Game's Gone: The Steve Bracknall Podcast

By BBC Radio 5 Live

Steve Bracknall takes a weekly deep dive into the murky world of the modern game whilst desperately trying to hold his ramshackle Sunday league team together.

... more

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FAQs about Game's Gone: The Steve Bracknall Podcast:

How many episodes does Game's Gone: The Steve Bracknall Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 12 episodes available.

Game's Gone: The Steve Bracknall Podcast episodes:

January 22, 2026 Afcon Chaos, Manchester Derby and Wynney vs Kirk
In this week's episode Steve, Paul and Bob are in crisis management mode as it all kicks off at the Oak, discuss the fallout from the Afcon final and polish their boots...
They also touch on Mo Salah, Erling Haaland, Sadio Mane and Pep Guardiola.
VAR. XG. Inverted wing backs. The game has well and truly gone.
Via his very own podcast, Steve Bracknall, Sunday league assistant manager and viral sensation, is on a mission to save the beautiful game...
Direct from the dressing room of his team, Royal Oak FC, Steve is joined by gaffer Paul Sampson and physio Bob the Bucket. Every episode, they’ll make sense of all the week’s footballing news and bring you updates from the Oak…
Send your questions and voice notes to [email protected] or via whatsapp 0800 7831997
Marching on, together as one. Steve.
Game’s Gone: The Steve Bracknall Podcast is written and performed by Chris McClure and is a Persephonica production for BBC Sounds
Credits
Producer: Ad Ahmed
Video Producer/Editor/Artwork: Matt Exton
Additional Editing: Joe Whittaker and Jack Whiteside
Photography: Rob Nicholson
Executive Producer: Dino Sofos
Commissioning Executive for the BBC: Stevie Middleton
Assistant Commissioner for the BBC: Steve Trenchard
Background:
Royal Oak FC was founded in 1997 in the back room of the Royal Oak pub by Steve Bracknall and Paul Sampson.
Despite decades of effort, the team still fights for survival in the fifth tier of the Sheffield Sunday Imperial League. When a viral clip catapulted Steve to fame in 2024, the BBC came calling - and Game’s Gone was born.
Hosts of the podcast:
Steve Bracknall
Assistant manager at Royal Oak FC, Steve Bracknall is to many the lifeblood of the club. Having agreed to front the club in terms of marketing and PR, Steve is the link between the fans and the club. No one cares about the Oak like Steve. Loving husband to Our Nikki and doting father to Our Olivia, come Sunday Steve is transformed into a passionate assistant who would literally die for the cause. He cites man management as his strong point.
Paul Sampson
First team manager and lifelong friend of Steve Bracknall. Paul originally formed the club with Steve. In recent years his commitment to the club has come under scrutiny especially after buying a timeshare in Tenerife and going on multiple golfing trips mid-season leaving Steve to hold the fort. He still has the final say over any tactical decisions that are made much to the annoyance of Steve.
Bob the Bucket
Club physio and general caretaker Bob the Bucket has been with the club for over ten years. No one really knows why and when he joined but he did. General job roles include putting up nets, filling water bottles alongside prevention and rehab of all Oak players.
...more
27min
January 15, 2026 Magic of The FA Cup, Carrick at Man Utd and Messi or Ronaldo?
In this week's episode the team enjoy the magic of the FA Cup, split the G, take a wrecking ball to Stockley Park and ponder the all important question - Messi or Ronaldo?
They also touch on Michael Carrick's appointment as Manchester United's caretaker head coach and Big Kirk signing for Royal Oak.
VAR. XG. Inverted wing backs. The game has well and truly gone.
Via his very own podcast, Steve Bracknall, Sunday league assistant manager and viral sensation, is on a mission to save the beautiful game...
Direct from the dressing room of his team, Royal Oak FC, Steve is joined by gaffer Paul Sampson and physio Bob the Bucket. Every episode, they’ll make sense of all the week’s footballing news and bring you updates from the Oak…
Send your questions and voice notes to [email protected] or via whatsapp 0800 7831997
Marching on, together as one. Steve.
Game’s Gone: The Steve Bracknall Podcast is written and performed by Chris McClure and is a Persephonica production for BBC Sounds
Credits
Producer: Ad Ahmed
Video Producer/Editor/Artwork: Matt Exton
Additional Editing: Joe Whittaker and Jack Whiteside
Photography: Rob Nicholson
Executive Producer: Dino Sofos
Commissioning Executive for the BBC: Stevie Middleton
Assistant Commissioner for the BBC: Steve Trenchard
Background
Royal Oak FC was founded in 1997 in the back room of the Royal Oak pub by Steve Bracknall and Paul Sampson.
Despite decades of effort, the team still fights for survival in the fifth tier of the Sheffield Sunday Imperial League. When a viral clip catapulted Steve to fame in 2024, the BBC came calling - and Game’s Gone was born.
Meet The Hosts
Steve Bracknall
Assistant manager at Royal Oak FC, Steve Bracknall is to many the lifeblood of the club. Having agreed to front the club in terms of marketing and PR, Steve is the link between the fans and the club. No one cares about the Oak like Steve. Loving husband to Our Nikki and doting father to Our Olivia, come Sunday Steve is transformed into a passionate assistant who would literally die for the cause. He cites man management as his strong point.
Paul Sampson
First team manager and lifelong friend of Steve Bracknall. Paul originally formed the club with Steve. In recent years his commitment to the club has come under scrutiny especially after buying a timeshare in Tenerife and going on multiple golfing trips mid-season leaving Steve to hold the fort. He still has the final say over any tactical decisions that are made much to the annoyance of Steve.
Bob the Bucket
Club physio and general caretaker Bob the Bucket has been with the club for over ten years. No one really knows why and when he joined but he did. General job roles include putting up nets, filling water bottles alongside prevention and rehab of all Oak players.
...more
29min
January 08, 2026 I'll Manage Man Utd, Transfer Targets and Bob's Fitness DVD
In this week's episode Steve makes a pitch for the vacant Man United job, the team set some transfer targets, dream of winning the lottery and look at all the latest football news involving West Ham, Mikel Arteta, Enzo Fernandez, Pep Guardiola and Erling Haaland.
VAR. XG. Inverted wing backs. The game has well and truly gone.
Via his very own podcast, Steve Bracknall, Sunday league assistant manager and viral sensation, is on a mission to save the beautiful game...
Direct from the dressing room of his team Royal Oak FC, he'll be joined by gaffer Paul Sampson, and physio Bob the Bucket. Every episode they'll make sense of all of the week’s footballing news and bring you updates from the Oak...
Send your questions and voice notes to [email protected] or via whatsapp 0800 7831997
Marching on, together as one. Steve.
Game’s Gone: The Steve Bracknall Podcast is written and performed by Chris McClure and is a Persephonica production for BBC Sounds
Credits
Producer: Ad Ahmed
Video Producer/Editor/Artwork: Matt Exton
Photography: Rob Nicholson
Executive Producer: Dino Sofos
Commissioning Executive for the BBC: Stevie Middleton
Assistant Commissioner for the BBC: Steve Trenchard
Background:
Royal Oak FC was founded in 1997 in the back room of the Royal Oak pub by Steve Bracknall and Paul Sampson.
Despite decades of effort, the team still fights for survival in the fifth tier of the Sheffield Sunday Imperial League. When a viral clip catapulted Steve to fame in 2024, the BBC came calling - and Game’s Gone was born.
Hosts of the podcast:
Steve Bracknall
Assistant manager at Royal Oak FC, Steve Bracknall is to many the lifeblood of the club. Having agreed to front the club in terms of marketing and PR, Steve is the link between the fans and the club. No one cares about the Oak like Steve. Loving husband to Our Nikki and doting father to Our Olivia, come Sunday Steve is transformed into a passionate assistant who would literally die for the cause. He cites man management as his strong point.
Paul Sampson
First team manager and lifelong friend of Steve Bracknall. Paul originally formed the club with Steve. In recent years his commitment to the club has come under scrutiny especially after buying a timeshare in Tenerife and going on multiple golfing trips mid-season leaving Steve to hold the fort. He still has the final say over any tactical decisions that are made much to the annoyance of Steve.
Bob the Bucket
Club physio and general caretaker Bob the Bucket has been with the club for over ten years. No one really knows why and when he joined but he did. General job roles include putting up nets, filling water bottles alongside prevention and rehab of all Oak players.
...more
29min
January 01, 2026 Bonus Podcast - Angry Ginge - Full Interview
In this special bonus episode of Game's Gone: The Steve Bracknall Podcast, we hear an extended version of the talk between Angry Ginge (King of the Jungle and Manchester United fan) and Steve Bracknall (viral sensation and Assistant Manager of the Royal Oak FC) as they talk Soccer Aid, the I'm A Celeb jungle and Baller League.
Bombing On. Together as One. Steve.
Game’s Gone: The Steve Bracknall Podcast is written and performed by Chris McClure and is a Persephonica production for BBC Sounds
Credits
Producer: Ad Ahmed
Video Producer/Editor/Artwork: Matt Exton
Additional Editing: Jason Allen
Photography: Rob Nicholson
Executive Producer: Dino Sofos
Commissioning Executive for the BBC: Stevie Middleton
Assistant Commissioner for the BBC: Steve Trenchard
Background:
Royal Oak FC was founded in 1997 in the back room of the Royal Oak pub by Steve Bracknall and Paul Sampson.
Despite decades of effort, the team still fights for survival in the fifth tier of the Sheffield Sunday Imperial League. When a viral clip catapulted Steve to fame in 2024, the BBC came calling - and Game’s Gone was born.
...more
23min
December 26, 2025 Thierry Henry, Sports Personality of The Year and Bob's Quiz
In this week's episode the team head to the red carpet at the BBC Sports Personality of The Year awards in Manchester, Bob gives his annual Christmas quiz and Steve takes us through his year as a viral sensation...
VAR. XG. Inverted wing backs. The game has well and truly gone.
Via his very own podcast, Steve Bracknall, Sunday league assistant manager and viral sensation, is on a mission to save the beautiful game...
Direct from the dressing room of his team Royal Oak FC, he'll be joined by gaffer Paul Sampson, and physio Bob the Bucket. Every episode they'll make sense of all of the week’s footballing news and bring you updates from the Oak...
Send your questions and voice notes to [email protected] or via whatsapp 0800 7831997
Marching on, together as one. Steve.
Game’s Gone: The Steve Bracknall Podcast is written and performed by Chris McClure and is a Persephonica production for BBC Sounds
Credits
Producer: Ad Ahmed
Video Producer/Editor/Artwork: Matt Exton
Additional Editing: Jason Allen
Photography: Rob Nicholson
Production Coordinator: Rose Wilcox
Executive Producer: Dino Sofos
Commissioning Executive for the BBC: Stevie Middleton
Assistant Commissioner for the BBC: Steve Trenchard
Background:
Royal Oak FC was founded in 1997 in the back room of the Royal Oak pub by Steve Bracknall and Paul Sampson.
Despite decades of effort, the team still fights for survival in the fifth tier of the Sheffield Sunday Imperial League. When a viral clip catapulted Steve to fame in 2024, the BBC came calling - and Game’s Gone was born.
Hosts of the podcast:
Steve Bracknall
Assistant manager at Royal Oak FC, Steve Bracknall is to many the lifeblood of the club. Having agreed to front the club in terms of marketing and PR, Steve is the link between the fans and the club. No one cares about the Oak like Steve. Loving husband to Our Nikki and doting father to Our Olivia, come Sunday Steve is transformed into a passionate assistant who would literally die for the cause. He cites man management as his strong point.
Paul Sampson
First team manager and lifelong friend of Steve Bracknall. Paul originally formed the club with Steve. In recent years his commitment to the club has come under scrutiny especially after buying a timeshare in Tenerife and going on multiple golfing trips mid-season leaving Steve to hold the fort. He still has the final say over any tactical decisions that are made much to the annoyance of Steve.
Bob the Bucket
Club physio and general caretaker Bob the Bucket has been with the club for over ten years. No one really knows why and when he joined but he did. General job roles include putting up nets, filling water bottles alongside prevention and rehab of all Oak players.
...more
39min
December 18, 2025 Angry Ginge, Ticket Prices and Christmas Wishlists
In this week's episode Steve skives off work to grill Angry Ginge, we bring you news of a thriller at the Oak and have a Christmas knees up...
VAR. XG. Inverted wing backs. The game has well and truly gone.
Via his very own podcast, Steve Bracknall, Sunday league assistant manager and viral sensation, is on a mission to save the beautiful game...
Direct from the dressing room of his team Royal Oak FC, he'll be joined by gaffer Paul Sampson, and physio Bob the Bucket. Every episode they'll make sense of all of the week’s footballing news and bring you updates from the Oak...
Send your questions and voice notes to [email protected] or via whatsapp 0800 7831997
Marching on, together as one. Steve.
Game’s Gone: The Steve Bracknall Podcast is written and performed by Chris McClure and is a Persephonica production for BBC Sounds
Credits
Producer: Ad Ahmed
Video Producer/Editor/Artwork: Matt Exton
Photography: Rob Nicholson
Production Coordinator: Rose Wilcox
Executive Producer: Dino Sofos
Commissioning Executive for the BBC: Stevie Middleton
Assistant Commissioner for the BBC: Steve Trenchard
Background:
Royal Oak FC was founded in 1997 in the back room of the Royal Oak pub by Steve Bracknall and Paul Sampson.
Despite decades of effort, the team still fights for survival in the fifth tier of the Sheffield Sunday Imperial League. When a viral clip catapulted Steve to fame in 2024, the BBC came calling - and Game’s Gone was born.
Hosts of the podcast:
Steve Bracknall
Assistant manager at Royal Oak FC, Steve Bracknall is to many the lifeblood of the club. Having agreed to front the club in terms of marketing and PR, Steve is the link between the fans and the club. No one cares about the Oak like Steve. Loving husband to Our Nikki and doting father to Our Olivia, come Sunday Steve is transformed into a passionate assistant who would literally die for the cause. He cites man management as his strong point.
Paul Sampson
First team manager and lifelong friend of Steve Bracknall. Paul originally formed the club with Steve. In recent years his commitment to the club has come under scrutiny especially after buying a timeshare in Tenerife and going on multiple golfing trips mid-season leaving Steve to hold the fort. He still has the final say over any tactical decisions that are made much to the annoyance of Steve.
Bob the Bucket
Club physio and general caretaker Bob the Bucket has been with the club for over ten years. No one really knows why and when he joined but he did. General job roles include putting up nets, filling water bottles alongside prevention and rehab of all Oak players.
...more
33min
December 15, 2025 Bonus Podcast - Robbie Williams - Full Interview
In this special bonus episode of Game's Gone: The Steve Bracknall Podcast, we hear an extended version of the talk between Robbie Williams (Popstar and Port Vale FC fan) and Steve Bracknall (viral sensation and Assistant Manager of the Royal Oak FC).
With the aid of Paul Sampson and Bob The Bucket, they delve into the question of who's hardest, discuss mavericks and their favourite singalongs.
Bombing On. Together as One.
Game’s Gone: The Steve Bracknall Podcast is written and performed by Chris McClure and is a Persephonica production for BBC Sounds
Credits
Producer: Ad Ahmed
Video Producer/Editor/Artwork: Matt Exton
Additional Editing: Will Gibson Smith
Photography: Rob Nicholson
Production Coordinator: Rose Wilcox
Executive Producer: Dino Sofos
Commissioning Executive for the BBC: Stevie Middleton
Assistant Commissioner for the BBC: Steve Trenchard
If you’re affected by any of the issues raised in this interview there’s more information at bbc.co.uk/actionline
Background:
Royal Oak FC was founded in 1997 in the back room of the Royal Oak pub by Steve Bracknall and Paul Sampson.
Despite decades of effort, the team still fights for survival in the fifth tier of the Sheffield Sunday Imperial League. When a viral clip catapulted Steve to fame in 2024, the BBC came calling - and Game’s Gone was born.
...more
21min
December 11, 2025 Robbie Williams, World Cup Draws and Time Travel...
In this week's episode we travel down to London to chat with Robbie Williams, breakdown our reactions to the World Cup draw and go time travelling...
VAR. XG. Inverted wing backs. The game has well and truly gone.
Via his very own podcast, Steve Bracknall, Sunday league assistant manager and viral sensation, is going to get it back.
Direct from the dressing room of his team Royal Oak FC, he'll be joined by gaffer Paul Sampson, and physio Bob the Bucket. Every episode they'll make sense of all of the week’s footballing news and bring you updates from the Oak...
Send your questions and voice notes to [email protected] or via whatsapp 0800 7831997
Marching on, together as one. Steve.
Game’s Gone: The Steve Bracknall Podcast is written and performed by Chris McClure and is a Persephonica production for BBC Sounds
Credits
Producer: Ad Ahmed
Video Producer/Editor/Artwork: Matt Exton
Photography: Rob Nicholson
Production Coordinator: Rose Wilcox
Executive Producer: Dino Sofos
Commissioning Executive for the BBC: Stevie Middleton
Assistant Commissioner for the BBC: Steve Trenchard
Background:
Royal Oak FC was founded in 1997 in the back room of the Royal Oak pub by Steve Bracknall and Paul Sampson.
Despite decades of effort, the team still fights for survival in the fifth tier of the Sheffield Sunday Imperial League. When a viral clip
catapulted Steve to fame in 2024, the BBC came calling - and Game’s Gone was born.
Hosts of the podcast:
Steve Bracknall
Assistant manager at Royal Oak FC, Steve Bracknall is to many the lifeblood of the club. Having agreed to front the club in terms of marketing and PR, Steve is the link between the fans and the club. No one cares about the Oak like Steve. Loving husband to Our Nikki and doting father to Our Olivia, come Sunday Steve is transformed into a passionate assistant who would literally die for the cause. He cites man management as his strong point.
Paul Sampson
First team manager and lifelong friend of Steve Bracknall. Paul originally formed the club with Steve. In recent years his commitment to the club has come under scrutiny especially after buying a time share in Tenerife and going on multiple golfing trips mid-season leaving Steve to hold the fort. He still has the final say over any tactical decisions that are made much to the annoyance of Steve.
Bob the Bucket
Club physio and general caretaker Bob the Bucket has been with the club for over ten years. No one really knows why and when he joined but he did. General job roles include putting up nets, filling water bottles alongside prevention and rehab of all Oak players.
...more
37min
December 04, 2025 Ringers, Rooney and Shelvey the Megastar
In this week's episode we look at ringers in the Sunday league, chat about Rooney/Tumblegate and get a dose of cup fever...
VAR. XG. Inverted wing backs. The game has well and truly gone.
Via his very own podcast, Steve Bracknall, Sunday league assistant manager and viral sensation, is going to get it back.
Direct from the dressing room of his team Royal Oak FC, he'll be joined by gaffer Paul Sampson, and physio Bob the Bucket. Each week they'll make sense of all of the week’s footballing news and bring you updates from the Oak...
Send your questions and voice notes to [email protected] or via whatsapp 0800 7831997
Marching on, together as one. Steve.
Game’s Gone: The Steve Bracknall Podcast is written and performed by Chris McClure and is a Persephonica production for BBC Sounds
Credits
Producer: Ad Ahmed
Video Producer/Editor/Artwork: Matt Exton
Photography: Rob Nicholson
Production Coordinator: Rose Wilcox
Executive Producer: Dino Sofos
Commissioning Executive for the BBC: Stevie Middleton
Assistant Commissioner for the BBC: Steve Trenchard
Background:
Royal Oak FC was founded in 1997 in the back room of the Royal Oak pub by Steve Bracknall and Paul Sampson.
Despite decades of effort, the team still fights for survival in the fifth tier of the Sheffield Sunday Imperial League. When a viral clip
catapulted Steve to fame in 2024, the BBC came calling - and Game’s Gone was born.
Hosts of the podcast:
Steve Bracknall
Assistant manager at Royal Oak FC, Steve Bracknall is to many the lifeblood of the club. Having agreed to front the club in terms of marketing and PR, Steve is the link between the fans and the club. No one cares about the Oak like Steve. Loving husband to Our Nikki and doting father to Our Olivia, come Sunday Steve is transformed into a passionate assistant who would literally die for the cause. He cites man management as his strong point.
Paul Sampson
First team manager and lifelong friend of Steve Bracknall. Paul originally formed the club with Steve. In recent years his commitment to the club has come under scrutiny especially after buying a time share in Tenerife and going on multiple golfing trips mid-season leaving Steve to hold the fort. He still has the final say over any tactical decisions that are made much to the annoyance of Steve.
Bob the Bucket
Club physio and general caretaker Bob the Bucket has been with the club for over ten years. No one really knows why and when he joined but he did. General job roles include putting up nets, filling water bottles alongside prevention and rehab of all Oak players.
...more
25min
November 27, 2025 Noel Gallagher, Tiny Shin Pads and Dream Dinner Party Guests
Will Noel Gallagher make an appearance on today's episode? We chat about the rise of tiny shin pads and moan about the cost of watching football on TV. We find out who the lad's dream dinner party guests are.
VAR. XG. Inverted wing backs. The game has well and truly gone.
Via his very own podcast, Steve Bracknall, Sunday league assistant manager and viral sensation, is going to get it back.
Direct from the dressing room of his team Royal Oak FC, he'll be joined by gaffer Paul Sampson and physio Bob the Bucket. Each week they'll make sense of all of the week’s footballing news and bring you updates from the Oak...
Send your questions and voice notes to [email protected] or via whatsapp 0800 7831997
Marching on, together as one. Steve.
Game’s Gone: The Steve Bracknall Podcast is written and performed by Chris McClure and is a Persephonica production for BBC Sounds
Credits
Producer: Ad Ahmed
Video Producer/Editor/Artwork: Matt Exton
Photography: Rob Nicholson
Production Coordinator: Rose Wilcox
Executive Producer: Dino Sofos
Commissioning Executive for the BBC: Stevie Middleton
Assistant Commissioner for the BBC: Steve Trenchard
Background:
Royal Oak FC was founded in 1997 in the back room of the Royal Oak pub by Steve
Bracknall and Paul Sampson. Despite decades of effort, the team still fights for
survival in the fifth tier of the Sheffield Sunday Imperial League. When a viral clip
catapulted Steve to fame in 2024, the BBC came calling - and Game’s Gone was
born.
Hosts of the podcast:
Steve Bracknall
Assistant manager at Royal Oak FC, Steve Bracknall is to many the lifeblood of the club. Having agreed to front the club in terms of marketing and PR, Steve is the link between the fans and the club. No one cares about the Oak like Steve. Loving husband to Our Nikki and doting father to Our Olivia, come Sunday Steve is transformed into a passionate assistant who would literally die for the cause. He cites man management as his strong point.
Paul Sampson
First team manager and lifelong friend of Steve Bracknall. Paul originally formed the club with Steve. In recent years his commitment to the club has come under scrutiny especially after buying a time share in Tenerife and going on multiple golfing trips mid-season leaving Steve to hold the fort. He still has the final say over any tactical decisions that are made much to the annoyance of Steve.
...more
24min

FAQs about Game's Gone: The Steve Bracknall Podcast:

How many episodes does Game's Gone: The Steve Bracknall Podcast have?

The podcast currently has 12 episodes available.