Turkey is a country that straddles the two continents of Europe and Asia and is seen as the gateway from West to East. It's also one of the most fascinating and passionate football nations on earth. Host James Bolam speaks to Rafi Levi about football in Turkey, how it is dominated by the big three from Istanbul, the passionate rivalries, crazy fans and the state of football in Turkey.

Barcelona is one of the worlds truly great football cities. in this episode host james bolam speaks to Gabriel from the football culture club about football in the city, from the global FC Barcelona to the lesser known Europa and Sant Andreau, we discuss the clubs and their place within the city and Catalonia itself, along with the history and politics that make this region of Spain one of the world´s most fascinating football destinations. We also speak about the city itself and its culture.

Host James Bolam gives his thoughts on the latter stages of the World Cup where Spain were worthy winners.

Host James Bolam gives his thoughts on the World Cup 26 now that the group and last 16 stages are over.

Host James Bolam gives his thoughts so far on this years World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

Host James Bolam is joined by previous guests Rob Potts and JP to discuss this summers World Cup in the USA....

News on recent episodes....

Host James Bolam welcomes back author Rob Potts to talk about his new book A stadium odyssey : Passion, politics and the beautiful game which is out on Bluemoose Books in June 2026.

Host James Bolam is joined once again by Miguel Lorenço Pereira to discuss his excellent new book - The Greatest : Real Madrid's never ending story. We discuss the history of the worlds most succesful football club, its role in both Spanish and European football, its eternal rivalry with FC Barcelona and much much more.

With Coventry City on the verge of promotion back to the Premier League after an absence of 25 years, host James Bolam speaks to Coventry fan Sean Arnett. We discuss the club, the city of Coventry and its culture, rivaries, the FA Cup win, long unbroken spell in the top flight and subsequent meltdown and of course The Specials.