Left Field

Now that Liverpool have been crowned champions, the Premier League's chasing pack seems slightly disorientated about whether they should bother stringing a run of results together. United have closed the gap on Chelsea and Arsenal have decided they aren't as bad as everyone thought a couple of weeks ago. Is it too little too late for Mikel Arteta? If nothing else, at least the Gunners have even edged ahead of Spurs who saw VAR and the handball rule combine to deny them an equaliser at Sheffield United. Is the law as bad as everyone thinks? Elsewhere, we cast an eye over Borussia Dortmund's recruitment policy as they close in on Jude Bellingham and we try to figure out what the hell has happened at Wigan Athletic. The Championship club went into administration this week under very shady circumstances.

We start part two discussing potential new names for Washington's NFL franchise as it decides to part ways with the R-Words moniker under pressure from sponsors. Our suggestions are terrible but so too are the bookies' favourites. Formula 1 enjoyed an exciting start in Austria. Lewis Hamilton missed out on a podium but young Brit Lando Norris made it. Who is he? And is he as posh as he sounds? We end the show getting to know golf's beefy Bryson DeChambeau. The American deliberately put on 40lbs during lockdown so he could hit the ball further... and it works, he won $1.3 million at the weekend. He's also keen to let the world know he has nice handwriting. Enjoy the show.

Every week on Left Field, Wogan and Allen dissect the latest in Football and Not Football. Subscribe to make sure you don't miss out, because that would be a real shame, wouldn't it?

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And your co-hosts...

Allen: twitter.com/AAllenSport
Wogan: twitter.com/CathalWogan

After 30 years, Liverpool have been crowned champions of England. Wogan's emotions got the better of him in the end. We discuss why that happened given his increasingly complicated relationship with the club. The big challenge for Jurgen Klopp is keeping this group of players motivated. Have they peaked or is it the start of a dynasty? There won't be many Manchester United fans celebrating this week but the return of key players and a couple of wins, including progression to the FA Cup semi-final, suggests Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has turned a corner. An in-form Chelsea await at Wembley, they’re going well too. Or do Arsenal have next season in the bag with Kieran 'Tesco' Tierney Across the Pennines, Leeds United are edging closer to promotion. Allen isn’t happy about it. What will Bielsa bring to the Premier League? We also run the rule over Watford's lockdown issues, Arjen Robben's return and a new study that suggests football commentators are guilty of entrenching archaic racial stereotypes.

In a quick-fire second half, we discuss Vince Carter's NBA legacy, check in on golf's coronavirus problem and drool over Mercedes' new black Formula 1 livery. Enjoy!

Every week on Left Field, Wogan and Allen dissect the latest in Football and Not Football. Subscribe to make sure you don't miss out, because that would be a real shame, wouldn't it?

Subscribe: il.ink/leftfield_pod
Twitter: twitter.com/leftfield_pod
Instagram: instagram.com/leftfield_pod/
Facebook: facebook.com/leftfieldpod/

And your co-hosts...

Allen: twitter.com/AAllenSport
Wogan: twitter.com/CathalWogan

So... the Premier League is back and the title race is getting tasty. Jurgen Klopp's stuttering Reds dropped points in the Merseyside derby which, coupled with a brace of wins for Man City, means the gap at the top is down to 20-points. Finally, things are getting interesting! Well, not really, but we can dream. Football without fans is taking some getting used to but at least Hawk-Eye did its bit to keep things interesting from the get go. Goal-line technology's first hiccup in 9,000 games got tongues wagging before David Luiz's disaster-class at the Etihad offered competition for the backpage headlines. The pain wasn't to end there for Mikel Arteta's battered and bruised Arsenal who travelled to Brighton and managed to snatch another defeat from the grasp of mediocrity. Things are sunnier on Tyneside, Newcastle smashed Sheffield United and their takeover might be edging closer. Soon they'll be competing in a European Super League with Bayern Munich, who've just won the Bundesliga (again!) and Juventus, who this week lost the Coppa Italia final to Napoli. Over in Russia, a 17-year-old goalkeeper won man-of-the-match for his heroics in a 10-1 defeat. How on earth did that happen?

After the break, we try not to go too hard on Novak Djokovic and his harem of globetrotting tennis stars who've contracted COVID-19 after organising a non-socially-distanced tournament in the Balkans. Tennis' world number has found out the hard way that the pandemic knows no bounds. It's still, sort of, funny though. The NBA thinks high-tech jewellery will help its players stay safe when they head to DisneyWorld. We're somewhat sceptical, despite Wogan's FitBit love. Finally, also Stateside, we cover the shocking news that a noose was found in the team garage of Nascar rider Bubba Wallace. The sport's only black driver insists he won't be beaten by racists angry after his successful attempt to get the Confederate flag banned. Good man.

Every week on Left Field, Wogan and Allen dissect the latest in Football and Not Football. Subscribe to make sure you don't miss out, because that would be a real shame, wouldn't it?

Subscribe: il.ink/leftfield_pod
Twitter: twitter.com/leftfield_pod
Instagram: instagram.com/leftfield_pod/
Facebook: facebook.com/leftfieldpod/

And your co-hosts...

Allen: twitter.com/AAllenSport
Wogan: twitter.com/CathalWogan

So this is it... after three months, the Premier League finally returns. And not a moment too soon! The excitement was all a bit too much for the country's far-right extremists who without any football decided at the weekend that statues might appreciate their terrace chants instead. If the sight of the capital being sprayed with piss and racist slurs was depressing, we take huge heart from the Premier League's player-led decision to show solidarity with the Black Lives Matters movement. Marcus Rashford is another beacon of hope during difficult times. In the space of a couple of months, he's become the nation's darling thanks to his amazing charity work. From learning sign language to pressuring MPs to make a U-turn on the summertime abandoning of free school meals, is there anything he can't do? If that all sounds a bit heavy, don't worry, we still have time to laugh at La Liga's 'mincemeat' CGI fans and to diss forced Fantasy Football chat.

After the break, we discuss the news that Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua have reached an agreement over a two-fight deal in 2021. Eddie Hearn reckons it'll be the 'biggest British fight of a generation' but who is the mysterious Irishman pulling all the strings? We learn about Daniel Kinahan and his alleged dark past. In the States, NASCAR, under pressure from its only black driver, has finally banned the display of the Confederate flag at races? How big a step is this for the profile of the sport? Building on last week's apology for not listening to players protesting against racial injustice, the NFL has put its money where it's mouth is with a promise to donate $250 million to support the battle against the ongoing and historic injustices faced by African Americans. Could this all lead to a return to the field for Colin Kaepernick? We end the show with a look at the new Formula 1 calendar and the decision to let some courses host pairs of races. Enjoy!

Every week on Left Field, Wogan and Allen dissect the latest in Football and Not Football. Subscribe to make sure you don't miss out, because that would be a real shame, wouldn't it?

Subscribe: il.ink/leftfield_pod
Twitter: twitter.com/leftfield_pod
Instagram: instagram.com/leftfield_pod/
Facebook: facebook.com/leftfieldpod/

And your co-hosts...

Allen: twitter.com/AAllenSport
Wogan: twitter.com/CathalWogan

The countdown to the restart of the Premier League is officially on! Friendlies have been played, fixtures have been confirmed and broadcasters are ready to welcome us into their warm embrace. We look ahead to the games that float our boat, discuss fake fan noise and pick which bit of football's new tweaks we might want to keep. If all the games are live, will Soccer Saturday ever return? We'll miss Jeff Stelling if it doesn't. Chelsea are already strengthening for next season. Contrary to internet rumours, Roman Abramovich hasn't bought Edvard Munch's 'The Scream' but he has bagged himself Timo Werner and might be after Kai Havertz. The transfer market rejoices.

After the break we head Stateside where the NFL have formally apologised to black players for not listening to their anti-racism protests. Even Saints' quarterback Drew Brees is onboard after a roundabout journey to better understanding the Black Lives Matter movement. Amazingly, it's been confirmed that Disney World, Orlando will indeed play host to the remainder of the NBA season. The players will get their wages but they may have to sleep in uncomfortable beds. We end the show with a quick catch-up on the state of rugby and a few words on Conor McGregor who is once again retiring from UFC. Enjoy the show!

Every week on Left Field, Wogan and Allen dissect the latest in Football and Not Football. Subscribe to make sure you don't miss out, because that would be a real shame, wouldn't it?

Subscribe: il.ink/leftfield_pod
Twitter: twitter.com/leftfield_pod
Instagram: instagram.com/leftfield_pod/
Facebook: facebook.com/leftfieldpod/

And your co-hosts...

Allen: twitter.com/AAllenSport
Wogan: twitter.com/CathalWogan

We start Episode 50 taking a moment to reflect on the anti-racism protests that have flared up across the globe since the death of unarmed African-American George Floyd at the hands of Minnesota police. What is happening is important, too important for all of us to ignore... even us privileged, middle-class, London-living white guys with a sports podcast. The sports talk flows soon after. Are we excited about the Premier League return? We have conflicting opinions. In Germany, Robert Lewandowski's ball to onion bag ratio is set to win Bayern the title, will it also bag him Europe's Golden Boot. We also chat Odion Ighalo, Phil Neville, the state of the WSL and liquidity in the transfer market in a packed first half.

After the break, Wogan shares his plan to jazz up snooker, we look at the pay dispute overshadowing MLB's plans to return and there's a run through of Forbes' newly-released list of the richest sports stars. Finally, we'd like to say a huge thank you to everyone who's joined us since we began recording. The world has changed a fair bit in the space of a year so we're very grateful that you're still making time to listen to us talk shop each week. You're a small but perfectly formed community and we wouldn't change you for the world. Feel free to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts, subscribe if you've haven't already and be sure to tell your pals. Thanks again and enjoy the show!

Every week on Left Field, Wogan and Allen dissect the latest in Football and Not Football. Subscribe to make sure you don't miss out, because that would be a real shame, wouldn't it?

Subscribe: il.ink/leftfield_pod
Twitter: twitter.com/leftfield_pod
Instagram: instagram.com/leftfield_pod/
Facebook: facebook.com/leftfieldpod/

And your co-hosts...

Allen: twitter.com/AAllenSport
Wogan: twitter.com/CathalWogan

The Bundesliga has only just returned, but is it now over? Bayern's 1-0 win at Dortmund opens a seven-point gap at the top of the table that could see Europe's football fans turn their attention elsewhere. It's just as well the Premier League is edging closer to match action. The players are back in training and the big talking point, naturally, is their lockdown trims. Skinheads, bouffants, afros and receding hairlines, we discuss the good, the bad and the ugly. Hair chat makes for a welcome lighter note given the oblivion facing clubs further down the English football pyramid. According to Huddersfield's owner, up to 60 clubs could go bust in the coming months. What on earth can be done to reshape their financial futures? Perhaps everyone should try suing computer games like Manchester United? The Red Devils have taken Football Manager to court over a licensing issue; we try and figure out why.

In the second half, we turn our attention to the NBA's plan to play the rest of the season at Disney World, Florida. It sounds like a Mickey Mouse idea, but weirdly, it might just work. We stay Stateside where Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods renewed their rivalry this week. Partnering with Tom Brady and Peyton Manning respectively, they raised over $20 million with a charity match showdown. Nice work, chaps. Finally, we check in on Formula E and the bizarre events that led to Daniel Abt getting the sack. Enjoy the show. 

Every week on Left Field, Wogan and Allen dissect the latest in Football and Not Football. Subscribe to make sure you don't miss out, because that would be a real shame, wouldn't it?

Subscribe: il.ink/leftfield_pod
Twitter: twitter.com/leftfield_pod
Instagram: instagram.com/leftfield_pod/
Facebook: facebook.com/leftfieldpod/

And your co-hosts...

Allen: twitter.com/AAllenSport
Wogan: twitter.com/CathalWogan

The satisfying sound of leather hitting onion bag was the big talking point of the Bundesliga's long-awaited comeback. Yes, it was a bit weird without packed terraces but that didn’t stop us tuning in. Not satisfied with empty seats, K-League outfit FC Seoul tried to spice things up in their stands with some sex doll supporters. Cue a grovelling apology. In England, Project Restart gained momentum as Premier League clubs agreed on the necessary protocols to start small group training. Coronavirus tests are mandatory and strict rules are in place for all players. If like Alex Lacazette they are prone to doing stupid things like filming themselves sucking on nitrous oxide-filled balloons, adhering to them could be easier said than done. North of the border, Celtic secured their 51st Scottish championship and Hearts got relegated. Is that a line drawn under their season or will they head to the courts?

After the break, we check in on a couple of gun-toting NFL stars and share a chuckle at a drunken Nick Kyrgios making Andy Murray cringe in a live Instagram chat. Finally, after five weeks of the 'The Last Dance', we discuss its portrayal of Michael Jordan, its journalistic integrity and our favourite moments. Enjoy the show.

Every week on Left Field, Wogan and Allen dissect the latest in Football and Not Football. Subscribe to make sure you don't miss out, because that would be a real shame, wouldn't it?

Subscribe: il.ink/leftfield_pod
Twitter: twitter.com/leftfield_pod
Instagram: instagram.com/leftfield_pod/
Facebook: facebook.com/leftfieldpod/

And your co-hosts...

Allen: twitter.com/AAllenSport
Wogan: twitter.com/CathalWogan

Football without fans, will it be any good? We got our first taster at the weekend as Jeonbuk Motors beat Suwon Bluewings in South Korea's K-League thanks to a goal by a 41-year-old former Middlesbrough player. It's a start. Perhaps the Bundesliga can step things up a notch? We cast an eye over the upcoming fixtures and pick sides we'll likely lose interest in very soon. The Premier League could make a comeback of its own in June but only if clubs stop bickering, players feel safe and we all stay alert, control the virus and save lives. Whatever the f*ck that means. After the break, Dana White finally hosted UFC 249. It turns out the sound of two sweaty men pummelling each other in an empty room is quite disturbing. We stay Stateside where an NFL star's lockdown sex party ended up with his wife holding a gun to his head. She had not been invited. And we end the show debating what is the greatest sport. As you might expect, there are a few Left Field choices. Enjoy the show.

Every week on Left Field, Wogan and Allen dissect the latest in Football and Not Football. Subscribe to make sure you don't miss out, because that would be a real shame, wouldn't it?

Subscribe: il.ink/leftfield_pod
Twitter: twitter.com/leftfield_pod
Instagram: instagram.com/leftfield_pod/
Facebook: facebook.com/leftfieldpod/

And your co-hosts...

Allen: twitter.com/AAllenSport
Wogan: twitter.com/CathalWogan

Neutral grounds, shorter games, no relegation, CGI fans... the Premier League is so desperate to get games going again that 'Project Restart' is leaving no stone unturned. Money is the driving force, of course. But will it tear the game apart? Looking further ahead, how will Brexit affect transfers? The FA have pounced on an opportunity to promote young English talent but will it come at the expense of talent? We also discuss Dave Kitson's bid to succeed Gordon Taylor as chairman of the troubled PFA. After the break, UFC, Nascar and... er... Mike Tyson are all set for a comeback. We discuss. We end with our 'favourite' sporting wrong'uns – from David Icke to OJ Simpson it's a diverse list. We should also mention, we've been loving The Last Dance on Netflix... Michael Jordan, he was good, wasn't he? Anyway, enjoy the show.

Every week on Left Field, Wogan and Allen dissect the latest in Football and Not Football. Subscribe to make sure you don't miss out, because that would be a real shame, wouldn't it?

Subscribe: il.ink/leftfield_pod
Twitter: twitter.com/leftfield_pod
Instagram: instagram.com/leftfield_pod/
Facebook: facebook.com/leftfieldpod/

And your co-hosts...

Allen: twitter.com/AAllenSport
Wogan: twitter.com/CathalWogan