Podcasts about first division

We're back after the summer break, and we have a lot to catch up on, not only across the League of Ireland, but at the World Cup too, where Pico Lopes has been making global headlines. Closer to home, James McClean has been making more headlines with his sensational pundit appearance on RTE. The lads also reflect on a seemingly positive set of European club draws for the Irish sides.In the First Division, Treaty United's name change is discussed, while Gary is happy after a good weekend for De Town. Sponsored by QuinnAv.ie & BAR 1 Betting (18+, gamblingcare.ie)

On Tuesday's Football Daily, Phil Egan brings you news from the League of Ireland, the Premier League and the international game.Shamrock Rovers leave it late to beat Bohemians 2-1 in a dramatic Dublin Derby at Dalymount Park.Former Ireland defender Enda Stevens pops up with the winning header to send the travelling Hoops fans wild.Stephen Bradley praises his side's character and says nights like these are why players love football.Bohemians are left to rue missed chances after Ross Tierney's opener wasn't enough to secure the points.Shamrock Rovers stretch their lead at the top of the League of Ireland Premier Division standings.St Patrick's Athletic prepare for a huge clash with Rovers this Friday night at Tallaght Stadium.Derry City and Shelbourne cancel each other out in a scoreless draw at the Brandywell.Cork City tighten their grip on the First Division title race thanks to Ruairi Keating's winner over Treaty United.Waterford and Shamrock Rovers get set for tonight's Women's Premier Division showdown at the RSC.Pep Guardiola receives an emotional farewell from Manchester City supporters after a trophy-laden decade in charge.Erling Haaland promises City will come back hungry for even more silverware next season.The Football Show panel debate whether Premier League standards slipped and if the season truly delivered entertainment.Tottenham players back Roberto De Zerbi after steering Spurs away from relegation trouble late in the campaign.Juventus enter the race for Andy Robertson as Tottenham continue their pursuit of the Liverpool defender.Portland Timbers part ways with Phil Neville while Mexico confirms Iran's World Cup squad will base themselves there this summer.Become a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

On Friday's Football Daily Phil Egan brings you all the latest from the world of football.Seamus Coleman announces the end of his 17-year Everton playing career as the club captain prepares for his next move.Coleman leaves as Everton's record Premier League appearance holder with 372 games for the club.The former Sligo Rovers defender could still continue playing elsewhere or move into coaching at Everton.Dundalk host Shamrock Rovers tonight in the featured League of Ireland commentary game at Oriel Park.Shamrock Rovers arrive in Louth on a three-game winning run after defeat to Derry City last month.Stephen Bradley praises Dundalk's impressive adaptation to life back in the Premier Division.Vinny Perth discusses his emotional return to Dundalk ahead of tonight's live commentary on Off The Ball.Shelbourne travel to Richmond Park to face St. Patrick's Athletic in another key Premier Division clash.Gareth McGlynn explains why Shelbourne are still evolving their playing style this season.Bohemians face Drogheda United at Dalymount Park after both sides picked up important victories last week.Waterford continue their search for a first league win of the season against Derry City at the RSC.UCD have the opportunity to move level with Cork City at the top of the First Division tonight.Arne Slot responds to criticism from Liverpool supporters ahead of a huge clash with Aston Villa.Keith Andrews reacts to Brentford receiving three Premier League award nominations for the season.Casemiro is set to leave Manchester United, with Sunday expected to be his final home appearance for the club.Manchester City win the FA Youth Cup as Reigan Heskey scores the winner against Manchester United.Arsenal confirm Ireland captain Katie McCabe will leave the club after more than a decade in north London.Become a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

What a dramatic May Bank Holiday in the League of Ireland. We saw our first managerial casualty as Jon Daly finally fell by the wayside at Waterford, but who wants the job as Tony Soprano once said? At the top, Rovers are back in control, but find out why Stephen Bradley was unhappy on two fronts this weekend. Meanwhile, in the First Division, the Usher out brigade are back in full swing following a shocking weekend for Cork City. Surely they can't blow promotion, can they? Sponsored by QuinnAV.ie & BAR 1 Betting (18+, gamblingcare.ie)

Phil Egan brings you Tuesday's Football Daily, previewing a packed show of domestic and international football updatesHeimir Hallgrimsson names his first Ireland squad since the World Cup playoff defeat to CzechiaSeveral players receive first senior international call-ups ahead of the Spain training camp and friendly vs GrenadaIreland squad set for warm-weather camp in Murcia with one friendly fixture scheduledShamrock Rovers return to the top of the League of Ireland after a dominant 4-1 win over Drogheda UnitedJohn McGovern shines with a brace, supported by goals from Matt Healy and Maleace AsamoahSt Patrick's Athletic drop points in a 1-1 draw with Sligo RoversWaterford and Dundalk play out a dramatic 3-3 draw, with late goals and momentum swingsBohemians extend winless run to nine games after a 2-2 derby draw with ShelbourneDerry City remain unbeaten at Celtic Park thanks to a last-minute equaliser against Galway UnitedUCD go top of the First Division as Cork City slip up away to Kerry FCPep Guardiola insists Manchester City will keep fighting after a 3-3 draw with Everton in the title raceArsenal now firmly in control of the Premier League title race with three games remainingMikel Arteta rallies Arsenal ahead of Champions League semi-final clash with Atletico MadridScottish Premiership title race heats up as Hearts edge closer, while Rangers face an uphill battleBecome a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

How great were Brighton & Hove Albion 1982–1983?In this episode of By Far The Greatest Team, Graham Dunn and Jamie Rooney are joined by South Coast Jamie Wilson to tell the story of one of English football's great contradiction seasons: Brighton & Hove Albion 1982–83.This was a campaign that ended in relegation from the First Division — but also took Brighton to the first FA Cup Final in the club's history. A season of struggle, chaos, colour, character and one immortal Wembley moment.We look back at Brighton's wider journey through football history, from their formation in 1901 and Southern League roots, through the Brian Clough interlude, the Alan Mullery era, Peter Ward's goals, and the rise that carried the club into the top flight.Then we focus on 1982–83 itself: Jimmy Melia's unlikely FA Cup adventure, the key players who carried Albion to Wembley, and the unforgettable final against Manchester United. The first game ended 2–2, giving Brighton one of the most famous near-misses in FA Cup history: “And Smith must score…”Was Gordon Smith's chance the moment that defined Brighton's past? Or has it unfairly overshadowed a remarkable achievement from a team fighting battles on every front?With players like Steve Foster, Jimmy Case, Michael Robinson, Gary Stevens, Tony Grealish, Graham Moseley and Gordon Smith, Brighton 1982–83 may not look like an obvious candidate for greatness. But sometimes greatness is not just about trophies. Sometimes it is about story, identity, resilience, and how close a team came to changing everything.So where do Brighton & Hove Albion 1982–83 belong in our Table of Greatness?Takeaways Brighton's rise from Southern League roots to the First Division  The importance of Alan Mullery, Brian Clough and Peter Ward in the wider Brighton story  Why the 1982–83 season was both a disaster and a fairytale  Jimmy Melia's colourful and chaotic FA Cup run  The key players behind Brighton's Wembley journey  The 1983 FA Cup Final against Manchester United  Why “And Smith must score” remains one of the great FA Cup moments  Whether a relegated side can still be considered great Listen now and join us as we decide whether Brighton & Hove Albion 1982–1983 were truly one of football's greatest teams.If you enjoy these podcasts, please don't forget to subscribe and give us a rating and also tell everyone about them!

fWotD Episode 3281: 1998–99 Gillingham F.C. season Welcome to featured Wiki of the Day, your daily dose of knowledge from Wikipedia's finest articles.The featured article for Wednesday, 29 April 2026, is 1998–99 Gillingham F.C. season.During the 1998–99 English football season, Gillingham F. C. competed in the Football League Second Division, the third tier of the English football league system. It was the 67th season in which Gillingham competed in the Football League, and the 49th since the club was voted back into the league in 1950. The club signed two new forwards, each for a new club record transfer fee, but started the season in poor form, winning only one of the first eight league games. The team then went on a much-improved run, being undefeated for 17 league games, and began challenging for promotion to the Football League First Division. Gillingham finished the regular season in fourth place in the Second Division, qualifying for the play-offs for promotion to the First Division. After defeating Preston North End in the semi-finals, they played Manchester City at Wembley Stadium in the final. Gillingham were 2–0 up with less than ten minutes remaining but conceded two late goals, and Manchester City won the subsequent penalty shoot-out to gain promotion.Gillingham also reached the southern section semi-final of the Football League Trophy, but were eliminated from both the FA Cup and the Football League Cup in the first round. The team played 56 competitive matches, winning 26, drawing 16 (including the play-off final), and losing 14. Carl Asaba was the team's leading goalscorer with 22 goals. Paul Smith made the most appearances during the season, playing in 54 of the team's 56 matches. The highest attendance recorded at the club's home ground, Priestfield Stadium, was 10,400 for the visit of Manchester City. Despite leading the team to the play-off final, manager Tony Pulis was dismissed from his job shortly afterwards amid allegations of gross misconduct. He sued the club for unfair dismissal and accepted an out-of-court settlement.This recording reflects the Wikipedia text as of 01:09 UTC on Wednesday, 29 April 2026.For the full current version of the article, see 1998–99 Gillingham F.C. season on Wikipedia.This podcast uses content from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.Visit our archives at wikioftheday.com and subscribe to stay updated on new episodes.Follow us on Bluesky at @wikioftheday.com.Also check out Curmudgeon's Corner, a current events podcast.Until next time, I'm neural Arthur.

Last time we spoke about the first battle of Changsha. Japanese forces under General Okamura Yasuji, including the 6th, 13th, and 33rd Divisions, launched a multi-pronged offensive, crossing the Xin Qiang River and capturing Yingtian amid brutal fighting. Chinese defenses, commanded by Xue Yue in the Ninth War Zone, employed gradual resistance strategies, with units like the 195th Division under Qin Yizhi holding key positions such as Bijia Mountain and Fulinpu, inflicting heavy losses. Battalion Commander Luo Wenlang recaptured Dongtang in a midnight assault, grieving his fallen brother amid Mid-Autumn moonlight. Chiang Kai-shek, from Chongqing, oversaw operations while hosting a festive banquet, buoyed by international support like U.S. loans. By October, Japanese advances stalled; Okamura ordered a retreat on October 2, exposed by a downed plane yielding critical documents. Chinese forces pursued, reclaiming lines by October 8, annihilating over half the invaders per Chiang's commendation.   #198 The Battle of South Guangxi Welcome to the Fall and Rise of China Podcast, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about the history of Asia? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on history of asia and much more  so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel where I cover the history of China and Japan from the 19th century until the end of the Pacific War. In January 1939, the Japanese General Headquarters, responding to naval needs, ordered the 21st Corps to seize Hainan Island. The goal was to establish a base for air operations against southwestern China and to enforce blockade measures. Supported by the Japanese Navy, the Corps deployed the Taiwan Brigade, which landed at Haikou on February 10. After initial defeats, Chinese peace preservation units withdrew to the island's interior and conducted harassment operations. Japanese troops soon occupied northern counties including Qiongshan, Wenchang, Ding'an, Qionghai, and Chengmai, followed by the port of Yulin, which positioned them for southward advances toward Guangxi.   This invasion was part of a broader strategy to disrupt Chinese supply lines and secure a foothold in southern China. Although Chinese resistance on Hainan ultimately failed to repel the invaders, it highlighted the resilience that would define regional fighting.   After the costly Battle of Wuhan, the Sino-Japanese War reached a stalemate in central China, despite ongoing large-scale conflicts and Japanese strategic bombings that caused heavy casualties without breaking the deadlock. Politically, Japan's alignment with the Axis powers and the start of World War II in Western Europe led European nations to bolster ties with China. With major coastal ports under Japanese control, the Nationalist government's main overseas supply route became the Haiphong-Kunming railway in French Indochina, which transported four times more war materials in 1938 than in 1937, including heavy equipment purchased abroad.   The Hainan occupation negatively impacted Japan's war efforts, though diplomatic pressure on Britain and France proved ineffective. Meanwhile, the Imperial Japanese Navy proposed a southward advance: invading from Nanning to Longzhou County in Guangxi by sea to establish an airfield for strategic bombing. An April 15, 1939, Navy Department assessment deemed large-scale inland army operations challenging, recommending instead that the army and navy collaborate to occupy Shantou—the largest trading port on the South China coast—before pushing into Guangxi to seize Nanning and sever China's vital Indochina supply line.   In June, the Japanese General Staff's "Military Geography" emphasized that occupying Nanning would provide convenient transportation in all directions, reaching Guangdong, Hunan, Guizhou, and Yunnan. The Nanning-Lang Son road had become a major artery for Chiang Kai-shek's regime to connect with the southwest. To cut it off directly, Nanning must be captured first. Once occupied, heavy troops near Tokyo Bay would not be needed to achieve the operation's purpose. This idea gained considerable support both politically and tactically. The Army's northward policy had been defeated by the Soviet Union in the Battle of Khalkhin Gol in September 1939. Major General Tominaga Kyoji, the newly appointed head of the First Department of the General Staff, sought to avoid further embarrassments. Supporting the proposal involved transferring the 5th Division of the Kwantung Army, originally intended for Khalkhin Gol, to the south. This prevented front-line units from misjudging higher-ups' positions and allowed implementation without affecting existing troops.   In September, the European war broke out. The Japanese General Headquarters ordered the 21st Army to capture the vicinity of Nanning, cut off the international passage between Guangxi and Vietnam, and obtain a base for air operations in southwest China. Japan aimed to completely sever China's most important supply route. According to Japanese intelligence, the French Indochina line accounted for 85% of China's foreign aid in late 1939, with 12,500 tons transported in September alone.   On September 1, 1939, Germany attacked Poland; on September 3, Britain and France declared war on Germany, igniting World War II. Japan, eager to resolve the China issue and free up troops to seize Western colonies in Asia and the Pacific, stated through Prime Minister Nobuyuki Abe on September 4: "At the outbreak of the European war, the Empire will not intervene and has decided to focus on resolving the China Incident." In Nanjing, the China Expeditionary Army Headquarters was established, with General Nishio Hisazo as Commander-in-Chief and Lieutenant General Itagaki Seishiro as Chief of Staff, overseeing the North China Area Army, the 11th Army, the 13th Army, and the 21st Army.   On September 23, the Japanese General Headquarters issued an order to prepare for a swift response to the China Incident. On October 16, "Continental Order No. 375" directed the Commander-in-Chief of the China Expeditionary Army to swiftly cut off enemy supply routes from Nanning to Longzhou with a portion of the navy. Also on October 16, "Continental Order No. 582," a central Army-Navy agreement, aimed to cut off enemy routes along the Nanning-Longzhou line and strengthen naval air operations against the Yunnan-Vietnam Railway and the Burma Road. The operation was scheduled for mid-November. On October 19, Nishio Juzo issued orders for the Guangxi operation, involving the 5th Division, Taiwan Mixed Brigade, supporting units, the 5th Fleet (renamed the 2nd Expeditionary Fleet in mid-November), and the 3rd Combined Naval Air Group. Total strength: about 30,000 men, over 70 warships, 2 aircraft carriers, and about 100 aircraft. Tominaga Kyoji announced: "This is the last battle of the China Incident."   Politically, the Guangxi Army was a key pillar of the National Government after retreating to Sichuan. Attacking Guangxi could impact the Guangxi clique's stance on continuing the war. Cutting off the Nanning-Longzhou line would affect Vietnam-China transportation security and allow actions against French Indochina amid Europe's distractions. With tactical and political alignment, the plan was approved.   In September 1939, the Chinese repelled the Japanese attack on Changsha. In October, the National Government held the Second Nanyue Military Conference in Hengshan, summarizing the First Changsha Campaign and deciding on a new offensive. On October 29, Chiang Kai-shek announced: "Our future strategic application and the mentality of officers and soldiers must be completely transformed. We must start to turn defense into offense, turn stillness into movement, and actively take offensive measures." On November 5, after the meeting, intelligence indicated Japan's intention to invade the south. U.S. and British agencies reported the Japanese fleet gathering in Tokyo Bay, signaling an imminent operation against Nanning. Chiang flew from Hengshan to Guilin to arrange defenses.   At this time, coastal defense was guarded by the 16th Army Group under Xia Wei (transferred, with Cai Tingkai taking over), a Guangxi clique force comprising the 46th and 31st Armies. Bai Chongxi, director of the Guilin Headquarters, was in Chongqing for the Sixth Plenary Session of the Fifth National Congress of the Kuomintang, while Chief of Staff Lin Wei was in Rong County mourning Xia Wei's mother. The headquarters was essentially deserted. Zhang Fakui, commander of the Fourth War Zone, and Chief of Staff Wu Shiyuan were in Shaoguan, Guangdong. The three-tiered command structure—headquarters, war zone, army group—was practically non-existent.   The Chinese forces north of the pass were commanded by Bai Chongxi's Guilin Headquarters, with Lin Wei as Chief of Staff; they included the Fourth War Zone under Zhang Fakui and the 16th Army Group under Xia Wei. They commanded: the 31st Army (Commander Wei Yunsong; 131st Division under He Weizhen; 135th Division under Su Zuxin; 188th Division under Wei Zhen); the 46th Army (Commander He Xuan; 170th Division under Li Xingshu; 175th Division under Feng Huang; New 19th Division under Huang Gu); and a portion of the 200th Division of the 5th Army (Commander Dai Anlan). Together with the 1st-4th Independent Infantry Regiments of the Guangxi Training Corps, total strength was approximately 60,000 men.   After the Japanese landing, Bai Chongxi was stationed in Qianjiang, while the 16th Army Group headquarters in Xiawei was at Heishiyan near Binyang.   In early November 1939, the Japanese 5th Fleet and the aircraft carrier Kaga escorted the 5th Division and the Taiwan Brigade to concentrate in Haikou. Japanese aircraft bombed important cities in Guangxi. At that time, the Chinese army defended the coast from Nanning to Qinzhou Bay and Fangcheng with part of the 16th Army Group of the Fourth War Zone. The 46th Army was responsible for the coastline of Fangcheng, Qinxian, Hepu, and Liankou, and the 31st Army for key points along the Xijiang River.   On November 9, Japanese troops assembled at Sanya Bay on Hainan Island. Lieutenant General Ando Rikichi, commander of the 21st Army, personally commanded from Sanya. On the 13th, the fleet set sail. On the 14th, vanguard ships feinted at Beihai with over ten ships. A battalion of the 175th Division retaliated and was ordered to destroy Beihai, but Commander Chao Wei of the 524th Regiment believed no landing was intended, avoiding complete destruction. That night, Japanese ships turned toward Qinzhou.   To safeguard the international communications link between Guangxi and Indochina, the Chinese Generalissimo's Headquarters in Guilin assigned defensive missions. The 46th Corps of the 16th Army Group was tasked with defending the coastline from Fangcheng to Qinzhou, Hepu, and Lianjiang. The 31st Corps was responsible for key positions along the Xi River. Defensive positions were prepared in advance, and communications infrastructure was sabotaged to facilitate gradual resistance, aiming to attrition Japanese forces before a decisive engagement along the Yong River.   On November 15, under air and naval fire support, the Japanese 5th Division and Taiwan Brigade executed a forced landing on the west coast of Qinzhou Bay. Following intense resistance, the Chinese New 19th Division withdrew to Pancheng and Shangsi. After capturing Qinzhou, the Japanese 5th Division advanced north along the Yong-Qin Highway, while the Taiwan Brigade moved along Xiaodong–Baiji–Bujin Road. On November 17, the Japanese army captured Qinzhou and Fangcheng. The 5th Division immediately split into three routes along the Yongqin Highway, while the Taiwan Brigade advanced north along Xiaodong-Baekje-Pujin. On the 18th, they attacked Xiaodong, the headquarters of the New 19th Division. Division Commander Huang Gu fled alone in the face of battle. His troops were routed, and the Japanese continued northward. Meanwhile, bandits from the Shiwan Mountains formed numerous plainclothes teams to lead the Japanese advance, accelerating their northward movement. By November 21, they approached the south bank of the Yu River. On December 1, they occupied Gaofeng Pass. On December 4, they occupied Kunlun Pass and then adopted a defensive posture.   On November 16, Chiang Kai-shek summoned Bai Chongxi in Chongqing, ordering him to return to Guilin immediately to command the battle, without attending the plenary session. Bai requested full command without intervention from Zhang Fakui, and that all armies obey the Headquarters directly. Chiang approved and transferred his elite Fifth Army and other units to Bai's command. Bai telegraphed Du Yuming to lead troops by train from Hengyang to southern Guilin and reinstated Xia Wei as commander of the 16th Army Group, with Cai Tingkai awaiting orders. The 16th Army Group assembled, and Deputy Commander-in-Chief Wei Yunsong arrived in Nanning on the 19th. Units rushed to block Japanese advances. Bai flew to Guilin on the 19th and Qianjiang on the 21st, establishing the command post. Thus, as Japanese arrived in Nanning, Chinese reinforcements like the 170th Division reached Yongning on the 22nd, two regiments of the 135th Division entered Nanning on the 23rd, and the 600th Regiment of the 200th Division arrived at Ertang on the afternoon of the 24th. Other armies assembled in Liuzhou and Binyang.   On November 21, Japanese troops approached the south bank of the Yu River. Wu Zongjun, commander of the 405th Regiment of the 135th Division, arbitrarily ordered his regiments to abandon positions and retreat. Wei Yunsong ordered Su Zuxin to intercept, but Wu disobeyed. No troops defended Nanning's front lines. At dawn on the 24th, the 170th Division fought fiercely in Yongning. In the morning, the Japanese 21st Regiment crossed the river. By afternoon, Nanning had fallen. Over the next two days, they swept surrounding positions. On the morning of the 25th, the 600th Regiment of the 200th Division fought alone against Japanese regiments at Ertang. Under air cover, Japanese attacked, but Chinese resisted stubbornly. Regiment Commander Shao Yizhi and Adjutant Wu Qisheng were killed. Given the situation, Division Commanders Li Xingshu and Dai Anlan retreated to Gaofeng Pass after dusk. Though they failed to stop the advance, this was the fiercest resistance since the landing, lasting two days and nights. On November 25, Japanese attacked the 175th Division near Luwu from Xiaodong and the highway. The division moved to Nalong, assembling in villages there. The 175th attacked key points along the Yongqin Highway, including Datang, Naxiao, Dongya, Nabian, Xincheng, Xiaodong, Dadong, and Bancheng.   On November 20, the 21st Army opened its headquarters in Qinzhou. On November 26, Ando Rikichi announced the formation of the Yongqin Corps under Imamura Hitoshi. Ando left for Guangzhou on the 27th. Starting on the 26th, Japanese attacked Gaofeng Pass with aircraft cover. Despite fierce resistance, Chinese lost Gaofeng Pass on December 1. On the 4th, Japanese occupied Kunlun Pass, then adjusted deployment. The two sides confronted each other along the Kunlun Pass mountainous boundary. According to statistics up to December 1, Japanese suffered 145 dead and 315 wounded; Chinese had 6,125 dead bodies and 664 prisoners (but Japanese casualties were underreported; the 41st Infantry Regiment received 727 replacements on January 19, likely matching killed and wounded sent back). Seized in Nanning: 300 tons lead, 200 tons coal, 500 bundles cotton, 321 tons cotton thread, 30 tons iron, 60 tons tin. On December 2, the Japanese 5th Cavalry Regiment and Morimoto Battalion were attacked by about 1,500 Chinese with four tanks at Batang. Japanese dispatched the 21st Brigade (Nakamura Detachment), repelling a mixed force of the 200th and 188th Divisions. Japanese occupied Kunlun Pass but left only a battalion to defend it, withdrawing the rest to Nanning.   Bai Chongxi, director of the Guilin Headquarters and deputy chief of staff, proposed a counter-offensive plan, which was approved by Chiang Kai-shek.   On November 24, when Japanese had just occupied Nanning, Bai Chongxi demanded an immediate counterattack while Japanese were unstable and weak. After failing to gain approval, Bai asked Du Yuming to submit a request. Du sent a telegram on December 1: "The enemy occupying Nanning is less than two divisions. They succeeded by exploiting our dispersed forces, but lack heavy weapons and supplies. Our army should gather superior forces and launch a counter-offensive quickly (before December 10) to defeat them and restore international transportation." Chiang decided on a counter-offensive on December 7. On the 8th, Bai conveyed the objective: "capturing Kunlun Pass and then recovering Nanning." By mid-December, assembly was complete. Chiang dispatched Chen Cheng and Li Jishen to supervise, and Zhang Fakui arrived in Qianjiang.   In the early stages, Guangxi lacked heavy armored forces for counterattacking beyond Guangxi clique troops. The fall of Kunlun Pass prompted Chongqing to deploy the reorganized Fifth Army and its armored corps for a strong attack. The Fifth Army was the main force at Kunlun Pass, with the National Revolutionary Army providing cover while launching a full-scale counterattack in Nanning.   To recapture Kunlun Pass and Nanning, Bai Chongxi dispatched approximately nine armies and twenty-seven divisions, totaling 300,000 troops: Xia Wei of the 16th Army Group, Ye Zhao of the 37th Army Group, Deng Longguang of the 35th Army Group, and Cai Tingkai of the 26th Army Group (31st, 5th, 64th, 46th, and 43rd Armies, etc.) to attack Kunlun Pass. The Japanese, with the Nakamura Brigade as main force and special forces, had strong fortifications. Xu Tingyao of the 38th Army Group, with Li Yannian of the 2nd Army, Gan Lichu of the 6th Army, Yao Chun of the 36th Army, and Fu Zhongfang of the 99th Army. The 5th Army, plus the 1st Honorary Division (Zheng Dongguo), New 22nd Division (Qiu Qingquan), and all armored, cavalry, artillery, and engineer regiments, arrived.   The Japanese forces consisted of the 5th Division (Lieutenant General Hitoshi Imamura; 9th Brigade under Major General Genichiro Ogawa; 21st Brigade under Major General Masao Nakamura; Taiwan Mixed Brigade under Major General Sadashiro Shiota), Marine Corps (over 70 warships), and Air Force (100 aircraft), totaling about 30,000. Later reinforcements: Imperial Guard Division and a brigade from the 18th Division. Total about 100,000, but only 45,000 fought. After a traitor reported over 100,000 Nationalist troops north of Kunlun Pass, Imamura dismissed it as "impossible." Higher Japanese ranks hoped to instigate rebellion by the Guangxi clique. On December 10, Imamura issued a telegram "Letter to Generals Li and Bai," expressing respect and stating the attack on Nanning was to cut off Chiang's lines, hoping for Japan-China cooperation. If insisted, the Japanese garrison would win. Finally: "The more than 4,200 brave soldiers who died in Nanning have been buried in Zhongshan Park and solemnly offered sacrifices. Please rest assured."   On December 15, Bai Chongxi took a decisive step in the escalating conflict by issuing the first counter-offensive order, setting the stage for a coordinated push against enemy positions. He organized the forces into three main route armies, with additional reserves held back for support.   The Northern Route Army, under Xu Tingyao's command, focused its efforts on Kunlun Pass. The 5th Army led the direct assault there, while the 92nd Division from the 99th Army skirted around Lingliwei to strike at Qitang, effectively flanking the pass and adding pressure from the side.   Meanwhile, the Western Route Army, led by Xia Wei, split into two columns to cover multiple fronts. The First Column, commanded by Zhou Zuhuang, targeted Gaofeng Pass in a bold advance. The Second Column, under Wei Yunsong, positioned itself at Suwei to block any reinforcements heading toward Nanning, cutting off potential enemy supply lines.   On the eastern flank, Cai Tingkai's Eastern Route Army aimed to disrupt key logistics. The 46th Army moved against Luwu and Lingshan, intent on severing the vital Yongqin Highway. At the same time, the 66th Army joined the assault on Kunlun Pass before pushing onward to Gula and Gantang. To bolster these efforts, the remaining two divisions of the 99th Army were kept in reserve, ready to reinforce wherever needed.   The very next day, on December 16, Du Yuming—now serving as army commander—gathered his officers for a critical conference within the 5th Army. There, they crafted a clever encirclement strategy dubbed "close the gate and fight the tiger," designed to trap and overwhelm the opposition. The plan's core involved the 200th Division, led by Dai Anlan, and the 1st Honorary Division under Zheng Dongguo launching the primary attack on Kunlun Pass. Flanking from the right, Qiu Qingquan's New 22nd Division would seize Wutang and Liutang, then turn to intercept any incoming reinforcements. On the left wing, Peng Bisheng commanded two regiments in a daring bypass of Gantang and Chang'an, aiming to strike at Qitang and Batang and seal off the enemy's retreat routes.   The enemy at Kunlun Pass was the Matsumoto Sozaburo Battalion of the 21st Brigade. Its 42nd and 21st Regiments were along Jiutang-Nanning. On December 16, Imamura ordered Major General Kawai Genshichi of the 9th Brigade to lead thousands in a surprise attack on Longzhou and Zhennan Pass, departing on the 17th.   At 8 p.m. on December 17, the Battle of Kunlun Pass began.   On December 18, Chinese forces began their attack and captured Kunlun Pass and Jiutang on the same day. On December 19, it captured Gaofeng Pass. On December 20, Gaofeng Pass, Jiutang, and Kunlun Pass fell into the hands of the Japanese army again. At dawn on December 18, the artillery of the 5th Army opened fire. After extension, the 200th and 1st Honorary Divisions attacked. Hundreds of Japanese planes bombed. By night, the 1st Honorary captured Fairy Mountain, Laomaoling, Wanfu Village, Luotang, and Hill 411; 200th captured Hills 653 and 600, taking Kunlun Pass. At noon on the 19th, massive Japanese air raid. Imamura dispatched the 21st Regiment under Colonel Miki Yoshinosuke, recapturing it. Positions were contested repeatedly. The New 22nd occupied Wutang and Liutang; Wutang recaptured by Japanese, but Liutang held, blocking reinforcements. When Imamura ordered Taiwan Mixed Brigade reinforcement, they were blocked at Liutang by Qiu Qingquan. Du Yuming ordered Zheng Dongguo to send Zheng Tingji's 3rd Regiment to encircle Jiutang from the right. They captured high ground west of Jiutang at night. On December 20, enemy at Kunlun Pass weakened, sending urgent reports. Imamura ordered Nakamura Masao with 42nd Regiment to reinforce, but blocked at Wutang for two days, reaching Qitang on the 22nd, blocked again. Nakamura was wounded on the 23rd morning. At 1:30 pm, Miki reported: "If the brigade cannot arrive before dusk, the front line will be difficult to secure."   Imamura ordered Colonel Lin Yixiong's 1st Regiment and Colonel Watanabe Nobuyoshi's 2nd Regiment of the Taiwan Mixed Brigade to reinforce, but blocked by 175th Division on Yongqin Road. Watanabe's regiment blocked at Luwu by 524th Regiment (Chao Wei), and after three days, couldn't pass. Watanabe was killed, remnants fled to Qin County. On the 20th, Imamura ordered the 9th Brigade's 3rd Battalion of Ito's unit back in 105 vehicles to reinforce.   The Japanese confirmed the attack and Imamura ordered Nakamura Detachment rescue. Over two weeks, encirclement and breakout battles occurred on the Nanning-Kunlun Pass highway.   On the 18th, the 170th Division launched the Battle of Gaofeng Pass, capturing a hill on the 19th but ambushed that night. On the 20th, the pass fell, retreating to Gewei. Bai inspected but no improvement; failed to capture Gaofeng Pass or block reinforcements. Ito's unit on Yonglong Road intercepted by 131st at Xichangwei. On the 22nd, Imamura sent two companies from Nanning, intercepted by 188th near Suwei. Ito's battalion besieged in Xichangwei for three days, spared because 131st avoided close combat. Under air cover, both broke through to Nanning on the 26th.   On November 21, Chiang was dissatisfied with Kunlun Pass progress, ordering: "If front-line troops and artillery fail to attack or complete tasks, they shall be punished for cowardice."   By the 23rd, two divisions of 5th Army had over 2,000 casualties; Japanese over 1,000. Six days yielded no results, with reinforcements arriving. Du changed tactics to concentrate forces, tightening encirclement.   On the 24th, Oikawa Detachment ordered back to Nanning, destroying captured materials and withdrawing from Longzhou and Zhennanguan. Bai learned some escaped, telegraphing Wei Yunsong: "If the second batch escapes, it affects the main force. The deputy commander-in-chief should be punished." Main force still escaped; local troops preserved strength, benefiting Japanese.   On the main position, Zheng Tingji spotted Japanese officers meeting and ordered fire, inflicting heavy casualties, requiring airdropped officers.   On the 25th, Second Regiment of First Division captured Luotang South Heights, annihilating over 200. From December 25, Fifth Army and 159th and 92nd Divisions occupied key high grounds. Fierce battle until December 31, capturing Kunlun Pass and Tianyin, killing Nakamura Masao, annihilating over 5,000.   Following the intense clashes at Kunlun Pass, the battle's toll on the Japanese forces became starkly evident in the weeks that followed. On January 19, just a month after the fighting peaked, the Japanese rushed in 3,389 fresh replacements to replenish their battered 5th Division. This influx was distributed unevenly: 1,848 went to the 21st Infantry Regiment and 814 to the 42nd, figures that likely corresponded directly to the number of dead and seriously wounded who had been evacuated back home—though those with minor injuries weren't factored into these counts. The ferocity of the engagement was further underscored by the capture of numerous Japanese strongholds, where Chinese forces found that every defender had been killed, leaving no survivors behind.   In many ways, this outcome represented a stunning annihilation for the Japanese, particularly the 21st Brigade, which was effectively wiped out. Key figures fell in the fray, including Brigade Commander Masao Nakamura, Acting Commander Sakata Genichi, Miki Yoshinosuke, along with various deputies and battalion commanders. The leadership losses were catastrophic: over 85% of officers above the squad leader level were killed. Japanese records themselves acknowledged more than 4,000 soldiers dead, painting a grim picture that their own war histories later described as "the darkest era for the army." On the Chinese side, the victory came at a heavy price, with over 10,000 casualties suffered, yet remarkably, the core officer corps remained largely intact, preserving command structure for future operations.   Zooming out to the broader theater in December 1939, the Japanese 5th Division and the Taiwan Mixed Brigade found themselves holding the line against an overwhelming force of more than 150,000 Nationalist troops. At the same time, the Japanese 21st Army was shifting its focus to Guangdong Province in preparation for Operation Weng Ying, while the Oikawa Detachment—primarily composed of the 11th Infantry Regiment—pushed forward to Longzhou. They captured Zhennanguan on November 21, securing valuable stocks of fuel and arms in the process. However, these stretched deployments and insufficient troop numbers left the Japanese without adequate reserves when encirclement loomed at Kunlun Pass. Ultimately, they were forced to abandon their offensive plans in Guangdong, pulling back to consolidate defenses around Nanning. Meanwhile, from their base in Chongqing, Chinese commanders had meticulously planned the recapture, turning the tide through careful strategy and sheer determination. Shocked, Japanese dispatched Vice Chief of Staff Sawada Shigeru to Guangzhou. On December 29, 21st Army sent staff to Nanning. Failed to change 21st Brigade's defeat. Imamura planned personal charge for revenge on January 1, but Ando ordered holding Nanning for reinforcements: "The 21st Army is transferring powerful force to annihilate enemy. 5th Division secure Nanning and key locations."   After capturing Kunlun Pass and annihilating two regiments of 21st Brigade, 5th Army thought to recapture Nanning. Remaining 21st Brigade and Taiwan regiments between Jiutang and Batang. At noon January 1, 1940, Oikawa's thousands arrived at Batang; Imamura ordered Oikawa replace killed Sakata. First battle on Hill 441. 1st Division held north side; Japanese south. On January 1, Japanese bombed and attacked; 1st Division reduced to hundred but held. At dawn 2nd, counterattack all day, no progress. On 3rd, Du mobilized 200th and part New 22nd; brutal fighting, heavy casualties. At nightfall, Japanese retreated to Jiutang. On 4th, Japanese abandoned Jiutang to Batang. New 22nd moved into Jiutang. 5th Army attacked Batang; by 12th, no progress. Exhausted with heavy casualties, 5th Army ordered to Silong for rest. Mission transferred to 36th Army. 5th Army withdrew.   On January 7, Chiang flew to Guilin, visiting Qianjiang on 10th to discuss plans with Bai, Chen, Zhang, Xu, Lin. Bai proposed offensive with new armies to recapture Nanning. Chiang approved. On 11th, as Bai issued orders, Chiang overturned, changing to defensive. Japanese gained time for counter-offensive.   To salvage defeat, Japanese transferred 18th Division and Konoye Brigade from Guangdong. Combined with existing, formed 22nd Corps under Seiichi Kuno, under South China Front Army commanded by Reikichi Ando, preparing counteroffensive.   On January 25, a brigade from the Japanese 18th Division and elements of the 15th Division attacked frontally along Yongbin Road, while Konoye Brigade flanked toward Guizhou via Yongyong Road, in Binyang Campaign. Konoye crossed at Tingziwei, then Yongchun County, via Gantang, Luwei, Gula, Wuling to Binyang, cutting rear. Bai Chongxi rushed 175th Division of 46th Army north to tail Konoye. After reinforcements, 21st Army launched offensive to drive and encircle south of Binyang; accumulated supplies in Nanning. On January 22, 18th and Konoye reached attack points. 38th Army Group HQ in Binyang bombed, communications cut, independent combat.   On January 28, Japanese launched offensive (Binyang Operation). On February 3, 41st Infantry of 5th Division occupied Kunlun Pass. On February 4, Ando reached captured Binyang. Nationalists lost Kunlun Pass, lines collapsed, many encircled. Battle ended with withdrawal; February 13, Japanese withdrew to Nanning, lines stalemated.   In the wake of the Binyang clashes, the 18th Division was indeed shifted to Guangzhou. Japanese records from January 28 to February 13 painted a picture of their spoils: they claimed to have captured 19 tanks, 5 light armored vehicles, 30 automobiles, 20 field or mountain guns, 13 rapid-fire guns, and 41 mortars. Additionally, they reported counting 27,041 Chinese bodies on the battlefield and taking 1,167 prisoners. The Chinese forces, for their part, regrouped with their main strength positioned east of the Yongqin Highway, while some elements maneuvered west to harass Japanese rear lines and coordinate actions from the north bank.   On February 21, 1940, Chiang arrived in Liuzhou, residing at Yangjiao Mountain. From February 22, he convened over 100 generals for a four-day Liuzhou Military Conference to review Guinan operations. Chiang demoted Bai Chongxi for poor supervision and Chen Cheng for poor guidance from first- to second-class generals. He also punished and rewarded other senior officers. The 46th Army and 175th Division were commended for discipline. On February 26, Fourth War Zone Commander Zhang Fakui announced: "No need for counterattack on Nanning currently." The entire Guinan Campaign ended.   The defeat embarrassed Chongqing; not only disrupted Guangxi-Vietnam traffic, but massive effort ended in rout. Pre-battle, Guilin Headquarters misjudged Japanese intentions; during, both Guangxi and Huangpu clique leaders showed poor performance, infuriating Chiang. Post-battle punishments were unprecedented in the war.   I would like to take this time to remind you all that this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Please go subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry after that, give my personal channel a look over at The Pacific War Channel at Youtube, it would mean a lot to me. In November 1939, Japanese forces, including the 5th Division and Taiwan Brigade, landed at Qinzhou Bay, captured Nanning, and advanced to Kunlun Pass. Chinese troops, under Bai Chongxi and reinforced by the elite 5th Army, launched fierce counteroffensives, recapturing Kunlun Pass in December with heavy casualties. 

On Friday's Football Daily, Phil Egan brings you news from the League of Ireland, the Europa League, the international game, Preview of the Dublin derby as Shamrock Rovers host Bohemians at Tallaght Stadium in a top-of-the-table clash.Form guide: Rovers unbeaten since February meeting, Bohs looking to bounce back after mixed results.Stephen Bradley and Alan Reynolds share thoughts ahead of the rivalry.Live commentary details, including build-up and kick-off times for Friday night's featured match.Derry City travel to face Shelbourne as both sides aim to halt dips in form.Insights from the weekly LOI Pod on Shelbourne's chances of recovery.Dundalk boosted by Daryl Horgan's return and contract extension ahead of Galway United clash.Drogheda United host St Patrick's Athletic with both teams seeking momentum.Full round-up of First Division fixtures, including Wexford, Cork City, UCD and more.Build-up to the Republic of Ireland's crucial World Cup qualifier with Poland at the Aviva Stadium.European update as Andrew Omobamidele helps Strasbourg reach a historic semi-final.Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa advance in Europe, plus other continental results.Premier League talking points, including managerial speculation and Brentford's European push.Become a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

This week Jim White, Colin Shindler and Jon Holmes wonder if the gap will ever narrow between the Championship and the Premier League.  In 1964 Leeds United were promoted from the Second Division and in their first season in Division 1 they lost the League Championship to Manchester United only on goal average (as it then was).  In the 1976-77 season Nottingham Forest finished third in the Second Division – well behind Chelsea and champions Wolverhampton Wanderers.  The next season they won the First Division, the year after that they won the European Cup and then retained it the following year.  Clearly that is never going to happen these days. More relevant is that last season all three clubs who had been promoted the previous year went straight back down again. This year at least one will go down and possibly two of the relegated sides in 2025 will come back up again.  Will any club in the future be able to replicate what Forest did? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Meath FC Chairman Mark Jacob joins the pod to lift the lid on the club's ambitious plans to enter the League of Ireland, while we also bring you some fascinating audio from Tiernan Lynch and Ciaran Kilduff.Kieran & Gaz break down James McClean's red card and debate whether he should be in the Derry squad right now. There's also chat on Shamrock Rovers ominously hitting top spot, a massive Dublin Derby on the horizon, and a huge relegation six-pointer between Sligo Rovers and Waterford FC.Plus, the BTS Hotline is back with plenty of First Division reaction, including frustrated Bray Wanderers and Kerry FC supporters.Sponsored by QuinnAv.ie & BAR 1 Betting (18+, gamblingcare.ie)

On Friday's Football Daily, Phil Egan brings you news from the League of Ireland with focus on tonight's Dublin derby between St. Patrick's Athletic and Shamrock Rovers.FAI urges clubs to plan around nationwide fuel protest disruption and severe weather warnings.Teams consider earlier departures and carpooling as travel chaos threatens fixtures.Team news from Richmond Park, with injury doubts and returns shaping Pat's vs Rovers.Pressure mounts on Derry City boss Tiernan Lynch ahead of clash with in-form Dundalk.Table implications as Waterford chase first win and Galway host Shelbourne.Bohemians look to maintain unbeaten run against Sligo Rovers.First Division roundup including Cork City's Munster derby and long trip for Cobh Ramblers.Europa League reaction: Aston Villa take control, Forest draw, and Freiburg impress.Conference League recap with Crystal Palace cruising and mixed Irish fortunes in Europe.Liverpool prepare for Andy Robertson departure as Arne Slot pays tribute.Premier League relegation battle intensifies with West Ham vs Wolves and Spurs at risk.Become a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

On this week's Podcast, St Blazey boss, Dan Hart, explains why building momentum at the end of this season is crucial for realising his ambitions for the Green and Blacks next season and why he's preparing for the longest pre-season of his career in football so far and Hengrove Athletic manager, Pete Sheppard, reflects on a difficult season for The Grove and why he still believes the team can pick up the points to get them of the foot of the First Division table.

On Tuesday's Football Daily, Phil Egan brings you news from the League of Ireland, the Premier League and the Champions League.Dundalk defeated St. Patrick's Athletic 2-0 at Oriel Park, with first-half goals from Tyreke Wilson and Shane Tracey moving them into fourth place.Daryl Horgan received a late red card, while Ciaran Kilduff praised Dundalk's execution and Stephen Kenny described the result as disappointing.Shamrock Rovers returned to winning ways with a 3-2 victory over Shelbourne, with Graham Burke scoring his 100th competitive goal for the club.Galway United came from two goals down to beat Drogheda United 3-2 and climb into fifth position.Bohemians remained unbeaten after a 1-1 draw with Waterford, while Derry City were held 0-0 by Sligo Rovers.In the First Division, Cork City extended their unbeaten run with a 4-2 win over Kerry FC, and Cobh Ramblers beat Treaty United 4-0.Arsenal prepare to face Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League quarter-finals, with Mikel Arteta highlighting Viktor Gyokeres' connection to his former club.Bayern Munich were boosted by Harry Kane's return to training ahead of their clash with Real Madrid.Real Madrid could welcome back Federico Valverde and Vinicius Junior, with Jude Bellingham also in contention.Lincoln City secured promotion to the Championship after a 2-1 win over Reading, with Jack Moylan scoring a 96th-minute winner.Coventry City edged closer to Premier League promotion, and Harry Maguire signed a new contract at Manchester United until 2027.Aaron Ramsey announced his retirement from professional football after a career that included spells at Arsenal, Juventus and Cardiff City.Become a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

Pistons first division crown in 18 yearsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

TOPICS Episode 314*Benfica, FC Porto, Sporting CP, SC Braga, Vitoria SC & Other Liga Stuff of Interest.*Previewing Portugal versus USA & Mexico.*Breaking down FC Porto's success. *Can Belenenses return to First Division? Santa Clara  is Improving.

Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. This week, co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper are joined by an extraudinary guest - Clyde Best. An absolute pioneer to the game, born in Bermuda, Clyde would become one of the first black players in First Division football in England. His new film, ‘Transforming the Beautiful Game: The Clyde Best Story' will be shown for a week at Sadler's Wells East from 25th March.In this episode, Clyde recounts arriving in England as a teenager, getting lost at West Ham station and being taken in by the Charles family. He reflects on his rise at West Ham, getting his debut against Arsenal under Ron Greenwood in 1969 and playing alongside the likes of Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters. Clyde talks of the his Bermuda upbringing, national team breakthrough and the influence that his father had on him. Best reflects on being one of the first prominent black players in English football, enduring racist abuse and an acid-attack threat and playing against Pelé. He also discusses NASL moves to Tampa Bay and Portland Timbers and the inspiration he provided players such as Ian Wright. 01:29 Lost at Heathrow03:23 The Charles Family06:59 Bermuda Beginnings10:20 West Ham Dream13:20 Ron Greenwood Impact15:22 Fast Track Debut18:35 Breaking Barriers24:06 Facing Racism31:03 Scoring Against Pelé35:20 Leaving West Ham for the NASL37:17 American Soccer Showmanship43:01 Legacy as a Pioneer46:57 Honorary Doctorate 49:44 His love for West Ham Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kieran & Gary can barely contain their excitment as the countdown to Prague gets very real. Aside from discussing what the next week could bring, the lads also chat about Heimir Hallgrímsson's new contract and his squad selection. The developing Joanna Byrne/Trivela situation at Drogheda United heads this week's League of Ireland discussion, followed by chats on the league's most under-fire managers, Jon Daly and Tiernan Lynch. The First Division gets some extra love given the international break, while there's all the usual stuff too, included a wedged BTS Hotline. Safe travels to all making the pilgrimage to Prague, take this wek's pod with you. Sponsored by QuinnAV.ie & BAR 1 Betting (18+, gamblingcare.ie)

Kieran & Gary, AKA the "Longford muck savages," are back with another episode of the grumpiest League of Ireland pod on the go. Find out why modern football is crap, why Tiernan Lynch is in major trouble as Derry City manager, how Pat's are turning a corner, and why the First Division is so damn competitive this year. Brought to you by QuinnAv.ie & BAR 1 Betting. 

On Friday's Football Daily, Phil Egan brings you news from the League of Ireland, the women's international game, and the Premier League.League of Ireland preview – A full look ahead to Friday night's fixtures across the Premier and First Divisions.Live game focus – Build-up to Shamrock Rovers vs Derry City at Tallaght Stadium, including team news and key talking points.Managers' thoughts – Hear from Stephen Bradley and Tiernan Lynch ahead of the Hoops' clash with the Candystripes.Michael Duffy spotlight – The Derry City star earns praise after his recent hat-trick and Player of the Month nomination.Dublin derby preview – Shelbourne host St Patrick's Athletic at Tolka Park with both sides coming off positive results.League leaders on the road – Bohemians aim to maintain their unbeaten start away to Waterford.Galway vs Dundalk – The Tribesmen seek momentum while Dundalk look to bounce back after a heavy defeat.First Division action – A Cork derby at Cobh Ramblers vs Cork City plus Treaty United, Kerry, Wexford and Finn Harps all in action.Transfer news – Republic of Ireland U21 international Cathal O'Sullivan signs for Preston North End.Ireland injury blow – Denise O'Sullivan ruled out of the Republic of Ireland's World Cup qualifier against the Netherlands.Premier League trouble for Spurs – Tottenham's relegation fears deepen after a 3-1 loss to Crystal Palace.Messi meets Trump – Lionel Messi and Inter Miami visit the White House after their MLS Cup triumph.Become a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

Rugby Club Luxembourg hosts Oxbridge this weekend in Stade Josy Barthel. This weekend on The Lisa Burke Show, rugby takes centre stage as Rugby Club Luxembourg (RCL) prepares to welcome a combined Oxford-Cambridge “Oxbridge” team to Stade Josy Barthel for what is believed to be their first ever visit to the Grand Duchy. Seniors player and schools rugby coordinator Matthew Dennis Soto explains that the fixture offers a perfect mid‑season test for RCL, while also reconnecting him with university teammates from his PGCE days at Oxford, in a match he jokes might even mark a “secret retirement” at 80 minutes. The game also plugs Luxembourg directly into one of the sport's oldest traditions: the varsity rugby culture that has produced generations of international players since the first iconic Oxbridge match in 1872. On the show, Matthew tells us how the Oxford and Cambridge system has historically functioned as an informal England trial, with selectors once taking 15 to 20 players from a single varsity match into national squads. Today, professional academies have taken over much of that role, but the commitment remains close to professional standards: double daily training sessions, gym and pitch work, video analysis and eight hours of study woven through the day. That intensity, he argues, leaves graduates ready for both professional rugby and demanding careers beyond sport, thanks to a culture where “buy‑in” is non‑negotiable and no one can simply skip training because they are tired. RCL's aim is to build that ethos, with more Luxembourgish now spoken at training than English or French, and a growing number of locally raised players feeding into the national team. Rugby Club Luxembourg: 500 members, 54 nationalities, one “tribe” Vice President Tony Whiteman sketches the remarkable growth of RCL, founded in 1973 and now boasting around 500 active members encompassing players, referees and coaches, making it one of Luxembourg's largest sporting organisations. The club currently represents 54 nationalities and competes in Germany's First Division, a notable achievement for a country of Luxembourg's size and a testament to decades of volunteer‑driven development. Tony's own story mirrors that journey: arriving from New Zealand “for 18 months” to play rugby, finding community in the legendary Irish pub The Black Stuff, and staying to build a life, a family and a career, helped along by a network of club members who even opened professional doors in finance. And he has done the same for so many more. Belonging, discipline and life skills on and off the pitch A recurring theme of the discussion is rugby's unique capacity to create belonging across ages, body types and backgrounds. Nathan Sneyd, now a familiar voice from “Let's Talk Sport” and a long‑standing squash coach in Luxembourg, describes rugby as a “jigsaw of athletes”, where fast and slow, tall and short, heavy and light all fit together in different positions toward a shared objective. That sense of purpose and identity, symbolised by a simple shirt colour, translates into powerful benefits for mental health and social integration, especially for newcomers who might otherwise dismiss Luxembourg as “quiet” if they never join a club or community. Tony highlights rugby's thread of decency: respect for referees, listening to coaches, learning discipline from adults outside the family, as a life school that employers value, noting that his own first job in Luxembourg came precisely because a manager trusted the work ethic of sportspeople. Women's rugby and infrastructure: the next frontier Looking ahead, the guests agree that women's rugby represents one of the biggest growth opportunities, both globally and at RCL. The club has established a women's section with regular training, and women's rugby is cited as one of the fastest‑growing areas of the sport, yet limited pitch space in Luxembourg City is now a hard constraint on how far that momentum can go. As Director of Rugby Antoine Alric (who could not join the recording) works across elite competition, 350‑plus youth players and an expanding women's programme, the club is lobbying for at least half a pitch more in the short term and, eventually, a second ground to match demand. For listeners inspired to get involved, Nathan underlines how approachable Luxembourg's sporting community is: from elite racer Dylan Pereira inviting Instagram messages from aspiring drivers to RCL's own open‑door culture, often the first step is as simple as showing up or sending a message, and letting the game, and the community around it, do the rest. https://rcl.lu/

Another weekend of disruption isn't enough to stop Kieran & Gaz from rambling on about the League of Ireland for almost 90 minutes. Derry's less than convinving start, the late penalty given against Dundalk, Jon Daly's sluggish start at Waterford, and the opening weekend of the First Division are all covered in depth. As ever, there's the BTS Predictions League, BTS Hotline and BTS Charity bet. Sponsored by QuinnAv.ie and BAR 1 Betting. 18+, gamblingcare.ie

Ben Symes joins Eoin Sheahan in studio to recap the League of Ireland action that took place at the weekend. They discuss Bohemian's win over Sligo Rovers, Derry's new signings, the upcoming Louth Derby and much, much more. Football on Off The Ball with William Hill

On Friday's Football Daily, Phil Egan brings you the latest from the Ireland-Israel debacle plus the weather lays waste to games across the country in the League of Ireland.Republic of Ireland learn their fate in the UEFA Nations League B3, drawn alongside Austria, Kosovo and Israel, with fixtures now confirmed.The Boys in Green begin with a September away double-header in Kosovo and Israel, before October clashes at the Aviva Stadium.Boycott calls grow louder as former Ireland international Eoin Doyle urges action over the Israel fixtures.Bohemians COO Daniel Lambert says the Football Association of Ireland, fans and players should not be put in this position.The42's Gavin Cooney explains why UEFA ultimately hold the financial power in the debate.Stormy conditions threaten another chaotic night in the League of Ireland, with multiple pitch inspections across the country.Drogheda United host Waterford at Sullivan & Lambe Park after late drama on opening weekend.Dundalk could debut Tyreke Wilson against Derry City, as James McClean continues his return to domestic action.First Division focus as Wexford FC, UCD and Cobh Ramblers aim to get their campaigns up and running despite the weather.Cork City begin life back in the second tier with a Munster derby against Treaty United, as Seani Maguire targets promotion.Arsenal drop points in the Premier League title race after a 1-1 draw at Brentford, leaving Mikel Arteta's side four clear of Manchester City.Keith Andrews' Brentford remain in the European hunt and are boosted by Igor Thiago signing a new long-term deal.Glen Whelan prepares to lead Wigan Athletic into the FA Cup spotlight against Arsenal at the Emirates.Northern Ireland boss Michael O'Neill is set for a dual role at Blackburn Rovers, while Dean Brennan receives a nine-game ban and Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior prepares for an emotional return to Hull.Become a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

Ben Symes and former LOI manager Shane Keegan are here for LOI Late Night as we see two more postponed games in the League of Ireland Premier Division. Drogheda pick up a huge win vs Waterford, Derry nick a last minute equaliser at home to Dundalk and we have all the reaction as the LOI First Division gets underway as well!

Wexford FC manager Stephen Elliot and attacking player Mikie Rowe spoke to Odhrán Johnson ahead of the dawn of the new First Division season. The duo spoke about the influx of new players, the future plans for the club and the goals for 2026. This week our live League of Ireland commentary comes from a sold-out Tolka Park as the 2024 champions Shelbourne, welcome 2025 champions Shamrock Rovers across the Liffey.Jonathan Higgins will be joined by Richie Towell in the gantry and you will be able to hear live and exclusive commentary on Off The Ball on your radios from 7 and on the GoLoud AppBecome a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

Ahead of the advent of the First Division on Friday, Kerry FC star Sean McGrath sat down with our own Odhrán Johnson and spoke about the building on the good year of 2025, and ambitions for 2026.This week our live League of Ireland commentary comes from a sold-out Tolka Park as the 2024 champions Shelbourne, welcome 2025 champions Shamrock Rovers across the Liffey.Jonathan Higgins will be joined by Richie Towell in the gantry and you will be able to hear live and exclusive commentary on Off The Ball on your radios from 7 and on the GoLoud AppBecome a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

Athlone Town shot-stopper Brendan Clarke is no stranger to LOI launch days, with his first involvement in the league coming back in 2003.Here he sits down with Ben Symes ahead of the new First Division which begins on Friday.This week our live League of Ireland commentary comes from a sold-out Tolka Park as the 2024 champions Shelbourne, welcome 2025 champions Shamrock Rovers across the Liffey.Jonathan Higgins will be joined by Richie Towell in the gantry and you will be able to hear live and exclusive commentary on Off The Ball on your radios from 7 and on the GoLoud App.'Become a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

Cork City captain Fiacre Kelleher sat down with our own Stephen Doyle ahead of the First Division starting on Friday evening, and spoke about the relations between the players, fans and the board, keeping Seani Maguire and getting in the new manager, Barry Robson.This week our live League of Ireland commentary comes from a sold-out Tolka Park as the 2024 champions Shelbourne, welcome 2025 champions Shamrock Rovers across the Liffey.Jonathan Higgins will be joined by Richie Towell in the gantry and you will be able to hear live and exclusive commentary on Off The Ball on your radios from 7 and on the GoLoud AppBecome a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

The League of Ireland roared back into life last week, with late drama in Derry and Galway grabbing the headlines. That momentum took a hit on Sunday at the Aviva, though, raising fresh questions about hosting league games at the national stadium — something Kieran and Gaz get stuck into. Alongside our 2026 First Division preview and a chat with Treaty United goalkeeper Jack Brady, the lads also react to Roddy Collins' comments on James McClean. There's plenty more too, with a bumper BTS Hotline, the latest BTS Predictions League, and our new charity bet feature, sponsored by BAR 1 Betting (18+, Gamblingcare.ie). Another man excited for the return of the First Division is our long-term sponsor, Anthony Quinn of QuinnAv.ie. 

Cork City striker Seani Maguire sat down with Red FM's Ruairi O'Hagan ahead of the dawn of the new First Division, where he spoke about bringing Cork City back to the promised land, turning down Shamrock Rovers and the new manager Barry Robson.Become a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

On Tuesday's Football Daily, Phil Egan brings you the latest ahead of the night's Premier League fixtures and a look ahead to Friday night's opening games of the First Division in the League of Ireland.Manchester United chase a fifth straight win under Michael Carrick for the first time in nearly two yearsCarrick and Nuno Espirito Santo preview West Ham v United at the London StadiumNewcastle aim to halt a worrying winless run as they visit TottenhamThomas Frank rejects relegation talk at Spurs and addresses discipline issues for Cristian RomeroInjury worries grow at Tottenham with Dejan Kulusevski facing a lengthy spell outChelsea boss Liam Rosenior reflects on his strong start ahead of Leeds' visit to Stamford BridgeRosenior responds to online criticism and memes as Chelsea target another league winEverton eye a surprise push for Europe as Bournemouth travel to MerseysideNottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche shrugs off speculation over his futureLiverpool boss Arne Slot admits perfection may be required to reach the Champions League placesSeani Maguire explains why he turned down interest from Shamrock Rovers to stay with Cork CityIreland could face World Cup co-hosts Canada in a summer friendly, with talks ongoingBecome a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

Matt and Jason return to cover US Open Cup schedules, USL announcements, and some early insight to Rhode Island FC's preseason and first media day. Matt Carvalho from 990WBOB joins the show!

Good Bad Sport 79 Nottingham Forest part 1: 1975-76 and 1976-77 seasons Recorded on January 2nd 2026 Released January 13th 2026 A look at the first 2 full seasons of Brian Clough being in charge of Nottingham Forest and getting them into the then First Division. No Extras this week with recording ahead and this episode is long enough anyways. Follow the podcast @goodbadsport Follow the network @visglobalmedia Follow Graham @mgbgraham Music is "Hyperfun" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Good Bad Sport 075 Tottenham Hotspur 1948/49 season to 1951/52 season Recorded on December 13th/14th 2025 Released December 16th 2025 This is the 3rd part of teams that won the old English Second Division Football title and then won the First Division Championship the following year. We also look at the season leading upto the Division title and the defence of the First Division title. As well as looking at results biographies are given for key players from these teams. team name Lowell Spinners Obituaries : Don Robinson Good Sport : Capitals One Arena Ticket Office Bad Sport : Capital One prices for SNME Follow the podcast @goodbadsport Follow the network @visglobalmedia Follow Graham @mgbgraham Music is "Hyperfun" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

George Washington lights it up from deep, McNeese clamps down on defense, and the Cayman Islands Classic heads into its final showdown tonight. Who's got the edge for the title? Stay tuned.A powerhouse showing from Team Cayman on the global stage. Elite leads the charge across three leagues, Sunset stuns in a five-goal thriller, and Roma rises in First Division play. Cayman football is heating up. Stay with us.

Although considered to be a good bet for the Cup each season, West Ham United's league form had been middling at best. In fact, some pundits tipped them to fall back out of the First Division when 1985/86 kicked off. But an opening day injury meant that a relatively unknown midfield signing from St Mirren had to be pushed up front to partner the club's up-and-coming young hero and the chemistry was instant.  They wouldn't win the title - more of that next week - but they very nearly did and arguably could and would have if mother nature had been a bit kinder. Author Dominic Hougham is here to relive a famous season and reassess a much-loved team. If you want weekly exclusive bonus shows, want your episodes without ads and a couple of days earlier or just want to support the podcast, then head over to patreon.com/NessunDormaPodcast where you can subscribe for only $3.99 a month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to a complete history of Manchester United brought to you by Paddy Barclay and Wayne Barton. This episode looks at the 1955/56 season. This was the season where the Busby Babes came of age, taking the First Division by storm as the likes of Duncan Edwards et al won their first championship.All the player statistics, the key games, the big stories and the tactics are covered by Paddy and Wayne. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My guest is Chris Lepkowski, whose new book, The Slum Sport, tells the story of the difficult post-Heysel, post-Bradford fire season, when English football was at its lowest ebb and hooliganism was rife. Chris argues that the 1985/86 season was, in many ways, a turning point that led ultimately to the creation of the Premier League in 1992. Visit Outside Write on Substack for more groundhopping and football history. Follow Outside Write on social media, on Bluesky, Instagram, and X Check out Chris Lee's three books: ·      Origin Stories: The Pioneers Who Took Football to the World ·      The Defiant: A History of Football Against Fascism ·      Shades of Green: A Journey into Irish Football

It's another packed episode as Kieran and Gary open with a scathing assessment of Ireland's lacklustre showing against Armenia. Did Bohemians act too soon handing Alan Reynolds and his staff new two-year deals before securing European football? And does anyone actually want those final European spots? The relegation scrap is heating up with Galway, Sligo, and Waterford all level on points, while the First Division play-offs are overshadowed by Mick McDermott's bizarre exit from Cobh. All that and plenty more in this week's episode — proudly brought to you by our sponsor, QuinnAv.ie.

Vinny Perth joins Ger Gilroy and Colm Boohig to review all the weekend's football action which saw Cork City shock St Patrick's Athletic to book their place in the final at the Aviva for the first time in 7 years, while Shamrock Rovers advanced their chances at the double by comfortably beating First Division side Kerry FC. The weekend also saw Arsenal take a lead of the Premier League going into this week's international break as Liverpool lost to Chelsea 2-1 on Saturday Evening. Off The Ball Breakfast w/ UPMC Ireland | #GetBackInActionCatch The Off The Ball Breakfast show LIVE weekday mornings from 7:30am or just search for Off The Ball Breakfast and get the podcast on the Off The Ball app.SUBSCRIBE at OffTheBall.com/joinOff The Ball Breakfast is live weekday mornings from 7:30am across Off The Ball

 As the 2025 League of Ireland season enters the final stretch, Kieran & Gary break down Friday's thrilling Dublin derby, John Coleman's sacking, more unrest at Turners Cross, and the battle to beat the drop.  In the First Division, Dundalk look to have one hand on the trophy – but how will they handle life back in the top flight, and will they be the only side going up?  After finding their shooting boots in last week's predictions league, the lads go again with picks for this weekend's domestic and European action.  There's also a packed BTS Hotline, plenty of Twitter reaction, and a look ahead to Ireland's upcoming international window.  Sponsored by QuinnAv.ie 

Jon Nelson takes you through some of the best interviews from SDH AM this past week. Watch the show live Monday-Friday starting at 9:05 on the Soccer Down Here YouTube or Twitch channels. This week, hear from New England Revolution commentator Brad Feldman, MLS Season Pass on Apple TV play-by-play voice Mark Followill, and Mjällby AIF manager Anders Torstensson tells us about one of the biggest Cinderella stories in the world right now as his club is leading the Swedish top flight and could be factoring into next year's Champions League. Enjoy!

We've got some making up to do after last week's phantom episode — and we're back with a bang. This week features fascinating audio with Joey O'Brien and Kevin Doherty. The Shels boss admits this season has fallen short of expectations as defending champions, while Doherty hits back at criticism over his side's style of play. Elsewhere, the lads break down a hectic few days across both divisions, from Sligo's revival to Galway's decline and Waterford's defensive woes. In the First Division, Dundalk face some harsh words after their shock defeat to Longford. Sponsored by QuinnAv.ie

Tonight on The Football Show we look into the wonderful story of Kerry FC, with Sporting Director Billy Dennehy and Media Officer Ivan Hurley, as they reach the semi-finals of the FAI Cup, after only joining the First Division in 2023. The Football Show on Off The Ball is brought to you by William Hill. 18+. Please Gamble Responsibly.

It's our 2006 season special, with then-manager Pat Scully making a guest appearance in the Four Provinces in front of a live audience. Pat remembers assembling a young team from scratch to take Rovers up from the First Division at the first attempt, training at Stanaway Park up the road in Crumlin, the importance of the opening day win over Dundalk, his speech in Cobh after winning the title, Cup final suits and the Arsenal influence, getting a Bohs and Sunderland B team manager sacked, the Waterford bus story and more, Rovers fans in his taxi over the years and more.

On Monday's Football Daily, Phil Egan brings you all the latest from yesterday's First Division action plus the latest transfer news from around Europe.Is Sesko Newcastle bound after an improved offer?Manchester United have spent big already but are they going to push the boat once more?Luka Modric gets ready to tackle another new season, this time in Serie A.Rangers look to bounce back in Europe after a sticky domestic start.And are Hearts going to be Scotland's new challengers?Become a member and subscribe at offtheball.com/join

ITB hosts Adam Caplan and Geoff Mosher bring back Greg Cosell to continue a four-part series going inside each NFC East team. #philadelphiaeagles #eagles #flyeaglesfly #jalenhurts #jalencarter #saquonbarkley #ajbrown #nolansmith #vicfangio #nicksirianni In this episode, they give tape breakdown of all Eagles newcomers, draft picks and scheme changes or adjustments.Timestamps0:00 – 0:53 Intro0:54 – 6:51 Backup QB6:51 – 10:15 Backup RBs10:15 – 12:25 Offensive Line12:25 – 16:46 Evolving Offense16:46 – 20:36 Wideout #320:36 – 32:32 Defensive Line32:32 – 42:39 SecondarySUBSCRIBE TO OUR PATREON CHANNEL FOR EXCLUSIVE, BONUS CONTENT: https://www.patreon.com/insidethebirds ► Sign up for our newsletter! • Visit http://eepurl.com/hZU4_n► Sky Motor Cars • Visit https://www.skymotorcars.com and tell them Adam and Geoff sent you!► Stretch Zone • Visit https://www.stretchzone.com and sign up for your free 30-minute stretch and start feeling better!!Follow the Hosts!► Follow our Podcast on Twitter: https://twitter.com/InsideBirds► Follow Geoff Mosher on Twitter: https://twitter.com/geoffpmosher► Follow Adam Caplan on Twitter: https://twitter.com/caplannfl► Follow Andrew DiCecco on Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewdiceccoHow to access our FULL Podcast:APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/...SPREAKER: https://www.spreaker.com/user/...NFL insider veterans take an in-depth look that no other show can offer! Be sure to subscribe to stay up to date with the latest news, rumors, and discussions.For more, be sure to check out our official website: https://www.insidethebirds.com.

With phrases like "lost patience" and "strike list" populating the rumor mills, Gio Reyna's exit from Dortmund might be fast-approaching. What's gone wrong for the (still) youngster at Dortmund, and where should he head from here?There are also updates for Yunus Musah and Chris Richards, and then The Athletic's Paul Tenorio joins the show to discuss the USL's First Division ambitions. What might their new league look like, will promotion and relegation be involved, and how will MLS respond?WE HAVE A YOUTUBE CHANNEL!We're posting all our episodes here! Smash the like and subscribe etc.!JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON!Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more.Become a member today at patreon.com/totalsoccershow! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With phrases like "lost patience" and "strike list" populating the rumor mills, Gio Reyna's exit from Dortmund might be fast-approaching. What's gone wrong for the (still) youngster at Dortmund, and where should he head from here? There are also updates for Yunus Musah and Chris Richards, and then The Athletic's Paul Tenorio joins the show to discuss the USL's First Division ambitions. What might their new league look like, will promotion and relegation be involved, and how will MLS respond? WE HAVE A YOUTUBE CHANNEL! We're posting all our episodes here! Smash the like and subscribe etc.! JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON! Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more. Become a member today at patreon.com/totalsoccershow! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices