My guest is Peter Cinnamond from the Kicking Match podcast, which covers the Irish League/NIFL. We discuss groundhopping in Northern Ireland, covering famous clubs like Linfield and Glentoran, as well as some of the many great grounds that groundhoppers can discover in Belfast and beyond. We also look at some of the political history of the Irish League, which led to the loss of Belfast Celtic and Derry City.
Mar 10, 2024•53 min
After a successful 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, what does the future hold for women's football? My guest is journalist and author Carrie Dunn, who discusses some of the topics she raises in her latest book 'Woman Up: Pitches, Pay and Periods. The Progress and Potential of Women's Football'
Feb 25, 2024•29 min
My guest is Stephen C. Brandt, whose latest book explores the history of one of Brazil's most famous clubs, Flamengo. We discuss the history of the carioca club from its roots at a rowing team's footballing branch up to Copa Libertadores champions.
Feb 11, 2024•22 min
My guest is Matt Riley, who spent several years in Thailand exploring its football. He has chronicled the Thai game in his new book, 'Thai Football Tales: A Beautiful Madness'. His stories are quite something, give it a spin...
Jan 28, 2024•25 min
My guest for his third appearance is Daniel Williamson as he discusses his new book on Ronaldo Nazário - the original Ronaldo for people of a certain age... We look at his career from his teen breakthrough in Brazil through to his moves to PSV, Barça, Inter, Madrid, Milan and, of course, his international career.
Jan 13, 2024•35 min
My guest is Alex Ireland to discuss his book 'Pretty Poly: The History of the Football Shirt'. We cover everything from the origins of football shirts, to the emergence of numbering, sponsors' logos, new technologies and the retro appeal of football shirts.
Dec 31, 2023•22 min
My guest is Harry Robinson, author of 'The Men Who Made Manchester United: The Untold Story'. We're looking at the foundation of the club in a railway yard in Newton Heath through to the handover to Matt Busby in 1945. The club came very close to collapse on several occasions. It's a fascinating listen, even if you don't support Manchester United.
Dec 17, 2023•37 min
Londres es la casa del fútbol; aquí se formaron los leyes originales en 1863 y la ciudad contiene algunos de los nombres más famosas y historicos en el deporte. En este episodio, introduzco los clubes de Londres, sus historias en breve, sus culturas y zonas, hinchas y más.
Dec 06, 2023•18 min
My guest is Conor Curran, author of Soccer and Society in Dublin: A History of Association Football in Ireland’s Capital. We discuss a wide range of topics, from why Dublin lagged way behind Belfast in soccer development, conflict with the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), the challenges faced by the women's game, and more...
Dec 03, 2023•47 min
I am joined by Kevin Pogorzelski, who travelled the world to experience some of the world's top derbies for his new book 'Divided Cities'. From Genoa to Glasgow, Buenos Aires to Budapest, Kevin talks about his experiences...
Nov 19, 2023•28 min
En mi segundo episidio en castellano, exploramos la relación histórica entre el fútbol y la política.
Nov 09, 2023•17 min
My guest is Dr Michael Connolly from the University of Stirling in Scotland. His book, Walfrid: A Life of Faith, Community and Football , is a biography of the Celtic FC founder, Brother Walfrid.
Nov 05, 2023•28 min
Bienvenidos a mi primer podcast en español. Vamos a ver como empezó el fútbol, desde los campos de las escuelas de Inglaterra hasta el consenso de reglas del Football Association en 1863. También, hablo sobre como el juego se convirtió a ser el juego del clase obrador y como se transporta a cada rincón del mundo...
Nov 01, 2023•17 min
My guest is Chris Etchingham, whose first book looks at football's role in the breakup of Yugoslavia. We discuss the role of ethnicity before and after the breakup of the nation, including its impact in the Balkan diaspora, particularly in Australia.
Oct 22, 2023•33 min
My guest is Dr Mark Orton, whose new book 'El Más Grande' (The Greatest) charts the rich history of Argentinean club, River Plate
Oct 09, 2023•28 min
On 30 May, I delivered a talk at Dulwich Hamlet FC in South London in partnership with the University of Wolverhampton's Football and War Network and Stanchion Books. My topic was the long history of football's relationship with politics. When does it first get political? Who was the first to successfully exploit the sport for propaganda? What role has football played in bringing down dictatorships? Have a listen...
Jun 04, 2023•58 min
I am joined by Bess Dawson and Alan McDougall, who are two of a group of contributors on a new book that explores the role of football in German society.
Nov 28, 2022•31 min
England v Hungary in November 1953 was billed as the 'Match of the Century' - why is this match so significant in both England and Hungary? Matt Clough has written a book about the match and joins me to discuss.
Nov 21, 2022•36 min
I am joined by Alex Pratchett, one half of No Score Draws, famous for their fantastic characatures of footballer, coaches, and others. What makes a great 'drawable' footballer and what has the feedback been?
Nov 14, 2022•20 min
Graeme Brown joins me to discuss the 150th anniversary of the world's first official international Association football match - Scotland v England, 30 November 1872, at the West of Scotland Cricket Club. What was the role of Queen's Park in setting the template for how we watch football today?
Nov 07, 2022•34 min
I welcome back Dr Pete Watson to discuss his new book on the role that football has played in Colombian society.
Oct 31, 2022•29 min
Martin da Cruz joins me to discuss his new book on how football got started in Uruguay. How did such a tiny country like Uruguay come to dominate world football in the 1920s?
Oct 24, 2022•34 min
I am joined by Rhys Richards, whose debut book explores the stories behind the controversial 1978 World Cup in Argentina.
Oct 17, 2022•36 min
I welcome back Kirsten Schlewitz to discuss her upcoming book on the history of SSC Napoli. The book is titled 'More than Maradona', but yes, we spend quite a bit of time on him...but we also look at the entire history of the club, including groundhopping tips on how to catch a game in Naples.
Oct 10, 2022•50 min
My new book 'The Defiant: A History of Football Against Fascism' is out on 10 Oct. In this launch episode, I am interviewed by journalist James Hendicott about the book. We discuss the legacy of Mussolini, football against the dictatorships of Franco and Salazar, resistance fighters in World War II, modern progressive movements and much more...
Oct 03, 2022•31 min
My guest is Kit Holden whose new book covers the complex history and recent rise of 1. FC Union Berlin. This fascinating club from Berlin's southeastern suburbs has something of a cult following and is now enjoying regular European football. How? Find out here...
Aug 08, 2022•28 min
My guest is Chris Foley, author of a new book on the impact British and Irish coaches have made on Asian football. From Cambodia to Pohnpei, there are some incredible stories...
Aug 01, 2022•19 min
I am joined by James Kelly, author of a new book charting the history of Belgian football. We look over some of the country's 'golden generations' that nearly managed to take home silverware, while also exploring the domestic scene.
Jul 25, 2022•31 min
I welcome Aidan Williams back onto the show to discuss his new book on the greatest sides never to have won the World Cup. We've covered Brazil '82 and the Dutch sides of the '70s before, so we major on Hungary '54, Italy '90 and some lesser-discussed sides.
Jul 18, 2022•42 min
This extended version of the football travel podcast is a collaboration with the Borussia Dortmund London Fan Club Podcast and we’re discussing the critical topic of sustainability in football. From clubs to fans to football authorities, what can we all do to make the sport more environmentally friendly? The debate features: - Benjamin McFadyean, host of the Borussia Dortmund London Fan Club Podcast and a football academic at the University of East Anglia - Moritz Eckhert from Guterfussball.club...
Jul 11, 2022•57 min