The Football Spin: Recent Episodes
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Reacting first to the biggest games in football - Premier League, Champions League and Ireland's mission to for qualify Euro 2021. Presented by Paddy McKenna, Noz Choudry and Reuben Pinder.
Paddy McKenna, Noz Choudry and Si Lloyd unpick another hectic weekend in the Premier League starting with the Jordan Pickford and his horrific tackle on Virgil Van Dijk which saw the defender ruled out for 7 months at least with a damaged ACL. Noz makes the point that you can argue the tackle wasn't malicious but you can't say it's not reckless again from Jordan Pickford and that's a big problem. Si Lloyd discusses why Premier League PPV, though terrible, may be accepted as a necessary spend by fans who cannot go to the game. And there's a discussion about some of the best fans' chants with Ross Barkley's 'we've got a diamond called Ross Barkley' making the transfer from Everton to Villa, skipping over Chelsea in the process.
On The Football Spin, Reuben Pinder, Noz Choudry and Paddy McKenna discuss the return this weekend of the Premier League after a bleak fortnight of international football. The panel review the history of the A23/Costa Coffee derby and try to get get to the bottom of how did a shit on the Crystal Palace dressing-room floor back in the day. Harry Maguire is being cut some slack now and it's clear to see that he needs it but why doesn't every player get afforded that? And Sean Dyche for England, sure why not?
Reuben Pinder, Si Lloyd, Paddy McKenna and Rob O'Hanrahan discuss the Nation's League games involving England and the Republic of Ireland. England beat the No.1 ranked team in the world, Belgium. For Ireland it was defeat in the Euros qualifier to Slovakia and a dull draw with Wales but the far bigger story was the spate of players who had to withdraw from the squad due to positive Covid tests. Could their experience this international break have implications for other national teams?
On The Football Spin Paddy McKenna, Conan Doherty and Rudi Kinsella reflect on an Ireland performance that showed plenty of promise but ended up with defeat for Ireland in the Euros qualifier. Conan Doherty raises the question if we feel worse because Northern Ireland have gone through and their squad is terrible. Rudi Kinsella points out they were actual highlights in the game last night and not just the usual three corners and Shane Duffy goal from a corner to savour. Paddy McKenna suggests there are clear roles in this team now for attacking-minded players like Jeff Hendrick. The panel discuss the future for Stephen Kenny and the questions raised by his doubters.
On the Football Spin Reuben Pinder, Paddy McKenna and Noz Choudry discuss an extraordinary weekend of football where Manchester United were crushed 6-1 at home by Spurs, before seeing Liverpool hammered 7-2 by Aston Villa. Is anybody at United qualified to do their jobs asks Reuben Pinder? Noz Choudry and Paddy McKenna discuss if Liverpool's capitulation to Aston Villa is an anomaly or more sloppiness?
On the Football Spin Paddy McKenna, Noz Choudry and Conan Doherty chat about the new order in the Premier League. An ordered transfer window for Everton, Villa, Wolves and Leeds has seen their stock rise. That's in sharp contrast with what Noz describes as 'a mess of a club', Man United. Conan talks about where Ross Barkley could fit in at Villa and Noz examines why Liverpool are willing to sell an exciting young attacker like Rhian Brewster.
The Football Spin with Paddy McKenna, Noz Choudry, Reuben Pinder and Si Lloyd discussed Jurgen Klopp calling out Roy Keane on Sky Sports. Noz described it as a WWE face-off and that we were all Jamie Carragher in that moment, saying absolutely nothing, just letting it all play out. Reuben spoke about how much he enjoyed seeing Keane 'shit his pants as soon as somebody tougher than him challenged him on something. There was also time to look at Mourinho's assertion that he can't pick his best team for the Carabao Cup with a Europa League game in two days time. Si Lloyd's solution - cancel the League Cup.
Manchester United will sell Chris Smalling to Roma this week or next, but shifting out the deadwood at the most successful club in the Premier League era, both in the dressing room and the board room is proving to be a huge task. Noz Choudry, Si Lloyd, and Paddy McKenna examine the challenges that United face and ask if there's a tipping point for OGS, where the boom and bust cycle that he's had at the club will come to an end? And Reuben Pinder chats to Leeds United defender, Liam Cooper about life in the Premier League and how training under Marcelo Bielsa changed his life.
On The Football Spin Dion Fanning, Noz Choudry, Reuben Pinder and Paddy McKenna talked about Liverpool v Chelsea and what the result means for Chelsea manager, Frank Lampard. He has spent a lot of money in the summer but his team were totally outclassed by Liverpool. How much time will Frank get before Roman Abramovich finger begins to get itchy? How good is Sadio Mané? Reuben Pinder suggests a Liverpool fan in 2017 had it right back then when he said he was the best player in at the club. There's time to discuss OGS and Dion Fanning describes a Manchester United strategy that seems to depend on hoping that it works out for club legend and all-round nice man Solskjaer.
Dion Fanning, Paddy McKenna, and Reuben Pinder discuss Gareth Bale's latest golf course and his latest club as he jets in to rejoin Spurs. Dion suggests that making Gareth at home and getting him set-up at the nearest golf course is the right thing, to do make him feel at home. Reuben discusses Tim Sherwood's assessment of the Premier League as 'the toughest in the world' where players from 'foreign countries' might struggle to assimilate as Sergio Reguilon who plays in La Liga with Real Madrid takes a huge leap of faith.
Noz Choudry, Paddy McKenna, Reuben Pinder and Dion Fanning discuss the opening weekend of the 20/21 Premier League season, where the standout fixture saw Everton beat Spurs 1-0. The panel discusses where this defeat leaves Jose Mourinho. Dion argues that there is nothing to commend José Mourinho to any club at this stage of his career and this could get quite sour quite quickly. Reuben suggests that the Spurs' documentary which gave viewers incredible insight into the mood of the team dressing room looks suggests it's only a matter of time before Daniel Levy will have to intervene. There's a chat about Arsenal's continued good form which is beginning to look like a revolution under Mikel Arteta. And there's an analysis of Virgil Van Dijk's form after another uncharacteristic mistake in the game against Leeds. In the transfer speculation lounge, Noz Choudry weighs up the prospects of Gareth Bale putting aside his golf clubs and taking up his place in the Old Trafford dressing room.
Paddy McKenna, Noz Choudry and Reuben Pinder look ahead to the start of the Premier League 20-21 season by firstly having a quick look back at the Nations League and Jack Grealish's emergence. Does Jadon Sancho's underwhelming showing in England v Denmark tell us anything about United's pursuit of him? Paddy talks about the transformative nature of the James Rodriguez transfer for Everton and how it has extended The Duffys global reach. Noz suggests that Everton are now the hipster European club for American/South American football fans. All the panel give their predictions for Champions, Top Scorer and Breakout Star ahead of the start of the new season this weekend.
On today's Football Spin Noz Choudry, Paddy McKenna and Conan Doherty look at England and Ireland's games in the Nations League and ask can these teams be spoken about in the same breath. England have matchwinners all over the field, Ireland are at the start of a new era with a new manager and system which will take time to bed in. Noz Choudry discusses Raheem Sterling's prowess at international level and reckons the pace of the game allows dynamic players to prosper. Conan Doherty suggests that Ireland wouldn't win a game against Finland even if they were playing more defensively, so they may as well try something. There's also a chat about Spain's new superstar Ansu Fati and time for a quick look at Aston Villa's transfers in the close season.
As Stephen Kenny’s time as Ireland manager begins, The Football Spin talks about Ireland’s 1-1 draw with Bulgaria. We asked Reuben Pinder and Nooruddean Choudry to sit through an Ireland game and they share their thoughts and fears. There’s also a discussion Mick McCarthy’s co-commentary and why it was a curious decision. There’s also a reflection on Alexis Sanchez’s video message
We know how the story - or at least the season - ends but does that take away from All or Nothing: Tottenham Hotspur. Certainly not once one man’s presence in the documentary was secured. This would have been a very different show if Mauricio Pochettino was still Tottenham’s manager instead of Jose Mourinho. On the Football Spin, Paddy McKenna, Dion Fanning and Reuben Pinder discuss the Amazon series and what it tells us about Jose at this stage of his career. There’s also a chat about James Rodriguez and what his imminent arrival at Everton tells us about about James, Everton and Ancelotti.
What now for Lionel Messi? After this week’s developments, the Football Spin debate Messi’s options. Could he stay at Barcelona or are things, as Reuben Pinder suggests, too far gone for that? If they are, what are his options and where will he end up? Reuben and Nooruddean Choudry believe he will be reunited with Pep Guardiola but there are other options. Another one club man is on the move as Matt Le Tissier is sacked from Sky Sports along with Charlie Nicholas and Phil Thompson. What does the reaction from one deranged corner of the world tell us about the endless tireless culture war. There’s also discussion of the international squads, with Jack Grealish left out for England and Stephen Kenny making big decisions with his first Ireland squad.
After a gripping Champions League final, the Football Spin discusses the fall out from Bayern Munich’s victory against PSG. PSG had the chances to take the lead in the first half and afterwards Thomas Tuchel lamented his side’s failure to take those chances. But do those comments indicate the problem with the PSG project or are they understandable words from a coach after a bitter defeat? Paddy McKenna is joined by Nooruddean Choudry, Reuben Pinder and Dion Fanning to reflect on the final and what the Champions League in Lisbon might mean for football. There’s also a debate about Anders Herrera and the merit of his post-match interview. Can football now look forward to a future without fans?
Paddy McKenna, Noz Choudry and Reuben Pinder looked back at a Europa League final that saw wily Sevilla beat Inter Milan 3-2. Diego Carlos was crying in the stands at the end but it was overhead that led to Romelu Lukaku's OG.
The panel discuss the career of Ever Banega, winning the Europa League in his last match at the club before he departs to play in Saudi Arabia, aged 32. His spat with Conte is mentioned and Reuben translates exactly what he said to him about his hair.
The panel discuss the career of John Stones. Is it time for him to leave Man City and what club would be a good fit?
Finally, will Leon Bailey be the right man for Leeds, or will another mid-range Premier League club have their head turned by his quite-good-on-paper playing career in the Bundesliga.
Paddy McKenna, Noz Choudry and Reuben Pinder review the Champions League semi-finals PSG v RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich v Lyon ahead of this weekend's Champions League Final. The panel discusses Serge Gnabry and his meteoric rise from WBA sub to best winger in Europe. They analyse Thiago Alcantara's role in the team and how it could contribute to their downfall at the weekend.
Reuben Pinder once again pushes his shameless 'Neymar is the best player in the world' agenda but still reckons Bayern will triumph at the weekend. Noz and Paddy go for PSG.
There's a bit of chat about the man who could become the alternative purchase for Manchester United if they can't snaffle Jadon Sancho - David Brooks. And there's a look at the released fixture list for the 20/21 season with Liverpool v Leeds the big curtain-raiser there.
It was another semi final defeat for Manchester United but once again there were reasons for the club to be cheerful in defeat. The limitations of the squad were made clear against Sevilla but will that strengthen Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s position? On The Football Spin, Paddy McKenna, Dion Fanning and Nooruddean Choudry discuss United and what needs to happen for them to take the next step, Is the support Solskjaer receives from many pundits a help or a hindrance? Bernardo Silva responded to Liverpool fans over the weekend but was it wise and what does it say about Manchester City’s sensitivities? Raul Sanllehi has left Arsenal and what does this say about the club and where they are going? Is there any future in longing for the past?
On The Football Spin Paddy McKenna, Noz Choudry and Reuben Pinder discuss the Champions League quarter-finals. Paddy asks if the ghost of Ronnie Rosenthal's genre-defining open goal miss can be put to bed after Raheem Sterling's glaring effort against Lyon. Reuben looks at how Pep once again conspired to beat his own team by picking three holding midfielders and Noz asks if he will ever be able to stop overthinking the game for long enough to pick his best team in big fixtures.
Who is the Barca villain? After a lacklustre performance there were some braindead takes identifying Ronaldo now as the GOAT. Reuben argues that Messi is and the GOAT but he's the best player in the world anymore, that accolade belongs to Neymar, he argues.
Thomas Muller's amazing Lewangoalski gag gets a mention and the panel finishes up by discussing if United are equipped to beat Sevilla in the semi-final of the Europa League. Oh and there's a quiz at the end about the fastest player in the Premier League. It's not Adama Traore.
On The Football Spin, Noz Choudry, Reuben Pinder and Paddy McKenna discuss how Anthony Martial has emerged to become a talisman for Manchester United, as seen in their win over FC Copenhagen. Noz explains how Martial's footwork is what makes him such a dynamic player. Reuben says that United need Sancho alongside Martial to realise the team's potential. Noz argues that the team also needs Jack Grealish and Thiago from Bayern, too. Greedy. Reuben chats to Gaizka Mendieta about how Barcelona are overly reliant on Messi. They haven't planned for the future.
After Raphael Varane gifted Man City the win, the panel wonder whether Real Madrid were too arrogant on Friday night. It looks like curtains for Maurizio Sarri now Juventus are out. And will Barcelona face the same fate? All that and more on The Football Spin, with Matt Stanger, Nooruddean Choudry and Reuben Pinder.
While Premier League clubs are still eyeing up big money transfers, Wednesday showed the harsh realities for many in football as Arsenal announced 55 redundancies due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Matt Stanger is joined by Nooruddean Choudry and Reuben Pinder, who provides some background to Man City’s new man Ferran Torres.
As Brentford reach the play off final, the Footbaáll Spin examines the credentials of the clubs in the Championship play offs and asks which one would be most suited to the Premier League. Brentford have a brand new stadium which they hope will be rolled out in the Premier League but what does a club lose when it moves to a new stadium. When will these grounds see fans again? The government has said they hope supporters will be back from October 1st but is that realistic? And as the Newcastle takeover rolls on, has a local MP struck the right note with her letter to the Premier League?
On the final day of the Premier League, the Football Spin discuss the top four and what it means for Manchester United.
What does Leicester City’s decline mean for Brendan Rodgers? Is the reputation he is developing as a manager of sides who choke unfair?
There’s also a discussion about Jordan Henderson and why Sadio Mané should have been Footballer of the Year
As Liverpool pick up the Premier League trophy, there’s a warning from Chelsea manager Frank Lampard.
There is a low bar for stadium celebrations, but how did Liverpool do on Wednesday night in the circumstances with their fans told to stay at home by Jurgen Klopp until they can celebrate together when the ‘bullshit virus’ is gone. Lampard’s sensitivity seemed to get another airing last night and Dion Fanning wonders how the requirements of being a manager differ from being a player and if the Golden Generation weren’t in some way responsible.
There’s also a mournful Championship Corner with Forest fan Matt Sayward who looks back on a remarkable night in the Championship when anything that could happen, did happen, except Forest didn’t make the play offs.
As Liverpool lift the Premier League trophy at Anfield, The Football Spin talks to Jamie Carragher about Liverpool’s title victory and the challenges ahead next season. Is there any reason for Liverpool to be concerned by their form since they clinched the title and does Carragher have any regrets that he will be commentating rather than participating when the trophy is lifted. Carragher also looks ahead to next season and assesses the challenge that will come from Manchester City and Manchester United. He also considers how United can solve a problem like David De Gea.
On a tame night of football, the organisers of the Ballon D’Or decided to up the ante by calling off this year’s award. Was this a staggering act of self regard or an understandable acknowledgment that some things just aren’t possible in the new normal? With Jude Bellingham signing for Borussia Dortmund, Paddy, Noz and Dion discuss the benefits of going abroad for footballers and why everyone wins if they do.
David De Gea was the villain for Manchester United against Chelsea but could the result be the best thing for United in the long run? Manchester United sacked Louis Van Gaal after winning the FA Cup so why should this bother them. But If they are going to learn lessons from it, maybe they should be far reaching. Having watched Frank Lampard’s Chelsea out play Solskjaer’s United, Dion Fanning has a suggestion for his replacement which might be the boldest move since Alex Ferguson’s ended a phone call with Howard Wilkinson with a query about Eric Cantona in 1992.
Leeds United are back in the Premier League. On The Football Spin, comedian and Leeds United fan Rob Mulholland explains what the last sixteen years have meant for the supporters and how Marcelo Bielsa changed everything. There’s a reflection on the low points since Leeds were relegated and a discussion of whether Leeds will be loved or hated under Bielsa in the Premier League.
The race for the top four is still going but with relegation more or less settled in the Premier League, is this the football utopia one commentator claimed it to be? There could be football from now until next summer’s European Championships but is this a good thing? On the Football Spin, Matt Stanger, Nooruddean Choudry and Dion Fanning discuss United’s win, Villa’s defeat and the career of Theo Walcott. There’s also a reflection on Clive Tyldesley and what makes a commentator great.
On the night, Twitter was hacked, Paddy McKenna keeps on top of this fast moving story while The Football Spin reflects on Arsenal’s win at the Emirates and the major talking points. Is there any reason for Liverpool to be concerned? Dion Fanning argues that Project Restart has served its purpose for Liverpool and they will quickly get over targets they’re missing such as 100 points. Shaqiri made an appearance at the Emirates with a wonderful head of hair. Surely all footballers should look like this? There’s no reason why not. And Championship Corner returns with Matt Sayward discussing Brentford, Leeds United and Wigan Athletic.
Harry Maguire spoke after Manchester United’s draw with Southampton about how the visitors to Old Trafford had played with no pressure. But was he revealing the burden that has suddenly been placed on his own club? United felt the pressure at Old Trafford on Monday night when they conceded a late equaliser against Southampton and how will they cope in the final games? The pressure was on, in part, because of the CAS ruling which will see Manchester City compete in the Champions League next season. This wasn’t a total exoneration but does that matter? How important is the CAS decision and do City still have questions to answer? Will anybody be listening?
Bournemouth and Aston Villa’s victories on Sunday have fired up the relegation battle but for an hour, Bournemouth’s game against Leicester was, according to Dion Fanning, ‘the worst thing ever to be shown on television’. Then it all changed. Then that title was reclaimed by Mrs Brown’s Boys. Tottenham’s victory against Arsenal may have bought Mourinho time but is that a good thing for Spurs? Seamus Coleman was heavily critical of Everton after their defeat to Wolves but should he say it?
The Football Spin reflects on the life and times of Jack Charlton, whose death was announced on Saturday morning. A man who won the World Cup with England and transformed Irish football, his life was extraordinary and Dion Fanning, Paddy McKenna and Noz Choudry reflect on all he achieved.
Can anything stop Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Manchester United? After another convincing win, the Football Spin discuss the next steps Solskjaer has to take on the path to greatness. They also acknowledge that maybe Roy Keane and Graeme Souness had a point - well Dion does - when they look at Aston Villa. And what powerful body does Jose Mourinho have in his sights?
Will West Ham stay up? After their defeat to Burnley, West Ham may be more concerned about relegation but with David Moyes at the helm, they have a man who won’t stop fighting and worrying about the fight. But what about the future? Moyes has been linked with Jesse Lingard and Phil Jones but are these players he should want to advance the Moyes brand? Is Phil Jones too much on brand?
There’s also a talk about club loyalty and a discussion about Michael Holding’s powerful words on Wednesday.
Arsenal have been enjoying the empty stadium experience, according to Mikel Arteta, but suddenly against Leicester, when they were 1-0 up and down to ten men, it was like there were 60,000 fans breathing down their necks again and Arsenal became Arsenal.
Paddy McKenna, Dion Fanning and Nooruddean Choudry look at Arsenal’s joy at playing behind closed doors and how they faltered at the Emirates when the pressure built.
They also discuss Jurgen Klopp’s claim that one day he’d like a team full of scousers and wonder if this would really be a good thing for Liverpool
Graeme Souness’s criticism of Jack Grealish on Sunday raised issues about football in the modern age and what pundits from another era want. On The Football Spin, Paddy McKenna and Nooruddean Choudry discuss the relegation battle and the criticism of Grealish. There’s also an examination of Mason Greenwood who goes from strength to strength and they wonder how many goals Manchester United would have scored if there had been fans in Old Trafford. More importantly, there’s a jingle competition for Championship Corner between Paddy and Matt Sayward.
We can finally watch football in the pub again, but what will that entail? No sound? No celebrations? Hungover by midday after a 6am start to the session?
On The Football Spin, Dion Fanning and Nooruddean Choudry ponder this brave new world along with the possibility of Lionel Messi turning up at Newcastle if the Magpies' proposed takeover ever happens. Plus, guest host Matt Stanger has forced a new feature on the panel: Championship Corner.
Liverpool showed up at the Etihad as champions and left with an embarrassing defeat which left Jurgen Klopp furious, but mainly with those who questioned his players’ attitude. On The Football Spin, Dion Fanning says the defeat to Manchester City on Thursday night has no meaning and says nothing about next season. Will Jose Mourinho be at Tottenham next season? And why would Spurs’ supporters want him there after a defeat at Sheffield United which saw Jose fall back on all his old reliable excuses.
After West Ham’s critical victory against Chelsea, The Football Spin celebrates David Moyes, national treasure. Does he deserve a break? He certainly seems to think so which may be the problem as Dion Fanning, Nooruddean Choudry and Paddy McKenna try to figure out how a man who once looked as if he would achieve so much seems to be defined by how he reacts to victory and, especially, defeat. Paddy also delivered his long anticipated presentation on what Carlo Ancelotti has done at Everton and why he is bringing a revolutionary air to Goodison Park.
When can Manchester United begin to feel they’re on the way back? The victory at Brighton gave further cause for optimism but what are the problems holding Manchester United back? On Wednesday, Arsenal try to compete with the clubs around them but if United are feeling optimistic now, what about Mikel Arteta and Arsenal? Nooruddean Choudry, Dion Fanning and Paddy McKenna discuss where the two clubs are while they’re joined by Matt Stanger to talk about what Roy Keane can look forward to if he become Azerbaijan's manager.
Liverpool won their first title in 30 years on Thursday but the celebrations have provoked criticism. On a Sunday morning Football Spin, Nooruddean Choudry, Dion Fanning and Paddy McKenna discuss the response to the title win and why Dominic Cummings’ drive to Barnard Castle contributed to the scenes on Merseyside on Friday. Does it tarnish Liverpool’s title win or are so many arguments made in bad faith in the endless culture war that everything just disintegrates into a shouting match? Following Manchester United’s victory, there’s a consideration of where Solskjaer is now and if there are now signs that he will restore the club to glory.
Liverpool are champions. On a night when the club won their first league title in 30 years, the Football Spin celebrates the achievements of Jurgen Klopp and his Liverpool side. How has Klopp done it and what does it mean for football as Liverpool appear to stand on the brink of an era of dominance? Dion Fanning, Paddy McKenna and Nooruddean Choudry consider all that Klopp has done to get the club to this position of dominance.
With Liverpool on the verge of their first top flight title in 30 years, the Football Spin celebrate their achievements. Dion Fanning, Paddy McKenna, Nooruddean Choudry and Reuben Pinder reflect on Jurgen Klopp’s triumph. There is reflection on Stephen Ireland’s interview in the Athletic. The decision of Leeds United to remove a picture of Osama Bin Laden, which was among photographs of supporters at Elland Road, leads into a discussion of famous fans.
Where does gobshite come from? On tonight’s Football Spin, Nooruddean Choudry, Paddy McKenna and Dion Fanning reflect on this and other pressing issues following Tottenham’s victory over West Ham. Neil Warnock is back in football and what does his return at Middlesbrough tell us about football in the time of coronavirus? There’s anticipation of what we can expect when Rebekah Vardy and Coleen Rooney end up in court and what we can expect with David Luiz staying at Arsenal for another year. There is also a discussion about imperialism and education and why the things that need to change as part of the Black Lives Matter movement are really only just beginning.
Another night when football took a stand. As the Manchester City and Burnley players and staff took a knee at the Etihad on Monday night, a plane flew overhead trailing a banner which read ‘White Lives Matter Burnley’. Burnley were quick to issue a statement condemning it while Sean Dyche and Ben Mee also were eloquent in their criticism. Mee spoke powerfully about how he felt ashamed by the plane and in doing so highlighted again that there is no turning back. On The Football Spin, Paddy McKenna, Dion Fanning and Nooruddean Choudry talk about the incident and why it illustrated how the world is changing. There is also Jose Mourinho’s fake news and why some records are too good to be true
Liverpool may have to wait for their title after a scoreless draw to forget at Goodison Park. It was a game that deserved to be played in an empty stadium and Everton could have made Liverpool’s run in even more tense if they had taken their chances or capitalised on the arrival of Dejan Lovren. It was like Lovren had never been away which wasn’t a good thing for Liverpool. On Sunday’s Football Spin, Nooruddean Choudry looks at Lovren’s career and his apparent political leanings and wonders what it is that links them while Paddy McKenna explains what Carlo Ancelotti is doing to make Everton great again.
What next for Arsenal? Even in an empty stadium, you could feel the rage as Neal Maupay scored a vital winning goal for Brighton on Saturday afternoon. The anger was everywhere but Maupay didn’t back down. Arsenal supporters who were angry at him for his role in the injury to Bernd Leno and angrier when he scored, had to listen as he told Arsenal players to learn some humility. But do Arsenal need something other than humility? Can Mikel Arteta change the habits which have been there for years and which have emerged unaltered in lockdown. On The Football Spin, Paddy McKenna, Dion Fanning and Nooruddean Choudry discuss Arsenal being Arsenal and what Mikel Arteta can do about it. Reuben Pinder explains the rise of Crystal Palace and there’s a lot of love for Ian Wright.
As the Premier League returns, we needed something to jolt us back to normal, but it turns out the new normal is just like the old normal. Roy Keane’s half time explosion of rage at David De Gea and Harry Maguire might have been the most notable element of Friday night’s football but did it tell us anything about Manchester United and Tottenham? Does that matter? Is Roy Keane an analyst or a state of mind? On The Football Spin, Paddy McKenna, Dion Fanning and Nooruddean Choudry talk about Keane and ask if this is as good as it gets for him. There’s also an interview with Joe Cole who talks about Marcus Rashford, West Ham and why The Last Dance reminded him of his days at Chelsea.
The Premier League returned on Wednesday night. There were no fans, the players stayed socially distant in the build up and it was like nothing we had seen before. Well, kind of. Because out of the darkness emerged a hero for our times, a man to tell us that everything will be all right. That man was David Luiz. In a world of uncertainty, David Luiz provided a reminder that some things don’t change. When he came on as a sub, he made up for lost time by being at fault for City’s first goal and bringing down Riyad Mahrez for the second which led to his sending off. And the world breathed easily again. On The Football Spin, Paddy McKenna, Dion Fanning and Nooruddean Choudry talk about the Premier League’s return, Luiz’s special talents and the importance of all players in Wednesday’s matches taking a knee as part of the Black Lives Matter protests.
As the Premier League returns, the Football Spin talks to Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher about how they got on in lockdown, having an opinion on everything and how the changing world will be reflected in the Premier League. Footballers like Marcus Rashford and Raheem Sterling have shown leadership as the Black Lives Matter protests and the consequences of Covid-19 dominate our lives. Carragher and Neville talk about their admiration for them and their awe at how the modern day player isn’t afraid to take a lead on the most important issues. Paddy McKenna, Nooruddean Choudry and Dion Fanning discuss Rashford’s letter to MPs and the weak response from Boris Johnson.
Raheem Sterling, the power of protest and why sport should return before the second wave by JOE
The FAI reach the end of the road, Arsenal’s Arteta gamble and Ancelotti’s charm by JOE
Big Dunc takes Everton as far as he can, Arsenal abandon Ozil and Salah's ruthlessness by JOE
Big Dunc's big chance, Pep's problems mount and why Gary Neville needs to be heard by JOE
Liverpool's strength in depth, Everton's Moyes conundrum & Mourinho motivates Manchester United by JOE
FAI's latest crisis, Pochettino's options and will Mourinho go full Lion King at Old Trafford? by JOE
Mourinho begins his latest act of seduction, Arsenal's toxic culture and United's crisis by JOE
Ireland's bitter disappointment at another moral victory and why Matt Doherty's time has come by JOE
Ireland take too many positives, Raheem Sterling's greatness and Zlatan the bore by JOE
Klopp's title to lose, Pep's Liverpool obsession and English football's poppy fetish by JOE
Celtic's joy, the Liverpool-City pyro rivalry and the misunderstood Jack Grealish by JOE
Why VAR must stay, could Moyesy bring the good times back to Everton and Shamrock Rovers' joy by JOE
Aaron Connolly - Ireland's real man of the match, Jack Byrne's absence and permutations meltdown by JOE
Team Coleen vs Team Becky, beloved Scott Hogan and why Ireland's 21s can break the mould by JOE
The Football Spin on the rise of Aaron Connolly and why getting rid of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer may not be the solution to all of Manchester United's problems
Manchester United, Arsenal and the futility of existence - a Monday Night Football special by JOE
Caoimhin Kelleher wins Klopp's heart, Aaron Connolly clears all the hurdles & Ireland's Carabao Cup by JOE
Manchester United lose, Liverpool have it too easy and Phil Jones and the insurrection by JOE
David Goldblatt on why football matters, the Premier League's post Brexit worries and GAA hegemony by JOE
City lose, Firmino's life lessons & Brendan Rodgers brings his hat but no cattle to Old Trafford by JOE
Troy Parrott, the future is now, why Jack Byrne changes everything and Mick McCarthy's dilemma by JOE
Ireland, the best last-15-minutes team in the world and why it's time for Roy Keane to stop talking by JOE
Shearer and Owen need the Olly Robbins factor & why you shouldn't care about Ireland v Switzerland by JOE
Why Mane v Salah was Liverpool's only problem at Burnley & Brexit, communism and the fall of Bury by JOE
Ireland's deadliest ever foward (sic) line, the magic of the Carabao Cup and in defence of Pogba by JOE
Bizarro Manchester United, Salah humiliates David Luiz and what price is an FAI sponsored walk? by JOE
The tyrannical genius of Jurgen Klopp, the unreality of VAR and why tradition can’t help Man Utd by JOE
VAR is vindicated, the return of Klopp's mentality giants and why Troy Parrott is ready now by JOE
Dion Fanning and Paddy McKenna talked about Jurgen Klopp's incredibly enthusiastic reaction to winning the European Super Cup. Dion wondered if Klopp is a Twitter lurker after he was spotted with the icon on his iPhone over the summer and that he had been keeping tabs there on the chatter around Adrian/Rocky Balboa. They also looked at Joe Cole's dubious theory on the VAR decision for the penalty that wasn't overturned and Graeme Souness's concern for Stephanie Frappart that she might make 'a major mistake' as she became the first woman to take control of a men's final in a major competition.
Jose Mourinho TV star, Frank Lampard's brutal truths and Ole's Oaks are back...again by JOE
Liverpool kick off the 2019/2020 Premier League with a 4-1 win over newly-promoted Norwich. Paddy McKenna and Conan Doherty discussed how Norwich would struggle to win any games in the league without the kind of investment other teams have pumped into their squads. Tony Evans was on the line to talk about Liverpool drawing first blood in a league that only they and Man City have a chance to winning. He also spoke about the new European super league and how Netflix and Amazon could change the game there.
A Harry Maguire special & what Pete Doherty's mega breakfast tells us about Man Utd's new signing by JOE
Why Troy Parrott and Jack Byrne should be playing for Ireland & Man Utd's pre-season heroics by JOE
London's Calling special: Why Steve Bruce will lose sack race and Jack Byrne's enduring class by JOE
Stephen Kenny's vision for Ireland, how Rice/Grealish could have been avoided & modest Big Sam by JOE
Frank Lampard is Roman Abramovich's new manager at Chelsea but will he get the time to do what he has to do and does he know what he's getting in to?
On The Football Spin, Paddy McKenna, Wayne Farry and Dion Fanning discuss Lampard's appointment and ask if this is going to go as well as some Chelsea fans think it will?
Martin O'Neill was sacked by Nottingham Forest on Friday in a story that might have sounded familiar to Irish football fans. What now for the former Ireland manager and does his fate at Forest illustrate the tolerance and understanding of the Irish football family? On The Football Spin, Dion Fanning and Paddy McKenna discuss O'Neill's legacy and there's also time for Cooking with Noz as Nooruddean Choudry joins the lads to talk about Manchester United and what constitutes a pie.
What is everybody's problem with VAR? On The Football Spin, Dion Fanning and Conan Doherty discuss the latest outrage surrounding the system. Dion argues that VAR is working but Conan and Reuben Pinder aren't so sure. They also look forward to the last sixteen of the Women's World Cup and wonder what is happening to Manchester United this summer.
Paddy McKenna and Conan Doherty discuss the potential next manager of Chelsea. Club legend, Frank Lampard is the frontrunner. What can the man who guided Derby from 6th in the Championship last season to 6th in the Championship this season do that will finally make Roman Abramovich happy? Elsewhere, we talk to Reuben Pinder on the ground at the Women's World Cup. After USA's 13-0 demolition of Thailand, questions have been asked about the quality of the play, but are comparisons to the men's game really that fair? And the Premier League fixtures are out. How uncomfortable will it get for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the Old Trafford hot seat with a hard run of games for Man United to start the new season?
Dion Fanning and Paddy McKenna reflect on another late show from the Republic of Ireland who recovered from going 1-0 down in Denmark to equalise with an awesome leap and header from the towering Shane Duffy. We also discussed the trouble caused by England fans in Porto and why Gary Neville’s defence of the fans in the stadium was so wrong. We break the news of the biggest transfer of the summer and hear why Steve Sidwell reckons self-contained Frank Lampard needs to replace the giddy Maurico Sarri.
Liverpool are the European Champions for the sixth time. Their supporters won't care that it was one of the worst finals in recent years as the victory is the statement Jurgen Klopp needed to make. With his record in finals, Klopp needed to win, but the victory over Tottenham Hotspur demonstrates how far he has taken the club since he arrived in 2015. On The Football Spin, Tony Evans joins Paddy McKenna and Dion Fanning from Madrid to talk about this victory and where it will take Liverpool in the coming years.
The decision to host the Europa League final in Baku was heavily criticised in the run up to the game. The fact that Arsenal and Chelsea had to travel from London to reach Azerbaijan ensured that many fans decided to stay at home. But now that Chelsea are champions will they see it the trip as being worthwhile or is the club running out of ways to enjoy itself. Paddy McKenna and Dion Fanning are joined by Reuben Pinder to discuss the Europa League final and what it means for the managers of both clubs. There is also a Champions League final prediction.
Conor Hourihane, the complete footballer, Dean Smith's bravery & Niall Quinn's plans by JOE
Why has Manchester City’s rise to the top of English football not captured the hearts of more people? On the night they claimed a domestic treble in England, the Football Spin discusses their rise and what may come of UEFA’s investigations into their finances with Tony Evans. Their 6-0 win over Watford also may be the day that the FA Cup finally lost its long battle with relevance.
Having reached an astonishing total of 97 points this season, what more can Liverpool do in their pursuit of Manchester City? Is there any hope for the rest of the Premier League that City’s focus might shift next season. On The Football Spin, Paddy and Dion discuss with Melissa Reddy what Liverpool will do next. Manchester United’s season ended with a whimper and Dion is pretty sure what Ed Woodward should do next.
One of the greatest nights in Liverpool's history - perhaps their greatest night -is discussed on The Football Spin with Tony Evans explaining why Jurgen Klopp may be underrated and why Liverpool fans should never have loved Luis Suarez
A Saturday night #TheFootballSpin special on Liverpool's extraordinary resilience as they get another late win, this time at St James' Park, to go back on top of the Premier League and take the title race to the final weekend
The genius of Messi, Klopp's mistakes and why Gary Neville might have been right about Liverpool by JOE
Shy and retiring Brendan Rodgers, Marcelo Bielsa, England's moral leader and Solskjaer's big plans by JOE
Roy Keane - kicking ass and taking names, Ed Woodward's repetitive errors & Liverpool's consolation by JOE
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is the wrong man at Old Trafford and why Man City won't beat Man Utd this week by JOE
VAR - What is it good for? Pep's heartbreak and the stunning genius of Mauricio Pochettino by JOE
Change is coming to the FAI, Ajax are coming in the Champions League and Messi v Phil Jones by JOE
The real Jordan Henderson stands up, vulnerable Man City & why everyone must go on the FAI board by JOE
Mesut Ozil wants it too much, Man United's summer flash sale & Jordan Henderson's 500-year struggle by JOE
Hugo Lloris, Liverpool's saviour, Neil Warnock's luck turns & is little dancer Mo Salah back? by JOE
Ole gives Manchester United their freedom, Virgil Van Dijk on the move & why Eamon Dunphy was wrong by JOE
The Glenn Whelan resurrection, why protests against the FAI were essential & LVG calls out Solskjaer by JOE
The FAI Witching hour, no change on the field for Ireland and Declan Rice joins the England party by JOE
FAI statements, Virgil Van Dijk's Premier League statement and Declan Rice turns his back on history by JOE
Virgil Van Dijk leads Liverpool to glory, the Premier League's golden era & Big Sam's houseparty by JOE
Sterling's greatness, Crystal Palace's Glenn Murray issue & what Jack Grealish tells us about the UK by JOE
Ole's sentimental journey, the Liverpoolification of Manchester United and Arsenal's opportunity by JOE
An ill wind blows as Klopp feel the pressure, Poch's big ambitions & Brendan sees good times ahead by JOE
It's Liverpool's title, Brendan Rodgers shuns immortality & Chelsea stand by Willy Caballero at last by JOE
Should Mauricio Sarri have kept walking after Kepa Arrizabalaga's substitution revolution? Did Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Old Trafford love machine stop Liverpool from a gimme 3 points? And Danny Murphy's hard games...
Solskjaer Out, what has happened to Mr Manchester Utd Alexis Sanchez and who is Olly Robbins anyway? by JOE
Chelsea hand City the title, Mike Dean back to his best and the Bilbao cathedral by JOE
How big is the anti-Liverpool conspiracy, what's up at Arsenal and do Spurs need to leave Wembley? by JOE
Liverpool's misery at the top of the table, the rebirth of Rashford and Cantona's cryptic message by JOE
Jurgen Klopp's approach, Man City's dangerous serenity and farewell to Plan A Fellaini by JOE
Same old Roy Keane, the Big Sam hole at Everton and Jesse Lingard - football man by JOE
The Rafa Benitez conundrum, Johnny Rotten's Brexit vision and remembering Hugh McIlvanney by JOE
Solskjaer shows Rashford the Manchester United Way, Mourinho & friends and Liverpool's title to lose by JOE
A Bielsa special: English football’s moral compass & what vegan sausage rolls tell us about spygate by JOE
Declan Rice - the answer to Jurgen Klopp's problems, Liverpool believe and the Bielsa culture war by JOE
Virgil Van Dijk: 275 million pound footballer, Mr Man Utd Alexis Sanchez and Ireland's Declan Rice by JOE
The Assassination of Jose Mourinho by the coward Paul Pogba and what's next for Manchester United by JOE
Alisson saves Liverpool, Spurs get all Spursy and the abuse of Raheem Sterling in Brexit Britain by JOE
It's on! Chelsea transform the title race, is it Liverpool's year and the rise of Troy Parrott by JOE
Mourinho stays in touch with Everton, Liverpool’s desperate chase and the Ada Hegerberg effect by JOE
Jordan Pickford’s crossbar challenge, Ireland's march to Euro glory and Jose's road to nowhere by JOE
Mick McCarthy, Stephen Kenny and the Big Irish footballing Tent of Human Happiness by JOE
MON and Keane depart, why Stephen Kenny is the answer and the hypnotic appeal of Sven Goran Eriksson by JOE
Take that Joe Schmidt! Ireland claim a famous point in Aarhus and Christian Eriksen’s truth bomb by JOE
Obafemi’s doubts, Martin O’Neill’s overpowering candour and the battle for Brexit bragging rights by JOE
Mourinho's tired old excuses, Manchester United's latest crisis & Charlie Austin's Parklife outrage by JOE
Jose Mourinho takes on the world, Man City take on the begrudgers & Martin O'Neill's flawed logic by JOE
Dion Fanning and Paddy McKenna discuss how Unai Emery has already transformed Arsenal into a far steelier outfit than they were under the final days of Arsene Wenger's reign. Melissa Reddy explains how a less-than-vintage performance was still good enough for a point and the gang discuss the FFP revelations uncovered by Der Spiegal and Football Leaks.
Dion Fanning explains why there really is only two people to blame for the Declan Rice fiasco, Noz Choudry uses John Wick to psychoanalyse Steven Gerrard and Dejan Lovren is at it again.
Tottenham in the NFL redZone, Lopetegui considers a career change and Leicester City sadness by JOE
Nooruddean Choudry and Dion Fanning join Paddy McKenna to talk about the unsackable Jose Mourinho, but is he more like Jeremy Corbyn or Theresa May
Dion Fanning and Rob Redmond join Paddy McKenna to post-mortem another dismal night for Irish football, but Martin O'Neill found the positives as his side bounced back with another defeat to Wales
22 - France’s triumph, Pogba’s vindication and Putin’s Conor McGregor endorsement by JOE
21 - England choke on Keane's words, Croatian shithousery and France's redemption by JOE
19 - England's social media revolution, Arise Sir Gareth and France bore their way to glory 😴 by JOE
18 - Prime Minister Southgate banishes Brexit blues and Celtic soul brothers unite for England by JOE
17 - Jesus, it might actually be Coming Home; Southgate's modest genius & the IKEA Ultras celebrate by JOE
16 - Bobby Martinez football genius, Neymar ruined and the seductive power of Gareth Southgate by JOE
12 - Spain's self-parody, Mbappé discovered and English fashion - waistcoats & tattoos by JOE
9 - Messi magic arrives in Russia, dysfunctional Argentina and a chink in the VARmour? by JOE
7 - Harry Kane's golden boot, Roy Keane's advice to England and the great World Cup of shithousery by JOE
Spain beat Iran, Portugal beat Morocco, Uruguay beat Saudi Arabia and the brand new JOE World Cup Minipod is here!