In this episode, host Lee sits down with one of football journalism’s sharpest minds — Mark Critchley — to dive deep into the world behind the press passes, the headlines, and those unforgettable football moments.

Mark, a respected reporter formerly with The Athletic, shares what it’s really like being in press conferences with José Mourinho, breaking major stories (including the time he revealed Marcus Rashford’s memorable night out in Belfast), and even tells the story of how he ended up with Hristo Stoichkov’s phone number on his contact list!

From behind-the-scenes tales to reflections on modern football media, this episode is full of insight, humour, and honesty from a journalist who’s seen it all.

About Mark Critchley:
Mark Critchley is an experienced football journalist who has covered the Premier League and international football for top outlets such as The Athletic and The Independent. Known for his thoughtful analysis and engaging storytelling, he’s spent years bringing fans closer to the biggest names and moments in the game — both on and off the pitch.

If you love football, journalism, or just a good story, this episode’s not to be missed.

👉 Listen now, hit subscribe, and follow The Football Journals Podcast for more conversations with the biggest names behind the beautiful game.

#FootballPodcast #MarkCritchley #TheAthletic #ManchesterUnited #FootballJournalism #PremierLeague