EFL Unfiltered with David Prutton

Building upon the success of the EFL's 'Day of Action' in previous years, where all 72 clubs take part in programmes and projects within their local community that offer support and services to those that need them most, this year the offering has been increased across the board as the initiative spans a week rather than just a single day. To find out a little more about what's been happening this year, Mark Clemmit sits down for a chat with three individuals from different parts of the country and very different walks of life, to hear their stories and how their lives have all been positively impacted by the work of their EFL clubs in the communities.

This weekend, Wembley Stadium plays host to the Papa John's Trophy Final 2022 between Rotherham United and Sutton United, and Mark Clemmit is joined by the two men who's sides will face each other, Rotherham's Paul Warne and Sutton's Matt Gray. The two have never met each in the flesh and Clem has the honour of introducing them both on this week's official EFL podcast. In addition to that, Clem is joined by new Barrow manager Phil Brown who talks about his new challenge with the Cumbrian League Two side, and provides some expert punditry as he previews this weekend's Skybet Championship fixtures which return after the international break.

He’s taken a slightly unorthodox route to Skybet League One management, but the skills he’s learnt in his coaching career in this country and beyond, have certainly equipped Liam Manning with the tools and the vision, to get MK Dons to where the club’s owner and the fans, want and expect them to be. 
Elsewhere, Clem catches up with two young strikers who’ve played for more than two dozen clubs between them before either has reached the ripe old age of 30, but who seem to have found the right fit this season in their respective squads. Jordan Hugill on loan from Norwich City and scoring regularly for Cardiff, and Newport born Aaron Collins crossing the Severn on a daily basis as top scorer for Bristol Rovers.

On this week's official EFL Podcast, Mark Clemmit chats to Ipswich Town's Christian Walton about his impressive stats between the sticks this season, that have contributed to a fine run of form for the tractor boys under Kieran McKenna, and Richie Wellens reflects on what he's learnt over the past few years in management, and how he's using that to good effect with new club Leyton Orient.

On this week's official EFL podcast, Mark Clemmit chats to Colchester United's owner and chairman Robbie Cowling, about his forthcoming fundraising game for Ukraine against Skybet League Two table toppers Forest Green Rovers. Elsewhere, Clem is joined by Nigel Adkins for a full and in-depth preview of this weekend's fixtures, and Carlisle United's Paul Simpson reflects on 3 wins out of 3 since returning to Brunton Park.

As a player, he won just about everything with the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea, and having been out of management for just over three years since leaving Southampton at the end of 2018, Mark Hughes felt the time was right for a new challenge when he was unveiled as the new manager of Bradford City a week ago. He chats to Clem about the hunger he has to bring success to Valley Parade and how he’s enjoying getting to know his new club and players. 30 miles south in Barnsley, Carlton Morris has been winning admirers for his recent performances in front of goal, and explains how 3 wins from their last 4 and a positive atmosphere in the dressing room, has given him and the team a genuine belief that they may just avoid the drop, and pull off what looked impossible only a few weeks ago.

This week it’s all about the Carabao Cup Final, as Mark Clemmit previews Sunday’s showpiece event as Chelsea take on Liverpool at Wembley. Clem is joined by Garry Monk who reminisces about his own day at Wembley in February 2013, when he lifted the trophy as club captain of Swansea City. Elsewhere, Clem catches up with Cheltenham Town boss Michael Duff on life in Skybet League One and that 5-5 game of the season last weekend against Wycombe, and new Walsall manager Mike Flynn assesses the task ahead at the Bescot, as he looks to quickly improve the fortunes of the Saddlers.

It’s a bumper packed edition of the podcast this week, as Mark Clemmit lays out the red carpet for 3 top guests representing the Skybet Championship, League One and league Two. First up, Ryan Lowe on that difficult move away from Plymouth, coupled with the ambition and challenges ahead with new club Preston North End. League One legend, Doncaster Rovers head of player development and now published author James Coppinger, drops buy to talk about life beyond his playing days, and how he’s using his vast knowledge to help the next generation, and Exeter City captain Matt Jay, describes the pride of leading out his boyhood club and shares some tips for dealing with the delivery and installation of white goods! It could only be the official EFL podcast!

It’s EFL Youth Development Week, and in order to shine a light on the brilliant work done in our EFL club academies up and down the country, Mark Clemmit speaks to Steve Avory who’s worked in Charlton Athletic’s academy for more than  20 years and now runs the operation. Steve and his team have produced the likes of Jonjoe Shelvey, Ademola Lookman, Joe Gomes and Ezri Konsa to name but a few, and are one of the most admired academy set ups in the country. Elsewhere, a recent head injury forced Wycombe Wanderers legend Matt Bloomfield to call time on a long and illustrious career, and he’s keen to make people aware of his experiences, and Clem also speaks to Newport County's goal machine Dom Telford, about staying on top of the goalscorers chart, in the rough and tumble world of Skybet League Two!

He’s only been at Bournemouth for a couple of days, but already Todd Cantwell has lofty ambitions for himself and his high flying Bournemouth team mates. A return to the promised land of the premier league is what Cantwell has set his sights on, and with Scott Parker steering the next part of the young midfielder’s career, he’s confident he can do just that. Elsewhere, Clem sits down for a fascinating chat with Stevenage manager Paul Tisdale, who’s knowledge of the game has been crafted through many years of studious man management.