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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Photo via @IanWright0 on Twitter

What instantly stands out is his willingness to share stories that give the listener a better understanding of the person as well as the player and pundit. Tales of his mother and his community growing up give us a better understanding of his respectful manner when engaging with others. He shares his experiences of being a father and grandfather to two sons and a grandson that have all played (or currently play) professionally. There’s words of wisdom only an ex-professional can instil laced with the emotions of his journey of discovery. This display of openness, and in some cases vulnerability, about his own experience is incredibly refreshing and in turn encourages his guests to do the same.

During a live episode in London, Wright expertly balanced entertaining a live audience with highlighting the strengths of his guest, Chelsea manager Emma Hayes. Amongst the playful back and forth between the two, Hayes identified the weaknesses of her up and coming opponents in a piece of analysis from a top level coach so rarely shared for public consumption. (Hayes’ Chelsea side would go on to beat Manchester City 4-0 a week later, exploiting those aforementioned deficiencies). This is just one example of the environment that Wright has created on the podcast for his peers. It’s hard to think of another place where Héctor Bellerín would speak so freely about his homesickness during the pandemic and his move away from Arsenal, or where Jamie Carragher could talk frankly about his own abilities and the career he had as a player. “The House”, as it is affectionately known, genuinely feels like a place where open-heartedness is applauded – not scoffed at. That environment has much to do with Ian’s regular collaborators as much as the main man himself.

The other tenants of Wrighty’s House are no supporting cast, contributing far more than just their bed and board. The duo behind Stadio bring with them their special brand of football podcasting. Ryan Hunn adds his ability to steer and drive a conversation, weaving and opening space for other collaborators to shine. His co-host, Musa Okwonga, utilises that space to create verbal imagery with a touch as deft as Wright’s former strike partner Dennis Bergkamp. Carl Anka and Flo Lloyd-Hughes add an exceptional understanding of the game, effortlessly giving in-sight with impressive clarity and the poise of an Arsenal offside trap. Jeanette Kwakye brings years of broadcast experience, not to mention those spent as an Olympian, covering every blade of grass with her multisport knowledge. Rounding out an impressive 6-a-side team, Mayowa Obiagu adds a broad viewpoint of modern football with an unmatched knowledge of the beautiful game on and off the pitch. 

Photo via @RyanHunn on Twitter

The Wrighty’s House team regularly champion the concept of giving someone their flowers while they can still smell them and no one deserves those flowers more than Ian Wright. As a player of a past generation, he could have so easily slipped into his peers’ apparent need to hammer home archaic viewpoints and bemoan anything new or different. Instead Wright embraces his colleagues’ contributions, taking the time to understand before using his platform to shine a light on their expertise. His own experiences in the game are never used to talk down to others, instead he uses them as a way to empathise and as a chance to form a connection. Wrighty’s House sits in the middle of modern football culture’s street, glowing with a sense of love and community. Their door is always open and everyone’s welcome. 

Ian Wright is the cover star and lead interview for Issue #019 of Pod Bible.
Read the magazine here or order a copy to your door here. 

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Ian Wright reveals the cover art for Issue #019 of Pod Bible magazine, illustrated by Dan Evans 

Read the magazine featuring a full interview with Ian here!

The post Ian Wright reacts to his Pod Bible cover illustration! appeared first on POD BIBLE.