Are You Not Entertained?

After a four weeks shore leave, the Captain returns to his ship to welcome Andrew Cotter to the table.  A man who is simply the voice of BBC Sport - bringing wonderful commentary to Rugby, Golf, Olympics, Wimbledon and Athletics. This year, Andrew and his two labradors Olive & Mabel become social media sensations with their canine exploits. Their book is shortly to be published.   A fabulous chat...

The lads kick off season 3 of The Interview with Sir Martin Sorrell who, for over 40 years,  through IMG to S4 via WPP, has been the global  preeminent player in our industry. He discusses his future vision for sport. In association with PumpJack Dataworks.

The Groundsmen discuss the Perfect Storm in sport. From how the social platforms are preparing for the green shoots, to how the money guys are smelling the opportunity. Featuring a brutally honest and personal assessment of sponsorship past and present from Giles "THE CAPTAIN" Morgan.

Grant and Roger gets their teeth into the comical and tragic of a week in sport. Barca, F1, Iggy Pop, golf etiquette, content cock-ups, The Mets, failing at Roma, and Ronnie!

AYNE has managed to attract some top top guests. In today’s GOG episode we host hedge fund legend Hugh Hendry. An “eclectic” conversation that inevitably followed no order or structure. Enjoy the mind of a working class maverick and macro rockstar.

The lads have an intimate relaxed chat with one of the key personalities of the last 30 years in sport and media. From the shambles of the EFL, charlatan owners, selfish players, Arabs and Newcastle to the role of The Murdoch dynasty in financing the world of sport for over a generation. Be a fly on the wall to a rare conversation with Kelvin MacKenzie.

This week Captain Giles Morgan is joined by 2018 Ryder Cup superstar Tommy Fleetwood.  One of the most successful English golfers in recent years, Tommy shares his love of Everton Football Club, his all-time 3 course dinner and who his idols were growing up.

The Groundsmen take on UEFA, Ferrari, sports’ profitability post ManCity, Tilsley’s whinge, athlete content overload, the GymShark valuation and the lure of “cool”.

This week’s guest on The Captain’s Table podcast is Lord Sebastian Coe. One of the world’s greatest ever athletes and currently President of World Athletics, Seb shares his experiences of a lifetime competing, working and being a fan of sport.

The boys change gear with GOG to have a good laugh with snooker, tennis under pressure, Lenny Kravitz, FIFA excesses, Wigan, baseball and Michael Vick. Parental guidance recommended.

The boys welcome Gerry Cardinale of RedBird Capital to the podcast for a remarkable discussion that explores the mindset of potential investors in sports franchises in a post-Covid world. Gerry brings a wealth of experience, both as a top-class athlete and successful investor, and opens a window into the very highest levels of investment in the sports universe.

This week on The Captain’s Table, Giles is joined by golfing royalty - Gary Player. One of the original “Big 3”, The Black Knight won 9 Majors and 163 tournaments over 7 decades. Widely considered to be the world’s most travelled human being, Gary shares stories of meeting Elvis, growing up in South Africa and his love of horse-Racing and rugby.

The Groundsmen ask whether sport really wants to move into direct relationships with its fans. Or actually just prefers safe cash up front. How to manage the importance of betting whilst controlling recklessness. And a discussion around Swing Low Sweet Chariot. All comments welcome.

This week, Giles “the Captain” Morgan welcomes British golfer Lee Westwood to The Captain’s Table. An avid fan of all sports, Lee shares his love of Nottingham Forest FC, his one and only experience of going to the Yankee Stadium, and what his favourite 3 course meal would be!!

On Goal/Own Goal this week, Grant and Roger tackle sport and #blacklivesmatter, with a bit of help. The legendary Jim Kerr of Simple Minds and Artists against Apartheid helps AYNE try to Walk The Talk and find the right tone.

The boys host one of the most progressive football club owner/managers around. Listening to Gary Sweet of Luton Town is the shot in the arm the whole game needs. Listen to how he explains the beauty of Association Football.

In our current theme of “how investable is sport?” we pick the brains of financier deal-maker Laurie Pinto to understand how opportunities are assessed and deals structured. Macro and micro. From data strategy to game theory!

Giles "The Captain" Morgan welcomes aboard former Wallabies Scrum-Half and Rugby World Cup winner, George Gregan aboard the Rive Gauche. Together they discuss George’s love of cricket, the great West Indian cricketers and George’s passion for golf and his unbridled desire to attend an Open Championship.  Brought to you by Loch Lomond Whiskies and Are You Not Entertained.

On today’s episode of the Groundsmen we get a sponsorship masterclass from the Captain, as we assess the debris caused by Covid like in DAZN, F1, EFL women’s football and NCAA. Is all this a necessary cull of a bull market caused by zero cost capital?

A discussion with Scottish football insiders around how the game needs to change to attract outside capital. Pertinent to all sports short of cash post Covid.

Roger asks Grant, as a lifelong NBA fan, to unpack the beauty and power of the The Last Dance. It’s not an explanation, it’s a sonnet. Unmissable conversation.

Brought to you by Loch Lomond Whiskies and Are You Not Entertained, this week The Captain is joined by one of the finest rugby players ever to play for Scotland and the British Lions - Gavin Hastings. A career encompassed 61 Caps for Scotland - two Lions Tours and 3 World Cups - Gavin has also been to over 20 Hong Kong Sevens. Once as a player for the BaaBaas. And the rest as a dyed in the wool fa...

The competition for kids’ time has never been so intense. From TikTok to esports to Disney+. How will traditional sport address that battle for attention? Our guest this week Tomi Kovanen is an ex pro gamer and now investment banker in esports. If you believe in this new future, where should investors and sponsor place their money?

Brought to you by Loch Lomond Whiskies and Are You Not Entertained, this week's The Captain’s Table, Giles “The Captain” Morgan welcomes former European Ryder Cup Captain Thomas Bjorn. on board The Rive Gauche. “The Great Dane” has been one of the most influential golfers on the European Tour for the past 25 years. A lifelong and passionate supporter of Liverpool Football Club - this is a cracking...

On this episode of The Groundsmen, Grant, Roger & Giles focus on what the future commercial landscape of sport will look like - and what rights-holders, media, investors and sponsors need to think about in the difficult  months that lie ahead. Not to be missed.