Football Unfocused

Slugs v worms

Fri, 16 Feb 2024 13:01:20 GMT

Mark discusses the big spending of Manchester United; the travails of Roy Hodgson (get well soon!); and the spectacular final scenes of the Africa Cup of Nations.

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We're back! (AGAIN)

Fri, 26 Jan 2024 07:38:44 GMT

After another long, and unscheduled, hiatus, Mark and Matthew are back, and this time they really do promise to be more consistent in releasing weekly episodes! Today, Mark discusses the potentially unique, and concerning possibility of the three recently promoted Premier League clubs being relegated this season, and the three previously relegated clubs coming back up.

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This VAR is not for turning

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 20:58:34 GMT

After a full 3 months (or a quarter, in financial terms) Mark and Matthew return to chew over what's been happening. In a word... "VAR". Mark also discusses the financial irregularities of Everton, Man City and Chelsea, as well as the recent successes of Spurs!

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Transfer-you-like

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 16:23:49 GMT

As the current transfer window comes to a close, Mark discusses how he has become increasingly disengaged with the whole saga. He also touches upon the non-consensual kiss from the president of the Spanish football federation on Jenni Hermoso, and how out of touch footballing institutions still are about such matters.

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We need to talk about Mason

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 20:13:53 GMT

Mark addresses the deeply problematic process that has seen Mason Greenwood released from Manchester United, and how the football club seems to have made a terrible situation even worse. Mark also discusses the Women's World Cup final, which has marked a new height for the popularity of the women's game..

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Football and dressing gowns

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 16:45:25 GMT

Following another unscheduled month off, Mark and Matthew record their first episode of the football season, talking about the Women's World Cup, the departure of Kane from Spurs, and the shenanigans around someone called Caicedo,.

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Mo Money Mo Problems

Sat, 08 Jul 2023 04:59:17 GMT

Mark explores the trend of players moving to Saudi Arabia for the big money deals and the potential implications this could have on European football

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Living rooms and football

Sat, 10 Jun 2023 05:17:10 GMT

The season is over and Mark reflects on the final make up of clubs that were finally relegated, as well as some of the newly promoted teams that specialise in stadium entrances which involve navigating people's living rooms.

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Man does Google and reads results

Sat, 27 May 2023 07:10:57 GMT

Mark and Matthew examine how great a cheat Manchester City would be considered to be if found guilty under financial fair play rules, and how such cheating compares to cheats in other sports where cheating was already rife.

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Brexit means brexit

Sat, 20 May 2023 04:42:05 GMT

This week Mark tries his hand at predictions, and clearly, if his career as a podcast host doesn't take off, then he'll always have a life as a betting shop owner to fall back on.

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Red Leicester

Sat, 13 May 2023 06:33:14 GMT

This season's relegation battle feels like a gift that keeps on giving... and now with Big Sam added to the mix, the culmination of the Premier League this month is only going to get more and more fascinating.

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Live! Coronation Special

Sat, 06 May 2023 04:50:46 GMT

This is a special, live recording of Football Unfocused. What it lacks in sound quality, makes up in length! In addition, Mark and Matthew are joined today by a very special guest, making her first of what will hopefully be many appearances on the show,

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The Giro does not start on Sunday

Sat, 29 Apr 2023 04:35:15 GMT

Mark talks about the headline match between Arsenal and Manchester City, and how it has become increasingly difficult to mount a successful bid at winning the Premier League with standards being raised year on year. Matthew, the supposed cycling enthusiast, also claimed the Giro started this weekend - like with football, he is very much mistaken in his opinion on this.

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I'm not driving a Mini Metro

Sat, 22 Apr 2023 04:34:14 GMT

In-between weaving Partridge quotes into the podcast, and talking general nonsense, Mark finds time to explain why this Premier League season is so exciting, with the race for the title and relegation one of the tightest he can remember.

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The Rest Is Football

Sat, 18 Mar 2023 05:56:28 GMT

If you don't like your politics being mixed with your football - then you're probably best not listening to this episode. Today, Mark and Matthew discuss the fallout and impact of Gary Lineker tweeting his response to UK government's immigration policy.

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7 - 0

Sat, 11 Mar 2023 05:36:56 GMT

After another unexpected hiatus, Mark and Matthew return to discuss the shellacking of Manchester United against their archrivals, Liverpool. They also squeeze in a quick chat about where Spurs will go next after getting knocked out the Champions League.

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Filthy rich

Sat, 04 Feb 2023 05:47:04 GMT

Mark discusses the recent woes of Everton and what their future may entail. He also looks at the vast sums currently being spent by Chelsea and the implications their creative accounting could have on the club long-term.

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Frankie boy

Sat, 28 Jan 2023 05:26:09 GMT

There's a time for all great managers to finally face the sack. There is also a time for massively overrated managers to get sacked too, and in this instance, it was Frank Lampard's at Everton.

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Huskie Love

Sat, 21 Jan 2023 05:18:53 GMT

Mark and Matthew make their overdue, yet uneagerly anticipated, return after near radio silence during which time some of the most iconic moments in the footballing calendar year have already occurred. Dedicated and professional, they very much are not.

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Ronald-who

Wed, 07 Dec 2022 19:58:04 GMT

Could England really win the World Cup? Probably not, but they've got a bloody good chance, as Mark discusses in today's episode, as well as some other footballing/World Cup tit bits..

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Anyone can play Qatar

Wed, 23 Nov 2022 19:49:13 GMT

The World Cup has started, so it only seems fitting that Mark and Matthew talk about everything other than the football.

And for anyone interested, the title of this episode is based on a Radiohead pun... or something.

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Dog days

Thu, 17 Nov 2022 16:57:04 GMT

This is the long-awaited, David Beckham takedown, which has been in the post for long enough, and to which Mark gives a full airing to this episode.

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Tenant doth not pay

Sat, 15 Oct 2022 04:27:57 GMT

Mark discusses the finer, and arguably, far more interesting aspects to Financial Fair Play. He also gives credit to the rise of Arsenal and Arteta; Newcastle and Howe; and Chelsea and Potter.

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A wicked sense of humour

Sun, 11 Sep 2022 14:47:11 GMT

Mark reflects on the passing of HRH and how it is, rightly, impacted the football fixtures this weekend in light of her love for the game.

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French knickers

Sat, 27 Aug 2022 04:00:01 GMT

Mark is in despondent mode this week after his dearest team were beaten by their greatest rival. If you're willing to bear his gripes about the match, then he does go on to discuss other recent footballing matters!

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There's no timer!

Sat, 13 Aug 2022 04:00:36 GMT

Mark reflects on the fantastic result of England's women winning the European Championship and how their achievements could pave the way for greater parity between the men and women's game. He also highlights the financial chaos that is currently engulfing Barcelona FC.

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Salted crackers

Sat, 23 Jul 2022 04:00:00 GMT

Mark reflects on the England v Spain match and how the support of the Lionesses compares to that of the men's national team. He also gives his thoughts on the latest Premier League transfers and how some teams may already be spending beyond their means.

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"Do not listen"

Sat, 09 Jul 2022 04:00:00 GMT

With a small break in the men's Premier League, Mark and Matthew indulge a little more in the joys of summer. Mark also discusses some of the highlights from the transfer window and the women's Euros.

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This Is Wales

Sat, 11 Jun 2022 04:00:00 GMT

Mark speaks of his envy of Wales and their supporters, who have been celebrating their World Cup qualifying win last weekend. In contrast, supporting England, particularly when they venture abroad, can be a more complicated affair.

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A stadium full of kids

Sat, 04 Jun 2022 17:00:00 GMT

Don't worry, it's nothing weird - though Mark and Matthew aren't entirely sure what a stadium of 30,000 kids will look like at the Puskás Aréna when England play Hungary in the UEFA Nation Cup League thingy. Hopefully, they just behave a bit better than the last time England played there.

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Scousers in Paris

Tue, 31 May 2022 18:00:00 GMT

Mark provides one of the most immersive footballing experiences recorded in podcast form....offering an insight into the highs, but particularly the lows, of his time attending the Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid.

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Life of Mark

Sat, 21 May 2022 04:00:00 GMT

This week, Mark mainly focuses on himself and his ordeals trying to obtain a Champions League final ticket for Liverpool vs Real Madrid. Nobody would say that it has been anything other than a rollercoaster experience for him.

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The comeback....by Liverpool

Sat, 07 May 2022 04:00:00 GMT

Today's episode was recorded after Liverpool's dramatic Champions League comeback and before Man City's match against Real Madrid. Unsurprisingly, Mark is now looking forward to a final in Paris and hoping that, without any ill will, it isn't just another all-English final.

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Are defenders getting worse?

Sat, 30 Apr 2022 04:00:00 GMT

Mark entertains a question from Matthew about whether the high scoring match between Man City and Real Madrid was an indication of defenders getting worse in football. Mark also discusses the latest European matches and explains why assaulting the opposing fans is not uncommon when celebrating a goal by your own team'.

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More ref chat and the achievements of MNC and LIV

Sat, 09 Apr 2022 04:00:00 GMT

Mark follows on from last week's discussion about referees, to highlight some of the recent bizarre decisions made by VAR, and why they could end up having a significant impact on certain teams this season.

Mark also commends the achievements of both Man City and Liverpool, regardless of who ultimately wins the league, and despite what some critics will inevitably end up saying.

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Should ref's get £100k a week

Sat, 02 Apr 2022 04:00:00 GMT

Mark entertains Matthew's (not so original) suggestion that referee's should receive a significant increase in wages. This (Matthew believes) would help make the profession attractive to former players, who are often drawn to more lucrative and revered pursuits of management.

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Following an invasion, bid for the Euros

Sat, 26 Mar 2022 05:00:00 GMT

Mark highlights the farcical bid for the European Championship by Russia, just a month after its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. While UEFA are unlikely to entertain such a bid, it highlights the often uncomfortable relationship of FIFA and UEFA with numerous other authoritarian governments who they have happily awarded hosts of international tournaments: most strikingly, the World Cup in Qatar later this year.

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Oligarch ethics

Sat, 19 Mar 2022 05:00:00 GMT

This week, Mark and Matthew return to form with one of them saying a lot more than the other - and, to be honest, the episode is better for it. Mark follows up on the continuing predicament for Chelsea FC, who have been left in a financially precarious position following the sanctions on their owner. If you wish to save time by not listening to this episode, then the the crux of the argument is Chelsea have made their bed, now its time for them to sleep in it.

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Matthew says stuff

Sat, 12 Mar 2022 05:00:00 GMT

In today's episode, Matthew takes centre stage (or as much as Mark allows) by giving his thoughts on a recent episode of Radio 5 Live's, Monday Night Club. Matthew is staunchly critical of the pundits who featured in the episode, though is unable to offer any unique footballing insight himself... Pots and kettles, some may say!

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When war breaks out, where does football stand?

Sat, 05 Mar 2022 05:00:00 GMT

Mark and Matthew give their thoughts on the inescapable and dire situation in Europe, and how it has shone an uncomfortable light on the ownership structures of certain clubs. While Mark primarily focuses on Chelsea, they are unfortunately not the only club to have acquired resources from disreputable individuals and regimes.

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Manager chat

Sat, 26 Feb 2022 05:00:00 GMT

Mark examines the latest sagas of various high-profile managers. Most recently, the antics of Conte, who offered to leave Spurs if he was considered the problem for their run of inconsistent form. Mark also discusses his current favourite manager, Frank Lampard, and what may come of his time at Everton. Finally, Mark highlights Mark Hughes' unusual, yet inspired, decision to manage Bradford City.

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Testicular tension

Sat, 12 Feb 2022 05:00:00 GMT

This week, Matthew is overcoming some problems in his nethers, while Mark takes issue (again) with subpar commentators, the final of the African Cup of Nations and the distribution of tickets to fans. All which vex him very, very much.

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The January transfer window, the FA Cup and Everton

Sat, 05 Feb 2022 05:00:00 GMT

Mark speaks about his interest in Everton and how their turbulent season could make them vulnerable to relegation. He also looks at some of their signings (including their new manager) and compares them to other club's signings in January. Finally, Mark highlights his nostalgia for the FA Cup, and what changes he would make to raise its profile further.

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How FIFA reached new lows

Sat, 29 Jan 2022 05:00:00 GMT

Mark highlights the recent comments by FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, who said that a biennial World Cup would help stop migrants drowning at sea. Mark struggles for words at times to condemn this self serving argument, and what is clearly an unashamed attempt to promote a more powerful and financially lucrative FIFA organisation.

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Players who have suffered the biggest falls in performance

Sat, 22 Jan 2022 05:00:00 GMT

Mark discusses the most notable examples of players who, for one reason or another, have witnessed a significant drop in their performance. These include Eden Hazard, Deli Alli and Ángel Di María.

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The reign of Woodward and the stigma of big signings

Sat, 15 Jan 2022 17:00:00 GMT

LIVE EPISODE ALERT! LIVE EPISODE ALERT! For the first time, Mark and Matthew are recording the podcast live, and in-person. There are some footballing SPOILERS, so apologies in advance. The sound quality may also be a bit dodgy, as it wasn't checked beforehand. But apart from that, enjoy!

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The Premier League at half way

Sat, 08 Jan 2022 05:00:00 GMT

Mark reflects on the Premier League season so far; how Man City are effectively now unstoppable, which other teams have performed well, and which clubs are most likely to be relegated.

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Aguero, Newcastle and COVID

Sat, 18 Dec 2021 05:00:00 GMT

Mark gives his thoughts on some recent developments, in a bumper festive edition of Football Unfocused, which unfortunately had to be cut short due to Matthew's poor sound quality. Apologies, though we hope you manage to garner some enjoyment nevertheless.

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The world of football contracts

Sat, 11 Dec 2021 05:00:00 GMT

Mark reflects on the recent discussions around Mo Salah's contract renegotiation and how it can be a risky and complicated process. Footballers often only get one big contact in their career and it can be a perilous pursuit, with some notable footballers losing out.

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The art of the "sentimental" appointment

Sat, 04 Dec 2021 05:00:00 GMT

Matthew takes a starring role in today's episode as Mark didn't have time to think of a suitable discussion point. Needless to say, Matthew surpassed all expectations (particularly his own) by raising what some may say as "a half decent contribution" about the merits of appointing a manager on the basis of sentimentality.

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The nature of club dominance

Sat, 27 Nov 2021 05:00:00 GMT

Mark takes a step back from the day-to-day footballing grind and provides a more holistic look on the dominance of certain clubs, and how such dominance is merely transitory. Ultimately, nothing is forever and we should enjoy the good times while they last. There may be an underlying moral to this episode, though we'll let you figure that out.

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Punditry and Principles

Sat, 23 Oct 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Mark discusses the Premier League's backlash against the takeover of Newcastle United, and their attempt to curtail the spending power of Saudi Arabia's PIF. He also highlights some of the most shameless overreactions from footballing pundits, and why a modicum of moderation would go a long way when talking about the great game.

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The takeover of Newcastle United

Sat, 16 Oct 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Mark discusses the recent takeover of Newcastle United FC by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. As a supporter of Newcastle, Mark believes the club is hugely deserving of this investment; yet is troubled by the Premier League's long history of financial arrangements with disreputable individuals and sectors, that has left it bereft of any integrity.

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Wenger!

Sat, 09 Oct 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Mark discusses the recent proposals made by Arséne Wenger for a new bi-annual FIFA World Cup. Mark found that after a careful and objective review of FIFA's report, that he was right all along, and the implications for both international and domestic football would be terrible.

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Jimmy Greaves and our forgotten football history

Sat, 25 Sep 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Mark talks about the legend that is Jimmy Greaves. He also speaks of how his passing highlights a discouraging trend of brushing over football's rich history and failing to appreciate the context of the current game.

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European football and its potential demise

Sat, 18 Sep 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Mark expresses his concerns regarding the lopsided nature of European football, and how English clubs have come to dominate the Champions League in recent years. While he concedes such fears may be overstated, they're based on current trends that have likely been accelerated by the pandemic.

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International football, Ronaldo's return and Twitter

Sat, 11 Sep 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Mark and Matthew discuss a smorgasbord of topics, including the European qualifiers, the much anticipated debut of Ronaldo at Man Utd (again) as well as Mark's engagement with Twitter.

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The football transfer

Sat, 04 Sep 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Mark thought it would make for a suitable return of Football Unfocussed to talk about something he absolutely hates: the football transfer. While there may not be the same level of intrigue there was once as each deadline loomed, he still views the whole saga with contempt. So enjoy.

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The Euros: week five

Sat, 17 Jul 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Well, just when you probably thought there was nothing left to say, Mark and Matthew manage to ramble on for 45 minutes about the result from last Sunday night, when England lost to Italy on penalties. Mark also goes full circle on the fallout from the match, and concludes how certain aspects of the game, and society in general, remain unchanged; and are worse for it.

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The Euros: week four

Sat, 10 Jul 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Mark reflects on the unusual occurrence of England overcoming expectations and reaching the finals of a major international tournament. He also comments on the modern management style of Gareth Southgate; indicative of the forward-looking team he represents.

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The Euros: week three

Sat, 03 Jul 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Mark and Matthew reflect on a historic victory by England over Germany, as well as on the other results from the Euros. Mark also believes that by making our episodes longer, they will attract a greater number of listeners; on top of the single dedicated listener we currently have. Time will tell.

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The Euros: week two

Sat, 26 Jun 2021 03:00:00 GMT

Mark takes at look at the latest developments in the Euros. He also offers a sympathetic view on the challenges which Spurs have recently had in obtaining a new, high-quality manger.

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The Euros: week one

Sat, 19 Jun 2021 03:00:00 GMT

Mark gives his views on which teams are showing themselves to be potential contenders for the European Championships. Matthew also tries to contribute, though finds himself the wrong side of factual accuracy more often than not.

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Extended special: the taking of the knee by England's players

Sat, 12 Jun 2021 04:00:00 GMT

At the outset of the European Championships, Mark was keen to address the recent incidents of England players being jeered for choosing to take the knee by their own fans; and question what it says about the values of our nation.

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Talking points from 20/21 PL season

Sat, 29 May 2021 03:00:00 GMT

As much as Mark hates such "round up" podcasts, he is still happy firing off his own thoughts from the preceding season. At the same time, Matt struggles through as best he can with whatever footballing knowledge he possesses.

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Biggest errors in football

Sat, 22 May 2021 03:00:00 GMT

While many may be as confused by this subject as Matthew was, Mark helpfully explains some of the worst decisions in managing a club over the last three decades. From Leeds Utd's decision to sell Cantona to Man Utd, to Charlton Athletic's fall from grace, from the Premier League down to League One.

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Fan power

Sat, 15 May 2021 03:00:00 GMT

This week Mark spends 30 minutes elaborating on the angry messages he'd sent Matthew during the week, explaining why fan power is a real thing. We've also introduced some music to the podcast, which we hope you enjoy.

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The impact of football fandom on everyday life

Sat, 08 May 2021 04:00:00 GMT

This episode proves to be an opportunity for Mark to bare all about his intense passion for the beautiful game (football) and how it has shaped all that has gone before, and probably all that will come to past in his life. Matthew also says some things too... This episode was recorded on 31st March, so if any the stats are out of date, then bash your arse!

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The ESL, one week on

Sat, 01 May 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Now the dust has settled on the failed European Super League project, Mark and Matthew discuss how much competition actually exists within our current domestic league system. Mark also gets to have another crack at trashing the points Matthew raised last week, which he managed to make without sufficient comeuppance.

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The rise and fall of the ESL

Sat, 24 Apr 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Mark and Matthew go over the well trodden topic of this week's doomed proposal for a European Super League. Mark also has to seek out for 5 pints during the course of the podcast, which some of our eagle eared listeners may pick up on.

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The impact of live TV coverage on football

Sat, 17 Apr 2021 09:00:00 GMT

Mark and Matthew (though mainly Mark), discuss the short and potential long term impact of live TV coverage on football. Mark also looks to extract some footballing insights from Matt's limited understanding, by throwing him a few basic questions about the team is supposedly supports.

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Birth of the Premier League

Sat, 10 Apr 2021 04:00:00 GMT

Today Mark and Matthew discuss the birth of the Premier League. While some effort is made to examine the details of the who, the whys and the wherefores that led to the League's creation, Mark can't resist raising some general gripes about football statisticians being overly focussed on what happened since 1992. "It's like the previous 100 years never happened!". etc., etc.

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The viability of 92 professional football clubs

Sat, 03 Apr 2021 05:00:00 GMT

Today Mark and Matt delve into whether 92 professional clubs within the EPL continues to be a feasible, or even a desirable, prospect. Mark also talks about the difficulties of matching fan expectations with financial prudence of football clubs; while Matt mostly listens.

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Could anyone do another Leicester?

Sat, 27 Mar 2021 08:00:00 GMT

Mark and Matt chew over the improbable success of Leicester FC during the 2015/16 season; exploring some of the factors that helped it come to pass and whether such an unique set of circumstances. could take place again for another set of unlikely winners.

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International competition vs European club football

Sat, 20 Mar 2021 10:00:00 GMT

Mark and Matthew broach the perception of decline in international football, compared to the increasing glitz, glamour and wealth of European club football. As always, Mark brings the substance to the discussion, whilst Matthew serves up the hors d'oeuvres.

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Moments that shaped modern football

Sat, 13 Mar 2021 11:00:00 GMT

A look at the some of the high, and lowlights, of modern football that have come to shape the game and everything around it: from the Heysel disaster in 1985, to the influence of technology, and the fallout from the Bosman ruling in 1995. Mark offers a more seasoned opinion on the subject, whilst Matt does what he can to contribute.

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Evolution of fan culture

Sat, 06 Mar 2021 11:00:00 GMT

A look at modern day fan culture, what we mean by "fan culture", as well as some other bits and bobs that come up in today's chat.

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