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Who should manage Carlisle United for the rest of the season: Rob Elliott, Mark Hughes or Paul Simpson? Chris Lumsdon, Mark “Skip” Boyd and Dylan McGeouch return after an unforgettable trip to Celtic Park, where they watched a thrilling match, met some familiar football faces and experienced the Glasgow hospitality. The lads then discuss Carlisle United’s cup victory, Will Rafferty’s debut and the importance of winning promotion before the club risks losing its most promising academy players. Attention turns to the controversy surrounding James McClean’s comments about therapy and asking for help. The lads explain why seeking support should never be viewed as weakness but also question whether his comments were stripped of their full context. Lummy and Skip share their own experiences of homesickness and struggling after moving away to pursue professional football. They explain how speaking to family, teammates and trusted people helped them through some incredibly difficult periods. Lummy also names the greatest XI he played against, featuring Joe Hart, Stuart Pearce, Marcel Desailly, Steven Gerrard, Gianfranco Zola and Alan Shearer. He reveals what each player was really like to face including the former Real Madrid star who grabbed his shirt and shouted: “Madrid, Barcelona… Barnsley!” Plus, one listener shares an unbelievable Newcastle dating disaster involving missing memories, flying ice cubes, cheeky Vimtos and an attempt to climb a set of traffic lights. Also featuring: • The lads’ unforgettable day at Celtic Park • Kieran Tierney’s quality up close • Why Celtic’s young right-back could reach the top • Carlisle United’s squad depth • Will Rafferty’s first-team debut • Why promotion is crucial for Carlisle’s academy • James McClean’s controversial comments • Why asking for help is a sign of strength • Lummy and Skip’s experiences of homesickness • Who Am I? • The ultimate football-shirt sponsor quiz • A disastrous Newcastle date • Lummy’s greatest opposition XI • Facing Joe Hart, Stuart Pearce and Marcel Desailly • Robert Prosinečki’s incredible Barnsley outburst • What it was really like facing Alan Shearer • Rob Elliott, Mark Hughes or Paul Simpson? • James Maddison kissing the badge against Coventry • Carlisle Sunday League round-up TIMESTAMPS 00:00 The lads recover from Glasgow 00:17 Inside the Celtic Park experience 01:00 Celtic’s unbelievable match 02:16 Why Celtic Park belongs at the highest level 03:21 The full Glasgow day out 05:29 Jack Lettuce meal-prep delivery 06:54 Charity raffle update 07:43 Carlisle United’s cup victory 08:02 Will Rafferty and Carlisle’s academy prospects 08:28 Why Carlisle desperately need promotion 09:34 James McClean’s mental-health comments 11:13 Dylan responds to the controversy 12:12 Why asking for help is not weakness 12:43 Were James McClean’s comments taken out of context? 16:14 Should Derry City have handled it differently? 18:11 Lummy opens up about asking for help 18:48 Skip nearly walked away from Newcastle 20:54 The teammate who supported Skip 21:35 Who Am I? 29:41 Football-shirt sponsor quiz 35:32 Question for Carlisle supporters 37:26 The ultimate Newcastle dating disaster 43:22 The date takes an unbelievable turn 46:57 Lummy names the best XI he faced 47:03 Joe Hart 47:55 Wes Morgan 48:35 Stuart Pearce 49:43 Marcel Desailly 50:19 Leon Osman and Steven Gerrard 51:08 Robert Prosinečki’s Barnsley outburst 53:02 Gianfranco Zola 54:01 Andy Robinson 54:49 Facing Alan Shearer 56:30 Rob Elliott, Mark Hughes or Paul Simpson? 59:43 Listener messages 01:00:51 The lads reveal their dream jobs 01:03:07 Carlisle Sunday League round-up 01:05:11 Jack Lettuce taste test 01:05:42 Charity raffle prizes 01:06:34 Carlisle manager debate: cast your vote 01:07:48 James Maddison kisses the badge against Coventry 01:09:42 Final thoughts COMMENT BELOW: Who would you choose to manage Carlisle United for the rest of the season Rob Elliott, Mark Hughes or Paul Simpson? Subscribe to 3 In The Middle for weekly football debates, dressing-room stories and honest opinions from Chris Lumsdon, Skip Boyd, Dylan McGeouch and guests from across the game. #3InTheMiddle #CarlisleUnited #JamesMcClean #FootballPodcast #MentalHealth

Are Carlisle United suffering from a confidence crisis at Brunton Park? Peter Murphy joins Chris Lumsdon, Mark “Skip” Boyd and Dylan McGeouch as the lads analyse Carlisle’s frustrating draw with Kidderminster and the problems holding Rob Elliott’s side back at home. They discuss Carlisle’s cautious passing, lack of attacking runs, Regan Linney’s late penalty miss and whether the players are becoming too concerned with taking the safe option. Murph explains how Kidderminster frustrated Carlisle and why changing the tempo is essential when an opposition team refuses to press. The conversation also turns to footballers’ social-media activity following poor results. Should players be posting nights out and lifestyle content when performances on the pitch aren’t good enough, or is it simply part of modern football? Elsewhere, a heated debate breaks out over where Celtic and Rangers would finish in the English Championship before Murph selects the greatest XI he played against. His team includes Joe Hart, Harry Maguire, Kyle Walker, Tom Huddlestone, Ross Barkley, Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert, Glenn Murray and Lee Trundle with stories explaining exactly why each player made the cut. Also featuring: • Would Celtic finish in the Championship’s bottom half?   • The incredible intensity of Celtic versus Rangers   • Should Carlisle’s singing section return to the Warwick Road End?   • Why Carlisle look afraid to attack at home   • Regan Linney’s missed penalty   • Have Carlisle’s players become too cautious?   • Players using social media following poor results   • Does Rob Elliott need an experienced coach alongside him?   • Murph’s greatest opposition XI   • Facing a young Harry Maguire and Ross Barkley   • Glenn Murray’s extraordinary improvement   • The brilliance of Lee Trundle   • Why Carlisle must increase their passing tempo   • Who Am I?   • Carlisle Sunday League round-up   TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Murph returns and the lads discover padel   02:22 Welcome to Episode 37   02:50 Clubhouse Property   04:31 Celtic versus the English Championship   07:50 The intensity of Celtic and Rangers   08:26 Listener messages and unusual chocolate combinations   11:13 The lads try pineapple Dairy Milk   12:27 Football’s “exceptional human being” obsession   14:00 Should players challenge managers after being dropped?   18:18 Lummy and Murph recall being left out   21:07 Carlisle United and the singing section   23:19 Why negativity dominates after Carlisle lose   24:16 Carlisle’s cautious home performances   25:21 Murph breaks down Carlisle United's formation 26:31 How Kidderminster frustrated Carlisle   28:18 Carlisle player ratings and Azeez’s potential   30:12 Footballers, haircuts and social-media pressure   32:10 Should players post nights out after poor results?   35:59 Does Rob Elliott need an experienced coach?   38:36 Should Carlisle attack towards their own supporters?   40:17 Regan Linney’s missed penalty analysed   42:35 Who Am I?   49:55 Murph selects his ultimate opposition XI   50:08 Joe Hart   51:16 Harry Maguire   53:01 Richard Dunne and Colin Hendry   55:18 Kyle Walker and Tom Huddlestone   57:08 Ross Barkley   58:47 Adam Lallana   01:00:04 Rickie Lambert   01:01:18 Glenn Murray’s remarkable rise   01:03:49 The brilliance of Lee Trundle   01:05:09 Why Carlisle’s passing is too slow   01:09:07 Is a chocolate biscuit a biscuit or chocolate?   01:11:40 Charity raffle update   01:13:17 Carlisle Sunday League round-up   01:15:02 Clubhouse Property   01:16:25 Murph’s next move and the Celtic trip   This episode is sponsored by Clubhouse Property, a property investment network helping people grow their portfolios and supporting athletes preparing for life after sport. Visit their website and Instagram page for more information. Subscribe to 3 In The Middle for weekly football discussions, dressing-room stories and honest opinions from former professionals and guests from across the game. #3InTheMiddle #CarlisleUnited #CelticFC #FootballPodcast #PeterMurphy

Are Carlisle United finally turning their season around? Chris Lumsdon, Mark “Skip” Boyd and Dylan McGeouch return to discuss Carlisle’s two crucial away wins and the dramatic change in performances following the defeat at Woking. The lads praise the commitment, physicality and defensive improvement shown against Fylde and Aldershot—but ask whether this is a genuine turning point for Rob Elliott’s team or simply a short-term reaction to mounting pressure. They also debate the possible punishment facing Manchester City. Could City really be relegated, should their players lose their medals, and has the Premier League made it impossible for ambitious clubs to challenge the established elite? Dylan then selects the greatest XI he played against, featuring Rangers and Celtic stars alongside Steven Gerrard, Kaká, Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo. He also reveals what it was like standing alongside Ronaldo in the tunnel before facing Real Madrid. Plus, the lads rank Britain’s best and worst chocolate bars, take on another round of Who Am I? and discuss the clubs and managers they would most like to have played for. Also featuring: • Carlisle United’s two vital away victories • Has Rob Elliott finally changed his approach? • The warning Carlisle players received from their agents • Can Carlisle still challenge for promotion? • Could Manchester City be relegated? • Should City’s players lose their medals? • Dylan’s greatest opposition XI • Facing Cristiano Ronaldo and Real Madrid • Steven Gerrard, Kaká and Karim Benzema • Who Am I? • What’s the Crack? • Wrexham’s rise and unforgettable Las Vegas celebrations • Meeting Gazza, Snoop Dogg and other famous faces • Carlisle Sunday League results • The best and worst chocolate bars The charity raffle is now open again, with tickets costing £5. Prizes include signed Carlisle United and Manchester United items, match hospitality, football shirts and more. The money raised will support Rosehill Care Home, helping its staff and residents with improvements including the garden and wet-room facilities. Check our social media pages for the donation link and full prize information. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 The charity raffle is back 04:20 Could Manchester City be relegated? 07:51 Welcome to Episode 36 08:26 Carlisle United win twice in one week 11:25 Has Rob Elliott changed Carlisle’s style? 15:34 The pressure of playing at Brunton Park 17:40 Carlisle’s goals and potential new signings 18:47 Agents warn Carlisle’s players 20:10 Can Carlisle still reach the play-offs? 22:47 Jack Ellis, target men and Gary Hooper 25:38 Scottish Masters football gets heated 26:05 Dylan’s epic Scottish Cup away trip 29:36 Weekend stories and a traumatised ball boy 31:21 Things grown men should never do 32:44 Dylan names the greatest XI he faced 43:13 Benzema, Gerrard, Kaká and Ronaldo 44:35 What Cristiano Ronaldo was really like 45:40 Ranking the best and worst chocolate bars 52:35 Who Am I? 59:05 The viewers’ football challenge 01:00:15 Quick-fire football quiz 01:04:11 What’s the Crack? 01:04:25 Clubs the lads wish they had played for 01:06:10 Inside Wrexham’s incredible rise 01:08:00 Meeting Gazza, Snoop Dogg and famous faces 01:11:39 Carlisle Sunday League round-up 01:14:00 Harry McKirdy retires at 29 01:15:15 Charity raffle and final messages Subscribe to 3 In The Middle for weekly episodes featuring former professionals Chris Lumsdon and Skip Boyd, current player Dylan McGeouch and special guests from across football. #3InTheMiddle #CarlisleUnited #ManchesterCity #CristianoRonaldo #FootballPodcast

Chris Lumsdon, Mark “Skip” Boyd and Dylan McGeouch return for an explosive episode covering Carlisle United’s alarming form, the standard of Scottish football and whether supporters need to have played the game to understand it. The lads react to another damaging Carlisle performance and ask whether the players are still fighting for Rob Elliot. They analyse the missed chances, defensive mistakes, lack of fitness and worrying number of players losing individual battles. There’s also an honest discussion about Carlisle players posting on social media while the club struggles near the National League relegation zone. Should players stay offline after poor performances or should supporters separate their football from their personal lives? Attention then turns to the club’s ownership, Mark Tierney and the Carlisle United Supporters’ Trust. The lads question the continued silence around the club and discuss which players should be moved on if Rob Elliot is allowed to rebuild the squad. Dylan also defends Scottish football as the lads debate where Celtic, Rangers, Hearts and Hibernian would finish in the English pyramid. Would Celtic and Rangers survive in the Premier League, compete in the Championship or struggle against England’s biggest clubs? Plus, should supporters who have never played professionally have their football opinions taken seriously? The lads discuss what fans understand about performances—and what really happens behind the scenes with contracts, transfers, dressing-room politics and career-changing injuries. Also featuring: • Have Carlisle’s players stopped playing for Rob Elliot? • Footballers using TikTok after heavy defeats • Carlisle’s fitness and defensive problems • Which players should leave the club? • The Carlisle United Supporters’ Trust • Does Rob Elliot deserve more time? • The latest 3 In The Middle charity raffle prizes • Skip’s best-ever opposition XI • Wayne Rooney at just 14 years old • Gary McAllister’s unbelievable ability • Jamie Vardy before the Premier League • Who Am I? and football trivia • Celtic and Rangers in the English pyramid • An awkward Anthony Gordon encounter • Do football supporters understand the game? • Carlisle Sunday League results TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction and subscriber challenge 00:42 Carlisle’s players, TikTok and supporter frustration 03:28 Looking like a footballer before playing like one 03:51 Have the players stopped playing for Rob Elliot? 05:10 Analysing Carlisle’s defensive mistakes 06:44 Missed chances and players letting the manager down 07:45 Do Carlisle need another mini pre-season? 09:09 The lads’ biggest social-media icks 10:24 Lummy’s Malta holiday story 11:35 The most romantic marriage proposal ever? 13:38 Charity raffle update and new prizes 14:48 Which Carlisle players should be moved on? 16:39 Mark Tierney and Carlisle’s recruitment problems 16:59 Is the Supporters’ Trust representing the fans? 17:47 The silence surrounding Carlisle’s ownership 20:24 Understanding difficult decisions behind the scenes 23:38 Carlisle’s must-win trip to Fylde 28:24 Has Rob Elliot finally lost patience with his players? 31:27 How Neil Lennon analysed poor performances 34:24 The financial cost of supporting Carlisle United 37:24 Can Carlisle grind out an ugly victory? 38:26 Skip selects his best-ever opposition XI 39:12 George Pilkington and Danny Shittu 41:50 The brilliance of Gary McAllister 43:25 Facing Wayne Rooney at just 14 44:30 Jamie Vardy before Premier League stardom 45:59 Quiz Corner 53:59 Which football boots did the legends wear? 55:17 Where would Celtic and Rangers finish in England? 59:29 Mistaking Anthony Gordon for an old friend 01:01:59 Do supporters understand football? 01:04:30 What fans don’t see behind the scenes 01:06:55 The career-changing risk of football transfers 01:08:30 Carlisle Sunday League results 01:11:26 Final thoughts and the Fylde prediction Subscribe to 3 In The Middle for weekly episodes featuring former professionals Chris Lumsdon and Mark “Skip” Boyd, current player Dylan McGeouch and special guests from across football. #3InTheMiddle #CarlisleUnited #CelticFC #RangersFC #FootballPodcast

Chris Lumsdon, Mark “Skip” Boyd and Dylan McGeouch return for an explosive episode examining how Carlisle United have fallen into the worst league position in the club’s history. The lads assess the Piatak family’s ownership, the decisions made behind the scenes and the lack of communication with supporters. Lummy also shares what he has been told by agents, former players, journalists and local businessmen including claims that Carlisle have become known within football as a “soft touch” for transfers and lucrative contracts. Attention then turns to Rob Elliot. Does he deserve more time, or must Carlisle take seven to nine points from their next three matches to save his job? The lads discuss the manager’s touchline bans, questionable recruitment, underperforming players and the worrying lack of leadership inside the team. They also debate whether Paul Simpson should be brought back into the club, why throwing money at players hasn’t worked and whether social media is becoming a damaging distraction for modern footballers. Elsewhere, the lads discuss football’s disappearing fear factor, reveal the biggest decisions they would change from their careers and explain why Dylan’s move from Hibernian to Sunderland didn’t work out as planned. Also featuring: • Carlisle United’s worst-ever league position • Have the owners lost interest? • Agents calling Carlisle a “soft touch” • Should Paul Simpson return to the club? • Rob Elliot’s next three matches • Carlisle’s recruitment and leadership problems • Players responding to criticism on social media • The 3 In The Middle charity raffle • The lads reveal their dream jobs • Who Am I? • Football trivia • Is modern football becoming too soft? • The biggest regrets of their careers • Dylan’s difficult Sunderland move • Does Scottish football need restructuring? TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Carlisle United reach their worst-ever position 02:19 Agents describe Carlisle as a “soft touch” 05:19 Have the owners been let down by poor decisions? 08:19 Should Paul Simpson return to Carlisle? 11:08 Where are the leaders in this team? 12:35 Does Rob Elliot have three games to save his job? 15:58 Carlisle’s players and the TikTok controversy 17:08 What is Carlisle’s actual playing identity? 20:08 Is the squad really good enough? 23:15 Carlisle’s dramatic decline since beating Bolton 26:08 Will a win simply paper over the cracks? 29:08 Effort, quality and the pressure facing the players 32:03 Should struggling footballers avoid social media? 35:11 The mental impact of online criticism 38:08 Injuries, missing players and Rob Elliot’s defence 42:43 The latest charity raffle prizes 46:16 What would the lads’ dream jobs be? 48:44 Building a giant fish tank for 50 Cent 50:36 Who Am I? 58:12 Football trivia and an unbelievable contract clause 01:01:15 What’s the Crack? 01:01:24 Is modern football becoming too soft? 01:04:20 The biggest decisions the lads would change 01:05:19 Dylan reflects on moving to Sunderland 01:08:24 Does Scottish football need restructuring? 01:09:39 Carlisle’s next two matches are must-win 01:11:30 Final thoughts Subscribe to 3 In The Middle for weekly episodes featuring former professionals Chris Lumsdon and Mark “Skip” Boyd, current player Dylan McGeouch and special guests from across football. #3InTheMiddle #CarlisleUnited #RobElliot #CUFC #FootballPodcast

Jonny from BBC Radio Cumbria’s Carlisle Social joins Chris Lumsdon and Mark “Skip” Boyd for an episode packed with Carlisle United analysis, controversial football opinions and brilliant stories from their playing careers. Skip recalls the unbelievable moment Premier League referee Mike Dean decided not to send him off because it was his “big day” and he was “a nobody.” The lads discuss their best and worst referees before putting Mike Dean firmly on Clown Watch. Attention then turns to Carlisle United following the painful defeat against Boreham Wood. Are the performances showing signs of progress, or should a club sitting 14th in the National League already be seriously concerned? The lads discuss Rob Elliot’s style of football, defensive mistakes, Regan Linney’s body language and whether Carlisle’s squad is genuinely strong enough to win the league. They also question why modern footballers struggle to complete 90 minutes, debate medical “red zones” and ask whether prehab routines could actually be contributing to more injuries. Plus, there’s a brilliant story about Paul Gascoigne drinking brandy before a match. There’s also another round of Who Am I?, the biggest bollockings and compliments the lads received, football’s toughest hard men and an alarming dating-app story. Also featuring: • Mike Dean’s brutal comment to Skip • The best and worst football referees • Is Carlisle United’s season already in trouble? • Can Rob Elliot turn things around? • Regan Linney’s form and body language • Are Carlisle still capable of winning the league? • Why can’t modern footballers last 90 minutes? • Is football prehab doing more harm than good? • Paul Gascoigne’s pre-match brandies • Who Am I? • The worst managerial bollockings • Football’s toughest hard men • A disturbing dating-app disaster • Supporting the Carlisle Sunday Football League TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introducing Jonny from Carlisle Social 00:29 Chinese orders and Michelin-star disasters 03:00 Mike Dean enters Clown Watch 03:42 Mike Dean calls Skip a nobody 04:14 The best and worst football referees 06:29 Holiday complaints and impossible passwords 07:50 Carlisle United’s painful Boreham Wood defeat 10:08 How long should Rob Elliot be given? 13:58 Carlisle’s defensive mentality questioned 15:24 Have Carlisle actually improved? 17:04 What has happened to Regan Linney? 20:18 Can Carlisle United still win the league? 21:42 Is Carlisle’s squad as good as people think? 25:50 Why can’t modern footballers last 90 minutes? 28:41 Gary Neville and the problem with substitutions 29:56 Is football prehab complete nonsense? 30:53 Paul Gascoigne’s pre-match brandies 31:33 Carlisle community shout-outs 35:03 Who Am I? 39:16 Football trivia and Champions League records 43:31 The subscriber challenge and charity raffle 45:38 This or That 46:59 A disturbing dating-app disaster 48:00 The biggest managerial bollockings 51:06 The greatest compliments the lads received 54:33 Football’s toughest hard men 57:18 Supporting the Carlisle Sunday Football League 01:00:20 Carlisle vs Southend predictions 01:00:46 Final messages Subscribe to 3 In The Middle for weekly episodes featuring former professionals Chris Lumsdon and Mark “Skip” Boyd, current player Dylan McGeouch and special guests from across football. #3InTheMiddle #MikeDean #CarlisleUnited #PaulGascoigne #FootballPodcast

Chris Lumsdon, Mark “Skip” Boyd and Dylan McGeouch return for another episode packed with Scottish football criticism, Newcastle United debates, Carlisle analysis and plenty of chaos away from the pitch. The lads react to a disastrous period for Scottish clubs in Europe, with Celtic and Rangers both suffering damaging defeats. Has the standard of Scottish football fallen and have Celtic’s European ambitions exposed the lack of depth in their squad? They also discuss Anthony Gordon’s incredible start at Barcelona. Did anyone expect the former Everton and Newcastle winger to reach that level, and was choosing Gordon over Marcus Rashford ultimately the correct decision? Attention then turns to Jacob Murphy amid interest from Nottingham Forest. Should the 31-year-old remain at the club he supports, or accept the security of a lucrative three-year contract elsewhere? There’s also a debate about Neymar after his disappointing World Cup appearance. The Brazilian became the most expensive player in cumulative transfer fees, but did his career ever reach the heights his talent promised? The lads review Carlisle United’s latest results, praise their attacking strength and discuss the arrival of Teddy Jenks. They also examine Robbie Savage’s struggles at Forest Green and the dangers of managers signing too many of their former players. Away from football, Lummy reveals the moment he accidentally sent an insulting text message directly to his manager, while the lads react to some truly disastrous dating stories. Also featuring: • Celtic and Rangers’ European humiliation • Has Scottish football fallen behind? • Charlie Boyd ringing the bell after completing cancer treatment • Carlisle United’s latest performances • Teddy Jenks signs for Carlisle • Robbie Savage’s Forest Green struggles • Should Jacob Murphy leave Newcastle? • Anthony Gordon’s rise at Barcelona • Gordon versus Marcus Rashford • What professional footballers eat on matchday • Lummy’s nightmare drug test • Sending an insulting text directly to your manager • Disastrous Tinder dates • Who Am I? • Robinho, Ben Foster and Zlatan Ibrahimović • Neymar’s extraordinary transfer record • Why Neymar looked finished at the World Cup • Carlisle Sunday League’s uncertain future TIMESTAMPS 00:00 A weekend in the Apple Tree 01:25 Celtic and Rangers’ European humiliation 02:37 Which defeat was more embarrassing? 03:32 Celtic’s squad depth exposed 04:32 Rangers’ latest performance 05:22 Welcome to Episode 31 05:56 Charlie Boyd completes his cancer treatment 06:48 Carlisle City’s incredible support 07:03 The rules of supermarket small talk 09:12 Dylan’s nightmare flight home 10:07 Carlisle United’s hospitality experience 12:03 Carlisle’s latest results reviewed 13:27 Carlisle’s impressive new goalkeeper 14:25 Carlisle’s attacking options 16:38 Teddy Jenks joins Carlisle United 18:16 Robbie Savage’s Forest Green struggles 19:49 Abdramane Diallo’s move to Leicester 20:32 Getting banned from a Carlisle fan group 21:00 Tottenham’s difficult start 22:11 Should Jacob Murphy leave Newcastle? 23:51 Newcastle and Sunderland rivalry returns 25:08 Anthony Gordon’s incredible Barcelona move 26:20 Gordon or Rashford: who would you choose? 27:44 What footballers eat on matchday 29:40 Lummy’s nightmare drug test 30:58 The engagement video that never recorded 33:49 The ultimate Greggs order 37:25 Shouting at the television 38:28 A disastrous Tinder date 39:38 Lummy texts an insult directly to his manager 42:52 Another painfully awkward date 47:09 The Apple Tree food debate 47:49 A footballer waits all day for his ex 50:34 Who Am I? 51:23 Robinho’s career path 52:02 Ben Foster’s career path 53:18 Stuart Armstrong’s career path 54:29 The impossible viewer challenge 55:57 Zlatan Ibrahimović’s incredible career 58:13 Football’s fastest-ever red card 59:28 A pre-match confrontation 59:50 Neymar’s record-breaking transfer fees 01:00:26 Is Neymar completely finished? 01:00:53 Brazil’s infamous 7–1 defeat 01:01:53 What’s the Crack? 01:05:39 The double-waistband debate 01:06:47 Can the Carlisle Sunday League survive? 01:08:29 This weekend’s Sunday League fixtures 01:11:42 Carlisle United’s huge upcoming matches 01:12:16 Family life after a few drinks 01:14:04 The weekend’s football fixtures 01:14:39 Final messages Subscribe to 3 In The Middle for weekly episodes featuring former professionals Chris Lumsdon and Skip Boyd, current player Dylan McGeouch and more guests from across football. #3InTheMiddle #CelticFC #RangersFC #AnthonyGordon #Neymar #FootballPodcast

Chris Lumsdon, Skip Boyd and Dylan McGeouch return for another episode packed with Premier League predictions, Carlisle United analysis, football stories and plenty of nonsense. The lads look back on their recent conversation with Peter “Murf” Murphy, correcting his Carlisle United appearance record to more than 470 games and discussing the versatility, intelligence and mental strength that made him such an important player. They also review a recent visit to Brunton Park, praising the improvements made to Carlisle’s matchday experience, fan zone and hospitality facilities before analysing the team’s performance on the pitch. Attention then turns to the Premier League as the lads debate whether Phil Foden is overrated—or simply being wasted in the wrong position. They make their top-four predictions, discuss Arsenal’s chances of winning the title and identify the teams they believe could be heading for relegation. There’s also criticism of Russell Martin’s determination to play out from the back, memories of high-pressure play-off matches and a debate about some of football’s toughest old-school players. Plus, the lads play Who Am I?, reveal a disastrous Tinder catfishing experience and discuss the madness of waking up at 6am for a holiday sunbed—before discovering the price of a McDonald’s at Dalaman Airport. Also featuring: • Peter Murphy’s corrected Carlisle United record • Carlisle’s improved matchday experience • Is Phil Foden overrated or being played out of position? • Can Arsenal win the Premier League? • Top-four and relegation predictions • Russell Martin’s controversial playing style • The pressure of two-legged play-off ties • Football’s toughest old-school players • Who Am I? • A disastrous Tinder catfish • Holiday sunbed wars • A £70 airport McDonald’s TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Skip returns from holiday  01:15 Peter Murphy’s Carlisle career, mentality and tactics  10:35 Introduction  10:46 Lummy appears on the big screen at Brunton Park  11:31 Carlisle United’s matchday experience and performance  18:10 Phil Foden, title predictions and relegation contenders  30:32 Dating apps and a disastrous Tinder catfish  36:44 Who Am I?  46:28 The pressure of play-off football  56:04 Who were football’s toughest hard men?  01:03:07 Holiday sunbed wars and a £70 McDonald’s  01:06:43 Final thoughts Subscribe to 3 In The Middle for weekly episodes featuring former professionals Chris Lumsdon and Skip Boyd, current player Dylan McGeouch and special guests from across football. #3InTheMiddle #PhilFoden #Arsenal #CarlisleUnited #PremierLeague #FootballPodcast

A Carlisle United legend joins us this week!  Peter Murphy sits down with Chris Lumsdon and Dylan McGeouch to look back on an unforgettable career at Brunton Park. After joining Carlisle United in 2001, Peter spent 12 years at the club, made more than 400 appearances and became the club’s record appearance holder for an outfield player. He scored the winning goal that returned Carlisle to the Football League in 2005 and then delivered another historic winner against Brentford at Wembley in 2011. The lads discuss Peter’s journey from Blackburn Rovers to Brunton Park, Carlisle’s back-to-back promotions, his greatest teammates, memorable dressing-room stories and his transition from playing into management. Plus, all the usual features: - What’s the Crack? - Guess Who - Viewers’ Questions - Football stories, honest opinions and plenty of nonsense Subscribe to 3 In The Middle for weekly episodes featuring former professionals Chris Lumsdon and Skip Boyd, current player Dylan McGeouch and special guests from across football. #3InTheMiddle #PeterMurphy #CarlisleUnited #FootballPodcast #CUFC

The lads are back after a big day out in Newcastle and there are plenty of stories to tell! 🍻⚽ This week, Chris Lumsdon, Skip Boyd and Dylan McGeouch discuss Newcastle United selling their best players and Carlisle United’s disappointing opening-day defeat. They also reveal what careers they might have pursued if they hadn’t become professional footballers before Skip’s sweaty armpits become an unexpected talking point! Plus, all your favourite weekly features return: - What’s the Crack? - Guess Who - Viewers’ Questions - Plenty of football nonsense Subscribe to 3 In The Middle for honest football opinions, brilliant stories and new episodes every week. #3InTheMiddle #FootballPodcast #CarlisleUnited #Football

A huge thank you to Lloyd Kia Carlisle for sponsoring this episode of the 3 In The Middle Podcast! 🚗⚽ Discover the latest Kia models and offers here: https://www.lloydmotorgroup.com/Kia Former professional footballers Chris Lumsdon and Skip Boyd are joined by current player Dylan McGeouch and special guest Colin McMenamin for another episode packed with brilliant football stories, honest opinions and plenty of nonsense. Colin reveals what Joe Hart was really like behind the scenes... was he a nutter, a genius, or a bit of both? The lads also share stories about Sir Bobby Robson and Alan Shearer, debate whether Kieron Dyer is actually a knob, and find out if Skip has finally been caught out! Plus, the lads reveal their go-to jukebox tunes. Subscribe for more football stories, dressing-room secrets, special guests and completely unfiltered opinions every week. 🎙️⚽ #FootballPodcast #JoeHart #AlanShearer #BobbyRobson #3InTheMiddlePodcast

Chris Lumsdon, Mark “Skip” Boyd and Dylan McGeouch return for another episode packed with Carlisle United predictions, controversial managerial decisions and honest insight into life as a professional footballer. After watching Carlisle’s latest performance, the lads analyse Rob Elliot’s aggressive pressing style, the club’s summer recruitment and the strength of the squad heading into the new season. One prediction stands out above all: Carlisle United won’t simply challenge for promotion—they could win the National League by a considerable margin. They also discuss the prospect of Jordan Henderson joining Chelsea and whether his experience, leadership and dressing-room standards could help the club’s talented young players. Danny Welbeck’s longevity is praised before Dylan explains what really happens at the PFA’s residential preseason programme for footballers without clubs. Attention then turns to York City’s extraordinary decision to part company with promotion-winning manager Adam Hinshelwood during preseason. Was there a disagreement over budgets and ambition—and has the club destroyed its momentum before the season has even started? Skip also shares a deeply personal update about stepping away from Carlisle City to support his family following his mother’s move into specialist Alzheimer’s care. Also featuring: • Why Carlisle can win the National League • Rob Elliot’s high-pressing tactics • Carlisle’s latest signings • Jordan Henderson’s potential Chelsea role • Danny Welbeck’s remarkable longevity • Life inside the PFA’s free-agent camp • The greatest Milk Cup talents • Robbie Keane’s fake Newcastle transfer • The sacrifices footballers make at Christmas • York City’s shock managerial decision • Who Am I? • The perfect football pub • The best and worst motorway services   TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Filming from The Print Yard 01:02 This episode’s sponsor 01:50 Dylan’s first Gretna match 07:20 Skip’s personal family update 09:28 Analysing Carlisle United’s preseason performance 11:23 Carlisle’s new-look squad 13:05 Why Carlisle should win the league 14:00 Preparing for life after football 15:55 Carlisle tipped to win by a margin 16:00 Rob Elliot’s memorable post-match interview 18:06 Who Am I? 18:24 Danny Welbeck’s remarkable career 18:37 Could Jordan Henderson transform Chelsea? 20:17 Inside the PFA’s free-agent preseason camp 23:51 Michael Carrick, Joe Cole and the Milk Cup 26:02 Listener messages and Carlisle pub recommendations 27:50 What makes the perfect football pub? 33:37 Robbie Keane’s fake Newcastle transfer 35:06 Footballers sacrificing Christmas 38:29 Who Am I? 42:14 Name the Italian Premier League winners 43:34 Football history quiz 46:08 York City’s shock managerial decision 49:51 Did Carlisle once fear promotion? 51:13 What’s the Crack? 52:07 The Colin the Caterpillar debate 53:48 Dylan’s favourite cocktail 55:50 Ranking Britain’s motorway services 58:29 The misery of travelling home after defeat 59:30 The football bet the entire team backed 01:02:03 The lads’ childhood football heroes 01:05:26 Final messages   Subscribe to 3 In The Middle for weekly episodes featuring former professionals Chris Lumsdon and Mark “Skip” Boyd, current player Dylan McGeouch and special guests from across football. #3InTheMiddle #CarlisleUnited #JordanHenderson #YorkCity #NationalLeague #FootballPodcast

Chris Lumsdon, Mark “Skip” Boyd and Dylan McGeouch return for an episode dominated by England’s painful World Cup exit, Harry Kane’s future and a tribute to the legendary Kevin Keegan. The lads discuss the tactical decisions that cost England a place in the World Cup final. Did the manager become too defensive after taking the lead, and why were England’s most dangerous counterattacking players left on the bench? They also question whether England will ever receive a better opportunity to win the World Cup and debate whether the same manager should remain in charge for the next tournament. Attention then turns to Harry Kane. Will he still lead England at the next World Cup, could he return to the Premier League and who is capable of eventually replacing him? The lads debate whether Jude Bellingham is already world-class, discuss his battles with Argentina and assess which England players enhanced their reputations during the tournament. They also react to Spain’s victory over Argentina, the extraordinary World Cup final presentation and Wayne Rooney’s brutally honest verdict on the spectacle. At the beginning of the episode, the lads pay tribute to Billy Williams of Penrith AFC before remembering Kevin Keegan—one of English football’s most influential players and managers. They discuss his impact at Newcastle United, the entertainers he created and why he will always hold such a special place in the city. Elsewhere, Dylan discusses continuing his playing career, the lads play another round of Who Am I? and reveal some of the worst footballers they ever shared a pitch with. Also featuring: • Remembering Billy Williams • Kevin Keegan’s incredible football legacy • Keegan’s Entertainers at Newcastle United • Where England’s World Cup campaign went wrong • The substitutions that changed the semi-final • Should England’s manager remain in charge? • Harry Kane’s international future • Who eventually replaces Kane? • Is Jude Bellingham already world-class? • Spain’s victory over Argentina • Argentina’s aggressive approach in the final • The bizarre World Cup final presentation • Wayne Rooney’s brutal verdict • Dylan’s next step in football • The best football films and television shows • Who Am I? • Carlisle United’s worst-ever players • Footballers’ nights out and Sunday recovery sessions • Carlisle United’s upcoming season • Could England have stopped Lionel Messi? TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Remembering Billy Williams 01:21 Remembering Kevin Keegan 02:06 Keegan’s impact at Newcastle United 03:36 Where should England have finished? 04:25 How England blew the World Cup semi-final 05:09 Why teams become defensive under pressure 06:40 England were minutes from the final 07:31 England’s third-place victory against France 09:07 Harry Kane’s international future 10:37 Who replaces Harry Kane? 12:00 What makes a footballer world-class? 12:38 Is Jude Bellingham already world-class? 14:04 Spain versus Argentina reviewed 14:25 Argentina’s tactics in the World Cup final 15:09 The bizarre World Cup final presentation 16:02 Wayne Rooney’s brutally honest verdict 17:14 Welcome to Episode 25 17:43 Dylan continues his playing career 18:50 Carlisle United’s open day 20:09 Footballers showing more personality 22:26 The best football films 25:01 BBC versus ITV’s World Cup coverage 27:51 The television shows footballers watch 29:47 Who Am I? 30:23 The Arsenal academy mystery player 33:02 Newcastle and Sunderland career quiz 35:08 The impossible Premier League career path 36:24 Premier League goalkeeper quiz 37:28 What’s the Crack? 37:42 Is it “an Indian” or “an Indians”? 39:21 Bus Head’s forgotten radio career 39:53 Carlisle United’s worst-ever players 45:40 Footballers’ nights out 48:50 Lummy: the ultimate team player 53:38 The new football season begins 54:10 Expectations for Carlisle United 55:39 Why Spain are so difficult to play against 56:49 Could England have man-marked Messi? 58:48 Clown Watch 01:00:03 Football’s controversial broadcasters 01:01:11 John Coleman’s new podcast 01:01:39 Final messages Subscribe to 3 In The Middle for weekly episodes featuring former professionals Chris Lumsdon and Skip Boyd, current player Dylan McGeouch and special guests from across football. #3InTheMiddle #England #WorldCup #HarryKane #KevinKeegan #FootballPodcast

Chris Lumsdon and Mark “Skip” Boyd are joined once again by former Carlisle United kitman and Burnley team driver Andy “Bus Head” Horn for an episode packed with football debates, behind-the-scenes stories and plenty of nonsense. The lads discuss England’s chances of overcoming Lionel Messi and winning the World Cup, Jude Bellingham’s fiery mentality and the controversial decision to leave Phil Foden and Cole Palmer out of the squad. Attention then turns to Newcastle United as they debate the possible departures of Bruno Guimarães and other leading players, the extraordinary money now being spent on transfers and whether the club could be heading into serious trouble. There’s also reaction to Roy Keane’s latest criticism of Erling Haaland’s dad, along with stories about Carlisle United’s kits, the devastating floods at Brunton Park and Bus Head driving the team coach through a city left in darkness. Bus Head also reveals the brilliant story behind Foxy’s missing mascot head including the moment he drove past Carlisle’s training session wearing it while John Ward addressed the players. Also featuring: • Can England defeat Messi and win the World Cup? • Jude Bellingham’s winning mentality • Leaving Phil Foden and Cole Palmer at home • Newcastle United’s transfer problems • Roy Keane versus Erling Haaland’s dad • Carlisle United’s rare prototype shirts • Memories of the Brunton Park floods • The Foxy mascot-head prank • Who Am I? • The lads’ favourite football shirts • Skip’s famous free kick • Bus Head’s 27mph journey to watch Carlisle   TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Bus Head returns 02:55 Skip’s controversial Crocs 04:48 Sponsored by Criffel View Private Hire 05:07 Dylan signs for Gretna 06:20 Is a curry Indian or Chinese? 10:42 Carlisle United’s new kits 11:36 Rare Carlisle shirts and the Brunton Park floods 14:55 Driving through Carlisle after the floods 16:39 Can Carlisle dominate the National League? 18:27 Jude Bellingham’s mentality 20:08 An incredible 100-mile charity challenge 20:49 The football injury everyone used to have 22:08 Can England win the World Cup? 23:39 England preparing to face Messi 24:18 Leaving Foden and Palmer at home 24:50 Are Newcastle United in serious trouble? 25:45 Football’s extraordinary transfer fees 26:23 Newcastle’s remarkable Miley family 28:31 Roy Keane versus Haaland’s dad 29:48 Footballers’ favourite television programmes 32:43 The Foxy mascot-head prank 35:01 Who Am I? 39:32 The lads’ favourite career clips 41:48 Their favourite football shirts 45:52 Bus Head’s 27mph journey to watch Carlisle 49:00 Away-day food and dressing-room stories 56:44 England match predictions 57:55 Final thoughts   Subscribe to 3 In The Middle for weekly episodes featuring former professionals Chris Lumsdon and Mark “Skip” Boyd, current player Dylan McGeouch and special guests from across football. #3InTheMiddle #England #NewcastleUnited #JudeBellingham #CarlisleUnited #FootballPodcast

This week World Cup fever continues to grow as the lads review the epic battle of England v Mexico at the Azteca, a stadium that Dylan has played in and he gives us first hand experience of how that altitude really affects you.  Plenty of other talking points from the tournament including Bellingham, the Trump saga and of course the infamous Harry Kane post match interview which runs the risk of being his World Cup legacy.  As always, plenty of other stuff discussed from the strength of hotel beer on holiday, away game pre match hotel stories and Dylan's time at Sunderland. We also learn which of our hosts loves to settle down and watch Gossip Girl over everything else and which one has a slight link to The Gameshow Killer story from Netflix.