It's All Kicking Off!

Welcome back to 'It's All Kicking Off!' Ian Ladyman and Chris Sutton begin by discussing the current struggles of Manchester City under Pep Guardiola, analysing his emotional responses, and the impact of injuries on squad performance. We hear from Mail Sport's Manchester City expert, Jack Gaughan, who reveals the position he expects the Champions to fill this January. There's also chat about ticke...

Welcome back to 'It's All Kicking Off!' for your Weekend Preview edition. In this episode, Ian Ladyman is joined by Mail Sport's North East Football Correspondent, Craig Hope. The pair begin by delving into the upcoming Premier game between Liverpool and Manchester City, analysing the implications for both teams, with Craig boldly suggesting that Manchester City's current group of players is 'done...

Welcome back to 'It's All Kicking Off!' We begin today by discussing Mo Salah's contract situation, after the Egyptian said he's 'more out than in' at Liverpool, with the club yet to hand him a deal. To help us unpack this situation is Mail Sport's Merseyside Reporter, and the man who asked the killer question, Lewis Steele. The pair then chat about Roy Keane's recent altercation with a fan, highl...

In this episode, Ian and Chris begin by discussing the implications of Pep Guardiola's contract extension at Manchester City and examine why it should be seen as good news for the Premier League. What do you reckon? Is it boring with Pep at the helm or should the rest of the league be doing more to keep up with the Sky Blue juggernaut? The lads are then joined by Mail Sport's Manchester United Wri...

Welcome back to 'It's All Kicking Off!' after the final international break of 2024. In this conversation, Ian Ladyman and Chris Sutton delve into England's upcoming prospects, analysing whether Thomas Tuchel and the Three Lions would benefit from dropping captain, Harry Kane, as everyone's attention turns to the 2026 World Cup... The discussion also highlights Jordan Pickford's impressive goalkee...

Welcome back to your Weekend Preview edition of 'It's All Kicking Off!' Ian Ladyman and Chris Sutton begin by discussing the ongoing debate of club versus country in football, particularly in light of recent player withdrawals from the England squad. They analyse Harry Kane's comments on the importance of playing for England and the implications of player decisions influenced by club managers. The...

Welcome back to 'It's All Kicking Off!' In this episode, Ian and Chris are joined by Mail Sport writer, Dominic King, as they begin by focusing on Liverpool's current form and the legacy of Jurgen Klopp. They delve into the struggles of Manchester City, Chelsea's transformation under Enzo Maresca, and Fulham's rise as a competitive team. They discuss Everton's managerial decisions and the enigmati...

Welcome back to the Weekend Preview edition of 'It's All Kicking Off!' Ian and Chris begin by looking backwards at the recent Champions League handball controversies, Manchester City's current 'crisis', the importance of pre-season training, and the dynamics of the England national team. They also delve into Chelsea's title race prospects and Celtic's performance in the Champions League, and the P...

Welcome back to 'It's All Kicking Off!' In this episode, Ian and Chris discuss Sami Mokbel's exclusive story that Edu is set to leave his role as Sporting Director. They explore the implications for the club's management and recruitment strategies, before delving into the importance of the relationship between managers and sporting directors. The conversation shifts to Raheem Sterling's struggles...

Welcome back to 'It's All Kicking Off!' for our Weekend Preview edition. Ian and Chris start off by discussing the rise of Aberdeen in Scottish football and praise the atmosphere during their historic win over Rangers at Pittodrie. They delve into Newcastle's current struggles under Eddie Howe, the impact of Financial Fair Play on the club, and Chelsea's unique approach to team management with a c...

Welcome back to 'It's All Kicking Off!' This episode was recorded on Monday morning, before Erik ten Hag was sacked by Manchester United. While some dated aspects of the conversation have since been cut, we thought it was important to still cover the weekend's football as best we can. Ian and Chris delve into the struggles of Ipswich under Kieran McKenna, the defensive issues faced by teams at the...

Erik ten Hag has been sacked from Manchester United, and 'It's All Kicking Off!' is on hand to tell you everything you need to know. Ian Ladyman is joined by Mail Sport's Manchester United Correspondent, Nathan Salt and Sports News Correspondent, Mike Keegan. The conversation delves into the reasons behind the Dutchman's dismissal, the club's ongoing recruitment issues, and the struggles with play...

Welcome back to 'It's All Kicking Off!' for your Weekend Preview edition. Mike Keegan steps in once again with Ian still sunning himself up in Tenerife. He's joined by Chris Sutton, and Mail Sport writer, Dominic King. The chaps start by focusing on Nottingham Forest's owner Evangelos Marinakis and his controversial actions, with Dom going hard on the punishment he thinks the Greek should be hande...

Welcome back to 'It's All Kicking Off!" In this conversation, Mail Sport's News Correspondent, Mike Keegan, steps in for the Tenerife-holidaying, Ian Ladyman. He and Chris start by discussing Liverpool's win over Chelsea and the role Curtis Jones played in overcoming an improving Chelsea side. it is too soon to consider Arne Slot's men, Man City's closest title rivals? They analyse Arsenal's disci...

Welcome back to 'It's All Kicking Off!' for our Weekend Preview edition Ian and Chris begin by analysing Thomas Tuchel's appointment as England manager, exploring the implications of his nationality, the challenges of transitioning from club to international management, and how he will fare during verbal jousts with the media. They also delve into the current state of Manchester United and the agr...

Welcome back to 'It's All Kicking Off!' Fresh off the penultimate international break weekend of 2024, Ian and Chris begin by discussing various topics surrounding English football, including the current state of the national team, the future of manager Lee Carsley (while analysing a few candidates to replace him), and the Three Lions form of players like Cole Palmer Jude Bellingham, when compared...

Welcome back to 'It's All Kicking Off!" - for our Weekend Preview Edition. In this episode, Ian Ladyman and Chris Sutton discuss the news, as reported by Mail Sport's Chief Football Repoter, Sami Mokbel, that Jude Bellingham is set to play as a false 9 for Lee Carsley's England side when Greece travel to Wembley. The pair also consider the implications of international breaks on club football and...

Welcome back to 'It's All Kicking Off!' Ian and Chris discuss the latest happenings in the Premier League, including Tottenham's shocking defeat to Brighton and Manchester United's ongoing struggles - can you guess which refereeing decision Ian branded as 'one of the worst of the season so far?' Our Football Editor also suggests that Liverpool's strong performances and impressive points tally unde...

Welcome back to 'It's All Kicking Off!' for our Weekend Preview edition. Ian Ladyman and Chris Sutton begin by discussing Aston Villa's historic victory over Bayern Munich, the implications of injuries on Villa's upcoming matches, and the claim John Duran has for a start when Unai Emery's side welcome Manchester United. They also delve into the FA's handling of Jack Stephen's punishment for dissen...

Welcome back to 'It's All Kicking Off!' In this episode, Ian Ladyman and Chris Sutton delve into the current state of Manchester United under Eric Ten Hag, discussing the team's identity crisis and the potential for a change in the dugout. They explore the implications of recent performances, the lack of a credible replacement for Ten Hag, and the contrasting progress being made by Tottenham and C...

Welcome back to 'It's All Kicking Off' - for your Weekend Preview edition. Ian Ladyman and Chris Sutton begin by focusing on Newcastle's uncertain atmosphere and hear from Mail Sport's North East Correspondent, Craig Hope, who shares his thoughts on the current state of the club and its management. They break down Arsenal's tactical approach and debate whether they're overstepping the line of lega...

Welcome back to 'It's All Kicking Off!' - for an exclusive interview with Manchester City's iconic, treble-winning captain, Ilkay Gundogan. Our podcast host, and Mail Sport's Football Editor, Ian Ladyman, sat down with the returning star, as he reveals: Why Man City's rivalry with Arsenal is 'different' to Liverpool The surprise details of his return from Barcelona  The role he played in getting O...

Welcome back to 'It's All Kicking Off!' In this episode, Ian and Chris delve into the thrilling rivalry between Manchester City and Arsenal... exploring the tactical fouls and 'dark arts' employed by teams, the controversies surrounding refereeing decisions, and the evolution of Arsenal's playing style.  The conversation shifts to West Ham's struggles post-David Moyes, the signs of crisis at Newca...

Welcome back to 'It's All Kicking Off!' - for the world famous Weekend Preview edition. Ian (wish him a Happy Birthday in the comments) and Chris cover a wide array of topics in this instalment. So stay tuned for the latest on: Brennan Johnson's redemption arc Rodri threatens player strike action Whether football fans are being treated 'as mugs' Mark Clattenburg's bizarre comments Celtic's Champio...

Welcome back to ‘It’s All Kicking Off!’ Where else go begin than with the North London Derby, where Arsenal recorded their third consecutive triumph in N17.  Ian and Chris praise Arsenal’s defence, not only across the back line, but to a man - as the Gunners limited Tottenham to few opportunities. We hear why this was ‘the worst of Tottenham’ on a day of huge opportunity for a side aiming to finis...