Football Weekly – October 28, 2025
Episode: "Brendan Rodgers quits Celtic and an EFL special"
Host: Max Rushden
Guests: George Elek, Sanny Rudravajhala, Ben Fisher
Overview
This episode of The Guardian’s Football Weekly is a lively, in-depth panel discussion focusing on two main stories: Brendan Rodgers’ explosive resignation from Celtic, and a full sweep through the EFL’s current talking points. Hosts Max Rushden, George Elek (Not The Top 20 podcast), Sanny Rudravajhala, and Ben Fisher dissect Celtic's dramatic boardroom bust-up, the thrillingly unpredictable Championship, shakeups in Leagues One and Two, and managers on the move. The conversation blends sharp analysis with Football Weekly’s trademark wit and warmth.
Main Discussion Points & Insights
1. Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic Exit: Fallout and Farce
[00:22] – [07:56]
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Rodgers Resigns Amidst Public Blame Game
- Celtic's statement savaging Rodgers described as "absolutely incredible" and "almost a character assassination" ([03:30], Sanny).
- Rodgers blamed lack of transfer backing; Celtic countered every player in/out had his approval, refuting his claims as "absolutely false".
- Account of a three-hour meeting where Rodgers failed to provide evidence of being 'undermined.'
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Modern Football Melodrama
- Exchange is framed as a showdown between manager and board, both vying for the public narrative, with the likelihood of Rodgers responding through media or the LMA ([04:26], George).
"Regrettably, his words and actions since then have been divisive, misleading and self-serving. They have contributed to a toxic atmosphere around the club..."
– Celtic board statement (read by Max, [02:30]) -
Potential Next Steps
- Speculation on Rodgers returning quickly to England (Wolves, West Ham), with some skepticism about immediate moves given recent turmoil ([07:21], Max & Sanny).
- Replacement speculation at Celtic (Martin O'Neill interim, Ange Postecoglou’s name floated for intrigue).
"I'm almost lost for words about it... I don't think we've ever seen anything like it."
– Sanny ([03:30])
2. Sheffield Wednesday: Administration, Rebirth, and Hope
[08:00] – [15:53]
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Chancery Era Ends – Fans Reclaim their Club
- Club enters administration with a 12-point deduction, termed both "bittersweet" and the start of a renaissance ([08:00], George).
- Fan support for the boycott was critical, directly precipitating the end of Chancery’s regime—"the boycott 100% worked" ([13:00], Sanny).
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Supporter Joy and Symbolic Moments
- Immediate uptick in fan engagement—merchandise rush, 27,500+ at the home game, even a live stream of Chancery’s seats being removed watched by 78,000 people ([13:00], Sanny).
- Optimism with bidders lined up and new administration focusing income fully on the club, not old owners.
"I've never…any journalist is doing vox pops, sometimes it's a bit of a grind. Every fan just wanted to talk…none of them were lunatics. It was completely amazing."
– Sanny ([13:00])
3. Championship: Unpredictable Race at the Top, Struggles for Relegated Teams
[15:53] – [28:10]
Coventry Surging Under Lampard
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Only unbeaten team in the EFL; Lampard lauded for team management and attacking verve.
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Coventry’s top scorers Haji Wright and Brandon Thomas-Asante highlighted ([17:41], Ben).
"He's got players playing with maybe a bit more confidence than they had...they have the top scorer and the second top scorer. That kind of speaks volumes."
– Ben Fisher ([17:41])
Millwall’s Transformation
- Alex Neil’s management and new recruits tipped to keep them competitive, their style labeled "good," not simply lucky starters.
- French center-back Tristan Kramer and young striker Ivanovic praised as possible future stars ([18:45], George).
Relegated Clubs Faltering
- Leicester (10th), Ipswich (12th), Southampton (20th) are all underperforming.
- Southampton: Will Still yet to find the right formula; problems scoring, new signings not yet clicking ([23:41], Ben).
- Leicester: Lack of Vardy replacement, over-reliance on youth, and transfer strategy questioned ([25:39], Sanny).
- Ipswich: Less worries, but adjustment period ongoing.
Sheffield Wednesday’s Plight
- Facing further points deductions for multiple wage breaches; survival seen as more symbolic than realistic ([32:31], Ben).
Norwich City’s Deep Malaise
- Winless in eight, manager Liam Manning under pressure but kept afloat by close relationship with recruitment chief Ben Knapper ([33:23], Sanny; [35:10], George).
- Discontent ranges from supporters to ownership, hinting at a propensity for further upheaval if no results.
4. League One & League Two: Tight Tables and New Hope
[41:18] – [53:50]
League One
- Stockport County’s Story: Mirroring last year’s patterns—slow start post-defeat, then surge to the top ([41:18], George).
- Bolton’s Late Winners: Amario Cosia Dubri, young ex-Arsenal talent, making headlines.
- Managerial Carousel: Peterborough sack Darren Ferguson (with a loving statement); Luke Williams rumored as replacement, but panel questions if he fits the current crisis ([46:08], George).
League Two
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Wide Open Race: Only five points separate 1st and 13th ([48:09], Sanny).
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Barnet’s Form: Promoted last season, boasting strong xG numbers and new signing Britt Assombalonga ([49:20], George).
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Humbling Stories: Tom Lockyer’s inspirational return to Bristol Rovers after heart scare ([50:36], Ben).
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Cheltenham’s Revival: Steve Cotterill’s impact upon return as manager.
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At the Bottom: Newport County and Cheltenham previously written off; now, with the congested table, a survival fight is on for several clubs ([52:45], George).
Quotes & Memorable Moments
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On the rare public spat at Celtic:
"I'm sure Rodgers will use his platform as a broadcaster...to give his version of events relatively soon."
– George ([04:26]) -
On the atmosphere at Sheffield Wednesday:
"78,000 people were watching a live stream...just showing the Chansiri being removed very. So slowly."
– Sanny ([13:00]) -
On Millwall:
"You look at teams towards the top and go, yeah...they've had a great start...but with Millwall, I think it would be complacent to assume they aren't in."
– George ([18:45]) -
On League Two’s cluster:
"It is bunched up in which is always the least predictable league...could be anyone, really, could be anyone."
– Sanny ([48:09]) -
On supporter dynamics:
"Every founder just wanted to talk to me and none of them were lunatics. It was completely amazing."
– Sanny ([13:00])
Key Timestamps (MM:SS)
- Celtic/Rodgers statement drama: 02:30–06:43
- Sheffield Wednesday administration reaction: 09:11–15:53
- Coventry & Lampard’s success: 16:20–18:19
- Millwall’s new style under Neil: 18:45–21:09
- Championship’s failed parachute teams: 21:09–28:10
- Leagues One/Two round-up: 41:18–53:50
- Barnet & Britt Assombalonga: 49:20–50:36
- Tom Lockyer’s return: 50:36–51:41
Tone and Style
Throughout, the show remains humorous and accessible, balancing in-depth football insight with self-mockery ("trundling IU sounds like the worst of the three brothers" – Max, [26:53]), and plenty of friendly banter between panelists.
Conclusion
A jam-packed Football Weekly episode, with deep dives into the shockwaves from Celtic, the rejuvenation of Sheffield Wednesday, and the ever-brutal churn of the EFL. Unmissable for fans of thoughtful, funny, and comprehensive football chat.
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