The Game
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© The Times
Description
The thinking fan's football podcast, providing previews and reviews of all the action - every Monday and Thursday.
Listen to the best of The Times and The Sunday Times journalists as they cover the biggest sport on the planet; from winners to losers, who's in and out on the transfer roundabout, tactical developments, data analysis and the dreaded VAR.
Hosted by Tom Clarke and Gregor Robertson alongside special guest appearances, the team bring you the latest on the Premier League and the EFL, as well as a front-row seat to international tournaments including the Champions League, European Championships and World Cups.
We know football isn't life and death. It's much more serious than that.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
1230 Episodes
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Tom Clarke and Gregor Robertson return with all the latest from the EFL.Will Chris Wilder – and all his coaching staff – return to Sheffield United be enough to arrest the slide at Bramall Lane?Did anyone predict that Middlesborough, stoke and Bristol City would be at the top of the Championship after five games – will any of them stay the course?In League One Bradford City are making the most of their impressive home support and a big change at Wycombe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Liverpool left it late again, is it a winning habit or a worrying trend? Or to quote Gregor, can both things be true? With Isak making his debut after his record-breaking transfer Liverpool now have a array or attacking options but with Wirtz, Ekitike, Salah and Gakpo all wanting to start could they have problems ahead?Harry Kane scored two against Chelsea, is he the best striker in Europe? For Arsenal, another impressive display away to Bilboa. While Liverpool are top and might have the best starting eleven, do Arsenal have the best squad in the league? If they do, then its time they won something thinks Martin Samuel.Finally, what’s wrong at Aston Villa? Tom Clarke is joined by Tony Cascarino, Martin Samuel and Gregor Robertson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Manchester City won the derby. Ruben Amorim took the blame. Is he really the right man for the job. Manchester reporter Paul Hirst thinks he looks like he wants to be as far away from it as possible. If Amorim doesn’t change his football philosophy will he still have the job by Christmas. For City it was a return to form for Foden and Rodri.As the Champions League returns which of the English teams are best placed to succeed?Arsenal have attacking options in abundance and a solid defence, Spurs are pragmatic under Frank and Liverpool and Chelsea have invested heavily…so who could win it?Plus, old school football is making a comeback and Gregor loves it. Tom Clarke is joined by Gregor Robertson, Alyson Rudd and The Times Manchester football reporter Paul Hirst. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Thomas Tuchel knew what he was doing all along...didn't he?After an impressive five nil away win without many of his 'big names' will the England manager have the nerve to keep playing the likes of Rogers, Madueke and Gordon in place of stars like Bellingham, Saka and Foden? With Reece James playing so well at right back is Trent now in reserve?The Premier League returns this weekend and so does Ange Postecoglou - taking over at Nottingham Forest. Will he change his style or play the same football that created so many problems for him at Spurs? Plus, who’ll be in goal for the Manchester derby..?Tom Clarke is joined by Gregor Robertson, Jonny Northcroft and Martin Samuel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Have England gone backwards under Thomas Tuchel, does he know his best starting XI?The team pick their best teams if the World Cup was starting tomorrow…is there a case for no Kane or no Bellingham…?After the break could football be facing a doping problem. In a special report The Times Chief Sports correspondent Matt Lawton joins the pod to discuss if football’s drug testing systems are fit for purpose. He calls football's current commitment to anti-doping pathetic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
With the window shut what difference will it all make? Who has done the best business, who has done panicked business. Martin doesn’t think Arsenal can win it from the back this season, they’ll need to score more goals. But with Isak still to come who can outscore Liverpool? Did Villa panic on deadline day? Have Chelsea had a lucky or a good start?With player power in the spot light Gregor has sympathy as players turn the tables on clubs. After the break - as Ederson leaves who have been the Premier Leagues best keepers? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It was a high spending end to the transfer window in the Championship with Southampton, Ipswich, Birmingham and Middlesborough all spending big. Wrexham finally flexed their financial muscle with a net outlay at nearly thirty million pounds. On the pitch Rob Edwards has his new Middlesborough side top and looking very strong, Frank Lampard has a free scoring Coventry team with a home to call their own and what’s going wrong at Sheffield United?In League One who saw did Cardiff being this good and tough times at Plymouth.And hats off to and Truro City fans making the long trip to Carlisle this weekend. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Liverpool edged past Arsenal in a top-of-the-table clash, thanks to Dominik Szoboszlai’s stunning free-kick - but will Mikel Arteta ever win at Anfield? Plus, we break down the biggest transfer news as Liverpool finally land Alexander Isak in a British-record £125m deal - can Arne Slot’s team be stopped now? Elsewhere, we analyse Manchester City’s defeat to a fearless Brighton, as 39-year-old James Milner scored a record-setting penalty before a late winner sealed the upset.Gregor Robertson is joined by Alyson Rudd, James Gheerbrant and Hamzah Khalique-Loonat to round up a dramatic weekend in the Premier League. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Manchester United suffer one of their most humiliating defeats in years, crashing out of the Carabao Cup on penalties to League Two Grimsby Town - but what does it mean for Ruben Amorim’s future? We also head to St James’ Park with The Times’ Northern sports correspondent Martin Hardy, to unpack Liverpool’s dramatic 3–2 win at Newcastle, and the latest on the Isak saga. Plus, we analyse West Ham’s miserable start under Graham Potter, and what’s going wrong at the London Stadium. Gregor Robertson, Tony Cascarino and Martin Samuel break down a chaotic week in English football. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
North London’s on top - but can Tottenham’s fast start under Thomas Frank last? Arsenal’s 5-0 win over Leeds showcased their squad depth and a 15-year-old wonderkid, but with this firepower, surely there can be no excuses for Mikel Arteta this season... We also look at Jack Grealish’s dazzling debut in Everton's new home, Chelsea’s mauling of West Ham, and Gregor takes us inside one of the Premier League's newest rivalries dubbed the “El Casico." Alyson Rudd and Peter Rutzler join Tom Clarke and Gregor Robertson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
As Arsenal swoop in to hijack the Eze deal from Spurs - we break down how Mikel Arteta’s side sealed a £67.5m move for the Crystal Palace star. Plus, the latest on the Alexander Isak saga at Newcastle: will the striker force a move before the transfer window closes? We also bring you reaction to Leeds’ 1–0 win over Everton on Monday night, and take a closer look at the brazen ownership style of Nottingham Forest boss Evangelos Marinakis. Tony Cascarino and Martin Samuel join Gregor Robertson and Tom Clarke. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Only two weeks into the EFL season - but that’s time enough for Tom and Gregor to start reading the runes. Could this finally be the year Stoke City turns things around under Mark Robins? Winger, Million Manhoef and forward, Divin Mubama have both put in star performances, putting the team at the top of the Championship. But they’re not alone: Middlesbrough and West Brom also boast perfect starts, while Birmingham follow close behind. Down in League One, what’s going on with Plymouth? Pre-season, they were showing plenty of promise, but things have not gone to plan so far. Former football league defender Gregor Robertson joins Tom Clarke to assess the first weeks of the EFL. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Maybe the Premier League isn’t a closed shop after all. Before the season started the talk was could any of the promoted teams buck the trend and stay up. Well straight away Sunderland thumped West Ham. Could it be the year the promoted clubs have a chance? Man City looked reinvigorated; Manchester United looked better, Brentford looked worse and are there areas for concern at Arsenal and Liverpool? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The new season is nearly here! On the eve of the first game who will be fighting for the title, who’ll be the surprise package and who will be scrapping at the bottom? After a season of some surprises will we revert to type this season?Almost a billion pounds has been spent in the transfer market, the Isak affair rumbles on and Arsenal finally have a number nine. Will any of the promoted clubs manage to break the recent trend and avoid relegation? There is a lot of be excited about, and much to look forward to. Jonny Northcroft, Tony Cascarino and Martin Samuel join Gregor Robertson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Newcastle, Sunderland, Leeds and BurnleyThe last in our team by team look at the new Premier League season. Who have they signed? Who do they need to sign? Reporters give the inside track on any pending transfer business then its open house - how will they get on next season and why?Newcastle – Isak, does he stay, or does he go? The Magpies have had a tumultuous window, struggling to hold on to their star striker while failing to land any reinforcements. Are things going to change in the final weeks of the window? Have any of the three promoted clubs – Sunderland, Burnley or Leeds done enough business to tip the odds in their favour? Sports data suggest it is getting harder for promoted teams to survive? But why is that ?North East reporter Martin Hardy joins Gregor Robertson and sports data journalist George Willoughby. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Manchester United, Manchester City, Villa, Forest and WolvesThe third in our team by team look at the new Premier League season. Who have they signed? Who do they need to sign? Reporters give the inside track on any pending transfer business then its open house - how will they get on next season and why?Manchester United have spent big up front, will that be enough or do they need a number six as well?Manchester City have their best player back in Rodri. But is their manager rejuvenated or knackered?Nottingham Forest need players, and plenty of them. Expect them to have a busy close to the transfer window. Likewise, Wolves, without signings are they looking at a relegation fight? Villa may have to sell big before they buy big as they’re restricted by financial regulations, will they have enough with the squad they have?Tom Clarke, Gregor Robertson and Charlotte Duncker run the rue over the clubs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Liverpool, Everton, Fulham, Bournemouth and Chelsea. The second in our team by team look at the new Premier League season. Who have they signed? Who do they need to sign? Reporters give the inside track on any pending transfer business then its open house - how will they get on next season and why?Liverpool have been very busy big name players in and lots of fringe players out. Will they finally get their man in Isak, is centre half where they are really short?At Everton a new ground awaits but they have struggled to get new players. What do the next few weeks hold?Chelsea have also been busy and they intend to do more…but who? Is injury about to change their plans?Both Fulham and Bournemouth have been quite quiet in their transfer dealings. Is that by accident or design?Join Tom Clarke, Paul Joyce and Pete Rutzler for the latest. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Championship starts this weekend. To quote Gregor Robertson – “With some teams no one has a Scooby what is going to happen to them.” Big spending Birmingham City and Wrexham join the party, bringing some Hollywood glamour, how will they fare? Ipswich Town start as strong promotion favourites and both Leicester City and Sheffield Utd have fifty million pounds worth of parachute payment to help them on their way. At the other end it is anyone's guess – the spot light is on Hull, Sheffield Wednesday and Oxford…but how will Mark Robins do at Stoke and have Blackburn made the right signings? In the Championship any one of ten or fifteen teams could spring a surprise. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Arsenal, Spurs, West Ham, Brighton, Palace and BrentfordThe Premier League is nearly upon us!In a series of specials, we asses every team in the Premier League. Who have they signed? Who do they need to sign?Reporters give the inside track on any pending transfer business then it is open house - how will each team get on next season and why?Arsenal have been busy, but not everyone thinks its good business. It’s a brave new Thomas Frank world at Tottenham, but is he light up front? For Brentford, West Ham and Palace is it tough times ahead and are Brighton the best run club in England?More teams to follow... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
It’s nearly back! Leagues One and Two kick off this weekend. Following two successive relegations Luton are among the favourites in League One alongside the likes of Cardiff, Stockport and Bolton. At the other end could it be a long season for Rotherham, Peterborough or Wimbledon? In League Two Walsall will try to go again while Gillingham and MK Dons have high hopes. Who will be fighting to stay in the football league at the bottom?Fans across the country will be full of hope and expectation but will their hope prove well founded or misplaced? Former football league defender Gregor Robertson joins Tom Clarke to assess the runners riders and also rans. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Paul Joyce may be a good correspondent, but he's a lousy podcast contributor. This should have been joyous, but listening to it was like pulling teeth.
only one English team made it to European semi final and zero minutes on it. whereas spend 20 mins on a washed up manchetser united and Chelsea in mid table
Absolute horseshit episode, presenters barely spoke about Liverpool, this boy has tunnel vision
What a prat of a presenter! Says things just to sound controversial
Very incite full apart from Hugh. So much hatred out of one biased individual. Had to unsubscribe
Gregor is fantastic, full of facts to support opinions. The complete opposite to the host
Hugh gets more irritating and unnecessarily argumentative by the week. Thinks he's on Sky Sports.....
Alison Rudd talking the most sense. She's right about the identity - under Southgate we haven't got one. Opponent teams are not afraid of England, though they are wary of individual players. Our attack is world class, our defence is anything but. Southgate, unfortunately, is too soft and listened to the media too much. A top manager that actually wins things, has to be bloody minded and tactically brilliant. Southgate has never won a thing, apart from relegations!
Rudd made the most sense, overall, with stone very insightful points. One of the blokes (not the host) was right about Southgate deflecting criticism or potentially negative discussion, by referring to the last two tournaments, where England did well on paper (they had fortunate run-ins). Southgate reminds me of a middle-aged trendy teacher who tries to please everyone, but ultimately does not deliver the goods. He has made a huge mistake with tl insisting the team does the BLM knee as a way he and the team can "educate the world". Well it pisses the world off and it pisses most England fans off. Black players are, of anything based on demographics, overrepresented in football, because of their talent etc - racism has not held back development. If you're good enough you'll get a chance. Football is a business where sporting/hiring choices are based on meritocracy. Southgate has lost a lot of goodwill earned from the Euros, because of his insistence this particular political view of his
you forgetting benrahma Bowen antonio ?
A cathartic result for the nation - we *needed* sometime to get beyond the semis of the Euros or the WC. Absolutely nothing wrong with being nationalistic and patriotic, even jingoistic! You can still love football, still be respectful to openents. As much as I've loved football all my life, love of country is stronger. Football is a part of England, not the other way round!
Is this the Matthew and Mark comments show? Please stop inviting Vs you know you know you know
Todays Matt Dickinson "You Know" count... 236
WTF is wrong with Matt Dickinson??? I can barely get through an episode every time he is on... The man cannot say a sentence without saying "you know" at least 10 times... It's ridiculous. The man is on a platform "communicating" with an audience. Would this man write the same way he speaks? Why doesn't anyone pull him up on it? Is it some form of tourette's? Either sort it out or get shot of him and get someone in that can actually speak. You know, you know, you know, You know, you know, you know, You know, you know, you know, You know, you know, you know, You know, you know, you know, You know, you know, you know, You know, you know, you know, You know, you know, you know,
I don't know who Tom Clarke is, but after listening to this edition of the podcast I know he's a moron.
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Jesus Christ!!!! I could not get through this episode due to Matt Dickinson's inability to complete a sentence with the phrase "you know". It's as if he has some bizarre form of tourette's. If you have some time on your hands listen to this & count how many times you hear Matt say "you know". I got to 30 and then lost the will to live. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know. You know.
Molly Hudson sounds about 15 years old.
they are less accurate in their predictions than Robbie savaged mum or my dead cat
Please please PLEASE stop inviting the pompous Matthew Syed on to this podcast