The Famous Sloping Pitch (or Is Football F**ked?)

Nick Hancock and Chris England discuss Gerald Sinstadt, home shirts, turning down an England call up, and standing at football.  They're also joined by podcaster and our Watford correspondent, Olly Wicken. Nick, Chris and Olly chat about Graham Taylor’s pants (as advertised) and VAR.  Olly’s podcast is available here - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/hornet-heaven/id1137949104 If you have an...

Nick Hancock and Chris England discuss new manager bounce, Chaddy the Owl, Tottenham, and how the COP26 affects football.  Nick and Chris are also joined by comedian, writer, broadcaster and Crystal Palace fan, Mark Steel. Nick, Chris and Mark chat about Palace, sporting commentary highlights, and they return to the Saudi/Newcastle takeover shitty business.  Mark’s superb podcast is available here...

Nick Hancock and Chris England discuss Man United’s dodgy new form, Paul Pogba’s dodgy new boots and David Beckham’s dodgy new role.  Nick and Chris are also joined by former professional player, manager and footballing royalty, Tony Pulis. Nick, Chris and Tony chat about his family-orientated managerial style, the most important aspects of building a football club, why the premier league is the b...

Nick Hancock and Chris England discuss Steve Bruce and Newcastle, the Champions League, England’s one match ban, and of course a quick look at Oldham’s progress. Nick and Chris are also joined by comedian and actor, Hugh Dennis. Hugh, Nick and Chris chat about loving football from an early age and supporting Arsenal, appearing in the new James Bond film, No Time to Die and how Hugh nearly became a...

Nick Hancock and Chris England discuss the demise of the ball plinth thing manufacturing industry, England’s international break, and the murky waters of Saudi/Newcastle takeover. They are also joined by comedian and writer, Andy Hamilton. Nick, Chris and Andy chat about the recent BBC documentary Fever Pitch, Andy’s long-standing relationship with Chelsea and his brilliant back-and-forth with Jim...

Nick Hancock and Chris England discuss the car ball delivery thing, the 'genius manager v genius manager' hype, and Watford. Nick and Chris are also joined by fascinating physio, Helen Delap to discuss how she began in sports physiotherapy, what it’s like living inside football and being a parent of young professional players.  If you have any thoughts, feelings or queries, please feel free to con...

Nick Hancock and Chris England discuss the Swiss-system (whatever that is), panic buying and Moneyball.  They are also joined by a true legend this week. Don Goodman has a chat with Nick and Chris and sprinkles a little professionalism over the whole affair.  If you have any thoughts, feelings or queries, please feel free to contact us on slopingpitch@gmail.com   See acast.com/privacy for privacy...

Nick Hancock and Chris England discuss Jimmy Greaves, FIFA and of course Oldham’s continuing descent into the depths of unhappiness. Nick and Chris are also joined by comedian, Andy Smart to chat about Farnborough, and following the Iran national team.  If you have any thoughts, feelings or queries, please feel free to contact us on slopingpitch@gmail.com Andy will be performing at the Globe with...

Nick Hancock and Chris England discuss gamesmanship, Ronaldo’s diet, and of course, Oldham.  Nick and Chris are also joined by comedian, novelist and hit songwriter David Baddiel to chat about Three Lions, why Gareth Southgate doesn’t like it and a case of mistaken identity  If you have any thoughts, feelings or queries, please feel free to contact us on slopingpitch@gmail.com David Baddiel is cur...

Nick Hancock and Chris England discuss the international breakdown, the rank idea of a World Cup every two years and the Brazil vs Argentina debacle. Nick and Chris are also joined by comedian, writer and podcaster Kevin Day for a sing-along sing song. If you have any thoughts, feelings or queries, please feel free to contact us on slopingpitch@gmail.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-o...

This week Nick Hancock and Chris England discuss the glistening, chinless thigh model Ronaldo, FIFA and a submarine.  Nick and Chris are also joined by podcaster and director, Theo Delaney to chat about Tottenham, Arsenal and a drunken musical Danish bacon advert with Peter Schmeichel.  Please contact us on slopingpitch@gmail.com See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Learn mor...

Michail Antonio’s goal celebration this week inspired Nick Hancock and Chris England to look at famous goal celebrations of the past, and  the very mad Socios football tokens story also caught their eye in quite a contemptuous way.  More importantly, Jo Brand joined Nick and Chris in the studio to discuss Crystal Palace and her extensive footballing family.  Please feel free to contact us on slopi...

Nick Hancock and Chris England try to work out if anything can be done to reverse the creeping crappification of the once-beautiful game. For a start, you can stop calling it the beautiful game – it’s lazy, glib, second-hand and fundamentally inaccurate. This week Nick and Chris get to grips with the Euros aftermath, horse-punching and Jack Grealish and his tiny shin pads.  The guest this week is...