Playmaker

Introducing: Sport Sensemaker from Tortoise

Tue, 23 Aug 2022 04:00:22 GMT

We're delighted to announce the launch of a new, free weekly newsletter covering the inner workings of global sport.

Each week, award-winning sports writer Paul Hayward will bring analysis of how the world of sport really operates, asking: where does the power lie? How will sports evolve? What is their role in modern life?

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Ep 190: End of season review - part two

Fri, 20 May 2022 04:00:27 GMT

Chloe Beresford and Andrew Butler continue to reflect on the 2021/2022 season. In this final episode of the Playmaker they discuss club ownership, diversity in football and the overall state of English football.

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Ep 189: End of season review - part one

Thu, 19 May 2022 04:00:44 GMT

Chloe Beresford and Andrew Butler reflect on the 2021/2022 season. In part one they discuss the return of fans to stadiums after Covid restrictions, preparations for the Qatar World Cup and the state of the women's game.

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Ep 188: A day of great importance

Wed, 18 May 2022 05:00:10 GMT

17-year-old Jake Daniels has become the first male footballer in the UK to come out as gay in 32 years. So how has the journey to get here taken so long?

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Ep 187: Milan’s glory days return

Tue, 17 May 2022 04:00:03 GMT

Seven years ago, neither of Milan’s clubs made the top four in Italian football. Now, they’re vying for the Serie A title. How have the good times returned to the city?

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Ep 186: The Ewood Express

Mon, 16 May 2022 04:00:00 GMT

Yasir Sufi is the award-winning integration and development manager at Blackburn Rovers. His work is making a huge difference to a town where racial disparities have been a problem for decades. How has he done it?

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Ep 185: The world’s most expensive football shirt

Fri, 13 May 2022 04:00:19 GMT

Diego Maradona’s infamous ‘Hand of God’ shirt has sold for over £7million – and in the process has made former England midfielder Steve Hodge incredibly rich.

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Ep 184: The King of Angel City

Thu, 12 May 2022 04:00:35 GMT

Angel City FC sold out its first ever match in the US National Women’s Soccer League. But it aims to be more than just a success on the pitch, thanks to its star-studded backers like tennis veteran Billie-Jean King.

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Ep 183: The Iñaki Williams method

Wed, 11 May 2022 04:00:59 GMT

Athletic Bilbao forward Iñaki Williams has set the standard for playing time in Spain, having played more consecutive matches than any other player in history. What’s his secret?

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Ep 182: The fall of the penalty king

Tue, 10 May 2022 04:00:09 GMT

Jorginho was Chelsea’s star penalty taker. But recently he hasn’t been able to convert. What happened to the penalty king?

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Ep 181: Moustapha Cisse’s extraordinary season

Mon, 09 May 2022 04:00:52 GMT

Football is awash with stories that describe one player’s improbable rise through the ranks to sporting fame. But none quite come close to Moustapha Cisse’s rise.

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Ep 180: The return of Bury FC

Fri, 06 May 2022 04:00:25 GMT

Bury FC have been bought out of administration three years after their league expulsion. But the hard work in starting again has more hurdles than you might think.

The Playmaker from Tortoise - one story every day to make sense of the beautiful game.

Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. We take news slowly. We tell stories that really matter, and take time to see the full picture.

If you want more slow and considered journalism, you can become a member of Tortoise and get access to more of our stories, contribute to our journalism and join us at events in our newsroom, in person and online. Just go to tortoisemedia.com/friend and use the code Chloe50 for membership for just £50 per year.

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Ep 179: The Misunderstanding of Paul Pogba

Thu, 05 May 2022 04:00:01 GMT

Reports suggest that Paul Pogba will leave Manchester United this summer. He’s often been an unpopular figure at Old Trafford, but has he really been as much of a failure as people say?

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Ep 178: Newcastle’s Mission Possible

Wed, 04 May 2022 04:00:21 GMT

Newcastle looked doomed to almost certain relegation when Eddie Howe took over in November. But in the end they achieved safety with games to spare. How has he done it?

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Ep 177: Football’s crypto bros

Tue, 03 May 2022 04:00:15 GMT

The worlds of football, cryptocurrencies and their associated industries have collided more this season than ever before. What can we expect in the future from these fledgling businesses?

Listen to The Backstory here: torto.se/3xVAYcX

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Ep 176: The adventures (and misadventures) of football's crypto bros

Fri, 29 Apr 2022 04:00:01 GMT

This season has seen the emergence of NFTs and other crypto products in the world of football. So where do clubs and the wider game go next in these markets?

The Playmaker from Tortoise – one story every day to make sense of the beautiful game.

Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. We take news slowly. We tell stories that really matter, and take time to see the full picture.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 175: England’s El Clasico

Wed, 27 Apr 2022 23:00:02 GMT

Manchester City and Liverpool have been dominating the Premier League for the last few years. Is this fixture becoming England’s El Clasico?

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Ep 174: Oldham’s long road back

Wed, 27 Apr 2022 04:00:42 GMT

Unpopular owner Abdullah Lemsagam has seen his club Oldham relegated out of the football league for the first time in their history. Can they find their way back?

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Ep 173: Manchester United’s open heart surgery

Tue, 26 Apr 2022 04:00:33 GMT

Erik Ten Hag will be the Manchester United manager from next season. But if the team needs “open heart surgery,” will he be given the space he needs to complete the job?

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Ep 172: Karren Brady kicking down doors

Mon, 25 Apr 2022 04:00:59 GMT

Karren Brady has paved the way for women in leadership roles in football. But 30 years after she took over at Birmingham City, why are there still only a small percentage of women in roles like hers?

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Ep 171: Football’s next superstar

Fri, 22 Apr 2022 04:00:20 GMT

Erling Haaland has been described as the ‘perfect’ footballer, and has reportedly told Manchester City he wants to sign for them.

So just how good could the 21-year-old become?

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Ep 170: Kenny Shiels gets emotional

Thu, 21 Apr 2022 04:00:53 GMT

Northern Ireland Women’s manager Kenny Shiels caused controversy when he claimed that female players are more emotional than their male counterparts. But isn’t emotion just part of football?

The Playmaker from Tortoise – one story every day to make sense of the beautiful game.

Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. We take news slowly. We tell stories that really matter, and take time to see the full picture.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 169: The Sean Dyche sacking

Wed, 20 Apr 2022 04:00:49 GMT

Relegation-threatened Burnley shocked the world of football by firing long serving manager Sean Dyche with just eight games to go on his contract. Why did they do it?

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Ep 168: The new England captain

Tue, 19 Apr 2022 04:00:55 GMT

England is hosting the Women’s Euros this summer. With hundreds of thousands of tickets already sold, new captain Leah Williamson has an important role to play.

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Ep 167: The Championship cheat code

Thu, 14 Apr 2022 04:00:14 GMT

Aleksander Mitrovic recently broke the Championship record for most goals scored in a season. What more does he need to do to prove himself as an elite striker?

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Ep 166: Qatar under the microscope

Wed, 13 Apr 2022 04:00:37 GMT

Qatar has consistently denied that migrant workers involved in preparations for this year’s World Cup have suffered human rights abuses. But a new Amnesty International report has forced them to admit some of the problems.

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Ep 165: Neil Warnock’s goodbye

Tue, 12 Apr 2022 05:00:06 GMT

Neil Warnock has retired from football management after a record-breaking 41 years. There have been plenty of funny moments, but he will be remembered for more than his jokes and outbursts.

The Playmaker from Tortoise – one story every day to make sense of the beautiful game.

Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. We take news slowly. We tell stories that really matter, and take time to see the full picture.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 164: Gambling ads ban

Mon, 11 Apr 2022 04:00:12 GMT

Sports stars will no longer be allowed to advertise gambling products in the UK from October. But there’s more to this rule change than you might think.

The Playmaker from Tortoise – one story every day to make sense of the beautiful game.

Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. We take news slowly. We tell stories that really matter, and take time to see the full picture.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 163: English football’s independence day?

Fri, 08 Apr 2022 04:00:50 GMT

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in parliament that English football should have an independent regulator. But will it ever actually happen?

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Ep 162: Wembley travel chaos

Thu, 07 Apr 2022 04:00:15 GMT

Manchester City and Liverpool fans are unable to travel by train to Wembley for their FA Cup semi-final because of planned engineering works. What is the FA doing about it?

The Playmaker from Tortoise - one story every day to make sense of the beautiful game.

Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. We take news slowly. We tell stories that really matter, and take time to see the full picture.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 161: The Italian Job

Wed, 06 Apr 2022 04:00:10 GMT

It’s been a bumpy ride so far for new Spurs managing director of football Fabio Paratici, but together with fellow Italian Antonio Conte he seems to be succeeding.

The Playmaker from Tortoise - one story every day to make sense of the beautiful game.

Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. We take news slowly. We tell stories that really matter, and take time to see the full picture.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 160: The Fab Five

Tue, 05 Apr 2022 04:00:00 GMT

After voting against the introduction of five substitutes on three separate occasions, the Premier League has now agreed to the new rule from next season. Who will it benefit?

The Playmaker from Tortoise - one story every day to make sense of the beautiful game.

Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. We take news slowly. We tell stories that really matter, and take time to see the full picture.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 159: Fasting footballers

Mon, 04 Apr 2022 04:00:47 GMT

During the month of Ramadan, those who observe it cannot eat or drink from dawn until sunset. How do you cope if you’re a Muslim footballer who fasts?

The Playmaker from Tortoise - one story every day to make sense of the beautiful game.

Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. We take news slowly. We tell stories that really matter, and take time to see the full picture.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 158: The World Cup’s other English manager

Fri, 01 Apr 2022 04:00:36 GMT

Canada has qualified for the World Cup for only the second time in their history – and it’s all been made possible by their English manager, John Herdman.

The Playmaker from Tortoise - one story every day to make sense of the beautiful game.

Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. We take news slowly. We tell stories that really matter, and take time to see the full picture.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 157: Goodbye to FFP

Thu, 31 Mar 2022 04:00:22 GMT

Financial Fair Play was brought in by UEFA in 2011, but now it’s being scrapped in favour of a new financial monitoring system for clubs. What will the changes mean?

The Playmaker from Tortoise - one story every day to make sense of the beautiful game.

Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. We take news slowly. We tell stories that really matter, and take time to see the full picture.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 156: Gerrard versus Saka

Wed, 30 Mar 2022 05:00:45 GMT

Bukayo Saka says sometimes players need more protection from being fouled, but ex-players like Steven Gerrard disagree. Who is right?

The Playmaker from Tortoise - one story every day to make sense of the beautiful game.

Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. We take news slowly. We tell stories that really matter, and take time to see the full picture.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 155: Tammy the King of Rome

Tue, 29 Mar 2022 04:00:17 GMT

Tammy Abraham has quickly become a hero among Roma fans. But how has he adapted to life abroad so well when others have failed to do so?

The Playmaker from Tortoise - one story every day to make sense of the beautiful game.

Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. We take news slowly. We tell stories that really matter, and take time to see the full picture.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 154: The unstoppable Luton Town

Mon, 28 Mar 2022 04:00:32 GMT

Five years ago, Luton Town were sixth in the fourth tier of English football. Now, they stand on the brink of the Premier League.

The Playmaker from Tortoise – one story every day to make sense of the beautiful game.

Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. We take news slowly. We tell stories that really matter, and take time to see the full picture.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 153: Messi’s Parisian nightmare

Fri, 25 Mar 2022 05:00:19 GMT

Lionel Messi’s arrival at Paris Saint-Germain was supposed to be the icing on the cake for the French club. He’s now getting booed. What’s gone wrong?

The Playmaker from Tortoise - one story every day to make sense of the beautiful game.

Tortoise is a news start-up devoted to slow journalism. We take news slowly. We tell stories that really matter, and take time to uncover the full picture.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep 152: Trinity Rodman’s role model

Thu, 24 Mar 2022 05:00:24 GMT

Trinity Rodman is setting her own precedents in the US Women’s Soccer League, but her role model isn’t who you might think.

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Ep 151: Everton in trouble

Wed, 23 Mar 2022 05:00:12 GMT

Everton has made huge financial losses under owner Farhad Moshiri. What would relegation mean for the club?

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Ep 150: West Ham’s Ukrainian hero

Tue, 22 Mar 2022 05:00:24 GMT

Andriy Yarmolenko was given compassionate leave when his home country of Ukraine was invaded by Russia. Now, he’s led West Ham to an historic European quarter-final.

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Ep 149: Old Trafford versus the bulldozer

Mon, 21 Mar 2022 05:00:38 GMT

Plans to redevelop Manchester United’s iconic stadium include the option to knock it down completely and build a new ground, but fans are reluctant. How important is a stadium to a team’s success?

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Ep 148: Another way

Fri, 18 Mar 2022 05:10:03 GMT

Amidst Newcastle’s takeover and sanctions against Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, what can League Two club Forest Green Rovers teach us about a different approach to football club ownership?

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Ep 147: What next for Chelsea Women?

Thu, 17 Mar 2022 05:00:48 GMT

What will the sanctions against Roman Abramovich, Chelsea’s owner, mean for Emma Hayes and the women’s team?

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Ep 146: When a transfer becomes political

Wed, 16 Mar 2022 05:00:29 GMT

When Yaroslav Rakitskyi moved from Shakhtar Donetsk to Zenit St. Petersburg, he was dropped from the Ukrainian National team. Why did it take a war for him to fully realise the implications of his move?

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Ep 145: Football’s greatest goalscorer

Tue, 15 Mar 2022 05:00:37 GMT

Cristiano Ronaldo has broken the record for the most goals scored in football history. But some say his competitors have scored more than have been recorded.

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Ep 144: Chelsea’s travel troubles

Mon, 14 Mar 2022 05:00:34 GMT

Government sanctions mean that Chelsea can only spend £20,000 on away trips. How much does it cost to take a football club abroad?

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Ep 143: Embers of the European Super League

Fri, 11 Mar 2022 05:00:47 GMT

The attempt to launch a European Super League fell flat on its face last year. But rumours of it returning are getting increasingly hard to ignore.

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Ep 142: Football’s caveman concussion policy

Thu, 10 Mar 2022 05:00:39 GMT

Footballers are three and half times more likely to develop neurodegenerative diseases later in life. So why aren’t policy makers acting?

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Ep 141: Bielsa the Messiah

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 05:00:52 GMT

Leeds fans worshipped Marcelo Bielsa. Did he deserve their adoration?

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Ep 140: Chelsea’s farewell to Abramovich

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 05:00:41 GMT

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is selling up. Their fans love what he’s done for their club, but should they be considering the bigger picture?

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Ep 139: Lies, damned lies and statistics

Mon, 07 Mar 2022 05:00:04 GMT

Pep Guardiola thinks football is becoming too obsessed with statistics. Is he right?

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Ep 138: Football's most outdated rule?

Fri, 04 Mar 2022 05:00:27 GMT

Aston Villa's Matty Cash was booked for removing his shirt to show support for a Polish teammate in Ukraine. Is it time to rethink one of football's most outdated rules?

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Ep 137: Pay win for US women’s team

Thu, 03 Mar 2022 05:00:46 GMT

Megan Rapinoe and the US women’s team have finally won their equal pay dispute and will receive the same as the men’s national team. But what does it mean for the wider world of women’s football?

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Ep 136: World football tackles Russia

Wed, 02 Mar 2022 05:00:01 GMT

FIFA and UEFA suspended all Russian teams from their competitions on Monday. But only after first announcing much softer sanctions.

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Ep 135: Abramovich steps back from Chelsea

Tue, 01 Mar 2022 05:00:54 GMT

Under political pressure over links he’s believed to have to Vladimir Putin, Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has put the club in the care of its trustees. But what does the gesture really mean?

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Ep 134: Football and the metaverse

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 05:00:36 GMT

The emergence and drive to create the metaverse means the sky’s the limit for tech companies – so how will the world of football fit into it?

Click here to find out more about the event Tortoise is holding about the metaverse - https://www.tortoisemedia.com/thinkin/what-is-the-metaverse/

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Ep 133: UEFA’s Russia problem

Fri, 25 Feb 2022 05:00:09 GMT

The Champions League final is due to be held in Russia, so UEFA has a decision to make. Does it allow it to go ahead in St Petersburg, as the host nation invades Ukraine, or not?

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Ep 132: Wilderball

Thu, 24 Feb 2022 05:00:22 GMT

Middlesbrough fans are going wild for manager Chris Wilder after he turned their fortunes round since taking over in November.

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Ep 131: Les Ferdinand’s Rooney Rule

Wed, 23 Feb 2022 05:00:31 GMT

QPR sporting director and ex-player Les Ferdinand has been campaigning for years about the lack of black coaches in English football. Is America’s Rooney Rule the answer?

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Ep 130: From a dust pitch to Anfield

Tue, 22 Feb 2022 05:00:42 GMT

Luis Diaz is making the headlines as Liverpool’s latest star signing. But his background is far from what you would expect.

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Ep 129: The Réal Kylian Mbappé

Mon, 21 Feb 2022 05:00:22 GMT

The French superstar and the out-of-sorts Spanish giants seem made for each other

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Ep 128: Thoroughly modern Max

Fri, 18 Feb 2022 05:00:38 GMT

Not many Premier League players have had a five years like Max Kilman – and now he’s on the verge of an England call-up.

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Ep 127: Harry Maguire's pressing problem

Thu, 17 Feb 2022 05:00:09 GMT

Harry Maguire has made some high profile mistakes for Manchester United recently, despite excellent performances for England. What’s gone wrong?

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Ep 126: The Y-word

Wed, 16 Feb 2022 05:00:17 GMT

Tottenham has asked its fans to stop using the Y-word, saying "it is time to move on" from associating the offensive term with the club. Some supporters have ignored the plea.

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Ep 125: Dele Alli’s Rolls Royce

Tue, 15 Feb 2022 05:00:11 GMT

Everton’s new signing has been criticised for his choice of car and clothes before he had even kicked a ball for his new side. Does what a player wears, or drives, really matter?

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Ep 124: Understanding Maradona

Mon, 14 Feb 2022 05:00:51 GMT

Diego Maradona, infamous for his ‘Hand of God’ goal against England at the 1986 World Cup, was a complex character. It is only after his death that people are really starting to understand one of the greatest players football has ever seen.

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Ep 123: West Ham’s mixed messages

Fri, 11 Feb 2022 05:00:48 GMT

The public were appalled by Kurt Zouma’s cruelty towards his cat. So why, when West Ham had condemned his behaviour, did they allow him to play immediately after the video had emerged?

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Ep 122: Adrian Clifton finds hope

Thu, 10 Feb 2022 05:00:32 GMT

Boreham Wood’s FA Cup fairytale is not just a sporting success. For midfielder Adrian Clifton it is personal too.

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Ep 121: The serenity of Kalidou Koulibaly

Wed, 09 Feb 2022 05:00:27 GMT

Kalidou Koulibaly says he values serenity over most things. After turning down a chance to play for France and several top European clubs, his poise paid off when he lifted the Africa Cup of Nations for Senegal last weekend.

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Ep 120: A Manchester disaster

Tue, 08 Feb 2022 05:00:12 GMT

64 years ago, a plane carrying the Manchester United team crashed in Munich killing 23 people. It is a tragedy that unites both of the city’s teams.

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Ep 119: Val McDermid vs. Raith Rovers

Mon, 07 Feb 2022 05:00:40 GMT

When Raith Rovers signed David Goowillie, a man found by a civil court to be a rapist, it was met with vocal opposition from high-profile fan Val McDermid. His signing was eventually reversed, but had the damage already been done?

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Ep 118: Captain, leader, legend, NFT salesman

Fri, 04 Feb 2022 05:00:21 GMT

The worlds of football and NFTs have collided since John Terry helped launch his own collection. Some are sceptical of his plans.

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Ep 117: Ramsey to Rangers

Thu, 03 Feb 2022 05:00:56 GMT

Wales international Aaron Ramsey has signed for Rangers. But are their fans right to be excited about his arrival when he was plagued by injuries at Juventus?

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Ep 116: Christian Eriksen returns

Wed, 02 Feb 2022 05:00:39 GMT

After suffering a cardiac arrest on the pitch during Euro 2020, Christian Eriksen has signed for Brentford. But is it safe for him to play?

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Ep 115: Beckham’s Miami challenge

Tue, 01 Feb 2022 05:00:17 GMT

David Beckham has faced an uphill battle with his Major League Soccer team, Inter Miami. Can he turn it around?

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Ep 114: Female footballers' maternity victory

Mon, 31 Jan 2022 05:00:57 GMT

The FA has agreed that professional women’s footballers should get maternity cover as standard. But why did it take so long?

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Ep 113: Newcastle feel the heat

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 05:00:49 GMT

Newcastle United flew for ‘warm weather’ training this week, but how long can manager Eddie Howe duck accusations of ‘sportswashing’ by the club's Saudi owners?

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Ep 112: Rising disorder

Thu, 27 Jan 2022 05:00:00 GMT

Disorder increased after fans returned to matches. There are hopes it will naturally subside.

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Ep 111: The AFCON tragedy

Wed, 26 Jan 2022 05:00:31 GMT

A crush outside the stadium where Cameroon were playing Comoros in the Africa Cup of Nations has left eight people dead. What do we know about what happened?

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Ep 110: The loan sharks

Tue, 25 Jan 2022 05:00:56 GMT

The rules on loaning players are about to change. What problem are FIFA trying to deal with?

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Ep 109: Shashoua's no sheep

Mon, 24 Jan 2022 02:00:29 GMT

Moving from a Premier League club to the Spanish second division seems like a very big drop. But it's not that simple. The story of Samuel Shashoua shows why playing abroad could be a golden ticket for young footballers starting out...

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Ep 108: Fantasyland

Fri, 21 Jan 2022 02:00:00 GMT

Fantasy Premier League has attracted 8.9million players this season. A new study suggests this could be having a bad effect...

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Ep 107: Football's strangest journey

Thu, 20 Jan 2022 05:00:17 GMT

How does a boy from Peru, now a podcast host in the States, become a passionate Aston Villa fan?

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Ep 106: Alder-what?

Wed, 19 Jan 2022 05:00:47 GMT

The Aldershot manager Mark Molesley has given "the greatest ever football interview" - a surrealist masterpiece.

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Ep 105: The one and only James Ward-Prowse

Tue, 18 Jan 2022 05:00:14 GMT

James Ward-Prowse has now scored the second-most direct free-kick goals in Premier League history - his route to get there has involved some tricky decisions.

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Ep 104: Derby Direct?

Mon, 17 Jan 2022 02:00:30 GMT

Former Newcastle owner Mike 'SportsDirect' Ashley is said to be preparing a £50m offer to buy Derby County. Will it be a bargain, or bust?

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Ep 103: From LinkedIn to the AFCON

Fri, 14 Jan 2022 05:00:48 GMT

In 2018, Roberto Lopes ignored a message on social media thinking it could be spam. That error almost cost him a chance to play at the African Cup of Nations.

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Ep 102: That border isn't funny any more

Thu, 13 Jan 2022 05:00:57 GMT

Chester FC's ground is partly in England, partly in Wales. With different Covid rules in the two countries that's turning into a real headache.

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Ep 101: Watching a star being born

Wed, 12 Jan 2022 05:00:15 GMT

Dusan Vlahovic is the most sought-after striker in European football. Chloe Beresford was there to see him make his breakthrough.

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Ep 100: Big hearts

Tue, 11 Jan 2022 05:00:01 GMT

Even before the pandemic, Midlothian in Scotland had high levels of child poverty. In lockdown, Heart of Midlothian F.C. stepped in to help.

https://www.tortoisemedia.com/audio/a-finding-of-rape/

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Ep 99: China's forgotten dream

Mon, 10 Jan 2022 05:00:27 GMT

Five years ago, six Premier League clubs had Chinese owners. Now there's only one left. What's changed?

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Ep 98: The indomitable Phil Jones

Fri, 07 Jan 2022 05:00:54 GMT

Few players have suffered more abuse or worse luck with injuries than Manchester United's Phil Jones. But he endures.

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Ep 97: Managing the truth

Thu, 06 Jan 2022 05:00:55 GMT

Chelsea's Romelu Lukaku had to apologise for saying he'd like to go back to Inter Milan one day. Is this an example of how clubs are trying to control every word their players speak?

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Ep 96: Welfare warfare

Wed, 05 Jan 2022 05:00:36 GMT

When managers play the 'player welfare' card, are they being thoughtful or cynical?

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2022: Predictions

Tue, 04 Jan 2022 05:00:29 GMT

What do we think will happen on and off the pitch in 2022?

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'Tis the season to be...playing football

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 05:00:17 GMT

We're not going to start feeling too sorry for professional footballers. But if there's any moment in the year when they deserve a tiny bit of sympathy, it's Christmas and New Year when the league schedule can be punishing.

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Ep 93: Merry Kitmas

Thu, 16 Dec 2021 05:00:00 GMT

Children whose families can't afford a football kit for them to play in often feel left out. What can be done?

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Ep 92: Manchester United's new employee

Wed, 15 Dec 2021 05:00:00 GMT

Manchester United have just employed a full-time sports psychologist for the first time in 20 years. Why's it taken them so long to replace the last one?

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Ep 91: Maldini's Milan

Tue, 14 Dec 2021 05:00:00 GMT

Paolo Maldini helped AC Milan win the Champions League five out of the seven times they've won it. But the last time they won was 2007. So why are the team now a shadow of their former selves?

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Ep 90: What's going on at the PFA?

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 05:00:00 GMT

The Professional Footballers Association is the players' union. But how well does it represent their interests? And why isn't it more open about its activities?

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Ep 89: Sergio Ramos - a galactico too far?

Fri, 10 Dec 2021 05:00:00 GMT

The Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos signed for Paris Saint Germain, and pocketed a fortune. Then he disappeared.

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Ep 88: Sergio Aguero and the anti-vaxxers

Thu, 09 Dec 2021 02:00:00 GMT

How a new conspiracy – about the Covid-19 vaccine causing players to collapse on the pitch – has taken hold.

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Ep 87: The grand old team

Wed, 08 Dec 2021 05:00:00 GMT

Everton's majority owner, Farhad Moshiri, puts the club's poor performance down to injuries. But what does hiring eight managers in six years really tell us?

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Ep 86: The Newcastle snub

Tue, 07 Dec 2021 02:00:00 GMT

Former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor has said Newcastle United might struggle to attract big talent because players don’t want to live in the north east. It didn't go down well – but is he right?

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Ep 85: Rainbow laces

Mon, 06 Dec 2021 05:00:00 GMT

The rainbow laces campaign is a fixture in the Premier League calendar. But how far can it go to change the game for LGBTQ+ fans and players?

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Ep 84: Cristiano Ronaldo's sour grapes

Fri, 03 Dec 2021 05:00:00 GMT

This week, Cristiano Ronaldo finished outside the top three in the Ballon d'Or for the first time in ten years. The Portuguese superstar isn't happy about it at all.

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Ep 83: The Premier League fights back

Thu, 02 Dec 2021 05:00:00 GMT

The MP Tracey Crouch's fan led review is creating waves. Is one of the world's most successful leagues under threat?

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Ep 82: Changing the way football is run

Wed, 01 Dec 2021 05:00:00 GMT

The MP Tracey Crouch has come up with a plan to change the way football in England is run. It looks like it might be adopted.

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Ep 81: Prostate United

Tue, 30 Nov 2021 02:00:00 GMT

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. Now Luton FC and Mick Harford are putting up a fight.

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Ep 80: Conte and the ketchup

Mon, 29 Nov 2021 05:00:00 GMT

The new Spurs manager, Antonio Conte, has banned his players from eating ketchup. Is no condiment safe?

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Ep 79: Ballon d’Or – the unhealthy obsession

Fri, 26 Nov 2021 05:00:00 GMT

On Monday night, Lionel Messi and Robert Lewandowski will go head-to-head to be crowned the world’s best player. But should we really be lauding any player with individual awards?

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Ep 78: The Rainbow Team

Thu, 25 Nov 2021 05:00:00 GMT

France's victorious 1998 World Cup side were nicknamed the "Rainbow Team" for their ethnic diversity. How is Lilian Thuram using his platform to talk about racism today?

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Ep 77: Gareth Southgate: the "nearly" man?

Wed, 24 Nov 2021 00:00:00 GMT

This week, Gareth Southgate extended his contract with England until 2024. But will he always just be the “nearly” man?

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Ep 76: Afghan women footballers - lives on the line

Tue, 23 Nov 2021 05:00:00 GMT

Kim Kardashian is an unlikely guardian angel for the women who play for Afghanistan's national football team. But she came to their help in their hour of need.

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Ep 75: The fall and rise of Stockport County

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 05:00:00 GMT

For years, Stockport County have been on the slide. Have they finally found the way back up?

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Ep 74: The vanishing millions

Fri, 19 Nov 2021 05:00:00 GMT

Vanishing spray, the stuff which referees use to mark out distances for free kicks, has become part of football. But now there's a monumental fight over who owns the patent to it.

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Ep 73: Scotland's revolution?

Thu, 18 Nov 2021 05:00:00 GMT

Scotland just won their sixth consecutive game for the first time in 90 years. Is their boss Steve Clarke finally pulling out all the stops?

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Ep 72: Graham Potter - sleeping away from home

Wed, 17 Nov 2021 05:00:00 GMT

The Brighton manager, Graham Potter, has been sleeping rough to publicise a campaign to end homelessness. Can he make a difference?

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Ep 71: The super 6,000

Tue, 16 Nov 2021 02:00:00 GMT

The FA have set a three-year target of 6,000 strong crowds for Women’s Super League fixtures. Can they do it?

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Ep 70: Men against boys

Mon, 15 Nov 2021 02:00:00 GMT

Since 2016, 16 Premier League or ‘category one’ academies have entered teams into the EFL Trophy to gain valuable experience. The changes aren't working.

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Ep 69: A game without the name

Fri, 12 Nov 2021 05:00:00 GMT

Talks for naming rights between video game manufacturer EA Sports and FIFA are reportedly at a standstill. Which could mean the unthinkable – a FIFA video game not actually called FIFA.

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Ep 68: No place for sentiment

Thu, 11 Nov 2021 02:00:00 GMT

Dean Smith had the dream job – manager of his childhood club, Aston Villa. His sacking after a poor run of form shows just how brutal the industry is.

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Ep 67: England's right-back puzzle

Wed, 10 Nov 2021 05:00:00 GMT

Trent Alexander-Arnold is arguably the best right-back in world football. Why isn't he first choice for England?

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Ep 66: Can Xavi fix Barca?

Tue, 09 Nov 2021 05:00:00 GMT

Barcelona legend Xavi is back at his old club as manager. But the job ahead of him is one of the most difficult in world football.

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Ep 65: The one per cent club

Mon, 08 Nov 2021 05:00:00 GMT

Common Goal tries to get footballers to donate 1% of their salary to good causes. It's starting to work, but it's working better among relatively low-paid women footballers than among the highly-paid men.

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Ep 64: What happened to home advantage?

Fri, 05 Nov 2021 05:00:00 GMT

It used to be the case that playing football at home gave teams a big advantage. But so far this year in the Premier League, more away teams have won. What's going on?

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Ep 63: The Moyesiah

Thu, 04 Nov 2021 05:00:00 GMT

David Moyes was sacked by Man Utd and ridiculed at Real Sociedad. At West Ham, he's risen again - spectacularly.

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Ep 62: The genius of Jeff

Wed, 03 Nov 2021 05:00:00 GMT

Jeff Stelling is stepping down from Soccer Saturday on Sky. A football nation mourns.

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Ep 61: Antonio Conte - Mr 100%

Tue, 02 Nov 2021 05:00:00 GMT

He's one of the most formidable characters in global football - a superstar and a tyrant. And Antonio Conte seems to be heading back to the Premier League soon.

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Ep 60: Carli Lloyd's farewell

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Carli Lloyd, the American GOAT superstar, is bidding farewell to her international career. But behind the success, there has been a price to pay...

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Ep 59: The Karim Benzema puzzle

Fri, 29 Oct 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Real Madrid's Karim Benzema is enjoying one of the best seasons of his career. But off-the-field matters threaten to jeopardise his on-pitch form, and it's not the first time it's happened.

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Ep 58: Not just a surname?

Thu, 28 Oct 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Romano Floriani Mussolini has signed for the Italian side Lazio. He's not even played for their first team, and is already making headlines. Why?

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Ep 57: Not so golden

Wed, 27 Oct 2021 01:30:37 GMT

David Beckham has just signed a deal which is putting his reputation at risk. For a reported £150m, he has agreed to become the face of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar – and an ambassador for the country.

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Ep 56: Shut up and dribble

Tue, 26 Oct 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Marcus Rashford has become as much an activist as a footballer. Can any player successfully balance on- and off-the-field activities?

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Ep 55: Keeping it in the football family

Mon, 25 Oct 2021 04:00:00 GMT

The PSG star Mauro Icardi's spectacular fall-out with his wife has become big news - because she's his agent, too. More and more footballers seem to be mixing family with business.

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Ep 54: Fact, fiction and football

Fri, 22 Oct 2021 04:00:00 GMT

In the TV hit Succession, a made-up media mogul accidentally buys Hearts FC. It's turned into a real-life good news story.

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Ep 53: When will Newcastle win the league?

Thu, 21 Oct 2021 04:00:00 GMT

It's one thing for Newcastle to get a lot of money to spend from their new Saudi owners. It's another altogether to build a successful team with it.

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Ep 52: The best reject in the world

Wed, 20 Oct 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Liverpool's Mo Salah is one of the best players in the world at the moment. Did his rise to the top start when Chelsea decided he wasn't good enough for them?

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Ep 51: Sir Alex Ferguson's shadow

Tue, 19 Oct 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is struggling at Man Utd. Does the continuing presence of his illustrious predecessor, Sir Alex Ferguson, help or hinder him?

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Ep 50: Calming down football

Mon, 18 Oct 2021 04:00:00 GMT

The atmosphere at a football match can be frenzied - too frenzied for people with autism. Now some clubs are finding ways to calm things down.

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Ep 49: Racism: the receiving end

Fri, 15 Oct 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Two weeks ago League Two goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux was racially abused by a fan on social media. In his own words, he talks about the raw emotion he felt and how we can move forward to a better future.

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Ep 48: What makes a footballer great?

Thu, 14 Oct 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Simon Kjaer has been nominated for the biggest individual award in football, the Ballon D'Or. Is it recognition of his skill as a player, or what he did to help save the life of his team-mate, Christian Eriksen?

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Ep 47: The Middle East's golden girl

Wed, 13 Oct 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Last week, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund took a controlling stake of Newcastle United for £300m. It’s the most controversial Premier League takeover to date. But who’s pulling all the strings?

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Ep 46: Tyrone Mings, defender - and ally

Tue, 12 Oct 2021 04:00:00 GMT

The Aston Villa and England defender, Tyrone Mings, spoke out in support of the all-woman team of officials at England's game against Andorra. It's not the first time he has stuck his head above the parapet.

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Ep 45: Rhys Porter and his critics

Mon, 11 Oct 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Rhys Porter is a young Fulham fan who was trolled online because of his disability. He's turned that experience into a big step forward for disabled football supporters.

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Ep 44: The biggest statistical anomaly in football

Fri, 08 Oct 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Why are there so few professional footballers in the UK from a South Asian background? The former Arsenal favourite Mesut Ozil is trying to find the answer.

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Ep 43: How to make a footballer

Thu, 07 Oct 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Becoming a professional footballer is a powerful dream. How do clubs get better at helping young players to cope with the moment when the dream comes to an end?

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Ep 42: Rapid fire at Watford

Wed, 06 Oct 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Watford take an unusual approach to their managers: they sack them at the first sign of a poor run of results. Somehow the policy seems to work for the club.

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Ep 41: Standing: the supporters' campaign

Tue, 05 Oct 2021 04:00:00 GMT

From January next year, leading clubs will be allowed to offer safe standing areas. But it’s something the Football Supporters Association has been calling on for decades. Why did it take so long?

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Ep 40: Should loot boxes be in the game?

Mon, 04 Oct 2021 04:00:00 GMT

FIFA 22 came out last week, with some changes to its most controversial feature - loot boxes. Has EA Sports done enough to fend off charges that it's making huge profits from a form of gambling?

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Ep 39: Ted Lasso scores

Fri, 01 Oct 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Film and television have a pretty dismal record making dramas and comedies about football. But now there's Ted Lasso.

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Ep 38: Sorry seems to be the easiest word

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Bruno Fernandes missed a penalty for Manchester United, and later issued a long apology on social media. Cue an almighty row. Should he apologise for his apology?

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Ep 37: When referees fight

Wed, 29 Sep 2021 04:00:00 GMT

In football - a sport worth billions - high refereeing standards are crucial. Could they be undermined if referees are consumed with rivalry and infighting, as a new book alleges?

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Ep 36: Norwich's Achilles heel

Tue, 28 Sep 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Norwich are pointless this season and leaking goals. Sometimes it's a mystery why a team is doing badly, but not in Norwich's case. They seem to have a problem in one particular position.

To read Felix Tamsut's piece on Germany, football and politics, click here: https://torto.se/3CX5pPn

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Ep 35: Measuring the damage done by Football Index

Sun, 26 Sep 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Football Index was billed as a smart, innovative way to gamble on football. When it collapsed it caused not just heartache but financial ruin as well.

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Ep 34: It's always sunny in Wrexham

Fri, 24 Sep 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's takeover of non-league side Wrexham earlier this year left most football fans bemused. But it's likely it would never have happened had it not been for an English comedian.

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Ep 33: Iceland's football dynasty

Thu, 23 Sep 2021 04:00:00 GMT

It wasn’t until 2016 that Iceland saw their side play at a major tournament for the first time. And one Icelandic family in particular have played a starring role. So how did the Guðjohnsen’s come to dominate the sport across the nation?

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Ep 32: Football's Candy Crush king

Wed, 22 Sep 2021 04:00:00 GMT

When the founder of the popular game Candy Crush bought Derby County, heads turned. But a string of hiring and firing multiple managers, breaking transfer records, and overspending didn't pay off... and the owner Mel Morris has now put the club in administration. So, has he crushed Derby County for good?

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Ep 31: The 'Emptyhad'

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 01:00:00 GMT

Pep Guardiola has issued a plea to fans: please, come to matches. In doing so, he ignited a row – and revived a myth.

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Ep 30: Lonely Pique

Mon, 20 Sep 2021 01:00:00 GMT

How is Gerard Piqué dealing with the crisis at Barcelona without his famous former team-mates?

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Ep 29: Scoring Net Zero

Fri, 17 Sep 2021 04:00:00 GMT

This week, Tottenham Hotspur play Chelsea in a match that will be a first of its kind. But is a 'net zero' football match purely a stunt or signs that things are changing for the better?

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Ep 28: Ronaldo v Messi

Thu, 16 Sep 2021 01:00:00 GMT

Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to the Premier League with Manchester United was bound to get the conversation going about who, really, can claim the GOAT (greatest of all time) title.

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Ep 27: On his jack

Wed, 15 Sep 2021 01:00:00 GMT

Why is Jack Wilshere – once one of England’s brightest talents – still without a club?

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Ep 26: A World Cup every two years - really?

Tue, 14 Sep 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Arsene Wenger, the former Arsenal manager, is leading the charge to hold the World Cup every two years not four. Is this an innovation too far from one of football's change-makers?

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Ep 25: Francesco Flachi - too close to the fans?

Mon, 13 Sep 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Francesco Flachi is a Sampdoria legend who was banned for 12 years for using cocaine. To the fans he's "one of us" - but sometimes that's a problem.

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Ep 24: Football's vaccine hesitancy problem

Fri, 10 Sep 2021 04:00:00 GMT

A lot of professional footballers are wary of getting the Covid vaccine. What's their problem? And how much of a problem is it for football?

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Ep 23: Here we go: the transfer king

Thu, 09 Sep 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Fabrizio Romano is the undisputed oracle of football transfer pundits. What's his secret?

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Ep 22: Karen Carney, warrior

Wed, 08 Sep 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Former player now TV pundit Karen Carney is a break-out star in women's football's breakthrough season. She's had to fight all the way for success.

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Ep 21: The misunderstood midfield maestro

Tue, 07 Sep 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Some pundits don't see the point in Chelsea's Jorginho. He won't care, he's the top contender for this year's Ballon d'Or.

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For more information on today's episode, visit tortoisemedia.com/listen. Transcripts of each episode will be made available on the same day.

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Ep 20: Covid vs club vs country

Sun, 05 Sep 2021 04:00:00 GMT

It's one of the oldest grudge matches in football: club versus country. And now the pandemic has made it worse.

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Ep 19: Keith the duck

Fri, 03 Sep 2021 04:00:00 GMT

A minute's applause rang out at Wigan last weekend for a dead duck called Keith. What does it tell us about who gets commemorated at football matches and why?

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Ep 18: Waiting for Kylian

Thu, 02 Sep 2021 08:17:33 GMT

Kylian Mbappe hasn’t renewed his contract with PSG. Which means that next summer, one of the best footballers in the world could walk away for free. Will Real Madrid really let that happen?

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Ep 17: The rape allegations against Cristiano Ronaldo

Wed, 01 Sep 2021 06:59:01 GMT

Cristiano Ronaldo's return to Man Utd was greeted with a huge fanfare. But it overlooks a dark chapter in his past.

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Ep 16: Ultra violence in Marseille

Tue, 31 Aug 2021 04:00:00 GMT

For years, French 'ultras' - hard core supporters linked to violence - have caused havoc within some clubs. Have Marseille's finally gone too far?

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Ep 15: Is Bale back?

Fri, 27 Aug 2021 04:00:00 GMT

For years, Gareth Bale has been something of an enigma - never quite the player we hoped he'd be. Could this season be the one when he catches fire?

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Ep 14: The set piece coach

Thu, 26 Aug 2021 04:00:00 GMT

When Aston Villa invested in a set piece coach, there was push back that it was one coach too many. But the team's investment in Austin MacPhee is paying off - he's no ordinary specialist. So what do other teams have to learn?

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Ep 13: Emma Hayes changes the game

Wed, 25 Aug 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Chelsea women's manager Emma Hayes has changed the perception of what it means to be a woman in football in recent years. How has she done it?

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Ep 12: Greedy for Grealish

Tue, 24 Aug 2021 04:00:00 GMT

When Jack Grealish was signed by Manchester City earlier this summer, the £100m price tag broke British transfer records. So what really sets the midfielder apart from the rest?

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Ep 11: Inter trouble

Mon, 23 Aug 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Nicolo Barella, one of Italy's most talented players, has just claimed two winners' medals with club and country. But he's returning to a side that's looking precariously close to collapse.

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Ep 10: The English striker adored in Chile

Fri, 20 Aug 2021 01:00:00 GMT

Ben Brereton Diaz has had a year like no other. Born in Stoke-on-Trent and having played at England youth level, how did he become a cult hero this summer in Chile?

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Ep 9: Concussion on the pitch

Thu, 19 Aug 2021 04:00:00 GMT

When Raul Jimenez suffered from a serious head injury, doctors told him it was a miracle he even survived. But now, he's back playing on the pitch again. So what's changed since for concussion in football?

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Ep 8: A king’s ransom at King’s Lynn

Wed, 18 Aug 2021 02:00:00 GMT

You can buy a season ticket cheaper at Premier League side Burnley than at fifth tier King’s Lynn Town. So why has The Linnets’ chairman Stephen Cleeve set such high prices, and will the gamble pay off?

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Ep 7: Pochettino and the Galacticos

Tue, 17 Aug 2021 01:00:00 GMT

This summer, Paris Saint Germain took stardom to a whole new level. With all those egos, and all that expectation, can coach Mauricio 'Poch' Pochettino deliver?

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Ep 6: Twitter's match report

Mon, 16 Aug 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Bukayo Saka was one of three England players to receive racist abuse on social media following the Euro 2020 final. But what does Twitter’s new racism report tell us about the steps they’re taking to eradicate abuse on their platform?

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Ep 5: One for the price of 55?

Fri, 13 Aug 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Arsenal's Chairman Stan Kroenke is known for keeping his business decisions close to his chest. But when 55 staff members were made redundant during the pandemic, only for one player to be bought for £50 million just a few months later... well, how do you justify that?

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Ep 4: Motherwell – the members' club

Thu, 12 Aug 2021 04:00:00 GMT

When Motherwell supporter Alan Burrows set up a fan site for his beloved club 15 years ago, he never expected it to land him the role of the club's CEO. And now, he's transformed the club. How?

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Ep 3: Lukaku… the flop?

Wed, 11 Aug 2021 04:00:00 GMT

At just 28-years-old, Romelu Lukaku has racked up nearly £300 million in transfer fees. In fact, he’s broken transfer fee records. So why is he always on the bench?

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Ep 2: The 40-year-old footballer

Tue, 10 Aug 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Joaquín Sánchez Rodríguez was once hailed the "golden child" of Spanish football. But he never really lived up to his reputation. But then again, he's lasted longer than most. So what really defines success in football?

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Ep 1: A whole new world for Sutton United?

Mon, 09 Aug 2021 01:00:00 GMT

Sutton United have made their Football League debut for the first time in their 123-year history. But the promotion comes at a cost...

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Playmaker trailer

Thu, 05 Aug 2021 17:00:00 GMT

Launching August 9th, a new Sensemaker podcast from Tortoise Studios - the Football Sensemaker. One story every day to make sense of the beautiful game.

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