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Football Weekly
Arsenal are Premier League champions and the latest twist in Spygate – Football Weekly
00:55:39
Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Nicky Bandini and Sam Dalling as Manchester City drop points at Bournemouth to hand the Premier League title to Arsenal
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- [00:00]
Max Rushton
This is the Guardian.
- [00:12]
Nikki Bandini
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- [01:16]
Sam Dalling
Acast.com today we'll attempt a feat once thought impossible.
- [01:21]
Nikki Bandini
Overcoming high interest credit card debt.
- [01:24]
Barry Glendenning
It requires merely one thing.
- [01:27]
Max Rushton
A SoFi personal loan.
- [01:29]
Nikki Bandini
With it, you could save big on
- [01:31]
Barry Glendenning
interest charges by consolidating into one low
- [01:33]
Sam Dalling
fixed rate monthly payment.
- [01:35]
Max Rushton
Defy high interest debt with a SOFI personal loan.
- [01:39]
Sam Dalling
Visit sofi.com stunt to learn more. Loans originated by Sofi Bank NA member FDIC terms and conditions apply.
- [01:46]
Nikki Bandini
NMLS 696891.
- [01:57]
Max Rushton
Hello and welcome to the Guardian Football Weekly. Arsenal champions for the first time in 22 years, they didn't bottle it. They won it with a game to spare. Joyous scenes on the Holloway Road. And if Ian Wright is happy, then perhaps we can all be happy. All of Mikel Arteta's tactics, his training ground bonfires, his technical area jousting in his tight trousers. Justified. Then it worked. And now they have a Champions League final to think about. Manchester City couldn't keep it going until the end of the season and now it's widely predicted Pep will leave at the end of the season. 17 major trophies, 115 charges 375 so so goods. The Premier League will miss him. So then who could keep the last day of the Premier League exciting? Spurs, of course, losing 2:1 to Chelsea. Because they always lose to Chelsea. They now need a point at home to Everton. Oh man. And then Southampton, thrown out of the playoffs after admitting they spied on three clubs during the championship season. Surely they didn't need to spy on Oxford Saints players might sue their own club for potential lost earnings. What a mess. Then there's the Scotland World cup squad. Neymar getting in for Brazil. An impressive spot in the wild of someone absolutely integral to the success of Football Weekly. With so little to discuss, it's podcasts like these where we really earn our corn. All that plus your questions. And that's today's Guardian Football Week. Cleave on the panel today, Barry Glendenning. Welcome.
- [03:11]
Barry Glendenning
Hi, Max.
- [03:13]
Max Rushton
Hello. Sam Dalling.
- [03:14]
Sam Dalling
Hello.
- [03:14]
Max Rushton
Max Rushton representing Arsenal, of course, Nikki Bandini.
- [03:18]
Nikki Bandini
Hello, Nikki. Hi, Max.
- [03:21]
Max Rushton
And also representing Arsenal, from the Tuesday club, producer Tayo Tayo Papula. Hello, Tayo.
- [03:26]
Tayo Papula
Good morning, Max.
- [03:28]
Max Rushton
Yeah, that's a happy good morning, isn't it? Okay then. Arsenal champions first time in 22 years. They beat Burnley 10 on Monday night. And then last night, Manchester City could only draw at Bournemouth. 14th league title. Arteta, the second youngest manager to win the Premier League after Jose in 05. Arsenal so far have 32 clean sheets in all competitions, leading Europe's big five leagues. They won eight games in the Premier League, one nil, just shy of their club record of nine. Joker is their top scorer with 14. And Arteta will become the longest serving manager in England's top four divisions when Pep's departure from City after 10 years is confirmed. Our mate Amy Lawrence, formerly of this parish, says I can still hear fireworks, tooting horns singing in my neighborhood. London N5 was a mad old carnival tonight. Islington came out in all its multicultural splendor. People ran out of their houses and this community celebrated with absolute abandon. The look on people's faces was so beautiful. Tayo, you were out there in the throng. How was it?
- [04:23]
Tayo Papula
It's felt incredible. And the way that the area filled up. I watched it on the Holloway Road and the atmosphere before kickoff was as fraught as if Arsenal were playing themselves. Really. People were out on the streets, half with celebration in mind, but also with this fear that has gripped all Arsenal fans. I think for the last four years. The spilling out onto the streets did feel spontaneous, organic, electric and full of relief, basically. I mean, the dancing in the pub, the Free from Desire, which wouldn't have been my anthem. And it certainly very different from the last time we won the League. That explosion is what everyone's been kind of waiting for. And everyone went spontaneously to the roundabout outside the ground. And we thought we were early because we were quite near the ground. All the steps, as you look from the stadium were full Already the police were kind of already cordoning off streets, but the atmosphere around the area spread out basically with the stadium being the kind of center of it. But the ripples of it, by the time I left, it did feel like carnival.
- [05:28]
Max Rushton
How was it for you, Nikki?
- [05:30]
Nikki Bandini
I'm. I'm gutted that I wasn't up there with Tayo enjoying it in London. It's. It's been a strange thing. I mean, obviously I've talked about on the podcast Benji before, but I. I have been technically slam a season ticket holder since I was a teenager, but these days I don't live in London, so I'm not there nearly as often, I think probably like quite a few Arsenal fans. Even though logically I thought there's a good chance we could win it tonight because Bournemouth are a good team and this is definitely the one. I actually sort of didn't let myself believe it could happen. And so knowing I was doing this podcast, knowing I probably needed to keep an eye on the Tottenham game as well as talk about on this podcast, I didn't go anywhere. I watched it at home and when it happened, it was like, oh, oh, shit. This actually happened. I called my brother because my brother's the one who I always went to Arsenal with. So I called my brother and had a voice call with him and enjoyed that moment. So I didn't get the moment that Tayo did. And I'm so happy for Tayo and everyone who got to enjoy that up in North London, because that sounds absolutely bloody magic.
- [06:23]
Tayo Papula
Yeah.
- [06:23]
Max Rushton
I just wonder if either of you, because Bournemouth scored and then, which must have been a great moment like that, you know, for you guys, like, what a goal. It was a beautiful move. I guess there was only a second tire, right. David Brooks has missed those two chances. Harlan scores, and then I think Savino is coming down the left and it's like, is this the moment? I don't know. I don't know if that felt like hours or it was just so quick that you thought, okay, we're fine, because it was right at the end and I think it was a foden miss kick or something.
- [06:48]
Tayo Papula
I think Junior Croupier's goal, which you're right, was a massive release, and I think there's a beauty in the fact that it was the same kind of finish as has been torturing me for the last few weeks. Jeremy Doku's equalizer against Everton has been living rent free in my head, trying to work out whether that is going to matter or not. And that Fear, as I talk about with that Doku goal, is kind of the fear. Even last night. City have done this before. City. The word is inevitable. And you never know. And we haven't done it for 22 years, so. So that fear was exactly there. We have had this in our head. If we win it, you know, we need to win our own games. We need to win our own games. You could say it as a mantra. That's the facade. But inside you're crumbling in the sense that I wish for once somebody could do us a favor. If it was going to be anyone in this running, it was going to be Bournemouth. We've had this game, everyone's had this game kind of circled, but I've just lived in fear of City always doing it. And then when Carlan scores that close to the end, there's enough mental gymnastics going on to not be able to celebrate or even feel anything less than paralyzed until the final whistle. That's how it was for me.
- [07:54]
Nikki Bandini
It wasn't even just mental gymnastics. I think there was an extra element of it that I almost didn't become aware of for most of the game. Again, things you know, logically, but you don't feel. Because Bournemouth played really well. I have to say that Bournemouth played a really good game. I thought they deserved, if you just take it as an abstract game, I thought they deserved the three points in the end and they threw it away. But you realize in that last minute, in that last moment, including on the Harlan goal, when the defending just goes a bit and you've got not just mental gymnastics, but players attempting overhead kicks in the air, and you're thinking, what are you doing? The Bournemouth are playing for their spot in Europe as well, and Bournemouth, who've had an incredible season, who have this incredible moment of qualifying for Europe, I think could yet get into the Champions League, although it's now reliant on Villa. Isn't it the. The feeling that, like, you're not allowed to panic. We've all panicked. We're all panicking. You're not allowed to panic. You're not. You're not the ones who are at the center of the story, which, of course they are. They're at the center of their own story. But you're just locked up in your own moment then, as a fan, aren't you? And thinking about it as an arsen and. And you're just begging them to keep it together. And, yeah, when I think about the cinematic moments of a season, because the journalist, you pull things out, don't you? And I think everyone who's an Arsenal fan is going to go back to Declan Rice after the loss to Man City going, it's not over. And that moment. Whereas, actually, I think that the flip of that is maybe when you cut to Harland after he scores that goal, he's kind of saying not. I don't think he actually says it's over, but his body language, his face is too late.
- [09:19]
Max Rushton
Yeah. Barry, you have us for years, said Arsenal fans will be insufferable if they win the title. How are they being so far?
- [09:30]
Barry Glendenning
Yeah, I knew you'd make me the rowdy Rowdy Piper of the piece, try and get me to piss on the parade. And I'm not really going to do that because we've mentioned Amy Lawrence. Nick is here, Taylor's here. Jordan, I think, is a voice note. These are good people in Arsenal, supporting people. You know, Philippe, I know how much this is going to mean to him. And Andrew Mangan of Arist blog, Perry Groves, I know a bit friend of the pod, Brendan Hunt, and other friends of mine who I spend a lot of time with are all Arsenal fans. Those particular ones I spend a lot of time with will be insufferable. But I've, I've. I've kicked them out with the WhatsApp group. So as soon, as soon as that final whistle went in, boring that they were gone. But I'm pleased for the rest of them because they're good people and I, I, as I say, I know how much this means to them. It was hard not to be moved by the scenes outside the Emirates last night. It was, it was, you know, harking back to, to Fever Pitch, which listeners of a certain age will remember. Look, we all knew Arsenal had a good enough team to win this title and the question was over their mentality. It would have been demonstrably hilarious if they had bottled it, but they haven't, so you have to give them their flowers for that. Their style of play is criticized a lot. I don't like watching them play, but it's worked for them. I think a lot of Arsenal fans probably don't like watching them play because their teams gives them nervous breakdowns on a weekly basis. So I, you know, I don't think it's unfair to say or unreasonable to say that I find them boring, but they've won the title and congratulations to them.
- [11:20]
Nikki Bandini
Barry and I recently had a sit down with Gigi Buform, which is a lot of fun. But I was actually thinking last night about a previous interview. I did with him where he was talking about winning the. The World cup and he was saying how actually, like after the. Italy won the World cup, he felt a little bit hollow. He was like. Actually what I love was the moments when I was on the pitch and my heart was beating out of my chest and I could feel that everything was coming. And it just, it came back to me for some reason watching the Burnley game Monday, which of course maybe one more to talk about, I don't know, but the exact opposite. I could not wait for it to be done. I hated every single second of it. And thank goodness it's over.
- [11:55]
Tayo Papula
Strangely, Barry might set me off again because this was quite strangely emotional hearing about some of those people that, that, that Barry mentioned, who my friends as well. And despite the slightly horrendous kind of banter era that we live amongst, it is about people. And the people that I was with to watch the match with, the people who I sit with, people who I podcast with. When we got to the ground, they were just bumping into, first of all, random people, people who listen to us, who came up to join in as well and feel part of that community. And of course, the complete random strangers very much like Fever Pitch, who do come running up to you because you are sharing this moment of joy. It did feel really being about people, and I am very, very lucky to live right here in London and having been at the center of it yesterday. But all those people who are part of this kind of community online, they are real people. And outside of the trolling and that fear of not only winning it, but fear of being the Arsenal friend in your group who is going to have to suffer a summer of all of that. And believe me, that fear has just been rich, so large for so long.
- [13:14]
Barry Glendenning
Tail has not left the group
- [13:19]
Tayo Papula
that that kind of fear is there. But as I say, it's just been about being surrounded by people in real life. Real hugging, real jumping up and down. That is not to say that the insufferable part isn't to follow because I, I think I. I would say. I would say we've earned that. Well, I was wondering about that. I mean, it's not the point because of course the point is the good stuff, but it is a lovely side dish and it will be served as however cold it is, is coming. And we do have the chance to shout champions in the ground next season. Champions to our friends all summer. And champions on pods like this. And to all the.
- [14:00]
Max Rushton
Yeah.
- [14:00]
Tayo Papula
Kind of haters, as I say, buckle up.
- [14:04]
Max Rushton
Yeah. I mean and. And at palace away, which will be the deadest rubber in the history of football, as you both have European finals next week. Sam, sorry, you've been quiet for a long time. A question from Jim that says Arteta's been mocked for some of the mad. He's done pickpockets, pens, fire pits, etc. But now he's won something, will he get an easier time for these quirks? Successful managers in the 70s and 80s go up to all kinds of nonsense and were merely labeled as characters.
- [14:30]
Sam Dalling
Yeah, it's been strange and it's been lovely to listen to all this, by the way. I was quite happy just sitting there because I can't relate directly to that feeling, but I think as a football fan, it's those moments that you want. It's like the only context in the world where you can enjoy a proper hug with a randomer, not say anything and it just be completely acceptable and you know exactly why it's happening. Arteta, like, I mean, I've joined in the mocking of him as well, because it's an easy thing to do. And I think in the way the world is set up, even though we all don't want to be that person, it is very difficult not just to get drawn in with those kind of cynical, off the cuff comments. If someone puts themselves out there, right. And particularly when you're operating in this elite level and your every movement is now basically on social media, it's recorded like, it's a bit weird when you go to games and you have the privilege of sort of media access, you see that in order to get all this footage, the entire, every moment, someone like Michaela Tattoo today, he's got people with cameras in his face, like he's meant to just carry on as if that's normal and it's not normal. The scrutiny is huge. And I'm not really answering the question there, but I mean, I mean, in the 70s and 80s they didn't have that level right. And yes, they were characters and maybe the game has become so what's the word for it? But devoid of characters. Like we stripped a lot of that away. It's all been about efficiency and the, the media training and people aren't characters anymore. So we're so used to not having that. When someone comes along and does things that are a little bit different and takes a risk and tries something is a little bit eccentric, then that's very easy for us to mock. So I hope, I hope that does stop. I don't think it will. I Suspect people will probably double down, right, in the same way that Arsenal fans will have their little bit of insufferability, people will double down. But I mean it's been a long term project, hasn't it? And it's, it is actually really nice to see like have a soft spot for Arsenal and the transformation in that. So I lived up by the ground for about eight years and up by the Highbury Barn and it's a place where on a match you wouldn't necessarily know there's a match on there. In the sort of end of Wenger Emery years, I actually went to about 20 games a season without really trying for four or five years because tickets were so freely available. Like back when Twitter was a place
- [16:52]
Max Rushton
for good, there was turning up, there
- [16:55]
Sam Dalling
was a couple of times where I was so, you know, it'd be half an hour before the game and someone would be giving away a free ticket on Twitter because they didn't want to go. And I could just pick up a really good seat and the atmosphere like it just wasn't existent and I almost felt a bit like, oh, I wish it had been these days you couldn't get a ticket. But a couple of times I worked there to see the transformation in that place. I think it's easy for a fan of a club to say the atmosphere is brilliant, but actually when you're a bit more neutral about it, like it used to be funny going there, right? I'd go because either Arsenal would be pretty good because once in a while they were in that time, or they'd lose to someone who they didn't think they were going to lose to. And then it was hilarious watching the season ticket holders reactions. So yeah, I want to sign off that long ramble saying, actually I am quite pleased for Arsenal. It's nice. I wish I was still. I don't wish I was in London very often anymore, but I do wish I was around last night to see those scenes.
- [17:46]
Max Rushton
It's interesting, Barry. It's interesting what Sam says about a long term project, like six and a half years. It's taken Arteta and that is, you know, the amount of managers that just get sacked. This kind of makes that worth it, right? And okay, there's never been a season where Arsenal are falling off the rails, right? So. So there's no reason to sack him. But there's always talk, if it's not this year, he's got to go. And now he's got this platform, you sort of think he could, he could be there for a Long, long time.
- [18:11]
Barry Glendenning
Yeah, he could. I think he's helped by the fact that I don't think the Arsenal owners care whether they win anything or not, as long as they qualify for the Champions League every season. Obviously winning something is good, but it's not the be all and end all for the club owners. If Arsenal had come up short this season, would he have got sacked? Probably not. And I think he'd probably have gone on to win it eventually. Like he's six years. I think he should have won it sooner, personally, but. And he has spent a lot of money to win the title. But I think he deserves. And I'm not a narrative. I find him a deeply annoying man. And the thing is, he's probably all right in real life. He's probably an interesting fellow to sit down for a couple of pints with or a couple of glasses of wine. I'm very impressed with the way he galvanized the team and the fans after that wobble against. And it was a big wobble against Man City and Bournemouth, so I take my hat off to him for that.
- [19:19]
Max Rushton
Ty, did you want to come in?
- [19:20]
Tayo Papula
Yeah, well, I was just thinking it was kind of. There's a romantic element to the fact that the journey sort of began and ended at Bournemouth, if you will. Like, Arteta's first game was against Bournemouth. Ended one all as well, actually. And it took me back to the era. One of the people I bumped into yesterday was a friend of mine who'd made me watch All Or Nothing, which I refused to watch in the time that Sam's kind of talking about. I was just like, I didn't want anything. I wanted to have as little to do with the inner workings of the club apart from, you know, going every week. And I think that program. I was thinking about that last night. That program made people who weren't sure about Arteta but supported Arsenal like him. But people who weren't sure about Arteta and didn't support Arsenal, it kind of calcified their sort of opinions about him. And he is an odd, eccentric, intense fellow. And we've got enough skeptics in our own fan group about Mikel Arteta, but with all the weird stuff that you mentioned before, to Sam's point, I think if you're dealing with absolute elite sportsmen, then maybe you have to pull out a random way of doing things to engage them in an era of short attention spans and. But still elite talent. And he has managed to do that. And we have improved every season. I also think that we should have won the league sooner. But there has been a juggernaut in front of us who have many ways as well as many good players to stay ahead of us. And that's been a massive issue and that's been something that he has fought and I know there isn't time for that in the banter era, but that really does need to be taken into account that we were playing a really, really good team with an elite manager and elite opportunities available to them as well.
- [21:13]
Nikki Bandini
I think it's worth just reminding everyone as well. Just I think Sam touched on it with the atmosphere at Arsenal and talking about the fact that it wasn't a happy place to be because it wasn't. It was a really unhappy stadium to be at. But just on the pitch, I mean I think they were 11th when he took over. They'd finished eighth the season before and I think they were 11th a day took over, they were eighth again. It wasn't a quick fix and I, and I think that actually listen, temper this because I don't think it's necessarily like the, the bit that I'm the most keen to focus on or, or that want to make the center of the story but slightly disagree with Baz about the ownership not caring. I actually think since Josh Kruenky's taken over, kind of has put his hand on the situation and worked with everyone and tried to get a team that really does win and isn't just ticking over which was the impression when Stan Kroenke first was involved in the club. A lot of Arsenal fans did look at this and go this American doesn't care. He's just here thinks it's a money making enterprise and actually I think that has shifted in the club leadership. I think there has been a real a movement towards winning and a long term plan for winning and I think patience with Arteta bearing in mind that first Covid hit season was a mess and they had a, they had some real things to unpick there as well. I mean it's easy to forget now that there was a lot of wages stuck on players who weren't contributing. There were situations in terms of personalities that weren't working, even players who for a while we really appreciated like Aubameyang. It was a very unhappy dressing room and an Arteta made in those periods when it was at its worst. He made some quite brave decisions actually around Arteta Nozil and all those players and, and knowing when he could go, do you know what I need to say? Even if it costs us Wins. Right now we're going to, to put these people aside and, and focus on the long term. And yes, they have spent heaps of money. I know everyone brings up the, the billion figure and it's absurd. It's all absurd money because modern football at the top level is absurd. But when you compare them that the combined net spend and wages too, Man City, United, I think even Chelsea is still not actually at the top of that pile. So I'm not saying anyone needs to cry poor. They're not crying poor. They've spent extraordinary amounts of money. But the idea that they've just bought it also isn't true. They've. They've competed in a setting where they're up against huge, huge financial powerhouses and they've won.
- [23:30]
Barry Glendenning
Can we please stop talking about Arsenal now? I'm gonna be slightly nauseous.
- [23:35]
Max Rushton
Well, I was gonna say I was gonna move it on because Tayo mentioned odd eccentric fellows. Which does bring us to Pep Guardiola, Sam. And you know, many have reported nothing official from City yet that he's on his way. 17 major trophies, 20 if you include community Shields, but you know him and Artesa do, but no one else does. Six Premier Leagues including 100 point season, three FA Cups, five League Cups, a Champions League, a Super Cup, a FIFA Club World cup in 2023. I don't remember that. Does anybody? 115 unresolved charges with Maresca set to take over. I mean there's a lot to, there's a lot to unpick with Man City, isn't it? And they were close this season to having an amazing to a triple. I mean that's, it's not a terrible season. Even if it feels like it today.
- [24:19]
Sam Dalling
It's definitely not a terrible season. I mean he's still not confirming it, isn't he? I think, I think John Broom was down there last night and the post match comments are. Guardiera is still saying, well, you know, I need to tell, I need to speak to the chairman first basically. And you'll know when there's any news. I quite liked the, the almost timing of it. I could almost see like just trying to steal a little bit of limelight. I almost imagine sort of Pep and Maresca like in Wagamamas on Monday night going, oh, you know, Arsenal are winning. They're gonna be writing all about. There's nothing we can do about it. Oh well, we could, someone could text Ornstein and tell him that I might be leaving and that might blow it all up. But I feel for all the sort of chief football writers this weekend, because everyone is going to be writing about Pep and what more can you really say? Like, everything has been said and nothing needs saying. Similar to Arteta.
- [25:14]
Nikki Bandini
Right.
- [25:15]
Sam Dalling
To get to that elite level, to be one of the best in the world at whatever you do and whatever the definition of normal is in a person, it doesn't really exist. But I just don't think you can get there to that level because of what it takes by just being in averted commas.
- [25:31]
Nikki Bandini
Normal.
- [25:31]
Sam Dalling
I mean, he is a super.
- [25:34]
Max Rushton
And that's an issue for me, Sam, because I'm quite normal and that means I can't get to the top of broadcasting.
- [25:40]
Sam Dalling
It's been holding you back all these years. Well, you just need to find a few. Just set fire to a few things in the background.
- [25:46]
Max Rushton
No, fair enough. Yeah, good idea.
- [25:48]
Sam Dalling
You'd be absolutely fine. But he, like, he's a superhuman football manager and would I want to be his mate? I don't know. I don't know if I could cope with that intensity. He's one of those people that maybe everyone has in their group that they like having around, but as soon as they walk out of the room, everyone else just relaxes a little bit because you never quite know what's going to happen. It's like, oh, anything could have happened while he was in the room and we can now all breathe. And if it is the end of his Manchester City tenure, which I think it is looking likely. Right. A, I would love him to go to Barcelona just to wind Mourinho up. That would be a brilliant power move. Just to turn out. That would be excellent. Last thing, when Alex Ferguson left Manchester United, he'd fair play to me. It squeezed everything out of that squad and people have been talking about, I will Pep do another year, because actually this squad is on the up. He's, you know, he's been building it again and he brought in Gay and Semenya in January, so actually he's leaving it in a pretty good place for whoever comes next. Who sounds like it's going to be Enzo Maresca, which I think is admirable as well in itself.
- [26:51]
Max Rushton
Yeah, yeah, Baz. I mean, we will have time to talk about Maresca and City after the World cup, but did you have anything to add on. On Pep?
- [26:59]
Barry Glendenning
Well, look, the 115 charges can't be overlooked and there's every chance there's credible evidence that his entire empire, this empire that was specifically tailored for him upon his arrival or before his arrival was built on a financially fraudulent foundation. Now there's no evidence he was complicit in any financial chicanery. Does that put a big asterisk beside what he did? I don't know. I don't think it does any more so than it would put an asterisk beside the achievements of Kevin de Bruyne or Bernardo Silva, just to name two. Or Rodri. But you have to factor in the 115 charges. But he is a brilliant coach, no doubt about that.
- [27:47]
Max Rushton
And if you get thrown out of the playoffs for a 12 year old hiding behind a tree, what happens if you found guilty for 150? Well, and we'll get.
- [27:54]
Barry Glendenning
Hello, Northern Counties League.
- [27:57]
Max Rushton
Just a couple before we move on, Robert says. Does Baz think Christian Norgaard will finally start this weekend? Yeah. His absolute one man campaign to get Norgaard to play.
- [28:06]
Barry Glendenning
If he doesn't start on Sunday,
- [28:09]
Sam Dalling
he
- [28:09]
Barry Glendenning
might as well just hand in a transfer request on the spot.
- [28:13]
Max Rushton
The only other thing from the both two games was. Was the exposed muscular buttocks of Piero H in the Burnley game and how he did extraordinarily well to protect his modesty. Like. Like he was completely exposed and yet not exposed at all. It was. It was quite the moment. So well done, Piero. And to end Part one, Ted says, can we get some voice notes from Jordan Jarrett, Bryan and Philippe Eau Claire? Of course you can. And they're both great. Here they are, Jordan and Philippe.
- [28:40]
Nikki Bandini
A good morning to you. A very good morning.
- [28:44]
Max Rushton
A very, very good morning to you,
- [28:46]
Nikki Bandini
Max, and to everyone.
- [28:49]
Sam Dalling
What to say?
- [28:52]
Nikki Bandini
Is it joy? I suppose it's a form of joy,
- [28:55]
Max Rushton
but it's more a kind of relief. The pain is over. It's like walking for hours and hours,
- [29:05]
Nikki Bandini
climbing up hills and there's always a new hill to climb.
- [29:10]
Max Rushton
And then you fall and then you
- [29:11]
Nikki Bandini
get up and then you fall again. But you finally get there and you
- [29:16]
Max Rushton
sleep afterwards in the warm hot bath.
- [29:20]
Nikki Bandini
It's delicious. With a glass of champagne and those of people outside telling you you don't deserve it and that makes it even sweeter. And it's going to be absolutely lovely up until the Champions League final, where nobody's expecting much really, so everything could happen, anything could happen. But yes, it's relief. And if people tell you it's not enough, if people say you're not the
- [29:49]
Max Rushton
Invincibles, you're the Unwatchables, well, relief is
- [29:53]
Nikki Bandini
something absolutely wonderful to feel after a season like that. We've gone through the grinder and strangely
- [29:59]
Max Rushton
enough, we've come out whole now explain that to me. I don't know. Anyway, I'm loving it.
- [30:05]
Nikki Bandini
I love everybody. Bye bye.
- [30:08]
Sam Dalling
Oh, we did it.
- [30:10]
Nikki Bandini
We did it.
- [30:13]
Max Rushton
I've not long gone back. Got back from the from the stadium.
- [30:19]
Nikki Bandini
Supposed to do a podcast this evening, my podcast and we just decided what we doing? What are we doing?
- [30:26]
Max Rushton
Let's just go to the stadium and
- [30:28]
Nikki Bandini
be with our people.
- [30:30]
Max Rushton
Oh man, it was amazing. I think there was 150000 people down there. It was incredible. First league in 22 years. We've been a banter club at the butt of people's jokes for so long but for Michael Arteta and these boys to finally get over the line and to do it without even having to play a game. We did our job. City can do theirs. Something quite sweet in a former Chelsea player scoring the winner against Burnley and something also sweet and it being from
- [31:03]
Nikki Bandini
a corner as well.
- [31:06]
Max Rushton
Yeah, it's going to be a good summer. Up the ass.
- [31:16]
Nikki Bandini
Acast powers the world's best podcasts. Here's a show that we recommend if you've ever dreamed of quitting your job to take your side hustle full time, listen up. This is Nikayla Matthews Akome, host of side Hustle Pro, a podcast that helps you build and grow from passion project to profitable business. Every week you'll hear from guests just like you who wanted to start a business on the side. If you can't run a side hustle, you can't run a business. They share real tips and so I started connecting with all these people on LinkedIn and I saw target supplier diversity was having office hours. Real advice. Procrastination is the easiest form of of resistance and the actual strategies they use to turn their side hustle into their main hustle. Getting back in touch with your tangible cash and sitting down and learning to give your money a job like it changes something. Check outside Hustle Pro every week on your favorite podcast app and YouTube. Acast helps creators launch, grow and monetize their podcasts everywhere.
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Sam Dalling
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Tayo Papula
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- [33:04]
Max Rushton
Welcome to part two of the Guardian Football Weekly. Tire has gone away. Barry was finding the Arsenal loving a bit. A little bit too much. But Troy does say St Tottering's day could be the 22nd of August this year. Yes. Oh God. Chelsea 2, Tottenham 1 Barry, this was a not great Chelsea beating and not as good Tottenham I thought.
- [33:23]
Barry Glendenning
Yeah, I'd be honest. I pretty much presumed spurs would get the point they needed from this game. And I was a bit surprised. I was watching City Bournemouth. I was a bit surprised when I kind of forgot about this one. Then checked the score, saw Chelsea were 2 nil up and it was like, crikey. I've since seen the highlights. It looks like spurs didn't get going till they were 2 nil down and left it too late. And they're in real bother still and bother entirely of their own making. I mean that second goal they gave away last night was criminal. Randall Colo Muani just giving the ball, passing the ball straight to Cole Palmer who went on to. To help set up the goal for Andre Santos. It's a pretty meaningless win for Chelsea. I, I reckon Chelsea probably could have done without winning that game, but spurs made it seem to have made it very easy for them and well, they. They need a point now at home against Everton. There's no guarantee they'll get it. And over to you West Ham to pile on even more pressure.
- [34:35]
Max Rushton
Yeah, I don't mean I don't want to single out Color Muani. It's not fair. But, but you know, I don't know what he does and like how PSG paid 75 million for him once. I mean it just shows what confidence does. Sam Tonham have had two chances to save themselves. Leeds at home now, Chelsea away. And it all comes down to Everton at home. I, I think I'm just asking for some hope that like I, you know, I, I just can see West Ham winning and then it's a point. Everton aren't bad and David Moyes managed West Ham and I can give you hope.
- [35:04]
Sam Dalling
I. I actually think Tottenham will be all right. I just think I very rarely as a Newcastle United fan if ever want my team to lose. But I think I was in a fairly sizable chunk of people who would have been quite happy if we'd have lost at home to West Ham on Sunday. And we're actually quite annoyed that we came out and played this like 20 minutes of brilliant football. It's like, hang on a minute. Of all the stuff we've had to put for this season, at least we could have relegated spurs by handing West Ham points. But I think, yeah, I mean, it was awful last night. I mean, Barry says that defending for the goal, it was like a training ground exercise for Chelsea. It was a nice finish and Fernandez has a lovely touch. But you just look at that and go, where is this team going? And really, it should be down. But I think just by virtue of there being another worse side than them, I think they'll stay up on that last day. But you could see the agony on those Tottenham fans in the away end to have that chance to just have four or five days where you don't have to think about it. And it's not like the game on Sunday would have been a celebration. It would just mean you wouldn't have. You just want that game to be meaningless. And it means, like, what they probably a couple of miles apart as the crow flies, the West Thames and Tottenham stadiums, like 120,000 people or whatever it is between them just having an absolutely agonizing day. It is like, that is sort of what football is all about as well, right? It's the opposite. It's the opposite to the Arsenal feeling. But I don't know if you just sat well, you. If you're in it, you wouldn't say it, but if you just were 10th and 11th every year, it wouldn't be much fun. So I would say you gotta take the rough with the smooth, but maybe there's not been so much smooth, but it's gonna be agonizing. And it's. It's great for TV and the media, etc. Because there is actually something riding on Sunday. But, yeah, I think Tottenham will be all right.
- [36:54]
Max Rushton
I mean, they have Nikki, a midfield who can't pass an attack who can't hold the ball. Like, every time a midfielder plays a quite bad pass to an attacker who can't quite control it and it never sticks and it always comes back and you're like, this is. It's sort of. I know they have injuries, right? They're miss, you know, And Madison is clearly such a different player to everything else they have. And, like, there is pressure on him to start. I guess he's probably not ready, but, like, do they just hold it until he keep it tight and then bring him on? I don't know how they. How they play that final game.
- [37:27]
Nikki Bandini
I mean, I. I do think I completely understand the anxiety because it's a pretty huge difference between the results, going away or not going. Getting relegated is A big deal. But I also think it's worth reminding that Tottenham, this was their first loss in five games. They need one point, realistically, because there's no way on earth that West Ham are winning by 12 goals. So they. One point or west.
- [37:53]
Max Rushton
That would be a blow.
- [37:55]
Nikki Bandini
Or West Ham not to win. So between, between those two outcomes, I, I find, I find it very, very likely that Tottenham are going to stay up. And I think they were unlucky last night. Actually, to me, it was a penalty at the end, that Cooker bundling over Van de Vent.
- [38:11]
Max Rushton
Yes, it's an interesting moment, isn't it? Like, it's, it's the ref blows his whistle and it looks like the ball is in play. And I don't know if I'm being biased, but it's a weird rule, isn't it, because you're doing a defender a favor. If you just hold on, then it is a penalty. And there's like, Cucarella shouldn't benefit from fouling Van de Ven as the ball is going in. That's an odd rule, I think, Nikki.
- [38:31]
Nikki Bandini
Yeah, I, I agree. I mean, like you say, the freeze frame where they tried to show that the ball wasn't in play looked very much like the ball was in play. So it felt like a penalty. And I think that Chelsea weren't great. And it's just kind of one of those things, isn't it? Chelsea always beat Tottenham at home. It's been this, this running record and I think a lot of Tottenham fans for this game, quite pessimistic. I, I don't know that Chelsea were the better team, honestly. I didn't obviously have as much focus on it in the first half when the City game was still going as I did in the second half, but in the second half it felt like, yeah, if, if Tottenham had a little bit more sharpness about them at the top end of the pitch, then it's certainly kind of a different outcome. And, and even with the players. So you've just been decrying. I mean, even with Richard and Gallagher, they weren't far away from it. So I, I, I think that objectively. Well, I can't pretend as an Arsenal fan to be completely impartial, but I, I, I do think Tottenham are going to stay up. And I think that the other reason is I'm really not sure that West Ham will win. Even leaving aside the Tottenham result, they were, they were pretty bad against Newcastle.
- [39:37]
Max Rushton
So I suppose I did say, Barry, there's a chance that neither side get any points and neither side have got any points since I said that. Or maybe Tony have got one. I don't know. Still no penalties for spurs. Same for Villa I was looking at which is quite interesting this season. It a clean sweep for you, Barry. You still think they'll be okay?
- [39:56]
Barry Glendenning
I do, yeah. I I think they could both lose on Sunday. I I wouldn't have much faith in West Ham beating Leeds, but you never know. It it is ludicrous that spurs are in this position. It is absolutely unfathomable that they need a result on the final day of the season to avoid relegation or might need a result.
- [40:18]
Max Rushton
Yeah, my dilemma is this Barry, is that it's. What is it 4 o'?
- [40:22]
Barry Glendenning
Clock?
- [40:22]
Max Rushton
Do they all kick? That's 1am Australian time. Or I could get to half past seven in the morning without checking my phone and watch Match of the Day do the cut. You know, ground to ground to ground. What's the, what was. What's the right way to play this?
- [40:38]
Barry Glendenning
I mean, if you think you can avoid the result, then just have your night's sleep and watch Match of the Day.
- [40:45]
Max Rushton
Producer Ty had written a bit called West Ham Relegation Thoughts brackets if necessary, which I felt was jinxing it and I'm happy. I am unhappy it was written. But please, hopefully we can use it on Monday. Anyway, that'll do for part two. Part three we'll discuss Southampton being kicked out of the playoffs.
- [41:06]
Nikki Bandini
Acast Powers the World's Best Podcasts Here's a show that we recommend if you've ever dreamed of quitting your job to take your side hustle full time. Listen up. This is Nikayla Matthews Akomay, host of side Hustle Pro, a podcast that helps you build and grow from passion projects to profitable business. Every week you'll hear from guests just like you who wanted to start a business on the side. If you can't run a side hustle, you can't run a business. They share real tips and so I started connecting with all these people on LinkedIn and I saw Target supplier diversity was having office hours. Real advice. Procrastination is the easiest form of resistance and the actual strategies they use to turn their side hustle into their main hustle. Getting back in touch with your tangible cash and sitting down and learning to give your money a job like it changes something. Check out side Hustle Pro every week on your favorite podcast app and YouTube. Acast helps creators launch, grow and monetize their podcasts everywhere.
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- [42:52]
Max Rushton
Welcome to Part three of the Guardian Football Weekly. Mark says do the pictures on William Salt's phone have a higher value than the Mona Lisa? A stateside Saint Southampton fan who lives in the States Is anything interesting going on in the championship? I guess I'll go ahead and schedule a vasectomy for Saturday Now. Southampton have been thrown out of the playoffs after admitting they spied on three clubs during the season. Middlesbrough will take their place in the playoff final against Hull. They were charged with watching training sessions involving Oxford United, Ipswich Town and Middlesbrough before the first leg. The independent disciplinary commission also handed Southampton a four point deduct in the championship for next season. Southampton admitted to multiple breaches of EFL regulations related to the unauthorized filming of other clubs. Training sources have confirmed that Southampton will lodge an appeal, will argue that the punishment is disproportionate and obviously the appeal has to happen pretty quickly, maybe be resolved today and the appeal will be heard by an independent league arbitration panel with three new members. Southampton meanwhile could face a legal claim from their players for loss of earnings after the club were expelled from the player. Apparently they are livid with their employers and could go to the PFA to seek advice about the financial impact of having the chance to win promotion the Premier League snatched from their grasp. I mean it is a mess. Sam, do you. Do you think it is the right call?
- [44:07]
Sam Dalling
The mess is the right word for it. I think it was inevitable. Is it the right call? I think once we heard that there were other clubs supporting the fact that Savant had done this previously and I know people go back to but what happened then was a rule came in and Southampton broke that rule and it felt like this was the only possible outcome actually if it even a sporting sanction. I mean it's huge to also have 4 points deducted next season. I mean the appeal as I understand it is going to happen today. So the beauty of recording this kind of thing is it probably quite quickly goes out of date, but I think we will know by tonight no one comes out well from this. Like Hull have had to wait and see. And who are they preparing to play Middlebrough have with players or should be on holiday. The disappointment do we train? What do we know? And then even so, if they say Southampton get reinstated, as we already know, their players are absolutely fuming. Presumably. And we have to be a bit careful what we say here because we. We don't know who within Southampton knows what. But that's a difficult dressing room to walk back into if you're the manager having been right. We've been chucked out. We're all living. We're going to sue the club. Hang on a minute. We've got a playoff final to play potentially in the middle of next week. It was nice to see and I know it's not the affair. It's an independent body. Like there was an act. There is if this stands, there is an actual sanction, a proper sanction. Not a slap on the wrist and a little bit of cash that clubs of that size can afford, but an actual sanction for what effectively we are calling cheating, aren't we really? Because they have done something that was against the rules and there is the whole cultural side of it and how role. It's maybe more acceptable in other countries, but I don't think this sort of ignorance plea, which is people are talking about Southampton might potentially run in that. We didn't really realize that it wasn't such a good thing in this country. That doesn't wash for me. I also want to say I feel for the young intern, like, I hope massively, like the sticking pictures of him up and there's stuff like, oh, they were talking about this, the coffee he bought. How have people got his details of his financial transactions? That's massive data breaches and stuff like that. But I just think hopefully he is okay and has got decent people around him. Because this is clearly from what we know, not a young man who has gone, I know what I'm gonna do. I'm gonna drive five hours and take some independent footage. So he is almost gonna potentially be one of the fall guys here. And to have this kind of stress, this kind of stuff going on around you and what looked like being the consequences is not gonna be easy. So hopefully he is okay in all of this. Yeah.
- [46:47]
Max Rushton
And what a thing to tell an intern to do. Like an intern, like. Like, it's just a totally insane thing to ask. Yeah. Someone who's just turned up to see how things. How do things work. Like, we've all done Work experience, like no one says go and spot. And also pleading ignorance, if you have to hide behind a tree, generally, you know you're not doing the right thing unless you're playing hide and seek.
- [47:07]
Sam Dalling
And it's that kind of thing. People will say, oh, well, you know, he, he didn't have to go a lot, I didn't have to do it. But I think people have been in that position. He's almost like the Cameron Bancroft of the Australian cricket ball tampering scandal.
- [47:18]
Max Rushton
Yeah, good point.
- [47:19]
Barry Glendenning
I don't think Southampton should have appealed this. I think they should have just taken their licks. They're banged to rights. They're not appealing against being found guilty, they're appealing against the severity of their punishment. But it just seems such an extraordinary place for a, in the nicest possible way, such a bland and inoffensive cloak club that nobody really has particularly strong feelings about to find themselves in. And the ramifications, you know, their reputation is in tatters. It's not fair in their fans, it's not fair in their players, but they've handled this extraordinarily badly and continue to do so.
- [48:01]
Max Rushton
And also, Nikki, I mean, as Sam said, we don't know how many people were involved in this. This generally the understanding is the owners didn't know anything about it, the players didn't know anything about it, presuming the manager knew something about it. The impact on him is pretty huge as well, isn't it? And also, like, you know, what's difficult for the owners is, is he's been brilliant. So like he's a brilliant coach.
- [48:23]
Tayo Papula
Clearly.
- [48:24]
Max Rushton
Like, like actually they didn't win any of these games. Like, what a waste of time. But like he's done so brilliantly. But do you sack him? Do the players hate him or do they all go, guys, this is a massive fuck up, but if we get back together, we can get into the Premier League next year.
- [48:41]
Nikki Bandini
It's, it is really strange because I, I have this memory and I was just reminding myself of the guy's name of, of about a bit more than a decade ago, there was a spying scandal in Italy where there was a Genoa coach, Luca De Bra, who was caught. I mean, amazingly, he was in military fatigues hiding behind a tree spying on, on Sam Doria's training before Derby. And it became this, this big story. But it was, it was funny because at the time it was a big story. It made international news because of course it did, because, you know, they were calling him Rambo in Gazette of Sport and Everything. But. But actually there weren't real, like, big repercussions out of it. Everyone said, well, that was a bit funny and stupid and. And everyone moved on. And it feels like here this story has just spun in such a different direction into this totally apocalyptic thing that can bring down a football club. And I. I don't know, am I wrong for thinking it's a little bit out of proportion? To me, it. To me, it seems, again, I mean, not wanting to drag us into the man City conversation because that's for another day, but in the scale of things that happen in football that cross the lines, I'm not sure that I'm as offended by this as I am by other things, but that maybe that's just me. And I. And I do think that I was thinking on. On the flip side of that, when you talk about players wanting to sue their club, I mean, does. Does Taylor, Harwood Bellis get to be in on that? After mocking the. The binocular celebration, Middlesbrough does. Does there's a bit of hypocrisy there as well, or am I being unfair on that as well? I don't know.
- [50:11]
Max Rushton
I think. No, I think it's really interesting. I think, like, I've had messages from people saying this is totally ridiculous and totally disproportionate and actually Beelza just kind of owned it, didn't he? And Bielsa was fine. There's, like, everyone loves Bielsa, so there's no fall back on Bielsa for. For doing something similar.
- [50:25]
Barry Glendenning
But the thing is, Max, there was no rule against it specifically. Yeah, you're. You're wondering if Eckhart, you know, will be able to keep hold of his dressing room. He's looking at a long ban. If he's found complicit, I would suspect,
- [50:40]
Max Rushton
because the rules are in and they weren't there with the Elsa.
- [50:43]
Barry Glendenning
Yeah, there is precedent for coaches being banned for this offense. So I. I would be very surprised if he's not banned if he is found to be complicit.
- [50:54]
Max Rushton
Thing is, for Southampton, if they'd lost the playoff semi final, this would have probably gone away. I mean, that's quite interesting if they just hadn't that, you know, cross that just sailed in. If they'd lost on penalties or Middlesbrough scored some of the million shots they had in the first leg. Probably not a story. And just a note on Borough, the club's admin staff have to face the challenge of selling 35,000 tickets to their fans in a final. The East Coast Railway line is closed between Darlington and York.
- [51:23]
Barry Glendenning
Replacement boss.
- [51:25]
Max Rushton
That is a big old replacement bus, isn't it? Anyway, yeah, we'll obviously talk about that tomorrow as and when the results of the appeal are announced. Villa Freiburg tonight in the Europa League final. I don't know if anyone has any strong thoughts on this game ahead of it. We might as well just wait for it to happen and talk about it. I think, you know, great opportunity for Unai Emery just to win another Europa League. Baz.
- [51:45]
Barry Glendenning
Yeah, There seems to be a kind of presumption I might be wrong, but there seems to be a presumption that this game is a formality for Villa just because Freiburg aren't a big name German team. But I was having a snoop around. They're decent, decent team. They've done well in this. Well, obviously they've done well in this year's Europa League, but they've finished seventh in the Bundesliga. They have some decent players. So I hope to give Villa a good game, but I would like to see Villa win. I think the main question for this one, the Villa team more or less picks itself apart from the midfield spot. Onana is probably injured. Lindelof, who has been playing in midfield, might be injured. Ross Barkley isn't in their Europa League squad, so he can't play. Bubakar Kamara is injured. So who. Who plays in central midfield for village villa alongside McGinn?
- [52:41]
Max Rushton
I mentioned world cup scores in the intro, but we might leave those for tomorrow since the Premier League preview is sort of less important. Discussing Scotland's World cup squad. Neymar getting back in for Brazil. Nikki, Serie A is, you know, it's new. In the end, Jamie Vardy's Creminese need a point. Well, they need to do better than Lecce to stay up. Is that right?
- [53:01]
Nikki Bandini
Yeah. So he scored a winner for them at the weekend against Udinese and now they get to play against Como in the final weekend. I wouldn't say that's particularly auspicious for them. Como are very much in the Champions League fight with Cesc Fabregas, of course, leading that. Como need results to go their way. They need Roma or Milan to slip up ahead of them, but they have plenty of incentive. And yes, even if Clemonese win, if Lecce win as well, they could go down. But yeah, it's going down to the wire in the Champions League race now because Juventus have tripped up this weekend and made the way for Roma to get ahead of them. And so you've currently got Roma and Milan Joining Napoli and Inter, but both core monumentes could overtake them. So yeah, that's, that's the main interest points in the, in the final weekend.
- [53:46]
Max Rushton
Sam, we talked about Southend very briefly beating Wildston in the FA trophy, but you wanted to talk about it. You know, you peel back the curtain. It's not as happy at root tool.
- [53:57]
Sam Dalling
Well, they've just announced last night that the management team are basically not required for next season. I had the privilege of being there on Sunday in one of those behind the scenes pieces in the dressing room and it was just an amazing insight. They had a moment similar to the Arsenal moment. But football at that level is completely different because contracts are short. It's year on year. You are talking about the ability to pay your mortgage if you don't have any contract. And their star player is this right wing back called Gus Scott Morris who I think he scored like 17 goals from wing back and he said in the build up to it, oh, he still hadn't got a new contract offer and the chairman or the owner was doing interviews talking about change and it being a bittersweet day. So I think there was a lot of uncertainty rumbling into this final. So they won it on penalties and I was there on the sideline and their manager, I was going to say is, was a guy called Kevin mayer who played 450 odd games for the. And him and his first team coach with the midfield pairing when they jumped from League two to the championship and to Mark Bentley and then and Darren Curry who's his assistant and they went in like they then it was just an amazing moment because they went in in October 2021 I think and they have faced like transfer embargoes, they can sign players, they've had points deductions, they've had times. I think they only had. They had match day squads of 12. They were catching. There was no water at the training ground so the roof was leaking and they'd have buckets underneath, like catching it to wash the kit from basically the recycled water or that. I think Mayer once drove the kit van off site for fear of it being repossessed otherwise. So these are like, these are football conditions like no other. And I just feel there was this rumbling. They're ambitious, the owner, right, and it's perhaps based on their name and their fan base that they should be higher than they are. But actually they've done all right. They finished sixth, their budget's probably seventh to 12th in the league. But to have that moment at Wembley, I could just see how much it meant to them. Like Bentley immediately had Maher in this bear hug. And they were tears, right? They were all crying and they were all running over to their family. And to have that insight into how much football means to people was a real privilege. And know you. Yeah. To see what perhaps felt inevitable that they'd then been moved on, it just feels. I don't know. Be careful what you wish for sometimes. It'll be interesting to see how that unfolds.
- [56:29]
Max Rushton
We finished with an email from Tom in Sydney who says, Dear Max, Barry, the entire Football Weekly team, longtime listener, first time correspondent. I'd never had good reason to write until now, thanks to what may be a unique Football Weekly adjacent experience. My story begins a couple of years ago when I was walking along Manly beach in Sydney enjoying Football Weekly in my headphones when I glanced right and realized I'd achieved surround sound. Max. There he was, sitting on a bench in front of me. I had to say hello, but was conscious of interrupting and further sheepish as he was on the pod at the time complaining about the beer invitations he was getting from strangers in Australia and I didn't want him to think I was another bloke trying to make him a celebrity mate. I made my move anyway and Max was extremely gracious and introduced me to the man beside him, who, to my added excitement, turned out to be David Squires. In retelling this story to a couple of mates, I should say David became the bigger draw card. So thanks to him for being there, living in Sydney, I assumed that would be my one and only live Football Weekly encounter. Yet last week in Auckland Airport, New Zealand, halfway through a plate of mini spring rolls, I looked up stunned, as I was certain the current Mrs. Rushton, who I recognized from Max's Instagram, had just walked past me. This led to an intense internal debate. Do I say something? What do I do? Would speaking to her somehow constitute a betrayal of Max? Would I instantly become known in their family as an unwelcome recurring character? In the end, it was decided for me, as she either never returned to where I thought her seat was, or perhaps spotted staring spring roll man and took evasive action. Which brings me to my question. Can Max confirm whether I hold the unique honor of being the only Football Weekly listener have separately encountered both him and Mrs. Rushton in the wild in different countries? And Barry, if this does make it to air, I'll shamelessly take the opportunity to request your unique best wishes to me and my fiance Bonnie for our December wedding. We have two wonderful young Daughters Chloe and Camille, who would love to hear this one day. Thanks for many years of entertainment. Live show in Sydney soon, please.
- [58:14]
Tayo Papula
Cheers.
- [58:15]
Max Rushton
Tom, it is true. Mrs. Rushton was on her way to New York for nine nights. I am alone, alone here with two children, one of whom getting up at four every morning. I'm not allowed to complain about it to Barry, because even though I say I'm solo parenting, he says I'm getting help. Where do you want the children while I'm doing this podcast? But I am absolutely broken. I am broken. I honestly am like an. I am a husk. I'm so dead inside, you can't believe it. But yes, Tom, Jamie says next time do say hello. It was indeed her and it was a great email. But like, just being in this shed and not having to feed them risotto right now is. It's absolute heaven. This is why I'm extending the pod for as long as I can, Frank. That's why the Arsenal bit went on for ages. Barry, this is easier. It was easier than going back inside is what I have to do. But yes, Barry, if you could. It's Tom, Bonnie, with their daughters, Chloe and Camille. If you could do the honours.
- [59:13]
Barry Glendenning
Well, I haven't had much sleep either because you keep dragging us out of bed to record we. We all have to radically alter our routines so your children can stick to theirs. And you find that in no way unreasonable?
- [59:28]
Max Rushton
No, I understand.
- [59:29]
Barry Glendenning
As if it makes a big difference what time your children go to bed at 7 o', clock, 8 o'. Clock, who cares? Anyway, Tom, Bonnie and your children, I hope they're not as demanding as Max's. And I hope you have a great week. Wedding in December. And I wish I was on Manly beach because I've been on it before and it's very nice.
- [59:50]
Max Rushton
Oh, there we are.
- [59:51]
Nikki Bandini
Thank you, Barry.
- [59:52]
Max Rushton
And that'll do for today. Thanks, everybody. Thank you, Sam.
- [59:54]
Sam Dalling
You're welcome. Thank you.
- [59:56]
Max Rushton
Thanks, Nikki.
- [59:56]
Nikki Bandini
Thanks, Max.
- [59:58]
Max Rushton
Cheers, Baz.
- [59:58]
Barry Glendenning
Thank you.
- [59:59]
Max Rushton
Football Weekly is produced by tyopolar. Our executive producer is Joel Grove. We'll look back on the Europa League final tomorrow.
- [60:13]
Tayo Papula
This is the Guardian.
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Nikki Bandini
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