The Sports Agents

Today's story involves everything from the five families of the New York mafia, x-ray glasses at rigged poker games, FBI arrests and huge bets placed on inside information.As the NBA was rocked by an illegal sports gambling scandal, Gabby and Mark catch up with Andy Hughes (Host of The Crime Agents and Crime Correspondent for LBC) and Mike Vorkunov (The Athletic's Basketball Business Reporter). How did the mafia infiltrate U.S. sports? Will America regret embracing sports gambling in 2018? And is the integrity of the game shot? Plus, Gabby and Mark react to Brendan Rodgers resigning as Celtic manager, the spicy statement from Celtic major shareholder Dermot Desmond and Hearts' unexpected success.

Formula One might be about to witness a comeback worthy of a Drive to Survive Hollywood film. With five races to go, the McLaren driver win that seemed as certain as death and taxes, has suddenly been put in jeopardy by Max Verstappen and Red Bull. Could they pull off the impossible? Gabby and Mark are joined by 13-time Grand Prix winner David Coulthard, who has history with both teams as a world championship runner-up with McLaren, who became the highest scoring British driver of all time while at Red Bull. Plus, we look back at this week on The Sports Agents. Andy Cole, the Premier League's fifth top goalscorer of all time, revealed what it was like being one of four top strikers at Man United, and his reaction to the managerial merry-go-round at Nottingham Forest. And as basketball finds itself in big trouble with the GB men's team banned from international competition, we spoke to the first Brit to play in the NBA, Professor John Amaechi, as well as the leaders of the two warring sides, Sanjay Bhandari, Chair of Super League Basketball, and Chris Grant, who recently stepped down as Chair of the British Basketball Federation.

Michael Jordan returned to TV screens across America last night for the launch of a new NBA season that had fans all over the world giddy with excitement. Here in the UK the sport is in chaos... again, after the GB men's team was banned from global sport.Gabby & Mark are joined by Prof. John Amaechi - psychologist, author and also the first Brit to make it to the NBA to discuss how the civil war could be stunting the growth of UK talent. It might be a while before we get our Michael Jordan. Plus, a fierce debate in the studio as they put the big questions to the men who have led the two warring sides in Sanjay Bhandari - Chair of Super League Basketball, and Chris Grant - who stepped down this month as Chair of the governing body, British Basketball Federation.Please note that the British Basketball Federation's suspension applies to men's 5v5 professional basketball only.

From General Franco to Johan Cruyff, and from a pig's head to the Messi v Ronaldo rivalry - Spanish football journalist Guillem Balague joins Mark Pougatch and Paul Hayward to explain how El Clasico became the biggest club match in the world. And it's not all about fascism versus socialism, underdog versus serial winner...You might think you know the story but believe us, there's a lot of myths to be busted. Remember to follow or subscribe, and give us a 5 star review too!We'd love to hear from you! Email us: howitallplayedout@global.com Get in touch on socials: @playedoutpodExecutive Producer: Adonis PratsidesProducer: Sophie PenneyHead of Podcasts: Factual: Al RiddellDirector of Podcasts: Vicky Etchells

Gabby and Mark are joined by the Premier League's fifth top goal scorer of all-time and winner of eight major trophies with Manchester United, Andy Cole. Was Andy surprised to see Ruben Amorim become the first Man United manager to win at Anfield since 2016? With the focus on set pieces despite a transfer window dominated by big striker moves, are strikers taking too long to settle in? And as a man who was born in Nottingham and ended is career at Forest, what does he make of the managerial merry-go-round as Sean Dyche becomes their third manager of the season! Plus, Gabby and Mark chat about Tommy Fleetwood's son running on the green to congratulate him for winning the DP World India Championship; the retirement of two-time Rugby World Cup winner Emily Scarratt; and rugby's next big thing, Noah Caluori, after he scored five tries on his first Saracens start (against Sale - sorry Mark!); And should Wythenshawe FC Vets, the Sunday league team with 822 Premier League appearances between them, give Mark a shot?

British Gymnastics has been on a journey of root and branch reform since the damning 2022 ‘Whyte Review' exposed systemic abuse and cultural failings.We are now three years into its "Reform 25" plan, which was designed to "create safe, positive and fair experiences for all in gymnastics by 2025" by implementing the Whyte Review recommendations. So as the World Artistic Gymnastic Championships starts, has enough progress been made? Gabby and Mark are joined by Joseph Carr, Senior Associate in the Abuse Team at Bolt Burdon Kemp, who has acted for around 40 clients bringing abuse cases in gymnastics. British Gymnastics have yet to respond to The Sports Agents' request for comment. Their latest progress report can be found here: https://a.storyblok.com/f/83342/x/f0b8c9f937/british-gymnastics-reform-25-final-progress-report-v4.pdf If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this podcast help is available at charities such as Gymnasts for Change (https://www.gymnastsforchange.com/)

You might have spotted the world's best sumo wrestlers riding around on Lime bikes and posing for pictures on Abbey Road - that's because for the first time in 34 years, the thunderous spectacle of Grand Sumo is back in London.At the Royal Albert Hall, toilets and seats have been reinforced to take 200kg, spectators in the front row have been warned they could be crushed, and they're getting through 70kg of rice per day!As other sports are determined to ‘go global' in this age of commercialisation and constant reinvention, sumo has remained remarkably unchanged: a sport rooted in discipline, respect, and spiritual symbolism.From its uncompromising code of conduct to its deep connection with culture, we explore why sumo's return is more than just an event — it's a statement.That's with nine-time British Heavyweight Sumo Champion, Mandeep Singh Kundi, and Head of Programming at the Royal Albert Hall, Dave Gamble.Plus Gabby & Mark reflect on what *could be* the last October international break for a while, and how Man United can take advantage of Liverpool's second-choice goalkeeper at Anfield this Sunday.

In the 1980s English football was at an all time low. Attendances down, stadia crumbling, hooliganism all too prevalent, and then three horrific disasters - Bradford, Heysel and Hillsborough.Then almost out of nowhere Bobby Robson and his band of characters came within the width of the post of reaching the World Cup Final. England might have lost the semi-final against West Germany but they won the hearts of a nation who fell in love with football again. So how did Italia 90 change English football? Remember to follow or subscribe, and give us a 5 star review too!We'd love to hear from you! Email us: howitallplayedout@global.com Find us on socials: @playedoutpodExecutive Producer: Adonis Pratsides & Adem WatermanProducer: Sophie PenneyHead of Podcasts: Factual: Al RiddellDirector of Podcasts: Vicky Etchells

Gabby and Mark are joined by Andy Farrell, who led the British & Irish Lions to a series win this summer and guided Ireland to world number one. From his Wigan rugby league roots when he had his son and ex-England captain Owen Farrell at just 16, to managing at the top of rugby union and where he sees the future of the two codes. (8 mins)We react to Cape Verde making the World Cup, Thomas Tuchel's damning comments about the Wembley crowds and Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson's latest 800m challenger - Femke Bol. Plus, who knew an alcohol ban could be solved with cranes? (35 mins)

Gabby and Mark answer all of your questions from building their 'dream athlete' and their favourite Match of The Day moment so far, to England winning a home Rugby World Cup and the Ryder Cup crowds.Plus, we look back at this week on The Sports Agents. Double Olympic champion and Tour de France winner Geraint Thomas joined us in the studio to talk about how recent pro-Palestinan protests might change the future of cycling. Former Bournemouth Chairman, Jeff Mostyn, discussed saving the club and whether Eddie Howe is England manager material. And after former England rugby captain Lewis Moody announced his motor neurone disease diagnosis Professor Dame Pamela Shaw explained whether or not there is a link between exercise and MND.

Did Sir Jim Ratcliffe's clunky Amorim vs. Arteta comparison make sense? Is England manager Thomas Tuchel right to put team cohesion ahead of individual talent in a World Cup year and could you win a point against a pro tennis player? Double Olympic gold-medallist Geraint Thomas - who calls Ratcliffe a personal friend - is now looking to move into INEOS management. So what's it like behind the scenes there and is Sir Jim always so patient? Plus, Thomas' pride in the UK's 'cycling boom', being part of a golden era of British riders and if recent protests at La Vuelta could change the Tour de France forever?

"This race was an incredible exhibition of sprinting brilliance and power, but only because it came from a drugs bottle."In the scorching heat of Seoul during the 1988 Olympic Games, the world watched as two titans of track and field prepared to battle for gold in the men's 100m final. Carl Lewis, the outspoken American, faced off against Ben Johnson, the quiet Canadian powerhouse and world record holder. What followed wasn't just the fastest race ever run at the time - it was the most controversial in Olympic history.We revisit this episode of How It All Played Out, where hosts Mark Pougatch and Paul Hayward unpack the dramatic story behind the dirtiest race in history, which changed the face of athletics forever. Remember to follow or subscribe, and give us a 5 star review too!We'd love to hear from you! Email us: howitallplayedout@global.comGet in touch on socials @playedoutpodExecutive Producer: Adem Waterman & Adonis PratsidesProducer: Sophie Penney Head of Podcasts: Factual: Al RiddellDirector of Podcasts: Vicky Etchells

Russell Martin gone after 123 days, Ange Postecoglou on thin ice after 7 games - Right now at the top of Premier League clubs the pressure is on to be perfect straight away.So today Gabby & Mark are joined by former AFC Bournemouth chairman, Jeff Mostyn, who rescued the club from liquidation, helping Eddie Howe guide them from League Two to the Premier League to talk about the lost art of 'patience' in football.Is Eddie Howe England manager material? What does he make of the owner situation at Sheffield Wednesday? And what's it like running a business where you at the mercy of 11 guys running around on a pitch? And after the tragic news that former England rugby union captain Lewis Moody has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease, there's been a lot of talk around whether MND is linked to rugby or not? So we'll be joined by Professor Dame Pamela Shaw, a world-leading researcher in MND, to find out more.

Three-time Wimbledon champion Boris Becker joins Gabby and Mark on The Sports Agents to talk about his time in prison. The former world number one was sentenced to over two years in jail after going bankrupt. So how did he go from tennis glory to prison? What was it like living with murderers and drug dealers? And how did he feel watching Wimbledon from a jail cell? Plus, we look back at the best bits from this week's shows about England winning the Rugby World Cup, Europe storming to Ryder Cup glory and the fight to become one of football's top managers. Boris Becker's memoir, “Inside: Winning, Losing & Starting Again” is out now . If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this podcast help is available at Samaritans (call 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org), Prison Reform Trust (https://prisonreformtrust.org.uk) and other charities.

Premier League managers are more heavily scrutinised than ever. Those 20 jobs are among the most coveted in sport but with two sackings already this season, what's the secret to keeping one?In an era where tactical identity and club politics collide, the role has never been more complex: Will you lose a dressing room if you break from your philosophy? Do managers even have time to actually coach anymore? And in a game that demands constant reinvention, what does it mean to be a good coach in football today? Gabby and Mark are joined today by former Rangers, QPR and Sunderland manager Michael Beale, who's worked under the likes of Jose Mourinho, Steven Gerrard and Jurgen Klopp. Plus, you won't believe Mark's story from the NFL... let's hope we never have an interview like that on The Sports Agents!

Join us to uncover a mystery that's still yet to be solved. We're revisiting this episode of How It All Played Out, where Mark Pougatch and Paul Hayward travelled to the home of Head Groom Jim Fitzgerald on a stormy night in County Kildare in the Republic of Ireland to investigate one of the most shocking stories from the 1980s: the kidnapping of prize racehorse Shergar. This story involves the IRA, a ransom of £2 million and masked kidnappers with submachine guns, so travel back in time with us to explore a bizarre sporting story like no other.Remember to follow or subscribe and give us a 5 star review too!We'd love to hear from you! Email us: howitallplayedout@global.comGet in touch on socials @playedoutpodExecutive Producer: Adem Waterman and Adonis Pratsides Producer: Sophie Penney Head of Podcasts: Factual: Al RiddellDirector of Podcasts: Vicky Etchells

When Team Europe won the Ryder Cup in Rome two years ago, Rory McIlroy pledged that they would go to Bethpage in New York and win it away from home - something neither team had managed since 2012. Despite a torturous final day, as the Americans attempted to stage a miracle comeback, Team Europe held on to win.Chappers is live from New York alongside Iain Carter (The Chipping Forecast) the morning after the night before to reflect on one of the most dramatic, emotional, and controversial Ryder Cups in recent memory.

It's once in a lifetime, watching England win a World Cup on home soil - in any sport. The Red Roses have delivered history. The defeats in the last two World Cup finals are forgotten. What they will always remember is the noise of the 82,000 world record crowd at Twickenham, cheering for women's rugby. This was the grand finale in a summer of women's sport after the Lionesses lifted the Euros trophy. So, where will this momentum take us? Gabby is joined by Katy Daley-Mclean, England's World Cup winning captain from 2014, for a special bonus episode to talk it all over. Plus, Gabby tells us about meeting Ilona Maher!

Gabby is joined by Ruby Tui - the nation has fallen in love with this World Cup winner and Olympic medallist over this Women's Rugby World Cup. She tells her story, from calling King Charles "bruv", to escaping domestic abuse, and getting 40,000 fans to sing a Maori folk song after winning a home World Cup. Ahead of Saturday's final, Ruby says it's an honour to witness this moment in sporting history. England haven't lost since the last World Cup Final... no pressure then! If you have been a victim of domestic abuse, help is available from charities like Refuge: https://refuge.org.uk/

As the Women's Rugby World Cup reaches its conclusion, a new domestic men's rugby season begins - it's got a new name & big investment from Red Bull - but will it be enough to fight off the threat of Mike Tindall's breakaway 'R360' league? England's most capped men's player, Ben Youngs, joins Gabby & Mark in the studio to discuss. Ben also reflects on his incredible career, opens up on managing dyslexia, watching clips in fast forward under Eddie Jones, Owen Farrell's legacy and if he would have been tempted to join the breakaway?Plus, Mark sends us a message from Bethpage where he's just landed ahead of the Ryder Cup!

Ball tampering, fans storming the golf course, bringing in the military... this is the story of how the Ryder Cup rivalry changed forever. Can you believe that it was once a quiet, civilised exhibition between the UK and America? The War by the Shore and Battle of Brookline transformed all that. So how did the Ryder Cup become the commercial juggernaut of colour, cash and controversy that we're seeing this week? Remember to follow or subscribe, and give us a 5 star review too!We'd love to hear from you! Email us: howitallplayedout@global.com And find us on socials: @playedoutpodExecutive Producer: Adem Waterman & Adonis PratsidesProducer: Sophie PenneyHead of Podcasts: Factual: Al RiddellDirector of Podcasts: Vicky Etchells

It may have been Great Britain's worst World Athletics Championships in over 20 years but Gabby and Mark are joined in studio by one athlete who lit up Tokyo, Georgia Hunter-Bell. She beat her training partner and Olympic champion, Keely Hodgkinson, to an 800m silver medal. How did she manage it after 5 years out of the sport and only going full time for this season? What went wrong for GB? And how is she feeling about still being owed money by Grand Slam track? And the HMRC of Football Podcasts, Karel Prince, who's been fact checking footballers and pundits - no one is safe... Plus, Gabby and Mark react to the Ballon D'Or and England reaching the Rugby World Cup Final!

Eddie Hearn sits down with Gabby & Mark to talk about the evolution of Matchroom from a £100 sports promotion company, formed under under the staircase of the Romford Snooker Club, to a billion pound global behemoth.Eddie speaks openly about still trying to impress his Dad, Matchroom founder Barry Hearn, planning for life after Anthony Joshua and his pain at how much more profitable the darts is than the boxing! And in the week we lost ‘The Hitman' Ricky Hatton - Eddie also pays tribute to one of the most loved boxers this country has ever produced. New episodes every Tuesday, Thursday & Friday.

Gabby & Mark are joined by the former Premier League defender Danny Mills, who's just landed in Tokyo to watch his son - GB's George Mills - try to win gold in the 5000m at the World Athletics Championships this weekend. Danny talks openly about both the pride and agony of following his son's athletics career and marvels at the extreme level of dedication it requires in comparison to football!Plus, Chappers has a theory about why more managers don't watch their teams from the stands like PSG boss Luis Enrique and Gabby calls on her beloved Newcastle to evoke the spirit of Tino Asprilla against Barcelona at St James Park on Thursday night.

"It was a f**k up from beginning to end. Every mistake you can make in the 800 I made. Too far off the back, too wide, too diffident, no logic that day" - Seb CoeFrom the late 1970s to the mid-1980s, Britain ruled the world of middle-distance running. At the heart of this golden era stood two legends: Sebastian Coe, the Yorkshire-born record breaker, and Steve Ovett, the tough competitor from Brighton. Their fierce rivalry built towards the 1980 Moscow Olympics - but what unfolded stunned fans from both sides of the divide and redefined athletics history.In this episode of How It All Played Out, ITV's Mark Pougatch and The Observer's Paul Hayward revisit Margaret Thatcher's divided Britain to explore the infamous “Tough vs Toff” clash that gripped a nation. Despite only racing head-to-head seven times in 17 years, Coe vs Ovett became one of sport's greatest rivalries, combining politics, class, and raw athletic brilliance.Relive the drama of the 800m and 1500m finals in Moscow 1980: the crushing pressure, the mind games, the upsets, and the unforgettable battles between two British icons. This is the story of style versus strength, grit versus grace, and how two athletes pushed each other into the history books.If you love stories of Olympic glory, athletic rivalries, and the golden age of track and field, this episode is for you.Remember to follow or subscribe, and give us a 5 star review too!We'd love to hear from you! Email us: howitallplayedout@global.comExecutive Producer: Adem Waterman & Adonis PratsidesProducer: Sophie PenneyHead of Podcasts: Factual: Al RiddellDirector of Podcasts: Vicky Etchells

Gabby & Mark celebrate the life of a true British sporting icon, “The Hitman” Ricky Hatton. A ferocious fighter who turned boxing into spectacle for an army of fans at a time when the sport seemed lost. A superstar and a proud Mancunian who you genuinely felt like you could go for a drink with and talk about the football, or Oasis. When he descended on Las Vegas to face Floyd Mayweather, it was as if half of the UK had followed him... His best night? Shocking the great Kostya Tszyu, 20 years ago, in front of a sold out Manchester Arena - Hatton stepped out of the shadows and we fell in love with him. In retirement he was open about struggles with his own mental health, helping countless people by being brave enough, outside the ring, to talk about it. Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn discusses the blueprint Hatton laid for the modern UK boxing superstar, Sky Boxing's Andy Clarke reflects on the public's adoration for him and trainer Adam Booth weighs in on his unique skillset.

A special interview today with a sprinter - who ironically - is living proof that it's NEVER too late to start! Eugene Amo-Dadzie has shot to stardom as ‘The World's Fastest Accountant', literally balancing spreadsheets with sport until he was 26 years old! Last month he tied his hero Linford Christie's 100M time and became the joint second-fastest British man over 100m (9.87). It's an amazing story that has led all the way to the start line at this weekend's World Athletics Championships in Tokyo and you're gonna love him! Plus we'll look back on another star-studded week on the show as Gabby hit the trading floors of the City at a charity event to catch up with the likes of John Terry, Michael MacIntyre, Maro Itoje, Keira Walsh and many more. Earlier in the week we reflected on Daniel Levy's legacy in North London after he was 'removed' as Spurs' Chairman after 24 years!

Gabby Logan hits the trading floor of BGC Group in Canary Wharf for their annual charity day where stars from the world of sport, pick up the phones, channel their inner Wolf of Wall Street and help close deals to raise millions of pounds for charity... John Terry talks about Chelsea's own trading strategy, Maro Itoje joins us fresh for captaining the British & Irish Lions to a series victory in Australia and Keira Walsh, the Lioness and Chelsea midfielder talks about the Euros and another shot in the arm for women's sport. Plus, Michael McIntyre reveals the trick he and Kenny Logan played on Gabby at Wimbledon, Davina McCall's love of Arsenal & Gabby gets to tell Anthony Joshua how much the sport of boxing is missing him.

After Kevin Keegan resigned in the men's loos at Wembley in 2000, the FA decided to hire their first foreign England manager - Sven Goran-Eriksson. He paved the way for Thomas Tuchel, who leads England at the World Cup qualifiers this international break. With Sven, the FA got much more than they bargained for. A man with a love for the game, life and women - Eriksson often graced the front and back pages of the newspapers. He led the golden generation of Beckham and Rooney, but despite that talent Sven fell short at the quarter-finals. So why did the FA decide to open up to foreign managers? Did Eriksson's off-field lifestyle hamper England or was it simply a combination of bad luck, broken metatarsals and the penalty shoot out hoodoo? Remember to follow or subscribe, and give us a 5 star review too!We'd love to hear from you! Email us: howitallplayedout@global.comExecutive Producer: Adem Waterman & Adonis PratsidesProducer: Sophie PenneyHead of Podcasts: Factual: Al RiddellDirector of Podcasts: Vicky Etchells

Before the weekend, Tottenham announced that the Premier League's longest-serving Chairman, Daniel Levy, had been ‘removed' by the club's owners, the Lewis family…Spurs were quick to welcome in the start of a ‘new era' for the football club but who is the ex-Arsenal chief tasked with leading it? Gary 'Flav' Flavell (The Fighting Cock Podcast) & The Standard's Simon Collings join Gabby & Mark to reflect on Levy's legacy, Vinai Venkatesham's successes while working on the other side of North London & the takeover talk that won't go away.Former Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou will replace Nuno Espirito Santo as Nottingham Forest manager - but are Forest ready to play 'Ange-ball'? Plus, Gabby & Mark discuss Rory McIlory going into 'Tiger-mode', Carlos Alcaraz & Jannick Sinner's stranglehold on tennis and... Mark's REAL NAME!

Former Super Bowl champion Jason Bell joins Gabby and Mark to talk about the NFL's biggest transfer drama of the summer, which puts the Alexander Isak saga to shame. We're talking about a huge standoff, the highest paid non-quarterback in history and a new Super Bowl favourite. (05:30)Plus we look back at this week on The Sports Agents. Former Premier League striker, Troy Deeney, joined us after deadline day as we asked, should Marc Guehi should have thrown a transfer tantrum like Isak? And with Olympic medallists still owed millions of dollars from Michael Johnson's Grand Slam Track - what went wrong? That's with The Athletic's Adam Crafton and agent Paul Doyle. (01:00)

When four-time Olympic gold medallist Michael Johnson set up the Grand Slam Track league it was meant to redefine athletics, finally making it popular outside the Olympics. But just a few months after launching the whole thing collapsed: the final event was cancelled and athletes are still owed millions of dollars. So what went wrong? Can they make up the $19m shortfall? And where does this leave the athletes? We'll be joined by Paul Doyle, agent to more than a dozen athletes who competed at Grand Slam Track, and The Athletic's Adam Crafton who's been investigating why it fell apart. Plus Gabby and Mark tell stories of Henry Pollock's room mate on the Lions tour, react to Anisimova's comeback after the Wimbledon final disaster, and despair about how much cricket there is, even for cricket fans!

After a dramatic deadline day former Premier League striker Troy Deeney joins Gabby and Mark in the studio. Where does Alexander Isak fit into Liverpool's attack. Where does this leave Marc Guehi who - in contrast to Isak going on strike to force a move - did everything by the book and missed out? After Liverpool's record-breaking transfer outlay, have their famously thrifty owners, FSG, sensed incoming changes to the current financial fair play rules? Plus, Gabby and Mark revel in some wholesome Women's Rugby World Cup stories, as Samoa (who crowdfunded to get there) celebrated their first World Cup points in 11 years, and Chloe Kelly turned up to support the Red Roses.

Our guest today, Alice Cooper, fought to set up the first ever Women's Rugby World Cup in 1991, along with three other trailblazing women. It took players selling Russian dolls and vodka to pay their way, organising everything over fax, and Alice losing her job - but they did it. Alice tells Gabby and Mark the story of how they paved the way for this year's World Cup. Plus, we look back at the best bits from this week's shows: former Nottingham Forest player David Prutton asked, could Mourinho replace Nuno at Forest?! After dream debuts for 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha and 15-year-old Max Dowman, Max's former coach at Arsenal, Temisan Williams, and The Telegraph's Sam Wallace joined us. And comedian and Grimsby fan, Lloyd Griffith, took the mickey out of Mark after their shock Carabao Cup win over Man United.

This week has been dominated by huge teenage Premier League debuts with Rio Ngumoha's winner for Liverpool and Max Dowman appearing for Arsenal at just 15. Dowman's former coach at the Arsenal academy, Temisan Williams, joins us in the studio alongside The Telegraph's Chief Football Writer, Sam Wallace.What made Dowman stand out? How much does it cost clubs to produce academy players? And after reports Man United could sell homegrown Kobbie Mainoo, leaving no Mancunians in the squad, is the trend of cashing in on homegrown talent stripping clubs of their identity?Comedian and Grimsby fan Lloyd Griffith rubs Mark's nose in it after the fourth tier side knocked Man United out of the Carabao Cup. Plus, Gabby and Mark react to Keegan Bradley not selecting himself for the Ryder Cup, and Celtic and Rangers' Champions League exits.

A bombshell press conference revealed a major rift between the Nottingham Forest hierarchy and manager Nuno Espirito Santo... and we're only two games into the Premier League season! Former Forest midfielder, David Prutton, joins Gabby and Mark to explain... Has new 'Global Head of Football' Edu cast a wedge between Nuno and Forest's controversial owner Evangelos Marinakis? Who will the supporters side with? And will the manager walk? Plus Gabby & Mark react to 10-man Newcastle's heroic efforts against Liverpool on Monday night, England Women's Rugby World Cup opener, universal love for Tommy Fleetwood, and Carlos Alcaraz's new-look!

As part of a special weekend edition of The Sports Agents - Gabby's been at Twickenham - the home of England rugby - to speak to key members of England's Red Roses squad ahead of the start of the Women's Rugby World Cup! Over 375,000 tickets have already sold for a 32-match home tournament which kicks off on Friday as England bid to avenge their narrow World Cup final defeat to New Zealand back in 2021. Gabby sits down with Mo Hunt and Emily Scarratt, two of England's most decorated players, as well as, former captain-turned-coach Sarah Hunter, for an insight into the mood in the camp, the pressures of hosting the tournament as favourites and the chance to inspire a whole new generation of rugby fans.

The summer transfer window continues to surprise, with North London rivals battling it out for Eberechi Eze. For a while, it looked as though Spurs had hijacked the deal, stealing Palace's star man away from Arsenal, but then the Gunners swooped in to break Spurs hearts. Cue pandemonium in N7, dejection in N17.Clive Palmer, host of the 'Arsenal Vision' podcast, was all too happy to join Gabby & Mark to break down what this deal means for a team which thought it had lost Kai Havertz to a long-term injury, but perhaps that has turned out to be a clever ploy too.Where does Eze fit in to Mikel Arteta's plans? What are the knock-on effects for the rest of the club? And were the board too hasty in extending the contract of Leandro Trossard?Plus, seven-time Grand Slam doubles champion Jamie Murray joins us to discuss the sweeping changes made to this year's US Open mixed doubles tournament, which championed the highest-profile singles players, offering a $1m payout to the winners.

Premier League debuts don't come much better than Tijjani Reijnders for Man City on the opening weekend... A player who arrived in England without the fanfare of a Gyokeres or a Wirtz - and looked like he'd been running Pep's midfield for years...Former Premier League footballer Stephen Warnock and Andy Brassell, host of European football podcast 'On The Continent', join Gabby & Mark to explore the story behind what's been described as an 'all-time Premier League debut' and examine the expectations we pile on new arrivals. Are European players now being developed in order to be sold to Premier League clubs for a big profit and adapt to the demands of English football quicker? Are we all guilty of overlooking Pep's serial winners after their struggles last season? Plus, Chappers' optimism despite Man United's defeat to Arsenal, how long Scheffler would need to remain World no.1 in order to match Tiger's record, Rugby World Cup excitement and an outside shout for who Newcastle should look to replace Isak with!

Gabby and Mark answer your Premier League questions ahead of the new season! Which Match of the Day pundit is most fun to watch a match with? Best Premier League game we've ever watched live? And what's our wildest hot take for the season? (09:15)Plus we look back at a big week on the podcast featuring Alan Shearer's Premier League predictions, Chris Wilder's survival guide for promoted sides, and David Ornstein's updates on the biggest transfers. (03:00)

The Premier League season kicks off tomorrow - so we thought we'd convene some of the Match of The Day gang early and welcome Alan Shearer back onto the podcast. We'll talk title race, Alexander Isak, and more with the Premier League's all-time record goalscorer. And it's not all about the clubs at the top - former Premier League boss Chris Wilder will join us in the studio for an insight into the challenge facing the likes of Sunderland, Leeds and Burnley this year - can any of them buck the trend of the last couple seasons and actually survive relegation? Wilder got Sheffield United promoted to the Premier League and managed a ninth place finish in his first season in the top league, but he's since tried to keep them up in two different seasons and both times they were eventually relegated. He almost got the Blades promoted again last season but lost in the final minutes of the playoff final before being sacked.

The Premier League is back this week and the transfer window is wide open, so Mark's catching up with the man who knows more about transfers than most club chairmen - David Ornstein. They bring you the inside scoop on all the biggest deals, including breaking news that Alexander Isak has gone on strike to force a record-breaking move from Newcastle to Liverpool. And after a social media frenzy followed his decision to credit an 'In The Know' transfer rumour account on X, David talks about the culture of reporting on transfers, competition with the likes of Fabrizio Romano and how the landscape has changed over the last decade.

The Championship kicks off this weekend but Sheffield Wednesday players and staff are still waiting to be paid. For the inside story of how the club fell apart, Mark is joined by Chris Powell, the assistant coach who left a few weeks ago. And it's not just Sheffield who are struggling - so who's next and how do we keep finding ourselves here? (02:00)Plus, we look back at this week's shows where we asked... Is Isak to Liverpool the last transfer saga? And should cricket ditch The Hundred? (18:30)

England had us on the edge of our seats in one of the greatest Test Series ever but less than 24 hours later the bright lights, colourful kits and loud music of The Hundred began. Mark is joined by former England cricketer David 'Bumble' Lloyd and The Guardian's Chief Sports Writer, Barney Ronay, to discuss it all: Is it really true that young people only like the fast, flashy stuff? Is cricket shooting itself and its players in the foot by having too many formats? Are The Hundred's days numbered? Plus, who's making David's Ashes team? And stick around to the end of the episode for a flavour of our weekend edition - featuring an exclusive interview with Chris Powell, who left crisis club Sheffield Wednesday earlier this week.

It's the biggest transfer saga of the summer - will Alexander Isak, who led Newcastle to the Champions League and ended a 70-year domestic trophy drought, be snapped up by Premier League winners Liverpool? The Athletic's George Caulkin joins Mark to talk about the British-record fee, and a 'sliding doors' moment for the Saudi-backed project on Tyneside.And behind the scenes is the whole transfer system as we know it unravelling? FIFA is facing a multi-billion pound class action lawsuit for players' lost income because of transfer rules, in the wake of last summer's 'Diarra ruling'. To explain, we're joined by sports lawyer, Dolf Segaar, a board member for the 'Justice for Players' Foundation, which could soon take FIFA to court.Watch our full episodes on YouTube: @sportsagentspodFollow us on...TikTok: @thesportsagents Instagram: @thesportsagents X: @sportsagentspodGot a question for us? Fill in this quick form!Executive Producer: Adonis PratsidesProducer: Sophie PenneyVideo Producer: Sam TrudgillSocial Media Editor: Calum ScotlandGuest Booker: Kirsty GiddingsTom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast networkVicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for GlobalYou can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".The Sports Agents have merch! You can buy yours now here!

We bring you a UK exclusive interview with a genuine WWE icon - Triple H! Mark Pougatch sits down with 'Hunter' to discuss what makes President Trump a 'genius', why wrestling is more real than you might think behind the scenes, and to pay tribute to the late Hulk Hogan. (5:30)Plus, a taste of this week's special interview with Tom Brady, the seven-time Super Bowl winner who rewrote American sporting history, and is now a minority owner of Birmingham City FC. And we reacted to the Lionesses winning the Euros again (is this the new normal?!) with ex-England goalkeeper Karen Bardsley (a huge Hannah Hampton fan!) and The Guardian's Suzy Wrack. (1:00) Watch our full episodes on YouTube at @sportsagentspodTikTok: @thesportsagentsInstagram: @thesportsagentsX: @sportsagentspodExecutive Producer: Adonis PratsidesProducer: Sophie PenneyVideo Producer: Sam TrudgillSocial Media Editor: Calum ScotlandGuest Booker: Kirsty GiddingsTom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast networkVicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for GlobalYou can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".The Sports Agents have merch! You can buy yours now here!

Our special guest is none other than Tom Brady, the seven-time Super Bowl winner who rewrote American sports history and recently became a minority owner of Birmingham City FC. How's the rivalry with Wrexham's Hollywood owners, Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney? What was it like to sack Wayne Rooney? And could he bring the Super Bowl to Birmingham? "Built In Birmingham: Brady & the Blues" launches worldwide on August 1 on Prime VideoWatch our full episodes on YouTube: @sportsagentspodTikTok: @thesportsagentsInstagram: @thesportsagentsX: @sportsagentspodExecutive Producer: Adonis PratsidesProducer: Sophie PenneyVideo Producer: Sam TrudgillSocial Media Editor: Calum ScotlandGuest Booker: Kirsty GiddingsTom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast networkVicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for GlobalYou can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".The Sports Agents have merch! You can buy yours now here!

England win back-to-back European Championships - the trophy isn't coming home, it's staying home! So is this the new England way? Winning trophies, dominating penalty shootouts, and never say die? Gabby speaks to ex-England goalkeeper, Karen Bardsley, and The Guardian's Women's Football Reporter, Suzy Wrack. Watch our full episodes on YouTube: @sportsagentspodTikTok: @thesportsagentsInstagram: @thesportsagentsX: @sportsagentspodExecutive Producer: Adonis PratsidesProducer: Sophie PenneyVideo Producer: Sam TrudgillSocial Media Editor: Calum ScotlandGuest Booker: Kirsty GiddingsTom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast networkVicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for GlobalYou can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".The Sports Agents have merch! You can buy yours now here!

England are into the Euros final again! Last time, as soon as they won the Lionesses sent a letter to Downing Street demanding equal access to PE for girls. If they wrote again this time, what should they ask for to make football more inclusive for women? Gabby figures it out with Vice Chair of Kick It Out, Chris Paouros, and author of "Get Your Tits Out For The Lads", Sally Freedman. (06:30)Plus we share our favourite bits from this week's episodes - how will Marcus Rashford fit in at Barcelona? Can we start comparing Scottie Scheffler to Tiger Woods? And will teenage sensation Michelle Agyemang fire the Lionesses to Euros glory? (01:00)Watch our full episodes on YouTube at @sportsagentspodTikTok: @thesportsagentsInstagram: @thesportsagentsX: @sportsagentspodExecutive Producer: Adonis PratsidesProducer: Sophie PenneyVideo Producer: Sam TrudgillSocial Media Editor: Calum ScotlandGuest Booker: Kirsty GiddingsTom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast networkVicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for GlobalYou can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".The Sports Agents have merch! You can buy yours now here!

England's Lionesses are into the Euros final (again) but can they afford to leave things late (again) against Spain and will Sarina Wiegman's super-subs decide the final? Gabby's joined by former England defender Anita Asante and Flo Lloyd-Hughes (Counter Pressed podcast) to reflect on Michelle Agyemang's teenage heroics and how close Chloe Kelly came to giving up the sport altogether. And as news broke that Alexander Isak has asked Newcastle to allow him to ‘explore his options' and not join his teammates on the club's pre-season tour, Gabby makes an impassioned plea for Isak to stay on Tyneside. Watch our full episodes on YouTube at @sportsagentspodTikTok: @thesportsagentsInstagram: @thesportsagentsX: @sportsagentspodExecutive Producer: Adonis PratsidesProducer: Sophie PenneyVideo Producer: Sam TrudgillSocial Media Editor: Calum ScotlandGuest Booker: Kirsty GiddingsTom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast networkVicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for GlobalYou can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".The Sports Agents have merch! You can buy yours now here!

Marcus Rashford is off to Barcelona on a year-long loan, so Gabby gets the inside story with Spanish football journalist, Guillem Balague. After being cast out at Manchester United and England, could this start the road to redemption for one of England's most promising talents, just in time for the World Cup? (03:15)And after that dominant win at The Open can we start comparing Scottie Scheffler to Tiger Woods? We speak to golfer Andrew "Beef" Johnston and the BBC's Golf Correspondent, Iain Carter. (17:30) Watch our full episodes on YouTube at @sportsagentspodTikTok: @thesportsagentsInstagram: @thesportsagentsX: @sportsagentspodExecutive Producer: Adonis PratsidesProducer: Sophie PenneyVideo Producer: Sam TrudgillSocial Media Editor: Calum ScotlandGuest Booker: Kirsty GiddingsTom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast networkVicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for GlobalYou can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".The Sports Agents have merch! You can buy yours now here!