkable failure to get an automatic promotion spot. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.