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Go Deeper

59 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago - ★★★★★ - 11 ratings

Welcome to The Athletic's home of audio documentaries and special interview series from across the world of football.

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Episodes

Liverpool: A League Cup love affair

February 23, 2024 05:00 - 43 minutes

Ahead of appearing in their record 14th League Cup Final against Chelsea on Sunday, join Caoimhe O'Neill as we take you through Liverpool's nine previous League Cup wins. Jamie Carragher, Mark Lawrenson and Rob Jones all share their memories of winning the tournament with the Reds during their playing days, while Walk On regulars Tony Evans, Simon Hughes and James Pearce share the significance of each triumph along the way. Presented by Caoimhe O'Neill Produced by Guy Clarke Written by Guy Cl...

Bukayo Saka: Arsenal and England’s starboy

September 07, 2023 04:00 - 28 minutes

There’s no doubt that Bukayo Saka is Arsenal and England’s starboy. The individual accolades have been piling up ever since his name first cropped up on the teamsheet. Listed for the FIFA Golden Boy Award in 2021, he is the back to back England Men’s Player of the Season, twice he has been awarded Arsenal Men’s Player of the Season, he's the PFA Young Player of the Year for 2022-23, and now FIFA Balon d'Or nominee 2023. In short the 22 year old’s career is on the up and up. Over the course o...

Access All Areas: Brentford - Episode 4: European ambitions and the Ivan Toney dilemma

July 24, 2023 04:15 - 29 minutes

To round up our series on Brentford we answer the outstanding questions on the Bees. What next for star striker Ivan Toney following his ban from football by the FA? How far up the Premier League table can the club go? And what are the club doing behind the scenes to ensure that they can keep improving year on year? Plus we hear about the women's team and how the club are supporting them. Hear from Chief Exec Jon Varney, Head Coach Thomas Frank, Captain Christian Norgaard, Performance Directo...

Access All Areas: Brentford - Episode 3: Eriksen, Rowan, and the Heart of West London

July 24, 2023 04:10 - 30 minutes

Brentford Football Club suffered a devastating loss to their staff in November 2018 when Technical Director Robert Rowan passed away in his sleep aged just 28 due to a fatal cardiomyopathy episode. Christian Eriksen, the Danish international who had a heart attack on the pitch in 2021, was lucky. He survived and went on to play for Brentford from January 2022. In this episode we bring you their stories and tell you about the work that the club is doing with their community to raise awareness ...

Access All Areas: Brentford - Episode 2: How to build a Premier League team

July 24, 2023 04:05 - 27 minutes

What are the questions reporter Jay Harris gets asked the most? How does Brentford's recruitment work? And are they the moneyball club? Well in episode two we get all the answers, or at least as many as we could, from the staff and players at Brentford FC. Hear from Technical Director Lee Dykes as he explains how he's built a unique data system to make sure Brentford can recruit the very best talent, at a much cheaper price than the rest of the Premier League. Plus he tells us how he builds s...

Access All Areas: Brentford - Episode 1: A bus stop in Hounslow

July 24, 2023 04:00 - 26 minutes

Jay Harris is given access all areas to one of the most intriguing clubs in the Premier League: Brentford. The club had the lowest wage bill in the top tier and yet were able to do the double over champions Manchester City and in their short two year stay (so far) in the league, beaten the big six at least once. So how do they do it? That's what we're here to tell you. First up, a whizz through the history of Brentford since owner Matthew Benham took over. Hear from Chief Exec Jon Varney, Hea...

The Making of Messi: Part Three - Leaving a Legacy

July 21, 2023 04:10 - 29 minutes

In the third and final episode of this documentary series, presenter Mike Zimmermann explores the legacy that Lionel Messi will leave behind. Matt Slater explains the motives behind the Saudi Pro League, and why Messi turned down nearly half $1 billion annually in favor of Major League Soccer. The relationship between Messi and Inter Miami started back in 2018 — Paul Tenorio takes us through the initial interest from Miami, the inner workings of a contract that includes equity and profit-shar...

The Making of Messi: Part Two - Coming to America

July 21, 2023 04:05 - 29 minutes

In the second episode of this documentary series, presenter Mike Zimmermann explores what Lionel Messi’s arrival will mean for American Soccer. Pablo Maurer looks back at the stars who have tried to crack the USA, while Felipe Cardenas looks ahead to how Messi and Inter Miami will attempt to build on this. You'll also hear from Ex-MLS players Bradley Wright-Phillips and Nedum Onuoha, who talk us through playing Soccer in the States, and how they think the Argentine will fit in. Produced by Ja...

The Making of Messi: Part One - Becoming the GOAT

July 21, 2023 04:00 - 37 minutes

Welcome to the Making of Messi, our new three-part narrative series.  Following in the footsteps of former stars of the footballing world like Pele, David Beckham and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Lionel Messi is attempting to crack the US with his move to Inter Miami. The Argentine has won it all in domestic and international football over a glittering career at Barcelona, PSG and for his country, Argentina. In the first episode of this audio documentary series, presenter Mike Zimmermann takes us o...

Football on Turkey's Fault Line: Part Two - 'Kahraman' means Hero

June 09, 2023 04:00 - 22 minutes

In part two, The Athletic's Adam Leventhal continues his journey along the Turkish fault line, to reveal more stories of remarkable heroism, tragedy and finding refuge in football, four months on from the earthquakes. As all eyes fall on Istanbul and the glamour of a Champions League final, Adam finds a technical director who pulled five people out of the rubble, the story of a goalkeeper's wife whose cry for help sent shockwaves around the world, and visits Iskenderenspor - the team that pla...

Football on Turkey's Fault Line: Part One - Christian Atsu's Hatayspor

June 08, 2023 04:00 - 21 minutes

In the first of this two-part audio documentary series, The Athletic's Adam Leventhal heads to the capital of Turkey's south-eastern province of Hatay - home of first-division side Hatayspor - where former Ghana international and Premier League winger Christian Atsu scored a last-minute free kick, just hours before the first earthquake hit on February 6th. Adam interviews head coach and former Turkish international goalkeeper Volkan Demirel, as well as various other people connected to Hatays...

Geoff Thomas - from three months to live, to riding the Tour de France

June 07, 2022 03:00 - 37 minutes

Former Crystal Palace, Wolves and England midfielder Geoff Thomas was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia in 2003 and was given just three months to live - this is the story of how he overcame that diagnosis and dedicated his life to raising vital money to raise awareness of and help find a cure for the disease. This conversation with Kelly Cates details Geoff's amazing story, from how that moment changed his life forever, how a crucial stem cell transplant saved him, and how he now rides...

Luke Chadwick on how public abuse affected his mental health

May 31, 2022 03:00 - 50 minutes

Luke Chadwick broke into the Manchester United first team in 1999 aged just 19, he was the latest fledging talent from the United academy production line, but despite his promising impact on the pitch he quickly found himself the butt of a series of cruel jokes about his appearance In this episode Luke talks to Kelly Cates and Geoff Thomas about why it took him twenty years to speak openly about how this affected him and how important it is to speak up and be open about your mental health. -...

Troy Townsend on the death of his son Kurtis and learning to deal with grief

May 24, 2022 04:00 - 52 minutes

Troy Townsend, head of development at Kick It Out, sits down with Kelly Cates and Geoff Thomas to discuss the death of his son Kurtis in a car accident in 2001 and how he and his family coped with the tragedy. Troy is father to six children, including Kurtis and current Everton midfielder Andros, and in this conversation he speaks honestly and emotionally about his relationships with them, and how over twenty years later he is still learning to deal with grief. Learn more about your ad choice...

Rebuilding Sean Highdale - surviving a coma and making it to the Paralympics

May 17, 2022 03:00 - 42 minutes

As a 17-year-old Sean Highdale had signed professional terms with Liverpool and looked set to follow in the footsteps of Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher into the first team, but in 2008 a car crash changed everything, sending him into a coma and killing two of his friends. This is the story of his journey back from life threatening injuries including a broken neck, a shattered knee and a kidney removal, to once again playing football as a professional and how in 2016 he unexpectedly found ...

Paul Stewart on the sexual abuse he suffered as a youth player

May 10, 2022 04:01 - 54 minutes

In 2016 former Tottenham, Liverpool and England midfielder Paul Stewart made the decision to open up about the sexual abuse he suffered from a youth-team coach when he was a young footballer. For more than 40 years, Paul had done whatever he could to suppress or even erase the thoughts and images that haunted him. In this episode, Paul discusses how it has impacted his life and how he's trying to prevent it happening again. Before you begin this podcast we want to let you know that this episo...

Sol Bamba - from cancer diagnosis to Cardiff return in five months

May 03, 2022 03:00 - 39 minutes

Former Cardiff and current Middlesbrough defender Sol Bamba was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in January 2021 Still at Cardiff at the time, he quickly underwent gruelling chemotherapy but managed to come through it and make his return to the pitch in the final minutes of the 2020/21 season - this conversation is the story of that journey and how it has changed his outlook on life for the better. --- In 2003, former Crystal Palace and England midfielder Geoff Thomas was diagnosed with ch...

Gary Lineker on his son's battle with leukaemia

April 26, 2022 03:00 - 35 minutes

In the first of a new series Kelly Cates and Geoff Thomas are joined by Gary Lineker who opens up about his son George's battle with leukaemia as a very young baby, and reflects upon those days spent with George in hospital in 1992 and the lasting impact they made... ... In 2003, former Crystal Palace and England midfielder Geoff Thomas was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia and given three months to live. After a stem cell transplant he overcame the disease and has spent the last twent...

Introducing The Moment with Kelly Cates and Geoff Thomas

April 22, 2022 12:11 - 2 minutes

In 2003, former Crystal Palace and England midfielder Geoff Thomas was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukaemia and given three months to live. After a stem cell transplant he overcame the disease and has spent the last twenty years raising money for vital research and funding. In this series Kelly Cates and Geoff Thomas talk to footballers who have also overcome life-changing moments of adversity. We'll hear inspiring stories from the likes of Gary Lineker, Sol Bamba, Paul Stewart, Luke Chad...

Euro Stories: 2016

July 09, 2021 18:00 - 47 minutes

On the eve of England's first ever Euro final, we look back at their darkest day in the tournament when Roy Hodgson's side crashed out to Iceland at France 2016. Oh, how we laughed at the time. Elsewhere, Wales made history, Italy and Germany participated in the worst penalty shoot out of all time, and Portugal and Ronaldo had a shot at redemption. It's Euro 2016, it's brought to you by those who were there from across the continent, and it's right here. Your experts in this episode: Stefa...

Euro Stories: 2012

July 07, 2021 16:34 - 47 minutes

It's the year the world was supposedly destined to end, but thankfully the Mayan calendar wasn't synced with ours and 2012 carried on meaning we could enjoy Euro 2012! Four years after tiki taka graced our pitches, it's back and ready for more - but are we? This is the tournament that brought two groups of death, Andy Carroll, and a lot of spying. It's Euro 2012, it's brought to you by those who were there from across the continent, and it's right here. Teams: Group A: Czech Republic, Greece,...

Euro Stories: 2008

June 30, 2021 14:29 - 48 minutes

It's 2008 and the world is obsessed with Barack Obama and Beyonce, over here we're more interested in events at Austria and Switzerland because it's Euro 2008 and it's great. Yes, there's no England, they failed in the rain at Wembley against Croatia. But there's Spain's tiki taka, Turkey's late late goal scoring, and one hell of a thunderstorm. Oh, and there's the French doing, well, nothing really. It's Euro 2008 and it's here. Voices: Host: Iain Macintosh Guests: Elko Born, Sasha Goryunov,...

Euro Stories: 2004

June 22, 2021 14:06 - 47 minutes

We arrive at 2004, the year of Frankee and Eamonn's musical back and forth, the blackberry, and one of the most unexpected tournaments in Euros history. We're in Portugal where there are teams on the up, like England, and teams on the down, like Germany. And this time there's a dark horse that no one expects will actually do anything apart from enjoy being there. How we never learn. This is Euro 2004 brought to you by the voices that lived and breathed it from across the continent. Teams: Gro...

Euro Stories: 2000

June 15, 2021 09:33 - 44 minutes

Ladies and gentlemen, it's the year 2000 and whilst we might all have enjoyed some Roman Gladiator gore at the cinema, sending pictures via text, and donning our Juicy Couture tracksuits (oo, get you) there's some serious football to be played. Specifically in the regions of Belgium and The Netherlands as 16 of the best teams in Europe gathered to do battle. This tournament brought us the madness that was FR Yugoslavia 3-4 Spain, a big England win followed by a bigger England loss, and a team...

Euro Stories: 1996

June 02, 2021 23:00 - 46 minutes

Football's coming home to England in this Euro 96 episode - if you can bear to relive it! We've got twice the amount of teams as before, a lot of optimism, and, of course, twists and turns as one team really ruffles some feathers. It's Euro 96 brought to you by the voices that lived and breathed it from across the continent. Teams Group A: England, Netherlands, Scotland and Switzerland Group B: Bulgaria, France, Romania and Spain Group C: Czech Republic, Germany, Italy and Russia Group D: Cro...

Euro Stories: 1992

June 01, 2021 23:00 - 36 minutes

It's 1992 and we are in Sweden for a tournament full of twists and turns, and a surprise addition who no one expects much off. Join journalists from across the continent as they relive this contest and its unexpected results. Teams Group 1: Denmark, England, France and Sweden Group 2: CIS, Germany, The Netherlands and Scotland Voices Host: Iain Macintosh Guests: Elko Born, Niels Harild, James Horncastle, Rafael Honigstein, Sasa Ibrulj, Oliver Kay, Julien Laurens, Olof Lundh, and Stewart Wei...

Euro Stories: 1988

May 31, 2021 23:00 - 31 minutes

This is the story of Euro 88 told by experts from across the continent bringing their memories and stories as well as the facts and the iconic moments from the tournament. Without a single goalless draw or a sending off it is a tournament filled with drama and unexpected moments. Teams Group 1: Denmark, Italy, Spain, and West Germany Group 2: England, Ireland, Netherlands, and the Soviet Union Voices Host: Iain Macintosh Guests: Elko Born, Dion Fanning, Sasha Goryunov, James Horncastle, Raf...

Trailer - Euro Stories: The History of the European Championships

May 26, 2021 15:16 - 1 minute

Coming soon... head back in time to the European Championships of years gone by to hear memories, stories and music from some of your favourite football journalists.

4. The Fall and Rise of Rangers: Champions

March 29, 2021 04:03 - 37 minutes

In our final episode we tell the Steven Gerrard story, from those who played with him at Liverpool, to those who worked with him as a pundit, to the man who hired him for the Rangers job, and we hear from Gerrard himself. As for Rangers we answer questions about how they did it, and how they overtook Celtic's nine years of dominance, and whether this is the start of a new era where Rangers will be dominating Scottish football. Show Notes Become a subscriber to The Athletic here and hear this ...

3. The Fall and Rise of Rangers: The Frustration

March 29, 2021 04:02 - 28 minutes

In this episode we get the inside story on Mark Warburton's time at Rangers ask how he created a side that eased to the Championship title, but then quickly capitulated in the Premiership. And we ask whether there was anything good to come from the abysmal reign of Pedro Caixinha. Show Notes Become a subscriber to The Athletic here and hear this podcast, and others, without ads. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2. The Fall and Rise of Rangers: The Restart

March 29, 2021 04:01 - 28 minutes

In this episode we head down to the fourth division and ask: why did Rangers make such hard work of an apparently easy task? What’s Ally McCoist’s lasting legacy? And importantly, was any of it fun? Hear the story of Rangers' first game against Brechin City, through their promotions up to the Championship where the Rangers machine stuttered in the play off final to Motherwell. Show Notes Become a subscriber to The Athletic here and hear this podcast, and others, without ads. Learn more about ...

1. The Fall and Rise of Rangers: The Fall

March 29, 2021 04:00 - 24 minutes

Rangers didn’t just win the Scottish Premiership this year, they absolutely obliterated the field, unbeaten at the time of writing and with the added bonus of stopping Celtic win their tenth title in a row. It’s been quite a journey back to the top, a journey they started from the very bottom. Over the course of the next four episodes you will hear the full story about why Rangers fell in the first place, how they climbed back to the summit of Scottish Football, and a rookie manager with no e...

TRAILER - The Fall and Rise of Rangers

March 17, 2021 09:12 - 2 minutes

Coming soon, the comprehensive story of Rangers fall from the Premiership and rise back through the leagues to the Premiership title

Justin Fashanu: The Untold Story of Britain's First Gay Footballer

February 22, 2021 12:00 - 35 minutes

Justin Fashanu would have been 60 this year. Everyone knows how he died, but what about how he lived? This 'Beyond The Headline' special explores Fashanu's experiences as a result of becoming the first British male footballer to come out as gay, the struggles and contradictions of his life, a complicated legacy and its impact on the sport today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

3. The Making of Big Sam: The Present and Future of Big Sam

February 01, 2021 06:10 - 23 minutes

There are many questions around the ability and character of Big Sam: Why do clubs keep hiring Sam Allardyce? And why do clubs then often get rid of him? Is he best at clubs that really need him, rather than clubs that he needs? Of course the biggest one right now is has he bitten off more than even he can chew at West Brom? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2. The Making of Big Sam: Glory Years and Unending Trauma

February 01, 2021 06:05 - 30 minutes

When Sam Allardyce arrived at Bolton they were in the bottom half of the second tier. Eight years later, he left the club as Premier League stalwarts with a couple of trips to Europe and a string of bloodied noses in their wake. After an ill-fated spell at Newcastle his career since then has been a patchwork of clubs who’ve hired Allardyce because they have to, not necessarily because they want to, and it hasn’t ended well at most of them. Including, of course, his one-game spell as England m...

1. The Making of Big Sam: The Beginning

February 01, 2021 06:00 - 25 minutes

Sam Allardyce was, unsurprisingly, a no-nonsense centre-back in his playing days, but a brief spell in America opened his eyes to a more advanced way of approaching football, which informed his work as a manager. We look at those early days, what he did then and how they shaped the Sam Allardyce that became Big Sam Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

TRAILER - The Making of Big Sam

January 31, 2021 11:30 - 2 minutes

Sam Allardyce seemingly can’t quit English football, and English football can’t quit him. But why? Why does football keep coming back to Sam Allardyce?  To answer those questions, and more, you’ll from Big Sam himself, those who have worked for him, and those who’ve witnessed the full Big Sam experience. You can hear it all from February 1 - and ad free via The Athletic app.

Pep Talk: What Next For City? Part Two

December 10, 2020 13:03 - 25 minutes

Manchester City gathered a staggering 198 points in Pep Guardiola’s second and third seasons at the club. But since then, things haven’t gone so well, so in Episode Two of this two-part special on Guardiola, we wonder whether it actually is good for the club that he’s signed a new contract, whether he can fix their problems and whether he will actually see out that new deal… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2. Pep Talk: What Next For City? After the contract

December 10, 2020 13:03 - 25 minutes

Manchester City gathered a staggering 198 points in Pep Guardiola’s second and third seasons at the club. But since then, things haven’t gone so well, so in Episode Two of this two-part special on Guardiola, we wonder whether it actually is good for the club that he’s signed a new contract, whether he can fix their problems and whether he will actually see out that new deal… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2. Pep Talk: What Next For City?

December 10, 2020 13:03 - 25 minutes

Manchester City gathered a staggering 198 points in Pep Guardiola’s second and third seasons at the club. But since then, things haven’t gone so well, so in Episode Two of this two-part special on Guardiola, we wonder whether it actually is good for the club that he’s signed a new contract, whether he can fix their problems and whether he will actually see out that new deal… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1. Pep Talk: What Next For City?

December 10, 2020 13:00 - 30 minutes

Pep Guardiola tends to burn brightly, but relatively briefly. He spent four years at Barcelona before the pressures of managing them became too much, and three years at Bayern which were glorious domestically, but he fell short in Europe. In Episode One of our two-part special, we look at what his time in Spain and Germany could tell us about his future in England, with Manchester City. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1. Pep Talk: What Next For City? Before the contract

December 10, 2020 13:00 - 30 minutes

Pep Guardiola tends to burn brightly, but relatively briefly. He spent four years at Barcelona before the pressures of managing them became too much, and three years at Bayern which were glorious domestically, but he fell short in Europe. In Episode One of our two-part special, we look at what his time in Spain and Germany could tell us about his future in England, with Manchester City. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pep Talk: What Next For City? Part One

December 10, 2020 13:00 - 30 minutes

Pep Guardiola tends to burn brightly, but relatively briefly. He spent four years at Barcelona before the pressures of managing them became too much, and three years at Bayern which were glorious domestically, but he fell short in Europe. In Episode One of our two-part special, we look at what his time in Spain and Germany could tell us about his future in England, with Manchester City. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

TRAILER Pep Talk: What Next For City?

December 10, 2020 11:28 - 1 minute

In November 2019, Pep Guardiola signed a new contract at Manchester City, which would take his time at the club to seven years. On a two-part special of Beyond The Headline, we consider whether this is actually good news for City. Can he fix the problems that have become evident in the last two seasons? What does his past tell us about City’s future?

Neymar - The Transfer That Changed The World: Part Three - After The Transfer

December 02, 2020 15:30 - 27 minutes

The €222million fee that PSG paid for Neymar is so big that it may never be topped, but its significance extends far beyond that. We explain how it changed football in France, how it contributed to Leo Messi almost leaving Barcelona, and how it allowed Liverpool to build their current great team… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

3. Neymar - The Transfer That Changed The World

December 02, 2020 15:30 - 28 minutes

The €222million fee that PSG paid for Neymar is so big that it may never be topped, but its significance extends far beyond that. We explain how it changed football in France, how it contributed to Leo Messi almost leaving Barcelona, and how it allowed Liverpool to build their current great team… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2. Neymar - The Transfer That Changed The World

November 30, 2020 06:02 - 25 minutes

In the summer of 2017, PSG had absolutely no plans to sign Neymar or any superstar, intending instead to build sensibly. Then they got a call that changed not only their plans, but the football world. This is how and why the most significant transfer of all time happened… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1. Neymar - The Transfer That Changed The World

November 30, 2020 06:00 - 22 minutes

Neymar was a household name before he even made his debut for Santos. We explore how he quickly became the most important player for not only his club but country, his controversial move to Barcelona and what should have been his greatest night at the Nou Camp… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Neymar - The Transfer That Changed The World: Part One - Before The Transfer

November 30, 2020 06:00 - 22 minutes

Neymar was a household name before he even made his debut for Santos. We explore how he quickly became the most important player for not only his club but country, his controversial move to Barcelona and what should have been his greatest night at the Nou Camp… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices