On this week’s episode of the Joy of Football Podcast, Neil and Martin are joined by the midfield maestro, podcaster, pundit and amazing person that is Steve Sidwell! Steve tells us just what it takes to make it as a professional footballer! Taking us through his journey at Arsenal, what Arsene Wenger told him all the way to the time Jose Mourinho used him as a message to the board! + Everything in-between! 

This episode is one of our favourites, and NOT to be missed.

That Peter Crouch Podcast : https://www.youtube.com/@thatpetercrouchpodcast

[CHAPTERS]

00:00 What's to come?
03:05 Who did Steve Sidwell grow up supporting?
04:30 Life in Arsenal’s Academy (Being coached by legends)
06:44 Martin Tyler commentated on Steve’s youth team games! 
07:51 “How close did you get to the (Arsenal) first team”? 
09:08 The great managers that shaped Sidwell 
11:04 How Steve Coppell ‘Tapped up’ Steve Sidwell at Arsenal 
13:10 How did Brentford’s style of play differ to Arsenal’s? 
14:39 Steve Sidwell’s professional debut
15:32 What did Arsene Wenger say to Sidwell? 
16:33 Martin Commentated on Sidwell’s premier league debut!  
17:00 Contract issues at Reading- Interest from big clubs!
20:06 How hard is it to adapt to the Premier League? 
21:18 Signing for Chelsea! John Terry’s phone call…
23:52 The importance of having leaders! - Chelsea mentality monsters
24:47 How did Sidwell get the NUMBER 9 SHIRT at Chelsea!? (Jose mind games?)
26:50 Steve’s phone call with JOSÉ MOURINHO!
28:11 Going to José’s HOUSE to discuss Chelsea transfer!
30:30 When José left Chelsea…
32:03 “Do you regret going to Chelsea?"
32:33 “The most unhappy I was” - Why did it not work out at Aston Villa?
35:40 Are Aston Villa the great underachievers?
37:05 How did Steve Sidwell’s move to Wolves fall through!?
38:40 Mick McCarthy's ANGER at Sidwell!
39:38 Signing for Fulham - Relief 
40:30 “I should have played more…”
41:03 How does a professional footballer stay fit in the summer?
43:22 “At Chelsea, the Gym wasn't really a thing”
44:05 Travelling up to Stoke for training with Crouchy 
45:30 “You can’t take Peter Crouch anywhere”!
46:57 What is Steve Sidwell today? (Broadcasting + Coaching) 
48:48 “I do miss being on the grass… I want to give it a go” 
49:28 Post football depression “You cannot replicate it” 
53:44 Finishing his career with a promotion for Brighton
54:05 Forever Fulham Award
55:24 That Peter Crouch Podcast/ Ashley Cole story!
58:03 MARTIN TYLER'S LETTER FROM THE GANTRY
1:03:01 How does Steve feel about Brentford and his time there?
1:06:09 Outro - Where to find us! 

Join Neil Barnett (former Chelsea touch-liner announce and football journalist) alongside the voice of the Premier League Martin Tyler in celebrating the greatest addiction in the World!

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