The Sound of Football

This week the Premier League handed Chelsea a £10 million fine for years of financial cheating under the ownership of Roman Abramovich. The fine equates to the difference in prize money for finishing one season in 12th instead of 8th. Retropsective punishment is a tricky thing, and there are definitely wrong ways of doing it. This week we saw Africa's governing body controversially strip Senegal of the Afcon title they won two months ago and hand it to the hosts Morocco. pods.sofpodcast.com/sofpodcast_647.mp3

A crushing home defeat to Crystal Palace has pushed Tottenham closer to the edge of relegation. They are one of the most financially successful clubs in the world and were one of the driving forces behind the creation of the Premier League in 1992. Relegation seems unthinkable but is a very real possiblilty. But could there be a way out for them? If they do go down, at least it will be easier to finish among the play-off places in the Championship. From next season six teams will be involved in the post-season knockout. For more information on the podcast and links related to the subjects discussed, check out the Show Notes on our blog. pods.sofpodcast.com/sofpodcast_646.mp3 What's in the Weekend Boxset? After an insane evening in Madrid, Spurs go to Liverpool to try and turn their league form around. Get our FREE weekly newsletter in your email by signing up to the Weekend Boxset today.

In the constant hunt for marginal gains, the introduction of dedicated set-piece coaches has allowed otherwise lower-mid-table clubs to thrive with goals from corners and long throws. But now the bigger clubs are following suit, is this development damaging the entertainment value of the Premier League? And, if so, should the lawmakers do something about it? And talking of lawmakers, in yet another move to change the laws to make VAR more palatable, Arsene Wenger's suggestion for relaxing the offside law is to be trialled in the Canadian Premier League, a league that doesn't even have VAR, let alone semi-automated offside detection. For more information on the podcast and links related to the subjects discussed, check out the Show Notes on our blog. pods.sofpodcast.com/sofpodcast_645.mp3 What's in the Weekend Boxset? It’s FA Cup fifth round with Wrexham v Chelsea, Newcastle v City and Port Vale v Sunderland among the games on offer. Get our FREE weekly newsletter in your email by signing up to the Weekend Boxset today.

Palace fans have had their fill of Oliver Glasner now he's told them to stay humble. Terry was at Selhurst Park at the weekend to see for himself how humble the fans feel like being right now. Meanwhile Tottenham fans are facing up to the reality of being in a relegation scrap after another home defeat, this time in the North London derby. Also this week, we welcome back Gary Andrews for his thoughts on the upcoming Women’s Asian Cup in Australia which will boast a galaxy of WSL stars. In the UK you'll be able to watch it on YouTube. For more information on the podcast and links related to the subjects discussed, check out the Show Notes on our blog. pods.sofpodcast.com/sofpodcast_644.mp3 What's in the Weekend Boxset? There are some big title race matches across the weekend, with Arsenal hosting Chelsea, an Old Firm derby and Dortmund trying to close the gap with Bayern in Der Klassiker. Get our FREE weekly newsletter in your email by signing up to the Weekend Boxset today.

Last week Nottingham Forest became the first Premier League side ever to sack three permanent managers in the same season. Less than 24 hours before Sean Dyche was relieved of his duties, Thomas Frank's time in charge Spurs came to an end. Will the new men in charge fare any better in the fight to avoid relegation? Also this week we discuss the weekend's FA Cup fourth round, which saw Mansfield coming from behind to beat Burnley at Turf Moor. For more information on the podcast and links related to the subjects discussed, check out the Show Notes on our blog. pods.sofpodcast.com/sofpodcast_643.mp3 What's in the Weekend Boxset? Tottenham's new interim head coach Igor Tudor goes straight in the deep end with the North London derby. Get our FREE weekly newsletter in your email by signing up to the Weekend Boxset today.

The chaotic scenes at the end of the weekend’s match between Liverpool and Manchester City laid bare one of the most fundamental problems with VAR: it may make the game more correct but it also makes it less joyful. Why then is it such a surprise to those who support VAR, like Gary Neville, that it sucks pleasure from football? Is there a place for “the smell of the game” in a world of VAR? For more information on the podcast and links related to the subjects discussed, check out the Show Notes on our blog. pods.sofpodcast.com/sofpodcast_642.mp3 What's in the Weekend Boxset? This Valentine’s weekend has all the romance of the fourth round of the FA Cup. Get our FREE weekly newsletter in your email by signing up to the Weekend Boxset today.

Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin's last-gasp winning goal against Real Madrid must go down as one of the greatest moments in Champions League history. But is it enough to prove to the doubters the entertainment value of the new format Champions League? It certainly reminded everyone that Jose Mourinho is still one for the big occasion. Also this week, we discuss the close of the winter transfer window, Arsenal Women becoming world champions and Rodri's problem with referees. For more information on the podcast and links related to the subjects discussed, check out the Show Notes on our blog. pods.sofpodcast.com/sofpodcast_641.mp3 What's in the Weekend Boxset? Will City have better luck with the referee at Anfield on Sunday? Probably not. Also, Spurs look to take the positives from their comeback against City to take on a resurgent United. Get our FREE weekly newsletter in your email by signing up to the Weekend Boxset today.

With Graham, Terry and Jan’s teams all losing this weekend, the last thing we wanted to discuss was football. So we don't. Instead, before the final round of fixtures of the League phase of the Champions League, we discuss the growing perception that the new format is less exciting. We also try to work out how many subscriptions fans in the UK will need to watch their team now that Paramount+ has secured rights for the Champions League from 2027. In other news, the FA has decided to give the FA Cup a “sonic identity”. We get into the spirit by offering some helpful suggestions. Anything but think about the weekend's results. For more information on the podcast and links related to the subjects discussed, check out the Show Notes on our blog. pods.sofpodcast.com/sofpodcast_640.mp3 What's in the Weekend Boxset? There’s more than vital points at stake when Crystal Palace visit Forest. I predict now that travelling fans will be singing the same song for the whole game. Also Arsenal Women have the chance to become World Champions. Get our FREE weekly newsletter in your email by signing up to the Weekend Boxset today.

The final of the Africa Cup of Nations descended into chaos when the eventual winners Senegal left the pitch in protest against some questionable refereeing decisions that benefitted the hosts Morocco. But that was only the start of the drama. Also this week Terry has opinions on Oliver Glasner and his seemingly unilateral decision to make public that he won't be staying at Crystal Palace at the end of his contract. For more information on the podcast and links related to the subjects discussed, check out the Show Notes on our blog. pods.sofpodcast.com/sofpodcast_639.mp3 What's in the Weekend Boxset? Palace face a tough task to break their winless run against Liam Rosenior’s Chelsea. There's also a derby in Hamburg and Michael Carrick tests his revitalised United side at Arsenal. Get our FREE weekly newsletter in your email by signing up to the Weekend Boxset today.

It should probably go down as the biggest shock in FA Cup history: the holders, Crystal Palace, crashing out to non-league Macclesfied FC in the third round. But Palace fan Terry saw it coming and we have the audio to prove it! Also this week, in the immediate aftermath of Xabi Alonso being relieved of his duties at Real Madrid, after just seven months in the role, we discuss why he would be unsuitable for the vacant position at United. For more information on the podcast and links related to the subjects discussed, check out the Show Notes on our blog. pods.sofpodcast.com/sofpodcast_638.mp3 What's in the Weekend Boxset? It's a baptism of fire for interim manager Michael Carrick as his United side host City. There's also the Afcon final. Get our FREE weekly newsletter in your email by signing up to the Weekend Boxset today.

The start of the year is a time when many people choose to give up something that isn’t doing them any favours. Chelsea, Manchester United and Celtic have got into the spirit of this by all getting rid of their managers — a simple action that doesn't even require you to subscribe to an app. Chelsea have already replaced Enzo Maresca with Liam Rosensior, who just so happened to be the head coach of Chelsea feeder club Strasbourg. Darren Fletcher meanwhile has been put in temporary charge at United, but many think the club will be moving to get Oliver Glasner to take the job permanently. As permanent as the role ever is these days. For more information on the podcast and links related to the subjects discussed, check out the Show Notes on our blog. pods.sofpodcast.com/sofpodcast_637.mp3 What's in the Weekend Boxset? It’s the third round of the FA Cup! We'll be previewing four ties including the holders Palace away to Macclesfield. We also have two of the quarter finals from Afcon. Get our FREE weekly newsletter in your email by signing up to the Weekend Boxset today.

Every year we celebrate the festive season with our special advent calendar episode of the podcast. Join us as we open up all of the 24 doors and discuss the people and subjects behind them. Who and what will be the burning issues of 2026? Of course, as it’s Christmas, we have some friends along to help us out. Chris Nee, Clare McEwen, Ian King and Sam Whyte are here to get into the festive spirit. Merry Christmas! For more information on all our special guests, links to their websites, podcasts, books and social media, and a full list of all the subjects behind the doors opened on this advent calendar, check out the Show Notes on our blog. pods.sofpodcast.com/sofpodcast_636.mp3 What's in the Weekend Boxset? Our final Boxset of the year has a Welsh derby, Tottenham looking for their first league home win in four months and the opening fixture of Afcon 2025. Get our FREE weekly newsletter in your email by signing up to the Weekend Boxset today.

A calculated play or a moment of madness? What does Mo Salah hope to achieve from his explosive post-match interview which made public the issues he's having with Liverpool head coach Arne Slot? Also this week we look back at Friday's World Cup draw in terms of what it means for England and Scotland, and the decision of the Frauen-Bundesliga to split from the DFB. For more information on the podcast and links related to the subjects discussed, check out the Show Notes on our blog. pods.sofpodcast.com/sofpodcast_635.mp3 What's in the Weekend Boxset? The big game this weekend is the first league North East derby at the Stadium of Light in over a decade. Get our FREE weekly newsletter in your email by signing up to the Weekend Boxset today.

The Africa Cup of Nations kicks off in Morocco in less than three weeks time, but many of the players won't make it out there until just a few days before with clubs desperate to hold on to them for as long as possible. Sunderland are likely to be the most affected Premier League side with potentially seven players missing for up to a month. Also this week we discuss the new trend for long range goals, and the special prize FIFA will be handing out at this Friday's World Cup draw. For more information on the podcast and links related to the subjects discussed, check out the Show Notes on our blog. pods.sofpodcast.com/sofpodcast_634.mp3 What's in the Weekend Boxset? It's FA Cup second round weekend with teams hoping to get through to play against a big name in the next round. Get our FREE weekly newsletter in your email by signing up to the Weekend Boxset today.

From the earliest days of the podcast we have celebrated the draws for major tournaments by holding one ourselves. Why would we do such a thing? Because it’s tremendous fun! It also helps you get an idea of who could get who in the real thing on Friday 5 December. With 48 teams in the tournament and three hosts, it’s our most ambitious fake draw yet. Can we keep track of all the constraints? Listen and find out. Remember though - it’s fake! For more information on the podcast and links related to the subjects discussed, check out the Show Notes on our blog, where you can also see how our draw turned out. pods.sofpodcast.com/sofpodcast_633.mp3 What's in the Weekend Boxset? Are Arsenal and Chelsea in a title race or did Spurs just make them both look good? Maybe we'll have a better idea after the two sides meet at Stamford Bridge this weekend. There’s also an all-Brazil Copa Libertadores final between Flamengo and Palmeiras. Get our FREE weekly newsletter in your email by signing up to the Weekend Boxset today.

England have completed a perfect World Cup qualifying campaign; winning all eight games in their group without conceding a goal. In fact, the national side are so good right now even Jude Bellingham is struggling to hold down a place in Thomas Tuchel's starting eleven. Are we as good as the results suggest or are we in for a rude awakening next summer in North America? Also this week, we discuss the plans for MLS to become a winter league from 2027. For more information on the podcast and links related to the subjects discussed, check out the Show Notes on our blog. pods.sofpodcast.com/sofpodcast_632.mp3 What's in the Weekend Boxset? If you like your derbies local you're going to have a busy Sunday with the big games from Sheffield, North London and Milan. Get our FREE weekly newsletter in your email by signing up to the Weekend Boxset today.

This weekend, the end of Arsenal's winning run at the Stadium of Light allowed an opportunity for those in the chasing pack to close the gap at the top. One team that didn't take advantage of that opportunity was Liverpool who were comfortably beaten by Manchester City (who did). After their fifth defeat in six games, is Liverpool's title defence already over? Also this week we discuss the calls to introduce VAR into the WSL after a series of questionable decisions affected the outcome of a season defining fixture between Arsenal and Chelsea. We also evaluate Sunderland's ploy of countering the danger of long throws by bringing in pitchside advertising hoardings. For more information on the podcast and links related to the subjects discussed, check out the Show Notes on our blog. pods.sofpodcast.com/sofpodcast_631.mp3

The first quarter of this Premier League season hasn't been short of surprises and drama, but some people have still found cause for complaint. Goals from set-pieces and long balls are back but are we really reverting back to the tactical dark ages of the 1980s? Clubs in the mid-table are making a virtue of using analytics to buy the players they need to level the playing field against sides with much bigger budgets, while Arsenal's success at scoring from corner kicks is making a cult figure of their set-piece coach, Nicolas Jover. For more information on the podcast and links related to the subjects discussed, check out the Show Notes on our blog. pods.sofpodcast.com/sofpodcast_630.mp3 What's in the Weekend Boxset? How will 4th placed Sunderland handle the danger of the Arsenal corners when they host the table-toppers on Sunday. Get our FREE weekly newsletter in your email by signing up to the Weekend Boxset today.

For months now Celtic fans have coordinated to disrupt games, showing their displeasure at the way the club is being run by pelting the pitch with soft fruit and multi-coloured balls. Sheffield Wednesday fans have gone further, boycotting the club until owner Dejphon Chansiri relinquished control of the club - which he did last week by putting the club into administration. This week we discuss the effectiveness of protest, including La Liga players' novel way of showing displeasure at the decision to play a match in Miami by standing still for 15 seconds after kick off. For more information on the podcast and links related to the subjects discussed, check out the Show Notes on our blog. pods.sofpodcast.com/sofpodcast_629.mp3 What's in the Weekend Boxset? Who'll win the big Halloween FA Cup First round match, Luton's Smokin' Jack O'Lantern or the Forest Green Savage? Get our FREE weekly newsletter in your email by signing up to the Weekend Boxset today.

Ange Postecoglou’s short time as Nottingham Forest manager came to an end on Saturday, just 39 days after it started. Will the more pragmatic Sean Dyche fare better? Meanwhile, one of the other Premier League managers to have been fired this season, Graham Potter, has a new job - trying to secure an unlikely World Cup qualification for a floundering Sweden side. For more information on the podcast and links related to the subjects discussed, check out the Show Notes on our blog. pods.sofpodcast.com/sofpodcast_628.mp3 What's in the Weekend Boxset? Will Danny Welbeck's hot streak continue when he returns to Old Trafford with Brighton? Get our FREE weekly newsletter in your email by signing up to the Weekend Boxset today.