Whistleblowers

Whistleblowers is football’s most original new podcast - lifting the lid on the parts of the game no one else talks about. Hosted by Gordon Smart, with ex-elite referee Mark Clattenburg and veteran journalist Ian Ladyman, this isn’t another safe roundtable of punditry. It’s football told differently - with insight, authority, and plenty of laughs. From what really goes on in the referee’s room, to how clubs spin crises and who’s pulling the strings behind the scenes - Whistleblowers brings the inside stories only those at the heart of the game can tell. Players have had their say. Now, it’s time to hear from the people who actually know how football works. Hosts: Gordon Smart, Mark Clattenburg and Ian Ladyman Executive Producer: Jamie East Producer: Henry Williams Researcher: William Colledge Booker: Ashley Whitt Production Manager: Vittoria Cecchini A Daily Mail Podcast. Seriously Popular.

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Episodes

Too Much Talent, Not Enough Graft – The Players Who Drive Us Mad

Welcome Whistleblowers – Gordon Smart is joined by Mark Clattenburg, Ian Ladyman, and Mail Sport’s Merseyside Reporter, Lewis Steele, for a round of audience questions and unfiltered takes. Lewis reveals why Ronaldo wouldn’t make it into his dream dressing room, Ian confesses to falling asleep in his own dad’s German class, and Lewis tries to fix our Wickes TradePro DIY table challenge. There’s also a fierce debate about the greatest left-backs of all time. Hosts: Gordon Smart, Mark Clattenburg ...

Jul 01, 2025•21 min

Inside Liverpool’s £200m Transfer Gamble & ‘Pathetic’ Garnacho

This week on Whistleblowers, Gordon Smart, Mark Clattenburg and Ian Ladyman are joined by Mail Sport’s Merseyside Reporter, Lewis Steele as they unpack Liverpool’s major summer moves — from Florian Wirtz to the growing whispers around a shock bid for Alexander Isak. With Arne Slot’s side get their jewel in the crown? Plus: Garnacho sparks outrage with that Aston Villa shirt, Clattenburg reveals what really goes on at Euro referee camps (PlayStations, schedules, and Pierluigi Collina flipping out...

Jun 26, 2025•59 min

The Best Goals, TV Shows, and Centre-Backs of All Time

Welcome back to Whistleblowers - Football From The Inside Out We have a jam-packed instalment this time around… Ian turns his hand to DIY, the lads debate the greatest TV show of all time, and Mark reveals his plane-spotting obsession! Hosts: Gordon Smart, Mark Clattenburg and Ian Ladyman Producer: Henry Williams Executive Producer: Jamie East Researcher: William Colledge Booker: Ashley Whitt Video Editor: Luke Shelley Production Manager: Vittoria Cecchini Social Handles: X: @blowerspod Instagra...

Jun 24, 2025•33 min

FIFA vs. Football: The Club World Cup That's Tearing the Sport Apart

Welcome to Whistleblowers - Football From The Inside Out Is FIFA’s new Club World Cup tearing football apart? This week, Whistleblowers dives into the storm brewing around Gianni Infantino’s club football expansion in the form of the Club World Cup - and why players, clubs, and fans are furious. Ian Ladyman questions who’s really in charge of football now, and Gordon Smart wonders if we’ve already broken the calendar beyond repair. Plus, Mark Clattenburg lifts the lid on how referees handle mayh...

Jun 19, 2025•57 min

Why Every Change in Football is Having a Negative Effect

Welcome back to Whistleblowers - Football’s Most Original New Podcast. In this week’s bonus episode; Gordon, Mark and Ian start by reacting to comments sent in by people across our social accounts and podcast providers. There are some very nice comments, and there are some not so nice comments, so stay tuned to hear if any of our hosts have taken offence… (If you’d like to get involved, don’t forget to reach out) The lads then turn their hand to some set-building, as the Whistleblowers budget di...

Jun 17, 2025•36 min

When Big Sam Threatened to Kick My Door Down

Welcome back to Whistleblowers - Football’s Most Original New Podcast. Right then, we’ve had our nicey nice intros, getting to know everyone, time now to really get stuck into a feast of football. With two Englishmen and a Scot, there’s plenty to moan about following a rather uninspiring international schedule. Scotland sit with one win in their last 9 games, despite now boasting a squad that could be challenging, is it time for Steve Clarke’s side to step it up a gear? We analyse the latest cas...

Jun 12, 2025•1 hr 5 min

John Terry and The Pyramid of Vodkas

Hello and welcome back to Whistleblowers - football’s most original new podcast. In part two, Gordon, Mark and Ian answer your questions telling tales of their experiences with John Terry and highlighting his on-field and off-field personas. Is Mark’s feud with the Chelsea legend as bitter as it seemed in a recent Baller League encounter? Gordon discusses his incredible journey to interviewing Robbie Williams at his home, and how the Ian reflects on the challenges of press conferences, and defen...

Jun 10, 2025•31 min

Mark Clattenburg: Fergie Time Was Real... I Did It!

Welcome to Whistleblowers - football’s most original new podcast. With Gordon Smart, Mark Clattenburg and Ian Ladyman at the helm, you’re in safe hands this summer and beyond… Mark details his experience as a referee. He discloses the abuse he regularly received, the lack of support he got from his bosses, and an incredible decision that led to one of the Premier League’s most iconic results. Ian shares some wild Mario Balotelli anecdotes, and reveals the only manager that truly believed in him....

Jun 05, 2025•59 min

Whistleblowers - Football From The Inside Out

May 28, 2025•46 sec

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