Scotland stumble towards World Cup as England aim to book place – Football Weekly

Summary

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Football Weekly: Scotland Stumble Towards World Cup as England Aim to Book Place

Date: October 13, 2025
Host: Max Rushden
Guests: Barry Glendenning, Jordan Jarrett-Bryan, George Ellicott, Rupert Taylor (part 3)
Main Theme: Reaction and analysis to the latest international football action, managerial shuffles, and a special feature on Grenfell Athletic FC.

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Episode Overview

This episode breaks down a dramatic international break, focusing on Scotland’s nervy path to the World Cup, England’s promising qualifying campaign under Thomas Tuchel, and the wider European context. The show also features reactions to key managerial moves in English football and a heartfelt exploration of Beacon of Hope: the Grenfell Athletic Story, highlighting how football supports community healing.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Scotland’s Scrappy Win and Qualification Hopes

[01:13–08:15]

• Win v Belarus & Robbed Points
  Scotland “limp” to victory over Belarus (2-1), securing at least a playoff spot for the World Cup but drawing widespread criticism for their style and lack of attacking verve.

  • Barry Glendenning: “In this international window, Scotland have absolutely robbed six points... They were very lucky to beat Belarus. They won. That’s the important thing.”
  • Scotland fans frustrated by coach Steve Clark’s defensive approach; concerns remain over performance quality heading into likely decisive matches against Greece and Denmark.
  • McTominay’s prolific and transformative role for Scotland is widely praised.
    • Jordan Jarrett-Bryan [05:13]: “He’s just gone on to be this absolute beast, like MVP in Italy… Can’t stop scoring for Scotland. I just... gotta give him his flowers.”

• VAR Controversy & Group Outlook

  • George Ellicott notes VAR was tough on Belarus, and luck favored Scotland in both matches this break.
  • Concerns linger: likely to face a two-legged playoff if failing to beat Denmark, and tougher opponents await.
  • Fixtures remain: Scotland at Greece, Denmark face Belarus. Scotland must avoid defeat in Greece and will probably need to beat Denmark at home.

2. Northern Ireland’s Rising Generation

[08:26–10:53]

• Level on points with Germany after beating Slovakia; big match v Germany discussed.
• Young Talent Spotlight:
  George Ellicott runs through a list of young, Championship-based talents forming a potential “golden generation,” including Shea Charles, Ethan Galbraith, and Trey Hume.
  • George Ellicott [09:35]: “This is the beginning of something really special. Might be cursing it, but certainly an exciting team to follow in the next few years.”

3. Republic of Ireland’s Misery

[10:53–12:17]

• Loss to Portugal after Kelleher saved a Ronaldo penalty; heartbreak after a stout defensive performance and a late Ruben Neves screamer.
  • Barry Glendenning [11:01]: “It was sad… They played well… but lost to an injury time winner from Ruben Neves. Remarkably, this was his first goal for Portugal.”

4. England’s Promising Progress under Tuchel

[12:17–18:59]

• England’s March to Qualification

  • England need only to beat Latvia to secure their World Cup place, having scored 13 and conceded none so far.
  • Dramatic improvement under Thomas Tuchel highlighted, especially their relentless pressing and offensive intent, even with Bellingham and Kane absent from the squad.
  • George Ellicott [12:52]: “It feels like there’s been a huge shift... able to be really effective without Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane.”

• Foreign Manager Debate & Tuchel’s Boldness

  • Jordan Jarrett-Bryan makes an analogy: “You’ve flown in this, like, apparent world class chef... just let the guy cook!” [14:52]
  • The panel reflects on the shift from Southgate’s “unifier” role to Tuchel’s winner mentality.
  • Discussion on fan criticism of Tuchel, and the fresh, businesslike, less “FA-internal” vibe he brings.

• Atmosphere & Supporter Engagement

  • Noted disparity between England and Wales fan atmospheres.
  • Suggestions to restructure Wembley seating to encourage better atmospheres from England supporters.

• Tabloid Narrative Around Jude Bellingham

  • Max and guests critique the growing, speculative negative press around Bellingham’s character.
    • Jordan Jarrett-Bryan [20:29]: “There’s this thing in English mentality… we don’t like people that are very confident.”
  • Discussion on Bellingham’s tactical flexibility, “system manager” era, and speculation on whether Tuchel could leave him out of the World Cup squad.

5. Belgium & Wales in Group J, plus Faroe Islands’ Fairy Tale

[22:45–25:06]

• Wales need a big result against Belgium to reach the top of their group.
  • Concerns raised about the side’s performance, especially after a tough first half vs England.
• The Faroe Islands’ remarkable run, with three consecutive wins, is applauded.
  • Jordan Jarrett-Bryan [24:33]: “The Emirates Stadium at full capacity has more people than [the Faroe Islands’] population… I love those sort of stats.”

6. Premier League & EFL: Managerial Moves and Updates

[27:13–36:19]

• Forest Managerial Circus: Ange Out, Dyche In?

  • Ange Postecoglou reportedly on the brink at Forest, Sean Dyche likely to succeed.
    • Barry Glendenning [27:33]: “It is ridiculous that Ange might get sacked after… seven games… but this is the world we live in now.”
    • George Ellicott [29:20]: “To go from Nuno to Dyche via Ange is one of the most crazy managerial successions I’ve ever heard.”
  • Broad critique of Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis’s decision-making.

• Steven Gerrard, Danny Röhl & Rangers

  • Gerrard rules out a Rangers return. Röhl, successful at Sheffield Wednesday, is favorite for the role.
    • Röhl’s high-impact, but potentially high-risk, style is discussed.

• Championship Wrap

  • Coventry top an unpredictable league; disappointing starts for Norwich, Southampton, and others.
    • George Ellicott [32:34]: “Maybe this is the season where the Championship truly is unpredictable.”
  • Ipswich benefit from a waterlogged pitch; Luton’s parachute payment gives them edge in League One.

• Jack Wilshere to Luton

  • Panel optimistic for Wilshere’s managerial debut; Luton seen as a club ready to build with him.

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Special Feature: Grenfell Athletic – A Beacon of Hope

[37:43–54:51]

Interview with Rupert Taylor (Founder & Manager)

• Origins & Purpose

  • Grenfell Athletic formed after the Grenfell Tower fire, aiming to create legacy and community healing for the 72 victims.
  • Staying low-profile for years, the club now tells its story through the new documentary, “Beacon of Hope.”
    • Rupert Taylor [42:20]: “It’s important for people to know that we exist... to tell the story and bring people along for our journey.”

• Football as Solace

  • Football provided essential support and unity for survivors and local youth.
    • Rupert Taylor [40:05]: Recounts kids always playing their best, hoping for an Arsenal scout in the tower.
    • Massive turnout at first team training; football gave survivors and bereaved a chance to come together and heal.
    • Rupert Taylor [40:58]: “When we first started out, our training session, we had about 50 people turn up.”

• Growing beyond Tragedy

  • The club quickly began attracting attention, culminating in celebrity support during their kit launch (Damon Albarn, Sam Smith, Hugh Jackman, A.J. Tracey, more).
    • Rupert Taylor [45:09]: “Our aim is to be everybody’s second favorite team... what it could actually do to dismantle tribalism in football.”

• On-Field Focus & Community Impact

  • Team not treated with excess deference; other sides target them as any competitive opponent.
    • Rupert Taylor [46:34]: “Once the ball’s kicked… everybody forgets who we are.”
  • The women’s team also making an impact, with standout players like Steph Atwood.
    • Barry Glendenning [48:49]: “Steph Atwood, she's pinging in worldies from all over the place.”

• Personal Stories and Support

  • Profound mental health impact persists for survivors, with football “saving lives.”
    • Rupert Taylor [50:07]: “Without the football team [one player] would not be alive anymore... It’s crucial that I remain steadfast… Grenfell Athletic is not politically driven... but drives for the future and the legacy of something that was horrific.”

• Justice for Grenfell

  • Ongoing legal fight, no criminal charges yet; Grenfell Athletic intentionally stays apolitical and future-focused.
  • Listeners encouraged to help with fundraising, volunteering, work experience opportunities, and more.
    • Rupert Taylor [53:31]: “We need volunteers with quality… people that can open doors through networking and opportunities.”

• Closing Thought

  • Max Rushden [54:37]: “A beautiful film out of a quite devastating tragedy. What you’ve done is absolutely amazing.”

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Barry Glendenning [02:27]: “As soon as Ewan [Murray] said that… the alarm bell started jangling in my head immediately… in this international window, Scotland have absolutely robbed six points from their two games… they were just lucky that Belarus aren't very good.”
• Jordan Jarrett-Bryan [14:52]: “Let the guy cook… just trust the guy [Tuchel] knows how to win tournaments.”
• George Ellicott [29:20]: “To go from Nuno to Dyche via Ange is one of the most crazy managerial successions I think I’ve ever heard in my life.”
• Rupert Taylor [45:26]: “Our aim is to be everybody’s second favorite team.”
• Rupert Taylor [50:07]: “Without the football team he would not be alive anymore… It’s crucial that I remain steadfast… Grenfell Athletic is not politically driven… but drives for the future and the legacy of something that was horrific.”

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Scotland international break analysis: 01:13–08:15
• Northern Ireland’s resurgence: 08:26–10:53
• England’s campaign under Tuchel: 12:17–18:59
• Jude Bellingham discourse: 18:59–22:45
• Wales, Belgium, Faroe Islands: 22:45–25:06
• Managerial merry-go-round (Forest, Rangers, EFL): 27:13–36:19
• Grenfell Athletic & Beacon of Hope: 37:43–54:51

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Tone & Style

True to Football Weekly’s voice—witty, wry, irreverent but compassionate, veering from sharp tactical assessment (“Steve Clark too defensive!”) to personal stories of football’s healing power. The panel’s light-hearted banter shines (“let the guy cook!”) alongside honest, moving testimony.

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Summary

This Football Weekly episode swings deftly from the pressure-cooker world of international football—where Scotland stumble but advance, England blaze ahead under Tuchel, and smaller nations like the Faroes dream loud—to the realities of football deeper down the pyramid and its capacity for profound human connection. Grenfell Athletic’s segment is a particular emotional high, underlining football’s power to heal, rally, and inspire. Rich in detail, punchy in its punditry, and always entertaining.

Transcript

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[Jordan Jarrett-Bryan]

This is the Guardian.

[Max Rushden]

Hello and welcome to the Guardian Football Weekly. Ewan Murray's confidence was capital letters, just about justified as Scotland limp to their second win in this international break. 21 over Belarus is enough to keep them on track for a playoff spot. At the very least, Northern Ireland are level on points with Germany. If they beat them tonight. That is a big if. Almost just as big. An if Wales can beat Belgium. They're basically there, the Republic. I'm sorry, Barry. Also, all hail the Faroe Islands. Three wins in a row after stunning the Czechs.

[Rupert Taylor]

How good.

[Max Rushden]

Closer to home are Nottingham Forest lining up Shaun Dyche. If you're going to deny us Ange in the Premier League, at least getting Dyche back would ease the blow. Stevie G says no to Rangers. Well, Jack Wilshire might be going to Luton. And then we'll be joined by the founder of Grenfell Athletic, a football club set up in the wake of the tragedy that killed 72 people. There's a new documentary out called Beacon of Hope, the Grenfell Athletic Story. And it's a beautiful film as always. We'll answer your questions. And that's today's Guardian Football Weekly. On the panel today, Barry Glendenning. Welcome.

[Barry Glendenning]

Hi, Max.

[Max Rushden]

Hello. Jordan. Jarrett, Bryan.

[Jordan Jarrett-Bryan]

Morning, mate.

[Max Rushden]

And from not the top 20, George Ellick.

[Rupert Taylor]

Welcome.

[George Ellicott]

Thank you, Max.

[Max Rushden]

That's all right. Let's start with Scotland beating Belarus. Bar Jim says I, for one, welcome our play out of shite, but get three points. Overlords, Barry. I bet Ewan was sweating after his confidence on Thursday.

[Barry Glendenning]

I mean, as soon as he said that. Ewan, with the possible exception of his predecessor as Guardian golf correspondent, Lawrence Dunigan, is the most pessimistic man I have ever met. So when he voiced his utter confidence that Scotland would swap. Belarus aside. The alarm bell started jangling in my head immediately and I think it would be fair to say that in this international window, Scotland have absolutely robbed six points from their two games like robbery. They should have lost against Greece. They beat them and they were very lucky to beat Belarus. They won. That's the important thing. I think Ewan said in his match report. Just we will never speak of this game again. And that's probably a very wise policy, I mean, considering they won. Steve Clark afterwards said, I was really, really disappointed with my team and they were, it is fair to say, abysmal. And they were just lucky that Belarus aren't very good. There was some shocking defending, some real midfield lethargy. Belarus had I think 22 shots. They had a goal disallowed, they scored one. But Scotland got over the line and that's the important thing. The guaranteed a playoff place at worst. But I did notice in the comments section under Ewan's report, a lot of Scotland fans, even though they may qualify for the World cup, the manner in which Clark sets the team up there, he's too defensive, they say there's too much lethargy, there isn't enough imagination, attacking verve. But I, I just don't know which is more important. Just qualify no matter how you do it, or qualify and then go to the World cup and get knocked out in the group stage again, which is probably what will happen because Clark is unlikely to change his, his ways at this stage.

[Max Rushden]

I mean I think Jordan, if you haven't qualified since 1998, surely it's just get there any which way.

[Barry Glendenning]

Right.

[Jordan Jarrett-Bryan]

You take what you can get.

[Max Rushden]

Yeah.

[Jordan Jarrett-Bryan]

Although to Barry's point, a lot of Scottish fans that I know after the last, what was it, Euros, the way they went out, it was, it wasn't good, it wasn't pretty and they, they're a bit annoyed. They were kind of being patronized about just getting there and being at the party, but not, but not really contributing and, and, and, and know showing their nation in the best possible light. Has there been a bigger two fingers to Premier League football than Scott McTominay? Because his resurgent the last two and a half years, I just think it's been phenomenal. I hands up, I wasn't a particular big fan of his. I thought he was a fairly average Premier League midfielder, but he's just gone on to be this like absolute beast, like MVP in Italy. You know, he's can't stop scoring for Scotland. I just, I Just going to give him his flowers because he's a player that I was very down on. But since then he seems to have just gone on to incredible heights.

[Max Rushden]

Is that two fingers to the Premier League or just to Manchester United? I suppose that's, that's me, everybody. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I mean, look, a couple of things, George. One of all the VAR bits in this game were Belarus a little unlucky is that, I mean it is sort of a foul on McTominay, but it's not clear and obvious, is it?

[George Ellicott]

No, although that's, I mean the clear and obvious thing is something we hold VAR to and it's the threshold that should be met. But we know very well that isn't always the case and they like to meddling far too many. And I agree, like if, if it's down to the letter of the law, the way that VAR should be implemented, then I think they were unlucky. But it's funny this with Scotland how like as Barry says, six points over the international break, two poor performances certainly in, in Sunday night's game or Sunday afternoon's game. Luck on their side in terms of officiating too. But you know, they're on the, on the brink of qualifying for, for the World cup next, next summer and you've got, you know, Steve Clark who became their longest serving ever manager yesterday, you know, in circumstances where it wasn't much of a celebration because there's concern about the performance level. McTominay is clearly the poster boy, but you look through their whole team and it should be a much better certainly attacking force than they, than they currently are. And the crucial thing is, yes they are, you know, they've secured their at least a playoff spot in terms of qualification, but they're level on points with Denmark and if they don't get past Denmark in their last two games, then they're going to end up in a two legged playoff in order to get to the World Cup. And I think Scotland fans probably feel like the way that they're playing, the chances are in that two legged playoff they're going to play a team who are probably better than Greece or possibly Belarus. I mean certainly Belarus, possibly Greece and they're unlikely to get through that. So it might look good now in terms of finishing the top two, but there's still a long way to go to get there and they're gonna have to improve certainly in the November break and then, and then onwards to the playoffs unless they can get past Denmark and fire their way straight to the top of the group on that.

[Max Rushden]

So in the next round, Scotland go to Greece. Denmark play Belarus. And actually, so Denmark, they're level on points. Denmark's goal difference is way superior. So the thing is, Barry, as long as they avoid defeat against Greece, whether they win or draw, it will come down to having to win against Denmark. And like, it's not inconceivable, right.

[Barry Glendenning]

If memory serves me correctly, they played pretty well against Denmark and Copenhagen. Drew could have won. I mean, bad performances are not the norm for this Scottish side. They've had two bad performances in this window that got away with them and all that. You know, I would give Scotland every chance of beating them at home.

[Max Rushden]

I thought Ben Gannock doak at least is a. Is a bright spark, isn't he in there?

[Barry Glendenning]

I didn't think he played well last night, actually.

[Max Rushden]

Okay. I mean, no one did, but like, he did one nice turn, didn't it? He did a nice turn.

[Barry Glendenning]

Right.

[Max Rushden]

I'm clutching, I'm clutching. Look, Northern Ireland, Barry are level on points with Germany and Slovakia, right? They beat Slovakia 2 nil. A lovely goal from Trey Hume, sort of lobbing it over Dubravka, who'd just gone for a bit of a wander. They played Germany tonight at home. I mean, it is a stretch, but imagine if they win it, them playing Germany and Wales playing Belgium. These two very difficult games. But just imagine Windsor park getting up for it, scoring, and then just parking the bus.

[Barry Glendenning]

Northern Ireland have got themselves a good team there. Some lovely young players come through. Shay Charles. Great.

[Jordan Jarrett-Bryan]

The.

[Barry Glendenning]

The massive baller for Northern Ireland tonight is a. Conor Bradley's got himself suspended for this game. He picked up a cheap booking. I don't know if it even was worthy of a yellow card, but it was needless booking he got against Slovakia. So he misses out and he was the standout player against Slovakia. But look, they've no business beating Germany. But stranger things have happened and stranger things have happened to Northern Ireland. So I wouldn't completely rule it out.

[George Ellicott]

Just to follow up on what Barry was saying, I think this Northern Ireland team, you know, if you're not focused on them and why would you be an essay Northern Irish, but it's a really, really exciting generation of talent coming through for Northern Ireland, many of whom are currently playing in the EFL, mainly the championship. But in tri, Hume, who's 23, he's played a lot of football for Sunderland and is now a Premier League player. In Shay Charles, as Barry mentioned there, who's one of the standout players in the Championship. Ethan Galbraith, who's gone to Swansea, has been the signing of the season so far in the EFL at 24, a brilliant ball player. Isaac Price, who is a goal scoring attacking midfielder playing for West Brom and has been their best player so far this season. Deveni, who we all know from his penalty exploits for Crystal palace, who's an exciting young player. Connor Bradley is, as Barry mentioned. Even Brody Spencer, who's a young right back at Oxford who I'm pretty sure will play in the Premier League at some point. These are all, it's a nucleus of a squad who are all in their early 20s, who are all playing regular minutes. And I'm pretty sure we're all certainly have the talent to play top flight football. And even if it doesn't come off for Northern Ireland this time around, this promise I think is the beginning of something really special. And it wouldn't surprise me at all if this is a, you know, golden generation. Might be cursing it, but certainly an exciting team to follow in the next few years.

[Max Rushden]

You can't say the same for the Republic of Ireland, Barry.

[Barry Glendenning]

No, I don't even want to talk about this.

[Max Rushden]

It was sad because you've done so well and Kelleher saves that Ronaldo penalty brilliantly and you think at least you'll get a point here in Portugal.

[Barry Glendenning]

Yeah, point might even not have been much use, but it was heartbreaking. They played well, I'll give them that. They went to Lisbon, they set out to not lose. They lost to an injury time winner from Ruben Neves. Remarkably, this was his first goal for Portugal which surprised me. And he scored it wearing the number 21 shirts which he inherited from his, his pal, his best mate, Diogo Jota. That was Portugal's 28th attempt on goal. I think Ireland had won. Portugal rewarded a penalty which I thought was harsh. Handballs you hate.

[Max Rushden]

Ridiculous.

[Barry Glendenning]

Delighted to see Cristiano Ronaldo miss from the spot. That was the only bright spot of the game really for Ireland. But I have to take my hat off. They're a very, very limited team. They played as well as they probably could have against this team of superstars away from home. And yeah, got caught with a late.

[Max Rushden]

Sucker punch in England's group. Group k Albania won 1 nil away at Serbia, so that is a huge result for them given the, the rivalry and the historical and political tensions between those two countries. And a huge win in the race for the playoff spot below England, if that's not getting carried away. England 5 win, scored 13. Haven't conceded. Play Latvia tomorrow night. Because of that Serbia Albania result, they can get their World cup spot with a win against Latvia. Your thoughts, George. I know you cover England a lot on, on the improvement in England in the last two, two games.

[George Ellicott]

I think it's been very obvious, hasn't it? I mean the. To start with under Tuchel, I think it was underwhelming. The results were definitely good. There was a decent performance against Latvia at home where we only won 3 nil and put it on another day. Could have been a few more but. But basically since taking the lead against Serbia, we've looked brilliant. I was there on Thursday night and even though it was a friendly and even though certainly in the second half it felt like a friendly, I was completely taken aback by the way that England approached the game having gone one nil up where England scored within two or three minutes and the relentless pressure and pressing from a team full of Premier League players playing in a friendly in a game that they basically knew they were going to win having gone ahead like Morgan Rogers just never stopped running in the entirety. Thomas Tuchel was out at the end of the, in his technical area, effectively leading the press from, from the dugout. It felt to me like a group of players that have completely bought into certainly the out of possession work that Tuchel's demanding from them. And that is exciting because, you know, even though I'm a big Southgate believer and will argue with anyone who tells me he did a bad job, there's no denying that we were a very boring team generally when we went ahead. It was pragmatic. We looked up to kind of manage games rather than then continue. Whereas, you know, I felt sorry for, for, you know, poor Joe Roden and Ethan Ampadu in, in the, on Thursday night who just wanted a second on the board and couldn't get it. So yeah, it feels like there's been a bit of a shift. You know, it's still pretty frustrating. We'll have to see who, who we play in in the March friendlies at Wembley. But it still feels pretty likely that the next time England face a team of the quality of a, you know, Spain or Brazil will probably be in a World cup quarterfinal if we get there, which is not ideal prep for Tuchel not to manage any match against a kind of top tier team until the major tourn. But it feels like there's been a huge shift and also I think good on on Thursday that we saw an England team who are able to be really effective in terms of chance creation, goal scoring without Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane in the squad. So, yeah, it's, it's. Things have, have definitely, I think, turned in Tuchel's favor.

[Jordan Jarrett-Bryan]

I just find the whole overall criticizing and questioning of Thomas Tuchel's decisions really interesting slash funny because I look at it like this. You've. You've flown in this, like, apparent world class chef, right, who's got this really successful restaurant, cooks these really good meals everyone loves on the continent. But you brought him into your fancy London restaurant because this restaurant has got lots of potential, but since 66, hasn't quite really got the reviews that you really wanted to get. And this chef's got a different way of doing things. But you brought him in because he's the guy, right? And I just thought it's worth. I'm in the camp of a handful of people that doesn't believe nations should have foreign managers. But that's just that, that, that, that ship has sailed. But you brought him in. You've gone against George's park projects. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. And he might put a certain particular pepper on, on a meal or a certain sauce that's a little bit different. You're like, I'm not quite sure about that, but just let the guy cook. Let the guy cook. You've brought him on the premise this guy's the winner. I like George. And you won't find a bigger Gareth Southgate fan than me. But the narrative was, oh, he's a nice guy, unifier, but can't quite win. So we're gonna go the opposite way, gonna get the guy who might ruffle a few feathers, but he's the guy that's gonna win the thing. So let the guy get on with it. Like he might make a few decisions that you might not agree with, but just trust that the guy that you've brought in and paying a lot of money to, you've brought him in because you feel he knows what he's doing. And I just find the constant, should he drop Bellingham, that's poor. The formation, the football. Just let, just trust the guy knows how to win tournaments. He's going to win you a World.

[George Ellicott]

Cup, it'll be out of a job.

[Max Rushden]

Well, I was going to say, you've got to say something. We can't just say, well, good on him. He's picked them, that's goodbye.

[Jordan Jarrett-Bryan]

But my overall point is the constant just kind of biting. And I just find it really, really funny that this is. You wanted a guy that could win. This is the guy you've put your faith in that can win. So just kind of the guy get on with it and just trust that he knows what he's doing.

[Barry Glendenning]

I'm just wondering if George let Thomas Tuchel down by sitting in stony silence for the 75 minutes before leaving early to beat the traffic.

[George Ellicott]

You'll know better than most people that you can't make noises in the media center, can you? You can't. I couldn't get up and start. I certainly wasn't launching any Mexican waves either though, from, from the, from the press box. But I, I mean I, you know, it's been covered. But I think Tuchel's fully in his right. It's also, it's quite refreshing to have a guy. You know, I actually agree with Jordan where in an ideal world I think international football should be showcasing the best homegrown talent and that should be both in terms of players but also in the dugout like and coaching staff like that should be the way that is. But it isn't. And I've got no issue at all with Thomas Tuchel being our manager because it isn't. But I think it's almost refreshing to have a guy who, unlike Southgate, who was kind of woven into the very fabric of the FA and therefore probably couldn't really make comments like the ones that took them made after the game. To have a guy who basically is already he signed a contract after the World cup. It's very unlikely he's going to be a manager after the World cup regardless of what happens. He has no real affinity towards English football. He has no, you know, loyalty towards the fa. To have a guy who can come in and not really care if he upsets a few England fans, not really care who he upsets and and put it right. And I there will be a focus, you know, not in the qualifiers in November, but there will be a focus in March because of what he said in the two friendlies ahead of the World cup as to what the atmosphere is like. And I I'm pretty sure that there will be fewer paper airplanes. There will be a genuine attempt for England fans to go and enjoy themselves and make a noise. Because what should be said is that the Wales fans, you know, I commented on this on Twitter and I had a lot of English fans saying what do you expect? It's a friendly like it doesn't matter. Well, Wales fans and obviously away fans are always going to be more vociferous. But they made an absolute racket for the whole second half and they were 3, 0 down in a friendly. So if they can do that, why can't we find a way, even if it's to collect 2,3000 England fans and stick them next to the away fans and then the rest of the 77th can be a family area. Just find a way to ensure that there is a part. If you want to be a match going England fan and you want to go to Wembley, you can be amongst like minded people and, and create a bit of an atmosphere.

[Max Rushden]

Choirs from the Home Counties. That could happen. Does anybody. I wanted this and we've done that. We've done this like. And every, every outlet I've heard has done it or written it. Feel like slightly uncomfortable with the sort of narrative about Jude Bellingham being just a bad bloke. And I feel there's like a lot of conjecture around it and I just wondered if anyone felt that was, you.

[George Ellicott]

Know, I mean he.

[Max Rushden]

Fine, because the, you know, rumors are rumors, but I don't think George, because he spoke this weekend about his mental.

[George Ellicott]

Health and I would say that Jude Bellingham speaking about, about his mental health in the last week or so. A, it's obviously a very positive thing that a young footballer can feel like they can do that. But secondly, it's probably a bit of a message from everybody involved, effectively to remind people that this is a young guy. Yes, he might be a superstar and yes, he might have the job that all of us would crave and yes, he might have a bank balance that all of us can dream about. But that doesn't change the fact that he is a human being where criticism and personal drives and assumptions about his character are going to hurt him and upset him. And we as a nation, we know that there are footballers in the past who have been treated in a certain way that has impacted their, both their professional and personal lives in a negative way. So no one really knows the truth. And I would definitely say that not just for Bellingham, but in any case we shouldn't be making assumptions about negative traits of personality and anything else about a player. I think it's very telling that Bellingham gave that interview and, you know, we should both read it and what it says, but also maybe between the lines too.

[Jordan Jarrett-Bryan]

I think there's two things going on here. I think there's one side whereby I agree with you, Max. I am a little bit uncomfortable with this narrative building around him that he's a troublemaker. You know, from what I hear, the England players absolutely love him. He's not, he's not an issue with any of the England players in the camp. But there's this thing, I think, in English kind of mentality of we don't like people that are very confident. We don't like people that kind of go above their station. He's a very confident young man. He's very confident. His ability, he's very vocal about how much he wants to win and we see that on the pitch. And I think that that doesn't chime well with the. The. The way that the English like their footballers to be. He's not a hum. He's not a humble guy. And I think, so what? The fact that we're members of the. Of the media and the press here. He doesn't do interviews with the media is frustrating to me because I'd love to speak to him and sit him down and have a chat with him. I think he. He could be quite an interesting person. But if he doesn't want to do interviews, then he doesn't want to do interviews. That's just something that we have to just. We have to suck up. However, I do think there's a world in which Thomas Tuchel doesn't take him to the. To the World cup next year. I think he probably will, but it wouldn't surprise me if he wasn't part of that squad. Because if Thomas Tuchel, going back to my earlier point, feels that despite having this phenomenal talent in his team, actually isn't what he wants this team to be or to play.

[Max Rushden]

He's a great Blanche. And Thomas Tuchel is making a Bolognese. Doesn't work.

[Jordan Jarrett-Bryan]

There you go. And both are delicious. But maybe what he wants to do isn't. Isn't particularly correct. I just finally, on betting, I would say that I think the reason why Thomas Tuchel doesn't want him is because we're in this era of system managers and it's a little bit similar to Bruno Fernandez. You've got this phenomenal talent that wants to do everything. We've all been to school with that guy at school that can get the ball from the goalkeeper, beat four players and score a goal. In systems that doesn't really work, you need to know where your players are going to be. I remember the Euros being there last year. He'd be at left back. Sometimes he'd be at right wing. He'd be sent to mid. And I think that's because he knows he can get the ball and do something. But in a system, I'm not sure of that. In fact, it doesn't work. And that might be the reason why that lack of discipline, that might be the reason why it. You know, I have this kind of nagging feeling that there could be an outside chance that he actually shocks the world and doesn't. Doesn't take him to America next year.

[Max Rushden]

Wales played Belgium tonight. A win could take them to the top of group J after Belgium and North Macedonia drew nil. Nil on Friday. North Macedonia top on 12 points. Belgium have 11 from five, Wales, 10 from five. Macedonia. North Macedonia have played six. Such an enormous game, Barry.

[Barry Glendenning]

Yeah, massive. I wonder how Ellis is feeling about it on the day. This whale side can be very good. We know how good Belgium can be. We know how bad Belgium can be. It's a hard one to call. I think Belgium probably should win, but it would not be a massive shock if they didn't.

[George Ellicott]

I was pretty concerned about the way the Wales certain in the first half were on Thursday. Like, yeah, it's a friendly, but Craig Bellamy came out and spoke a lot before the game about how important it was for many reasons, because it was England, because they had the Belgium game, because they needed to basically set the tone. And that first half an hour was as poor a performance as I can really remember seeing live. In terms of comparison, the opposition, like England were able to cut through Wales at will, whilst Wales were basically unable to get out of their half. And given the quality of the opposition in terms of individuals against Belgium is similar to England in many ways. Obviously important that they were better in the second half and they created a couple of chances and forced Pickford into a couple of saves. But they're going to have to be far, far better than they were on Thursday to get a result tonight.

[Max Rushden]

Hugh says, could the Faroe Islands possibly qualify for the World Cup? Pablo says, please discuss the Faroe Islands, in which there are seven and a half thousand men aged between 18 and 40, produce a squad that's mathematically challenging for qualification. Is the nation's league growing fish out of minnows? It's their third win, Jordan, and unbelievable scenes.

[Jordan Jarrett-Bryan]

Yeah, it was great. Some good finishes as well in this game. Some really good goals in this particular game. And yes, that jumped out to me is that the Emirates Stadium at full capacity has more people than the population of, of, of this nation. I love those sort of stats. And yeah, I, I think you're right, Max. I don't think they will, they will do it. But I, I think this particular game they, they had a momentary celebratory 90 minutes to kind of get through there because they believe you know. And if you don't have belief in football, what, what do you have?

[Max Rushden]

Yeah, absolutely brilliant scenes weren't there. Before we end part one, producer Ty has done some research. So it's the first time a producer's done research for the pod in, in decades. So I'm gonna read it out. Regarding the people who've scored the most goals ever. If Erling Haaland is to catch them. Arthur Friedrichs Reich score From Brazil Score 9. Confirmed 1329 goals in 1239 matches between 1909 and. And 1935. Lagos Tishy, Hungary who played for Budapest Honved. Excuse me, Wilson for the pronunciation. Scored 1917 goals between 1953 and 1971. So, you know, he's, he's got some work to do. That is based on research by the Rec Sport Soccer Statistics foundation, the rssf. So thank you for doing all that work. And that'll do for part one, Part two. And we'll begin with possibly Daishin and Anjou.

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[Max Rushden]

Welcome to part two of the Guardian Football Weekly from the BBC. Well placed sources have indicated Shaan Dyche is a candidate to replace Ange Postecoglou who took over from Nuno in September. It's one of those sentences, Barry, that at the start of the season you can't write well in October, Sean Dice will be the favorite to replace Ange at Forest. But here we are.

[Barry Glendenning]

Yeah, it's. It is ridiculous that Ange might get sacked after, what is it, seven games, several of which I think Forrester played quite well in. But this, this is the world we live in now or the football world. And it is a fact, I think he's only won one of the past 17 Premier League games. He's been a head coach of either spurs or Forest, so that is clearly not sustainable. His style is the polar opposite of Nuno's. Sean Dyche is kind of similar to Nuno, but not as good or not as effective. If I was a Forest fan, I'm not sure how I'd feel about all this. But Dice lives locally, not that that matters, but he's is loyal. Number two, Ian Wong is, is got rich Forest heritage. He was. He played under Brian Clough. Steve Stone, I think, who's also on Daish's coaching staff. He has Forest pedigree. So the Ang appointment just looks like it's not going to work out. They've got Chelsea next and if they lose that, if he even makes it that far, if they lose that, which they probably will, one imagines he will be gone. He looks like a dead man walking. And I, I mean you'd imagine Dice will probably keep them up, which at already this early into the season, that, that, that'll be a win for Forest fans, I think.

[George Ellicott]

I can't think of that many occasions of a club making a succession of decisions to completely destroy something that had been built so well. Like it's. To go from Nuno to Dyche via Ange is one of the most crazy managerial successions I think I've ever heard in my life.

[Max Rushden]

You made it sound like, you know, you made it sound like, you know, you're driving from Cambridge to London via Glasgow. What are you doing that for?

[George Ellicott]

Yeah, that's basically it. I can't understand the decision making when you appoint a manager like Ange A surely you want to do it with some kind of pre season like rather than. Right just after pre season when the players who were successful under Nuno have been drilled over the summer to continue playing that way. And then you've got someone coming in saying, right, we're going to move up our defensive line, 15 meters further forward, we're going to complete twice as many passes. And then when you do that, surely you understand that there is going to be teething issues. It would be absolutely ridiculous for Ange to come in at the time he came in, completely change the way that they're playing football and also in games of football at the same time. I, I don't understand what Marinakis was expecting to happen. But then just like six weeks after you go and appoint a guy to completely shift the playing style and change the playing ideology to then move on to someone who will take you kind of backwards behind where Nuno was in terms of playing style and. And then when you consider that? I don't think there are any. There's probably any Premier League club who, if they were hiring Nuno, would sat Nuno for Dice. The whole thing is. And even if, and I'm a Sean Dyche fan, I think there's a fair chance he'll do an okay job there. But even if he does an incredible job, the process still absolutely stinks. And I can't believe if I was a Forest fan, you'd be, you know, you'd be livid.

[Max Rushden]

Stephen Jarrod's ruled out the possibility of a return to Rangers. Danny Roll is in pole position. George, you've obviously follow him a lot at Chevy on Wednesday. Good idea for Rangers. Good idea for Danny Roll. Is anyone. Is taking the Rangers job a good idea for anyone?

[George Ellicott]

I don't know. I mean, I was, I thought that it was a good job for Russell Martin to take. So I'm not sure I'm the right person to ask about this, but I mean, Ryan is someone who in his time at Sheffield Wednesday has shown himself to be incredibly effective and you know, the job he did at Wednesday where he came in mid season and took over a club that were effectively like they were already relegated after a disastrous appointment in the previous manager in Cisco Munioth, like, even though it's a very different environment and different club, different league, there are massive similarities between the two jobs in terms of having to come in and immediately turn things around. So in that sense I think it would be good. He's someone who's definitely deserves a crack at a big job. You know, he's someone who, when things were going well, was immensely popular at Sheffield Wednesday. But, you know, he's also quite an abrasive character too, where I can imagine if things don't necessarily start well, then, you know, with the passionate Ranger support, there could be some issues there. So it feels like it's a bit of a boom or bust appointment. If it goes through like, it could be brilliant, but at the same time, if it goes badly, it could be spectacular.

[Max Rushden]

George, could you give us a little pricey of the championship for us with your EFL hat on? Coventry leading the way is really interesting, I think.

[George Ellicott]

Yeah, it's really interesting country. Look, the kind of class team at this point, they top the league, they have scored an absurd amount of goals. Their goal difference up to this point is already plus 20, which when you consider we're kind of in mid October is, is a, is a phenomenal stat. But it all still feels very open. You know, Borough have started well under Rob Edwards. The relegated teams haven't looked great. You know Leicester, we still don't know what's happening as to whether or not they're going to get a point seduction, but they've started the campaign pretty well under Martisa Fuentes. Ipswich haven't started season too well but are slowly improving, albeit helped by the fact that they're they're one nil down away at Blackburn Rovers down to 10 men in the 80th minute and the game is called off due to waterlogged pitch and they get to replay it in December which as you can imagine has upset Blackburn Rivers fans quite a lot. And there are a couple of teams who are struggling that we wouldn't necessarily have expected to struggle. Norwich have just eight points from nine games, so Liam Manning coming under some pressure after their Derby Day defeat in the in the Old Farm on the Sunday before the international break, losing 31 at Portman Road. Southampton and new manager Will still haven't really got going yet. 11 points from their nine games down in 17th. Birmingham who started the season so well now have only scored I think eight goals from their nine games on 12 points. So it feels like a, you know often we always say this, like everyone always says the championship is the most unpredictable league in the world. It absolutely isn't. I mean it's much more unpredictable than the Premier League. But generally parachute payment teams do well and teams who have been recently promoted out of League League 1 do badly this season. It feels like it's way more open because the, the perceived good teams aren't necessarily as good as they normally are. And you know, Sheffield Wednesday are clearly a team in, in a lot of trouble and we have to see what happens there in terms of if they can find a, well, if they can find someone who can buy the club off off Chanceri. Fingers crossed. But if not, what might come otherwise in terms of administration and points deductions and the rest of things. But you know they picked up six points so far from their games and you know their, their rival Sheffield United are rooted to the bottom of the table but generally there's some of the poorer teams that we thought, you know, relegation favorites Preston are, you know, I think fourth favorites. Relegation, they're currently sitting fourth on 16 points. QPR were in that vicinity and they're currently in sixth. So maybe this time it's true. Maybe this is the, the season where the championship truly is unpredictable.

[Max Rushden]

Barry, what do you make of Jack Wilshire to Luton?

[Barry Glendenning]

I don't really have an opinion on It Max, is that allowed?

[Max Rushden]

You're allowed an opinion. You can be completely indifferent.

[Rupert Taylor]

You can be indifferent to Jack.

[Barry Glendenning]

Wil takes over as Luten head coach. He will do so. With my very best wishes, Jordan.

[Jordan Jarrett-Bryan]

I'll just say briefly, as an Arsenal fan, it's good to see him getting, getting his first managerial position and Luton fans can correct me if I'm wrong here, but it feels like the sort of club that will give him a chance to really get his hands dirty there and, you know, he's put his imprint on that club and, and do some good work. So it feels on the surface like it's a good. That's, that's a good first job for him to have.

[George Ellicott]

Yeah, I totally agree. I mean, Luton are a club in League One who still get parachute payments, so as a manager, I think that's probably quite a good job to take. He also comes in in October when, you know, the. The expectation for promotion after a poor start to season has dampened a little bit and I think that's probably why Luton have gone down this road where they're probably thinking this is a guy who's obviously an amazing player, decent coaching pedigree, like maybe we're going to hire one of the most promising young managers in English football, but if we don't, then it's mid season, we've already had a poor start and if it doesn't work, it doesn't work out. So I think for Wilshire, he comes into a club where he will definitely get time, the expectation won't be overly high. He's not going to get sacked in March if they're seventh. He might get sacked in March if they're 17th. But, you know, with the squad that he's, he's inherited, it's a good job for him and I think Luton will feel like they're giving opportunity to someone who is deserving of that.

[Max Rushden]

That'll do for part two, Part three. Rupert Taylor joins us. He's the founder and manager of Grenfell Athletic. There's a documentary out called Beacon of Hope on TNT Sports. It's a beautiful film and we'll chat to him next.

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[Rupert Taylor]

Foreign.

[Max Rushden]

Welcome to part three of the Guardian Football Weekly. Let's talk about a documentary that's on TNT Sports at the moment. It's called Beacon of Hope, the Grenfell Athletic Story. Really pleased to say. Rupert Taylor, one of the founders of Grenfell Athletic, is joining us and he's here now. Hey, Rupert, how are you?

[Rupert Taylor]

Yeah, all good, thank you. Not too bad at all.

[Max Rushden]

It's a beautiful film. And if we, if we go to the start of it before the fire, Rupert, there were three pitches under Grenfell Tower that were just a central part for the community there. And you worked as a. At a youth in a youth club, is that right?

[Rupert Taylor]

Yeah.

[Max Rushden]

And there were kids, there were people that had died in that. And I'm sort of loath to bring you back to that time and you don't have to talk about if you don't want to, but there are, you know, there were people who died in Grenfell that you had known since they were kids. One you taught to ride a bike.

[Rupert Taylor]

Yeah. So there was a number of children I knew I spent a lot of time with personal time as well. So I was a youth worker at the local youth organization and I then became the manager from 2009 to 2018. And in that time we would take young people on various residentials or places away from the kind of comfort zone just to kind of get to know them more. But more importantly, allowing them to explore themselves, understand themselves a little bit more. We know when we take young people out of their comfort zone, how different they can be and how much learning can happen within. And when we was on a residential in Oxford, I realized that quite a few of the young people didn't know how to ride a bike. So I spent a whole day working on a couple of young people. And one of them was Baruch. Yeah. Who I taught how to ride.

[Barry Glendenning]

There was one bit max, which I loved at the start of the documentary where somebody was saying that whenever they were on one of those pitches playing, they used to re always play as well as they could because they hoped there might be an Arsenal scout in the tower. Just watching out the window or something, which I, I thought was great.

[Rupert Taylor]

Yeah, I'm sure a few, a few of the players felt like that. I think Taishan as Taishan Hayden Smith. He's, he's often said, like, when he was on the pitch, he felt like it was the burnabout, like, and everyone was there watching. So he's got to perform at his best. And, and so. And so did Paul. Paul felt like, yeah, he needed a. An Arsenal scout around or they were watching. So, yeah, he was able to. To also perform at his best. I mean, me, I, I knew there was no one in the tower and I probably wasn't that good to, to get scouted anyway.

[Max Rushden]

But everyone listening Reaper knows the power.

[Rupert Taylor]

Of the game, right?

[Max Rushden]

That's, that's part of the reason we love it. And, and you say at one point in the film that after the tragedy, people just wanted to lose themselves in football.

[Rupert Taylor]

When we first started out, our training session, we had about 50 people turn up. When we told people that, you know, we're starting a football team, it's for young men within the community. I've never seen the amount of people that turn up, to be honest. And obviously it's one football team. You can only play 11. You can have a squad of 25. I mean, Sunday League, I mean, that's even. That's quite big for Sunday League.

[George Ellicott]

But.

[Rupert Taylor]

But we do it and we've done it. I didn't expect the numbers to turn up. We had a professional boxer, David Adelaide, turn up to. Yeah, he came. He came to. To train. Yeah. And a few other interesting people. Bereaved. Survivors. There were survivors that knew that they weren't gonna play in the team that just turned up because it was a session put on which they felt like they wanted to be a part of. It was insane, to be honest, the amount of numbers that, that came along.

[Jordan Jarrett-Bryan]

Rupert, Ms. Jordan here. What did you want to get from this documentary? What was there thinking going into this, Something you wanted to get across in particular and achieve from this? If so, what was that?

[Rupert Taylor]

So I'm about building the legacy of the 72 people that lost their lives. I think in order for people to have a legacy, we have to tell the story. It's important to tell the story. It's important for people to know that we exist. I mean, we. For the first three years, we didn't tell anybody that we existed. So if you wasn't part of the local community, you would never know that we were. We. We were formed. I allowed our first kind of newspaper article to come out in 2020. Although prior to that we had other people wanting to be involved and wanting to kind of tell our story. I declined because it wasn't the right time. I didn't feel like the players were ready. I didn't think that we were ready as, as a club to kind of be stalked. You know, imagine being fish in a fishbowl. Once, once you tell people you exist, people are going to want to kind of gravitate towards it. So, so yeah, after 2020 kind of told people we were around and we existed and we've slowly kind of built up from there. I think the other side of it is, you know, wanting people to be involved. I think when you, when you release a documentary, you've got to accept that the world are going to want to be involved when it touches them in, in the way that it should. And I imagine it has done, definitely from the feedback that I've received. And it's essential that you tell a story and the people jumping on or wanting to be a part of it understand the story in its entirety. So I think there was a number of things that we, that we had wanted or that I, I wanted in particular and it was to ensure, tell the story and bring people along for our journey. So that, that's it essentially.

[Barry Glendenning]

Rupert, you, you said you were initially reluctant to, to put your story out there, but we saw in the documentary where you had your kit launch and bear in mind this is a Sunday league team at the time, this is what you were and you had various England players. Damon Albarn, Sam Smith, Noel Gallagher, Ashley Walters, Hugh Jackman, Tom Cruise, A.J. tracy, all these mega celebs, a listers posing with your shirt, wearing your shirt, wishing you luck. That must have been so odd. And did it at any point get a bit overwhelming?

[Rupert Taylor]

Overwhelming for me is probably not. We don't walk hand in hand. I'm a super kind of chilled individual. Was it phenomenal? Yes. I think our aim is to be everybody's second favorite team.

[Barry Glendenning]

So.

[Rupert Taylor]

Definitely, you know, having all of the celebs wear our kit just shows the power of Grandfather Athletic and what it could actually do to dismantle tribalism in football. You know, I'm a Liverpool fan and I support, I've supported them since my mum put me in a shirt at like 3 or 4 years old. But I still support Grandfather Athletic also. One of them I love and the other one I love more. Seeing the celebs and a listers in the shirts just reinforces what Grandfather Athletic can be.

[Max Rushden]

Football's such a great escape. I wonder, when you're playing opposition teams, are they more respectful of you because of where you've come from? Or once the game starts, we see in the final against Brentford Town, I'm not going to give any spoilers away. Apart from their number 8 looks like a bit of a dirty bastard. Maybe he's unlucky in the edit, but, like, are they, like, really respectful or. Once the game starts, you know, it's right, let's just spoil their thing, you know, because footballers, you know, white line fever exists everywhere.

[Rupert Taylor]

Yeah. So you're right. White line fever does exist everywhere and it definitely does with Grandpa Athletic. I think we often get teams that, like in our league, for example, that they don't have a squad or an 11 throughout the season, but when they're playing Grandfather Athletic, it's like, pull out all the stops.

[Barry Glendenning]

Oh, really?

[Max Rushden]

Get the ringers in.

[Rupert Taylor]

Yeah, yeah.

[Max Rushden]

Checking the team sheet, Check the team sheet.

[Rupert Taylor]

Taking pictures of players. Is he signed? Is he signed? But no, I think once, once the ball's kicked, I think everybody's respectful before and like, pre match and post match, you know, you've got respect. But. But yeah, once they're. They're on the pitch, I think everybody forgets who we are and look.

[Max Rushden]

Testament to you for many reasons. Right. I think what you've built is incredible. But I mean, I've watched a lot of these, you know, documentaries of top, top teams and the team talks are. And your team talks are incredible.

[Rupert Taylor]

How do you want me to respond?

[Max Rushden]

I suppose it's not. It's not a question, it's just like, fair play. Like, obviously you have such a strong message and I think it's really interesting. And I presume every single game you mention why this team is there, right?

[Rupert Taylor]

I don't actually.

[Max Rushden]

Really.

[Rupert Taylor]

Yeah, no, I'm very different. I think for me, I've been doing it for eight years and I'm just very clear that just like any other manager, that we want to win. Everybody loves a winning team. So in order to also help build out the message, I can do what I do as the charity, the Grandfather Athletic charity, off the pitch, providing opportunities for young people and the teams. But on the pitch, there still needs to be the message that we're no pushovers and we want to win silverware. So I don't often remind the players what this badge stands for. I just. I'm very clear that the badge is the badge and we should respect it when we wear it.

[Max Rushden]

You've started a women's team a few years ago. I mean there's a, there's a girl who scores an absolute ping in the documentary. It's a, it's a brilliant strike.

[Barry Glendenning]

Steph Atwood, she's pinging in worldies from all over the place.

[Rupert Taylor]

Steph is a gift. She's been a gift. She's the captain of the, of the women's team and she deserves to be captain. Not, not just for her, her ability but you know, she's injured, she's standing on the pitch, she's shouting at everybody, she's coaching them, she's young herself and you know, she plays the game like she's been in it for quite some time. Definitely can then lend the ball a little bit more. But I just think that comes with making sure that she trusts all of all of her players. But yeah, no, she, she's a fantastic energy and leads by example. Goes without saying that the girl's got a ping, she can hit him.

[Max Rushden]

I think something that really struck me, and it's so obvious when you think about it, is that, and you know, one of the players who got out with his baby, went back in and got his ex partner out, said actually it wasn't the, the night that was hard for him, it was afterwards, you know, and that's so obvious, isn't it, that, that something like this would affect you for, forever, for your whole life. And, and he says, look, this football team saved his life.

[Rupert Taylor]

Joseph John, he's been with Grand Athletic from the beginning. He's been very clear that without the football team he would not be alive anymore. But he's a dear brother and I love him. We love him and we've, we've given him a lot of support over the years. I think the times where it's been very clear, I've had many snippets of clarity has been when we've taken our players away. Because when you take them away, you get to spend the most time with them. If you imagine we do a couple of hours of training a week and then a couple of hours on a match day, you're looking at maximum of five hours. When you go away for five days, you know the hours are there, you know, you're with them 247 so you get to see who they are, their routines, what they're about. When we've gone away, we've really got to delve a little bit deeper into the souls of our players and he needs us. Much like the other players.

[Max Rushden]

This documentary, it's all about hope and unity and it's amazing and it mentions, of course, but doesn't really focus on the fight for justice. But at the moment, there've been no arrests or criminal charges leveled against any individual in relation to the fire. The Met police and the CPS saying it's unlikely any charges will be announced before the end of 2026 at the earliest, due to the sheer scale and complex of the case that must be felt so strongly within the community.

[Rupert Taylor]

It's definitely felt strongly, for sure, by everybody. Grenfell Athletic has always been a place of solace and respite. I wouldn't call it escapism. I wouldn't describe it as an escape. But the players deal with Grenfell every day, whether it's going past it, being underneath it, talking about whatever it is. Grenfell Athletic has always been a place for a player to unload, make mistakes and have a safety net. It's crucial that I remain steadfast and I never mix the two, my personal views with what Grandfather Athletic was established for and the people that are in it. I think we all have our opinions, but Grandfather Athletic itself is not politically driven. And there are organizations out there, mainly Grenfell United, that's fighting a good fight to. To, you know, make sure that justice gets served. But Grandfather Athletic is a completely different entity that drives for the future and the legacy of something that was horrific.

[Max Rushden]

Loads of listeners will go and watch this documentary now and will probably wonder how they can help out. Like, can. Can they buy shirts? What can they. What can they do? I was gonna offer myself as a holding midfielder, but the level looks a little high for me. Some of those step overs, I reckon I'd. I'd do my ankle trying to chase them, but. But what? How can listeners help out?

[Rupert Taylor]

We need volunteers with quality people that have got something to bring to the table, including fundraising. Over the years, we haven't focused heavily on fundraising. Not because we're plush with cash, because we're not. People that can write bids and help us fundraise would be astronomical for us. Insanely important. I can't express that enough Volunteers, you know, coaches, people that are just happy to get their hands dirty, I'd say people that can open doors through networking and opportunities. I think if you can help open the door for a player to have, you know, some work or work experience or just different experiences, I think that that helps because we really. We're really committed in showing all the players and young people that there's another step to life, that there's another. Another part of life. That they may not have seen before. And we want to give them that opportunity.

[Max Rushden]

Well, it's a beautiful film out of a quite devastating tragedy. And I think what you've done is absolutely amazing, Rupert. So, again, not a question, just a compliment. And thanks so much for your time. Really appreciate it.

[Rupert Taylor]

Thanks for having me, guys. Take care.

[Max Rushden]

You can watch the documentary Beacon of Hope, the Grenfell Athletic Story on TNT Sports. And that'll do for today. Thanks, everyone else, thank you. Jordan. Cheers, mate. Thanks, Barry.

[Barry Glendenning]

Thank you.

[Max Rushden]

Thank you, George. Football Weekly is produced by Tyo Popula with Joel Grove. Our executive producer is Phil Maynard. And we'll be back on Wednesday.

[Barry Glendenning]

It.