Football Ramble
Episodes
On The Continent: Could Messi really head to Inter Miami?
06 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What Lionel Messi wants and what PSG want are no longer compatible. But where does this season’s World Cup-winning captain head to next? It really c...
Ramble Reacts: Chelsea and Liverpool draw, football loses
05 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Some said we shouldn’t bother with this episode of Reacts. But if we don’t investigate just how close Chelsea are to hiring Dwayne ‘the Rock’ ...
The Football Ramble’s Guide To… Liverpool 4-3 Newcastle
04 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Where were you on the night of April 3rd 1996? Jim doesn’t remember, which is all very suspicious.Marcus, Jim, Vish and Pete look back at arguably T...
Ramble Reacts: Spurs capitulate… again
04 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Third spot was in their grasp, but Spurs let it slip! To ten-man Everton. And then got a man sent off themselves. Oh dear.Marcus and Luke react to a s...
The Ramble: The Knackered One
03 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Chelsea’s board reportedly ‘admire’ Julian Nagelsmann. We here at the Ramble admire José Mourinho for the job. Jules, Jim and Luke react t...
The Preview Show: Vish’s reckless bruschetta
31 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Marcus, Vish, Jim and Andy celebrate the glorious return of club football and a very, VERY inglorious week for Tottenham Hotspur Football Club. Lol.We...
On The Continent: Will Thomas Tuchel and Bayern be a happy marriage?
30 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
After Rodri and Spain got tangled in the long grass at Hampden, Dotun, Andy and David are here to ask what’s going on with Spain. A one-off slip-up,...
The Drop In: Jobi McAnuff and being a captain
29 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
He’s become one of the best pundits in football. Today, Jobi McAnuff joins us for an honest conversation beyond the TV studio about football’s ins...
Ramble Reacts: Scotland put those Spanish slugs to the sword!
29 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Hampden Park delivered, so we couldn't resist a Ramble Reacts! Marcus, Jim and Lars discuss the last of the Euros qualifiers and fill up Marcus' old b...
The Football Ramble’s Guide To… Sven-Göran Eriksson’s England
28 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
At last! Marcus, Luke, Jim and Andy put the reign of the balding smoothie himself under the unforgiving Ramble microscope. Well, one of us is perhaps ...
The Ramble: I’m a better bloke than Saka
27 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Marcus, Vish, Jim and Andy discuss another memorable weekend in international football as Mr Luxembourg bags another brace.There’s love for James Ma...
Ramble Reacts: Nagelsmann's Spurs rebound and super captain Mbappé!
25 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The keys are in the lock, the gate is open, but oh yes we’re here with a weekend Ramble! Marcus and Andy react to news that one of Spurs’ targets ...
The Preview Show: Jonjo Legend
24 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Are England rusty? Are England confident? Is it rusty confidence? Marcus, Jim, Pete and Luke react to a splendid night in Naples for Harry Kane! And d...
On The Continent: Where have all the Italians gone?
23 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Euros qualifiers are back! And ahead of tonight’s Euro 2020 re-run, Dotun, Andy and David talk all things Azzurri and explore why Roberto Mancin...
At The Match: Porto’s shot at history
23 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Andy heads to one of Europe’s most intimidating stadiums: the Estádio do Dragão. It’s a huge Champions League night and Porto have the chance to...
The Drop In: Ian Holloway and finding the fun in football
22 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
“Sacked in the morning? Don’t think so.”Ian Holloway has so many famous one-liners that there are two entire books just of his quotes. But there...
The Football Ramble’s Guide To… Ronaldinho
21 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Carnival season is here! That’s right, it’s Ronaldinho’s birthday…Marcus, Jim, Vish and Pete relive the roller coaster career of the Brazilian...
The Ramble: Don’t back down Mitrović
20 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
“Don’t back down, double down”. Aleksandar Mitrović appears to have been following the advice of Limmy this weekend. Was the incident even that...
Patreon Teaser: The Five Hive
19 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to our brand new Patreon bonus episode, The Five Hive! Every Sunday, your favourite Ramblers will be debating their favourite fives. From...
The Preview Show: A glimmer of Rafa Benítez
17 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Patrick Vieira’s out! On St Patrick’s Day of all days. Marcus, Andy and Luke ask whether David Moyes has ever been sacked on St David’s Day and ...
On The Continent: How the Conference League is quietly shaping European football
16 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It’s an Italian job in the Champions League! Dotun and Andy are joined by Jonathan Johnson to ask whether three Serie A clubs in the last eight indi...
Ramble Reacts: Liverpool go out with a whimper, plus parody Pep
16 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Inverted fullbacks, Nathan Redmond, and Julia Roberts. Pep Guardiola’s loves of his life, in reverse order.Marcus and Andy wrap up the Champions Lea...
The Drop In: Lise Klaveness and how to fix football
15 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today, we’re joined by one of the women who is shaking up football’s elite.12 months ago, President of Norway’s Football Association Lise Klaven...
The Football Ramble’s Guide To… Brian Clough
14 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Imagine a manager who avoided the sack by telling the chairman to eff off and sack himself. Allow us to introduce you to one Brian Clough…Marcus, Ji...
The Ramble: What’s that on Mick Jagger’s head?
13 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Gary Lineker’s back, unlike Liverpool! Marcus, Jim, Vish and David are back to discuss a fascinating weekend of football only ruined by Mick Jagger’...
The Preview Show: I want more bum soccer
10 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Vish is back! Man United are back! Bums are back!Marcus, Vish, Jim and Pete discuss Wout Weghorst’s caress of some important Liverpool signage and t...
On The Continent: Milan are finally back
09 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
After 11 years, Milan are back in the last eight of the Champions League. Dotun and Andy are joined by Nicky Bandini who explains just how it clicked ...
Ramble Reacts: A shocking night for Spurs
09 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Marcus and Luke struggle to stay awake through some Champions League drudgery, as Spurs went out with a whimper against Milan. At least the score impr...
Ramble Reacts: The turning point for Graham Potter?
08 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
All aboard HMS Potter! That yellow smoke around Stamford Bridge had us thinking we were watching Spongebob Squarepants’ gender reveal, but actually ...
The Football Ramble’s Guide To… Kevin Keegan
07 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Joseph Kevin Keegan OBE. A man who needs no introduction. Serial winner, chiselled adonis and universally adored legend. So why has so much bad luck b...
The Ramble: Gary Neville lost the war
06 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Marcus thinks the Man United players should drive their Shame Cars™ to training this morning. He’s on hand with Luke, Jim and Pete to pore over Li...
The Preview Show: Buses are a Geordie
03 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Marcus, Luke, Jim and Pete turn the spotlight back on Newcastle’s owners, as news emerges that they *might* have some association with Saudi Arabia....
On The Continent: Can Paul Pogba bring the good vibes back to Juventus?
02 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
After 315 days on the sidelines, Paul Pogba is back on the pitch for Juventus. And from the reception he got last night, he’s back in his spiritual ...
Ramble Reacts: Arsenal’s revenge and cupsets galore!
02 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
WARNING: Southampton fans, look away now. Luke’s rolling his sleeves up for this one.Marcus and Luke convene for a full Prem and FA Cup round-up aft...
The Ramble: Tell me ma I’ve cocked up
01 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jules and Andy are joined by Jim Campbell! Freshly back from Brazil and freshly stung by a jellyfish. Because it’s Jim.We discuss Leicester’s FA C...
The Football Ramble’s Guide To… Eric Cantona’s Kung Fu Kick
28 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This is the story of one of the Premier League’s most iconic images – and the madcap footballer at the centre of it.So turn up your collar on your...
The Ramble: Pete’s Big Day Out
27 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Hello darkness, my old friend. But at least Pete made it into Wembley! He tells Marcus and David all about his pilgrimage and just how he got a ticket...
The Preview Show: Alan Milk
24 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Marcus, Luke and Andy react to an electric night at Old Trafford! And that was just because of Erik ten Hag’s roll neck.We also contemplate buying a...
At The Match: Nottingham Forest hold off the Champions
24 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Andy travels to the City Ground for a truly incredible atmosphere as Nottingham Forest fought back against Manchester City on Saturday.He’s joined b...
On The Continent: Madrid strikes back
23 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Galactic Empire flexed their imperial muscles at Anfield this week! Today Dotun, Andy and Nicky Bandini explain why it feels so inevitable that Re...
Ramble Reacts: Man City grab a point in Leipzig
23 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Marcus and Luke check in with prickly Pep after his Man City side played quite well… for a bit? To be fair, they did concede to a fishmonger’s son...
The Drop In: Shakhtar legend Darijo Srna and guiding a football club through war
22 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today, Shakhtar Dontsk’s most capped player and stalwart of the Croatian national team Darijo Srna joins us from leafy west London. But his life and...
The Football Ramble’s Guide To… The Nevilles in management
21 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join Marcus, Luke and Pete for a look back at modern football’s definitive double act and a doomed journey neither of them were suited to in any sha...
The Ramble: Jules is getting Pete to Wembley!
20 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Haven’t you heard? Pete is Jules’ new makeup artist for the Carabao Cup final on Sunday. Or he’s going to climb through a sewer - one or the oth...
The Preview Show: London’s Pete district
17 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Marcus, Pete and Andy have stumbled their way to the weekend once more! And what a treat we have waiting for us: the return of Neil Warnock, baby!The ...
On The Continent: Can PSG function without Mbappé?
16 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Three defeats on the spin have got the vultures circling in Paris. But who’s under threat?Dotun and Andy are joined by Jonathan Johnson to answer th...
Ramble Reacts: Laser gun Martinelli
16 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A humdinger at the Emirates between Arsenal and Man City! Marcus, Pete and Andy relive it all.We also recast the title race as Star Wars characters, P...
The Football Ramble’s Guide To… Roy Keane vs Patrick Vieira
15 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As Arsenal prepare for a decisive title tussle with the blue side of Manchester, we look back at the golden era of the Gunners’ title rivalry with t...
Ramble Reacts: Turn the rave off
14 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Marcus, Luke and David convened straight after full time to discuss a Merseyside derby with a hella lot riding on it. But just remember it’s the ann...
The Ramble: I clean my jeans all the time
13 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Pete’s got his Premier League sacking trousers on! Jules, Pete and Luke react to Nathan Jones’ departure, despite his outstanding xG at Luton Town...
The Preview Show: Is it all Keggy’s fault?
10 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It’s been a week of crisis for Manchester City after their Premier league charges. Marcus, Jim and Andy ask the question that needs to be asked: is ...
On The Continent: How will the charges against Man City affect European Football?
09 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The impact of Manchester City’s alleged financial breaches are being felt across Europe. Today, Miguel Delaney joins Dotun and Andy to explain how E...
The Football Ramble’s Guide To… Wayne Rooney’s England career
08 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Remember the name: Wayne Rooney.Marcus and Luke look back over the international career of one of England’s greatest ever footballers, twenty years ...
The Drop In: Peter Drury and voicing football’s greatest moments
07 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest is perhaps the voice of football.Peter Drury has commentated on some of the sport’s greatest moments in recent years. Kate sits down...
The Ramble: Dyche Dyche Baby
06 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What’s that saying? You can take the man out of Burnley, but you can’t take aggressively upsetting the big boys out of Sean Dyche. Told ya!Marcus,...
The Preview Show: We’re off to Flamingo Land
03 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Pete’s back! He brings tales of alligator-infested trips to the Flamingo Land Stadium alongside ten other Brackley Town fans. They didn’t know who...
On The Continent: Europe’s financial imbalance and the Catalan Glenn Hoddle
02 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dotun, Andy and David Cartlidge provide the European perspective to a record-breaking Premier League transfer window and worry how savvy European oper...
The Ramble: Don’t let anyone dim your shine, João
01 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Someone pass Nobby Solano his trumpet, because Newcastle are heading to Wembley! Jim, Luke and Vish react to last night’s Carabao semi-final and a s...
The Football Ramble’s Guide To… Number Nines
31 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today, we unpack football’s most fabled shirt number and position: the number nine.Marcus, David and Vish steer you through the evolution of the pos...
The Ramble: Like a Carroll out of water
30 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jules and Jim are joined by ESPN schills Vish and David to react to a busy FA Cup fourth round weekend! There’s an embarrassing confusion for J...
The Preview Show: You better give me that effing crown
27 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Marcus, Jim, Andy and Luke preview a big ol’ weekend of the FA Cup!Jim brings a troubling Mauro Icardi update, Roy Hodgson swoops down onto the pitc...
On The Continent: Making sense of the turmoil in Turin
26 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dotun and Andy are joined by Italian football expert Nicky Bandini to get their heads around the chaos at Juventus. We discuss what could come next, h...
The Ramble: Console yourself with a refreshing Carabao
25 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jules, Luke and Jim jump into the pocket of big Carabao for a bonus Ramble! Seriously though, why is the River Tyne so green and fizzy today?Elsewhere...
The Football Ramble’s Guide To… José Mourinho and Pep Guardiola: Part 2!
24 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today, we turn the Ramble spotlight onto the master puppeteer himself: José Mourinho.From the moment he sprinted into our footballing lives at Old Tr...
The Ramble: An awkward encounter with Jack Wilshere
23 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
There are barn cinders all over North London! Marcus, Jim, Vish and David react to an epic tussle between Arsenal and Manchester United.In more exciti...
The Preview Show: Cristiano’s World Cup final
20 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Marcus, Luke and Andy see in the weekend! We check in with Charlie Kane, struggle to translate a very unrelaxed and dehydrated Pep Guardiola, and brin...
On The Continent: A first trophy for Xavi, but is it a new era for Barcelona?
19 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Where else to start this week but in Naples! After Napoli steamroll Juventus, Dotun, Lars and Andy explore just how Napoli have become the most exciti...
The Football Ramble’s Guide To… Pep Guardiola and José Mourinho: Part 1!
18 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Two managers have defined football in the 21st century more than anyone else. And luckily for us, they have also both absolutely hated each other! Acr...
The Drop In: Lutz Pfannenstiel and how to build a football team
17 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
How do you build a football team from scratch? That’s exactly the dilemma today’s guest has had to overcome!Lutz Pfannenstiel is the only football...
The Ramble: Let’s not be silly
16 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Marcus, Jim, Vish and Pete react to a huge weekend in the Premier League! Arsenal and Arteta exorcise their demons at Spurs, while VAR categorically d...
The Preview Show: Down and Wout
13 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It’s derby weekend, baby! And that’s just Moore vs Brassell…Marcus, Andy, Pete and Luke look ahead to two juicy derbies in Manchester and North ...
Bonus Teaser: The Teams of Our Lives - Arsenal's Invincibles
13 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
**You can listen to the full episode and join our Patreon community here: patreon.com/footballramble**It's North London derby weekend! So last week on...
On The Continent: The rise and fall of João Félix at Atlético Madrid
12 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dotun and Andy are joined by Miguel Delaney to discuss the big signing of January: João Félix to Chelsea. But how did Atlético Madrid go from spend...
The Football Ramble’s Guide To… Journeymen
11 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
With Cristiano Ronaldo’s move to Al Nassr, he’s now played for five different clubs in five different countries. So he has officially joined that ...
The Drop In: Neil Warnock and the secrets of management
10 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Today’s guest needs no introduction. The gaffer for 1,603 games in professional league football, no one has managed more in England. Kate quizzes Ne...
The Ramble: Vish’s house price Ramble
09 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Vish is back on the pod! He joins Marcus, Pete and Jim for an FA Cup round-up with all the pace of a runaway train pushed by Cody Gakpo!We chat Newcas...
The Preview Show: Rather he didn't have done that
06 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Marcus, Pete , Jim and Andy are here to preview that most wonderful time of year: FA Cup third round weekend, baby! While Cristiano Ronaldo’s A...
On The Continent: Can Napoli keep up their title tilt?
05 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Dotun and Andy are joined by Nicky Bandini to chew over the return of Serie A, where Napoli’s unbeaten run at last ground to a halt!We discuss wheth...
The Ramble: One Salt Bae and a Funeral
04 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jules, Jim, Pete and Lars choose violence today - just like Newcastle last night.They discuss Mikel Arteta’s latest touchline antics and Cristiano R...
The Football Ramble’s Guide To… The FA Cup third round
03 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This weekend sees the return of perhaps the most enjoyable fixture in the English football calendar: it's the FA Cup third round!Marcus, Luke and Jim ...
The Ramble: What do you expect, lads?
02 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Marcus, Luke, Jim and David kick off the new year with a slice of familiarity, as Antonio Conte continues to moan about a lack of Spurs signings while...
The Preview Show: Jack in Milan
30 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Marcus, Luke and Andy look ahead to a bumper weekend of Premier League action, as Nottingham Forest search for a striker down the back of the sofa and...
The Football Ramble’s Guide To… Pelé
30 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Last night, we lost one of football’s true greats as Pelé passed away at the age of 82.Marcus, Jim and Luke relive his legendary international care...
The Football Ramble’s Guide To… Improving Football in 2023
29 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
With the new year around the corner, it’s time to reflect, spend time with our loved ones… and suggest some of the worst format changes to footbal...
The Drop In: Omar Elabdellaoui and football’s most extraordinary comeback
28 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Almost two years ago today, Norway international Omar Elabdellaoui went blind in a firework explosion.11 surgeries and 13 months later, he returned to...
Gimme that shirt: The Premier League returns!
27 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Jules, Andy and Pete douse their flaming Christmas puddings with some goals, more misguided footballer tattoos, and Manchester United tears...They che...
The Football Ramble’s Guide To… The Original Rules of Football
26 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In December 1863, a bunch of the most Victorian-sounding men imaginable gathered together to hammer out what would become the foundation of the beauti...
The Football Ramble’s Guide To… Christmas Football
23 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
’Tis the season for yellow cards and Robbie Savage having a fight in the Christmas party chocolate fountain!Jules, Luke and Jim bring you a comprehe...
Best of the 2022 World Cup: Part 2
22 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Join us for part two of our World Cup whip-round, as we bring you some of our favourite Ramble clips from the knockout stages.Lionel Messi fulfilled t...
Best of the 2022 World Cup: Part 1
21 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today, we look back at our favourite moments from the group stages of a truly weird World Cup.The group stages threw up some absolute #narrative this ...
On The Continent: Our World Cup roundup
20 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Dotun, Andy and Lars Sivertsen are here with our final OTC of the World Cup, as we plot Kylian Mbappé’s route back to the summit of world football....
A World Cup final for the ages
19 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Argentina are champions of the world! Marcus, Pete, Jim and Andy revel in an extraordinary night of drama. And trophy-humping.Plus, we look back on wh...
On The Continent: Goodbye Morocco and narratives galore for the World Cup final!
18 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Andy is joined by Nicky Bandini and French football expert Jonathan Johnson to unpack an undoubtedly dramatic finale to the 2022 World Cup.While all t...
Mad King Infantino: Morocco and Croatia fight for third and another FIFA tournament, is it?
16 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Jules, Luke and Jim convene at Ramble HQ with just one more sleep before the most exciting day of the year: the World Cup 3rd/4th play-off!We hear you...
Ice cream banquet: Morocco’s dream is over and it’s another final for France!
15 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Marcus, Luke and Andy react to last night’s second semi-final, where Morocco threw the kitchen sink at France. But Antoine Griezmann is so adaptable...
On The Continent: Messi takes Argentina to the summit, Morocco’s story so far, and Portugal’s special new gaffer
14 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Dotun, Andy and David relive an extraordinary night for Lionel Messi and Argentina as they thwacked Croatia to reach the World Cup final.While Messi s...
Breach of respect: Southgate mulls on his future while Messi vs Modric awaits
13 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Now the dust has settled on another England exit, Jules, Luke and Andy reflect on the future of Gareth Southgate, England and – most importantly all...
Haaard: England despair and Morocco make history
11 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Marcus, Luke, Jim and Pete reflect on a heartbreaking night for England that both bodes well for the future and summons some very familiar ghosts of t...
On The Continent: Croatia won the battle, while Louis van Gaal's army lost the war
10 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Dotun and Andy are joined by Nicky Bandini to look over a pair of cracking quarter-finals, as Croatia's gnarly persistence got the better of Neymar n ...
Let me entertain you: England prepare for a humdinger with France
09 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Marcus and Luke are here for a special England vs France preview ahead of tomorrow! They discuss how Kyle Walker and co could contain Kylian Mbappé, ...