These Football Times
These Football Times is a podcast that explores the world of football, uncovering compelling stories with the help of expert journalists and guests. It also produces a print magazine.
Episodes
A decade of 70s football: the 1970s FA Cup final replay
On to Old Trafford - yes, really - for the 1970 FA Cup final replay and Chelsea and Leeds are about to produce another game for the ages, one of the most enduring cup finals of all time, while simultaneously doubling as a useful handbook on guerilla warfare. Steven Scragg and Dave Bowler take you through the game and do work of vital national importance by concluding how we can return the Elgin Ma
The Power and The Glory: A New History of the World Cup
Jonathan Wilson joins Steven Scragg in the centre circle to discuss his monumental new history of the World Cup, in all its glory and in all its gory detail. What further persuasion to listen could you possibly need?
Reel Football: The Two Escobars
It’s the turn of the ESPN documentary The Two Escobars to feature in our Reel Football series. It explores how the very different lives of Colombia international Andrés Escobar and drug baron Pablo Escobar became inextricably linked by the 1994 World Cup. Matthew Gibbs and Dr Pete Watson pick apart an extraordinary and tragic tale.
Reel Football: Diego Maradona
Our Reel Football series alights upon Asif Kapadia’s 2019 documentary about Diego Maradona, revolving around his time in Naples and the 1986 World Cup. Matthew Gibbs, Dr Pete Watson and Steven Scragg revel in one of the great football films.
Reel Football: The Goal! Trilogy
Less Citizen Kane, more 'Citizen Harry Kane', Matthew Gibbs and Rob Fletcher alight upon the cinematic treasure that is the Goal! trilogy. Whether treasure in this context means it’s full of gold, or that it should simply have stayed buried forever, we’ll find out by the end of the pod.
Reel Football: The Damned United
Donning the mantle of Mark Kermode, Matthew Gibbs sets sail on a new series delving into the world of football on film. In this first episode, he’s joined by Rob Fletcher and Chris Lepkowski to take a closer look at The Damned United. So the first thing you can do is chuck all your medals and all your caps and all your pots and all your pans into the biggest dustbin you can find and pay attention
When Italian football ruled Europe
We return to the Centre Circle with our guest Dominic Hougham to talk about his new book Veni Vidi Vici: When Italian Football Ruled Europe. If you are a fan of the golden age of Serie A in the 1980s and 90s, this is the book – and podcast – for you. Rob Fletcher and Steven Scragg, cappuccinos in hand, are along for the ride.
A decade of 70s football: the 1970 FA Cup final
Our 70s series returns and not with a mere bonus track but a supplementary book of learning that brings you everything you needed to know about each of the decade’s FA Cup finals.We start at Wembley, where there’s barely a blade of grass to be seen as Leeds and Chelsea join battle in a final that sets the tone for the rest of a golden decade in the FA Cup. Steven Scragg and Dave Bowler take you th
Aston Villa x The League Cup: 1993-1996
Rob Fletcher is joined by Ivan McDouall who talks about his excellent new book Only The Real Thing, which charts Aston Villa’s glory days in the League Cup from 1993 to 1996, as they carried off the Coca-Cola sponsored trophy twice in short order. Coke floats all round.
A celebration of all things Aston Villa
The latest club magazine from These Football Times explores Aston Villa, from the days when they were central to forming the Football League through trials and tribulations in the third tier, on to winning the European Cup, and the current resurgence piloted by Unai Emery. TFT’s resident Villan, Ivan McDouall, joins Aidan Williams to discuss all the goodies you’ll find inside.
Us x Them: Liverpool and Aston Villa
Continuing our series where members of the team look at the relationships between their teams, Steven Scragg and Ivan McDouall discuss Liverpool against Aston Villa. Covering favourite games between the sides, nightmare afternoons, players for both teams guilty pleasures and otherwise, just how does these two teams rub up against each other?
Goodbye to Goodison
Everton prepare to leave their home of 133 years, Goodison Park, later this month, so we felt that we had to pay tribute to this venerable institution, one of the great cathedrals of English football. Dave Bowler is joined by Paul McParlan, a Goodison regular since the 1960s, to recall the Holy Trinity, the Boys’ Pen, Pele and Eusebio and plenty more in our farewell to the grand old ground.
Us x Them: Liverpool and West Brom
Kicking off a new series where members of the team look at the relationships between their teams, Steven Scragg and Dave Bowler discuss Liverpool against West Brom. Covering favourite games between the sides, nightmare afternoons, players for both teams, guilty pleasures and otherwise, just how do these teams rub up against each other?
A decade of 60s football: the mission statement
Coming soon to a podcast outlet near you. Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water, These Football Times brings you a new series, covering the glories of the 1960s. Steven Scragg, Paul McParlan and Dave Bowler will be your spirit guides through a remarkable decade. As a teaser, here are the kinds of things you can expect to hear all about.
Gary Lineker: a portrait of a football icon
Author Chris Evans is in the Centre Circle to talk with Aidan Willians and Chris Lepkowski about his new biography of Gary Lineker. From Filbert Street to the J League and all points in between and beyond, we discuss the impact of one of the game’s great goalscorers.
Shades of Green: a journey into Irish football
We talk with Chris Lee about his new book Shades Of Green, a journey of discovery around Ireland to learn about one of the world’s oldest football cultures. Along the way, Chris talks to fans, historians and academics. He uncovers a complex story of politics, identity and division, but also one of hope, reconciliation and glory.
Is austerity the solution at Manchester United?
There’s cost cutting aplenty at Manchester United as Jim Ratcliffe ushers in a period of austerity, especially if you are a former player, a staff member without a packed lunch or, indeed, one without a job anymore. And yet, at the same time, United are trumpeting plans for a new stadium, albeit one that barely nods in the direction of their history. Is Ratcliffe’s tin-eared PR sustainable or is c
A decade of 90s football: the best English strikers
The 1990s was a golden period for English strikers. Rob Fletcher and his guest, Michael Hamlen, trawl the decade to reminisce on Alan Shearer, Gary Lineker, Teddy Sheringham, Dion Dublin, Kevin Phillips, Chris Armstrong, Chris Sutton and Stan Collymore.
Carabao Cup Final Review 2025
Newcastle carried off the League Cup at Wembley, ending a trophy drought that exceeded the lifespan of TFT’s twin presenters, Aidan Williams and Steven Scragg.Likely lad Aidan reacts with the bemused excitement of someone who has no idea what winning means, while Steven takes it all with the magnanimity of someone whose team are about to lift the Premier League. Hilarity – and a bad montage – ensu
Carabao Cup Final Preview 2025
As two giants of English football, Liverpool and Newcastle , prepare to meet at Wembley in the final of the League Cup, so two giants of TFT, Steven Scragg and Aidan Williams, preview a game that has consequences for both sides. Will Liverpool extend their League Cup record wins and take their first step towards a trophy double, or will Newcastle finally end a trophy drought that goes back to 196
Icons: Zinedine Zidane
Following the Icons magazine, lovingly detailing 60 of the game’s greatest names, we decided to delve a little deeper into some of them in this podcast series. Dave Bowler and Rob Fletcher bring a little je ne sais quoi to proceedings by discussing Zinedine Zidane.
Icons: Michael Laudrup
Following the Icons magazine, lovingly detailing 60 of the game’s greatest names, we decided to delve a little deeper into some of them in this podcast series. Rob Fletcher talks to Gary Thacker about one of the more unassuming figures among our icons, the great Dane, Michael Laudrup.
What goes up must come down
What goes up must come down? More than 350 years since Isaac Newton penned his laws of gravity, it appears to apply to the teams newly promoted to the Premier League as, for the second season running, all three new arrivals are struggling to avoid the immediate drop. Is this just a blip or the emergence of a new trend? Rob Fletcher and Dave Bowler investigate.
Icons: Michel Platini
Following the Icons magazine, lovingly detailing 60 of the game’s greatest names, we decided to delve a little deeper into some of them in this podcast series. Aidan Williams delves into the glorious career of Michel Platini the footballer; we’ll worry about the administrator another time.
Icons: Andrea Pirlo
Following the Icons magazine, lovingly detailing 60 of the game’s greatest names, we decided to delve a little deeper into some of them in this podcast series. Andrea Pirlo is up next as Dave Bowler discusses the hipster’s choice with Gary Thacker.
Icons: Kevin Keegan
Following the Icons magazine, lovingly detailing 60 of the game’s greatest names, we decided to delve a little deeper into some of them in this podcast series. Steven Scragg gives us chapter and verse on the career of Kevin Keegan.
Icons: Eric Cantona
Following the Icons magazine, lovingly detailing 60 of the game’s greatest names, we decided to delve a little deeper into some of them in this podcast series. Gary Thacker talks to Rob Fletcher about the man who ignited the Fergie era at Old Trafford, Eric Cantona.
Icons: George Best
Following the Icons magazine, lovingly detailing 60 of the game’s greatest names, we decided to delve a little deeper into some of them in this podcast series. Dave Bowler talks about a player who was Best by name and best by nature.
Icons: Kenny Dalglish
Following the Icons magazine, lovingly detailing 60 of the game’s greatest names, we decided to delve a little deeper into some of them in this podcast series. Connoisseur of all things Anfield, Steven Scragg, reflects on the career of Kenny Dalglish, on the field and off it.
One Love: Chelsea
Turning the tables for the final episode in the series, it’s Gary Thacker’s turn to talk about the team he supports, Chelsea. Why, best and worst moments, favourite players and those they’d like to forget plus the nuclear question: could you ever support anyone else? Blue is the colour as Paul Mc Parlan asks the questions.
Icons: Ferenc Puskás
Following the Icons magazine, lovingly detailing 60 of the game’s greatest names, we decided to delve a little deeper into some of them in this podcast series. Hungary’s Galloping Major, Ferenc Puskás, scourge of England, Billy Wright and Eintracht Frankfurt, is next up as Aidan Williams talks Rob Fletcher through a remarkable post-war career.
One Love: West Brom
Gary Thacker quizzes another member of the team about who they support. Why, best and worst moments, favourite players and those they’d like to forget plus the nuclear question: could you ever support anyone else? Chris Lepkowski ruminates on a life following West Bromwich Albion.
Icons: Gerd Müller
Following the Icons magazine, lovingly detailing 60 of the game’s greatest names, we decided to delve a little deeper into some of them in this podcast series. Der Bomber, Gerd Müller, a goalscorer so natural and so prolific that, in the end, you didn’t count his goals, you just weighed them. Dave Bowler and Rob Fletcher turn the clock back to the 70s and his dominance of the game.
The Mount Rushmore Debates: FA Cup
The Football Association’s Challenge Cup, with over 150 years of great names, huge stories and mighty giantkillers to choose from, means this episode of the Mount Rushmore Debates is perhaps our most eclectic. Aidan Williams, Steven Scragg and Dave Bowler try to convince Gary Thacker that their candidates are the most worthy to go up on the mountain.
Icons: Ronaldo
Following the Icons magazine, lovingly detailing 60 of the game’s greatest names, we decided to delve a little deeper into some of them in this podcast series. It’s the turn of R9, the real Ronaldo, to come under the microscope as Rob Fletcher explains his enduring admiration for the great Brazilian.
A deep dive into all things Newcastle
The latest club magazine from These Football Times delves into all things Newcastle United from the golden days of Hughie Gallacher in the 1920s, onto Jackie Milburn’s FA Cup exploits, Kevin Keegan’s entertainers, and Eddie Howe’s modern day Magpies, along with all points in between. To discuss the magazine, TFT’s resident member of the Toon Army, Aidan Williams, is joined by Steven Scragg and Dav
Icons: Johan Cruyff
Following the Icons magazine, lovingly detailing 60 of the game’s greatest names, we decided to delve a little deeper into some of them in this podcast series. Kicking things off, Gary Thacker tells Rob Fletcher why Johan Cruyff deserves his legendary status.
A decade of 90s football: 1998/99
It’s trebles all round as we come to the final episode in our 1990s odyssey. There’s the usual mix of weird transfers, weirder kits, and in depth look at the Premier League season in particular. But in the end, it all comes down to Manchester United winning the treble. Football. Bloody hell.
One Love: Everton
Gary Thacker quizzes another member of the team about the team they support. Why, best and worst moments, favourite players and those they’d like to forget plus the nuclear question: could you ever support anyone else? It’s a grand old podcast with Paul Mc Parlan.
The story of Channel 4's Football Italia
In a quick break before our final seasonal episode of the 90s, we are joined by TV producer and author Jonathan Grade to discuss one of the biggest cultural elements of that decade: Channel 4’s Football Italia.
A journey to the soul of Portuguese football
Bring Me That Horizon: A Journey To The Soul of Portuguese Football is the subject of this Centre Circle pod as author Miguel Pereira discusses his epic tome with Rhys Richards, Steven Scragg and Aidan Williams.
Are we entering the second era of 21st century football?
Young managers, five subs, sky high ticket prices, no concessions, eight grands worth of fireworks and the end of the Saturday 3pm live TV blackout. Are we entering the second era of 21st century football?
A decade of 90s football: 1997/98
Arsene Wenger’s revolution at Highbury means everyone starts loving Arsenal. Except Alex Ferguson that is, who sees his Manchester United side beaten to the title by them. Manchester City slump to the third tier – that’ll be them finished – and Paul Merson shares a house with Gazza. There goes the neighbourhood.
A decade of 90s football: 1996/97
Another title for Manchester United; Newcastle splash the cash on Alan Shearer; Middlesbrough reach two cup finals, don’t reach Blackburn, can’t reach Emerson and do reach relegation. All human life is here in our look back at 1996/97.
One Love: Birmingham City
Gary Thacker quizzes another member of the team about who they support. Why, best and worst moments, favourite players and those they’d like to forget plus the nuclear question: could you ever support anyone else? Matthew Gibbs keeps right on with Birmingham City.
Five Years: Manchester United
Taking a leaf from David Bowie’s book, we are looking into the next five years, but for Manchester United alone. What would represent success for them over that period, will they return to the summit, or will there still be five years left to cry in? From an ice-cream parlour, drinking milk shakes cold and long, Rob Fletcher and Alex Ireland look for the answers.
A decade of 90s football: 1995/96
Do you reckon that you can’t win anything with kids? Would you love it if the entertainers came through and took a first Premier League title back to Tyneside? Are you in raptures at the arrival of some Ruud sexy football? Do you want to hear everything you ever wanted to know about Juninho but were afraid to ask? Then you’ve come to the right place.
Is football becoming too data-driven?
There seems to be a stat for everything those days, but are they truly helpful or is it just a case of lies, damned lies and statistics? And is the fascination with numbers turning football from an art form into a science? Rob Fletcher and Matthew Gibbs have their spreadsheets to hand.
A decade of 90s football: 1994/95
A season of chaos, controversy and that kung-fu kick. Eric Cantona takes matters into his own hands at Selhurst Park, leaving newly-signed Andy Cole without a strike partner at Manchester United. Meanwhile, Blackburn's SAS make hay while the sun shines, Joe Royle’s dogs of war win the FA Cup and, all around the land, managers fall on their swords with gay abandon. Meanwhile, there are match-fixing
One Love: Liverpool
Gary Thacker quizzes another member of the team about the team they support. Why, best and worst moments, favourite players and those they’d like to forget plus the nuclear question: could you ever support anyone else? Steven Scragg gives us the lowdown on his love for Liverpool.
Mental health in football: is there anything we can do?
Is there too much pressure in football for anything to be done about health and welfare? From the demands placed on managers to the strain put on kids from the age of eight in football academies, while we might talk a good game about mental health, is there really anything we can do to protect it in perhaps the most high profile industry in the world?
A decade of 90s football: 1993/94
There’s a double for Manchester United after Aston Villa deny them the treble, Jeremy Goss writes himself into Norfolk folklore, Newcastle entertain the nation and Graham Taylor doesn’t. It’s time to revisit 1993/94 with Rob Fletcher, Aidan Williams and Alex Ireland.
What makes a manager successful in the modern game?
Trying to keep the fans, the board and the sporting director is a minefield for modern managers, so have we seen the last of the managerial titans such as Ferguson and Wenger who ran their clubs from top to bottom? Can any manager expect a shelf life of more than three seasons in the pressure cooker environment of today?
A decade of 90s football: 1992/93
Crank up the Simple Minds soundtrack, dust off the fireworks, make way for the cheerleaders and dodgy versions of Baker Street. The Premier League has arrived and it’s a whole new ball game, especially at Old Trafford. As Leeds boss Howard Wilkinson presides over the transfer from hell and sees his side fall from their position as champions, it’s left to Aston Villa to push United to a first title
One Love: Manchester United
Gary Thacker quizzes another member of the team about the club they support. Why, best and worst moments, favourite players and those they’d like to forget plus the nuclear question: could you ever support anyone else? Alex Ireland talks about Manchester United. Don’t worry, he’s a local.
Is social media changing the way fans view the game?
Is social media changing the way fans view the game and their club? With the never-ending torrent of material passing into and out of our clubs, how are we handling an era of changed access to our favourite clubs and players? Rob Fletcher and Chris Lepkowski are glued to their phones.
A decade of 90s football: 1991/92
It’s the end of history as the Football League as we knew it entered its final season before some of its biggest cubs would gallop off over the horizon and into the warm embrace of the Premier League. What a season it turned out to be too, a War of the Roses raging between Leeds and Manchester United at the top of the First Division. Liverpool have one last hurrah in the FA Cup but the seeds of gl
Is English football all starting to look the same?
Has Pep Guardiola’s incredible success imposed a tactical orthodoxy on the English game that sees too many teams trying to play the same way? Do we need a bit more originality, a little more of Jurgen Klopp’s chaos theory? Rob Fletcher and Dave Bowler look into the state of the game.
A decade of 90s football: 1990/91
1990/91: where we went from Gazzamania after the World Cup to manic Gazza in the FA Cup final; where Arsenal’s near invincibles sent Liverpool to unravel; where a Mark Hughes strike set Manchester United on the way to Cup Winners’ Cup glory. For all this and more, join Rob Fletcher as he guides Steven Scragg and Alex Ireland through the season.
One Love: Middlesbrough
Gary Thacker continues to talk to the team about who they support. Why, best and worst moments, favourite players and those they’d like to forget plus the nuclear question: could you ever support anyone else? Rob Fletcher talks about life as a Middlesbrough fan in exile.
The future of international football
Is the expansion and commercialisation of club football harming the spirit of the international game? Rob Fletcher, Aidan Williams and Gary Thacker look at the future for international football, ask where it lies within our affections, and ask the eternal question: why does the national stadium have to be in London?
A decade of 90s football: 1989/90
A final hurrah for Liverpool, a surprising challenge from Villa Park that earns Graham Taylor the England job, Rangers march on under Graeme Souness while stealing the signature of Mo Johnston from under Celtic’s nose, the outcome of the Taylor Report: the 1990s splutters into life, trying to create its own atmosphere.
Admiral: 50 years of replica kits
It's been 50 years since Admiral took the football world by storm with the first of their range of kits that have become icons, from Leeds to West Ham, Coventry to Queen’s Park, Spurs to Saudi and the NASL to Hearts. There’s a magnificent new book out to celebrate half a century of reinventing football fashion. Theo Hamburger and John Devlin join Steven Scragg and Dave Bowler to revel in some
Do footballers play too many games?
A number of the game’s top players have said they are being worked into the ground and have threatened strike action if something isn’t done about it. Are they right, or are they really carrying as heavy a workload as they suggest? Is it a top four issue only? Is it actually their demands for bigger and bigger salaries that is the main driver of the expanding fixture list?
From the 80s to the 90s
It’s the Doctor Who episode of our ongoing trawl through the footballing decades as, following his masterful hosting of the 70s and 80s series, Steven Scragg morphs seamlessly into Rob Fletcher, your master of ceremonies for the upcoming 90s pods. Get on board here.
One Love: Newcastle United
In a new series, Gary Thacker quizzes the team on the team they support. Why, best and worst moments, favourite players, those they’d like to forget, plus the nuclear question: could you ever support anyone else? Aidan Williams is first up with tales of a life in thrall to Newcastle United. Well, most of the time.
Whose club is it anyway?
Does it matter who owns our football clubs? That’s a question that goes to the heart of what English football is for in the 21st century and for whose benefit it operates. Delving into the detail are Rob Fletcher (Middlesbrough), Gary Thacker (Chelsea) and Matthew Gibbs (Birmingham).
Is league position more important than trophies?
Has league position - and the large cheque that comes with it - become more important than winning a trophy? Should a club get the open top bus out for finishing 13th rather than for winning the League Cup? And is the gulf between what the fans want and what the club’s accountants want now at breaking point?
The final years of Sir Alf Ramsay's England reign
End Of An Era makes a welcome return as Steven Scragg and Dave Bowler mull over the final years of Alf Ramsey’s tenure with England, as his side went from wingless wonders to winless wonders. Where did it all go wrong? We delve into the detail.
The Game: new Champions League, FFP, PSR and more
A new series exploring issues in the game today. The Champions League is nearly upon us and it has taken on a slightly bewildering new format. The team try to pick their way through that and any potentially unintended consequences that might arise, as well as looking back at the summer transfer window and the murky world of FFP, PSR and other acronyms. We reckon only Birmingham have got it sussed
Alan Kennedy and Newcastle's FA Cup run of 1973/74
Over the course of a glittering career, Alan Kennedy won pretty much everything that there was to win during his time with Liverpool, but the closest he got to an FA Cup winners medal was in his time at Newcastle , who went all the way to the final in 1974. Fifty years on, we spoke to Alan about a season of riots, tea dances and Tommy Smith.
Jim Cumbes and Aston Villa’s 1975 League Cup glory
Coming up to the 50th anniversary of Aston Villa’s 1975 League Cup win, the precursor to promotion from Division Two that season, Dave Bowler talks to Villa goalkeeper – and Worcestershire opening bowler – Jim Cumbes about that season.
The future of club ownership in Argentina
President Javier Milei’s drive to deregulate football ownership in Argentina could mean a massive change in club ownership. What could this result in for some of the continent’s biggest clubs? Gary Thacker, Pete Watson and Matthew Gibbs explore the implications.
Double Diamond: 100 Years of Umbro
For fans of football kits, we are taking you to podcast heaven as TFT’s very own Alex Ireland talks us through his new book, Double Diamond: 100 Years of Umbro. Rob Fletcher and Steven Scragg are suitably attired as they quiz Alex on the company that is more synonymous with football’s greatest kits and biggest moments than any other kit manufacturer.
Following Southgate ...
The football season is nearly upon us and that means we’ll fairly shortly be putting the league on hold for an international break. With that in mind, under the chairmanship of Gary Thacker, Chris Lepkowski, Dr David Turner and Dave Bowler reflect on Gareth Southgate’s tenure as England, debate the qualities his successor will need, and run the rule over the early favourites for the job.
Chaos, Controversy and that kung-fu kick
Rob Fletcher is back with his second book on 90s football, and a blockbuster it is too. 1994/95 is under the spotlight in Chaos, Controversy and That Kung-Fu Kick and Rob is with us to trawl through a campaign that had enough incident to last a decade. From Klinsmann to Cantona, bungs to drugs, and the SAS to the sack race, Alex Ireland and Dave Bowler join Rob on a riotous ride.
The South America Files: Uruguay 5s
The one where Gary Thacker breaks the podcast. Ahead of a new These Football Times magazine devoted to the might of Uruguayan football, the South America Files team tries to select the nation’s finest five-a-side team. Chaos ensues.
Néstor Lorenzo and the renaissance of Colombia
As Colombia prepare for their first Copa América final since 2001, Gary Thacker, Steven Scragg and Pete Watson trace the reasons for their renaissance under coach Néstor Loreno, look ahead to the final itself and discuss the domestic implications of their tournament exploits.
Los Leones: the unique story of Athletic Club
Author Christopher James Evans finds himself in the Centre Circle to discuss his excellent book on the history of Athletic Club. We would call it the last word on the club, but as they keep winning trophies, he has to keep adding chapters.
The South America Files: Argentina 5s
Pending a new in-depth South America Files series coming your way shortly, the team have produced this pilot project: pick the greatest five-a-side team possible from each of South America’s constituent countries. Think of it as the South America Files meets Mount Rushmore. We road test it by trying to compile Argentina’s finest five-a-side team.
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