Mansfield Miracle, Shocking Officiating & Gary and Alan vs Harry Kane

Summary

The Rest Is Football – Episode Summary

Podcast: The Rest Is Football
Title: Mansfield Miracle, Shocking Officiating & Gary and Alan vs Harry Kane
Date: February 16, 2026
Hosts: Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, Micah Richards

---

Episode Overview

This episode dives into the latest round of FA Cup action, the remarkable upset by Mansfield, controversial officiating in the Villa–Newcastle match, England left-back debates, the return to form for Liverpool, and the inevitable conversation around Harry Kane's milestone 500th goal. With their signature blend of expert insight, banter, and nostalgia, Gary, Alan, and Micah dissect key moments and trends from the weekend’s football.

---

1. FA Cup Weekend: Big Stories and Small Miracles

• Mansfield’s Historic Upset over Burnley

  • Mansfield defeat Burnley in the FA Cup — the standout shock of an otherwise routine round.
  • Micah: “Burnley should have scored three or four goals… Mansfield were brilliant as well on the day, but Burnley missed so many chances.” (03:07)
  • Nigel Clough’s management and the standout nature of Louis Reed’s free-kick are praised.
  • Mansfield reach the FA Cup fifth round for the first time since 1975 (23:40).
  • “That is still a monumental effort... It’s a fabulous technique [from Reed].” – Gary (23:20)

• Team Rotation & Squad Management Critique

  • Burnley’s nine changes under scrutiny.
  • Gary: “You get a home game in the FA Cup and you think, oh, I'll make nine changes. I honestly do not understand the logic behind that.” (03:28)
  • Discussion: Weighing momentum vs. the need to keep non-premier league regulars match-fit (05:14).

---

2. Officiating in the Spotlight: Villa vs Newcastle

• Catastrophic Decisions Without VAR

  • Alan lambasts the referee and assistants:
    • “Those three yesterday, seriously, how bad were they? ...Out of five, maybe four big decisions... they got one correct.” (13:23)
  • The debate escalates over the “comfort blanket” VAR usually provides to officials.
  • Lack of VAR in the cup leads to multiple errors; Alan lists missed offsides and a missed red card for Digne (14:46–15:20).
  • Newcastle win anyway, but Alan notes the uproar there would’ve been otherwise.
  • Micah: “At full time ... it was seething. It just won. And you still have to get a dig in about the refs. It was hilarious.” (15:27)

• The VAR Debate & Proposal for an Appeal System

  • Gary: “I’d still take that over VAR – at least it’s quick mistakes. VAR still makes mistakes anyway... It's actually been the most damaging thing for our sport in my lifetime.” (16:05, 17:12)
  • He reiterates his proposed “appeal system” — teams get limited appeals, only check incidents flagged by a team.
  • Alan: “I would just like VAR to be as they told us... maximum benefit, minimum interference... they have gone so far from that, it’s incredible.” (17:38)

---

3. Squad Talk: Studio Dynamics and On-Air Banter

• Fun behind-the-scenes chat on how pundits position themselves in TV studios:
  • Micah: “I prefer sitting at the end because when you're in the middle, you feel squashed…” (10:13)
  • The trio discuss how to get unique points in, avoid being upstaged, and the best/worst TV boxes in stadiums (12:10).
  • Quick quips, e.g.:
    • Shearer, joking after sniping at Micah’s seat preference: “Well, you would.” (11:08)
    • Gary: “I always felt like you were after my job.” (11:25)

---

4. England’s Left-Back Dilemma

• Lewis Hall’s Emergence
  • Micah: “Lewis Hall has to start left back for England... His performances of the last two months have been outstanding.” (19:43)
  • Alan and Gary on Hall’s positional flexibility and comparisons to other midfielders-turned-left-backs.
  • Noted as England’s most in-form left-back with Luke Shaw’s status uncertain.

---

5. Newcastle’s Progress and Player Dynamics

• Bruno Guimarães Injury Worries

  • Alan reveals Bruno is out for about 8 weeks, a big concern given Newcastle’s reliance on him:
  • “I think there were 13 [games] before yesterday without him, and they only won one game.” (20:37)

• Tonali’s Performance and Transfer Rumors

  • Alan reassures fans despite rumors of an Italian return:
    • “Judging by his reaction [after his goal], I wouldn’t look too serious into it.” (21:28)
  • Micah praises Tonali’s recovery after a difficult season:
    • “A lot of people said he’s not going to be the same player... but with his quality, he’s always going to get back to his best.” (22:00)
  • Gary underscores the value of visible, sincere support from players for Eddie Howe (22:37).

---

6. Liverpool and City Review

• Liverpool Back to Their Best?

  • Noted improvement under Arne Slot with standout performances from Szoboszlai, Salah, Wirtz, and defensive solidity:
    • Gary: “Liverpool do look like they’re on the way back.” (32:21)
    • Alan: “He [Szoboszlai] had to fill in at right back as well several times... he’s a really good player, great engine.” (30:29)
  • Micah: “When van Dijk plays well ... the whole of Liverpool play [well]...” (31:08)

• Man City’s Keeper Conundrum

  • Trafford’s situation and Donnarumma’s arrival at City:
    • Gary: “He thought he was coming to Manchester City to be the first team goalkeeper.” (33:17)
    • Alan argues learning from Donnarumma will help Trafford in the long run. (34:46)

---

7. Around the Grounds

• Championship & Scottish Premiership

  • Hearts, Rangers, Celtic in a genuine three-way race:
    • Gary: “You’ve got a proper title race in Scotland. ... It’d be incredible if someone outside of Rangers or Celtic won it.” (37:40)

• Wolves Survive a Grimsby Pitch from the 1980s

  • Alan nostalgically enjoys seeing “mud, rain... like back in the 80s.” (44:11)

---

8. Harry Kane’s 500 Goals & Striker Legacy

• Kane Hits 500—How Do Alan and Gary Compare?

  • Micah: “Does it bother you that Harry Kane scored more goals or not? Be honest...”
  • Shearer: “Why would it bother you if he scored more goals?” (42:51)
  • Gary: “Harry Kane’s a better footballer than me and Alan, probably.” (43:21)
  • Stats discussion: Kane’s 100 penalties among his 500 goals (41:45); Alan’s candid about his own tally, tongue-in-cheek about including youth goals (41:08).
  • Broader debate over strikers’ inflation in strike rates due to modern laws, pitches, number of penalties.
    • Gary: "If I was in my prime now... I’d fancy scoring a lot of goals." (43:31)

• Memorable Quotes:

  • Gary Lineker on VAR:
    "It's actually been the most damaging thing for our sport in my lifetime." (17:12)
  • Alan Shearer, on officiating:
    “Those three yesterday, seriously, how bad were they?” (13:23)
  • Micah Richards, on Lewis Hall:
    "His performances of the last two months have been outstanding." (19:43)

---

9. Light Touches and Banter

• Critique of diving, with references to Bastoni and their own bad dives:
  • Gary: “There should be an automatic three-game suspension because that’s the only way players are going to stop doing it.” (39:02)
  • Micah sheepishly admits his own was worse (39:24).
• Fun with new football phrases:
  • “A bit of room of space” as a possible catchphrase—Micah plans to write it down (36:38).

---

10. Notable Timestamps

• [03:07] Mansfield’s win and Burnley’s missed chances
• [13:23] Alan Shearer’s officiating rant (Villa–Newcastle)
• [16:05–17:12] Gary Lineker’s anti-VAR tirade and appeals proposal
• [19:43–20:15] England left-back discussion: Lewis Hall
• [41:45–44:09] Kane, Shearer, and Lineker: the goalscoring debate
• [23:20] Nigel Clough and Mansfield's historic achievement
• [31:08] Liverpool’s improved defensive performances
• [39:02] The punishment for diving

---

Conclusion

This rich, energetic episode delivers what The Rest Is Football promises: timely analysis, authentic behind-the-scenes banter, and sharp observations on the evolving game. From Mansfield’s cup heroics to seething VAR discussions, nostalgia for the muddy pitches of past decades, and debates over England’s striking royalty, it’s an episode brimming with insights, laughs, and proper football talk.

---

Transcript

[Chevrolet Narrator]

Somewhere out there is a Chevy truck and the person who drives it, well, that's a Chevy person. You probably know one, your buddy, your sister. Ones who always show up. They're the first to rise, the last to leave. They always have that little extra something. And maybe you've got it too. Chevrolet together, let's drive. Visit chevy.com trucks to explore the lineup.

[Carvana Advertiser]

This podcast is brought to you by Carvana. Car shopping shouldn't feel like preparing for a marathon of paperwork. That's why Carvana makes buying and financing your car easy from start to finish. Search thousands of vehicles with great prices, all online, all on your time. And when you're ready, your new car shows up right at your door. It doesn't get better than that. Buy your car the easy way on delivery fees may apply.

[Micah Richards]

So who's better, you or Harry Kane?

[Alan Shearer]

What a stupid question.

[Gary Lineker]

VAR has actually been the most damaging thing for our sport in my lifetime.

[Micah Richards]

Lewis hall has to start left back for England. His performances of the last two months have been outstanding.

[Alan Shearer]

How long did it take you to think of that question, Gaz, what would you do in this situation? Such a brilliant, amazing question that took ages to think about.

[Micah Richards]

Not about the question, it's about the answer. And Gav delivered.

[Gary Lineker]

Hello and welcome to the rest is football with Micah Richards recovered, I hope Alan Shearer and me, Gary Lineker. It's been FA cup weekend, obviously no major shocks other than probably Mansfield winning at Burnley. I don't think Tony will be listening to this. Indeed, Alistair Campbell is another Earnley fan. It was a tough one for them but overall, Micah, how? Why? That's the most important thing. You've not been very well.

[Micah Richards]

Do you want the honest answer or.

[Gary Lineker]

Of course we want the honest answer.

[Alan Shearer]

I think there's something like it's actually coming out both ends or something like that. Is that right?

[Micah Richards]

Yes, I was sick. I was supposed to go Abu Dhabi. Was it on Monday? It didn't happen. I was feeling at a temperature and then I was sick a couple of times and then it come out the other end as well.

[Gary Lineker]

So ignore a virus was it?

[Micah Richards]

Probably knows what it was.

[Gary Lineker]

Well, at least you didn't do it on a football pitch, Micah. Cuz honestly, you never want to do that. It's quite embarrassing but. You feeling a bit better?

[Micah Richards]

Yeah, I'm feeling better.

[Alan Shearer]

It's going to take it's time, the size of that ass to get rid.

[Micah Richards]

Of that by the way.

[Gary Lineker]

Oh well, we've started at the bottom in this podcast. It wasn't, I would say the most exhilarating weekend of FA cup football. But that, you know, that happens every now and again, which means all the.

[Alan Shearer]

So called big boys have sort of done their job and did what they had to do, didn't they?

[Micah Richards]

Can I just give a little bit of context? The Burnley, though, I actually watched that game and Burnley should have scored three or four goals. It wasn't like they were outplayed. Mansfield were brilliant as well on the day, but Burnley missed so many chances. The goal that they took, they took it really well. But it was, yeah, it was a, it was a good day for Cluffy, wasn't it?

[Gary Lineker]

The only thing I would say on that for Burnley, it's been under pressure. So you win a game, a big game, and you suddenly get three points, you've suddenly got a little bit of the feel good factor. So you get a home game in the FA cup and you think, oh, I'll tell you what I'll do, I'll make nine changes. I honestly do not understand the logic behind that. I guess he wants to protect it because he might. He feels like the most important thing is staying up, which is highly, highly unlikely. But if it was to happen, it would happen because they grab a bit of momentum. So if they go into this game playing their best team and they win it again, suddenly two wins on the bounce. Here we go. Now, it might not happen anyway and it might not make any difference. And obviously it's slightly hypothetical, but I just don't get it. It's. They're playing in Europe, they're not playing in the Carabao cup, they've only got league games once every week really. Now I just, I genuinely, genuinely do not understand the thinking behind it.

[Alan Shearer]

I wouldn't argue on that. I would go along with you. It was, in a way, Hull was something similar because I did the whole Chelsea game on Friday evening. They each made six or seven changes as well, left a lot of the first team as that was slightly different for them because they're in fourth position in the championship. So I guess their priority has be promotion to the Premier League. I mean, realistically, Burnley are not going to win it, Hull are not going to win it. So getting to the next round will probably be, I don't know, worth anything from half a million to a million if they get picked on a TV game, I guess. I don't know. But yeah, from a Burnley point of view, I certainly get what you're seeing. Yeah.

[Micah Richards]

The only thing I would say though, to counteract that, guys, is the players who are not trusted in the Premier League, they need to keep fit, don't they? And it's the only game really you can use them. So if you think there's half a sniff of staying up in the Premier League and you've got all these players and they're not getting a game in the Premier League, it's one. Like Alan said, they're probably not going to win the FA Cup. So I see both sides. I'm on. Probably on your side more. Well, that momentum, you win that and then you know the changing room's buzzing and then you know what wins do to a group of players just gives you that little bit of confidence. But in terms of when you've squad players, it's only real time they can get some football.

[Gary Lineker]

You both worked on the Friday night game, Hull versus Chelsea, which was obviously a very comfortable victory for Chelsea. But there's been a little bit of complaint with that because obviously traditionally we've, you know, most of the games have either been on recent years, both by BBC and ITV and free to air.

[Micah Richards]

Well, we can't talk because we. He works for Amazon and I work for sky which is behind a payroll.

[Gary Lineker]

I don't work for anyone anymore.

[Micah Richards]

Don't they, Chrissy Allen, that's about to come out of your mouth.

[Alan Shearer]

That wasn't gonna say anything, Micah. I was gonna say I didn't. I didn't realize that I gave out the game that we did on Friday evening. Hull, Chelsea and the game that I did yesterday was Villa Newcastle were also on TNT as well. That's all I was going to say. It was on. On. On both. Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

So I was watching the other one because I couldn't cope with you two. Not true. Not true at all. The perfect moment to take a little bit. This episode is brought to you by Fuse Energy. No one likes a panic buy on deadline day. The smart teams do their business early, not relying on dodgy fax machines. Are they still a thing rushed medicals or watching a plan B target become a plan C?

[Alan Shearer]

The best deals are the calm ones when you've still got options on the table.

[Gary Lineker]

Switching to Fuse Energy is one of those great deals. On average, customers save around 200 pounds on their their energy bills and it only takes three minutes to switch. You get 24, 7 customer support, you see exactly what you're using day by day, all in one app. And play a part in Fuse's mission to deliver energy that keeps getting cheaper for everyone.

[Alan Shearer]

And it doesn't stop there. Switch to Fuse Energy and you could have your question answered on the show.

[Gary Lineker]

Sign up to fuse [e-mail] Football. Use the referral code. Football. And you could also win a 1990 English shirt signed by the three of us. The rest is football. Let's start with the games. We've obviously, we talked about the Burnley one, but probably the game of the weekend was also one that. You certainly were there, Alan, weren't you, Villa?

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, I did that for BBC as well. I was in the studio. I did the core comms Friday night. We're in the studio on Saturday.

[Gary Lineker]

What do you prefer? Do you prefer the co comms or the studio?

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, I much prefer the Cor comms.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah.

[Alan Shearer]

It's harder, but I get a bigger buzz out of it because, I don't know, you have to call it within a second. You. You're in the cold, you're in the stadium, you're not in the studio, you're feeling everything. I guess the fans are.

[Gary Lineker]

So let me ask you in a slightly different way. If I was still there, Alan, you'd obviously prefer to be in the studio.

[Alan Shearer]

Absolutely, yeah.

[Micah Richards]

There's a headline there. Alan Shearer prefers to work with Bar Lica.

[Gary Lineker]

We are joking. We are joking. Let's make it abundantly clear for everyone, this is, as they say, banter.

[Alan Shearer]

Actually, I have to tell you, it was probably. I know because I had. I had time to think. You've got time to think when you're in the studio, because more often than not, by the time they come to you, you've. You've got a few minutes to work on what you're going to see and how you're going to see it. You've got time to look at your little bits of analysis, unless it happens in the last sort of second or two and a half. So if I was on the core comms yesterday on the aston Villa Newcastle 1, I might have been sacked because with what I wanted to say. Re. What the referee and the assistants.

[Gary Lineker]

I'm coming to that. I'm coming to that. They. They had a bad day. One more question before we talk about the officiating. When you say, when we come to half time, you get a little bit of a chance to think. It's always important to sit in the first seat, isn't it? Yeah. Insisted on it for years. Because you get first dibs.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, that was. That was more often than not the case where Alan was there. But it has. It has slightly change.

[Gary Lineker]

I think it's still general for a presenter. You tend to have this. It's like slightly weird. I haven't done it for a long time. You always go to the person that's nearest to you for the first reaction. Now, Micah always likes to sit on the far end, correct?

[Micah Richards]

Yes.

[Gary Lineker]

Why? Why would you like to? Because. Because if he's. If. If you've got an idea about saying something and Alan doesn't say it, but maybe the middle guest does, and then it gets to you. It's like, what do I say now? But you've always got a different angle to come from of.

[Micah Richards]

Write down two things that you want to say.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah.

[Micah Richards]

And I remember I was working with Danny Murphy and I wrote down two things. He said both things.

[Gary Lineker]

I was thinking, that's my point.

[Micah Richards]

So I asked him a question and thought. I gathered my thoughts and thought, what could I do? Say something interesting. Say something interesting. And then I think I was working with Kelly Cage, asked an interesting question and I was like, phew. Yeah, because he reads the game really well, Danny Murphy. So you've always got to get in there first if you want to say something. But I prefer sitting at the end because when you're in the middle, you feel squashed, you know.

[Alan Shearer]

Well, you would.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah.

[Micah Richards]

Stretch out and flex. I like to pretend that I'm the second presenter on the other desk. You know, I'm just sitting back relaxing, see what the presenter says. I wait to see if they mess up or anything, just to prop them up a little bit.

[Gary Lineker]

I always felt like you were after my job.

[Micah Richards]

Do you remember the Euros? This is what he did. We had no strikers on the panel. I don't think we did one.

[Gary Lineker]

Get a couple of games, I think we had.

[Micah Richards]

Alan was in Colcoms and he was the only striker. So I thought, you know what, here's my moment. You want to be. You want to venture into that presenting type of role, but you don't want to be a presenter. You just want to ask a few questions. So I said, gus, what would you do in that situation? And he went on this. Oh, everyone covered it. And I thought it was absolutely fantastic.

[Alan Shearer]

How long did it take you to think of that question? Gaz, what would you do in this situation?

[Micah Richards]

Question.

[Alan Shearer]

Such a brilliant, amazing question that took.

[Micah Richards]

Ages to think about the question. It's about the answer. A gas delivers.

[Alan Shearer]

I have to tell you. Also, by the way, the box for the studio that they used at Villa Park. Goodness me. So it must be the worst box for TV in the world. You can only see half a pitch, can you? Honestly, it's like you're you end up. You end up watching it on the television in front of you.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah. That's why I prefer doing the Cor comes because you're up watching it outside the who pitch.

[Gary Lineker]

Here's a question for you. The best TV studio in a ground to work at.

[Alan Shearer]

You're very rarely in the middle anyway, are you? Always. You're always at the end of. End of the pitch somewhere, aren't you?

[Gary Lineker]

There's an obvious winner to this one.

[Alan Shearer]

Go on.

[Gary Lineker]

Tottenham hot spur, Spurs. Really good, that one. I mean, they've got a modern ground, but they've actually the one place that have thought it through and actually gone. This is a really good thing to do and make it look really good and put it in a good place. So I don't think when there is in new stadiums, they. They think of that very often. So at least spurs got something right. This. Yeah, so. Right, here we go. So let's say the officials didn't have a great day in the game between Bur and Newcastle.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, that's been very, very polite.

[Gary Lineker]

But that happens.

[Alan Shearer]

We're all allowed a bad day. But let's be honest, guys, those three. Those three yesterday, seriously, how bad were they? I mean, they were terrible. I would say out of five, maybe four. Big decisions, Big decisions, simple decisions. I would say they got one correct.

[Gary Lineker]

It's not bad. One out of five. The one thing I. I would say is, do you not think they all got together and thought, right, tell you what, let's make a load of decisions and then all go see var. Is which better?

[Alan Shearer]

No. What happened?

[Gary Lineker]

Joking again, by the way. People don't take that literally.

[Alan Shearer]

What's been happening is they've been with V since the beginning of the season, refereeing all the premier leagues and everything they've had to do. And then they get to that game and all of a sudden they haven't got the comfort blanket that they've been relying on to say, oh, it doesn't really matter if I get it wrong because the VAR will correct me. Well, yesterday, because of that they were hopeless.

[Gary Lineker]

But yeah, I mean, surely where's the comfort blanket come from?

[Sponsor/Advertiser Voice]

The.

[Gary Lineker]

The one that's clearly in the box and he puts his arm. I mean, he did actually give the handball. That would have been the one.

[Alan Shearer]

The assistant was just 12 yards away looking directly at it.

[Gary Lineker]

Correct. But that can't be about a comfort blanket.

[Alan Shearer]

Well, he must have thought, honestly. Well, I don't know what he's thinking.

[Gary Lineker]

Need a big blanket to be that far outside the box.

[Alan Shearer]

I mean Dinia should have been sent off for a terrible tackle. The. The assistant who missed the handball also missed the offside for the. For the goal. Simple decision.

[Gary Lineker]

Maybe could see off the pitch like you in the studio.

[Alan Shearer]

I'm not sure he can see any of the pitch judging by his decisions. I know it's a hard but it's a difficult job. But right. They all. We all have a bad day. But come on guys. They have to be better. They have to do at this level of football the importance of it. Luckily Newcastle won the game. Right. Because of the decisions that went against them. But can you imagine if Newcastle hadn't gone through that The. The. The backlash that would have happened you at halftime.

[Micah Richards]

I was hilarious. And for full time. Don't know if you watched the coverage Gaz but it was. It was seething. It just won.

[Gary Lineker]

It.

[Micah Richards]

It come back to Holland in. You know. And you still have to get a digging about the refs. It was hilarious.

[Alan Shearer]

I had to calm. That was me Calm down. You should have seen me during that. When the decisions were being made or the decisions weren't being made. Whatever. How you wouldn't look at it.

[Gary Lineker]

Oh God.

[Alan Shearer]

I was raging. And the Newcastle fans were right in front of the box as well. And they were. They were obviously going mad. And rightly so as well. Because the assistant referee on the side that we were s. He did miss another two or three clear offsides as well. Well they're terrible dear.

[Gary Lineker]

You know we all have bad days. But the one thing I would say is that I'd still take that over Var. I just on. At least it's quick mistakes. I mean even VR they still make mistakes anyway. So it's not really improved it that much. There are things that would have been turned over. And this brings me to the point that I've made 8,457,603 times about an appeal system. It's the only way out of this. I mean obviously they would have appealed straight away Newcastle. They would have won their appeal and it would have been happened. We don't look at every goal. We don't look at every corner for trying to find something. We don't do this. We only do it if there's an appeal. And so and so says he pushed him not oh try and find us something from a corner or whatever. And it's the only way out of this. Because Var is unacceptably slow. It's embarrassing. It's just not helped the game whatsoever. It's actually been the most damaging thing for our sport in my lifetime. And I think I can say that the way it's been done. I don't blame the referees. I don't even blame the VAR people.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

But because of the nature of it and the fact that we've gone down this thing about high bars and then we put it a bit lower and then it's up again, then it's down and we'd say it's become an important part of the game. And they said it wasn't going to be a second referee. And yes, it is. It's just not worked. It's not work. But the appeals thing is the way out and it will come come. I guarantee it will come and it can't come soon enough.

[Alan Shearer]

I do feel sorry for the referees, believe it or not, because I think they've made it in. They've just made it impossible for them. I was for Var and I. And I. I'll just. I would just like VAR to be as they told us. And they have gone so far from what they told us, clear and obvious. Not going to re referee, maximum benefit, minimum interference. I mean, they have gone so far from that, it's incredible. So I would like what they actually told us.

[Gary Lineker]

I think that's impossible, though, unless they go to an appeal system. It's the only way out of this. The only way.

[Micah Richards]

I think we get Howard Web on again.

[Sponsor/Advertiser Voice]

Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

I'd happily have him on a tour. I mean, we. I know. I. We all have bad days. Referees have bad days. VAR bad days.

[Micah Richards]

Just the pressure from their side guys.

[Gary Lineker]

You know, Hardly anyone I know likes var. It's because it's so dreadfully slow and then they've got to go, oh, is it enough of a foul to give a penalty? I mean, what does that even mean? It's either a foul or it's not a foul. But you can't do it because otherwise it's not a clear and obvious ever. It. I feel sorry for them because it's impossible for them. You can't get it right all the time. They've got no chance under the current guidelines and stuff. But that's why it needs to change. And the appeal system, it stipulates exactly what the players, whoever it is, whether it's the captain or the coach, someone says, right, we're appealing this because so and so did so and so to so and so or so and so handballed it. And then they just look at that one incident, so it can't take too long, and then they determine whether they're right. And it is a foul or not. Now there'll still be mistakes and there'll still be disagreements. But boy oh boy we won't have this fast that is Var anyway got.

[Alan Shearer]

Through to the fifth round. Lads were Tenali. They were really impressive. They weren't a good first off, I didn't think. I think Villa were the better team. Deserved to be in front albeit by an offside goal. But Newcastle were much better second half. Better press, better energy. Took the game to Villa against the. Against their 10 men and deserved to go through.

[Micah Richards]

I thought while we're just on Newcastle. Lewis hall has to start left back for England.

[Alan Shearer]

Think he will.

[Micah Richards]

He's absolutely amazing.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah.

[Micah Richards]

To go from midfield to left back is spatial. Aw. His timing of his challenges. He's good on the ball. He's got good delivery. He's got everything. His performances of the last two months have been outstanding. He's by far the best in terms of. Luke Shaw's done well since United have been doing well.

[Gary Lineker]

O'reilly he's another one. That's a midfield player converted to a left back. Now back in midfield. O'Reilly's probably the only other one that comes close. I would say.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah but O'Reilly's like you said been played in midfield. Give Man City a lot of energy in the. That midfield. But yeah I. I would say.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah. I'd agree with that. Micah. Big blow for Newcastle. Also Bruno Gameras. He's going to be out for about two months. Eight weeks. So yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

The results don't go well generally without him. That's a. That's a deep concern, isn't it?

[Alan Shearer]

I think there was 13 before yesterday without him. And they only won one game.

[Gary Lineker]

How do you remedy that?

[Alan Shearer]

Well they all have to step up. Tonali did that. We said that before the game yesterday. Right. Who is the one that is going to step up and take the captain's place and do what he's done for so many times for Newcastle is either play that killer pass. Produce something special to get the result. And Tonali did that yesterday. Tonali.

[Gary Lineker]

Well I was going to bring me on to Tonali because I mean he was very passionate with his celebrations, wasn't he? Because there's been a lit few rumors and whispering. Hasn't Yellen. That he wants off. He wants maybe go back to Italy.

[Alan Shearer]

I saw that as well. I don't know whether or who it is. Whether it's an agency connected with him or not. I don't know. I'm not sure. But judging by his. Because he hasn't hit the heights a lot of times this season from what he did to last season.

[Gary Lineker]

They're his first goals for ages, weren't they?

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, I, I loved his reaction yesterday. I loved, I loved all of the players reaction, particularly in spurs when they pushed Eddie Howe forward to the front of the fans and when. I don't know whether you saw the interview yesterday but Tonali and Kieran Trippier both were. Both praise and Eddie Howe and what he's done and how much they love working with him and all of that and I, I really, I really enjoyed that and I thought that. So I think judging by his reaction then I wouldn't look too serious into it.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah, totally agree. I just think he's a top player. I think you talk about someone stepping up, it is a little bit harder because Bruno gets into the box a lot more, doesn't he? If you look at Tonali's finish and he was edge of the box and if they can get the ball to him there, perfect. But you'd see Bruno more running into the six yard box getting his goals or whatever it may be or just into the box. But I've always rated of. I think he's brilliant and especially after all the betting thing coming back from that a lot of people said he's not going to be the same player and yes his form's not being as good as last but I mean with his quality he's always going to get back to his best.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah. It was interesting what you said about the support Freddie Howe from the players because you always expect, you know, players will never talk ill of a manager but they went out of their way.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

To say it and that you could tell it was actually seriously meant.

[Alan Shearer]

Absolutely.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah. Absolutely.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

Just before we have a. We've already discussed this game on a Burnley perspective but I think we should give a shout out massively to Mansfield for their achievements. I know they, you know, you said Burnley missed a few chances and they did, but that is still a monumental effort. And Nigel Clough in charge there and tell you what, he's looking more and more like his dad as he gets older.

[Alan Shearer]

It was an unbelievable free kick, wasn't it? The goal?

[Micah Richards]

Yeah, it was amazing.

[Gary Lineker]

Brilliant. Yeah. Absolutely brilliant goal from Louis Reed who's been around the houses in the lower leagues. But it was a fabulous 10 technique.

[Alan Shearer]

Brilliant.

[Micah Richards]

It was a player called Oates as well up front. He, he was very good in the game. He was running all over the place. His link up play as well. Got his goal. Yeah. There's some impressive players he did.

[Gary Lineker]

Reese Oates is like rice and oats. I don't know. You can't forget that name. But brilliant header. Technically the way to do it. Fifth round the FA cup for the first time since 1975. 50. 50 years. 51 years.

[Alan Shearer]

I can see. I can just see the pitches tomorrow night when the draw's being made. When all those players are be around the TV and hoping for the biggest draw. Newcastle at home. Something like that, wouldn't they?

[Micah Richards]

Well, you're not going to give a little shout out to Baltimada. Now you mentioned Newcastle again.

[Gary Lineker]

He scored.

[Micah Richards]

He kept him on. He got his goal. You know, he played a lot better I thought.

[Alan Shearer]

I mean him and. Him and Aula were miles apart in the first half and he was coming far too deep. And I'm sure that Eddie must have said something to him at. To him at half halftime instead of going. Getting the ball on the. On the 18 yard box where he wasn't gonna hurt anyone.

[Gary Lineker]

It's amazing how we've managed to get back to Newcastle for a break.

[Micah Richards]

We're talking about Mansfield and he said Newcastle at home just said they'll be.

[Alan Shearer]

Wanting the biggest draw. Newcastle. Oh, Monday.

[Gary Lineker]

That's what itself is ridiculous. But yeah. So Mansfield been waiting for that draw. But I was going to try to make the point before Newcastle came in again. Sorry that in the Copa del Rey in Spain, the lower league teams always get home dibs. Which I think because especially now there's no replays. I think it's quite a good idea.

[Alan Shearer]

Up until what round?

[Micah Richards]

Every round.

[Alan Shearer]

Oh, I didn't know that. Did you know that, Micah?

[Micah Richards]

No, I didn't know that either.

[Gary Lineker]

I hope it's right. Check that, Harry. You obviously get two legs in the semi finals. But tell you what, let's take a break and discuss some of the other cup ties when we come back. This episode is brought to you by Squarespace. What's worse than missing a penalty? A brand without a solid website. Squarespace makes it easy for you and customers with new mobile pay links. Customers can pay for your products or services via text, email, social media or QR code Fast and hassle free. Go to squarespace.comfootball for a free trial and when you're ready to Launch, use code Football All Uppercase to get 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. This episode is brought to you by.

[Sponsor/Advertiser Voice]

Whoop.

[Gary Lineker]

If football teaches you anything, it's that careers are shaped between matches by how you recover and sleep. Sleep. And how you manage the days in between games week after week.

[Alan Shearer]

It's not about doing more, it's about getting it right so you're ready to go again tomorrow, on and off the pitch.

[Gary Lineker]

That's where WHOOP comes in. Al. It shows you how your body is responding day to day. Your sleep, your recovery, your workouts, and how your small daily habits add up over time.

[Micah Richards]

And it's calm. No buzzing or unwanted alerts. You check your data when you want.

[Gary Lineker]

Whoop gives you personalized insights to help build routines that last so you get into a better rhythm across the week without second guessing yourself. If you want to better understand how you can feel and live at your best for years to come, I'm definitely up for that. Head to join.whoop.com trif and get started with Whoop today. You can even sign up for a free 30 day trial so you can try one Whoop risk free and start your year with momentum. This episode is brought to you by octa. You hear a lot about AI agents now. They're everywhere. Quietly running things, making decisions, speeding work up across organizations.

[Alan Shearer]

And that's all well and good until you stop and think who's actually in charge.

[Gary Lineker]

Because if you don't know who an agent is, what it's connected to, or what it's allowed to do, you can't really trust it to act in your interest.

[Alan Shearer]

It's like letting someone loose with the keys but not knowing what doors they can open or which ones they shouldn't.

[Gary Lineker]

That's the bit Octa focuses on. They secure the identity of AI agents themselves so there's one clear layer of control and one consistent standard of trust across the whole system.

[Alan Shearer]

Which means every agent has a clear identity, clear permissions, and a clear line of accountability.

[Gary Lineker]

Developers can move faster, IT and security teams stay in control and risk becomes something you actually manage not guess at. Secure every agent. Secure any agent. Okta secures AI welcome back to the Rest Is Football with Alan Shearer, Michael Richards and me, Gary Lineker discussing the FA cup, obviously. And tell you what, Liverpool are starting to look a little bit more like the Liverpool of last season. I think even Arnie Slot said so in a press conference after the game. He said, we're in a good place. I think one or two of the players seem to be settling in more. Kirk has been one. I see Mo Salah looking sharper. It might be a time to bring him in your fantasy team. I sense a good run of goal scoring coming. So yeah, Saboj lies in great form, so I think you Know reason to be a bit more cheerful for Liverpool fans Had it tough the last few months.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah I would say so. When they had that game against Man City looked like they was going to win with that S free kick and first half they weren't great at all and then second half they was amazing. There was a big debate after the game whether they could finish in the top four and I saw something in the second half to say yes, this, this is, this is a good team. Liverpool are the best similarly to Newcastle when they're on the front foot and use the crowd to their advantage and they're certainly doing that so Bosley took his game to the next level Whether he's played right back, center, mid, whether he's played number 10 he could play pretty much anywhere. His energy, his technique, he's driving runs. He's really. I think he's been there Outstanding player this season.

[Gary Lineker]

What a strike again.

[Alan Shearer]

Pure morsel's touch with the right foot into his path. Yeah, perfection.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah it was. How, how good is Sabo? I mean he's drawn comparisons with Steven Jarrett which I always think is a little bit. They go somebody plays a few great games and all of a sudden you go right, he's like him. So yeah, I mean I think you need to be cautious on that one but he's definitely a multi talented player that can play in a variety of positions.

[Alan Shearer]

Well he's had to fill in a right back as well several times, hasn't he? So yeah, he's a really good player. He's got a great engine. I would agree with you Micah in terms of the Man City game but also if you had to watch them in midweek at Sunderland defensively I thought they were outstanding.

[Gary Lineker]

How's he got that sorted out? Because it's the same. Same personality in the central defense. It's in front of them, isn't it? Or not.

[Alan Shearer]

Well, did you hear Arna Slot yesterday I think after his interview Because I was watching that game on the way home after the Villa game. Yeah and I, I listened to AR afterwards He actually went out of his way I think to pro praise. Mo Salah's work defensively which I've noticed in the last couple of games where he's doing a lot more work defensively than I've seen him do for a while.

[Micah Richards]

I'd probably agree with that with Alan. I think it's just players fitting in now I think Wirtz is doing a lot better. I think Van Dijk, when van Dijk plays well the team plays really well, Konate, after losing his dad has put in some really good performances as well. I just think when Van Dijk plays well at the back, the whole of Liverpool play. If he has an off game game because everyone rely on him so much, it ruins the whole team. It really does because they're so used to him being perfect in every single game. And if you look at him the last couple of games, he's been brilliant, Absolutely outstanding alongside Konate. And you mentioned Kirkez as well. I think he's been a lot better. If you watch Kirkes earlier on in the season, I won't say he was too excited but he was trying to impress a little bit too much. He was quite rushed with his challenges and it had to make changes. They tried frim pong early doors, didn't they, where he's more of a winger. They played at right back and that wasn't really strength. I think now they've got the balance of the team right. I'm not talking about a team that should be 14. They're always going to get better. Wouldn't they just go through a bit of a tough time?

[Gary Lineker]

I think that's probably absolutely right. But I think, you know, Liverpool do look like they're on the way back. You know football. Football can prove us wrong very quickly. Manchester City is expected one fairly comfortably, I thought so. Battled away quite well. Thought the interesting thing that came out of that game was the words from James Trafford afterwards. So he came in and played well again. Made a couple of excellent saves as he did a couple of weeks ago. And he said the following. It was nice. It wasn't what I expected coming into the season. I tried to guard against it. It's the reality and I have to give it my best shot. It's a situation I'm in. We train every day but making saves, it's good fun. It's one of them. It's a knockout competition. We have a week until the next game. We have to keep going. And his point there was very clear that he. He thought he was coming to Manchester City to be the first team goalkeeper.

[Micah Richards]

Well, it was, wasn't he? He was going to be number one. And then there was reports coming out of Paris that Donna Roma was available. Was it 20, 25 million quid after just winning the Champions League, everyone jumped at the opportunity. It was just unfortunate.

[Gary Lineker]

Unfortunate.

[Micah Richards]

He was really unfortunate because he's a very good goalkeeper. He's proven that in the game that he's played this season.

[Gary Lineker]

But it's just he's done A room. He's probably arguing it's one of the top five goalkeepers in the world if not the best.

[Micah Richards]

Exactly.

[Alan Shearer]

How old's Donna Rummer? It's not as if he's gonna. He's young.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

He's 26. Donna rumor. So he's got at least another 10 for 10 years. Prime because his goalkeepers last longer.

[Alan Shearer]

You'll have to leave.

[Gary Lineker]

He'll have to. I think so. Because he's too good not to play regularly. And I think he's. You know he went through that tough first season at Burnley. He's come on leaps and bounds. He's bulked up a little bit. He's been exceptional when he's played for City albeit against slightly inferior opposition. But the first team goalkeeper generally at most clubs most of the time stays as the person it is until they make a serious change or the goalkeeper is useless. And that is certainly not going to be the case with Donnarumma. So what do you do? I mean he clearly wanted to make the point that it's not. Not. This is not really what I signed for. And that's. The ambition is important as well. If you've got to believe that you're good.

[Alan Shearer]

I don't think it'll do him any harm. I think it'll do them the world of good actually. Working with one of the best keepers in the world for 12 months.

[Gary Lineker]

It's a good point.

[Alan Shearer]

So I think from a learning point of view and an improving and all of those things. I think. I don't think the year or this season would have been wasted for him to look at him and see how he works and operates. I don't think that's a bad thing. But a year's enough doing that. Then I think he would himself want to play first team football on a regular basis. So after this season I guess.

[Gary Lineker]

Didn't Newcastle go for him?

[Alan Shearer]

Newcastle as far as I'm aware went in for him.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah.

[Alan Shearer]

What are you laughing at?

[Gary Lineker]

That's probably why. Sorry. That's my fault. That's my fault.

[Alan Shearer]

See, I never brought it up this time. Yes. I. I think that Newcastle were in for him. Yeah. But wasn't there a. Wasn't there a buyback clause in his contract for Man City?

[Gary Lineker]

I think that was right. Was. Wasn't it? I think that's the case.

[Micah Richards]

I didn't know that detail.

[Gary Lineker]

Al.

[Micah Richards]

I think more insight than that. It seems like you know a lot about that contract. You.

[Gary Lineker]

He did indeed have a buyback clause for 31 million after they matched. Apparently. Newcastle's bid.

[Alan Shearer]

Let me just ask you guys, what you think of Mark Gear? He playing and scoring.

[Gary Lineker]

Oh, the fact that he's already played.

[Alan Shearer]

For palace palace and got knocked. Don't.

[Gary Lineker]

Well, I think as he lifted the cotton that season, I think it's reasonable.

[Micah Richards]

Totally fine. Rules are rules though.

[Alan Shearer]

Okay. I'm just asking your opinion, guys. I'm turned into the presenter like you want to be. Mike. I just thought I'd ask the question.

[Gary Lineker]

You know, when I watched Match of the Day this morning, do you know what happened in it? Micah? There was a moment and if this catches on, I'm done. I don't. It was one of the games they were showing. There was a bit of commentary and the commentary tape said he's found a bit of room of space. Not even a pocket of space. And I'm thinking to myself, oh God, no, don't let that catch.

[Micah Richards]

I like it. I'm gonna write that down. A room of space.

[Alan Shearer]

A bit of room of space.

[Gary Lineker]

Okay, So I just made me go, what? This afternoon I watched the first half of Arsenal and it was obviously very easy. They were 4 nil up at half time. So I switched over and watched the second half half of Rangers Hearts, which was obviously a huge game in the Premiership in Scotland. And Hearts led twice but Rangers hunt them down and they ended up winning. So that the table's now very tight because Celtic got a last minute winner. They came from two down earlier in the day. Here's me watching Scottish football, folks. And Hearts now lead by just two points from Rangers and Celtic are a point further back in third. You've got a proper title race in Scotland.

[Micah Richards]

O they've got game in hand though, aren't they Celtic? If they win their game in hand.

[Gary Lineker]

I mean, then it becomes even more interesting.

[Alan Shearer]

So if they win the game in hand, they go level, right?

[Gary Lineker]

Level.

[Micah Richards]

Goal difference. Hearts have got a plus four goal.

[Gary Lineker]

Difference at the moment and Yousef Ch scored a hatrick. So yes, I was kind of, I'm kind of cheering on Hearts because as you know, as someone who's got no skin in the game, I don't support anyone in Scotland. I just think it would be quite good for Scotland, Scottish football, if someone outside of the, you know, the Rangers or Celtic won it because it was Ferguson, which was in the mid-80s. I mean that's wow, 40 years ago when I was playing Micah, I was playing in those days. It would be incredible achievement if they managed to do it. I want to talk about your friend Micah as well. Oh, your friend Bastard. Stoney. Did you see his antics in the.

[Micah Richards]

I'm gonna be having words with him.

[Alan Shearer]

Have you sent him a text, Micah?

[Micah Richards]

Not yet, but I will be. That was shocking.

[Alan Shearer]

It's the worst dive I've seen since Tuesday night. The two Tottenham players against Newcastle.

[Gary Lineker]

Do you know what they should do with diving? Right. They should do, I think a kind of a punishment of three game ban to stop it. And the same, you know, when someone pretends play acting, they've got hit in the face and they've actually not really anything like that is embarrassing for football.

[Alan Shearer]

When it's that blatant. Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

I mean you couldn't get more blatant than that.

[Alan Shearer]

Exactly.

[Gary Lineker]

Even if you don't see it at the time. And it's difficult for referees and they didn't have Var in the FA cup, obviously, but you know the one in Italy. And they can't intervene for yellow cards. Var anyway. But if you see something like that, they should be an automatic three game suspension because that's the only way players are going to stop doing it.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah, I've had a bad dive though, guys. That's why I'm being a little.

[Gary Lineker]

Well, yours is the worst.

[Alan Shearer]

But you should have.

[Gary Lineker]

If you'd have, you'd have set. Actually yours should have been a six game ban for that.

[Micah Richards]

You went up.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah. At least you did it theatrically and you went right up in the air. You didn't try and con anyone. He's also been yellow carded in the game. Bastoni. I don't know whether you know this. So if he'd have got a second yellow for diving, he was off. He was off. And actually. So they should have been down to 10 men, not the other way around.

[Micah Richards]

So did he go like that as well though with. To like.

[Gary Lineker]

And then he's waved his arm up to give him a yellow card to make sure he got sent off. I mean, the nerve of it. I mean, do they not realize we see television replays and stuff and this going to haunt you in your adult life for the rest of these days? People are going to go, bastoni the bastardo, something like that for doing that. I mean, come on, man. We don't. That was bad. It really is. What's not crap is Harry Kane. Harry Kane. 500 goals now.

[Alan Shearer]

Amazing in his career.

[Gary Lineker]

What an incredible strike. What an incredible footballer he is years.

[Alan Shearer]

Did I read one or two rumors about him signing a new contract or talks about a new contract or.

[Gary Lineker]

Why wouldn't you? I mean he's killing it. Over there, isn't he?

[Alan Shearer]

He's brilliant.

[Gary Lineker]

He's killing it.

[Micah Richards]

500. How many did you score, Al? No banter. I know he scored 260 in the prem, but how many did you score?

[Alan Shearer]

Well, I think it was 4. 2 2.

[Micah Richards]

4, 2, 2. In how many games?

[Gary Lineker]

Including friendlies and school boys games. Sunday league matches early seven hundreds.

[Alan Shearer]

Six hundred and something.

[Micah Richards]

So you averaging what a goal every other game?

[Alan Shearer]

You sound surprise maker.

[Micah Richards]

Are you one in two? No, I mean, I know your Premier League record, but obviously he was a lot younger.

[Gary Lineker]

One in two was good in the day. It's not now because of the law changes and everything, but.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah, I might have counted my 13 England under 21 goals in there.

[Micah Richards]

You see, I knew he was up to something. I knew.

[Gary Lineker]

Did you count your 13 goals, Alan?

[Micah Richards]

He's counting Victory Shield goals from under 16, sucker.

[Alan Shearer]

Three.

[Micah Richards]

Yeah.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah. Should have been 49.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, yeah. Well, he should have been 73. I mean, you know, if you take in the chances you miss in your career. Interesting. Talking about that obvious. You referring to the penalty? Do you know how many penalties Harry scored in that? 500. Have a guess.

[Micah Richards]

75.

[Alan Shearer]

No, 86.

[Gary Lineker]

100 dead on 500 goals, 100 penalties. So that's. Come on, do the math. One in.

[Micah Richards]

What did you say?

[Alan Shearer]

Sorry, we weren't listening.

[Micah Richards]

I weren't listening. Sorry, someone was ringing me.

[Gary Lineker]

Sorry, I'm just scored 500 goals in total.

[Micah Richards]

Yes.

[Gary Lineker]

100 have come from the penalty spot. So what's this? Is this ratio of penalties per goal?

[Micah Richards]

Oh, what?

[Alan Shearer]

What?

[Micah Richards]

In one fifth?

[Gary Lineker]

Thank you, Mike.

[Micah Richards]

I knew you get what you working out.

[Gary Lineker]

Exactly. One in five is brilliant.

[Alan Shearer]

What an amazing. What? Just. I mean, just incredible years.

[Gary Lineker]

And the thing about Harry as well, he's not just a goal scorer, is he? He's an incredible passer of the ball.

[Alan Shearer]

And he isn't slowing down either.

[Gary Lineker]

Yeah, let's hope he carries on right throughout the World Cup.

[Micah Richards]

Can I just ask you guys as top strikers before we leave, does that.

[Alan Shearer]

How long you thought about this question?

[Micah Richards]

Does it bother you that Harry Kane scored more goals or not? Be honest and I want this genuine answer here.

[Gary Lineker]

Not at all.

[Alan Shearer]

Why did. Why would it bother you if he scored more goals?

[Gary Lineker]

I mean, I hope he scores way.

[Micah Richards]

More because everyone's got that. That question, who's the greatest ever English striker?

[Alan Shearer]

Pele scored more goals, so whoever scored more, what is it? I mean it's. What does it matter? It's just because he's English, it doesn't make any difference. It's great. To see. And he's a nice. He's a nice lad as well, isn't he?

[Micah Richards]

So who's better, you or Harry Kane?

[Alan Shearer]

What a stupid question.

[Gary Lineker]

Are you talking to me or Alan?

[Micah Richards]

Both of you.

[Gary Lineker]

Harry Kane's a better footballer. I would say. I would say Harry Kane's a better footballer than me and Alan, probably, but.

[Micah Richards]

Okay, who's a better goal scorer out you two, then?

[Gary Lineker]

Well, it's. It's hard to compare because goal scoring now is so obviously all the people that are scoring the goals now, the biggest ones are pretty much a goal a game. Harland, Mbappe Levandowski, Harry Kane, they're all around a goal a game. In our day, if you got better than one in two, that was because of obviously massive law changes. Can't just kick people. Pitches are better. Way more penalties. So you've got to be on penalties nowadays. So it has changed. So I fancy scoring a lot of goals if I play now. If I was in my prime now and had. Obviously, you know, you grow up with the football that's played now and pitches, man.

[Alan Shearer]

Yeah.

[Gary Lineker]

How'd you miss?

[Alan Shearer]

I watched the. I watched a bit of the. Actually go back to the FA Cup. Did you see Grimsby Wolves today? The Grimsby pitch, It was like a pitch from the 80s or proper old school mud rain. It was brilliant to see. The ball was getting stuck in the mud. It was like back in the 80s. It was great to see. Wolves did well actually getting that. Getting that result because it was there tricky going there and getting that win.

[Gary Lineker]

So, I mean, people say it was great back then, football in the 70s and 80s, but I think so to watch. I mean, honestly, it was so hard to play. I mean, I know some of the games that you play in the mud. Oh, my God, it was bloody awful. But anyway, we all reminisce favorably and fondly. I think so. What a lovely way to finish this episode of the rest of the Is football. Goodbye from me.

[Micah Richards]

Goodbye from me.

[Alan Shearer]

Goodbye from me.

[Sponsor/Advertiser Voice]

You saw the game winning play once, but have to replay it three times on the way back to the hotel. Because some moments don't end at the buzzer. Life's trip. Make the most of it at Best Western, book direct and [e-mail] this precedence day. Upgrade the look of your home without breaking your budget. Save up to 50% site wide on new window [e-mail] blinds.com makes it easy with free virtual consultations on your schedule and samples delivered to your door fast and free. With over 25 million windows covered and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. You can count on blinds.com to deliver results you'll love.

[Gary Lineker]

Shop up to 50% off site wide plus a free professional measure during the President's Day Mega Sale happening right [e-mail] terms apply.