The Beautifully Designed Game with Mark Johnson
In the tenth fixture of the season, The Beautifully Designed Game sits down with the extraordinarily talented and general all-action bundle of creativity that is Mark Johnson. From winning the prestigious D&AD New Blood award in 2009 to his current design role at Umbro, host Marcus Marritt chats with Mark about his typographic series Premiership Legends, working from screen to 3D installation …...
55m Dec 06, 2020
55m
The Beautifully Designed Game with Marcus Dilley
In the ninth fixture of the season, The Beautifully Designed Game sits down with apparel designer, graphic designer, free safety, and founder of Dilley Studio, Marcus Dilley. From the start of his journey in product design to architectural design and now apparel, host Marcus Marritt chats with Marcus about the process behind a kit design brief, working with Major League Soccer, the challenge of...
52m Nov 29, 2020
52m
From triumph to tragedy: the Chapecoense story
Steven Bell joins the podcast team to talk about his book which details an incredible story of meteoric rise followed by devastating tragedy and the green shoots of recovery and redemption at Chapecoense. This is Steven's story about how he came to fall in love with Brazilian football and ultimately document its biggest tragedy.
1hr 36m Nov 25, 2020
1hr 36m
Finding Jack Charlton
Join Gary, Steven and Stuart as the team speak to documentary maker Gabriel Clarke about his new film featuring the former World Cup winner who went on to transform the Republic of Ireland's international standing in the game, Jack Charlton. The documentary covers his time as manager at three major international tournaments as well as an incredibly poignant look at his final days at home dealin...
42m Nov 25, 2020
42m
The great deeds of Marcus Rashford
In a bonus edition of Today's Football Times, the team discuss Marcus Rashford and his ceaseless endeavours to highlight child poverty and campaign for greater support from the government. We talk about how he's used his platform as a footballer for good, the impact his actions have had, how his efforts have affected the perception of him and football, and what the future holds.
1hr 6m Nov 22, 2020
1hr 6m
The Beautifully Designed Game with Matt Pascoe
In the eighth fixture of the season, The Beautifully Designed Game sits down with sports branding specialist and brains behind the most unique of kit brands, Kit+Bone, Matt Pascoe. From the start of his journey designing the official kit for his hometown club to key insights in the print and production process, host Marcus Marritt chats with Matt about the birth of Bony, sharing kit memories, a...
1hr Nov 22, 2020
1hr
The Beautifully Designed Game with Scott McRoy
In the seventh fixture of the season, The Beautifully Designed Game sits down with the groundbreaking creative talent of Scott McRoy. From producing ad campaigns for football boots, the process of art directing others, how best to use social for sharing, designing kits for computer games vs the physical world, why ‘The Streets Will Never Forget’ … and the small manner of scoring three goals at ...
1hr 8m Nov 16, 2020
1hr 8m
Matt Wilkerson: how to develop footballers for MLS and beyond
Matt Wilkerson is the men's coach at Hanover Collete in Hanover, Indiana. Prior to arriving at Hanover, he was an assistant coach and the recruiting coordinator at the University of Kentucky (2003-2011), overseeing the transition of various young stars from collegiate soccer to the professional game, at Major League Soccer and beyond. He opens up on his methods, philosophy and success with host...
1hr 40m Nov 16, 2020
1hr 40m
Welcome to the brilliant world of PSV
To accompany the new PSV magazine - made alongside the club and Puma - the podcast team sit down to discuss their memories of the Eindhoven giants, from the greats of the 1970s ad European Cup glory in 1988 to the abundance of world-class strikers and recent successes. 
1hr 25m Nov 09, 2020
1hr 25m
The trouble with the handball rule and discord between England and the media
The podcast team discuss a number of issues brought about by the current interpretation of the handball rules, as well as the troubled relationship between the England national team and the media. There is talk too of the impact of a lack of fans at non-league grounds, plus the great Nobby Stiles, the terrific Marcus Rashford, and bits on Saint Virgil and Jordan Pickford.
1hr 23m Nov 03, 2020
1hr 23m
The Beautifully Designed Game with Dave Flanagan
In the sixth fixture of the new season, The Beautifully Designed Game sits down with the ever adaptable, and always world-class, talent of Dave Flanagan. From his days as a design director to the constant evolution of his visual style, the importance of a professional approach, and working outside of sport with CNN, host Marcus Marritt chats with Dave about his love of the game, how he develops...
1hr 25m Nov 01, 2020
1hr 25m
The Beautifully Designed Game with Javier Arrés
In the fifth fixture of the new season, The Beautifully Designed Game sits down with the uniquely talented Javier Arrés. From his early days as a goalkeeper in the 1990s, to his incredibly detailed visual toys, fantastical cities, ink drawing to crypto-art, host Marcus Marritt chats with Javier about his heroes of football, how he creates his intensely elaborate art, the politics of Barcelona, ...
1hr 2m Oct 26, 2020
1hr 2m
The glorious failure of Brazil at the 1982 World Cup
Our very own Stuart Horsfield joins us to discuss his debut book looking at the beautiful idealism of the Brazil side that captured the hearts and minds of so many at the 1982 World Cup. The podcast team discuss the impact this side had on an impressionable ten-year-old, thoughts on Santana, Zico, Sócrates and co, and yes, Paolo Rossi too, as well as the lasting legacy of this glorious failure,...
1hr 44m Oct 19, 2020
1hr 44m
Where the cool kids hung out: the chic years of the UEFA Cup
Our very own Steven Scragg joins us to talk about the follow-up to his Telegraph Sports Book of the Year-nominated Cup Winners' Cup book, A Tournament Frozen In Time. This time it is the UEFA Cup that gets the forensic treatment, as the halcyon days of the two-legged final and the different periods of domination by some of the "cool kids" of European football are explained and contextualised. T...
1hr 40m Oct 14, 2020
1hr 40m
The Beautifully Designed Game with Phil Delves
In the fourth fixture of the season, The Beautifully Designed Game podcast sits down with the doyen of football shirt knowledge that is Phil Delves. From his role as content creator at Football Shirt Collective to his own YouTube channel, Phil's Corner, host Marcus Marritt chats with Phil about his visual connection to the game, the magic of South America, embracing kit sponsors, the conundrum ...
59m Oct 13, 2020
59m
The decline of Scotland's national team: how, why and is it terminal?
In the latest Today's Football Times episode, the podcast team share their thoughts on Scotland and their decline in recent decades. They breakdown a myriad of factors that have contributed to this, how a side that once boasted the world's best is perceived now, and what can be done to address the malaise.
1hr 21m Oct 05, 2020
1hr 21m
The Beautifully Designed Game with Federico Manasse
In the third fixture of the new season, The Beautifully Designed Game podcast sits down with the uber-talented Federico Manasse. From his home city of Milan, Federico joins Marcus Marritt, discussing life balance as a freelance illustrator and content creative at 433, why he loves the red and black of AC Milan, being influenced by the stylings of Asterix and Tintin, the challenge of reactive co...
1hr 13m Oct 01, 2020
1hr 13m
The Games People Play: Gary Thacker talks his new football fiction masterpiece
Our very own Gary Thacker has made his first foray into fiction and uses the beautiful game as the backdrop for his debut novel. Jon Moreton would have made it to the top-flight as a player: he had the mentality and ability, but his body let him down. An old friend, Charlie Broome, comes to the rescue and gives him a break. Managing struggling Spanish amateur side CD Retama, feathers are ruffle...
1hr 13m Sep 28, 2020
1hr 13m
The Beautifully Designed Game with Dan Leydon
In our second fixture of the new season, The Beautifully Designed Game continues with an-depth chat with a true trailblazer in the sporting creative world, Dan Leydon. From his base in Sligo, Ireland, Dan sits down with Marcus Marritt, discussing the events of 2012 that led him to combine his passion for football and drawing, why "it means more" to work for the club he loves, being influenced b...
1hr Sep 23, 2020
1hr
The murky waters of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar
Over the past few years, we've travelled around the world and back in time to look at the inevitable links between football and politics. As the curtain falls on Political Football, we've jumped into our DeLorean and headed into the future. Join us as we venture into the murky waters and the political implications surrounding the upcoming World Cup in Qatar in 2022. 
1hr 11m Sep 20, 2020
1hr 11m
The deception and dodgy deals of Russia's awarding of the 2018 World Cup
Guided by our guest Matthew Gibbs, we trawl through the traumas and trials of the backdrop of the 2018 World Cup, the first in Eastern Europe. There are tales of deception, deceit and double-dealing, dodgy deals and dirty deeds. How did the World Cup end up in Russia? What issues were ignored, and why? We also look at the activities within the tournament itself and consider if this was the most...
1hr 16m Sep 20, 2020
1hr 16m
The political undercurrent that cut through the 2006 World Cup's friendly facade
With echoes of social unrest and ethnic conflict causing tension in Germany, many thought the 2006 World Cup could be a political disaster for the hosts. After the tournament, however, the organisation, presentation and friendly atmosphere promoted made it an unmitigated success. As our guest Ewan Morgan explains, however, there were so many other things going both before and during the event t...
1hr 10m Sep 20, 2020
1hr 10m
The commercialisation of USA 94 that set a future blueprint
In 1994, the World Cup travelled to the USA. In this episode, we look at a tournament was shaped by the political climate of the time and American culture. If other World Cups had been commercialised, this was another level and would set the framework for so many other tournaments to follow.
1hr 23m Sep 20, 2020
1hr 23m
Neville Southall talks social justice, the highs and lows of football and more
Neville Southall was the last line of defence in Howard Kendall's wonderful Everton side of the 1980s, an iconic figure throughout the decade. His new book is an incredible insight into one of British football's all-time greats, discussing many contemporary topics which impact not only on footballers but on society. Neville joins us to talk even more sense about topics ranging from Adrian Heath...
1hr 38m Sep 15, 2020
1hr 38m
The Beautifully Designed Game with Phil Galloway
Kicking off the new season with an in-depth chat with sporting fine artist Phil Galloway, The Beautifully Designed Game brings you insights from a global squad of creative talent working in the football world. In this first episode, host Marcus Marritt sits down with Phil, discussing life as a full-time artist, his work in launching football kits and boots, illustrating Graeme Souness in a wig ...
1hr Sep 13, 2020
1hr
The story of Paul Gascoigne in Italy
Paul Gascoigne's three years at Lazio were nothing but polarising, from the promise and mysticism of the early days to the tragicomedy of the end. Excelling when fit, showcasing his wild talent, but struggling with demons when injured, join the podcast regulars as they speak to Daniel Storey, the author of Gazza in Italy.
1hr 7m Sep 09, 2020
1hr 7m
What is the future of the Football League?
In the latest Today's Football Times episode, the team share their thoughts on the current state of the Football League, and discuss the financial issues surrounding clubs at that level. We discuss the structure and any potential changes, salary caps, TV revenue, financial mismanagement and more.
1hr 23m Sep 07, 2020
1hr 23m
Dissecting the wonderful world of Olympique de Marseille
To celebrate the launch of the Olympique de Marseille magazine, made in conjunction with the club and Puma, the podcast team share their thoughts on the club's greatest players, teams and managers, breaking down the highs and lows of the journey to date. 
1hr 23m Aug 16, 2020
1hr 23m
The state of elite European football, its future, and its impact on the rest of the game
In the latest Today's Football Times episode, the team share their thoughts on the state of elite European football, its future, and its impact on the game at all levels, as well as FFP and super league proposals. They also discuss the recent rise of İstanbul Başakşehir to become Turkish champions, as well as our guests' soapbox moments.
1hr 21m Aug 14, 2020
1hr 21m
Blood and Circuses: how post-Soviet nations used football to create unique identities
Robert O'Connor discusses his book Blood and Circuses. Covering the game and how it was affected by the political upheaval in the former Soviet bloc, Robert takes us on a journey through a collection of nations - old, new and those yet to be confirmed -  seeking an identity through football. His odyssey has created an enjoyable and fascinating account, describing parts of Europe lost to mainstr...
1hr 22m Jul 28, 2020
1hr 22m
The FA Cup: its decline, its relevance and how it may be revived
In the second regular Today's Football Times episode, the podcast team share their thoughts on the FA Cup; its decline, its relevance and how it may be revived, as well as reminiscing about the good old days of the cup final. The team also talk Jack Charlton, Liverpool and Tranmere, among others, in a wide-ranging discussion of current football affairs.
1hr 19m Jul 20, 2020
1hr 19m
Conor Nestor discusses a path to coaching glory in Cambodia aged just 36
Conor Nestor is a UEFA A-licensed coach from Limerick, Ireland. At just 36, he has coached in his native Ireland, the US, Australia, and is currently the head coach of Svay Rieng, a professional team and the current champions of Cambodia. He's a former Development Officer with the Football Association of Ireland and team coach with Limerick's under-19 team.
1hr 8m Jun 25, 2020
1hr 8m
The return of the Premier League: what does it mean across the football pyramid?
In a brand new podcast, Today's Football Times, the podcast team go contemporary as they convene once a month to discuss the going on in the sport today. In this episode, they discuss the Premier League's return and the implications surrounding it, including empty stadia, player fitness, relegation and lower leagues, and some long-term changes to the product we’d like to see come out of this un...
1hr 4m Jun 11, 2020
1hr 4m
Ray Power talks player and coach development across the world
Ray Power is an experienced and innovative coach, the author of various books who's worked as an academy manager in the UK, Africa and Ireland. He joined host Jon Townsend to delve into the world of player and coach development, sharing unique insights in his philosophy and more. 
57m Jun 11, 2020
57m
The rise and fall of the Danish Dynamite
This episode of the Centre Circle covers one of the most celebrated football books. Danish Dynamite features the history of the Danish national team that exploded into football’s consciousness in the mid-1980s with stars such as Michael Laudrup, Preben Elkjær and Jesper Olsen. Dressed in that uber-cool shirts, they thrilled and entranced with some magical football. Where did they come from, wha...
1hr 33m Jun 05, 2020
1hr 33m
Elite coach and player development from the UK to Mexico, with Jess Ibrom
Jess Ibrom is a professional coach holding a UEFA and USSF A License with more than  20 years of experience as a high-performance coach, elite youth developer, and coach developer. More than 20 players coached by Jess have gone onto to play elite professional and international football. From the UK and US to Mexico and New Zealand, his roles have been as varied as challenging. He sat down with ...
1hr 2m May 26, 2020
1hr 2m
The story of Euro 2012 and 2016: Spain's zenith, Portugal's fortune and bloated tournaments
Bringing the story right up to date, the sixth and final part of our European Championship series centres on 2012 and 2016, from Spain's version of Mexico 70 at Euro 2012 to the pragmatic, perhaps fortunate, route that Portugal took to glory at Euro 2016. 
1hr 39m May 20, 2020
1hr 39m
Euro 2004 and 2008: the shock of Greece and the splendour of Spain
Fresh from the success of co-hosted Euro 2000, the 16-nation tournament had finally found its own personality, but the ethos of the winners of 2004 and 2008 couldn't be more different. From the pragmatism and shock of Greece in 2004 to the expansion and awe of Spain in 2008, this is part five of the European Championship series. 
1hr 35m May 11, 2020
1hr 35m
The story of the 1978 World Cup: violence, protests, controversy and a stunning home glory
In what might be the best Political Football podcast yet, it's difficult to imagine that any World Cup tournament before or since has been as politically-charged as Argentina 1978. Amid the carnage of a violent military junta, with talks of potential boycotts and campaigns across the world eventually failing to persuade FIFA to change venues, the 1978 World Cup was played out in the most febril...
1hr 31m May 04, 2020
1hr 31m
Rui Marques talks about his journey from Fantasy Football success to the pro game
Once an economist with a passion for football, after Rui Marques won two high-profile Fantasy Football competitions, it opened a door into professional scouting with the likes of Sporting Kansas and Legia Warsaw. He discusses his unique journey in the game.
1hr 24m Apr 28, 2020
1hr 24m
The politically-charged story of the 1974 World Cup
The 1974 World Cup in West Germany was one of the most politically charged tournaments of all. In this episode, Steven Scragg talks through how politics decided the hosts and which stadiums would be used, the iconic confrontation between East and West Germany, competing countries under the heel of dictatorships, the internal politics of squads, and old enmities hanging on from 30 years earlier.
1hr 14m Apr 23, 2020
1hr 14m
The best of Arsenal, from a 1980s rebirth, George Graham's '89 pinnacle, and Wenger's wonders
To celebrate the release of the Arsenal magazine, sub-editor and lifelong supporter Will Sharp joined the podcast to discuss Arsenal's place in the game and their history, from the legends of a bygone era through George Graham's success and Arsène Wenger's revolution. 
1hr 37m Apr 17, 2020
1hr 37m
Part 2: Mike Keeney discusses coaching abroad, club and national team dynamics and more
In part two, Mike Keeney, assistant coach for IFKH of Finland’s Veikkausliiga, joins Jon Townsend to discuss his journey as a professional coach. Mike shares his philosophy and discusses his insights into topics such as coaching education abroad, culture and football, club and international team dynamics, and the importance of continuous learning and mentorship for coaches of all levels.
52m Apr 16, 2020
52m
The North Korean paradox, African boycott and European skullduggery: the politicised World Cup of 1966
In 1966, the World Cup arrived in England and, for many, the enduring memories of that tournament revolve around the final, Geoff Hurst, and  Nobby's dancing, but there was far more to '66. Paul McParlan talks us the North Korea paradox, an African boycott, European skulduggery, shady referees, a London-centric emphasis, and the first globally marketed tournament - not forgetting a mention or t...
1hr 28m Apr 11, 2020
1hr 28m
Mike Keeney discusses coaching abroad, club and national team dynamics and more
In part one of a two-part series, Mike Keeney, assistant coach for IFKH of Finland’s Veikkausliiga, joins Jon Townsend to discuss his journey as a professional coach. Mike shares his philosophy and discusses his insights into topics such as coaching education abroad, culture and football, club and international team dynamics, and the importance of continuous learning and mentorship for coaches ...
57m Apr 07, 2020
57m
The story of Euro 96 and Euro 2000, and new peaks for the tournament
Basking in sunshine, Euro 96 would prove to be the biggest and best European Championship yet - for four years, anyway. England, Holland and France would cry, while the Czech Republic won the hearts and a defiant Germany secured glory. Four years later, a brilliant edition would end in golden goal glory as a quite superb France, led by Zinedine Zidane, won in the final against a popular Italy. ...
1hr 25m Mar 23, 2020
1hr 25m
The Celtic magazine: in celebration of the greats, the pioneers and the winners
In conjunction with the Celtic magazine's release, our senior writers get together to discuss the club's history; from the early pioneers and Lions of Lisbon, to centenary glory, fall, rise again and modern dominance. This is the story of Celtic, a club like no other.
1hr 33m Mar 16, 2020
1hr 33m
How The Red Project aims to improve the fan experience, with Emma Case
Football isn't just a sport - it's a highly personal life journey for many. An experience shared with loved ones and strangers alike. The Lob speaks to Emma Case, daughter of Liverpool legend Jimmy, about her brilliant brainchild The Red Project, one she hopes will collate the visual and spoken memories of Liverpool supporters for the wider good. 
1hr 11m Mar 08, 2020
1hr 11m
The story of Flamengo 1980/81: Zico, Coutinho and the intercontinental kings
Flamengo 1980/81: the story behind the rise to continental and global glory of Cláudio Coutinho's Flamengo. Previous state championships paled into insignificance with the rise of a side containing Júnior, Leandro and the great Zico. Their dominance culminated in their first Copa Libertadores title and a comprehensive demolition of Bob Paisley's European champions, Liverpool, in that famous 3-0...
1hr 20m Mar 02, 2020
1hr 20m
The politics of the 1938 World Cup, played with global war on the horizon
For many football fans, the little-known 1938 World Cup is one often shaded in darkness. The last tournament before the Second World War was brimful of political interference, influence and infiltration. In this episode, we review the tournament and, given the ongoing situation in the world at the time, consider how politics' chess game inevitably cast its shadow over the finals.
1hr 26m Feb 12, 2020
1hr 26m