Playmaker
208 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 3 ratingsThe Playmaker from Tortoise - one story every day to make sense of the beautiful game.
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Episodes
Ep 92: Manchester United's new employee
December 15, 2021 05:00 - 7 minutes - 9.82 MBManchester 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? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Ep 92: Manchester United's new employee
December 15, 2021 05:00 - 7 minutes - 9.82 MBManchester 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? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep 91: Maldini's Milan
December 14, 2021 05:00 - 6 minutes - 15 MBPaolo 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? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep 91: Maldini's Milan
December 14, 2021 05:00 - 6 minutes - 15 MBPaolo 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? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Ep 90: What's going on at the PFA?
December 13, 2021 05:00 - 6 minutes - 15.4 MBThe 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? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep 89: Sergio Ramos - a galactico too far?
December 10, 2021 05:00 - 5 minutes - 12 MBThe Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos signed for Paris Saint Germain, and pocketed a fortune. Then he disappeared. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep 88: Sergio Aguero and the anti-vaxxers
December 09, 2021 02:00 - 5 minutes - 13.2 MBHow a new conspiracy – about the Covid-19 vaccine causing players to collapse on the pitch – has taken hold. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep 87: The grand old team
December 08, 2021 05:00 - 6 minutes - 14.2 MBEverton'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? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep 87: The grand old team
December 08, 2021 05:00 - 6 minutes - 14.2 MBEverton'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? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Ep 86: The Newcastle snub
December 07, 2021 02:00 - 5 minutes - 12.1 MBFormer 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? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep 86: The Newcastle snub
December 07, 2021 02:00 - 5 minutes - 12.1 MBFormer 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? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Ep 85: Rainbow laces - are they enough?
December 06, 2021 05:00 - 6 minutes - 14.3 MBThe 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? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Ep 85: Rainbow laces
December 06, 2021 05:00 - 6 minutes - 14.3 MBThe 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? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep 84: Cristiano Ronaldo's sour grapes
December 03, 2021 05:00 - 5 minutes - 12.1 MBThis 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep 83: The Premier League fights back
December 02, 2021 05:00 - 6 minutes - 16 MBThe MP Tracey Crouch's fan led review is creating waves. Is one of the world's most successful leagues under threat? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep 82: Changing the way football is run
December 01, 2021 05:00 - 6 minutes - 15.4 MBThe 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep 81: Prostate United
November 30, 2021 02:00 - 5 minutes - 11.9 MBProstate cancer is the most common cancer in men. Now Luton FC and Mick Harford are putting up a fight. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep 80: Conte and the ketchup
November 29, 2021 05:00 - 5 minutes - 13.6 MBThe new Spurs manager, Antonio Conte, has banned his players from eating ketchup. Is no condiment safe? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep 79: Ballon d’Or – the unhealthy obsession
November 26, 2021 05:00 - 6 minutes - 14.7 MBOn 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? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep 78: The Rainbow Team
November 25, 2021 05:00 - 6 minutes - 8.36 MBFrance'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? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep 77: Gareth Southgate: the "nearly" man?
November 24, 2021 00:00 - 5 minutes - 12.9 MBThis week, Gareth Southgate extended his contract with England until 2024. But will he always just be the “nearly” man? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep 76: Afghan women footballers - lives on the line
November 23, 2021 05:00 - 6 minutes - 15.2 MBKim 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep 75: The fall and rise of Stockport County
November 22, 2021 05:00 - 6 minutes - 14.8 MBFor years, Stockport County have been on the slide. Have they finally found the way back up? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep 74: The vanishing millions
November 19, 2021 05:00 - 6 minutes - 14.1 MBVanishing 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep 73: Scotland's revolution?
November 18, 2021 05:00 - 6 minutes - 15.3 MBScotland just won their sixth consecutive game for the first time in 90 years. Is their boss Steve Clarke finally pulling out all the stops? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep 72: Graham Potter - sleeping away from home
November 17, 2021 05:00 - 6 minutes - 16 MBThe Brighton manager, Graham Potter, has been sleeping rough to publicise a campaign to end homelessness. Can he make a difference? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep 71: The super 6,000
November 16, 2021 02:00 - 7 minutes - 16.6 MBThe FA have set a three-year target of 6,000 strong crowds for Women’s Super League fixtures. Can they do it? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep 70: Men against boys
November 15, 2021 02:00 - 6 minutes - 15 MBSince 2016, 16 Premier League or ‘category one’ academies have entered teams into the EFL Trophy to gain valuable experience. The changes aren't working. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep 69: A game without the name
November 12, 2021 05:00 - 6 minutes - 14.2 MBTalks 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep 68: No place for sentiment
November 11, 2021 02:00 - 6 minutes - 14.8 MBDean 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep 67: England's right-back puzzle
November 10, 2021 05:00 - 5 minutes - 13.7 MBTrent Alexander-Arnold is arguably the best right-back in world football. Why isn't he first choice for England? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep 66: Can Xavi fix Barca?
November 09, 2021 05:00 - 7 minutes - 18 MBBarcelona 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep 65: The one per cent club
November 08, 2021 05:00 - 6 minutes - 13.8 MBCommon 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep 64: What happened to home advantage?
November 05, 2021 05:00 - 7 minutes - 16.2 MBIt 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? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep 63: The Moyesiah
November 04, 2021 05:00 - 8 minutes - 18.5 MBDavid Moyes was sacked by Man Utd and ridiculed at Real Sociedad. At West Ham, he's risen again - spectacularly. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep 62: The genius of Jeff
November 03, 2021 05:00 - 5 minutes - 12.5 MBJeff Stelling is stepping down from Soccer Saturday on Sky. A football nation mourns. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep 61: Antonio Conte - Mr 100%
November 02, 2021 05:00 - 8 minutes - 18.8 MBHe'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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep 60: Carli Lloyd's farewell
November 01, 2021 04:00 - 7 minutes - 16.6 MBCarli Lloyd, the American GOAT superstar, is bidding farewell to her international career. But behind the success, there has been a price to pay... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep 59: The Karim Benzema puzzle
October 29, 2021 04:00 - 5 minutes - 13 MBReal 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep 58: Not just a surname?
October 28, 2021 04:00 - 7 minutes - 16.6 MBRomano Floriani Mussolini has signed for the Italian side Lazio. He's not even played for their first team, and is already making headlines. Why? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep 58: Not just a surname?
October 28, 2021 04:00 - 7 minutes - 16.6 MBRomano Floriani Mussolini has signed for the Italian side Lazio. He's not even played for their first team, and is already making headlines. Why? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Ep 57: Not so golden
October 27, 2021 01:30 - 6 minutes - 14.3 MBDavid 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep 56: Shut up and dribble
October 26, 2021 04:00 - 6 minutes - 14.2 MBMarcus Rashford has become as much an activist as a footballer. Can any player successfully balance on- and off-the-field activities? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep 55: Keeping it in the football family
October 25, 2021 04:00 - 5 minutes - 7.64 MBThe 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep 54: Fact, fiction and football
October 22, 2021 04:00 - 4 minutes - 9.92 MBIn the TV hit Succession, a made-up media mogul accidentally buys Hearts FC. It's turned into a real-life good news story. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep 53: When will Newcastle win the league?
October 21, 2021 04:00 - 6 minutes - 13.9 MBIt'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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep 52: The best reject in the world
October 20, 2021 04:00 - 6 minutes - 15.4 MBLiverpool'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? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep 51: Sir Alex Ferguson's shadow
October 19, 2021 04:00 - 7 minutes - 17.6 MBOle Gunnar Solskjaer is struggling at Man Utd. Does the continuing presence of his illustrious predecessor, Sir Alex Ferguson, help or hinder him? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep 50: Calming down football
October 18, 2021 04:00 - 6 minutes - 14.9 MBThe atmosphere at a football match can be frenzied - too frenzied for people with autism. Now some clubs are finding ways to calm things down. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep 49: Racism: the receiving end
October 15, 2021 04:00 - 8 minutes - 18.5 MBTwo 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.