Soccer 101

This week, we've got a doozy of a tale for you: it involves a racehorse, a cantankerous Knight of the Realm, and a couple of billionaires with a point to prove. Did a legal snafu lead to the Glazer takeover at Manchester United? How did that takeover happen in the first place? Does Sir Alex Ferguson deserve any blame for the purchase that has led to the downfall of The Red Devils. 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.

Transcribed - Published: 16 May 2025

Short answer: kinda, but not really. Longer answer:... you'll have to listen to the episode, but we discuss some of the most famous father-son duos in soccer history, as well as why there aren't as many father-daughter or mother-daughter duos (yet). 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.

Transcribed - Published: 9 May 2025

This week, we revisit a topic that we've only touched on briefly in the past: soccer pitches. We get into dimensions and the like, but (inspired by this article from The Athletic), we spend much more time discussing the history of soccer pitches and how their construction and maintenance has evolved over time. From livestock grazing to keep grass length down to moisture meters telling robots when it's time for a watering, we've come a long way! 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!

Transcribed - Published: 2 May 2025

We're continuing our series profiling the domestic leagues of countries that have qualified for the 2026 World Cup, and this week we're heading to the land of marmite and rugby... to talk about soccer. It's New Zealand! What is the league structure? Which New Zealand clubs play outside the country? What does the future of the New Zealand National League hold? Those questions and many more answered on this week's show! 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!

Transcribed - Published: 25 April 2025

With the news this week that MLS will not be making a move to the European calendar after the 2026 World Cup, Graham and Taylor take a look at the situation, past, present and future. Why did the league adopt its current calendar in the first place? What would be the benefits of moving to a European calendar, and what are the potential drawbacks? How much snow is too much snow? All that and more! 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!

Transcribed - Published: 18 April 2025

We're continuing our series profiling the domestic leagues of countries that have qualified for the 2026 World Cup, and this week it's one that we knew... basically nothing about prior to researching: The Persian Gulf Pro League, the top domestic league in Iran. Why was the league originally formed in the early 2000s, what are its biggest clubs, what issues have kept the league from developing further, and how has the national team benefitted from its existence? All that, plus our attempt to understand historical geographic naming conventions. What more do you need?! 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!

Transcribed - Published: 11 April 2025

This week, we're taking a look at the scourge of the modern game: fixture congestion. Is it indeed a problem exclusive to the modern era? What can teams do to ease the workload? What can happen when a player is ‘red lining’? And the most important question: are we reaching breaking point? 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!

Transcribed - Published: 4 April 2025

With Japan officially qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, we wanted to take at domestic football in the country. In so doing, we attempt to answer questions like what is the J.League, how good is the league as a whole, how has it evolved over time, what role has it played in helping to strengthen the national team, and much much more! 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!

Transcribed - Published: 28 March 2025

This week, we're taking a look at everyone's favorite (or fourth favorite) confederation: Concacaf. How many countries does it oversee? What exactly does it oversee? Why is Jack Warner's time as head of the confederation so notorious? And what does the future hold in terms of expansion and mergers? 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!

Transcribed - Published: 24 March 2025

This week, we're taking at the a league that boasts some high-profile clubs, a lot of youth talent, and some storied teams... and yet still isn't perceived as being particularly strong: Ligue 1. Why isn't the best league in France better than it is? What has been the league's standing historically? What contributes to the lack of growth and international success? Has PSG under Qatari ownership been detrimental to Ligue 1 as a whole? All that and much more! 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!

Transcribed - Published: 14 March 2025

What do you do when your coach speaks one language, your center back another, and your striker a third? How do clubs handle language barriers between players and staff? Do teams just designate a couple languages that everyone needs to know? Does everyone just have to learn the GM's language? Are there a bunch of translators on the coaching staff? How do teams make this work?" 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!

Transcribed - Published: 7 March 2025

Graham and Taylor are together again to discuss the best and worst rebrands in club soccer. Why would a club want to rebrand, what are the benefits and drawbacks, who did it right, and who... did the opposite of that. 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!

Transcribed - Published: 28 February 2025

It's an episode that guests your hosts confused multiple times... terminology! What exactly is a Sporting Director and is it the same thing as a Director of Football? What is a General Manager? Is that the same thing as a Sporting Director? What do Technical Directors technically direct? Those questions, and more, hopefully answered. Hopefully. 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!

Transcribed - Published: 21 February 2025

No flavor aid required for this episode... we're talking cult players! What is a cult hero, how does a player become one, and who are some of our personal favorites. 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!

Transcribed - Published: 14 February 2025

Graham "The Big ONE" Ruthven and Taylor are together again to break down The Big Six in the Premier League: which clubs are included, how has the grouping evolved over time, and is it still a thing in 2025? 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!

Transcribed - Published: 7 February 2025

What's the latest with Neymar, why has he been such a controversial figure in his career, and how will he be remembered by future generations? Plus, did he reach his full potential for club and country, and what comes next? 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!

Transcribed - Published: 31 January 2025

Inspired by Bournemouth's long-distance journey all the way to Newcastle, we take a look at the preferred methods of transport for Premier League clubs. What are their buses like, how often do they fly (spoiler: probably too often), how important is travel in preparation, and much more! 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!

Transcribed - Published: 24 January 2025

This week, it's the topic that has the person in charge of the second set of books nervous... Profit and Sustainability Rules! What are they, why is it so easy to say "PSR Rules," how do they work, and do they actually work? 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!

Transcribed - Published: 17 January 2025

On this week's episode, Taylor (with no ticketing buying experience) asks Graham (some ticket buying experience) a litany of questions about the best ways to acquire Premier League tickets. Why is the process so tricky? What are the different ticketing avenues? Can strangers on the internet be trusted? Those and many, many more questions answered today! 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!

Transcribed - Published: 10 January 2025

Why did the soccer balls of our youth look like someone shaved The Grinch? Oh, but regarding this week's show, we're talking futsal! What is it, how did it first get started, how is it different from soccer, who are the dominant national teams, and much much more! 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!

Transcribed - Published: 20 December 2024

Graham and Taylor aren't on a break... but are instead discussing breaks. What is a winter break in soccer? Which leagues currently take winter breaks? What do teams actually do during the winter break? What are the benefits and drawbacks of a winter break? 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!

Transcribed - Published: 13 December 2024

This week... it's Scran Talk! What do we know about the history of people eating at soccer matches? How important is food to the matchday experience at a soccer match? What do they eat at soccer matches around the world? What are our personal favourite things to eat at a soccer match? All that and more foodie chat on this week's episode, which was a genuine joy to record! 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!

Transcribed - Published: 5 December 2024

What is the history of goalkeepers in soccer? What are goalkeepers traditionally expected to do? How has the goalkeeping position changed in modern soccer? How might it continue to evolve? And who are some of the greats of the past vs greats of the present? 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!

Transcribed - Published: 29 November 2024

On this week's episode, Graham and Taylor spend some time discussing the granddaddy of TV analysis: Match of the Day. What is it, how long has it been around, what makes it unique, is it still relevant in the modern media landscape, and much much more! 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!

Transcribed - Published: 22 November 2024

Graham and Taylor are here to discuss their favorite fairytales (Graham is a big Frozen guy), but then they also discuss the concept of a fairytale in soccer. What exactly is it? What qualifies and what doesn't? What are some of the most notable moments in soccer history? And, maybe most importantly, are fairytales becoming rarer in the modern game? 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!

Transcribed - Published: 15 November 2024

Graham and Taylor are avoiding ranch and fizzy drinks to stay in ideal shape to discuss the diets of professional footballers. Why is diet and nutrition so important for soccer players? What will they eat on a match day? How has nutrition changed in soccer over the decades? Those questions and at least a few more answered on this week's episode!

Transcribed - Published: 8 November 2024

With the recent news that Mario Balotelli will be returning to Italy after signing for Genoa, we take a look back at his career so far, and ponder what it is that makes Balotelli such a captivating figure. What is it about Balotelli that is so fascinating? How good was he earlier in his career? Where did it go (most) wring in his career? Where has the forward been these past few years? All that and much more about a man who is at once hilarious, talented, and tragic.

Transcribed - Published: 1 November 2024

This week, we try (and instantly fail) to give an objective look at Gianni Infantino, our current FIFA President. Where did he come from? How much power does he actually have? Has he been a good President or has he been a FIFA President? All that and more!

Transcribed - Published: 25 October 2024

Graham and Taylor answer questions like "what is a dual national in soccer" and "what are the requirements for switching" and "who are some of the most notable players to have switched national teams." Plus, Graham finally admits that Mel Gibson is only slightly less Scottish than Mr. Ruthven.

Transcribed - Published: 11 October 2024

Graham and Taylor take a look at some of the biggest and/or most successful clubs that today find themselves in less glorious environs. How did they get there? What are the different factors that can lead to a club's downfall? Are any clubs today at risk of making similar mistakes? All that and much more!

Transcribed - Published: 4 October 2024

On this week's episode, it's time for pain. What happens when you tear your ACL, and how has treatment evolvedP over time? Which players recovered well, which players didn't, and why has it become such a widespread issue in women's soccer in particular?

Transcribed - Published: 27 September 2024

It's an episode we somehow haven't done before... Number 10s! It's the most fabled number in soccer, but what does it actually signify and how did it come to do so? How has the role evolved over time, who are some of the greatest number 10s in history, and does the role still exist in the modern soccer landscape? Spoiler alert - if you watch MLS, you already know the answer to that one.

Transcribed - Published: 26 September 2024

Spoiler alert: I loved recording this episode! With Mauricio Pochettino now anointed as the Savior of the USMNT, Graham and Taylor take a look back at the history of the team's managers, and answer obvious questions like why were there so many Scots involved in the early stages, who are the managers of the more modern era, who is the best coach in the team's history, how will Gregg Berhalter be remembered, and much much more!

Transcribed - Published: 12 September 2024

Graham and Taylor tackle the sexiest of all topics: The UEFA Nations League! What is it, why does it exist, how does its format work, and is it really that confusing? The abbreviated answer to that last one is "no, but kind of yes." There's also a little Concacaf Nations League chat in there as well.

Transcribed - Published: 6 September 2024

With the fixture between Manchester United and Liverpool looming, Graham and Taylor break down the history of England's biggest (and most successful?) rivalry. Is there a rivalry between the two cities, not just the two clubs? How did the rivalry develop over the decades? Do Liverpool and Man Utd have more in common than they like to admit? All that and more!

Transcribed - Published: 30 August 2024

On this week's episode, in honor of Real Madrid's absurd starting lineup this past weekend, we take a deeper look at the term that defines the club: Galacticos. What is the origin of the term? What does it mean? How many different versions have there been? Does the present incarnation of Real Madrid qualify? All that and much much more!

Transcribed - Published: 23 August 2024

Graham explains the ins-and-outs of becoming a fantasy champion, while simultaneously being uncomfortable about how much time he spends on fantasy! But we also answer questions like how does scoring work, what are the different formats, how has it impacted modern soccer coverage, and much much more!

Transcribed - Published: 16 August 2024

Graham and Taylor (mostly Graham) go deep on the Scottish top flight! How long has it been around? Why does it have so many different names? How many of those names are still technically correct to use? Who are its best players and greatest clubs? And what needs to happen for it to return to prominence? All that and much much more!

Transcribed - Published: 2 August 2024

We're back! After a summer of watching entirely too much soccer, we... are ready to watch some more soccer. With the Olympic campaign now underway, Graham and Taylor discuss new USWNT coach Emma Hayes, including her coaching history, her greatest achievements, and her preferred approach to tactics and game management. Plus, who will benefit the most with her in charge, and what the team will look like in France!

Transcribed - Published: 25 July 2024

With the kickoff of Euro 2024 less than 24 hours away, Graham takes time away from his pre-tournament packing to discuss the European Championships as a whole. What is the competition's history? How has the format changed over time? Which teams, players and managers have had the greatest success all-time? How does the tournament compare to other major competitions? All that and more on this week's episode!

Transcribed - Published: 14 June 2024

Special thanks to Michael Nunzi from the TSS Discord for requesting today’s topic! How important are a good crest and solid color scheme (metaphorically solid) in soccer? What makes for a good crest? What are some of the best and worst examples? What makes for an iconic kit color scheme combo, and who did it best… and who… did not.

Transcribed - Published: 7 June 2024

With the Champions League Final set to take place at Wembley this weekend, Graham and Taylor dive deep into the history and lore of the host stadium. How did it come to have the prominence it enjoys, what are some of the most memorable matches in Wembley history, what are its best and worst features, and how does it compare to some other new-ish stadiums?

Transcribed - Published: 31 May 2024

With the Championship playoff final looming, Graham and Taylor discuss the history of the competition and how the format first came to be. Then it's on to the money on offer, how clubs tend to utilize their winnings, the most notable matches in playoff history, and how this weekend's final is likely to play out.

Transcribed - Published: 23 May 2024

With the end of the season upon us and trophies soon to be hoisted aloft on pitches across the planet, Graham and Taylor take a look at the history of silverware in football. When were trophies first handed out, and why? What are the different types and what makes a good one? What are some of the best (and worst) examples in soccer history? All that and much more!

Transcribed - Published: 17 May 2024

On this episode. Graham and Taylor take a longer look at the Champions' League's less-heralded sibling, the Europa League. What is the history of the tournament? How is it different from its big sibling? What changes are in store for the competition's format starting next season? And why don't we spend much time discussing it over on The Total Soccer Show? Plus, is the official anthem a banger, or just a banger to Graham?

Transcribed - Published: 9 May 2024

Graham and Taylor continue to talk video games on this week's episode! This time, it's Football Manager! What is it? Why is it so popular? How into the weeds can you wade? What has been its real-world impact? We're getting into it!

Transcribed - Published: 6 May 2024

Graham and Taylor are here to discuss a topic 21 years in the making: the FIFA video game series. How long has it been around? How have the games evolved over time? What are the different options to play and why you don't just have to fear mean teens on the Internet! Plus, the role the games have played in developing the game here in the US, and the future of the series with FIFA (the governing body) going their own way.

Transcribed - Published: 12 April 2024

Graham and Taylor head to South America to discuss one of the longest-running, most prestigious club competitions in world soccer: the Copa Libertadores. What is it, how does it work, who can play in it, and how do they qualify? Plus, which clubs have been the most successful historically, and how have Brazilian clubs come to dominate it more recently?

Transcribed - Published: 4 April 2024

It's a Ripped-from-the-headlines-of-the-life-of-Graham Special! What are match programmes and why are they still around? Do they exist in other sports and in other countries around the globe? How long have they been a thing? What are some of Graham's favorites, and will anything ever top the one with John McGinn on the cover? Answer: no.

Transcribed - Published: 30 March 2024

On this week's episode, Graham and Taylor don their respective armbands to discuss captains in soccer. What do they actually do? For how long has the role existed? What are the different types, and styles? Who are some of the most notable captains in soccer history? And, perhaps most importantly, who is the best Scotland captain to ever roam the pitch? Graham has thoughts!

Transcribed - Published: 22 March 2024