When offered the chance to sit down with Michael Appleton for an hour, it was a no-brainer. Often mentioned on the podcast - sometimes as a brilliant young British Manager, other times as George's favourite footballing person of all time - now rivalled by Chris Maguire! We packed George off to chat with him, and we made the most of the hour, discussing: his desire to get back into management (and the importance of choosing a club rather than a division), the Championship players and managers that he admires, his time at Blackpool, Blackburn, Portsmouth and Oxford United, his philosophy and his view on data & xG in analysis, his vision in the transfer market, and how cup competitions can help & hinder. Thanks to Dean at Oporto Sports Management for helping to arrange this interview at short notice, and to Michael of course for his openness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.