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Essential EFL

Sky Sportswww.skysports.com
Essential EFL from Sky Sports is the football podcast you need for in-depth coverage of the Championship, League One and League Two, with episodes released each week. 

Simeon Gholam is joined by Sky Sports top EFL pundits to get their thoughts and opinions throughout the season and you'll regularly hear from players and managers too.

Essential EFL is a Sky Sports podcast. Listen to every episode here: skysports.com/essential-efl

You can also listen to Essential EFL on your smart speaker by saying "ask Global Player to play Essential EFL".

For more EFL news, head to skysports.com/football

For advertising opportunities email: skysportspodcasts@sky.uk
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Episodes

Pauno leaves Royals, Fergie’s Posh exit & Sorba’s walk in Memphis

Jonathan Oakes is joined by David Prutton and Lee Hendrie to discuss all the latest from the Championship, League One and League Two. In the Championship (from the start) the panel look back on the managerial departures of Veljko Paunovic and Darren Ferguson from Reading and Peterborough respectively in the shakeup in the relegation battle, a big win for Huddersfield at Fulham and Sheffield United fan Ian Rands (@4BladesinthePub podcast) assesses their ominous move into the top six. Huddersfield...

Feb 21, 20221 hr 4 min

Who will make the top six?

Jonathan Oakes is joined by Andy Hinchcliffe and Gary Weaver to discuss all the latest from the Championship, League One and League Two. In the Championship (from the start) the panel look back at a week for Derby that’s moving in the right direction, Aleksandar Mitrovic’s record-equaling goal scoring feats for Fulham and the latest in the play-off race. We also hear from Stoke fan Ben Rowley about their slide away from the top six and whether he thinks they can turn it around, Birmingham’s rece...

Feb 14, 202252 min

Bruce joins the Baggies, Boro's big win & Bournemouth get Borehamed

Jonathan Oakes is joined by Don Goodman and Jobi McAnuff to discuss all the latest from the Championship, League One and League Two. In the Championship (from the start) there was a big managerial change as Steve Bruce replaced Valerian Ismael at West Brom, while Blackburn missed an opportunity in the automatic promotion race as they lost at Swansea. The guests also look back on the biggest results in the FA Cup (23m23s), as Bournemouth lost to Boreham Wood, Middlesbrough fan Jonny Bullock (@Bor...

Feb 07, 20221 hr 27 min

Sharp makes history, John-gone & transfer latest

Jonathan Oakes is joined by David Prutton and David Stowell to discuss all the latest from the Championship, League One and League Two. In the Championship (from the start) take a look at the latest situation with Derby, West Brom’s danger of dropping out of the top six, a winning start for Shota Arveladze at Hull City, fan unrest at Birmingham and continued poor results for Reading. We also hear from Sheffield United’s Billy Sharp (35m08s) as he reveals all by answering our quickfire questions ...

Jan 31, 20221 hr 11 min

Forest win the derby, Hull’s fresh start & Yates’ bar sport

Jonathan Oakes is joined by Andy Hinchcliffe and Daniel Mann to discuss all the latest from the Championship, League One and League Two. In the Championship (from the start) the panel look back on Nottingham Forest’s win over Derby, what it meant for Steve Cooper’s side and another tumultuous week for the Rams away from the pitch. It was also a great week for Hull as their takeover was confirmed and they enjoyed two big wins over promotion-chasing opposition. We also hear from Forest’s Ryan Yate...

Jan 24, 20221 hr 7 min

Defiant Derby, Fulham flying & Toff takes Ten To Tackle

Jonathan Oakes is joined by Don Goodman and Gary Weaver to discuss all the latest from the Championship, League One and League Two. In the Championship (from the start) there was another big win for Derby despite the latest turmoil engulfing the club, while Luton won a thriller against Bournemouth and Fulham enjoyed another thumping victory at the top. We also hear from Huddersfield’s Harry Toffolo (35m16s) as he reveals all by answering our quickfire questions in Ten To Tackle. In League One (4...

Jan 17, 20221 hr 6 min

Carnage in the Cup

With no Championship this week the panel took a look back at the FA Cup’s biggest shocks and upsets (from the start), including incredible results for Cambridge, Nottingham Forest and Reading. In League One (22m30s) the Sunderland missed the chance to go top after an incredible draw at Wycombe, Gillingham parted company with manager Steve Evans, and Lincoln enjoyed an important win over Oxford. And in League Two (38m21s) Carlisle’s recent upturn continued, while Tranmere marched on in their prom...

Jan 10, 202247 min

Who were the festive winners and losers in the EFL?

Jonathan Oakes is joined by David Prutton and Andy Hinchcliffe to discuss all the latest from the Championship, League One and League Two. In the Championship (from the start) the panel look back at all the festive action as Covid once again wreaked havoc on the schedule. Some sides didn’t play at all, while others such as Derby enjoyed a fine couple of weeks. There is also an assessment of all the early deals done after the opening of the January transfer window, and we also hear from West Brom...

Jan 04, 20221 hr 14 min

Covid chaos & cryptocurrency at Christmas

In the Championship (from the start) the panel look back at another poor result for Bournemouth, which allowed Blackburn to close the gap on the promotion-chasers, while Middlesbrough’s good run continued under Chris Wilder and Blackpool returned to winning ways. We also hear from Middlesbrough’s Marcus Tavernier (33m31s), who answered our quickfire questions in Ten To Tackle. In League One (37m54s) there was a left-field appointment by Ipswich as they brought in Kieran McKenna to replace Paul C...

Dec 20, 20211 hr 1 min

The gap closes on Fulham and Bournemouth

Jonathan Oakes is joined by David Prutton and Gary Weaver to discuss all the latest from the Championship, League One and League Two. In the Championship (from the start) the panel look back at a back weekend at the top as Fulham and Bournemouth slipped up again, allowing the chasing pack - particularly West Brom and Blackburn - to close ever further. There was also a triumphant return for Steve Cooper to South Wales as Nottingham Forest romped to victory at Swansea, and new Preston boss Ryan Lo...

Dec 13, 20211 hr 6 min

Santiago's son, Ipswich chop Cook & chat with Chair

Jonathan Oakes is joined by Don Goodman and David Stowell to discuss all the latest from the Championship, League One and League Two. In the Championship (from the start) the panel look back at a huge game between the two pacesetters of Fulham and Bournemouth, West Brom’s return to winning ways, Blackburn’s impressive recent form and the ominous gap forming ahead of Peterborough and Barnsley in the bottom three. We also hear from QPR’s Ilias Chair (36m21s), who answered our quickfire questions i...

Dec 06, 20211 hr 4 min

Heck in, Hull streaking and Godden’s deep heat ‘problem’

Jonathan Oakes is joined by David Prutton and Jobi McAnuff to discuss all the latest from the Championship, League One and League Two. In the Championship (from the start) there is a look back at a week of upheaval for Sheffield United as they replaced Slavisa Jokanovic with Paul Heckingbottom in the dugout - and kicked off with a win against Bristol City. The panel also reflected on dropped points for Fulham and Bournemouth ahead of their heavyweight clash this weekend and fine recent runs for ...

Nov 29, 20211 hr 12 min

Derby, Reading and the damage of deductions

Jonathan Oakes is joined by Andy Hinchcliffe and Gary Weaver to discuss all the latest from the Championship, League One and League Two. In the Championship (from the start) the panel reflect on another week of points deductions in the second tier, and morale-boosting results for Derby and Reading after being hit with them. They also take a look at why Sheffield United are underachieving, new contracts for Darren Ferguson at Peterborough and Neil Critchley at Blackpool, and another big win for H...

Nov 22, 20211 hr 3 min

Can WBA catch the top two? League One and Two review

Jonathan Oakes is joined by Don Goodman and Lee Hendrie to assess all the latest from the Championship, League One and League Two. The panel dissects all the most recent news and talking points from the EFL, and Blackpool's Kevin Stewart takes Ten To Tackle. The Championship (from the start) was on a rest week due to the international break, so the panel took some time to reflect on the recent form of West Brom and Sheffield United, and the appointment of Steve Morison at Cardiff until the end o...

Nov 15, 20211 hr 1 min

Wilder for Warnock, Cardiff finally win and the return of streaky Lee

Jonathan Oakes is joined by David Prutton and David Stowell to assess all the latest from the Championship, League One and League Two. The panel dissects all the most recent news and talking points from the EFL, while we also hear from Middlesbrough's Matt Crooks in Ten To Tackle. In the Championship (from the start) it’s all about Middlesbrough and the arrival of Chris Wilder in place of Neil Warnock. There was also a return to winning ways for Bournemouth and Coventry, and to a more significan...

Nov 08, 20211 hr 6 min

Sacking season starts as Schopp gets the chop

Jonathan Oakes is joined by Andy Hinchcliffe and Jobi McAnuff to assess all the latest from the Championship, League One and League Two. The panel dissects all the most recent news and talking points from the EFL, while we also hear from Swansea midfielder Korey Smith in Ten To Tackle. In the Championship (from the start) the panel look back on a big win for Fulham, Bournemouth’s continuing run at the top, Stoke’s collapse against Cardiff, Bristol City finally winning at home and Barnsley sackin...

Nov 01, 20211 hr 9 min

Play-off dark horses, change at Cardiff & Cairney’s cue skills

Jonathan Oakes is joined by Don Goodman and Michelle Owen to assess all the latest from the Championship, League One and League Two. The panel dissects all the most recent news and talking points from the EFL, while we also hear from Fulham midfielder Tom Cairney in Ten To Tackle. In the Championship (from the start) the panel take a look Mick McCarthy’s sacking by Cardiff after their eighth-straight defeat, Bournemouth’s continued impressive form at the top of the table, and good wins for Middl...

Oct 25, 20211 hr 7 min

Mitro magic, Big Mick on the brink & Mowatt's lucky boxers

Jonathan Oakes is joined by Keith Andrews and Gary Weaver to assess all the latest from the Championship, League One and League Two. The panel dissects all the most recent news and talking points from the EFL, while we also hear from West Brom midfielder Alex Mowatt in Ten To Tackle. In the Championship (from the start) the panel take a look back at another brilliant performance from Aleksandar Mitrovic as he helped steer Fulham past QPR. There was also a big win for Sheffield United against Sto...

Oct 18, 20211 hr

Derby weekend! Championship reflection & L1, L2 review

Jonathan Oakes is joined by David Prutton and Jobi McAnuff to assess all the latest from the Championship, League One and League Two. The panel dissects all the most recent news and talking points from the EFL, before looking ahead to a huge weekend of derby games on Sky Sports. In the Championship (from the start) the panel look ahead to three massive derby games on Sky Sports this coming weekend, as QPR host Fulham, West Brom meet Birmingham and Swansea face Cardiff. There is also a reflection...

Oct 11, 202157 min

Are Stoke contenders? Cherries on top & Cauley's Candy Shop

Jonathan Oakes is joined by Andy Hinchcliffe and Lee Hendrie to assess all the latest from the Championship, League One and League Two. The panel dissects all the most recent news and talking points from the EFL, while we also hear from Barnsley striker Cauley Woodrow in Ten To Tackle as he answers our quickfire questions. In the Championship (from the start) the panel discuss defeats for West Brom and Fulham, and assess where the two early frontrunners are as we head into the international brea...

Oct 04, 20211 hr 15 min

Coventry climbing, the Diaz effect and Swifty's superstitions

Jonathan Oakes is joined by Keith Andrews and David Stowell to assess all the latest from the Championship, League One and League Two. The panel dissects all the most recent news and talking points from the EFL, while we also hear from Reading midfielder John Swift as he answers our quickfire questions in Ten To Tackle. In the Championship (from the start) the panel discuss the brilliant form of Coventry, West Brom’s turnaround win against QPR, the problems looming for Reading, Steve Cooper’s fi...

Sep 27, 20211 hr 10 min

Derby's deduction, Bournemouth's bounce and Will Vaulks takes Ten To Tackle

Jonathan Oakes is joined by Andy Hinchcliffe and Gary Weaver to assess all the latest from the Championship, League One and League Two. The panel dissects all the most recent news and talking points from the EFL, while we also hear from Cardiff City midfielder as he answers our quickfire questions in Ten To Tackle. In the Championship (from the start) this week the focus is on Derby's administration saga, Nottingham Forest's first win after the sacking of Chris Hughton, Bournemouth going top of ...

Sep 20, 20211 hr 5 min

Fulham falter, Blades sharpen & Gary Cahill takes Ten To Tackle

Jonathan Oakes is joined by Don Goodman and Jobi McAnuff to dissect all the latest from the Championship, League One and League Two. The panel assess all the most recent EFL action, while we also hear from Bournemouth defender Gary Cahill as he answers our quickfire questions in Ten To Tackle.

Sep 13, 20211 hr 10 min

Who won the window? Deeney, Drinkwater, Berahino & more

Jonathan Oakes is joined by David Prutton and David Stowell to dissect all the latest from the Championship, League One and League Two. The panel take a look back at all the recent action - including all the big results from the weekend in the third and fourth tiers, and assess all the biggest stories from the transfer window, including moves for Troy Deeney, Danny Drinkwater and Saido Berahino.

Sep 06, 20211 hr 8 min

Will anyone stop Fulham or West Brom?

Jonathan Oakes is joined by pundits Andy Hinchcliffe and Don Goodman to dissect all the latest from the Championship, League One and League Two. The panel run the rule over Fulham and West Brom and whether they are a shoo-in for automatic promotion, Huddersfield's good form, Reading's struggles and a important point for Nottingham Forest and Chris Hughton. Attention then turns to League One and Sunderland's flying start, the latest at Wigan, Oxford, Morecambe and Shrewsbury, and then it's League...

Aug 30, 20211 hr 5 min

Blunted Blades, Frustrated Forest

Jonathan Oakes is joined by pundit Keith Andrews and commentator Gary Weaver to discuss all the latest from the Championship, League One and League Two, reflecting upon the weekend’s EFL action. We also hear from QPR defender Rob Dickie as he answers our quickfire questions in Ten To Tackle.

Aug 23, 20211 hr 6 min

Are QPR dark horses? Derby in the dumps & Jack Marriott takes Ten To Tackle

Jonathan Oakes is joined by pundit Don Goodman and commentator David Stowell to discuss all the latest from the Championship, League One and League Two. Championship Pt 1 (from start) The panel look back at the live games from the weekend, after Swansea drew with Sheffield United and Peterborough came back late on to beat Derby County on Saturday. There was a thumping victory for Fulham at Huddersfield, as they ran out 5-1 winners at the John Smith's Stadium, while West Brom got their first win ...

Aug 16, 202159 min

The EFL is back! Winners and losers from opening weekend

The EFL is back! The Championship, League One and League Two returned with a bang on opening weekend, and the Sky Sports EFL Podcast is back every Monday to keep you up to date with all the latest news, reaction and opinion from the experts. Jonathan Oakes was joined by pundit Andy Hinchcliffe and commentator Gary Weaver to reflect upon the first round of games of the 2021/22 season, as they delve into the best bit from all three leagues. In the Championship there was a barnstorming opener betwe...

Aug 09, 202157 min

Play-off drama, agony, ecstasy & the finals!

Jonathan Oakes is joined by Keith Andrews, Don Goodman and Andy Hinchcliffe to look back at an incredible week of play-off semi-final drama, and ahead to the finals that are set to cap an incredible 2020/21 season. In the Championship the panel look back on Brentford's comeback victory over Bournemouth, Swansea's resilience in seeing off Barnsley, and the upcoming battle for the final spot in next season's Premier League. In League One it will be Blackpool versus Lincoln at Wembley, after Blackp...

May 24, 20211 hr 31 min

Derby, Sheff Wed, final-day drama + play-off previews

Jonathan Oakes is joined by David Prutton and David Stowell to look back at a dramatic final weekend in the Sky Bet EFL, as Derby stayed up at the expensive of Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship - with Rotherham and Wycombe also being relegated. In League One, Oxford pipped Portsmouth to the final play-off spot, and in League Two Cheltenham sealed the title, while Bolton and Cambridge joined them in winning promotion. The panel also look ahead to what is sure to be a fascinating set of play...

May 10, 20211 hr 28 min
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