Football Unfocused

Mark takes a step back from the day-to-day footballing grind and provides a more holistic look on the dominance of certain clubs, and how such dominance is merely transitory. Ultimately, nothing is forever and we should enjoy the good times while they last. There may be an underlying moral to this episode, though we'll let you figure that out. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more i...

Mark discusses the Premier League's backlash against the takeover of Newcastle United, and their attempt to curtail the spending power of Saudi Arabia's PIF. He also highlights some of the most shameless overreactions from footballing pundits, and why a modicum of moderation would go a long way when talking about the great game. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information...

Mark discusses the recent takeover of Newcastle United FC by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. As a supporter of Newcastle, Mark believes the club is hugely deserving of this investment; yet is troubled by the Premier League's long history of financial arrangements with disreputable individuals and sectors, that has left it bereft of any integrity.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/pr...

Mark discusses the recent proposals made by Arséne Wenger for a new bi-annual FIFA World Cup. Mark found that after a careful and objective review of FIFA's report, that he was right all along, and the implications for both international and domestic football would be terrible. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark talks about the legend that is Jimmy Greaves. He also speaks of how his passing highlights a discouraging trend of brushing over football's rich history and failing to appreciate the context of the current game. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark expresses his concerns regarding the lopsided nature of European football, and how English clubs have come to dominate the Champions League in recent years. While he concedes such fears may be overstated, they're based on current trends that have likely been accelerated by the pandemic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark and Matthew discuss a smorgasbord of topics, including the European qualifiers, the much anticipated debut of Ronaldo at Man Utd (again) as well as Mark's engagement with Twitter.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark thought it would make for a suitable return of Football Unfocussed to talk about something he absolutely hates: the football transfer. While there may not be the same level of intrigue there was once as each deadline loomed, he still views the whole saga with contempt. So enjoy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Well, just when you probably thought there was nothing left to say, Mark and Matthew manage to ramble on for 45 minutes about the result from last Sunday night, when England lost to Italy on penalties. Mark also goes full circle on the fallout from the match, and concludes how certain aspects of the game, and society in general, remain unchanged; and are worse for it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.co...

Mark reflects on the unusual occurrence of England overcoming expectations and reaching the finals of a major international tournament. He also comments on the modern management style of Gareth Southgate; indicative of the forward-looking  team he represents.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark and Matthew reflect on a historic victory by England over Germany, as well as on the other results from the Euros. Mark also believes that by making our episodes longer, they will attract a greater number of listeners; on top of the single dedicated listener we currently have. Time will tell. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark takes at look at the latest developments in the Euros. He also offers a sympathetic view on the challenges which Spurs have recently had in obtaining a new, high-quality manger. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark gives his views on which teams are showing themselves to be potential contenders for the European Championships. Matthew also tries to contribute, though finds himself the wrong side of factual accuracy more often than not. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At the outset of the European Championships, Mark was keen to address the recent incidents of England players being jeered for choosing to take the knee by their own fans; and question what it says about the values of our nation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As much as Mark hates such "round up" podcasts, he is still happy firing off his own thoughts from the preceding season. At the same time, Matt struggles through as best he can with whatever footballing knowledge he possesses.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

While many may be as confused by this subject as Matthew was, Mark helpfully explains some of the worst decisions in managing a club over the last three decades. From Leeds Utd's decision to sell Cantona to Man Utd, to Charlton Athletic's fall from grace, from the Premier League down to League One. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Mark spends 30 minutes elaborating on the angry messages he'd sent Matthew during the week, explaining why fan power is a real thing. We've also introduced some music to the podcast, which we hope you enjoy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode proves to be an opportunity for Mark to bare all about his intense passion for the beautiful game (football) and how it has shaped all that has gone before, and probably all that will come to past in his life. Matthew also says some things too... This episode was recorded on 31st March, so if any the stats are out of date, then bash your arse! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy fo...

Now the dust has settled on the failed European Super League project, Mark and Matthew discuss how much competition actually exists within our current domestic league system. Mark also gets to have another crack at trashing the points Matthew raised last week, which he managed to make without sufficient comeuppance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark and Matthew go over the well trodden topic of this week's doomed proposal for a European Super League. Mark also has to seek out for 5 pints during the course of the podcast, which some of our eagle eared listeners may pick up on.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark and Matthew (though mainly Mark), discuss the short and potential long term impact of live TV coverage on football.  Mark also looks to extract some footballing insights from Matt's limited understanding, by throwing him a few basic questions about the team is supposedly supports.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today Mark and Matthew discuss the birth of the Premier League. While some effort is made to examine the details of the who, the whys and the wherefores that led to the League's creation, Mark can't resist raising some general gripes about football statisticians being overly focussed on what happened since 1992. "It's like the previous 100 years never happened!". etc., etc...

Today Mark and Matt delve into whether 92 professional clubs within the EPL continues to be a feasible, or even a desirable, prospect. Mark also talks about the difficulties of matching fan expectations with financial prudence of football clubs; while Matt mostly listens. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark and Matt chew over the improbable success of Leicester FC during the 2015/16 season; exploring some of the factors that helped it come to pass and whether such an unique set of circumstances. could take place again for another set of unlikely winners. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark and Matthew broach the perception of decline in international football, compared to the increasing glitz, glamour and wealth of European club football. As always, Mark brings the substance to the discussion, whilst Matthew serves up the hors d'oeuvres. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.