Fit & Proper: Recent Episodes
Goalhanger Podcasts
Comedians Rhys James and Lloyd Griffith invite a famous guest to take over a football club and rebuild it however they like, from changing the kit and the mascot, to insisting all the players have a moustache for no reason.
They’ll also have to navigate some scenarios thrown up by the ‘supercomputer’, before it decides once and for all if they pass the fit-and-proper-person test.
Comedy legend Joe Wilkinson aka GillinghamJoe (X, formerly Twitter) joins the lads to completely transform Gillingham into basically the exact same thing it already is, but with some added promotion for his own podcast (the name of which I forget) via a method which breaks Rhys and Lloyd's hearts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tik Tok, Gunnersaurus and The Super League, Bilal Zafar takes over Arsenal to make as much money as he can. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Queen of Manchester, Rachel Fairburn comes on the pod to essentially peace-keep the Greater Manchester area. Sure, some people won’t be happy, but what’s not to love? Leopard print kits and manchester tarts for all (as long as you’re working class, or a kid). Move over Karen Brady, Bet Lynch is in town. Mine’s a pint of Bovril. Let me tell you, from now on, whenever you think of Manchester, you’ll think of Rachel Fairburn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
How good is this guy? James Gill of ‘Always Be Comedy’, certified comedy circuit legend status, hops off the ‘news desk’ to join us for a Crystal Palace takeover that’s fun for all the community. A seemingly buddhist approach to keep the fans and players focussed on living in the present by any means necessary, while Lloyd takes the wholly unbuddhist approach of attempting to top every single one of James’s anecdotes. Another episode so full to the brim we’ve made it a two-parter. The Twix method.
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How good is this guy? James Gill of ‘Always Be Comedy’, certified comedy circuit legend status, hops off the ‘news desk’ to join us for a Crystal Palace takeover that’s fun for all the community. A seemingly buddhist approach to keep the fans and players focussed on living in the present by any means necessary, while Lloyd takes the wholly unbuddhist approach of attempting to top every single one of James’s anecdotes. Another episode so full to the brim we’ve made it a two-parter. The Twix method.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
David Earl brings a new literal meaning to his podcast name ‘My New Football Club’ by taking over Exeter City and changing everything, before changing it all back. Not sure where the lack of confidence in his ideas come from given how easily he send Rhys and Lloyd all giggly. And some of his ideas really have legs.
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The first guest to wear their clubs shirt on the podcast, Scroobius Pip tries to reignite his match-going Millwall career by making it an all round more appealing prospect. How? By bringing it into the modern world. Acceptance, progressiveness and crucially for lions, Pride. We’re talking white leather and magic sequins. Not to say he doesn’t keep it old school in parts, mainly with the toilet attendant and the player recruitment, but it’s a much more 2023 look for Millwall. No Pip No (Champion)ship.
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Part 2 of Mathew Baynton's takeover of Southend United
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Finally. Someone the share Rhys’s spurs turmoil. Ghosts legend Mathew Baynton takes us through a potted COYS history before giving up on trying to save that lot and taking over Southend instead. A genius way to have the squad literally more invested in results, incredibly appropriate catering and possibly the first accurate celeb ownership prediction of the pod.
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After the full contextual rundown in part 1, it's finally time to see what Elis James will do when he takes over his boyhood club. Starting with creating an all round more attractive Swansea fan, with no shirking on the budget to help make it happen. Unsurprising, when you consider how he made his millions. Despite the generosity, Elis is ruling with an iron fist, and desperately trying to remind you of Ian Rush's solid Swans legacy. But you simply must be looking fit to attend the games. Who knows, maybe you'll be fit enough to feature in one of his books.
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Elis James’s Swansea City legacy runs deep. From marking himself out as comedy’s most loyal travelling fan, wearing as many retro shirts as possible on BBC sitcom Josh, to creating a completely different (ludicrous) identity for the forums. The man has so much to say, he has prompted our first ever two part episode. That’s bagsman level stats on the pitch AND the podcast charts. Unreal.
Make sure to check our Part 2 to find out how he'll run the club himself.
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Actual board member of actual Chesham United FC and actual assistant to the Taskmaster on actual Taskmaster, Alex Horne comes on actual Fit & Proper to take his second Fit & Proper test (actually). It’s absolutely classic Alex Horne and how you’d expect him to run a football club. PLUS, there’s an exclusive for all Taskmaster and Chesham United fans. Not to tee-ze
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Proper hammer Laura Smyth (who grew up the film set Green Street) educates Lloyd and Rhys on the wide ranging culinary options surrounding the old gaff, before returning there to really lean into the nickname of the owners she’s following.
A Goalhanger Films Production
Produced by Harry Lineker
Exec Producer: Tony Pastor
South coast Spice Boy Josh Widdicombe hits everything possible on his own bingo card (even Blur) with a Plymouth takeover focussed solely on nostalgia. And what’s more nostalgic than the Yo-Yo? He trades his clubs recent success for the ‘more fun’ uncertainty of his youth, gets muddled in the Pasty wars (soon to be called Ginster-gate) and makes a convincing case for lower league shirt brands being capped. Or Kappa.
A Goalhanger Films Production
Produced by Harry Lineker
Exec Producer: Tony Pastor
One of comedy’s greats, Sean McLoughlin, has always been incredibly hard working. So why should he expect any less of his manager-cum-player-cum-half-time entertainer? Taking over QPR, with several viable options for what the Q means, Sean puts club legend Gareth Ainsworth to work in as many departments as possible. While of course, taking the opportunity to maximise his own following and protect the legacy of Chicago Town Pizzas.
A Goalhanger Films Production
Produced by Harry Lineker
Exec Producer: Tony Pastor
If there’s a club in need of a new owner at this very moment, it’s Tottenham Hotspur. Enter, Ania Magliano. Very little the way of football-watching experience, but maybe a fresh pair of eyes is the exact way to go? Leading with the 3 Gs policy of Gossip, Ghouls and Grandma - it’s absolutely generational. And when someone with a name like Magliano wants to ‘keep it in the family’, you shut up and let it happen.
A Goalhanger Films Production
Produced by Harry Lineker
Exec Producer: Tony Pastor
The very week they’re crowned National League champions, Wrexham’s executive director (and comedian/actor/writer) Humphrey Ker joins us from the stadium’s Aviation gin suite to tell us the tale of one of football’s most talked about takeovers. And if you pay attention, it’s pretty clear without him it never would’ve happened. Then, buoyed by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenny’s success - he goes it alone with RCD Mallorca. Old school fighting tactics, crows nest viewing points, cannons and planks. Anything to protect the island, it’s the way of the ‘piratas’.
A Goalhanger Films Production
Produced by Harry Lineker
Exec Producer: Tony Pastor
Back to football heritage on this episode of the podcast with inventor of OptaJoe, Duncan Alexander. From really leaning into the nickname ‘choirboys’, to Simpsons style transport links. From an incredibly literal interpretation of the phrase “give the fans what they want”, to some very unappealing mascot options. From High Wycombe, to Silicon Valley. Journey.
A Goalhanger Films Production
Produced by Harry Lineker
Exec Producer: Tony Pastor
This week on Fit and Proper, Ed Gamble takes over Manchester United to try and make a TV series about the gradual demise of a huge club.
It involves lookalikes and a scary away day for travelling fans.
A Goalhanger Films Production
Produced by Harry Lineker
Exec Producer: Tony Pastor
Andrew Mensah is a rare breed: a massive football fan who doesn’t have a club. But he does have a cousin, and he’ll follow him to the ends of the earth, provided the ends of the earth are quite easily accessible on public transport from his house. He takes over Palace in aid of his family and bamboozles Rhys and Lloyd with an un-mess-with-able managerial staff. Impossible to pick holes in, every issues solves itself immediately. We’re only 19 episodes in, and Andrew Mensah may have already completed the podcast.
A Goalhanger Films Production
Produced by Harry Lineker
Exec Producer: Tony Pastor
This week Doc Brown is here to move Crystal Palace to Soho, change the stadium's name to a very famous
Pizza restaurant and finally have other clubs fear Palace by turning the club into a world super power.
A Goalhanger Films Production
Produced by Harry Lineker
Exec Producer: Tony Pastor
Alexandra Haddow has new ideas for Dulwich Hamlet, getting rid of the keys, making Greggs the main sponsor and
inviting everyone to be more like your every day Alan. Is there also a place for Frank Skinner at the club?
A Goalhanger Films Production
Produced by Harry Lineker
Exec Producer: Tony Pastor
Glenn Moore takes over the first ever team to be purchased on a free, consolidating the Sheffield teams into one, more manageable, Sheffield Wenceslas. With a keen focus on language barriers and niche tactics, Glenn has a real penchant for the retro: Pro Evo 4 based recruitment, Roman Centurion formations, early noughties based ‘national anthems’ and just a really weird old mascot choice. Probably not an episode you’ll want to have sex to.
A Goalhanger Films Production
Produced by Harry Lineker
Exec Producer: Tony Pastor
Podcaster, YouTuber and Soccer AM royalty, Robbie Knox comes on the podcast to tell us his plans as the new crown Prince of Sittingbourne FC. Never heard of Sittingbourne until now? Well you’ll soon be a season ticket holder, and beware, it’s extra. We’re talking goalposts made of marble, blinding lights, oh and it’s a 250,000 seater stadium, obviously. In Sittingbourne. A debatable signing and even more debatable ‘ingredient’ for the kits. It’s a golden ep.
A Goalhanger Films Production
Produced by Harry Lineker
Exec Producer: Tony Pastor
It's fair to say Michael Odewale 'loves him some footy' and so he joins Lloydo & Reej to tell us all about his plans as the new owner of Dagenham & Redbridge F.C to become the most 'Hipster East London' team ever, complete with hipster knitwear & beanies. There is a questionable carousel of managers that would put Watford to shame. There are yoghurt based sponsors, a hipster recruiter & a truly awful knowledge of ducks from Michael - it's all mickey mouse to him.
A Goalhanger Films Production
Produced by Harry Lineker
Exec Producer: Tony Pastor
Podcast and radio legend Chris Stark joins the boys as a favour to turn his beloved Watford into a certified community. Everyone from the players to the catering staff and stewards playing for the badge. Literally, too, for one lucky fan each week. And who wouldn’t want to play for a team with both the double dugout and the double Dyche? Buzzing.
A Goalhanger Films Production
Produced by Harry Lineker
Exec Producer: Tony Pastor
For the first time on Fit and Proper, an actual, bona fide, legitimate football club owner joins us to take over another football club. Spencer ‘FC’ Owen, owner of Hashtag United, uses his business acumen to give West Ham a clear identity. In this case, the one from the films. Violent, aggressive, intimidating. The West Ham of yesteryear. So old school is his approach, it includes a moat and a drawbridge. But will they reach their ambition to be the best ham? Or are the ideas wafer thin? And can Rhys and Lloyd guess producer Harry’s Japanese middle name? It’s all to play for.
A Goalhanger Films Production
Produced by Harry Lineker
Exec Producer: Tony Pastor
Comedian and Liverpool fan Alfie Brown takes over Blackpool (some similar letters to Liverpool) to create a ’filthy’ club for lads. Hospitality for stag dos, the most unacceptable mascot of all time, and with some modern simulator technology, probably a lot of sick. And it’s all just for the followers. Meanwhile, Lloyd gets distracted by the memory of a kebab. Fair play.
A Goalhanger Films Production
Produced by Harry Lineker
Exec Producer: Tony Pastor
Masie Adam is taking Leeds transatlantic. Big American sponsors, big American manager, and a Hollywood focussed recruitment policy. And yet - she never forgets her roots. Local businesses supported no matter how dodgy they seem. The local community given the chance to get involved in the design process. And an attempt to take ‘family friendly’ to the absolute extreme. Elland Road looks set to become a battle ground, a rally track and a music venue. All before kick off. Just sell off early if you’re an away fan.
A Goalhanger Films Production
Produced by Harry Lineker
Exec Producer: Tony Pastor
Podcast and comedy royalty Rob Beckett joins Rhys and Lloyd to take over an Arsenal side who are currently flying. Not saying Rob hadn’t listened to a full episode of the podcast before recording this, but he did hit all of the major points of the intro: Move the stadium, replace the manager, sack the mascot, mandatory dyed hair for players. Mix that with a new genre of ‘Shithousery Statues’, some extremely strict catering rules and a jury service style recruitment system, and they might just win the European Super League.
A Goalhanger Films Production
Produced by Harry Lineker
Exec Producer: Tony Pastor
Nottingham born comedian, writer & podcaster Sarah Keyworth joins the boys on the pod to tell us her plans as she takes over the Tricky Trees aka Nottingham Forest. Not only does she take over the club in the greatest way possible, it’s arguably the most pantomime based football club yet; men dressed as trees, women dressed as men dressed as trees, people in harnesses on match day, and a stadium comic as the manager (plus their Dad as scout). It’s a good’un
A Goalhanger Films Production
Produced by Harry Lineker
Exec Producer: Tony Pastor
Tokyo born Ivo Graham abandons his roots (Swindon) in favour of his other roots (Eton) to take over Old Etonians FC with the aim of winning them their first FA Cup in over 100 years. The perfect posho stadium name and player arrival regime, anonymous donors, pre season ski trips and early recruitment of Alex Oxlade Chamberlain’s son. Isn’t it about time some Etonians were given a chance? Let’s get behind them.
A Goalhanger Films Production
Produced by Harry Lineker
Exec Producer: Tony Pastor
Comedian, actor and actual Brentford programme columnist, Nathan Caton, comes on the podcast and tells us his plans as new owner of Brentford which include a beautiful stadium name change, some sceptical cloning technology and quite frankly, do or die for away fans.
A Goalhanger Films Production
Produced by Harry Lineker
Exec Producer: Tony Pastor
Comedian, Palace fan and Lloyd’s new best mate, Chloe Petts joins the boys to talk about how shrinking fans, hiring old school managers (but not as managers) and risking another global pandemic are all in her plans as she takes over her beloved Crystal (Palace)
A Goalhanger Films Production
Produced by Harry Lineker
Exec Producer: Tony Pastor
Comedian, singer and Lloyd’s main inspiration Charlie Baker taps into the booming DVD market to fund his Torquay takeover, turning the ‘English riviera’ into an ‘all inclusive’ which includes almost nothing, and introducing an on-kit messaging system to monitor players horniness levels.
A Goalhanger Films Production
Produced by Harry Lineker
Exec Producer: Tony Pastor
Comedian, voice of Love Island & pub owner Iain Stirling joins Rhys & Lloyd to take his hometown team of Hibernian FC with a mix of mounds, YouTubers, water bottles and violence.
A Goalhanger Films Production
Produced by Harry Lineker
Exec Producer: Tony Pastor
Radio host, author and podcaster Emily Dean joins Rhys and Lloyd to transform her childhood team Arsenal with a mix of typography, Latin and mascot body shaming
A Goalhanger Films Production
Produced by Harry Lineker
Exec Producer: Tony Pastor
Looking at podcast descriptions: Friday Night Dinner star Tom Rosenthal joins Rhys and Lloyd to transform his dad’s former team Oxford United, with a mix of magic and, err… eugenics?
A Goalhanger Films Production
Produced by Harry Lineker
Exec Producer: Tony Pastor
Comedians Rhys James and Lloyd Griffith invite a famous guest to take over a football club and rebuild it however they like, from changing the kit and the mascot, to insisting all the players have a moustache for no reason.
They’ll also have to navigate some scenarios thrown up by the ‘supercomputer’, before it decides once and for all if they pass the fit-and-proper-person test.
Here's a little taster of what's in store in our opening episode with Tom Rosenthal.