Three At The Back

It's a Euro 2020 Last 16 recap, as we flick through each of the games and all the major talking points after a mental week - including Spain's new found scoring touch, the French madness on and off the field, Czech Republic's downing of disappointing Dutch, poor Portugal, unconvincing Belgium and unpack everything as England cast off the nightmares of Germans past. From 1hr 5mins, we're joined by Danish journalist Kenneth Jensen (@kennethjensen85) to cover Denmark at Euro 2020 - including the emotional impact of Christian Eriksen, the wave of positivity in the aftermath, the super talented side that people overlooked, some of the key cogs in the machine and expectations ahead of meeting Czech Republic.

In our first recap of Euro 2020, the lads take a look at all of the big hitters and big disappointments so far - including England's team selection head scratchers, the Netherlands' gung-ho march into the Last 16, the Group F insanity between France, Germany and Portugal, Belgium's class when de Bruyne is on the field and Spain's inability to recreate tika-taka of 10 years ago. From 45 minutes, we're joined by Emmet Gates (@emmetgates) to talk about Italy and the fantastic job Roberto Mancini has done since taking on the job. We look at the spread of talent across all of the top Serie A clubs, the group unity as Mancini looks to get everyone some minutes on the field, the selection headache he faces going into the knockout stages and their lack of experience facing some of the big hitters and why Mancini might have an eye on Qatar 2022.

We preview the upcoming Euro 2020, looking at all the runners and riders and our favourites and dark horses for the tournament, paying special attention to Scotland with Padraig Whelan (@pwhelan88) and their chances at their first tournament since France '98, with two games on home turf and a trip to Wembley to face old rivals England(55min). We're also joined by James Burgoyne (@JAMBurgoyne) to discuss Wales and their chances of emulating the famous 2016 run, with a fresh looking side and recent managerial changes (1hr 17min). Before all that, the lads take in Ireland's first win under Stephen Kenny and consider the positives after a truly brutal season for the Irish team - plus, we discuss their kneeling protest that invited a chorus of boos from the Hungarian support.

To preview the Champions League final this weekend, we get the fan view from Ger Deegan (@gerradeegan) and Sean O'Connor (@seanocsport) - recapping Man City and Chelsea's seasons, what it feels like to be in the final, the manager mind-games, the key players involved and how the final could hinge on two homegrown products (46m). ‎‏‏‎ ‎ Before all that, the lads recap the Europa League final and the woes of David de Gea, look at the Pochettino/Conte/Zidane manager merry-go-round that is chugging around Europe, and take look at the Ireland summer camp selections and the allegiances of some who're there... and others who are not. ‏‏‎ ‎

With one gameweek left around Europe, there's a title still up for grabs in Spain - Alan Feehely joins to talk about Atletico Madrid's season as they head towards the title, but Real Madrid are still in contention ahead of a summer of change with Zinedine Zidane's future uncertain. We'll also take a look at the mad house in Barcelona where Ronald Koeman, Leo Messi and a host of players' futures are still uncertain. (from 39m) ‎‏‏‎ ‎ Before that, Kevin, Enda and debutante Simon discuss the top four race in England with the final place now in Liverpool's hands, Brendan Rodgers' penchant for avoiding European competition, the Spurs job and the future of Harry Kane and his likely suitors. Plus: good news on the Irish front with the snag of Ryan Johansson, the summer camp selections and the latest goings on in Italy and France. ‏‏‎ ‎

The lads are joined by Chris Winterburn (@cmwinterburn) to debate the rise of rookie managers at high profile jobs - why teams are willing to hire them, the risk of becoming damaged goods, the pressure on them to take big jobs now rather than later, what the future holds for the likes of Frank Lampard and Mikel Arteta, the 'elite' coaching bracket and where the likes of Pochettino and Tuchel lie in it, and if it's unfair to lump Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in with the rookies. (from 29m) Before all that - we take a look at the top four race and Leicester's potential second bottling, Liverpool's chances of bridging the gap and if West Ham can hold on. Also, some Wes Hoolahan love, plus a look at the title races in France and Spain. Join the Discord & Newsletter: linktr.ee/ThreeAtTheBack

It's a European football bonanza this week - as talking about the Super League disaster and top four race in England, take a look at Julian Nagelsmann's immanent move to Bayern Munich in the German manager merry-go-round, talk about the top four race that is too close to call in Italy, the French title race that has Lille ahead of the powerful PSG and the La Liga race which is all to play for and has plucky Seville coming up fast in the wing mirror. To take a closer look at Portugal, we're joined by Tom Kundert (@PortuGoal1) from Portugoal.net to take a look at Sporting Lisbon's charge towards their first title since 2002, what's gone wrong at Benfica and Porto this year, the National side and their star-studded squad and if Jose Mourinho could be tempted in to take them to World Cup glory. Join the Discord & Newsletter: linktr.ee/ThreeAtTheBack

It's a Super League special this week - going through the fallout of this weekend's major announcement that sees a breakaway competition attempt to carve their own way in a bubble of greed and exclusivity. The backlash, the logo, what "fans of the future" might look like, the player implications and the likelihood of it all actually happening. There's also quick words on the not so small story of Jose Mourinho's sacking at Spurs. Slow news day, eh?! Join the Discord & Newsletter: linktr.ee/ThreeAtTheBack

It's a Champions League recap as we look at Liverpool's knockout at the hands of a solid Real Madrid side - talking about the selection, Nat Phillips and whether Firmino would be better suited to midfield. There's also chat on Chelsea's lack of goals and whether Man City can finally end their European duck. From 36 minutes we're joined by Jeremy Smith of French Football Weekly to take a closer look at PSG - the arrival of Pochettino, why Neymar isn't hugely liked, how good Mbappe is and his likely departure, and also a quick look at the Ligue 1 table which is shaping up to have a fantastic finish. Join the Discord & Newsletter: linktr.ee/ThreeAtTheBack

This week we're joined by Stefan Bienkowski (@SBienkowski) to run the rule over everything in German football, including Dortmund's dismal league form and the future of Erling Haaland, Marco Rose's imminent move and how Borussia Mönchengladbach's form as nose-dived as a result. We also take a look at Bayern Munich, Hansi Flick's likely move to the National team and why the RB Leipzig machine will keep chugging along. (from 36m) Before all that, the lads recap the Champions League games from during the week, discuss the Trent Alexander-Arnold form and his England situation, why Naby Keita's time could be numbered, rave over Ireland's new kid on the block - Norwich's Andrew Omobamidele - and discuss Ireland's removal of a host city of this summer's Euro 2020. Join the Discord & Newsletter: https://linktr.ee/ThreeAtTheBack

How quickly things change... last week we were speculating a possible change in Ireland's fortunes, this week we lament the hole John Delaney's FAI has left Irish football in on an international stage, wonder if Stephen Kenny is the right man to take things forward and hope that a post-Covid world could see a bright future for an Irish team that has been well blooded before it's time. It's not all Irish doom and gloom however, we also take a look at Liverpool's interest in Ibrahima Konate and the breaking news that is Sergio Aguero's departure from Man City this summer.

With Norwegian clubs taking a stand against Qatar's hosting of the World Cup amidst serious human rights issues, the national side took that one step further this week with their protest. Nicholas McGeehan from FairSquare, a human rights advocacy group, joins us to talk about the wretched conditions workers are living in, the Guardian report that found 6,500 people had died since Qatar was awarded the tournament, as well as Norway's response, Xavi's promotional efforts, the likelihood of a real boycott when the tournament rolls around and why exactly Qatar and other Gulf states are so keen to invest in sports. (from 30m) Before that, Kevin and Enda breakdown Ireland's 3-2 loss to Serbia, looking at Kenny's line-up, who impressed and who still has question marks hanging over them.

We're onto another international break and it's a fresh start for Stephen Kenny's charges - we preview the upcoming World Cup 2022 qualifiers against Serbia and Luxembourg with Oisin McQueirns (@McQueirns), including who's best fit to lead the line, figuring out the midfield three to go with and how Josh Cullen could be the future in the #6 role, and how the back five will look in the absence of some big names. We also take a look at the League of Ireland options and the exciting U-21 squad. Before all that, the lads take a look at the Champions League draw and Xabi Alonso's arrival into senior management.

The League of Ireland season kicks off this weekend and we're joined by David Wilson (@thedavidwilson) from ExtraTime.com to run through all the goings on for 2021 - including Shamrock Rovers' bid to stay on top and replace some big departures, Dundalk's hopes to challenge them amidst confusion over their coaching structure, some of the best of the rest amongst the contenders, some big names and fresh faces, as well as a quick look at Division 1 (from 20mins). Before that - the lads talk about the North London derby, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's position at Arsenal, whether Harry Kane can now be regarded as a dirty player and why Chris Wilder's sacking wasn't a huge surprise.

It's a bumper show this week, starting with the latest in La Liga - Alan Feehely (@azulfeehely) is on to discuss Joan Laporta's return as Barcelona president, Atletico Madrid's title charge and Luis Suarez's rejuvenation - as well as if Spanish is football is suffering a downturn amongst the elite leagues and if Zinedine Zidane is feeling the pressure once again as Real Madrid boss (from 31mins). We're also joined by Jordan Campbell of The Athletic (@JordanC1107) to talk about Rangers' storm to the title under Steven Gerrard, the misconceptions of him as a manager, his long term future of the club, the state of Celtic and the overall health of Scottish football (from 59 mins). Before all that - the lads lament the recent awful feast football that has us wanting less, discuss the problems with Liverpool at the moment and the possibility of a squad overhaul and Enda has the latest update on Man Utd.

The podcast is back for 2021 and a lot has happened since we left off before Christmas. Firstly, it's the little matter of Frank Lampard getting the boot from Chelsea - we discuss what went wrong, the timing and how Thomas Tuchel fits into the club as Roman Abramovich's next plaything. We unpack what's gone wrong at Liverpool over a winter slump that has in the chasing pack and struggling to score goals - and find healthy defenders. From 28 minutes we're joined by Chris Winterburn (@cmwinterburn) to discuss everything Manchester United - how Ole has led them to the top of the league, the club sticking by him, the role of Pogba, Luke Shaw's dramatic improvement and how sustainable this rise is.

We're joined by Art de Roche (@ArtDeRoche) of The Athletic to talk Arsenal this week - including what Mikel Arteta has got right so far and what he's gone wrong after starting the new season off less than impressively than they finished the previous one. We discuss their new-found defensive solidity, the midfield shape and Thomas Partey's role, whether or not Mesut Ozil will be welcomed back into the fold, the Aubameyang situation and his role in the attack and how the Emirates will look as it prepares to welcome back fans on Thursday night for the first time since March (from 30:00) Elsewhere, we praise Caoimhin Kelleher's performance for Liverpool in Europe, make sense of Klopp's war on broadcasters and why Des Kelly may deserve it, and look at Real Madrid and if Zidane is on the hotseat in a struggling season.

We look at Chelsea this week with Oliver Harbord (@ojharbord) from Football.London, discussing their start to the season and Frank Lampard’s journey so far. We look at their summer signings and the ideal system to get the best out of them, where Callum Hudson-Odoi’s situation lies, the superstar potential of Christian Pulisic, Edouard Mendy and fans’ expectations for the season ahead. (from 27m) Before that, Kevin, Enda and Phil touch on the incredibly sad passing of Diego Maradona on Wednesday. We also discussed Liverpool’s hugely impressive win over Leicester, what’s going on at Sheffield United and the storm in a teacup that engulfed Stephen Kenny after Ireland’s international break.

We glance across the Irish Sea this week to get a feel for England ahead of the friendly against Ireland this week - Dan Kilpatrick (@Dan_KP) from the Evening Standard joins us for a full lowdown on the England squad, Gareth Southgate's future beyond Euro 2021, the best attacking options, where Jack Grealish fits into the equation, Declan Rice's place in the side, the plethora of full backs in contention for selection, the goalkeeper conundrum and some of the wildcards knocking on the door. Before that, the lads discuss the Manchester City and Liverpool game from the weekend, why Manchester United’s away form is so good and how Ireland are shaping up with the now-retired David McGoldrick not in the team.

It's a double header line-up on this week's podcast - first up, Conor Clancy (@ConJClancy) from Forza Italian Football talks us through the opening few weeks of the Serie A season, the ageless wonder of Zlatan, why Andrea Pirlo may not be the right choice at Juventus, Gattuso's Napoli and why Sassuolo and Atalanta are a whole pile of fun to watch. (26m) We're also joined by James Pendleton (@jpends_) to discuss Everton's start to the season. We touch on Ancelotti, the fantastic business in the summer, the rise of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and fall of Jordan Pickford and why Seamus Coleman is such a club legend. (49m) Before all that, the lads talk about Diogo Jota's immediate impact at Liverpool, the sustainability of coming from behind, Pogba's form at United and Phil compares Arsenal to Jim McGuinness' Donegal...

We're joined by Oisin McQueirns (@McQueirns) this week to discuss Leeds' rise back to the Premier League under the eccentric genius of Marcelo Bielsa. We touch on what he's changed at the club, the roles of Patrick Bamford and Kalvin Phillips and why he should hopefully stick around for another few years (from 24m). With the League of Ireland winding down, Dylan O'Connell (@JudgeDyl) comes on to tell us all about Cork City's fall from grace after their relegation from the Premier Division, the financial difficulties which sees it soon to be sold to the ownership group over Preston North End, Shamrock Rovers' title victory and their structure in place for continued success and Dundalk's bizarre season juggling dreadful league form and behind the scenes drama amidst a European campaign (from 45m) In the opening preamble, Kevin, Enda and Phil discuss the inconsistency around the title chase and some of the top six's problems in what could shape up to be a mental title race.

We're joined on this week's podcast by Omar from the Villa Talks podcast (@VillaPodcast) to talk about Villa's fantastic start to the season - we chat about their transfer business, the arrival of Ross Barkley, why Jack Grealish is their best Premier League since Dwight Yorke, moving on from Tony Xia and why the extremely likeable Dean Smith is doing such a great job (42 mins). Before all that, the lads chat about the Merseyside Derby and how Liverpool can survive without Van Dijk. We also take a look at some more whacky results sending the league into a path we haven't seen in a long time and why Petr Cech has somehow ended up in Chelsea's squad for the season. We also take a look at the mooted European Super League and how that may work and why it's spearheaded by clubs with owners embedded in US sport.

What a busy week of Irish football - a play-off defeat, COVID-19 chaos, airplane seat controversy, Bossman Steo, some decent performances, a marked improvement in the style of play and a goalless drought that is sure to leave people firmly on the fence when it comes to Stephen Kenny's new look Ireland. Kevin, Enda and Phil discuss the mostly good, some of the bad, how things are phased going forward, Mick McCarthy's commentary styles and touch on the U-21's defeat to Italy.

We chat to Ger Deegan (@GerraDeegan) this week about everything Manchester City, including fan's frustrations, the defensive frailties after millions spent, the Pep exhaustion theory as we enter year five of his reign, life after Mikel Arteta, the Rodri Role, Joe Hodge, the lack of a Plan B or a #9 and much more. (from 40:00) Before all that, Kevin is joined by Phil and Enda to recap the Champions League draw, lament VAR and the handball rules that have skyrocketed the amount of penaties in the Premier League, and chat about some of the transfers that may or may not happen before Tuesday's deadline.

It's a massive weekend in the realm of women's soccer as Ireland meet Germany in Euro 2022 qualification, we're joined by ESPN's Kathleen McNamee (@kathleen_mcn)to talk about the daunting task at hand and how Ireland are shaping up under Vera Pauw. (12:00) We also chat to Dan Kilpatrick of the Evening Standard (@Dan_KP) to chat about Tottenham's recent exploits, including the imminent return of Gareth Bale to the club and the finances involved, the mood around the club to Jose Mourinho's divisive methods and how their new signings, including Matt Doherty, could all fit together. We also talk about USWNT superstar Alex Morgan's arrival at White Hart Lane as Tottenham enhance their brand with one of America's biggest names. Before all that, Kevin is joined by Phil Greene and Enda Higgins to rave about Thiago's transfer to Liverpool. Contact: editor@backpagefootball / Twitter @bpfootball / Host: Kevin Coleman (@kvn_clmn) with Phil Greene (@iampgreene) and Enda Higgins (@endahiggins88.

This week Kevin is joined by Cian Fahey (@cianaf) and Oisin McQueirns (@McQueirns) to discuss Ireland's first two games under Stephen Kenny. We talk about everything from the defensive conundrum with Shane Duffy and John Egan while Dara O'Shea waits in the wings to pounce, to the impressive Aaron Connolly and how he is being moulded into a role for years to come, but also why we can just play him anywhere. We also talk about the performances of Callum O'Dowda, Adam Idah's impress debut all things considered, the old Matt Doherty v Seamus Coleman chestnut, the midfield mash-up going forward and the combination that could get selected for Slovakia, and wax lyrical on the very, very bright future for Troy Parrott. Contact: editor@backpagefootball / Twitter @bpfootball / Host: Kevin Coleman (@kvn_clmn) with Phil Greene (@iampgreene) and Cian Carroll (@CianByNature).

With football grinding to a halt, the news turns to if, when and how leagues will reconvene their 2019/20 seasons - or just do what the Eredivisie did and simply pull the plug on their season, with the title still up for grabs. Michael Bell of Football-Oranje.com joins the podcast to talk about the fallout from that, and why ADO Den Haag are delighted to see the back of Alan Pardew (26:00) We're then joined by Robbie Dunne to tell us about the legendary voice of Spanish football Michael Robinson, who sadly passed away after a long battle with cancer. The former Ireland and Liverpool player went on to be Spain's forefront voice of football and was loved country-wide, leaving behind a major foot print on the country (41:00)

So the Succession Plan is complete, prematurely with the cancellation of Euro 2020 and Mick McCarthy's good intentions of leading Ireland into an international campaign, Stephen Kenny will take the reigns earlier than anticipated and when we embark on a corona-free world will aim to take Ireland and his Kids to the Euros in 2021 and beyond. To discuss all the ramification and fallout from the decision by the FAI, Kevin and Phil are joined by Oisin McQueirns (@McQueirns) and Kevin Higgins (@KennysKids) - and cover all the bases, including Mick's legacy, Kenny's new backroom staff, the future of Robbie Keane, who of the current squad still has a part to play and a thorough deep dive into some of the new names we might be hearing more of when Kenny eventually takes the reigns.

We're joined by Kevin Higgins of @KennysKids, the social media resource provide invaluable updates and information on the range of Irish players in action across the world. We chat about Troy Parrott's future at Spurs, Callum Robinson's move back to the Championship, Conor Ronan's transfer to Blackpool, as well as the likes of Jason Knight, Jason Molumby and a whole host of others who'll be knocking on Kenny's door when he takes the reigns of the Irish national team(33:00 mins) Elsewhere, we discuss Jurgen Klopp's decision to abandon Liverpool's FA Cup replay with Shrewbury, take a look at Aston Villa's heroics with a beaming Cian and Phil provides an All Island League update, where progress is slowly being made towards a cross-border league.

On this week's show the lads are joined by Art de Roché (@ArtdeRoche) of Football.London to chat about Arsenal and their season so far, and why Mikel Arteta is likely to become the new manager there after Unai Emery's departure, and Freddie Ljungberg's failure to steady the ship. In part one, the lads chat about Liverpool and their impressive form in the midst of rotation ahead of their World Club Cup jaunt in Qatar. Is it really their year?! And we discuss Manchester City and the future of Pep Guardiola and if Kevin de Bruyne is papering over the cracks there as they chase the tails of Liverpool. We also discuss Duncan Ferguson's odd mismanagement of Moise Kean.

This week we preview the Merseyside Derby between Liverpool and Everton with Neil Jones (@neiljonesgoal. The neighbouring clubs couldn't be further apart in terms of form this season, with Liverpool leading the league and Everton dwelling around the relegation zone. We cover Liverpool's busy Christmas period, the loss of Fabinho, Seamus Coleman's future and why we all want him to win, the possibility of David Moyes returning to Goodison Park, Liverpool's January transfer business and why despite each club's form, the Derby is bound to be close. (29:30) Before all that, the lads chat about Leicester and wonder if they're genuine title contenders, the future at Arsenal and if Freddie Ljunberg can suit up in a full time manager's role, and Cian explains why Eddie Howe shouldn't be in mentioned for a big job just yet.

The lads are joined by Oisin McQueirns (@McQueirns) of Pundit Arena to unpack everything after an encouraging but ultimately disappointing night at the Aviva Stadium with Ireland's 1-1 draw against the Danes leaving them in a play-off situation next March. There's loads of topics covered, including the impact of Matt Doherty and his partnership with Alan Browne, Jeff Hendrick's off-colour night in the #10 role and who could take up the position going forward - Jack Byrne?! We glow over the immense David McGoldrick, discuss Glenn Whelan's unfair criticism, chat about some of the U21s who could make an immediate impact, and why Aaron Connolly is the real bright spark in Ireland's future.

After 41:00, the lads chat to the BBC's Patrick Jennings (@pr_jennings) about the rise of Kosovo's national football team. Having played their first official competitive game as recently as 2016, they're on the brink of Euro 2020 qualification with games coming up this week against Czech Republic and England. We talk about their status as a UEFA nation, the big name Kosovan descendants who could've switched allegiance, their position for the future amongst the ultra competitive Balkan countries, and why a result against England wouldn't be that much of a surprise. Elsewhere, the lads recap the massive game between Manchester City and Liverpool at the weekend, Gini Wijnaldum's big game balls, Pep Guardiola's lack of faith in his squad and baffling team selections, and arise Sir Jordan Henderson, the great peacemaker.

German football journalist Manuel Veth (@ManuelVeth) joins the show from Signal Iduna Park to discuss Bayern Munich and Nico Kovac's decision to part ways after just over a year in charge. We discuss the potential replacements, why Jose Mourinho might go to Dortmund rather than Bayern, Julian Nagelsmann's rapid rise and success with RB Leipzig, and preview this weekend's massive match between Bayern and Dortmund (38mins). In part one, the lads chat about Liverpool's comeback win over Aston Villa, the Villa stars ripe for plucking, Liverpool's Lallana #6 experiment, more VAR fun and games, and round-up the FAI Cup Final and the Alan Mannus non-story.

We chat to Gavin McLaughlin (@DundalkSport) about Dundalk and Shamrock Rovers ahead of their mammoth FAI Cup Final on Sunday afternoon at the Aviva - including how Dundalk have transitioned to Vinny Perth after Stephen Kenny left and if Irish football NEEDS Rovers to win this. Also, Gavin talks a little bit about the mooted All-Island League and whether it will be good for Irish football on both sides of the border. Before all that, the lads chat about Leicester's stunning 9-0 win over Southamption and if they're indeed the real deal, Granit Xhaka and Arsenal fans, Spurs' strange set-up against Liverpool, and if Pep Lijnders is the smiley successor to Jurgen Klopp.

On this week's show, the lads chat to Gary Bierton from the brilliant retro jersey warehouse Classic Football Shirts about their evolution from spare room business to the one stop shop home for retro and nostalgic football shirts, ahead of their visit to Dublin from the 5th to the 10th of November. Before all that, the lads unpack the 1-1 draw between Manchester United and Liverpool which didn't go to the gameplan many had expected, in the midst of some VAR controversy and a hugely improved performance from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side.

The lads chat about the latest week of Ireland disappointment, underachievement and utter misery after the 0-0 draw against Georgia and the 2-nil defeat to Switzerland, which leaves Ireland needing a win against Denmark to ensure qualification to Eur 2022, and avoiding a very difficult Nations League play-off round. On the agenda is the 3-5-2 experiment failure, the situation with James McClean and his below par performances, Seamus Coleman and if he could be reaching a crossroads in his Irish career, the sudden yearning for Stephen Kenny and a note of gratitude to Derrick Williams.

We've got Dan Bardell (@danbardell) of the Villa View on this week to talk about the rise of fan-led football content and journalism, and it's place in the industry alongside traditional football reporting. (35:00 mins) Elsewhere, Kevin and Cian chat about Man Utd and Arsenal's averageness, Newcastle's misfortunes under Steve Bruce, why Brendan Rodgers isn't appreciated despite taking a good club to new heights, and discuss the latest Irish squad which has been struck with some major absentees ahead of the games against Georgia and Switzerland.

On this week's podcast, Kevin is joined by Enda Higgins (@endahiggins88) and Chris Winterburn (@cmwinterburn) for a complete look at Manchester United - including Tuesday's earnings call where Ed Woodward announced record revenues, their insistence to proceed with a Director of Football, the problems with the squad in light of the loss to West Ham and recent spate of injuries, the transfer agenda and some of the changes Solskjaer can look to try and turn things around. (29:00 mins) Before that, the lads chat about Liverpool's 2-1 win over Chelsea and the Blues' free shot under Lampard, and whether Manchester City's thumping over Watford is a sign of things to come.

We have a Champions League special this week with Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe (@stighefootball) to talk about all the contenders in this year's contenders, including why Liverpool look strongly replaced to go all the way again, Manchester City's defensive woes, if Barcelona can turn around their recent away misfortune, the best of the rest and some of the dark horses and exciting young talent on show, including Ansu Fati and Joao Felix. (20:00 mins) Before all that, Kevin, Cian and Phil talk about Liverpool's defeat in Napoli and if Frank Lampard was right to keep trust in his kids in their European Cup opener.

On this week's show we speak to the Business Post's Aaron Rogan (@AarRogan) on the match fixing allegations currently facing Limerick FC, as well as wider issues with gambling in sport, including the vice grip it has from a sponsorship and advertising perspective as well as the cultural and societal issues that this has manifested, with addiction on the rise in Ireland, and look at the personal and corporate responsibility of gambling. (From 32:00 mins) Before all that, the lads wax lyrical on the Ireland U-21 side and pluck some positivity from the senior team's results, and look to see who could possibly give Mick McCarthy a headscratcher going into the next round of competitive games.

It's the first international break of the season and to preview Ireland's next batch of games we speak to Goal.com's Ronan Murphy (@swearimnotpaul) about Ireland's current squad, the absence of Shane Long and the possibility of Matt Doherty eventually replacing Seamus Coleman. Looking further long term, we discuss the fresh faces that are beginning to emerge at Premier League clubs in the underage ranks, which may signal an exciting new dawn for Irish football. Also, Ronan explains the latest situation with Bayern Munich's soon-to-be-Irish youngster Ryan Johansson. Before all that, Kevin and Cian discuss Sadio Mane and Mo Salah's lover's tiff, Graeme Souness' uncalled for comments about Moise Kean, and the utterly baffling decision that denied Aston Villa a point at Crystal Palace.

In this week's show we speak to Bury FC fan Jamie Hoyle (@jtahoyle) about the club's fascinating recent history, which culminated in it being hours from liquidation this past weekend. We speak about the club's recent financial troubles and the ownership merry-go-round which led to it being bought from a pound, and how they still earned promotion last season despite lack of payment and financial issues. Jamie tells about Bury's impact on his family and the community around it, and why relegation doesn't matter once there's a football club there to support. Elsewhere, Kevin, Cian and Phil talk about Liverpool's emphatic win over Arsenal and the defensive frailties that continue to hurt the Gunners, Newcastle's shock win over Spurs and why Christian Eriksen simply must start, and we touch on James Maddison's reported flirting with Ireland, and why others - and not he - could make the switch in the coming years.

With the La Liga kicking off this past weekend, there was plenty to talk about with AS's Robbie Dunne (@robbiejdunne) after a busy summer for Real Madrid and Barcelona, as Gareth Bale stays and Philippe Coutinho leaves, all the while Atletico Madrid could steal the show with new boy Joao Felix. On the Premier League front, Kevin, Cian and Phil get into some more VAR chat after Manchester City's match winning goal against Spurs was chalked off at the weekend, talk about Manchester United and their odd penalty procedure but improving performances, and take a look at the wealth of Irish talent doing the business at Sheffield United.

VAR is here to control every aspect of our lives. Kevin, Cian and Phil chat about the impact VAR will have on the game and the kinks they still have to work out. We chat Liverpool and Norwich, and why we learnt more about the Canaries. We admire the new lean machine Harry Kane and drool over Christian Eriksen, and explain why their 3-1 win over Aston Villa flattered them. In part two we're joined by the Racing Post's Andy Synnott (@andy_syn_8_) to talk about all things Chelsea in the new Frank Lampard era, including the transfer ban, Jose Mourinho's beady eye from the studio, the youthful impact and if Tammy Abraham can score their goals.

Kevin, Cian and Phil are back for the 2019/20 season to bring you more football fire in three very distinct Irish accents. In the first podcast under the new 'Three At The Back' name, the lads preview the upcoming Premier League season, including all of the major transfer activity (or lack thereof) across the top six and beyond.