The Game

The Club World Cup is up and running, with some serious prize money on offer. Judging by the line ups of Chelsea and Manchester City in their first games, they’re talking it seriously. Pete Rutzler is in Philadelphia following Chelsea; he has been assessing local interest in the tournament and also gives an update on the blues new signings and other potential transfer business.

After the break, what’s in a football shirt? We’ve all got our favourites but do they also offer a secret guide to global and local history. From Russian gas giants Gazprom to Young's fish in Grimsby; football shirts offer a snapshot of the economy at point in time. The team look at the big picture but also indulge in some nostalgia as they go through their favourites… 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It has already been a busy summer of transfer activity. Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool have all brought big signings in to their teams.

In this episode we hear the latest from Manchester City’s camp as they welcome new signing Rayan Cherki to their Club World Cup campaign and from our Liverpool reporter Paul Joyce as they prepare to break the British record transfer fee for Florian Wirtz.

Plus, a low down on how the Club World Cup is being received in the states and if/when it is likely to get more competitive.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

First, they were embarrassed, then they were humiliated. It wasn’t the start Thomas Tuchel had in mind for his England team.

How big are the problems he faces – a full rebuild or just cosmetic? To make matters worse Tuchel gave an interview in which he referred to his star player Jude Bellingham. He suggested his behaviour could be perceived as repulsive by some. Were the comments a distraction from a loss to Senegal, or a hint at deeper issues?

The club World Cup starts next week – does football ever end? What effect will the work load have on the two English sides in attendance Chelsea and Man City? Both have signed players in time for the tournament so they must be taking it seriously…

The women’s Euros is just around the corner…is Sarina Wiegman’s camp any happier than the men’s as they prepare to defend their title?

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Seventeen days after ending Spurs’ seventeen year wait for a trophy Ange Postecoglou was out, sacked by Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy. Was it the right decision? Was leading Spurs to their lowest finish in over forty years a sackable offence? Or are the club constantly asking their managers to overachieve, given their wage bill in comparison to other top six teams?

Thomas Frank looks to be in line to replace Postecoglou, what will he bring?

After the break a look at a lack lustre England. Will a demanding Thomas Tuchel be able to achieve his plans with so little time with the players? And where does this England team’s greatest weakness lie?

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will England be the best prepared team at next year’s World Cup? Will it matter?

As they head into a friendly with Andorra how many true tests of his team will Thomas Tuchel face before the World Cup? And what has happened to England's forward line from the 2022 Euros…only one remains first choice at his club.

Domestically teams are making early moves in the transfer market. Could Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo be good signing for Manchester United? Does that mean Bruno Fernandes has to leave? And Manchester City are in the process of a re-build so, where does that leave Jack Grealish? 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PSG finally have their European crown, and they look phenomenal in winning it. Did their demolition of Inter Milan set a new standard? Gone are gifted forwards who don’t work for the team, now talents such as Doue, Dembele and Kvaratskhelia putting in performances with breath taking effort from start to finish. What st them apart as a team this year?

But… is their triumph tainted by where the money comes from? Does the influence of Qatar also set a new standard?

After the break, transfers you’d like to see, serious and not so serious, signings that haven’t worked this season and which might not work next year?

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The play offs are done and dusted. 

For Sunderland their manager Regis Le Bris championed his team’s togetherness, it showed as they scored another last gasp winner. For Sheffield united, heart break as their woeful Wembley record continues.

In League One Charlton went through the play offs without conceding a goal, that was enough to see off Leyton Orient. Manager Nathan Jones made no apology for his teams approach.

A scrappy League Two final saw up and down Walsall face one last heart break losing to AFC Wimbledon. How do they come back from that?

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the Champions League places decided it's time to evaluate who is happy with their season?

Forest we're tipped for relegation but ended up in Europe. But after missing out on Champions League football will it still feel like a failure?

Spurs finished 17th but won a trophy, did they have a better season than rivals Arsenal?

And for Aston Villa, did their season come down to one officiating decision?

Our end of season awards - manager of the year, team of the year, break through player of the year.

Plus, lets look back at our pre season predictions...were we on the money or miles off?

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is Spurs first trophy in seventeen years vindication for their manager Ange Postecoglou?

Despite finishing 17th in the league they’ll be playing Champions League football next season and Ange was true to his word, he won a trophy in his second season. Will he stay?

For the losers Manchester United it will be their worst finish in Premier League history, no European football next season and squad in need of a re build. But is Ruben Amorim the man to do it?

Plus, end of season awards…

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.