Football Daily

Neil Warnock joins Aaron Paul and Jobi McAnuff for a festive Christmas treat and to look back on some of his favourite memories in football.

From bowling and chiropody, to Chris Morgan and Adel Taarabt, Neil Warnock lifts the lid on some of his funniest and memorable stories.

He talks about what Christmas is like in the Warnock household and looks back at almost 60 years in football.

Plus, find out if Yorkshire puddings are on Neil Warnock’s Christmas dinner!

Jonathan Sutherland travels to Naples to speak to two Scots who are starring in Serie A.

Napoli's Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour chat to Jonathan about adapting to life in Italy, their relationship with Antonio Conte and following in the footsteps of Diego Maradona.

McTominay also opens up on his decision to leave Manchester United, while Gilmour discusses swapping Brighton for Naples.

BBC Sounds / 5 Live Premier League commentaries this weekend: Sat 21 Dec, 1500: West Ham v Brighton on 5 Live Sat 21 Dec, 1730: Crystal Palace v Arsenal on 5 Live Sun 22 Dec, 1400: Everton v Chelsea on 5 Live Sun 22 Dec, 1400: Man Utd v Bournemouth on 5 Sports Extra Sun 22 Dec, 1400: Fulham v Southampton on BBC Sport website Sun 22 Dec, 1400: Leicester v Wolves on BBC Sport website Sun 22 Dec, 1630: Tottenham v Liverpool on 5 Live

John Murray returns with Ian Dennis and Ali Bruce-Ball to lift the lid on life as a commentator. From being pulled over by police in Moscow to talking tailoring with Thomas Tuchel, they reveal the stories they don’t normally get to hear. Plus, Steve Bunce drops in from Riyadh ahead of #UsykFury2 to talk boxing commentary. And Clash of the Commentators takes on an Asian feel.

01:20 Interviewing Thomas Tuchel 02:55 27-hour journey back from Moscow 08:10 Don’t speak to Pep on the golf course 11:10 How are commentary games chosen? 13:55 Commentating with Clinton Morrison 18:10 Steve Bunce talks boxing commentary 28:25 Best goal scored by a European player this year? 33:30 Clash of the Commentators goes Asian 38:05 Looking ahead to the weekend’s fixtures 42:00 The Great Glossary of Football Commentary

BBC Sounds / 5 Live Premier League commentaries this weekend: Sat 21 Dec, 1500: West Ham v Brighton on 5 Live Sat 21 Dec, 1730: Crystal Palace v Arsenal on 5 Live Sun 22 Dec, 1400: Everton v Chelsea on 5 Live Sun 22 Dec, 1400: Man Utd v Bournemouth on 5 Sports Extra Sun 22 Dec, 1400: Fulham v Southampton on BBC Sport website Sun 22 Dec, 1400: Leicester v Wolves on BBC Sport website Sun 22 Dec, 1630: Tottenham v Liverpool on 5 Live

Conor McNamara joins Ian Dennis and Alistair Bruce-Ball to reveal the stories behind the 5 Live commentaries. From Conor taking a printer to games, to using the facilities on the Anfield roof! They tell the tales you don’t normally get to hear. And ‘Clash of the Commentators’ is back!

02:05 Upsetting football fans 06:00 Conor’s portable printer 09:20 Using Championship Manager to help prep 11:20 Getting the overnight sleeper train 15:00 What do commentators do at half-time? 18:05 The Anfield commode 22:30 Best derby to commentate on? 28:20 Commentating at late notice/without notes! 31:40 Most difficult pronunciations 35:45 Clash of the Commentators 41:50 Great Dictionary of Football Commentary

BBC Sounds / 5 Live Premier League / Women’s Super League commentaries this weekend: Sat 14 Dec, 15:00 – Liverpool v Fulham – 5 Live Sat 14 Dec, 17:30 – Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa – 5 Live Sun 15 Dec, 14:00 – Brighton v Crystal Palace – 5 Live Sun 15 Dec, 14:30 – Liverpool Women v Arsenal Women – 5 Sports Extra Sun 15 Dec, 16:30 – Man City v Man Utd – 5 Live

It's been confirmed the FIFA World Cup will be returning to the Middle East in 10 years' time after FIFA awarded Saudi Arabia the hosting rights to the 2034 tournament.

Securing football’s most high-profile tournament is just the latest example of the Kingdom’s growing influence on global sport, which its critics say is in an effort to 'sportswash' the regime's reputation.

Katie Smith is joined by BBC sports editor Dan Roan and Tariq Panja, global sports correspondent for The New York Times, to provide the background to Saudi Arabia’s unopposed bid.

We hear from the president of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, Yasser Al Misehal, and from Amanda Staveley, who was part of the Saudi-backed takeover of Newcastle United in 2021, on why the tournament will be a great success, while BBC sports news correspondent Laura Scott speaks to Norwegian Football Federation president Lise Klaveness about Norway's decision to abstain from the voting process for the 2030 and 2034 tournaments.

Stephen Cockburn, Amnesty International’s head of housing, workers rights, and sport, and Wycombe Wanderers midfielder David Wheeler, the PFA’s sustainability champion, also join the podcast to discuss their concerns over human and the environment.

And we ask what all this means for Saudi Arabia’s huge investments in domestic football, particularly at Newcastle United.

In this special episode of the Football Daily Nedum Onuoha travels to Italy to have a typical Milanese dinner with AC Milan striker Tammy Abraham to discuss his many career highlights, relationship with Jose Mourinho and how life abroad has changed him as a player and person.

Tammy chats to Nedum about the importance of embracing Milan and how he has found settling in to a new environment, including the fashion!

John Murray, Ian Dennis and Alistair Bruce-Ball reveal the stories behind the 5 Live commentaries. From commentating in the pouring rain with colleagues in their underwear, to a big medical drama, they tell the tales you don’t normally get to hear. And the ‘Wheel of Spiel’ makes a return!

01:35 John gets a surprise 03:30 Ian has an apology to make 04:20 Commentating in the rain 09:20 Ian nearly ends his career 14:30 ‘Wheel of Spiel’ goes deep 19:00 Favourite commentary positions 22:55 Tottenham-Chelsea preview 27:10 John’s big medical drama 29:45 Ali’s new toys! 31:20 The Great Dictionary of Football Commentary

BBC Sounds / 5 Live Premier League commentaries this weekend: Sat 7 Dec, 15:00 – Crystal Palace v Man City - 5 Live Sat 7 Dec, 17:30 – Man Utd v Nottingham Forest - 5 Live Sun 8 Dec, 14:00 – Fulham v Arsenal - 5 Live Sun 8 Dec, 14:00 – Leicester v Brighton – 5 Sports Extra Sun 8 Dec, 14:00 – Ipswich v Bournemouth – BBC Sport website Sun 8 Dec, 16:30 – Tottenham v Chelsea - 5 Live

In a special interview, new Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim speaks to Mark Chapman about his appointment.

Amorim explains why he already feels a connection with the club’s fans, and why his new role won’t change him as a person.

He also talks about his time in Portugal, including how being released as a player by Benfica impacted him.

TIMECODES 02:30 Making a connection with Man Utd fans 04:00 Being an emotional character 11:00 On seeing a psychologist as he came to the end of his playing career and prepared to become a coach 14:00 Getting inspiration from Jorge Jesus and Leonardo Jardim 18:00 The driving force behind each managerial move he’s made 21:00 On how moving to the club will change his life

Alistair Bruce-Ball, John Murray and Ian Dennis tell the stories behind the 5 Live commentaries, from getting lost in Portugal to navigating the new Champions League table. What’s it like preparing for a big game like Liverpool vs Man City? And who will take round two in Clash of the Commentators? Plus catch the latest entries into The Great Dictionary of Football Commentary.

01:00 John’s tip troubles 03:00 Ian’s Portugal problems 08:05 Liverpool-Real Madrid reflections 14:05 Getting used to the UCL table 17:30 ‘New series’ of Liverpool-Man City 23:30 Training the commentators 28:30 Clash of the Commentators 33:55 Working at Selhurst Park 38:15 The Great Dictionary of Football Commentary

BBC Sounds / 5 Live commentaries this weekend: 15:00 Sat 30 Nov: Crystal Palace v Newcastle – Premier League 17:30 Sat 30 Nov: West Ham v Arsenal – Premier League 13:30 Sun 1 Dec: Man Utd v Everton – Premier League 13:30 Sun 1 Dec: Chelsea v Aston Villa – Premier League – 5 Sports Extra 13:30 Sun 1 Dec: Tottenham v Fulham – Premier League – BBC Sport website 16:00 Sun 1 Dec: Liverpool v Man City – Premier League

John Murray and Ian Dennis join Alistair Bruce-Ball to lift the lid on life as 5 Live commentators. From Ian’s floppy disk of research to pre-interview smalltalk with Steven Gerrard, they reveal stories you don’t normally get to hear. And as it’s an Ali Bruce-Ball podcast, of course there’s some fun and games as well.

02:00 No rest for the commentator! 06:05 Ian’s floppy disk 09:05 Encounters with new Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim 13:50 ‘Kevin Dalglish’ 15:20 Pre-interview smalltalk 18:10 The ‘Wheel of Spiel’ 24:30 Difficulties of commentating on Man City 29:30 Ian Holloway’s spooky interview 31:30 ‘Clash of the commentators’ quiz 36:10 What’s it like commentating at 3pm on Saturday? 39:30 The Great Dictionary of Football Commentary

BBC Sounds / 5 Live commentaries this weekend: Arsenal v Nottingham Forest – Premier League – 15:00 – Saturday 23 November Man City v Tottenham – Premier League – 17:30 – Saturday 23 November Southampton v Liverpool – Premier League – 14:00 – Sunday 24 November Ipswich v Man Utd – Premier League – 16:30 – Sunday 24 November

Morgan Rogers joins Liam MacDevitt to talk about his career so far and aspirations for the future. He recalls the decision to join Aston Villa from Middlesbrough and opens up about life & playing in the Midlands.

They discuss that feeling when he first heard the Champions League anthem, and what it’s like to play under Unai Emery.

Plus, with so many of his international teammates from youth level gaining senior call-ups for England, he shares his aspirations of a call-up from new manager Thomas Tuchel.

Spurs winger Brennan Johnson talks form, influences, Son Heung-min & Ange Postecoglou. He discusses how comfortable he feels now he is in his second season at Tottenham Hotspur and his drive to win the club their first deomstic trophy since 2008.

Southampton boss Russell Martin talks life as manager, tactics and stubbornness. Still without a win this season, Russell talks about what three points could do for his side and whether or not he will stick to his guns tactically. Plus, how did growing up with five brothers influence his love of the game and who inspired and influenced his management style?

Riccardo Calafiori speaks to Roman Kemp about his career so far. They chat about life before Arsenal, growing up wanting to become a footballer and a lengthy knee injury at the age of 16. He talks about his relationship with Daniele De Rossi and Jorginho who encouraged him to join Arsenal.

Plus, he opens up on the conversations he had with Mikel Arteta ahead of joining the club, and how his style of play has helped him to see the game differently.

In an exclusive interview – Chappers speaks to the former Wales manager Rob Page who joins the pod for the very first time after being sacked from his position in the summer. During the episode Page opens up about his emotions after losing his role – and the incredible highs of taking Wales to their first World Cup in over 60 years.

We get insight into what it was really like for Page dealing with some of the sports biggest names from Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey to Ashley Williams and details what life was like for a manager during those major tournaments.

As well as the highs, Page lets us in on the lows of the role – to results at the World Cup not going his way, to others being linked to his managerial job. And ultimately what’s next for him in football.

Timecodes: 02:47 – Hard watching Wales for first time as losing the role. 03:00 – Hard to take being sacked and adjusting to life without the position. 04:00 – Good to have chance to reflect. 05:00 – Know when you get into management that you will get the sack – just don’t know when. 09:00 – Dealing with the big names like Bale in the dressing room. 12:00 – Wales got to the World Cup because how they managed Bale. 13:00 – Nervous going into first meeting with Bale. 14:00 – There being no egos in Wales changing room. 23:00 – Taking Wales to the World Cup and the emotions of that. 31:00 – Gary Speed’s legacy. 33:00 – Disappointment at the World Cup. 40:00 – How he dealt with rumours of Roy Keane being linked to his job. 44:50 – There to help Craig Bellamy if he needs it. 47:00 – Not sure of future plans yet. Open to domestic or international football.

Aaron Ramsdale chats to Kelly Somers about leaving Arsenal for Southampton, his relationship with David Raya and maturing on and off the pitch.

He also discusses his dad’s podcast appearances, fancy dress trips to Wembley and why he chose to be a goalkeeper.

In this special episode of the Football Daily, former England goalkeeper Joe Hart travels to Liverpool to meet Alisson Becker for an exclusive deep dive into life as a goalkeeper - both on and off the pitch.

They discuss their love of the sport and the constant challenges of how to improve in the game. Alisson lets us in on his motivations and the inspiration that he has received from his faith and family, and opens up about the passing of his father.

Alisson also speaks about how he has adapted into becoming one of the leaders in this current squad alongside Virgil van Dijk, Mo Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Alexis Mac Allister. He also praises the work that has been done so far by the new head coach Arne Slot and what has changed for them since Jurgen Klopp left the club.

Manchester City’s Rodri joins Joe Hart to talk Guardiola, trebles & chess. He also speaks about his Spain's side Euros triumph over England and his business degree which he completed while playing for City.

Mark Chapman presents a special edition of the Football Daily reflecting on the life of former England manager Sven-Göran Eriksson. Mark is joined by Chris Sutton and The i paper chief football writer Daniel Storey. Former England internationals Joe Hart and Theo Walcott also pay their tributes.

06:15 Joe Hart joins the pod 13:45 Sven speaking on the Monday Night Club 20:45 Theo Walcott joins the pod

Come inside Mikel Arteta’s home as he sits down, in his living room, with Guillem Balagué to chat about all the great moments in his life – both in football and away from it. From his childhood on the beaches of San Sebastián, to the bunk beds of the Barcelona academy, hear his stories of moving to Paris with his mum and embracing the British weather in Glasgow. Through the influences of Pep Guardiola, Mauricio Pochettino, his parents – and especially his wife – we explore his growth from a player to the Arsenal manager, while delving into the more personal aspects of his life, like why Mallorca holds such a special place in his heart.

A new era begins for Man Utd but what can fans expect? Sir Jim Ratcliffe sits down with BBC sports editor Dan Roan after completing his deal to buy a 27.7 per cent stake in Manchester United. He says it's a boyhood dream to be involved in United and that restoring them to the pinnacle of English and European football is the greatest challenge. Sir Jim also reveals his plans for a new stadium.

Producer: Jonathan McKeith.

This is also available as a Sports desk special on BBC Sounds.

Ahead of a new book launch, 'Watford Forever' by John Preston – which tells the story of how Sir Elton John and Graham Taylor saved Watford, the pop legend sits down with Gary Lineker to talk about his love of football, why FA Cup finals are like headlining Glastonbury and why Wrexham owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney remind him of himself.

Lionel Messi has won his eighth Ballon d’Or and Guillem Balague gives a behind-the-scenes account of how in Qatar, the Argentinian won the World Cup. Guillem hears from the biggest names in the sport; from Aston Villa and Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, former England forward Gary Lineker and ex-Argentina defender, Pablo Zabaleta - who give their unique perspectives on what happened during that tournament. We are taken on a journey – from that shock loss in Argentina’s opening game against Saudi Arabia, to one of the best international finals ever – where Argentina beat France on penalties, fulfilling Lionel Messi’s destiny of winning the World Cup and cementing himself as one of the greatest players of all time

This is a special episode celebrating the life of England and Manchester United legend Sir Bobby Charlton. Mark Chapman is joined by former England strikers Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer, as well as former Man Utd captain Steve Bruce. Also hear from football correspondent John Murray, former England manager Roy Hodgson, ex-Man Utd players Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick, and Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola. And hear archive audio from Sir Bobby himself on winning the World Cup.

02:05 Football correspondent John Murray 03:30 Sir Bobby Charlton on winning the World Cup 05:05 Gary Lineker on ‘England’s greatest ever player’ 09:10 Alan Shearer and Steve Bruce on a fellow son of the northeast 14:20 Former England manager Roy Hodgson on a ‘humble and charming man’ 15:45 Ex-Man Utd players Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick reaction 17:45 Man City boss Pep Guardiola sends ‘big hug’

The Football Daily’s 72+ team of Aaron Paul, Phil Brown & Jobi McAnuff discuss and debate their EFL top 10s in this brand new mini-series.

In episode one, the guys rank the big play-off moments. From Dean Windass to Troy Deeney, and from Josh Windass to Bobby Zamora – who will top the lot?

A BBC World Service documentary revealing the untold stories behind Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta’s journey to the top.

In Barcelona, former Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina relives his time sharing bunk beds with Arteta at the world-famous La Masia academy, declaring that the boy from the Basque country was “born to be a manager”.

Presenter John Bennett travels to Arteta’s home town of San Sebastian to meet his childhood coach at a small club, next to a hair salon, that has become an amazing football talent factory.

Hear from former teammates at Everton, Arsenal and Rangers, from where Dutch great Ronald de Boer remembers Arteta stepping up aged 21 to score a stoppage-time penalty to snatch the title from Glasgow rivals Celtic: “To take that responsibility, at such a young age, in such an important game and moment of that decisive title race against Celtic was impressive.”

And find out why the Welsh city of Newport played such an important part in Arteta’s journey into coaching.

Arsenal legend Arsène Wenger and former Man City captain Vincent Kompany also feature in this documentary, which paints a picture of a single-minded, intelligent and meticulous man, schooled in the Barcelona style of play, who is now mixing it with the top managers in the game and has got Arsenal fans dreaming of glory once again.

75 years ago, we heard Sports Report for the first time. On this podcast, Mark Chapman and Pat Murphy speak to fans, broadcasters and those who’ve been on the other side of the microphone. Jockey AP McCoy, author Lee Child and manager Tony Pulis are among those to explain why Sports Report is so special. **This is pre-recorded, so please do not message in**

TOPICS: 7:00 – Author Lee Child, 12:40 - What is it like actually working as a reporter on the show? 18:50 – Manager Tony Pulis, 26:15 – Stories from our presenters, 33:20 – Jockey AP McCoy, 42:30 - The most difficult day in the history of the programme, the day of Hillsborough, 50:20 – The wrong theme tune!

This is a special episode celebrating the life on and off the pitch of arguably the greatest player ever, Pelé.

Aaron Paul is joined by those who played against him, idolized him and interviewed him as they reflect on an incredible career of a true footballing legend. Former England midfielder, Alan Mullery – who played against Pelé in the 1970 World Cup tells Aaron his memories of playing with the great man, not once, not twice, but three times. South American football expert Tim Vickery gives his thoughts from Brazil as the country reacts to the news and we hear from Wales football legend Cliff Jones who faced Pelé in his first World Cup in 1958.

Gary Lineker gives his tribute, as does legendary commentator Barry Davies and chief football writer at the Times, Henry Winter - who have both watched Pelé and interviewed him during their careers. Not only that, we hear from the man himself and if he thinks he’s the greatest player of all time…

Timecodes: 3’00 – Tim Vickery from Brazil. 8’22 – Cliff Jones on playing against Pelé in the 1958 World Cup. 10’00 – Pelé interview. 13’00 – Clive Toye, general manager of the New York Cosmos. 18’00 – Gary Lineker tribute. 21’00 – Barry Davies reflections. 28’00 – Alan Mullery on playing against Pelé and being his friend. 35’00 – Henry Winter on interviewing Pelé.

Steve Crossman speaks to Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola about playing golf and spending time with family during the summer break, why emotions are more important to him than stats in football and how Erling Haaland is settling in.

They also discuss why Pep has embraced the city of Manchester so much, what he plans to do when he retires and why the club’s fanbase around the world is so important to him.

Steve’s also joined by former City midfielder Michael Brown to reflect on Guardiola’s words, what the signing of Haaland says about the club’s status and whether he thinks Pep’s more relaxed than what we see on the touchline.

This is a special Football Daily pod where Mark Chapman sits down to chat to Premier League referee Mike Dean on his extraordinary career, after announcing that he will retire at the end of the season after over 20 years at the very top of the game.

He tells Mark how he started in the lower leagues and rose to the very top – and lets us in on a few secrets along the way… like who were his favourite players - to the manager he feared the most and lifts the lid on what really goes on in the referees dressing rooms. Not only that we hear his views on how the game has changed throughout his time on the pitch and of course VAR gets a mention too!

In this special episode of the Football Daily podcast Mark Chapman is joined by correspondent John Murray and South American football expert Tim Vickery to pay tribute to football legend Diego Maradona, who has died at the age of 60.

Maradona - arguably the greatest player football has ever seen - had a spectacular career: he captained Argentina to victory at the 1986 World Cup, and scoring both the infamous 'Hand of God' goal and the much-lauded solo second against England in their quarter-final.

He spent much of his club career at Napoli, winning two Serie A titles, the Coppa Italia and UEFA Cup with the Italian side. He had previously played for Barcelona, Boca Juniors and Argentinos Juniors.

We hear from Gary Lineker, Pep Guardiola, Ossie Ardiles, and Paul Elliott - all paying tribute to the Argentine superstar.

Steve Crossman and guests select their Greatest Champions League XIs

Steve Crossman is joined by Guillem Balague and Kristof Terreur on this week's Euro Leagues show.

The team bring us the latest on the return of the Bundesliga and leagues across Europe.

Plus Chris Waddle reminisces about his Marseille career and the time he aimed for France and ended up on an island in the Indian Ocean...

And Nayim remembers THAT goal against Arsenal in the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup Final.

From Valencia to Istanbul and Inter to Tyneside - Rafa Benitez tells Guillem Balague about the key matches from his managerial career