Scotland at Euro 96 and the 1998 World Cup, and 20 years of frustration that followed
In the final episode of our series celebrating the Scotland national team, the podcast team discuss the final two tournament appearances of the 1990s: Euro 96 and the 1998 World Cup. Both were tales of frustration, but were nothing compared to the lows in the years that followed. We also discuss the two decades of deep lows, as the frustrating tournament exits became frustrating qualifying fail...
1hr 24m Jun 08, 2021
1hr 24m
A history of Paraguayan football, the sleeping giant of South America
South America is one of the hotbeds of football, and in this series we explore the different nations of the continent. In each episode of The South America Files, we'll be looking at how the game has developed; the clubs, the players, the joys and despairs. In this episode, we visit Paraguay and discover how and why this landlocked country with just seven million inhabitants has lifted two Copa...
1hr 5m Jun 07, 2021
1hr 5m
Scotland at the 1990 World Cup and Euro 1992
In part four of our celebration of the Scotland national team, the podcast crew discuss the 1990 World Cup and Euro 1992 under the stewardship of Andy Roxburgh. The frustrations of 1990 led to a good showing in Scotland’s first European Championship appearance, at a time when the nation lacked the stars of years past but still possessed the quality to maintain a presence on the world stage in t...
1hr 27m Jun 03, 2021
1hr 27m
The story of Bolivian football, from war and mining to some of the game's best club names
South America is one of the hotbeds of football, and in this series we explore the different countries of the continent. In each episode of The South America Files, we'll be looking at how the game has developed; the clubs, the players, the joys and despairs. Guided by our South American football expert Dr Pete Watson, this time we're off to Bolivia, where two wars, geography and mining dictate...
57m Jun 02, 2021
57m
The ecstasy and agony of Scotland at the 1982 and 1986 World Cups
Our Scotland series  takes us into the 1980s in episode three, as the podcast team discuss the national team at the 1982 and 1986 World Cups - from the greatness of David Narey’s wonder-goal against Brazil in 1982 through to the agonising, frustrating , infamous goalless draw with Uruguay four years later.
1hr 21m May 30, 2021
1hr 21m
The contradiction of Ecuador: from Copa Libertadores greats to Copa América failures
South America is one of the hotbeds of football, and in this series we explore the different countries of the continent. In each episode of The South America Files, we'll be looking at how the game has developed; the clubs, the players, the joys and despairs. Guided by our South American football expert Dr Pete Watson, this time, we're off to Ecuador, who have never finished higher than fourth ...
1hr 4m May 27, 2021
1hr 4m
The Beautifully Designed Game with Phil Galloway
The Beautifully Designed Game welcomes a very special guest host, Phil Galloway, who sits down with Glasgow-based goalkeeper, illustrator and graphic artist (and sometime podcast host), Marcus Marritt. From building compositions from a tight colour palette and life as a five and seven-a-side goalkeeper, to working with The FA and UEFA, Marcus gives an insight into life as a full-time illustrato...
1hr 18m May 24, 2021
1hr 18m
How Uruguay, a nation of three million, punches so far above its weight in football
In each episode of The South America Files, we'll be exploring how the game has developed in the different countries of the continent; the clubs, the players, the joys and despairs. Guided by South American football expert Dr Pete Watson, this time, we're off to Uruguay - winners of the first World Cup and unbeaten in the competition for more than 20 years. How have they remained a powerhouse d...
1hr 8m May 20, 2021
1hr 8m
Scotland's iconic teams at the 1974 and 1978 World Cups
In part two of our series focusing on the Scotland national team, we move into the 1970s and the two iconic sides that went to the 1974 and 1978 World Cups. We talk Bremner, Dalglish, Gemmill and MacLeod, and discuss the legendary performances against Brazil and the Netherlands, the unbeaten heroics of 1974, and the deep frustrations of 1978.
1hr 17m May 20, 2021
1hr 17m
Beautiful Bridesmaids Dressed in Oranje: Gary Thacker talks the Netherlands in 1974 and 1978
In the 1970s, the bright orange flame of the Netherlands scorched the football pitches of the world, reflecting the rebellious nature of a growing societal revolution, but never claimed the big prize. In his new book, Gary Thacker tells the story of these teams, how they thrilled, entertained and captured the zeitgeist despite missing out on the silverware. How did Dutch football get there and ...
1hr 24m May 16, 2021
1hr 24m
The story of Sampdoria's legendary Scudetto 30 years on
It's been 30 years since the Sampdoria of Mancini, Vialli, Lombardo, Vierchowod and Boskov defied the odds to lift the Scudetto. The podcast team remember that legendary side, their greatest games, the star names, the unsung heroes and more.
1hr 21m May 14, 2021
1hr 21m
Scotland at the 1954 and 1958 World Cups and the missed opportunities of the 1960s
To celebrate Scotland’s qualification for a first international tournament in 23 years, in the first episode of our new series looking at the nation's tournament history, we delve into their very first World Cups in 1954 and 1958, and the frustrations of the missed opportunities for the hugely talented squads of the 1960s.
1hr 12m May 12, 2021
1hr 12m
Ricky Hill talks talent, the Littlewoods Cup final against Arsenal and racism (part two)
Ricky Hill was one of the players who helped to define the English game in the 1980s. Making his debut for Luton at 17 in that iconic Littlewoods Cup final against Arsenal, he was one of the most talented players of his generation. Unfortunately, transitioning from playing to coaching wasn't quite as easy. This is a stunning two-part interview from the man who brought the Rooney Rule to the att...
58m May 12, 2021
58m
Ricky Hill talks talent, the Littlewoods Cup final against Arsenal and racism (part one)
Ricky Hill was one of the players who helped to define the English game in the 1980s. Making his debut for Luton at 17 in that iconic Littlewoods Cup final against Arsenal, he was one of the most talented players of his generation. Unfortunately, transitioning from playing to coaching wasn't quite as easy. This is a stunning two-part interview from the man who brought the Rooney Rule to the att...
1hr 20m May 09, 2021
1hr 20m
The Beautifully Designed Game with Liam Stokes-Massey
The Beautifully Designed Game podcast host, Marcus Marritt, sits down with an artist who goes by the very relevant title of The Pencil Craftsman, photo-realism illustrator and football shirt collector, Liam Stokes-Massey. From his approach to playing on instincts in midfield, working with both traditional media and digital tools, the joy of long sleeve shirts to the detail in illustrating footb...
45m May 05, 2021
45m
Fan protests, the European Super League and the betrayal of our clubs
In Today's Football Times, our contemporary podcast, the team discuss fan protests, a number of issues around the European Super League, the betrayal of fans across the game, and the other problems in the modern game that the mood of protest could be focused on.
1hr 21m May 05, 2021
1hr 21m
A journey through the world of Valencia, past and present
It's a club that has scaled football's grandest peaks. And yet, Valencia have sat in the gutter more times than they'd care to remember. From the heroism of Mundo and Kempes to relegation in 1986 and a rebirth in the 1990s, modern Valencia was carved through hard work and struggle. And then came Cuper, and Rafa, and Aimar, Lopez, Mendieta, Baraja, Villa, Mata, Silva, Parejo and more. Brilliant ...
1hr 12m May 03, 2021
1hr 12m
I’m with the Cosmos: the Steve Hunt story
Former player Steve Hunt joins us to talk about his book I'm with the Cosmos, looking back at a most sensational career that saw him star alongside Pele, Beckenbauer, Chinaglia, Carlos Alberto and Cruyff, as well as help Aston Villa, Coventry and WBA stay in Division One. It's a story that appears too unbelievable to be true - yet every single word of it is.
1hr 17m Apr 28, 2021
1hr 17m
Football's battle to win the hearts of Venezuela
In this episode of The South America Files, we journey to the north-east of the continent: Venezuela. The country’s national team, La Vinotinto, has never qualified for the World Cup finals; guided by expert Dr Pete Watson, we examine why, look at the future of the game, and why influence from North America is so powerful.
53m Apr 25, 2021
53m
It's Just A Ball: exploring the complexity of a simple game, with Jon Townsend
It's Just a Ball is a book for anyone who lives and loves football. Based on the unique set of experiences of the author, These Football Times' senior writer, Jon Townsend, it's a personal exploration of the beautiful game. The podcast team chat to Jon about the book, his inspiration and a number of themes it raises from coaching to culture and much more in between.
1hr 17m Apr 23, 2021
1hr 17m
How the violent 1962 World Cup changed the face of Chilean football
In each episode of The South America Files, we'll be examining how the game has developed on the continent; the clubs, the players, the joys and despairs. Guided by South American football expert Dr Pete Watson, in this episode we visit the 1962 World Cup hosts Chile, and discuss how that tournament proved a watershed moment in the nation's history.
55m Apr 19, 2021
55m
An interview with Manchester City icon Paul Power (part two)
An iconic player from the late 1970s and early-80s, Paul Power was the captain of  Manchester City who led his side in that iconic 1981 FA Cup final replay against Spurs. Paul would later go on to win a league title with Howard Kendall's Everton side in the 1986/87 season. As a coach, he would discover and bring Phil Foden to his beloved Manchester City. This is a special two-part podcast with ...
1hr 20m Apr 15, 2021
1hr 20m
An interview with Manchester City icon Paul Power (part one)
An iconic player from the late 1970s and early-80s, Paul Power was the captain of  Manchester City who led his side in that iconic 1981 FA Cup final replay against Spurs. Paul would later go on to win a league title with Howard Kendall's Everton side in the 1986/87 season. As a coach, he would discover and bring Phil Foden to his beloved Manchester City. This is a special two-part podcast with ...
1hr Apr 13, 2021
1hr
How did Brazil become a football superpower?
In part two of The South America Files, we draw a focus on Brazil. With Dr Pete Watson as our guide, we look back at the history of the game, its development, trials and triumphs, and the future for the international team. How did the game take root there? How did ethnicity and politics influence its development, and why are the talents of Brazilian footballers lauded around the world? 
55m Apr 11, 2021
55m
Life on the cusp of promotion or relegation, the BeNeLiga proposal, and the "special" Scottish Cup
In Today's Football Times, our contemporary podcast, our team discuss the clubs in the mix for promotion and relegation in the various domestic leagues this season, with tales of mismanagement and turmoil at one end contrasting with the solid foundations and high hopes at the other. Plus why the Scottish Cup is the best knockout competition around, and the potential game-changer of the BeNeLiga...
1hr 20m Apr 08, 2021
1hr 20m
The story of Colombian football and the World Cup that never was
South America is one of the great hotbeds of football, and in this series we explore the different countries of the continent. In each episode of The South America Files, we'll be looking at how the game has developed in each nation, the clubs, the players, the joys and despairs. Guided by our South American football expert Dr Pete Watson, we start off in Colombia and take a look at the World C...
33m Apr 05, 2021
33m
Remembering the incredible tale of George Scott, the lost Shankly boy
One of TFT's favourite authors is back. Jeff Goulding talks to us about his book that focuses on George Scott, one of the first players to be signed by Bill Shankly upon his arrival at Liverpool. An incredible tale, with a stellar cast, but the star of the story is the boy who ultimately had his dreams dashed by a man who would always be his guiding light and inspiration.
1hr 17m Mar 25, 2021
1hr 17m
Manchester United post-Ferguson: from 13 titles in 20 years to none in eight
In the summer of 2013, Sir Alex Ferguson finally relinquished the manager's job at Manchester United having delivered the club its 20th league title. Eight years later, they still await their next one. Join us for End of an Era, as author Steven Bell discusses whether the cracks were already showing when David Moyes took the helm and whether Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho could have done more.
1hr 30m Mar 23, 2021
1hr 30m
A chat with Luke Chadwick
Former Manchester United player, Luke Chadwick, joins Stuart Horsfield, Gary Thacker and Steven Bell for a fascinating talk about his time at Old Trafford, the nurturing side of Roy Keane, his loan spell at Royal Antwerp, and the mental health battles he faced, both during his playing career and once he hung up his boots.
1hr 3m Mar 20, 2021
1hr 3m
The Champions League, the English challenge and Barcelona's woes
The podcast team discuss this season's Champions League, the varied issues surrounding the three remaining English clubs in the competition - Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City - as well as the intriguing clash between PSG and Barcelona and the impact of the memorable tie the two played out in 2017.
1hr 27m Mar 20, 2021
1hr 27m
The story of Rangers post-liquidation
The biggest football clubs always seemed immune to the threat of financial implosion, but then came 2012 and Rangers. Join us for episode five of End of an Era, as Lewis Henderson plots the path of what took Scotland's most successful club to the bottom rung of the domestic game and irrevocably changed the sport in Glasgow forever. 
1hr 20m Mar 16, 2021
1hr 20m
The legend of Pro Vercelli and their fall from grace
Pro Vercelli, the first great dominant force of calcio, were Scudetto winners seven times in 14 years between 1908 and 1922, before sinking without any sign of a return to their previous glories. Join us for episode four of End of an Era, as Matthew Gibbs gives a majestic history lesson on the Italian game's most enigmatic club. 
1hr 11m Mar 07, 2021
1hr 11m
The story of Anderlecht, from European power to developing talent
To accompany the Anderlecht magazine - made alongside the club and featuring an exclusive interview with Vincent Kompany - the podcast team sit down to discuss their memories of a club that was once one of Europe's very best. From the great names of yesteryear to how they continue to churn out talent, this is the story of Anderlecht.
1hr 23m Mar 01, 2021
1hr 23m
St Pauli: another football is possible
St Pauli is a football club like no other, standing at the forefront of equality and diversity. It fights injustice and embeds modern popular culture into its DNA. Author Natxo Parra joins us to talk about his book that not only opens a window into this fascinating club, but gets behind the skull and crossbones emblem to reveal a modern blueprint for clubs and their communities.
1hr 17m Feb 27, 2021
1hr 17m
The Beautifully Designed Game with Tom Griffiths
The Beautifully Designed Game host Marcus Marritt sits down with an artist so talented that, by the age of 23, has already worked for Match of the Day, COPA90, The FA and produced a number of stunning covers for These Football Times, Tom Griffiths. From his arts-based academic background to life as a commanding centre-back and those favoured Chelsea kits of the past, Tom gives us insights into ...
50m Feb 23, 2021
50m
The decline of Liverpool post-1990, with Jeff Goulding
When Liverpool won their 18th league title in 1989/90, nobody could have foreseen that it would be their last for 30 years. After 11 titles in 18 seasons, most pundits predicted more of the same for the new decade that stretched ahead. Join us for episode three of End of an Era, as author Jeff Goulding considers just how the club's most successful era came to an end.
1hr 40m Feb 22, 2021
1hr 40m
What you think you know about football is wrong
Listen to Dr Kevin Moore as he joins us to talk about his latest book, which for some will change the way we see the footballing world forever and for other will provide some "I knew it" moments. A wonderful chat with a man who has imperiously researched the many myths and legends of the beautiful game and will make you rethink if you ever really knew anything about football at all.
1hr 31m Feb 19, 2021
1hr 31m
The Beautifully Designed Game with Kevin McGivern
In the latest fixture of the season, The Beautifully Designed Game host Marcus Marritt sits down with a fellow Glasgow-based creative, a fine artist/illustrator producing world-class portraiture work for clients ranging from Variety, BT Sport, Adidas, COPA90 and Marvel Studios, Kevin McGivern. From an unexpected basement adventure with Henrik Larsson to his practical ways of working, Kevin give...
51m Feb 16, 2021
51m
Arsenal beyond the Invincibles: from perfection to 16 years of frustration
Just how does a club go from the perfect title-winning season to a 16-year title drought? Join us for episode two of End of an Era, as BT Sport, BBC and ITV commentator Seb Hutchinson discusses how Arsenal's most incredulous era came to an end. 
1hr 38m Feb 14, 2021
1hr 38m
The story of football’s black pioneers, with Bill Hern and David Gleave
Black footballers have had to fight tooth and nail to prosper in the game, from the very start, subjected to the most horrendous treatment, not only from supporters and opponents, but even from their own teammates. While modern times like to see themselves as more enlightened, problems still persist in unsavoury corners of the game, towards a demographic that has given so much to the rich depth...
1hr 32m Feb 11, 2021
1hr 32m
Football and betting, Chelsea's managers, and Wrexham's Hollywood takeover
In the latest episode of Today's Football Times, the podcast team look at a multitude of issues around football's relationship with betting and the wider industry. We also discuss Chelsea's recent managerial change and clubs appointing favourite ex-players to big roles they are ill-suited for, plus we get the latest on Wrexham's Hollywood takeover from a member of Wrexham's Supporters Trust.
1hr 5m Feb 09, 2021
1hr 5m
End of an Era: why Everton's fabled School of Science failed to dominate the 1970s
Join us for episode one of our new series, End of an Era, where a guest picks a team of choice to discuss how and why a defined era of success ended. For this episode, Paul Mc Parlan dissects why an Everton team that looked set to dominate the 1970s failed to build upon the foundations of their 1969/70 title-winning campaign, and the fabled School of Science midfield of Ball, Kendall and Harvey...
1hr 24m Feb 08, 2021
1hr 24m
Tottenham legend Gary Mabbutt talks Spurs, FA Cup, Gazza and diabetes
Former Tottenham captain and club icon Gary Mabbutt joins us to talk all things Spurs, FA Cup, Gazza and living life as an elite footballer with diabetes. In an enthralling and engaging conversation, Gary explains how his illness has led to him inspiring others and fighting for equality in the treatment of what can be a debilitating illness.
1hr 5m Feb 04, 2021
1hr 5m
Commentating in these unusual times - a discussion with BT Sport's Adam Summerton
In this episode of The Lob, the team sit down with Adam Summerton, commentator for BT Sport and Amazon Prime. We discuss commentating during Covid and the differences this has led to, the FA Cup and commentator's goldmine of stories it can throw up, plus the impact of TV on National League and Women's football, and much more.
1hr 11m Feb 01, 2021
1hr 11m
The Beautifully Designed Game with Anthony Moore
The Beautifully Designed Game podcast host Marcus Marritt sits down with Anthony Moore, an awarding-winning creative director, illustrator and art director who happens to not only be a good bloke with social causes close to his heart but is also the art editor of FourFourTwo. From his love of the Toon to what an art editor does, Anthony gives us a fantastic view behind the scenes of creating a ...
53m Jan 13, 2021
53m
A look back on 2020 and a forward glance to 2021 with hope and trepidation
In the latest Today's Football Times episode, the team look back on 2020, and also discuss the current season and where it may be heading in England, Scotland and across Europe in what are troubled and unusual times.
1hr 28m Jan 06, 2021
1hr 28m
The story of Leeds United: from the feast to 16 years of solitude
They were once the kings of England. And they so nearly came close to being the kings of Europe. As time ebbed and flowed, Leeds United would rise once more - twice, in fact - bringing the good days back to Elland Road through Howard Wilkinson and David O'Leary. And then, bang. Sixteen years of solitude. But Leeds are back where they belong today, gracing the Premier League once again thanks to...
1hr 13m Jan 03, 2021
1hr 13m
A tribute to Diego Maradona
We're all a little bit of Diego Maradona - and that's what makes him so special, so unique. Through his good times and bad, his genius and mistakes, so many of us mere mortals could see ourselves in him. Never has there been a talent quite like El Pibe, and never will be there be a cult like his. The podcast team sit down to discuss the life and time of Maradona ahead of the tribute magazine re...
1hr 38m Jan 03, 2021
1hr 38m
The Beautifully Designed Game with Dave Merrell
In the 11th fixture of the season, The Beautifully Designed Game host Marcus Marritt attempts to keep his cool while talking to the man he describes as the Drew Struzan of the sporting creative world, Dave Merrell. From designing toys to producing world-class visual content for Nike, Adidas, ESPN, The FA and more, Dave talks through the three main loves of his life (outside of family), how he c...
59m Dec 17, 2020
59m
The soulless financial vacuum of modern football
In our latest Today's Football Times episode, our contemporary podcast, the team go big on the financial vacuum of the modern top-flight game in England, discussing a number of issues where football has and is still changing due to the influence of more and more money.  We also chat Maradona, paying tribute to arguably the greatest of them all.
1hr 36m Dec 10, 2020
1hr 36m