The Game

Liverpool got a much-needed away win at Inter Milan, but their hundred million pound star striker looked lost - why? Off the pitch will Mo Salah still be a Liverpool player come January?It was a good week for English clubs in Europe with Man City beating Real Madrid and Spurs and Arsenal also winning. Are the English teams starting to dominate, is the pace and physicality of the Premier League an advantage or is the competition just not very good in the early rounds?Tony Cascarino has a hunch that Noni Madueke can play centre forwardLastly, a look ahead to the Tyne Wear derby, the first in the Premier League in ten years – who are favourites going into Sunday’s game? Tom Clarke joins Tony Cascarino, Gregor Robertson and Martin Samuel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 11 December 2025

Leaders Coventry suffered first defeat in sixteen games at Ipswich. Wil the result create doubt in Frank Lampard’s squad, or was it just a blip?For Ipswich the result takes them fourth in the table and a season which started falteringly is starting to gain momentum. Southampton and Sheffield Utd had dreadful starts to the season, but after managerial changes both are now looking at the playoffs – with strong squads will they makes late charges?League One remains tight but Cardiff look like they have the resources to stay at the top. Who will join them?And in League Two…Walsall, surely this season is different? Who else looks threatening? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 9 December 2025

 Mo Salah dropped a bombshell on Saturday evening. After starting on the bench for the third game in a row he gave an incendiary interview after the match claiming to have been thrown under the bus, a scapegoat for recent poor form and said he had no relationship with coach Arne Slot. So, what happens next - will it be the end of Salah or Slot at Liverpool? Can any player be guaranteed a place in the team regardless of form as Salah seems to be suggesting? On the pitch Villa coach Unai Emery led his team to a win over Arsenal and third in the table - remarkable achievement after the start they had. Are there worrying signs for Arsenal, or were they just beaten by a better team on the day? After the break a valuable three points for Spurs and Thomas Frank, but an even more important performance; top quality at the Cottage and does Nuno like his players? Tom Allnutt, Gregor Robertson and Alyson Rudd join tom Clarke. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 8 December 2025

 After what felt like a nine hour draw England will face Croatia, Ghana and Panama. Scotland will face Haiti, Morocco and Brazil.Is there a group of death? What are the potential routes to the final?Over to Tom Clarke, Gregor Robertson and Jonathan Northcroft Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 5 December 2025

After a goal packed set of midweek fixtures what has changed? Chelsea’s title credentials were checked as a buoyant Leeds put three past them at Elland Road. Man City won but looked anything but assured. Villa are now only six points off top spot and play Arsenal at the weekend. And as for Arsenal - no change there, while others toil they won again.Elsewhere is Cristian Romero a defender or a striker and how good is Erling Haaland?Arne Slot and Liverpool continued to labour. Tony sees worrying signs as Salah, Van Dijk and Isak all struggle. But Sunderland continued to demonstrate what a well coached, well drilled side they are, taking points of Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool already this season. Gregor Robertson is joined by Tony Cascarino and Jonathan Northcroft Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 4 December 2025

Arsenal went to Stamford Bridge without both first choice centre backs and took a point. Chelsea played the league leaders for sixty minutes with ten men and without their best player and took a point. Who will be happier?Liverpool finally won again and dropped Mo Salah in the process. Is this straight forward squad rotation or the beginning of a transition which doesn’t include the club legend?It’s happy times in the Northeast at the moment as Newcastle win away for the first time in over two hundred days and Sunderland come from behind to show their European credentials.And finally, it is tough times for Thomas Frank at the Tottenham Stadium. Was he right to criticise fans who booed their goalkeeper? Gregor Robertson is joined by Tom Allnutt, Martin Hardy and Alyson Rudd. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 1 December 2025

Arsenal are dominating the Premier League and now they’re doing the same in Europe. Can they win both the big titles? Gregor Robertson thinks their success is built on a rock solid defence.Chelsea are looking equally effective in Europe; their game against Arsenal at the weekend is set up for the blues marauding wingers to take on Arsenal’s galloping full backs.It was another tough night for Spurs, but there were some encouraging signs as they at least scored three. After the break Liverpool. How deep is the crisis? The effect of the death of Diogo Jota off the pitch is incalculable, but on the pitch his and Luis Diaz sale is very apparent. Does the spending of four hundred million pounds amount to mismanagement? Tom Clarke is joined by Gregor Robertson, Pete Rutzler and tony Cascarino Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 27 November 2025

More new managers in the Championship as Swansea, Middlesborough and Norwich all appoint. In South Wales Vitor Matos wants to bring back the DNA of the club…but what does that mean? Are Birmingham starting to find their feet in the Championship? Off the pitch they have unveiled ambitious plans for a new stadium and redevelopment of the surrounding area.Coventry continue their free scoring run, with a goal difference of +28 and seven points clear at the top, can they keep it up?League One seems up for grabs this season with most teams capable of beating or losing to each other. Peterborough and Wycombe are on an upward trajectory while Port Vale are sinking and Bradford are still second but with no win in six. In League Two the Gregor Robertson derby ended in a draw and Christina Fuchs – a Premier League winner with Leicester City - has joined rock bottom Newport County. We wish him well. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 25 November 2025

Eberechi Eze scored a brilliant hat-trick to win the North London derby for Arsenal and proved he is now a certified star at the very top of the Premier League.  Arsenal are six points clear but the 4-1 defeat leaves Spurs in ninth and further questions about Thomas Frank's suitability for the big job at Tottenham.  Elsewhere Leeds missed another chance to pick up points at home as Morgan Rogers starred for Aston Villa.  It was another defeat for Liverpool - how does Arne Slot turn around a disastrous season?  We also hear about an interview with a commentator who had his big moment ruined by Gary Neville!  Tom Clarke is joined by Gregor Robertson, Alyson Rudd and Kit Shepard  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 24 November 2025

A quick reflection on an epic night for Scotland, a big win for Wales and some of the surprises who have qualified for World Cup 26’Then it’s back to the Premier League. How much will Arsenal miss Gabriel? They have strength in depth but are any up Gabriel’s tag of ‘defender of the season’ ?Predictions; first for  the north London derby and Liverpool v Forest and then a much longer term -  how will the table look come the end of the season?Tom Clarke is joined by Alyson Rudd and Gregor Robertson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 20 November 2025

There was magic in the air said Scotland manager Steve Clarke as his team won a dramatic winner takes all qualifier against Denmark at Hampden Park.The victory means Scotland are going to a World Cup – for the first time in 28 years.It was a night which will never be forgotten and that’s before mentioning the three worldie goals that were scored.Tom Clarke is joined for former Scotland under 21 international Gregor Robertson and Scottish football correspondent Michael Grant.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 19 November 2025

Tom Clarke and Gregor Robertson with all the latest from the EFL.It has been a mad fortnight for managers in the Championship with Norwich, Swansea, Southampton and of course Middlesborough just some of those undergoing a change at the top.Who is in line for the vacancies and how will the teams respond? League One is proving why it’s arguably the toughest division – with six points separating the top twelve clubs!At Charlton Nathan Jones is getting impressive results; Gregor has been to meet him.In League Two it is a quiet but welcome return for Tom Lockyer, the former Luton Town captain who had two cardiac arrests whilst playing for the hatters is now a regular at Bristol Rovers.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 18 November 2025

He's back in the squad but can Jude Bellingham cement his place in the England team by next summer? Tom Clarke is joined by Tony Cascarino, Tom Allnutt and Gregor Robertson to discuss why the Real Madrid star continues to clash with the England manager Thomas Tuchel, and to debate the other starting spots in the England squad that are up for grabs.  They also discuss Ireland's heroics after securing a play-off place in dramatic fashion, and which Times columnist has a WhatsApp group dedicated to Ireland's historic World Cup success? Also on the agenda: Scotland's match against Denmark, Italy's continued struggles and the Wythenshawe Vets - the Sunday League team packed with Premier League stars.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 17 November 2025

Thomas Tuchel has boldly declared he won’t play Foden, Bellingham and Kane in the same team. The key question is will he be brave enough to stick to his decision?As Rob Edwards leaves Middlesborough after only ten months in charge to return to Wolves, is there any loyalty in football?Martin Samuel has met with David Kogan, the new chair of the independent football regulator. And amid the furore over corners, throw in’s and set pieces, is the Premier League in danger of being boring?Tom Clarke is joined by Gregor Robertson, Jonathan Northcroft and Martin Samuel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 13 November 2025

Manchester City blew Liverpool away and closed the gap at the top of the table to just four points - can Pep Guardiola challenge his old friend Mikel Arteta and will this be his last season? Or does he have renewed energy?  Sunderland's late equaliser denied Arsenal but was this an example of an exciting finish to a poor game of football? We debate whether the new, more direct style is killing the spectacle in the Premier League.  Elsewhere we ask why can't Newcastle win away, look at the relegation battle and ask who will finish higher - Manchester United or Tottenham?  We finish with a discussion about the striker who is still playing - and scoring - aged 50!  Tom Clarke is joined on this show by Gregor Robertson, Alyson Rudd and Hamzah Khalique-Loonat.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 10 November 2025

Tom Clarke is joined by former football league professional Gregor Robertson to discuss all the latest for the EFL. The Championship is thriving this season. Very competitive, tons of goals and arguably the top eight are all surprise packages. Stoke and Coventry can’t stop scoring and Preston and Charlton are confounding the pundits by threatening the play offs. Southampton had a much-needed win after sacking Will Still, Norwich need a win, but can under pressure Liam manning deliver it?In League One Luke Williams swaps the Airport for the Posh and Reading look for an Oasis in their season by swapping Noel for Leam. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 7 November 2025

 There are four English teams in the top eight qualifying spots of the Champions League, Spurs and Chelsea are just outside. Are English clubs starting to dominate Europe again? Although Qarabag did try to derail the narrative.Trent alexander Arnold was booed on his return to Liverpool, is anyone really surprised? Is booing anything the new normal. Gregor Robertson asks the question - do players like fans? A quick look at what is happening at Wolves and what is the greatest ever solo goal…Maradona, Ronaldo (R9) Gemmill? Tom Clarke is joined by Gregor Robertson, Jonathan Northcroft and Martin Samuel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 6 November 2025

Is Thomas Frank under pressure already? Another home defeat for Spurs against Chelsea and a stale performance had home fans making their views clear on Saturday. He needs to silence some critics with two more home games to come.  Tom Clarke is joined by Gregor Robertson, Tom Allnutt and Alyson Rudd to discuss Frank's future -- and other big stories. Also on the agenda this week: Pep Guardiola compared Erling Haaland to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo while Liverpool picked up an important win and Arsenal kept another clean sheet. Can Mikel Arteta's side compete for more than one trophy? At the bottom, Vitor Pereira paid the price for Wolves' terrible start - who would want the job of getting them out of the bottom three?  West Ham's win against Newcastle gives them hope as Eddie Howe's side produce the worst away performance of the season.  And the team discuss a battling draw between Nottingham Forest and Manchester United. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 3 November 2025

Was Arne Slot right to play the youngsters? His Liverpool team have now lost six of their last seven games – are there similarities with Man City from last season?Chelsea beat Wolves but had another man sent off, do they have a discipline problem?North of the border an ugly row has broken out between Celtic share holder Dermot Desmond and ex manager Brendon Rogers…where does the truth lie?Finally, why does Spurs manager Thomas Frank want to play down his teams chances in the league? Tom Clarke is joined by Tony Cascarino, Gregor Robertson and Martin Samuel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 30 October 2025

Administration, points deductions and the hunt for new owners - it's been a huge couple of days for Sheffield Wednesday and on this special episode of The Game we analyse the latest news and ask what might be next for the Championship club.  Paul Hirst, a football reporter for The Times and Wednesday fan, joins Tom Clarke to outline the grim realities facing the club now and the brighter hope for a new owner and a better future, on and off the pitch.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 28 October 2025

What was the most significant result of the weekend? Burnley beating relegation rivals Wolves? Leeds doing likewise to West Ham? City losing again, Liverpool losing again? Arsenal going clear, Sunderland beating Chelsea at the Bridge or Bournemouth going second? And Man Utd looking resurgent.This season seems to be different. Arsenal aside – we’ll come to them – anyone can beat anyone. And it is great!Are Liverpool’s problems so big that they are now out of the title race? What makes Arsenal so good, and can the promoted clubs really start eyeing the top of the table instead of the bottom?Tom Clarke is joined by Gregor Robertson, Alyson Rudd and Pete Rutzler. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 27 October 2025

Liverpool returned to form with an impressive win in Frankfurt. A new formation and no Salah. Was it a one-off experiment or the start of a new look Liverpool? Arsenal kept yet another clean sheet as they beat a normally tough Atletico Madrid; just how good is this Arsenal back four? Would any get into some of the best in Premier League history – Arsenal 98’, Man Utd 08’ , Chelsea 04’ and Liverpool 18’?Did someone say there was a recruitment process to appoint Sean Dyche at Forest? Hang on a minute! And can Nuno save West Ham from relegation…probably not. Tom Clarke is joined by Gregor Robertson, Jonathan Northcroft and Martin Samuel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 23 October 2025

The ‘Unfashionables’ are still going strong in the EFL. Coventry top the Championship with a goal difference not seen at this stage of the season since Fulham in 2000/1. They are closely followed by Middlesborough who reminded Ipswich that points don’t come cheap in the Championship. Also up there are Stoke and Millwall. In League One despite losing, Stevenage are still in the top two. They lost to another unfancied club – Lincoln City. Tom was there and delights in giving his assessment of the Imps.  Tom Clarke is joined by Gregor Robertson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 21 October 2025

Manchester United win at Anfield for the first time in ten years and Liverpool lose four on the bounce for the first time since 2014. So, has Amorim finally turned a corner and is Arne Slot facing a blip or a crisis? Nottingham Forest sack Ange Postecoglou seventeen minutes after the final whistle at the City Ground, will he be back or is that the end of big Ange? And who is in line to replace him?In a mad weekend in the Premier League that is only the half of it! Arsenal go clear at the top, Wolves lose again and Villa come from behind to beat Spurs. Tom Clarke is joined by Alyson Rudd, Charlotte Duncker and Gregor Robertson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 20 October 2025

After another good win for Thomas Tuchel’s England which places are still up for grabs in his starting eleven? The full backs, number ten? Lots of listeners offering up cult heroes from their clubs; from Alan Hutton and Stan Bowles to John Kaye and Terry Hurlock. Were Tony or Gregor cult heroes at any of their clubs?Gregor has been to see how former players are progressing as they become referees…they’re finding out what a difficult job it is.After the break a look ahead to some of the big games this weekend…will Liverpool’s two big signings start in the game against Manchester United? Tom Clarke is joined by Tony Cascarino Pete Rutzler and Gregor Robertson  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 16 October 2025

What makes a great cult hero – amazing skill, trying hard, being a bit weird or relentlessly dependable. From Tony Hibbert to Jay Jay Okocha via Lee Trundle and Dimitar Berbatov…we want to know your favourite cult players. Alyson Rudd has a theory – England don’t need a manager, certainly not one on five million pounds a year. England have some much quality they would have to work hard not to qualify. Thereafter they should appoint an English manager for the tournament - one who has worked for a club all season and is match sharpened.Tom Clarke, Alyson Rudd and Gregor Robertson discuss.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 13 October 2025

Is it different this time…? Is the Premier League as open as it appears – Bournemouth, Sunderland, Palace and Everton are in the top ten. Has the power balance changed, or will it revert to type and by Christmas it will be the same old top four and the promoted clubs in the relegation zone? Who has been the signing of the season so far? Kudos, Truffert, Mosquera, Grealish?As England prepare to play Wales who is in pole position to play number ten And Sir Jim Ratcliffe has given an interview to The Times in which he suggests Manchester united are making good progress, Ruben Amorim has three years, and the press have unrealistic expectations. The assembled members of the press – Jonny, Martin, Gregor and Tom discuss Tom Clarke is joined by Jonathan Nrthcroft, Martin Samuel and Gregor Robertson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 9 October 2025

Tom Clarke and Gregor Robertson with all the latest from the EFL. Coventry City top the Championship and Stevenage top League One…did anyone see that coming?Frank Lampard has his team scoring for fun, and they’re not the only surprise in the Championship with Preston, Stoke and QPR all flying high. Does it sign post a change in football style or will the money and ‘progressive’ football of Ipswich, Birmingham or Wrexham eventually rise to the top?In League One, two managerial changes as Blackpool and Luton ditch Steve Bruce and Matt Bloomfield. Was it coming and who is likely to fill the vacancies?In League Two Walsall are back on top - can they stay there this time? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 8 October 2025

Chelsea beat Liverpool to send Arsenal top. The top ten are separated by six points and it seems anyone can beat anyone. It could be a vintage season or will it revert to type?Moises Caicedo was at the heart of Chelsea’s performance, how good is he? For Liverpool where do the problems lie? How will Arsenal respond to being front runners?Elsewhere, Ange Postecoglou is under pressure having not won in his first seven games. Have Man United found a goal keeper and who are the Premier League's best one touch finishers?Tom Clarke, Gregor Robertson, Tom Allnutt and Pete Rutzler with A LOT to talk about.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 6 October 2025

Is Arne Slot facing his biggest test yet as Liverpool manager? After back to back defeats is his team in transition or in deeper trouble? Many felt the period of transition should have been after Jurgen Klopp left, but has it come 12 months later? Martin Samuel wonders if there is another factor at play, one perhaps being over looked.Arsenal won again and are gaining momentum, but people don’t seem too pleased for Mikel Arteta….After the break; Rory McIlroy gave a bit back to abusive American fans at the Ryder Cup and he was praised for it. But if a footballer did it what would happen?Gregor Robertson is joined by Pete Rutzler, Alyson Rudd and Martin Samuel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 2 October 2025

As Brentford, Brighton, Sunderland and Palace beat the so-called bigger clubs has the Premier League ever been stronger?Crystal Palace could have won by more as Oliver Glasner once again showed he knows how to beat the Champions. For Arne Slot and Liverpool does he have a problem with one of his marquee signings?While Chelsea and Man Utd came unstuck, Arsenal showed championship winning mentality as they left it late to win at a raucous St James Park. Could this be a turning pint for Mikel Arteta’s team?And as West Ham change manager again, will Nuno be the right man? Gregor Robertson is joined by Tony Cascarino, Gary Jacob and Martin Hardy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 29 September 2025

Plus: Forest, Villa and Liverpool’s striker problems Nottingham Forest returned to Europe with an impressive draw away at Betis, are Forest fans warming to Angeball?Was Hugo Ekitike stupid or passionate? Do his actions speak to the wider cult of young players, looking for Instagram moments and perhaps thinking less about the team?After the break Jonathan Northcroft outlines his thoughts on the changing face of modern coaches – one type who wants to be seen as the author or controller of everything and an alternate style which offers more freedom and decision making to players. And has Unai Emery been strengthened or weakened at Villa?Gregor Robertson is joined by Martin Samuel and Jonathan Northcroft Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 25 September 2025

What has happened to the really Pep Guardiola, he put out a team which ended with his lowest even percentage of possession. But a cautious Mikel Arteta didn’t set his side up to capitalise so in the end who should be happier with the point shared at the Emirates? Liverpool won again, but again they looked shaky towards the end of the game. Is it the sign of champions, a team in third gear or a problem that needs solving? Chelsea have lots of wingers but no top goalkeeper, did Man Utd turn a corner and how long has Graham potter got? Gregor Robertson is joined by Tom Allnutt, Alyson Rudd and Paul Joyce Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 22 September 2025

Tom Clarke and Gregor Robertson return with all the latest from the EFL.Will Chris Wilder – and all his coaching staff – return to Sheffield United be enough to arrest the slide at Bramall Lane?Did anyone predict that Middlesborough, stoke and Bristol City would be at the top of the Championship after five games – will any of them stay the course?In League One Bradford City are making the most of their impressive home support and a big change at Wycombe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 19 September 2025

Liverpool left it late again, is it a winning habit or a worrying trend? Or to quote Gregor, can both things be true? With Isak making his debut after his record-breaking transfer Liverpool now have a array or attacking options but with Wirtz, Ekitike, Salah and Gakpo all wanting to start could they have problems ahead?Harry Kane scored two against Chelsea, is he the best striker in Europe? For Arsenal, another impressive display away to Bilboa. While Liverpool are top and might have the best starting eleven, do Arsenal have the best squad in the league? If they do, then its time they won something thinks Martin Samuel.Finally, what’s wrong at Aston Villa?   Tom Clarke is joined by Tony Cascarino, Martin Samuel and Gregor Robertson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 18 September 2025

Manchester City won the derby. Ruben Amorim took the blame. Is he really the right man for the job. Manchester reporter Paul Hirst thinks he looks like he wants to be as far away from it as possible. If Amorim doesn’t change his football philosophy will he still have the job by Christmas. For City it was a return to form for Foden and Rodri.As the Champions League returns which of the English teams are best placed to succeed?Arsenal have attacking options in abundance and a solid defence, Spurs are pragmatic under Frank and Liverpool and Chelsea have invested heavily…so who could win it?Plus, old school football is making a comeback and Gregor loves it. Tom Clarke is joined by Gregor Robertson, Alyson Rudd and The Times Manchester football reporter Paul Hirst. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 15 September 2025

Thomas Tuchel knew what he was doing all along...didn't he?After an impressive five nil away win without many of his 'big names' will the England manager have the nerve to keep playing the likes of Rogers, Madueke and Gordon in place of stars like Bellingham, Saka and Foden? With Reece James playing so well at right back is Trent now in reserve?The Premier League returns this weekend and so does Ange Postecoglou - taking over at Nottingham Forest. Will he change his style or play the same football that created so many problems for him at Spurs? Plus, who’ll be in goal for the Manchester derby..?Tom Clarke is joined by Gregor Robertson, Jonny Northcroft and Martin Samuel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 11 September 2025

Have England gone backwards under Thomas Tuchel, does he know his best starting XI?The team pick their best teams if the World Cup was starting tomorrow…is there a case for no Kane or no Bellingham…?After the break could football be facing a doping problem. In a special report The Times Chief Sports correspondent Matt Lawton joins the pod to discuss if football’s drug testing systems are fit for purpose. He calls football's current commitment to anti-doping pathetic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 8 September 2025

With the window shut what difference will it all make? Who has done the best business, who has done panicked business. Martin doesn’t think Arsenal can win it from the back this season, they’ll need to score more goals. But with Isak still to come who can outscore Liverpool? Did Villa panic on deadline day? Have Chelsea had a lucky or a good start?With player power in the spot light Gregor has sympathy as players turn the tables on clubs. After the break - as Ederson leaves who have been the Premier Leagues best keepers? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 4 September 2025

It was a high spending end to the transfer window in the Championship with Southampton, Ipswich, Birmingham and Middlesborough all spending big. Wrexham finally flexed their financial muscle with a net outlay at nearly thirty million pounds.  On the pitch Rob Edwards has his new Middlesborough side top and looking very strong, Frank Lampard has a free scoring Coventry team with a home to call their own and what’s going wrong at Sheffield United?In League One who saw did Cardiff being this good and tough times at Plymouth.And hats off to and Truro City fans making the long trip to Carlisle this weekend. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 3 September 2025

Liverpool edged past Arsenal in a top-of-the-table clash, thanks to Dominik Szoboszlai’s stunning free-kick - but will Mikel Arteta ever win at Anfield?  Plus, we break down the biggest transfer news as Liverpool finally land Alexander Isak in a British-record £125m deal - can Arne Slot’s team be stopped now?  Elsewhere, we analyse Manchester City’s defeat to a fearless Brighton, as 39-year-old James Milner scored a record-setting penalty before a late winner sealed the upset. Gregor Robertson is joined by Alyson Rudd, James Gheerbrant and Hamzah Khalique-Loonat to round up a dramatic weekend in the Premier League. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 1 September 2025

Manchester United suffer one of their most humiliating defeats in years, crashing out of the Carabao Cup on penalties to League Two Grimsby Town - but what does it mean for Ruben Amorim’s future? We also head to St James’ Park with The Times’ Northern sports correspondent Martin Hardy, to unpack Liverpool’s dramatic 3–2 win at Newcastle, and the latest on the Isak saga. Plus, we analyse West Ham’s miserable start under Graham Potter, and what’s going wrong at the London Stadium. Gregor Robertson, Tony Cascarino and Martin Samuel break down a chaotic week in English football. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 28 August 2025

North London’s on top - but can Tottenham’s fast start under Thomas Frank last? Arsenal’s 5-0 win over Leeds showcased their squad depth and a 15-year-old wonderkid, but with this firepower, surely there can be no excuses for Mikel Arteta this season... We also look at Jack Grealish’s dazzling debut in Everton's new home, Chelsea’s mauling of West Ham, and Gregor takes us inside one of the Premier League's newest rivalries dubbed the “El Casico." Alyson Rudd and Peter Rutzler join Tom Clarke and Gregor Robertson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 25 August 2025

As Arsenal swoop in to hijack Eze deal from Spurs - we break down how Mikel Arteta’s side sealed a £67.5m move for the Crystal Palace star. Plus, the latest on the Alexander Isak saga at Newcastle: will the striker force a move before the transfer window closes? We also bring you reaction to Leeds’ 1–0 win over Everton on Monday night, and take a closer look at the brazen ownership style of Nottingham Forest boss Evangelos Marinakis. Tony Cascarino and Martin Samuel join Gregor Robertson and Tom Clarke. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 21 August 2025

Only two weeks into the EFL season - but that’s time enough for Tom and Gregor to start reading the runes. Could this finally be the year Stoke City turns things around under Mark Robins? Winger, Million Manhoef and forward, Divin Mubama have both put in star performances, putting the team at the top of the Championship. But they’re not alone: Middlesbrough and West Brom also boast perfect starts, while Birmingham follow close behind. Down in League One, what’s going on with Plymouth? Pre-season, they were showing plenty of promise, but things have not gone to plan so far. Former football league defender Gregor Robertson joins Tom Clarke to assess the first weeks of the EFL. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcribed - Published: 20 August 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 18 August 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 14 August 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 12 August 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 10 August 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 8 August 2025