If there’s one thing football fans love, it’s sharing their opinions about ‘the beautiful game’, and with the season about to reach it’s climax more fans than ever are tuning into football podcasts to revel in their team’s success, wallow in it’s failures or simply keep up to date with all the drama. But alongside our favourite preview and reaction shows, there’s a whole host of other types of football podcasts just waiting to be listened to. Whether it’s in-depth tactical analysis, a good dose of nostalgia, or a sideways glance at the more humorous side of the game, there appears to be something for everyone. Here’s my selection of 15 of the best football podcasts to listen to in 2023.

Football Ramble

From a few mates sat around a kitchen table, to a professionally-produced daily show with a rotating cast of presenters, the Football Ramble has changed quite a bit since 2007. One thing that’s been a mainstay is the level of entertainment. The Ramble gang never take themselves too seriously and, while things can often get silly (in the best possible way) they consistently tackle each aspect of the game with a nuanced and thoughtful approach. Listen now >> 

Totally Football Show

After years at the helm of The Guardian Football Weekly, long-time fans were stunned when James Richardson abruptly left in 2017. Within days, the first episode of Totally Football Show was out, and the show has gone from strength to strength ever since. Expertly guided by the legendary former anchor of Football Italia on Channel 4, the pod features an eclectic mix of supporting talent from the world of football journalism, providing expert insight and analysis of the Premier League, European football and beyond. Listen now >> 

The Guardian Football Weekly

One of the longest-running football pods, first broadcast in 2006. Football Weekly set the bar with regular news, reviews and matchday previews. After host James Richardson left in 2017, long-time stand-in Max Rushden assumed the role, arguably taking the show to even greater heights with the help of regular co-host Barry Glendenning. While the main focus is English football, the Guardian’s long list of European-based journalists can always be relied on to give expert insight on events in La Liga, Serie A, the Bundesliga and beyond. Listen now >> 

Wrighty’s House

Wrighty’s House features legendary ex footballer and popular pundit Ian Wright speaking with a rotating cast of co-hosts about both mens and woman’s football. Wrighty’s infectious enthusiasm and unapologetic honesty make this a must listen, but the way he elevates and learns from each of his co-hosts is also a joy to behold. Not only does he bring his own wealth of knowledge to the table, he’s always open to learning and taking on other opinions. A Pod Bible favourite that’s available twice weekly.  Listen now >> 

The Offside Rule

Women’s football continues to rise in both profile and popularity, with big TV deals, proper press coverage, breakout pundits like Alex Scott and Karen Carney and of course the England Women’s Euro’s win all helping the cause. As one of the first podcassts focusing exclusively on the women’s game The Offside Rule continues to lead the way, reporting on the Women’s Super League, Championship and more. Lynsey Hooper, Kait Borsay and Hayley McQueen are passionate and engaging hosts who actively promote female inclusion in every element of the game. Listen now >> 

Touchline Fracas

A show for the everyday fan, featuring fascinating debates between passionate supporters so often unheard by mainstream media. Weekly episodes cover all areas of the Premier League, while they also host individual club podcasts focusing on Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Spurs and Manchester United. Touchline Fracas is a predominantly Black-owned media platform that by utilising fans, provides a refreshing alternative to the shows dominated by journalists, pundits and former pros. Listen now >> 

Counter Pressed

A more recent addition to the roster of podcast’s looking at the women’s game, Counter Pressed features journalist Flo Lloyd-Hughes and a rotating cast of friends for this twice weekly deep dive into the WSL and much more. As a regular guest on the aforementioned Wrighty’s House, Flo brings a similar vibe to this twice weekly show that, no matter the lineup, brings a consistent chemistry between it’s co-hosts.  Listen now >> 

The Overlap with Gary Neville

After cementing himself as one of, if the the country’s leading football pundit, Gary Neville has proven equally as adept in podcasting as he speaks to some of the biggest names from football and the wider sporting world. Gary goes deep with his guests, refelcting on their careers and vulnerabilities in revealing long form interviews. Guests so far have inlcuded Harry Kane, Jill Scott, David Beckham and UEFA President Alexsander Čeferin.    Listen now >> 

GIANT

If you’re looking for a change from the daily review shows, GIANT’s documentary-style episodes are a great place to start. Produced by the team behind Mundial magazine alongside Spotify, GIANT focuses on specific stories from the history of football, often speaking to the people who were directly involved. Whether telling a story from the grassroots of lower league football or celebrating the essence of what made a former great great, each episode is beautifully produced and deeply captivating. Listen now >> 

Stadio

When founders Ryan Hunn and Musa Okwonga started Stadio, their aim was to cover much more than just the Premier League. From far-flung European leagues, to wider societal and political issues off the pitch, Ryan and Musa speak passionately and sensitively about the game they love, whatever the subject. A twice-weekly show that will quickly become an essential part of your podcast library, especially if you’re a fan of a beautifully crafted analogy… Listen now >> 

Tifo Football Podcast

The Tifo Football Podcast was created off the back of their popular YouTube channel, with the aim of providing in-depth tactical, historical and geopolitical breakdowns of the beautiful game. The chemistry between the hosts is infectious, and their detailed analysis of often overlooked areas of the game really differentiate them from the pack. Interested in how transfers work post Brexit? Keen to drill down into Premier League tactical trends? Intrigued by full time Fantasy Football players? Tifo has got you covered.  Listen now >> 

Football Cliches

The language of football is unique, bizarre and, of course, riddled with cliché. What is a ‘proper football man’? How late in a game can you score the ‘opener’? What’s the difference between ‘swooping’ for a signing and ‘splashing the cash’? These linguistic quandaries and many more are all examined here. In its forensic and borderline obsessive analysis of how we talk about the game, Football Cliches mines a rich seam of humour and absurdity. Each episode focuses on a specific element of the language of football, and assesses what we talk about when we talk about goals, kits, celebrations, transfer windows and more. Listen now >> 

That Peter Crouch Podcast

Peter Crouch’s podcast has gained a vast following since debuting on BBC Radio 5 Live in 2018. The ex England striker already had a reputation as a charismatic character, but the show’s format enables his playful personality to shine even brighter. The main attraction is Crouch’s ability to regale his co-hosts with anecdotes and behind-the-scenes knowledge from his playing days, but his analysis of the modern game is also worth tuning in for. Listen now >> 

Quickly Kevin, Will He Score?

Named after the infamous piece of commentary between Brian Moore and Kevin Keegan at France ‘98 and positively dripping with 90s nostalgia. Hosts Josh Widdicombe, Michael Marden and Chris Scull delight in reminiscing about the ‘golden age’ of the Premier League, interviewing cult heroes from Matt Le Tissier and Paul Merson, to Carlton Palmer and Graeme Le Saux. There’s been no new epsiodes since December 2022 but considering the focus is on nostalgia the content remains timeless. Perfect if you yearn for the simpler times of sticker albums, jumpers for goalposts and staying up for Match of the Day. Listen now >> 

The Blizzard

Highly-respected football writer Jonathan Wilson and the Football Ramble’s Marcus Speller are joined by a guest each week for a deep dive into one of football’s ‘greatest games’. Focusing on a single game gives the show the breathing space needed to closely examine every aspect of the match, from the context around the fixture at the time, to the action on the pitch and ramifications for all involved. Although episode’s stopped being released in November 2021 these A refreshing change from the swift analysis necessary in more general round-up shows. Listen now >> 

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In this interview from Issue #024 Acast sat down with two of the hosts from Women’s Football Podcast Boots, Balls & Bras – Eartha Pond and Bex Smith to chat starting their podcast and success of women’s football this year.

EARTHA: I’ve always had ‘doing a Podcast’ on my ‘To Do List’ and wanted to start recording during the Euros (with the spotlight on Women’s Football in mind). However, post retiring Fara Williams (the third host) also expressed an interest in doing a podcast and she never stops talking – so it was a natural fit! Bex Smith is a player I’ve got to know off the pitch and also has similar passion for the game. Bex already has a portfolio around the game and great social commentary so it was a no brainer to get her as part of the dream team.

BEX: Yeah, after hosting The Players Podcast I was looking for different ways to drive conversation with my own take on the game in a broader and more unique kind of way. The initial reaction has been overwhelmingly positive. Because the topics are not just ‘scores’ and ‘game analysis’ but touch on broader topics that anyone can relate to, we’ve received really positive feedback from non-traditional women’s football fans. And that’s the aim.

EARTHA: The main challenge we have found starting the pod I’d say, is scheduling time to physically be together to talk football and social issues, purely because we are all aspirational women in our own rights carving a career off the field now. However, long term goals are to continue having open and honest conversations around the game and the impact it can have socially. Where we can support positive change, through voices heard via our platform resulting in action.

BEX: We wanted to make sure Boots, Balls & Bras is a podcast touching on global issues and highlights in the game on and off the pitch. While there’s a tendency to look at football here in England, we try to hit the big topics globally as well. For our Half Time Team Talks we wanted to discuss subjects that resonate with us as well such as player well being, Black History Month, behaviour in the game etc. We’re open to listeners’ suggestions as well, since it’s important to listen to our audience and those who don’t have a platform to raise important topics.

Listen to Boots, Balls & Bras on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and other popular podcast apps.

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Want to join the UK’s BIGGEST podcast network, alongside Dane Baptiste, Jessie Ware and Adam Buxton? Start podcasting with Acast today! Use the code ACAST-POD-BIBLE for three months of their “Influencer” plan free at acast.com/start-podcasting. 

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Acast: What was the original inspiration to start the VIBE With FIVE podcast?

VWF: FIVE was created by Rio Ferdinand in 2009 as a digital magazine and over the last few years, the channel has become a football channel and a media brand.

FIVE is the destination for football fans outside the 90 minutes and we want to bring fans closer to the beautiful game. It’s the blending of football fans, pundits & players. VIBE with FIVE is the perfect round up of the weekend, where Rio Ferdinand, Stephen Howson & Joel Beya discuss the biggest talking points.

The show is dedicated to those who want a player & fan perspective, with special guests throughout the season.

What do you find your listeners enjoy about being able to reach you through this medium?

The listeners enjoy that the VW5 team provide football conversations without barriers, where no subject is out of bounds and we take the fans behind the curtain of professional football.

Every Monday the VIBE with FIVE team covers all the big stories around football every week and it’s not just focused on one team. Also, when we have any special guests on the show, Rio can help the players open up and discuss any funny stories.

What do you think makes sports, and football podcasts more specifically so popular with listeners?

It’s the access to the players and being able to have the podcast available immediately from your phone or laptop anywhere in the world. What conversations are you able to discuss on the podcast that you wouldn’t usually on TV/Radio platforms? On the podcast the FIVE team have more freedom to discuss certain topics and can go into more depth as there isn’t as many limitations to the conversations. Plus, when we have special guests on the show we can talk about their playing career and any interesting stories in more detail.

What do you love about making a podcast?

Being able to have football conversations about key moments from the weekend with your mates every Monday and having fun while creating it. You can see the banter between Rio, Ste and Joel, particularly when Man United are doing well and Arsenal losing.

Listen to VIBE with FIVE on Apple Podcasts,Spotify and other popular podcast apps.

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Want to join the UK’s BIGGEST podcast network, alongside Dane Baptiste, Jessie Ware and Adam Buxton? Start podcasting with Acast today! Use the code ACAST-POD-BIBLE for three months of their “Influencer” plan free at acast.com/start-podcasting. 

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Adam is here to walk you through the weeks podcast proceedings, with guests including the people behind Touchline Fracas, Travel Diaries and Anthems!

THIS WEEKS GUESTS

Touchline Fracas • Acast • Spotify

Travel Diaries • Acast • Spotify

Anthems • Acast • Spotify

THIS WEEKS RECOMMENDATIONS

Missing Richard Simmons • Acast • Spotify

Two Scoops • Acast • Spotify

PODBIBLE LINKS

Pod Bible Magazine

Pod Bible Twitter

Pod Bible Instagram

Pod Bible Facebook

Pod Bible Email

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Marcus Speller is one of the 4 original hosts of Football Ramble

Over the past three years, the Ramble has undergone some significant shifts. Starting in the summer of 2018, after about 10 years of weekly episodes, the Football Ramble began releasing shows daily and gradually welcomed four new presenters to its roster: Jules Breach (BT Sport, talkSPORT) and Andy Brassell (BT Sport, BBC) in the 2018/19 Season, and Kate Mason (Sky Sports) and Vithushan Ehantharajah (The Independent) in the 2019/20 Season. Since 2018, the Football Ramble has committed itself to diversifying its voice in a considered and thoughtful way. The show remains entertaining and fun, retaining its original intimacy and irreverence while also bringing football podcasting into the 21st Century.

“We felt it was really important for the largest independent football show in the UK to be genuinely representative of football fandom at large,” Luke enthuses. “We have also never been frightened of change or modernity.”

Jules Breach (BT Sport, talkSPORT) joined the podcast in the 2018/19 Season, and Kate Mason (Sky Sports) in the 2019/20 Season.

Welcoming Jules, Andy, Kate and Vish to the team was a conscious decision to expand and diversify the podcast’s scope – one that has enriched the Ramble’s feed. The Ramble entertains without shying away from the thornier topics, from tackling heavier issues such as racism and misogyny in football media and fan culture to ongoing feuds between Jules and Vish (as well as Pete’s never-ending procession of cryptic games).

“Vish and I got on instantly when we first met, we have a brother-sister type friendship,” Jules laughs. “On one Ramble he refused to sing the theme tune from The OC and let’s just say I hammered him for it, ever since then people think he’s scared of me and that I bully him – but it’s all love really.”

Vithushan Ehantharajah (The Independent) came onboard in the 2019/20 Season.

The Ramble’s eight hosts are united by their passion for football and a shared inability to take themselves too seriously. In amongst reactions to all the sublime and the ridiculous from the latest fixtures, you’ll find Jules teaching you swear words you didn’t even know existed and Andy somehow bringing everything back to his remarkably extensive knowledge of Dutch footballers-turned-rappers.

“Jules, Kate, Andy and Vish ‘get’ the Ramble. They always have, and the show is now the best it’s ever been,” Luke adds. “We feel really privileged to have been able to diversify the show’s voices, chiefly because they’re all so good and provide fresh and entertaining takes on the game we love.”

In this football show – like any chat with your mates – anything goes.

Listen to Football Ramble on the Stakhanov website, ACAST, and SPOTIFY.

Blandine Hoge is a Podcast Producer at Stakhanov and lives in London.

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Jules is a broadcast journalist and host of BT Sport’s Score, and has also presented for UEFA, Premier League and ESPN. Jules grew up in Brighton, as well as Mauritius and Jamaica. She has a wealth of experience with and knowledge of football, and her perspective as a successful WOC working in the football media world is absolutely invaluable. Kate is also a presenter, working for Sky Sports. A keen Spurs fan and long time Ramble listener, Kate brings sharp wit and a wealth of knowledge to the podcast as well as her skills as an adept and experienced host. She’s also hosting the Football Ramble Book Club—featuring intimate conversations with football’s most revered and exciting authors—as part of the Ramble’s new sister stream, Football Ramble Presents. Both Kate and Jules have used the Ramble’s platform to call attention to the difficulties and harassment that female presenters (and fans) face in a male-dominated space—an issue that’s all too often overlooked by the wider community. We had a chat with Kate and Jules about what representation means to them and their experience as part of the Football Ramble team.

What do you believe are the benefits of female representation in sports media?

JULES: “It’s so important to have strong, knowledgeable, good female journalists, presenters, hosts and contributors in sport. As a teenager I was obsessed with sport and knew it was an area I wanted to work in. I also loved the idea of working in the media, and always had a fascination, a sense of intrigue when it came to journalism, and just in general—I love talking, asking questions, and having good conversations with other humans.”

KATE: “Like Jules, I’ve loved sport my whole life and I want the world of sport to welcome everyone. That’s why I made it my mission to break into football broadcasting. I wanted to tell the stories that fascinate me and make everyone—girls and boys, young and old, and everyone in between—feel a part of that special atmosphere you only get when watching the world’s most popular and fascinating sport.”

JULES: “But growing up there were hardly any female sports personalities, no one I could identify with, so I was never sure whether it would even be a possible career path. Nowadays, there are so many inspiring women working in sport, especially football, and hopefully young girls will be encouraged to follow their lead.” 

KATE: “I still remember so clearly the first time I heard a female voice commentating on Match of the Day: it was Jacqui Oatley, unbelievably only 11 years ago. She took so much heat and paved the way for all the women who came after her in football. When I’ve had people push back against giving me chances in the game—‘We don’t want a woman’s voice on this’—it’s made me work harder and want to live up to the example of all of those extraordinary women who came before. In fact, we’re getting to speak to one of them for Ramble Book Club at the start of the new season: Julie Welch, Fleet Street’s first female football writer. It’s wicked that the Ramble is sharing stories like hers.”

JULES: “Football is for everyone so there should be, and needs to be, more of a diverse representation in the media for the audience that indulge it. Ramble has done an amazing job putting together such a fun, diverse team, and me and Kate are proud to be the ladies flying the Ramble flag!”

How have you enjoyed working as a part of the Ramble team?

JULES: “I joined the team last summer and was super excited to be part of such a fun group—and to be the first regular female voice on the Ramble! The whole team welcomed me with open arms and have always encouraged me to be myself and show my personality. In the last year I’ve worked regularly with the incredibly knowledgeable and lovely Andy Brassell on a weekly pod looking into the wider stories in football as well as talking in depth about specific football moments or players. Now, in the new Ramble format, it has taken things to a whole other level! We’re one tight knit group of mates who just love football, get frustrated at football, and laugh about football, and that’s now what you get to hear Monday through Friday on the Ramble. It’s been the most fun and we are all so excited for the new season!”

KATE: “Getting to work with your mates is the dream isn’t it? It’s an honour to make the pod because I think we just get to represent the kind of people who are following football today, and who always have. But now more of a range of football fans are getting a voice. I mean, my mum was going down to Molineux in the 70s and she says she never had any problems, but you maybe wouldn’t have expected to see people like her in fanzines back in the day. At the Ramble it’s not just the people you hear on the pod every day, but all of the crew who make it fit together too who are such a fun, clever and welcoming bunch. There’s even a new canine member of the team too, isn’t there Jules?”

JULES: “Yes! Pablo! My new dog is the newest addition and he’s maybe everyone’s favourite… The team doesn’t treat me and Kate like girls. We’re just treated like other members of the Ramble family, like any other member of the team. And that’s how it always should be.”

Blandine Hoge is a Podcast Production Assistant at Stakhanov and lives in London.

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