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The Joy of Football

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Rating
★★★★★
5
from
22 reviews
This podcast has
140 episodes
Language
English
Explicit
No
Date created
2024/03/28
Latest episode
2026/11/12
Average duration
64 min.
Release period
6 days

Description

The Joy of Football, celebrating the greatest sport in the world.Join Neil Barnett (former Chelsea touch-liner announcer and football journalist) alongside 'The Voice' of the Premier League Martin Tyler (former SKY Sports Main Commentator) as they celebrate the greatest addiction in the World! On The Joy of Football, we discuss, not only the joy, but also the issues - no matter how obscure. Every week we select our 'Three of the Best' players, Martin gives us his 'Letter from the Gantry' on his football topic for the week, and Neil shares his 'Voice of Passion' on another. And that's just scratching the surface. So join us in celebrating the greatest addiction in the World: Football! Hosted by The Revive Lounge Ltd. 

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What REALLY Happens Behind the Scenes with England?
2026/11/12
ALKNFWhat is it REALLY like to be part of England's coaching staff? 🏴Former England assistant manager Ray Lewington joins legendary commentator Martin Tyler and Neil Barnett on The Joy of Football Podcast to reveal what life is really like behind the scenes with the England national football team.Working alongside Roy Hodgson, Ray helped prepare the Three Lions for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil and UEFA Euro 2016 in France. He discusses coaching England's biggest stars, the pressure of representing an entire nation, preparing for international tournaments and the challenges of working with the country's best players.🇮🇸 ENGLAND'S ICELAND DISASTER — EURO 2016Ray opens up about England's humiliating defeat to Iceland at Euro 2016, revealing that he struggled to leave his house for two or three months afterwards.What really happens behind the scenes when England fail? How do coaches handle the pressure? And why haven't the Three Lions won another major men's trophy since 1966?⚽ OVER 50 YEARS IN FOOTBALL🔵 Chelsea FC — Playing at Stamford Bridge alongside the likes of Peter Osgood, Alan Hudson, Ian Hutchinson, John Hollins and Ray Wilkins, and remembering Chelsea's famous King's Road nightlife in the 1970s.⚪ Fulham FC — His years playing and managing at Craven Cottage, the club's financial troubles, the proposed merger with Queens Park Rangers (QPR), and the extraordinary revelations involving Gerry Francis.🏆 Fulham's Europa League Miracle — Working with Roy Hodgson during Fulham's incredible 2009/10 UEFA Europa League campaign, including the legendary comeback against Juventus, Clint Dempsey's unforgettable goal and the journey to the final.🦅 Crystal Palace FC — Coaching at Selhurst Park, working alongside Roy Hodgson and reflecting on Palace's rise and success.🟡 Watford FC — Managing the Hornets, reaching the FA Cup and League Cup semi-finals, and sharing emotional memories of Manchester United youngster Jimmy Davis.🇨🇦 Vancouver Whitecaps — Playing in North America, winning the 1979 Soccer Bowl and experiencing football across the Atlantic.🔴 Brentford FC & Sheffield United — His experiences at both clubs and the challenges of professional football.🧠 Football Tactics & Coaching — Holding midfielders, modern recruitment, changing managerial roles, set-piece tactics, sports science and how football has evolved over five decades.From Chelsea's legendary dressing room to Fulham's European adventures and the England dugout, Ray Lewington shares the stories, triumphs, heartbreak and lessons of a remarkable footballing life.👍 LIKE if you enjoyed the interview!💬 COMMENT: What's your favourite Ray Lewington memory, and what do you remember about England's Euro 2016 campaign?🔔 SUBSCRIBE for more exclusive football interviews, stories and conversations.#RayLewington #England #ThreeLions #EnglandFootball #RoyHodgson #Euro2016 #MartinTyler #TheJoyOfFootball #FootballPodcast #ChelseaFC #FulhamFC #CrystalPalace #WatfordFC #PremierLeague #Juventus #europaleague CHAPTERS: 00:00 – Ray Lewington Introduces The Joy of Football01:41 – The Joy of Football Podcast Intro02:08 – Meet Ray Lewington: 50 Years in Football03:51 – Ray's Chelsea Debut & His Aggressive Playing Style04:59 – Breaking Through at Chelsea in the 1970s05:45 – Peter Osgood, Ray Wilkins & Chelsea's King's Road Superstars06:30 – How Chelsea's Financial Troubles Changed Everything07:32 – Ray Lewington: One of Football's First Holding Midfielders?11:01 – Leaving Chelsea for Vancouver Whitecaps13:49 – Martin Tyler Remembers the 1979 Soccer Bowl16:09 – A Career Spent Close to Home17:42 – Joining Fulham from Vancouver Whitecaps20:42 – Fulham's Great Players & Gordon Davies21:30 – Fulham's Controversial Promotion Heartbreak at Derby22:41 – Becoming Fulham Player-Manager at Just 2924:11 – Fulham's Financial Crisis & Proposed Merger with QPR24:44 – Gerry Francis Reveals the Fulham–QPR Merger Plans27:54 – How Bad Were Fulham's Finances? Andy Cole's Loan Spell30:10 – Rebuilding His Career at Crystal Palace31:44 – Why Ray Preferred Coaching to Management32:56 – Brentford, Watford & the FA Cup Semi-Final35:12 – Remembering Jimmy Davis & the Tragedy at Watford40:24 – Returning to Fulham Under Chris Coleman43:09 – How Ray Began Working with Roy Hodgson45:28 – Roy Hodgson's Great Escape at Fulham46:37 – Fulham's Incredible Europa League Comeback Against Juventus48:50 – Crystal Palace's Success & Can Smaller Clubs Win Trophies?50:07 – Could Brighton Repeat Leicester's Premier League Miracle?53:56 – How Recruitment and Modern Football Management Have Changed55:34 – Joining Roy Hodgson's England Coaching Staff56:13 – The Secret Phone Call That Changed Ray's Career58:33 – Life Behind the Scenes with the England National Team01:02:05 – England's Iceland Defeat: “I Didn't Go Out for Months”01:03:00 – Why Haven't England Won a Major Trophy Since 1966? Hosted by The Revive Lounge Ltd UCsdye1hUxP4xhgBx9zvuSjg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Players are OUT OF CONTROL & Did Harry Kane Deserve the Ballon d'Or?
2026/11/03
In Episode 135 of The Joy of Football Podcast, legendary football commentator Martin Tyler and Chelsea legend Neil Barnett debate Harry Kane's Ballon d'Or victory, question why Kylian Mbappé has never won the award, and discuss whether Jude Bellingham and Lamine Yamal deserve to be considered among the world's very best.Is Kane really the best player in world football? Does his lack of pace limit England in the biggest matches? And should individual awards even exist in a team sport?⚽ ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:🔴 MANCHESTER UNITED IN CRISIS? Following Chelsea's 2-0 victory over Manchester United at Stamford Bridge, Martin and Neil analyse Michael Carrick's side, Lisandro Martínez's controversial performance and the problems facing United's defence. Is Martínez really suited to the Premier League? Have Sir Jim Ratcliffe, INEOS, the Glazers and Jason Wilcox failed in their recruitment strategy?🔴 ARSENAL'S WEEK OF CONTRASTS! Mikel Arteta's Gunners suffer a remarkable Carabao Cup upset against Fleetwood Town before securing a famous Premier League victory over Liverpool at Anfield. Martin reflects on commentating on Fleetwood's extraordinary achievement, while Neil praises David Raya and Arsenal's defensive strength.⚪ HARRY KANE, MBAPPÉ & THE BALLON D'OR! The debate continues over Kane's incredible goalscoring record for Bayern Munich and England, his performances at the World Cup, and whether Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappé has been unfairly overlooked.🔵 FRANK LAMPARD vs STEVEN GERRARD vs PAUL SCHOLES! Neil passionately defends Chelsea's all-time leading goalscorer, arguing that Lampard's goals, assists and consistency put him ahead of his legendary Premier League midfield rivals.🟡 IS FOOTBALL LOSING ITS INTEGRITY? Martin and Neil discuss diving, simulation, VAR, player misconduct and whether footballers should face retrospective punishment for cheating.💰 FOOTBALL'S RICHEST CLUBS! Which of the world's wealthiest football clubs have made the most of their money — and which have wasted millions?Plus, the latest edition of Three of the Best, featuring exciting young players, Premier League performers and managerial stories from across English football.🎙️ The Joy of Football Podcast — Episode 135Join legendary commentator Martin Tyler and Neil Barnett for football stories, expert analysis, passionate opinions and conversations spanning the Premier League, Champions League, England and the wider world of football.💬 LET US KNOW IN THE COMMENTS:Was Harry Kane the right Ballon d'Or winner, or should Mbappé, Bellingham or somebody else have taken the prize?👍 Like, subscribe and turn on notifications for more football conversations every week!#BallonDor #HarryKane #KylianMbappe #MartinTyler #ManchesterUnited #Arsenal #ChelseaFC #PremierLeague #TheJoyOfFootball 00:00 Introduction – This Week on The Joy of Football01:43 Arsenal's Shock Defeat to Fleetwood Town07:18 Fleetwood's Next Challenge & the Carabao Cup11:40 Arsenal's Huge Victory at Liverpool16:25 David Raya – One of the World's Best Goalkeepers?21:19 Chelsea 2-0 Manchester United – What Went Wrong?26:11 Is Lisandro Martínez Good Enough for Man United?30:36 Manchester United's Defensive & Recruitment Problems38:16 Diving, Cheating & Player Misconduct in Football43:45 Harry Kane Wins the Ballon d'Or – Did He Deserve It?45:42 Harry Kane's Biggest Weakness for England47:38 Mbappé, Bellingham & the Ballon d'Or Debate49:06 Three of the Best – Young Players55:07 Frank Lampard & His Managerial Career58:33 Lampard vs Gerrard vs Scholes Hosted by The Revive Lounge Ltd UCsdye1hUxP4xhgBx9zvuSjg Subscribe to https://youtube.com/@TheReviveLounge?si=L5ddzrJrtSmErtJ5 Support the Pod https://patreon.com/TheJoysofFootballPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink Read us on Substack https://martintylerandneilbarnett.substack.com/ Follow our Twitter https://x.com/TheJOF Follow our Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@joy_of_football_pod?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Follow our Instagram https://https://www.instagram.com/joy_of_football_pod/ Contact us via: [email protected] Music by Arron Clague - https://www.instagram.com/arronclague?igsh=aHg1bjQ3OHpmaXIz Intro Sequence by Wellong Sadewo (wells.illustration): https://www.instagram.com/wells.illustration/ A massive thank you to our Patreon & YouTube Members Supporters: Benjamin Fairclough Dimitre Krouchev Daniel Butigan Tommy Mck Nick Parmenter Katie Watson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
What's Happening with Manchester United?!
2026/10/27
On this week's episode of The Joy of Football Podcast, legendary football commentator Martin Tyler and former Chelsea TV presenter Neil Barnett take a deep dive into the ongoing Manchester United crisis, following another damaging 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth.With pressure mounting at Old Trafford, the pair question whether Michael Carrick's future as Manchester United manager should really be the biggest concern — or whether the problems run far deeper than the man in the dugout. From Manchester United's dressing-room culture, player power and leadership to the Glazer ownership, club debt, financial structure and footballing hierarchy, Martin and Neil examine why the same cycle of success and collapse keeps repeating itself. They compare Carrick's situation with the experiences of José Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjær and Erik ten Hag, discuss the influence of Bruno Fernandes and Lisandro Martínez, and ask whether Manchester United can ever return to the standards established under Sir Alex Ferguson. But it's not all about the red half of Manchester... 🔴 MANCHESTER UNITED IN CRISIS — Is Michael Carrick being let down by the players, the dressing room and the club's structure? Are the Glazers and Manchester United's ownership problems holding the club back? 🔵 MANCHESTER CITY'S TITLE CHANCES — Neil questions City's performances, while Martin offers his verdict on their Premier League title ambitions following defeat to Aston Villa. ⚽ THREE OF THE BEST — Aston Villa's emerging talent, Real Madrid's young defenders, Cesc Fàbregas and the extraordinary goalscoring legacy of Jimmy Greaves, with comparisons to Harry Kane and Erling Haaland. 📝 LETTER FROM THE GANTRY — Martin Tyler shares an unforgettable personal encounter with Glenn Hoddle, recalling the day he faced the Tottenham and England legend on the pitch. 🏆 ASTON VILLA & NICOLAS JACKSON — Neil reflects on Jackson's journey from Chelsea to Bayern Munich and Aston Villa, his relationship with Unai Emery, and his goals against Manchester City. From the problems at Manchester United to the personalities shaping the Premier League, Martin Tyler and Neil Barnett bring their experience, memories and opinions to another packed episode of The Joy of Football. Can Manchester United turn their season around? Should Michael Carrick be given more time? And who is really responsible for the problems at Old Trafford? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!🔔 Subscribe to The Joy of Football for weekly Premier League discussion, football analysis, exclusive stories and memories from Martin Tyler and Neil Barnett. #ManchesterUnited #MichaelCarrick #ManUtd #ManchesterUnitedNews #PremierLeague #MartinTyler #NeilBarnett #Glazers #BrunoFernandes #ManchesterCity #AstonVilla #TheJoyOfFootball 00:00 – Introduction 01:26 – Manchester United in Crisis: Michael Carrick, the Dressing Room & the Glazers 14:45 – Manchester City: Are They Really Premier League Title Contenders 20:05 – Three of the Best 20:30 – Aston Villa's Rising Star 22:12 – Real Madrid's Young Defender 25:50 – Cesc Fàbregas: From Pizzagate to Management 28:57 – Jimmy Greaves: English Football's Greatest Goalscorer? 38:43 – Martin Tyler's Commentary Stories & Brighton 45:18 – Nicolas Jackson, Aston Villa & Unai Emery 50:36 – Letter from the Gantry: Glenn Hoddle 59:41 – What We Saw This Week 01:02:26 – AFC Wimbledon: Fan Ownership, Investment & the Club's Future 01:09:33 – Your Feedback: Manchester United, Manchester City & Football Scandals 01:14:29 – Listener Stories: Glenn Hoddle, Birmingham City & Trevor Steven Hosted by The Revive Lounge Ltd UCsdye1hUxP4xhgBx9zvuSjg Subscribe to https://youtube.com/@TheReviveLounge?si=L5ddzrJrtSmErtJ5 Support the Pod https://patreon.com/TheJoysofFootballPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink Read us on Substack https://martintylerandneilbarnett.substack.com/ Follow our Twitter https://x.com/TheJOF Follow our Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@joy_of_football_pod?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Follow our Instagram https://https://www.instagram.com/joy_of_football_pod/ Contact us via: [email protected] Music by Arron Clague - https://www.instagram.com/arronclague?igsh=aHg1bjQ3OHpmaXIz Intro Sequence by Wellong Sadewo (wells.illustration): https://www.instagram.com/wells.illustration/ A massive thank you to our Patreon & YouTube Members Supporters: Benjamin Fairclough Dimitre Krouchev Daniel Butigan Tommy Mck Nick Parmenter Katie Watson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Incredible GOALS in the UCL & Premier League This Week...
2026/10/20
On this week's episode of The Joy of Football Podcast, legendary commentator Martin Tyler and Chelsea TV icon Neil Barnett return to discuss another extraordinary week of football, from dramatic Champions League comebacks and Brighton's remarkable form to the history of Argentine footballers in England. Martin reflects on Real Madrid's incredible 4–3 comeback against Roma, while Neil asks a simple question after a remarkable collection of Champions League scorelines: what's happened to defending? Are modern defenders sacrificing the art of defending in favour of playing out from the back? Elsewhere, the pair discuss Brighton's impressive start to the Premier League season, their emphatic victory over Crystal Palace, and a sensational long-range goal that draws comparisons with David Beckham's famous strike against Wimbledon. There's also plenty to discuss at the other end of the table, including Nottingham Forest, Sunderland and Bournemouth, while Aston Villa's remarkable rebuilding job comes under the spotlight. In Martin Tyler's Letter From The Gantry, Martin looks back at the arrival of Argentine footballers in England, including Tottenham legends Ossie Ardiles and Ricky Villa, Sheffield United's extraordinary near-signing of Diego Maradona, and the enduring relationship between Argentina and English football. Then, in Three of the Best, Martin and Neil highlight two exciting young Brazilians, Endrick and Alisson Santana, alongside Premier League managers celebrating much-needed victories and former Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera. Plus, Chelsea's victory at Everton, controversial refereeing decisions, Martin's frustration with penalty shootouts, Neil's public transport nightmare and much more! Join the conversation! Which Premier League side has impressed you most this season? And has modern football forgotten how to defend? Let us know in the comments. 👍 Like the video, subscribe to The Joy of Football, and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode. #TheJoyOfFootball #MartinTyler #PremierLeague #ChampionsLeague #RealMadrid #ChelseaFC #Brighton #CrystalPalace #FootballPodcast #Endrick #OssieArdiles 00:00 Introduction 01:29 Welcome to EP133 02:19 What We Saw This Week 02:19 Real Madrid's Incredible Champions League Comeback 05:05 Shakhtar Donetsk vs AEK Athens 09:25 Martin Tyler's Penalty Shootout Frustration 10:57 Neil's Football Travel Nightmare 16:12 What We Need to Talk About 16:41 Brighton's Brilliant Start 18:04 A Wondergoal Compared to David Beckham 24:02 Crystal Palace's Struggles 26:05 Champions League Matchday 2: What's Happened to Defending 29:15 Chelsea's Win at Everton & Modern Refereeing 33:32 Sunderland and Nottingham Forest 39:10 Aston Villa's Remarkable Rebuild 45:31 Letter From The Gantry: Argentines in English Football 46:00 When Diego Maradona Nearly Joined Sheffield United 46:42 Ossie Ardiles & Ricky Villa at Tottenham 48:09 Emiliano Martínez, Chelsea & Everton 53:25 Argentina's Influence on English Football 56:04 Three of the Best 56:26 Endrick at Real Madrid 58:06 Alisson Santana at Shakhtar Donetsk 59:49 Marco Rose & Álvaro Arbeloa's First Wins 1:02:30 Ander Herrera's Incredible Return to Zaragoza 1:08:37 Ollie Pearce's Football League Journey 1:11:02 Marcus Tavernier & English Players in the Premier League 1:16:16 Voice of Passion: Defenders Turning Their Backs 1:18:03 Stoppage Time: Martin Tyler Meets Tyler Martin 1:19:05 Outro Hosted by The Revive Lounge Ltd UCsdye1hUxP4xhgBx9zvuSjg Subscribe to https://youtube.com/@TheReviveLounge?si=L5ddzrJrtSmErtJ5 Support the Pod https://patreon.com/TheJoysofFootballPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink Read us on Substack https://martintylerandneilbarnett.substack.com/ Follow our Twitter https://x.com/TheJOF Follow our Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@joy_of_football_pod?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Follow our Instagram https://https://www.instagram.com/joy_of_football_pod/ Contact us via: [email protected] Music by Arron Clague - https://www.instagram.com/arronclague?igsh=aHg1bjQ3OHpmaXIz Intro Sequence by Wellong Sadewo (wells.illustration): https://www.instagram.com/wells.illustration/ A massive thank you to our Patreon & YouTube Members Supporters: Benjamin Fairclough Dimitre Krouchev Daniel Butigan Tommy Mck Nick Parmenter Katie Watson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Spy in the Camp | "Chelsea" CELEBRITIES That I've Interviewed...
2026/10/15
On this week's Spy in the Camp, former Chelsea TV presenter Neil Barnett takes us behind the scenes at Stamford Bridge for some extraordinary encounters between football's biggest names and the world's most famous celebrities. From José Mourinho and Wayne Rooney to Bryan Adams, Drake, Serena Williams and David Beckham, Neil recalls the unexpected moments that unfolded during his years working behind the scenes at Chelsea Football Club. The main story takes us back to January 2005, when Chelsea faced Manchester United in the League Cup semi-final. Neil received an unexpected phone call from rock legend Bryan Adams, who had a rather unusual request: could he arrange a private photoshoot with a young Wayne Rooney? What followed was an unforgettable evening involving an angry José Mourinho, an unlikely meeting between two stars, and a Chelsea manager who suddenly forgot all about his frustrations when he discovered one of his favourite musicians was waiting in the interview room! Neil also reveals how Mourinho's post-match comments landed him in trouble with the FA, and why Bryan Adams' photographs of Wayne Rooney may never have seen the light of day. Elsewhere, Neil remembers being present at Stamford Bridge on the night David Beckham and Victoria Adams first met, only to miss what could have been the biggest celebrity scoop of his career. There's also the time Serena Williams snubbed his Chelsea question, his interview with Snoop Dogg in Los Angeles, and a memorable encounter with Drake, whom Neil admits he didn't recognise when Ashley Cole introduced them!I t's another collection of exclusive Chelsea stories, unexpected celebrity encounters and unforgettable memories from inside the world of football. Spy in the Camp is an exclusive series for members of The Joy of Football Supporters Club, featuring Neil Barnett's personal stories from decades behind the scenes at Chelsea and beyond. #ChelseaFC #JoseMourinho #WayneRooney #BryanAdams #Drake #DavidBeckham #NeilBarnett #ManchesterUnited #StamfordBridge #TheJoyOfFootball Hosted by The Revive Lounge Ltd UCsdye1hUxP4xhgBx9zvuSjg Subscribe to https://youtube.com/@TheReviveLounge?si=L5ddzrJrtSmErtJ5 Support the Pod https://patreon.com/TheJoysofFootballPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink Read us on Substack https://martintylerandneilbarnett.substack.com/ Follow our Twitter https://x.com/TheJOF Follow our Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@joy_of_football_pod?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Follow our Instagram https://https://www.instagram.com/joy_of_football_pod/ Contact us via: [email protected] Music by Arron Clague - https://www.instagram.com/arronclague?igsh=aHg1bjQ3OHpmaXIz Intro Sequence by Wellong Sadewo (wells.illustration): https://www.instagram.com/wells.illustration/ A massive thank you to our YouTube Members & Patreon Supporters: Benjamin Fairclough Dimitre Krouchev Daniel Butigan Tommy Mck Nick Parmenter Katie Watson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
A CRAZY Weekin Club Football...
2026/10/13
On this week's episode of The Joy of Football Podcast, Martin Tyler and Neil Barnett tackle the growing pressure on Michael Carrick at Manchester United, asking whether the club needs another managerial change or whether patience is the only way forward.Following United's failure to beat ten man Tottenham, Neil compares Carrick's situation with Sir Alex Ferguson, Jürgen Klopp and Mikel Arteta, arguing that rebuilding a successful football club takes time. But he also questions Carrick's tactics, the partnership of Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martínez, and whether Manchester United's midfield is leaving their defence dangerously exposed.Elsewhere, Martin prepares to commentate on José Mourinho's Real Madrid and discusses the controversy surrounding Vinícius Júnior, while Neil questions the international break and raises concerns about Bournemouth's Premier League future.In Three of the Best, Martin and Neil discuss Harry Kane's remarkable England goalscoring record, Anthony Gordon's transformation from a struggling Everton youngster into a Barcelona star, Jordan Henderson's Chelsea impact, Pedro's extraordinary trophy-winning career, and the next generation of talent at Real Madrid and Brentford.For Letter From The Gantry, Martin revisits Oliver Glasner's emotional return to Crystal Palace with Nottingham Forest, reflecting on the remarkable reception he received from the Selhurst Park supporters despite the rivalry surrounding his departure.And in Voice of Passion, Neil also turns to Manchester City's ongoing Premier League case, questioning the impact that a delayed decision could have on the integrity of the title race.From Manchester United's rebuilding problems to the Premier League's biggest talking points, it's another lively discussion about the game with Martin Tyler and Neil Barnett.#ManchesterUnited #MichaelCarrick #MartinTyler #PremierLeague #HarryKane #JoseMourinho #AnthonyGordon #ManchesterCity #ChelseaFC #TheJoyOfFootball 00:00 Introduction01:48 What We Saw This Week02:18 José Mourinho, Real Madrid & Vinícius Júnior06:06 Is the International Break Ruining Club Football?09:18 Bournemouth's Premier League Struggles11:14 Three of the Best11:39 Real Madrid's Rising Star13:50 Brentford's Italian International17:08 Jordan Henderson's Chelsea Performance20:48 Pedro's Incredible Football Career23:59 Harry Kane's Remarkable England Record26:24 Anthony Gordon: From Everton to World-Class Winger32:30 Letter From The Gantry: Oliver Glasner's Palace Return37:52 Crystal Palace vs Nottingham Forest: Match Analysis43:38 Europe's Biggest Clubs Are Struggling45:30 Voice of Passion: Michael Carrick & Manchester United49:15 Manchester City's Premier League Case51:56 How Can Michael Carrick Fix Manchester United?59:09 Stoppage Time Hosted by The Revive Lounge Ltd UCsdye1hUxP4xhgBx9zvuSjg Subscribe to https://youtube.com/@TheReviveLounge?si=L5ddzrJrtSmErtJ5 Support the Pod https://patreon.com/TheJoysofFootballPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink Read us on Substack https://martintylerandneilbarnett.substack.com/ Follow our Twitter https://x.com/TheJOF Follow our Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@joy_of_football_pod?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Follow our Instagram https://https://www.instagram.com/joy_of_football_pod/ Contact us via: [email protected] Music by Arron Clague - https://www.instagram.com/arronclague?igsh=aHg1bjQ3OHpmaXIz Intro Sequence by Wellong Sadewo (wells.illustration): https://www.instagram.com/wells.illustration/ A massive thank you to our Patreon & YouTube Members Supporters: Benjamin Fairclough Dimitre Krouchev Daniel Butigan Tommy Mck Nick Parmenter Katie Watson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Spy in the Camp | John Terry SLAPPED ME......
2026/10/12
On this week's episode of Spy in the Camp, Neil Barnett takes us back behind the scenes at Chelsea during the José Mourinho era for another episode of Spy in the Camp, with a brilliant story involving John Terry, Salomon Kalou and the unlikely beginnings of Neil's American radio career. During the 2000s, Neil travelled with Chelsea on a number of the club's pre-season tours of the United States, following the team through cities including Seattle, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Boston and Washington while working for Chelsea TV and the club's website. Those trips eventually took him to Los Angeles, where an unexpected appearance on an American football radio show produced a couple of encounters he hasn't forgotten. While hanging around outside the room where the Chelsea players were having lunch, Neil was invited onto the radio show to help fill some airtime. Naturally, he decided to embrace Hollywood by putting on a hat and sunglasses and playing up for the audience. Unfortunately, one of the people who spotted him was Chelsea and England captain John Terry. Terry crept up behind Neil unnoticed and slapped him on the back of his bald head as hard as he could before bursting into laughter. Neil's response was immediate: if Terry was going to do that, he could sit down and earn his keep. The Chelsea captain duly joined them for an impromptu ten-minute interview live on American radio. But the story didn't end there. The next Chelsea player to emerge from lunch was Salomon Kalou, who Neil describes as perhaps the nicest person he has ever encountered in football. Kalou agreed to join the show too, and what began as another football interview soon became something completely different. Neil's previous career as a music journalist gave him an unexpected connection with Kalou through Ivorian reggae musician Alpha Blondy. Once Neil mentioned the name, Kalou came alive and ended up singing an entire Alpha Blondy song live on the radio. That chance appearance would ultimately help lead Neil towards becoming a regular presenter when the American show went daily in 2010, with Martin Tyler later making plenty of appearances himself. From John Terry's practical joke to Salomon Kalou singing live on air, it's another glimpse at the personalities and moments Neil witnessed during his years travelling with Chelsea that supporters watching from the stands would never normally get to see. Spy in the Camp is exclusive to JOF Supporters. Subscribe to https://youtube.com/@TheReviveLounge?si=L5ddzrJrtSmErtJ5 Support the Pod https://patreon.com/TheJoysofFootballPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink Read us on Substack https://martintylerandneilbarnett.substack.com/ Follow our Twitter https://x.com/TheJOF Follow our Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@joy_of_football_pod?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Follow our Instagram https://https://www.instagram.com/joy_of_football_pod/ Contact us via: [email protected] Music by Arron Clague - https://www.instagram.com/arronclague?igsh=aHg1bjQ3OHpmaXIz Intro Sequence by Wellong Sadewo (wells.illustration): https://www.instagram.com/wells.illustration/ A massive thank you to our YouTube Members & Patreon Supporters: Benjamin Fairclough Dimitre Krouchev Daniel Butigan Tommy Mck Nick Parmenter Katie Watson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The BIGGEST SCANDALS in Football...?
2026/10/05
On this week's episode of The Joy of Football Podcast, Martin Tyler and Neil Barnett take a slightly different look at the game they love, asking what history can teach us about football surviving its biggest scandals, controversies and crises. From the infamous 1964 British betting scandal, which saw Sheffield Wednesday players Peter Swan, Tony Kay and Bronco Layne banned from football, to Swindon Town's promotion controversy, Martin and Neil revisit moments that appeared capable of doing lasting damage to clubs, players and the reputation of the game itself. Yet football survived, recovered and, in many cases, those involved eventually found a way back. They revisit Diego Maradona's 1994 World Cup drugs ban, the extraordinary career that ultimately came to define him far more than that controversy, Eric Cantona's infamous kung fu kick at Crystal Palace and Rio Ferdinand's missed drugs test. Along the way, Neil and Martin discuss the relationship between supporters and players, including brilliant stories involving Paul Gascoigne and James Maddison, and why football's imperfections have never stopped the joy of the game from shining through. In Letter From The Gantry, Martin reflects on England's emphatic performance against Croatia and goes back 25 years to David Beckham's legendary free kick against Greece at Old Trafford, recalling his feeling from the commentary gantry that Beckham was going to deliver. Martin also remembers Ken Taylor, the last surviving Huddersfield player from the extraordinary 7–6 defeat to Charlton Athletic in 1957. Then, Three of the Best takes on a different format as Martin and Neil travel through the generations in search of football's greatest dribblers. From Stanley Matthews and George Best through John Barnes, Ryan Giggs, Thierry Henry, Ronaldinho, Lionel Messi and Eden Hazard, they explore how the art of beating a defender has evolved and why dribbling might be making a comeback in the modern game. Football has faced scandals, bans, controversy and moments of genuine crisis before. It survived them all. And through every generation, the joy has remained. #MartinTyler #PremierLeague #England #DavidBeckham #EricCantona #Maradona #GeorgeBest #LionelMessi #ManchesterUnited #Football #TheJoyOfFootball #JOF00:00 Intro 00:47 Football's Biggest Scandals: Can the Game Always Survive? 01:39 The 1964 British Betting Scandal 06:53 The Joy of Football in Practice: FA Youth Cup 11:43 Chelsea vs Tottenham: Rivalry, Respect & Football Fans 15:40 Swindon Town's 1990 Promotion Scandal 18:37 Diego Maradona's 1994 World Cup Drugs Ban 21:30 Letter From The Gantry: England, David Beckham & Ken Taylor 22:25 David Beckham's Legendary Free Kick vs Greece 25:13 Remembering Ken Taylor & Charlton 7–6 Huddersfield 28:17 England's Statement Win Over Croatia 29:30 Eric Cantona's Infamous Kung Fu Kick 31:09 James Maddison, Chelsea Fans & the FA Cup 33:01 Paul Gascoigne Silences Stamford Bridge 34:28 How GREAT Was Eric Cantona? 37:09 Voice of Passion: What Happened to the FA Youth Cup? 40:30 Rio Ferdinand's Missed Drugs Test 42:12 Frank Lampard, Rio Ferdinand & West Ham's Youth Team 44:49 Three of the Best: Football's Greatest Dribblers 46:02 Stanley Matthews & Tom Finney 48:43 George Best & the Great 1960s Dribblers 51:17 The Great Wingers of the 1970s 52:43 John Barnes & the Best Dribblers of the 1980s 56:20 Ryan Giggs & Manchester United's Great Wingers 58:10 Thierry Henry, Pelé & the World's Greatest Dribblers 59:17 Maradona, Zidane & Ronaldinho 1:00:13 Arjen Robben, Lionel Messi & Eden Hazard 1:02:59 The Premier League's Best Dribblers Today 1:08:42 Martin & Neil Pick Their Three Greatest Dribblers Hosted by The Revive Lounge Ltd UCsdye1hUxP4xhgBx9zvuSjg Subscribe to https://youtube.com/@TheReviveLounge?si=L5ddzrJrtSmErtJ5 Support the Pod https://patreon.com/TheJoysofFootballPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink Read us on Substack https://martintylerandneilbarnett.substack.com/ Follow our Twitter https://x.com/TheJOF Follow our Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@joy_of_football_pod?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Follow our Instagram https://https://www.instagram.com/joy_of_football_pod/ Contact us via: [email protected] Music by Arron Clague - https://www.instagram.com/arronclague?igsh=aHg1bjQ3OHpmaXIz Intro Sequence by Wellong Sadewo (wells.illustration): https://www.instagram.com/wells.illustration/ A massive thank you to our Patreon & YouTube Members Supporters: Benjamin Fairclough Dimitre Krouchev Daniel Butigan Tommy Mck Nick Parmenter Katie Watson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
TREVOR STEVEN: 11 League Titles, the 'Hand of God' and What REALLY Happened to Everton's Great Team...?
2026/09/29
On this week's episode of The Joy of Football Podcast, Martin Tyler and Neil Barnett are joined by former Everton, Rangers, Marseille and England midfielder Trevor Steven for a special extended conversation spanning his remarkable career in football and his work today with mental health charity MindFlow. Trevor takes us inside the great Everton side of the 1980s, recalling life under Howard Kendall, winning the FA Cup, two First Division titles and the European Cup Winners' Cup, and playing alongside the likes of Peter Reid, Kevin Sheedy, Andy Gray and Gary Lineker. He also reflects on the impact of the ban on English clubs competing in Europe and reveals why he eventually decided to leave Goodison Park. That decision left Trevor with a huge choice. He reveals his conversations with Sir Alex Ferguson about joining Manchester United, why a move to Old Trafford ultimately didn't happen, and how Graeme Souness convinced him to join Rangers instead. Trevor remembers arriving at Ibrox during an extraordinary period for Scottish football, before discussing his later move to Marseille and life inside one of Europe's biggest clubs. Trevor also takes Martin and Neil inside his England career under Sir Bobby Robson, from the unexpected phone call that gave him his first international opportunity to representing his country at two World Cups. He relives Mexico 1986, Gary Lineker's goals against Poland and being on the pitch against Diego Maradona during the Hand of God and Goal of the Century, before remembering just how close he came to taking a penalty in England's dramatic 1990 World Cup semi-final against West Germany. Away from the pitch, Trevor explains the work behind MindFlow, bringing football and the construction industry together to tackle the mental health crisis affecting workers across the UK. He discusses the similarities between football dressing rooms and construction sites, the importance of getting men talking, and how former players including Gary Lineker, Stuart Pearce, John Barnes and Viv Anderson are helping to change the conversation. Plus, Trevor gives his thoughts on the modern game, England and the way football has changed since his playing days, before Martin delivers another Letter From The Gantry. From Everton, Rangers and Marseille to Sir Alex Ferguson, Graeme Souness, Bobby Robson, Maradona, England and the World Cup, this is Trevor Steven's story. #TrevorSteven #Everton #EFC #Rangers #RangersFC #England #ThreeLions #Maradona #WorldCup #ManchesterUnited #SirAlexFerguson #BobbyRobson #GraemeSouness #EvertonFC #Football #MartinTyler #NeilBarnett #TheJoyOfFootball #JOF Hosted by The Revive Lounge Ltd UCsdye1hUxP4xhgBx9zvuSjg Subscribe to https://youtube.com/@TheReviveLounge?si=L5ddzrJrtSmErtJ5 Support the Pod https://patreon.com/TheJoysofFootballPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink Read us on Substack https://martintylerandneilbarnett.substack.com/ Follow our Twitter https://x.com/TheJOF Follow our Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@joy_of_football_pod?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Follow our Instagram https://https://www.instagram.com/joy_of_football_pod/ Contact us via: [email protected] Music by Arron Clague - https://www.instagram.com/arronclague?igsh=aHg1bjQ3OHpmaXIz Intro Sequence by Wellong Sadewo (wells.illustration): https://www.instagram.com/wells.illustration/ A massive thank you to our Patreon Supporters: Nick Parmenter Hillary Abbott Daniel Butigan Tommy Mck Katie Watson Nathan A Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Spy in the Camp | SECRETS of the "Battle of the BRIDGE"...
2026/09/25
On this week's Spy in the Camp, Neil Barnett takes Martin Tyler back to one of the most infamous nights in Premier League history: Chelsea vs Tottenham at Stamford Bridge in 2016, the Battle of the Bridge, when Eden Hazard's equaliser handed Leicester City the Premier League title. Neil reveals what happened the night before the game, when Martin called him after commentating on Manchester United vs Leicester and spent an hour preparing for the Chelsea vs Tottenham match. Martin explains how he used Neil's Chelsea knowledge and statistics in his commentary, while Neil remembers just how excited Martin was by the possibility of calling another title-defining night. They revisit the extraordinary match itself, with Tottenham going 2-0 ahead before Chelsea fought back to 2-2 and Leicester City were crowned Premier League champions. Neil also remembers his subsequent encounters with Tottenham supporters and tells the brilliant story of receiving a late-night message from Claudio Ranieri while being stopped by police after Liverpool vs Chelsea. More than anything, it's a story about Martin Tyler's obsession with football and commentary, and the preparation behind one of the Premier League's most memorable broadcasts. Spy in the Camp brings JOF Supporters' Club members the stories, memories, and moments that Neil and Martin couldn't fit into the main podcast. #Chelsea #ChelseaFC #CFC #SpyInTheCamp #NeilBarnett #TheJoyOfFootball #JOF #StamfordBridge #ClubCall #ChelseaHistory #FootballStories #FootballPodcast #DidierDrogba #Drogba #FrankLampard #JohnTerry #PremierLeague Hosted by The Revive Lounge Ltd UCsdye1hUxP4xhgBx9zvuSjg Subscribe to https://youtube.com/@TheReviveLounge?si=L5ddzrJrtSmErtJ5 Support the Pod https://patreon.com/TheJoysofFootballPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink Read us on Substack https://martintylerandneilbarnett.substack.com/ Follow our Twitter https://x.com/TheJOF Follow our Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@joy_of_football_pod?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Follow our Instagram https://https://www.instagram.com/joy_of_football_pod/ Contact us via: [email protected] Music by Arron Clague - https://www.instagram.com/arronclague?igsh=aHg1bjQ3OHpmaXIz Intro Sequence by Wellong Sadewo (wells.illustration): https://www.instagram.com/wells.illustration/ A massive thank you to our Patreon & YouTube Members Supporters: Benjamin Fairclough Daniel Butigan Tommy Mck Nick Parmenter Katie Watson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Who Are the Most ELITE Strikers...? | The Joy of Football Podcast
2026/09/22
On this week's episode of The Joy of Football Podcast, Martin Tyler and Neil Barnett compare some of the greatest centre forwards in football history, from Marco van Basten and Ronaldo Nazário to Alan Shearer, Thierry Henry, Didier Drogba, Sergio Agüero, Harry Kane and Erling Haaland. What separates the truly great goalscorers, and how would strikers from different generations compare?Elsewhere, Martin and Neil try to explain some of football's biggest talking points. Why are Spanish managers enjoying so much success around the world while Spain's biggest clubs look elsewhere? What went wrong for Arsenal in a 3-0 defeat to Brighton? Neil discusses Chelsea's problems following defeat to Brentford, while Raphinha's omission from the Ballon d'Or nominees sparks another debate.Martin's Letter From The Gantry takes us back more than 50 years to his second ever television commentary at Portsmouth, and his memories of Liverpool legend Ian St John. Martin remembers the extraordinary financial problems facing Portsmouth at the time, the emergence of future names including Chris Kamara, and how Ian St John eventually formed one of British football's most famous television partnerships with Jimmy Greaves.Finally, Three of the Best returns with Martin and Neil picking out players who caught their eye, including Pascal Groß, Colin Bell, Brian Brobbey and Jay Dasilva, alongside a look at goalkeeper Zion Suzuki and some of football's emerging young talent.From Van Basten, Ronaldo, Shearer and Henry to Drogba, Agüero, Kane and Haaland, plus Arsenal, Chelsea, Brighton, Barcelona, Raphinha, Jürgen Klopp and Germany, it's another episode spanning football's past, present and future.Join the JOF Supporters' Club on Patreon or YouTube for exclusive weekly content from Martin and Neil, early access, behind the scenes stories and more.#TheJoyOfFootball #MartinTyler #NeilBarnett #PremierLeague #Football #Arsenal #Chelsea #ErlingHaaland #HarryKane #ThierryHenry #AlanShearer #DidierDrogba #SergioAguero #Ronaldo #MarcoVanBasten #JOF 00:00 Intro 02:11 Chelsea & Cole Palmer's INCREDIBLE Goal 09:09 Champions League: AEK Athens, Luka Jović & Real Madrid 12:32 Como, Cesc Fàbregas & RB Leipzig 16:30 Letter From The Gantry: PSG, Ousmane Dembélé & Luis Enrique 25:09 Arsenal Have the BEST Squad in the Premier League? 28:21 Why Isn't Anyone Talking About Fabián Ruiz? 30:25 The Way We Were: How Football Fans Used to Follow the Scores 36:04 Three of the Best: Chelsea Legend Tommy Langley 39:41 Arda Turan: Atlético Madrid, Barcelona & Shakhtar Donetsk 45:03 Mohamed Amoura Shines for Hull City 47:07 Brighton's Kostoulas & Malick Yalcouyé 50:19 Slovan Bratislava's Sinner Camara Impresses Martin Tyler 52:35 Jamal Musiala & Alphonso Davies Are BACK for Bayern Munich 57:32 VAR! Manchester United, Man City & Arsenal Controversy Hosted by The Revive Lounge Ltd UCsdye1hUxP4xhgBx9zvuSjg Subscribe to https://youtube.com/@TheReviveLounge?si=L5ddzrJrtSmErtJ5 Support the Pod https://patreon.com/TheJoysofFootballPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink Read us on Substack https://martintylerandneilbarnett.substack.com/ Follow our Twitter https://x.com/TheJOF Follow our Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@joy_of_football_pod?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Follow our Instagram https://https://www.instagram.com/joy_of_football_pod/ Contact us via: [email protected] Music by Arron Clague - https://www.instagram.com/arronclague?igsh=aHg1bjQ3OHpmaXIz Intro Sequence by Wellong Sadewo (wells.illustration): https://www.instagram.com/wells.illustration/ A massive thank you to our Patreon & YouTube Members Supporters: Benjamin Fairclough Dimitre Krouchev Daniel Butigan Tommy Mck Nick Parmenter Katie Watson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
SPY in the Camp | Why Footballers Call Me "SPY in the Camp"...
2026/09/18
On the very first episode of The Joy of Football's Spy in the Camp, Neil Barnett opens up his archive of stories from decades spent behind the scenes at Chelsea Football Club. Spy in the Camp is exclusive to JOF YouTube Members when first released, bringing supporters closer to the stories Neil couldn't tell from the touchline. For Episode One, Neil goes back to 1986 and the birth of ClubCall, when he was simultaneously working inside Chelsea, Queens Park Rangers and Wimbledon. From a chaotic Chelsea 2–6 Nottingham Forest commentary to rival managers trying to get team news out of him, Neil reveals how working across three top-flight clubs earned him the nickname “Spy in the Camp” at Chelsea's training ground. He also remembers taking over the Chelsea newspaper in 1991 and getting an immediate lesson in the extraordinary competitiveness of top-flight football behind closed doors. Spy in the Camp is about the stories that rarely made the newspapers or television cameras: the personalities behind the players and managers, what really happened away from the pitch, and Neil's memories of being embedded inside Chelsea through some of the most remarkable years in the club's history. This is Episode One of a brand new JOF series, with new editions of Spy in the Camp bringing more of Neil's untold Chelsea stories to Patreon subscribers and YouTube Members. Welcome to Spy in the Camp. #Chelsea #ChelseaFC #CFC #SpyInTheCamp #NeilBarnett #TheJoyOfFootball #JOF #StamfordBridge #ClubCall #ChelseaHistory #FootballStories #FootballPodcast #QPR #WimbledonFC #PremierLeague Hosted by The Revive Lounge Ltd UCsdye1hUxP4xhgBx9zvuSjg Subscribe to https://youtube.com/@TheReviveLounge?si=L5ddzrJrtSmErtJ5 Support the Pod https://patreon.com/TheJoysofFootballPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink Read us on Substack https://martintylerandneilbarnett.substack.com/ Follow our Twitter https://x.com/TheJOF Follow our Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@joy_of_football_pod?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Follow our Instagram https://https://www.instagram.com/joy_of_football_pod/ Contact us via: [email protected] Music by Arron Clague - https://www.instagram.com/arronclague?igsh=aHg1bjQ3OHpmaXIz Intro Sequence by Wellong Sadewo (wells.illustration): https://www.instagram.com/wells.illustration/ A massive thank you to our Patreon & YouTube Members Supporters: Benjamin Fairclough Daniel Butigan Tommy Mck Nick Parmenter Katie Watson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Premier League Youngsters this Week... WHO Are the Ones To Watch? | The Joy of Football Podcast
2026/09/15
On this week's episode of The Joy of Football Podcast, Martin Tyler and Neil Barnett discuss another huge week of football across the Premier League and Champions League, with Cole Palmer, Ousmane Dembélé, Luis Enrique, Arsenal, PSG, Bayern Munich, Jamal Musiala, Alphonso Davies, Brighton, Hull City and Manchester United all featuring.In What I Saw This Week, Martin reflects on Chelsea's 2 2 draw with Hull City at Stamford Bridge, while Neil turns his attention to an extraordinary Cole Palmer goal against Leeds United in the Carabao Cup. Neil describes Palmer's finish as one of the best goals he's ever seen, before the conversation moves into the Champions League, from Luka Jović's career since leaving Eintracht Frankfurt for Real Madrid to Cesc Fàbregas' Como and their impressive victory over RB Leipzig.In Letter From The Gantry, Martin is on Champions League commentary duty as Paris Saint-Germain begins their pursuit of a remarkable third consecutive European crown. Martin examines Luis Enrique's attempts to keep his all conquering PSG squad evolving, the brilliance of Ousmane Dembélé and the competition developing within a team determined to remain at the summit of European football.That leads to Arsenal, with Neil arguing that Mikel Arteta's side now possess by far the strongest squad in the Premier League following four consecutive second place finishes. Are Arsenal finally getting the respect they deserve, or has their rise simply created jealousy among rival supporters? Martin and Neil also ask why Fabián Ruiz, a Champions League and World Cup winner, receives so little recognition among football's biggest stars.The Way We Were takes Martin and Neil back to an era before smartphones, live score apps and constant football coverage. From half time scoreboards and transistor radios to waiting for somebody to physically hang numbers inside the stadium, they remember how supporters once discovered what was happening at matches around the country.In Three of the Best, Martin and Neil pick out some of the players and personalities who caught their eye this week. There's Chelsea favourite Tommy Langley, former Atlético Madrid and Barcelona midfielder turned Shakhtar Donetsk manager Arda Turan, plus standout performers from Hull City, Brighton and Slovan Bratislava.The Champions League also provides two very familiar names as Jamal Musiala and Alphonso Davies make their mark for Bayern Munich following serious injury problems. With both players returning to fitness and Bayern looking dangerous again, could they become major contenders in Europe this season?Finally, things get heated in Voice of Passion as Neil takes aim at VAR, football's laws and modern officiating following a controversial weekend involving Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal. Martin pushes back as the pair debate Phil Foden's red card, Bruno Fernandes, the Manchester derby and the decisions that dominated another Premier League weekend.From Cole Palmer and Chelsea to Arsenal, PSG, Bayern Munich and the Champions League, there's plenty to debate this week. #PremierLeague #MartinTyler #FootballPodcast #PremierLeagueNews #Football #TheJoyOfFootball #ChampionsLeague #ChelseaFC #ColePalmer #Arsenal #PSG #OusmaneDembele #LuisEnrique #BayernMunich #JamalMusiala #AlphonsoDavies #ManchesterUnited #ManchesterCity #Brighton #FootballPodcast 00:00 Intro 02:11 Chelsea & Cole Palmer's INCREDIBLE Goal 09:09 Champions League: AEK Athens, Luka Jović & Real Madrid 12:32 Como, Cesc Fàbregas & RB Leipzig 16:30 Letter From The Gantry: PSG, Ousmane Dembélé & Luis Enrique 25:09 Arsenal Have the BEST Squad in the Premier League? 28:21 Why Isn't Anyone Talking About Fabián Ruiz? 30:25 The Way We Were: How Football Fans Used to Follow the Scores 36:04 Three of the Best: Chelsea Legend Tommy Langley 39:41 Arda Turan: Atlético Madrid, Barcelona & Shakhtar Donetsk 45:03 Mohamed Amoura Shines for Hull City 47:07 Brighton's Kostoulas & Malick Yalcouyé 50:19 Slovan Bratislava's Sinner Camara Impresses Martin Tyler 52:35 Jamal Musiala & Alphonso Davies Are BACK for Bayern Munich 57:32 VAR! Manchester United, Man City & Arsenal Controversy Hosted by The Revive Lounge Ltd UCsdye1hUxP4xhgBx9zvuSjg Subscribe to https://youtube.com/@TheReviveLounge?si=L5ddzrJrtSmErtJ5 Support the Pod https://patreon.com/TheJoysofFootballPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink Read us on Substack https://martintylerandneilbarnett.substack.com/ Follow our Twitter https://x.com/TheJOF Follow our Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@joy_of_football_pod?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Follow our Instagram https://https://www.instagram.com/joy_of_football_pod/ Contact us via: [email protected] Music by Arron Clague - https://www.instagram.com/arronclague?igsh=aHg1bjQ3OHpmaXIz Intro Sequence by Wellong Sadewo (wells.illustration): https://www.instagram.com/wells.illustration/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Arsenal Look SCARY... But Who Else Is Impressing? | The Joy of Football Podcast
2026/09/08
On this week's episode of The Joy of Football Podcast, Martin Tyler and Neil Barnett discuss another fascinating week in football, with Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Newcastle United, Sunderland, Luis Enrique, Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, Josh King and Alex Scott all featuring, alongside the fallout from another huge Premier League transfer window.In What I Saw This Week, Neil turns his attention to Luis Enrique and why even successful teams must constantly evolve. That sparks a wider discussion about the return of exciting, front foot football across the Premier League and how the modern game continues to change.In Letter From The Gantry, Martin discovers that moving house can feel remarkably similar to transfer deadline day. With three removal vans waiting and the money for his new home still yet to arrive, Martin finds himself watching the clock before eventually completing his own dramatic deadline day move. He then heads to the Gtech Community Stadium for Brentford vs Sunderland, reflecting on Sunderland's start to the season and the intensity of Premier League football.In Voice of Passion, Neil questions whether modern football now has too many transfers and too many people involved in recruitment. Martin and Neil compare Premier League and UEFA homegrown player rules, debate whether clubs should be required to give more opportunities to their own academy players and ask whether supporters deserve greater transparency over the money behind transfers.Finally, Three of the Best features Bournemouth's Alex Scott, Fulham's Josh King and Tyrique George, alongside praise for Ainsley Maitland Niles following his spectacular goal against Manchester United.The conversation then turns to Arsenal, with Neil arguing that their extraordinary physical strength could make them incredibly difficult to stop. Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard and Kai Havertz all come under the microscope as Martin and Neil examine the tactical evolution that could make Arsenal even stronger this season.After another enormous transfer window, are Premier League clubs doing enough for their own young players? And could Arsenal's new approach make them the team to beat again this season? #PremierLeague #MartinTyler #PremierLeague2026 #FootballPodcast #PremierLeagueNews #Football #TheJoyOfFootball #Arsenal #ArsenalFC #DeclanRice #MartinOdegaard #KaiHavertz #ManchesterUnited #ChelseaFC #NewcastleUnited #SunderlandAFC #LuisEnrique #PSG #JoshKing #AlexScott #TyriqueGeorge #TransferNews #TransferWindow #FootballPodcast #EnglishFootball Hosted by The Revive Lounge Ltd UCsdye1hUxP4xhgBx9zvuSjg Subscribe to https://youtube.com/@TheReviveLounge?si=L5ddzrJrtSmErtJ5 Support the Pod https://patreon.com/TheJoysofFootballPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink Read us on Substack https://martintylerandneilbarnett.substack.com/ Follow our Twitter https://x.com/TheJOF Follow our Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@joy_of_football_pod?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Follow our Instagram https://https://www.instagram.com/joy_of_football_pod/ Contact us via: [email protected] Music by Arron Clague - https://www.instagram.com/arronclague?igsh=aHg1bjQ3OHpmaXIz Intro Sequence by Wellong Sadewo (wells.illustration): https://www.instagram.com/wells.illustration/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The BEST Players This Week? & How Reading NEARLY got a Game Called Off! | The Joy of Football Podcast
2026/09/01
On this week's episode of The Joy of Football Podcast, Martin Tyler and Neil Barnett return to discuss another packed week of football, with Lionel Messi, Manchester United, Chelsea, Newcastle United, Hull City, Bruno Fernandes, Anthony Elanga, Romeo Lavia, Jack Wilshere and Vinnie Jones all featuring, alongside two brand new additions to the podcast. In the first ever What I Saw This Week, Martin tells the extraordinary story of how Reading Festival wristbands nearly caused a Woking Academy match to be abandoned after a referee demanded that players cut them off. That leads into a wider discussion about the changing Laws of the Game, new rules around injuries and substitutions, time wasting and whether young footballers need to play the full 90 minutes more regularly to properly develop. There's also a bizarre tactical moment involving Middlesbrough captain Luke Ayling, a piece of paper and an attempt to stop West Bromwich Albion discovering his team's instructions. In Letter From The Gantry, Martin turns his attention to Hull City following the Tigers' outstanding return to the Premier League. Two games, two victories and two clean sheets have provided early optimism that Hull can do more than simply battle relegation following promotion from the Championship. Martin then travels almost 50 years into his own broadcasting past, remembering his first Hull City commentary against Blackpool at Boothferry Park on 6 November 1976, featuring Leeds United and Scotland legend Billy Bremner. Three of the Best begins with Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia, who finally has his first goal for the club after an injury-disrupted start to his Stamford Bridge career. His story prompts a wider conversation about Chelsea's squad building and whether clubs risk damaging youth development by creating too much competition for the same pathway into the first team. Martin also recounts meeting former Wimbledon footballer turned Hollywood actor Vinnie Jones and his former manager Dave Bassett, before discussing former Arsenal and England midfielder Jack Wilshere and why his work as a young manager has left Martin seriously impressed. There's plenty of Manchester United discussion after Bruno Fernandes' hat trick, with Martin praising the United captain's confidence, quality and longevity at Old Trafford. Martin and Neil also debate whether individual awards should simply recognise the outstanding player regardless of their team's success. Anthony Elanga earns his place following an exciting start with Newcastle United. After spells with Manchester United and Nottingham Forest, Elanga is beginning to show his quality at St James' Park, becoming the first Newcastle player since Alan Shearer in 2003 to score in both of the club's opening two league matches of a season. Finally, the new Thanks for the Joy feature begins with Lionel Messi's retirement from international football. Martin and Neil look back across Messi's remarkable Argentina career, from his extraordinary international debut to becoming a World Cup winner and Copa América champion, while discussing his place alongside Pelé, Ferenc Puskás and Cristiano Ronaldo among football's greatest ever players. But it's not simply a celebration. Neil questions whether Messi was truly one of international football's greatest players throughout his entire career and argues that his 2014 FIFA World Cup Golden Ball was undeserved. They discuss the dramatic transformation of Messi's Argentina legacy, Lionel Scaloni, Emiliano Martínez, the 2022 World Cup and the extraordinary final chapter of one of football's greatest careers. #PremierLeague #MartinTyler #PremierLeague2026 #FootballPodcast #PremierLeagueNews #Football #TheJoyOfFootball #TheJoyOfFootball #MartinTyler #NeilBarnett #PremierLeague #LionelMessi #BrunoFernandes #ManchesterUnited #ChelseaFC #NewcastleUnited #HullCity #AnthonyElanga #RomeoLavia #JackWilshere #VinnieJones #FootballPodcast Hosted by The Revive Lounge Ltd UCsdye1hUxP4xhgBx9zvuSjg Subscribe to https://youtube.com/@TheReviveLounge?si=L5ddzrJrtSmErtJ5 Support the Pod https://patreon.com/TheJoysofFootballPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink Read us on Substack https://martintylerandneilbarnett.substack.com/ Follow our Twitter https://x.com/TheJOF Follow our Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@joy_of_football_pod?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc Follow our Instagram https://https://www.instagram.com/joy_of_football_pod/ Contact us via: [email protected] Music by Arron Clague - https://www.instagram.com/arronclague?igsh=aHg1bjQ3OHpmaXIz Intro Sequence by Wellong Sadewo (wells.illustration): https://www.instagram.com/wells.illustration/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Podcast reviews

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5 out of 5
22 reviews
★★★★★
SpartanDE 2025/04/23
Broadcasting assignments
Just a little suggestion. When you’re doing pods during the season, you should post Martin’s future broadcasting assignments in each episode’s show no...
★★★★★
scottdhutch 2025/03/25
Legends!
Longtime fan of Neil’s as a Chelsea supporter, and of course I grew up on the game with the 🐐 Martin. Hearing them both now on this weekly pod is jus...
★★★★★
alex c lancaster 2024/04/16
What a Joy to listen!
So glad to be able to listen to you again, Neil! Was a sad day when you left SiriusXm FC. Now to have the Great Martin Tyler dialoguing with you on th...
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