The Atlantic Voice Podcast

Zeff takes a quick look at the "curiosity" that is the 3rd Place Match and questions the precise point of it all. Not that a 3rd place is a bad thing - on the contrary Zeff extols the virtues of his own.....

On the last book review, Zeff looks at David Peace's "historical novel" - or as the Atlantic Voice shall be calling such things, "Fictionalized Fact" (copyright Atlantic Voice!). It tells the story of Brian Clough's ill-fated 44-day tenure as Leeds United manager back in 1975. As The London Times said of the book "Probably the best novel ever written about sport." But if don't trust them, Zeff wil...

Day 25, and Zeff explains how he's been able to keep an eye on the World Cup thus far. Plus musings on workplace hierarchy, and being confused by cold weather and Christmas. All at the same time as the games!!!

The last week, so the last round of reviews of documentaries and books. Today, the grand-daddy of all sports "behind-the-scenes" documentaries, "An Impossible Job." The first and still the best, "An Impossible Job" joins then-England manager Graham Taylor as he struggles to get the team through World Cup qualifying. Battered by the press, circumstances beyond his control, Taylor struggles to retai...

It is Day 23 (Zeff mistakenly refers to it as Day 22, but hey, this far in, an excusable error!). As the tournament enters its last week, Zeff takes a quick look at some of the books about football that didn't make his own "essentials" list. And with the semi-finals looming, time for a selection. For your fig trading, of course.

There's a leaky toilet in the house, so it's a quick check of Youtube and then a trip to the hardware store. Along the way, Zeff learns a little bit about aging and the journey that is the collection of knowledge and experiences....

Brazil are going home, and so Zeff feels that he should clarify his previously stated position. And so he's falling on his sword and admitting he's a hater. With some caveats, of course. Whether you are convinced or not, well that's on you. Also, some Olympic memories, and a quick tribute to Jet Black, recently passed drummer of The Stranglers .

Book review time. Today's title - "The Glory Game" by Hunter Davies . Now, before you click away, realize, without any pause or procrastination, that this is the very best ever book written about a professional sports team. There are others that have come close, but this is the essential look behind-the-curtain at the inner workings of a professional outfit. Yes, it makes the Cup of Tea because it...

Day 19, and how was your first day without a game to watch? Zeff ponders the ideal gap between games, and then delves back into his childhood with a look at an old sticker album (scan through if you're unconvinced by Zeff's point). But never fear, there will be a left turn....Plus the first two quarter-final picks for fig traders out there.

Our documentary review series continues with "The Four Year Plan" - a behind-the-scenes look at Queens Park Rangers FC, as the club from the neigbhourhood known as White City look to make the jump into the English Premier League. See what happens when ownership and operations struggle to get on the same page....

Zeff takes a look at the first ever "recyclable" (is that even a word, never mind is it the right word for the situation?), the first ever "recyclable" stadium, Stadium 974 , built for, and only for, this World Cup. A feat of modern engineering no doubt, but Zeff, as he is wont to do, has some questions about its real legacy. Talking of legacy, one of the last two teams to play in the stadium, Bra...

England are through and Zeff is a little boisterous. So something a little different today as Zeff discusses why, when it comes to sports' movies, football - this kind - is a ways down the list. And the Tip of the Day, well, it's a selection....

One of our "home" nations is heading home, and Zeff gives his verdict on their campaign. As well as taking a look at the one-time masterplan for the success of the US Men's team at the World Cup - Project 2010 . And no, it didn't include dyed hair and man buns....Also a flashback to improve your mood.

Day 14 of the 2022 World Cup, and by the calendar we're pretty much at the midpoint of the event. But Zeff asks - does it feel like that? And how's your perception of time and life outside of the enormous bubble that is the world's biggest (sporting) event? Time to discuss how our everyday reality has been hijacked by men kicking a ball about. Plus a review of the Thai cave rescue movie "13 Lives....

By rights, Day 13 of the World Cup of Tea should be titled Day 12 - Redux, but "Addicted" is the title of the book in our second review. Considering that Group E played out in the same dramatic fashion as Day 12, it's probably also the best word to describe any neutral fan out there. Of course, if you're a fan on the wrong end of results, well, I'll let you pick your own descriptor of your state o...

The latest set of final round-robin matches in the group stage, and the first truly wild pair of games to decide who survives. Talk of tie-breakers, shredded nerves, and worrying more about the "other game" rather than your own. Oh it it's football alright. Bloody Hell!

England and USA are the survivors of Group B and on to the Round of 16 and the knockout stages. And while Zeff wants (most of) you to have a great day and enjoy the games, he also wants (most of) you to temper your expectations and keep a little perspective and not to behave like a hysterical Harry Styles (England) fan.....

Our documentary series continues with this look at "Orient - Club for a Fiver" featuring the, how should we put it, expressive personality that was their manager back in 1995, John Sitton . Oh, and bring your dinner ......

Day 9 and a quick look back as the Germans begin their escape act. And then on to Youtube as Zeff extols the virtues of the web and the glory of Dutch footballing legend, Dennis Bergkamp . And yes, that France '98 goal. ...(via Youtube, of course; and a familiar voice...)

On this, the first in a series of "Must-Read" football books, we begin with a professional player's diary - with Eamon Dunphy's "Only A Game." And while it's always been Zeff's position that player autobiography just aren't that interesting, this one proves to be a compelling caveat to that view. Plus a Canadian is protected by his maple leaf....

Week 1 of the 22nd World Cup in the book, not to mention the seventh day of the World Cup of Tea. But not resting, Zeff has a couple of things that have caught his eye, including a predictive otter , and 5 Kims in a row...

Zeff is going way back into his teenage years to share the one World Cup tradition that has continued into indeterminate middle-age. And no, there'll be no photos of plumber's butt.......

Day 5 and Thanksgiving Day in the US. So with a slight pause, Zeff takes a look at the contradictions of FIFA's choice of host for this World Cup, in the process discovering that this year is not necessarily an outlier when it comes to the conflicted narrative of sport somehow improving society. And with that, how should we the fan react to the quandary that is the event's 22nd edition?

Day 4 and the first upset of the tournament but don't fill out your bingo card just yet. And then meet Barry Davies , Zeff's favorite football commentator (or play-by-play guy!) of all time. And finally, rebound from your first loss of figs with the tip of the day.

The Atlantic Voice's home nations both won  (whoops, wrote this in the 82nd minute!), got a win and a draw. So let's  temper our joy/lighten our mood (hey-we-didn't-lose), and begin our series of "Best Documentaries you can find on Youtube" with a classic from the '80s - "City" - a look inside some turbulent times at Manchester City .