Room 4-4-2 Soccer Show - podcast cover

Room 4-4-2 Soccer Show

Homestand Sportsroom442.com
James Sharman, acclaimed soccer broadcaster and pundit, headlines a panel of young and dynamic hosts covering the beautiful game.
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Episodes

Messi, Ted Lasso, Canada vs. Qatar

The crew discusses Canada vs. Qatar, Italy vs. England and Hungary vs. Germany. As well, Leo Messi's contract leaked and Ted Lasso joins FIFA 23. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 22, 202223 min

Nations League is back, World Cup kits unveiled!

On Wednesday's Room 442, James, Albert and Sara discuss the meaning behind the Nations League tournament especially with the World Cup fast approaching, the crew also break down the best and worst kits, and Canada, the only team in the World Cup with no new kit?! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 21, 202223 min

What's in a (re)name?

Montreal have a new name and a new bagde. But they may have alienated the majority of their existing fanbase in the process. In this episode of Footy Focus Group we look at the weird world of footballing rebrands, and explore who wins and who loses when clubs get misguided make overs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 25, 20217 min

Time to 'Bale' Out?

For years he was the next big thing, but at Spurs he’s fast become football’s forgotten man. In this Episode of Football focus group we look at the rise and fall of Gareth Bale, and ask whether a moment of genius on the weekend against Man City might epitomize his strange footballing story. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 16, 20218 min

Football Focus Group: The Bosman Rule

His name is firmly etched in the footballing landscape - especially when ‘transfer season’ rolls around. That's because Jean-Marc Bosman’s legal action created the ‘Bosman Ruling’ and single-handedly revolutionized modern football. Michael De Luca tells the fascinating story of an unassuming player who dug in his heels, and changed football forever in the process. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 03, 202114 min

Perceptions of failure from Beckham to Pogba

The VHS blooper reel is a blast from the past - an artifact from a simpler footballing world, before the internet changed the game (and our lives) for ever. In this special episode of Footy Focus Group, Kevin Kennedy explores our fascination with sporting failure, and contrasts Beckham and Pogba as markers of a shift in footballing self-consciousness. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 03, 20218 min

Raising the stakes: the uneasy marriage of footy and online gambling

Online gambling is pouring money into the EPL, but what effect is that having on teams and fans alike?Many top clubs are now heavily reliant on gambling sponsorship and more and more fans now see online gambling as an integral part of their enjoyment of the game. In this episode of Footy Focus Group we explore the darker side of gambling and the beautiful game. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 03, 20217 min

Different versions of the culture clash at Arsenal, Barcelona and the Rainbow laces campaign

Barcelona and Arsenal are two clubs steeped in tradition - both and off the pitch. But they're also both struggling to perform in 2021 and suffering indentity crises like never before. While in the EPL, clubs are fronting the Rainbow Laces campaign to support LBGTQ inculsion in sports - but in a geolocated way that makes their commitment to the cause seem partial. In the episode of Footy Focus Group Kevin Kennedy explores different kinds of footballing culture clash, as identities within clubs, ...

Feb 03, 20216 min

The KJ Footy Talks Live Holiday Quiz

Test your footy knowledge against the best in our festive footy quiz! Thirty fiendish questions from the notebooks of Kristian Jack. Can you beat Luke Wileman's thoroughly moderately score of 21? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 17, 202026 min

Season Round Up, MLS Cup Final review & Drew Moor Interview

In the final live show of the year Luke and KJ attempt to sum up a season like no other, looking back on the MLS Cup final and reflecting on their 2020 Footy Talks Live highlights. Special guest TFC legend Drew Moor discusses the Toronto connection in Colorado, the legacy of Greg Vanney, and his most memorable teammates and plays at BMO. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 17, 202044 min

TFC legend Dwayne De Rosario Interview

TFC legend Dwayne De Rosario shares his joy at making the list, and discusses both the ‘miracle of Montreal’ and his new book through some sketchy wifi. And after winning MLS MVP by a huge margin, Luke and KJ discuss the rise of Alejandro Pozuelo - asking if the attacking midfielder can reach even greater heights next season. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 10, 202028 min

Awards season, MLS Cup Final & Fox's John Strong Interview

Luke and KJ discuss the big managerial names rumored to be in the running at TFC, and praise Justin Morrow for his role in establishing Black Players for Change, after the collective received the MLS Humanitarian of the Year award. Fox commentator John Strong, who’ll be calling the MLS Cup final this weekend, joins the show to talk about finally getting back into stadiums, Nico Lodeiro’s ‘culture setting’ in Seattle, and whether or not David Beckham should be on the MLS best 25 players list. Hos...

Dec 10, 202033 min

TFC post season deep dive - Luke and KJ leave no stone unturned

The season may be over but the drama certainly isn't. Now that the postseason is upon us TFC have some serious issues to contend with. As if losing the club’s most successful manager wasn't enough, there are questions to consider regarding the roster, with key players at the end of their contracts and others struggling for form or gametime. In this special episode of Footy Talks Live Luke and KJ take questions from TFC fans across the globe and embark on a deep dive into the key issues facing TF...

Dec 03, 202022 min

Greg Vanney departure & Jonathan Osorio Interview

With the news of Greg Vanney’s departure still sinking in, Luke Wileman and Kristian Jack look back on Vanney’s TFC legacy, and the difficult task of replacing him at the club he helped to transform. Was this a quick decision at the end of a grueling season or part of a plan much longer in the making? And will Vanney take some time away from the game, or was his decision informed by the prospect of a move to LA Galaxy? Extra-special guest Jonathon Osorio gives his views on Vanney’s departure, an...

Dec 03, 202044 min

Playoff preview & Taylor Twellman being Taylor Twellman

Luke, KJ and Stevie look ahead to the playoffs, with Philadelphia Union the team to beat after picking up the Support Shield. Can Jim Curtin’s men build on an impressive run, or will a lack of postseason experience find them lacking when the pressure is on? Returning guest Taylor Twellman gives his thoughts on a crazy year in the MLS, the timing of the playoffs, and a surprisingly strong soccer culture in Hartford connecticut. Taylor talks us through an outrageous overhead kick (our Powerade pla...

Nov 19, 202034 min

“Good feelings from victory don't last as long as the pain when you lose”

TFC legend Michael Bradley takes us behind the scenes of TFC’s playoff preparations, and looks back on a season like no other. Bradley discusses leadership in the midst of adversity, the fleeting enjoyment of victory, and maintaining TFC’s winning culture. The gang ask Bradley about MVP nominee Alejandro Pozuelo, and just how far Jonathan Osorio can go. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Nov 19, 202029 min

"Scotland are probably the world champions in spectacular failure - but not last night!"

It was a big night in Scotland - and in a Scottish pub in Toronto it was a big night for Stevie. After a dramatic injury time equalizer and an even more dramatic penalty shootout Scotland made it to their first international tournament in 22 years. Luke, KJ and Stevie discuss a quantum leap forward for Steve Clarke’s side, and give their views on the players and formations that are likely to feature in next year's tournament. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Nov 13, 202020 min

“Canadian teams have had an extra obstacle that no other teams have had to overcome.”

Special guest Jeff Agoos joins Footy Talks Live to talk about the most challenging MLS season ever, and why his official title could be ‘head of consumer complaints’ rather than Vice President of Competition for Major League Soccer. Jeff acknowledges the extra strain placed on Canadian teams, and talks about the systems put in place for players returning from international duty. We learn about ex-World Cup Final referee Howard Webb’s important work at P.R.O, and Jeff looks back on his career def...

Nov 13, 202021 min

Season recap, fixture scheduling, Stevie EPL goal, and the art of the interview

Luke, KJ and Stevie look back on an eventful season of footy and fantastic series of Footy Talks Live. The crew discuss the impact of a congested fixture schedule, and wonder if the increased frequency of games has galvanized some teams and unfairly stretched others. Stevie talks us through a big EPL goal from his time at Newcastle, and KJ breaks down the art of the post-match interview. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Nov 05, 202025 min

"The only equivalent is smelling my mom's tomato sauce on a Saturday morning.”

Concacaf President & Vice President of FIFA, Victor Montagliani talks about the challenges football has faced during the pandemic, and the growing quality of the CPL. Victor discusses tentative plans to expand the Concacaf Champions League, with details to be announced early next year; as well as how Women’s soccer can grow through more funding at grass roots level. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Nov 05, 202031 min

‘A lot of what we've done so far has been about acknowledgment - now we’re getting into what we’re going to be doing in the future.’

Justin Morrow zooms in from TFC’s home away from home in Hartford, Connecticut to talk about the challenges of being on the road, as the club continues to push for three trophies. Justin discusses the important work being done by the Black Players For Change Coalition; how the experience of the squad has served them well on the pitch; and the crucial role of Pozzo - as a player and a person. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Nov 05, 202017 min

Injuries mount up and hamper performances for TFC

After another disappointing loss for Greg Vanney’s team, Luke, KJ and Stevie weigh up the impact of injuries across the spine of the team - and the loss of midfield maestro Jonathon Osorio in particular. With TFC also struggling in the absence of Piatti, is it a sign that the team needs more creative players in general? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 29, 202028 min

“A great hire due to the circumstances. In different times a big change would have been better.”

Kaylyn Kyle gives her views on the task facing new Canada Women's manager Bev Priestman - a great hire in the current circumstances, but in a non-pandemic scenario would a more substantial change have been a better move? Kaylyn takes us behind the scenes at Inter Miami - arguably the most glamorous club in the MLS, with a superstar owner and more and more superstars on the pitch. We get the low down on manager Diego Alonso, and the club’s long term strategy for success. Hosted on Acast. See acas...

Oct 29, 202018 min

“Winning doesn't just happen, it takes time - you can’t maintain consistency if you haven't built a culture.”

Sporting Kansas City head coach, Peter Vermes breaks down his four coaching principles: the team is always first, intelligence, work ethic and winning mentality. Peter discusses the tenacity and ruthlessness that’s sometimes lacking in MLS, and how from a player standpoint, acceptance into European teams is much more challenging than in North American squads. We hear fascinating anecdotes from Peter’s time representing the USA at Italia ‘90, as well as insights into how the current US team can c...

Oct 29, 202029 min

BMO memories, Champions League recap, Supporters Shield and TFC's dash for the Playoffs

Luke, Kj and Stevie look back on Toronto FC’s 2016 Eastern Conference final against Montreal Impact and reminisce about packed crowds and high drama at BMO Field, and with Shakhtar Donetsk beating Real Madrid in the Champion’s League, Stevie questions if a shock result like that could happen at a packed Bernabeu? The crew discuss the merits of two-legged ties in the Champions League knockout rounds, and with the unholy mess surrounding the Supporter Shield KJ gives his views on the award’s futur...

Oct 22, 202042 min

“It's emotional. All of our staff have gone through a lot" - Ali Curtis Interview

Toronto FC General Manager Ali Curtis zooms in from the team’s home base in Hartford Connecticut. Luke, KJ and Stevie ask Ali about the stresses and strains of leadership in the hardest of times, and discuss the team’s resilience - grinding our results far away from home. Ali gives his views on the Supporters Shield debacle, whether Hartford will remain their home field should TFC reach the playoffs, and he gives fans an update on the circumstances regarding his new contract with the club. Hoste...

Oct 22, 202029 min

Greg Vanney joins Footy Talks Live

Greg Vanney joins us from TFC’s base in Hartford, Connecticut to look back on a disappointing game against a dogged New York Red Bull side that just wouldn't stop running. Vanney talks about the role of ‘tired legs and tired minds’ in a game that saw TFC drawn out of their natural playing style, and off the pitch, he gives his views on the three aspects of communication with his team - ‘the person, the player and the competitor.’ We get the backstory on a breakout year for talented young striker...

Oct 15, 202024 min

UEFA Golden Boy Award, Problems for Henry, & TFC's tough night

The latest episode of Footy Talks Live finds the gang exchanging pant-splitting anecdotes (yes you read that right). Luke, KJ and Stevie also discuss the upcoming UEFA Golden Boy Award, which for the first time in its history features two Canadians, Alphonso Davies and Jonathan Davies, as part of the best 20 players under the age of 21 in top flight European leagues. KJ gives his views on the challenges stacking up for Theirry Henry in Montreal, and the gang look back on all the action from TFC’...

Oct 15, 202032 min

Euros, EPL & TFC Roundup

With Scotland winning their first ever penalty shootout, Stevie and the gang look back on some of the highlights from the European qualification games and friendlies. And after one of the strangest weekends in Premier League history, KJ revel’s in a very special night for Villa and a career defining performance from playmaker Jack Grealish. The crew give their views on another TFC victory - with Greg Vanney’s men grinding out a result on a difficult pitch at the Gillette Stadium - discussing squ...

Oct 09, 202031 min
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