Football Ramble

Well, this one was always likely to be in there somewhere wasn’t it! 18 months on from that incredible season in which Claudio Ranieri's Leicester City side upset the apple cart in a huge way, we chew over the fall out, reminisce about covering their superb campaign and ruminate on what it all means for football in England in general. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Without a doubt the biggest single result to occur during our time broadcasting, Brazil's humbling by Germany on their own patch in the semi-final stage of the first World Cup they'd held for 64 years was a genuine jaw-dropper.In number eight on our festive countdown, Marcus, Luke, Jim and Pete discuss the build up to that momentous occasion in Belo Horizonte, the game itself, the aftermath and effect on Brazil's psyche, and their memories of it all, more than three years on. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After big investment, the other half of Manchester had high hopes and big intentions of dining at football's top table but they knew they needed a league title win under their belts first. In 2012 they finally got their hands on it.From the 6-1 defeat of their local rivals at Old Trafford to the final, dramatic moments against QPR on the final day, The Ramble boys cast their minds back to the iconic Premier League season when Man City, now rightly considered part of the super club furniture, finally earned their stripes on the big stage. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After the depression of yesterday, here's something positive to bounce back with and yes this is Luke writing these synopses. Portsmouth triumphed gloriously in the FA Cup in 2007/08, laying to waste everyone in their path including a pathetic iteration of a Manchester United team on their own patch.Just when we all thought the summer of 2008 would be nothing to shout about given England's capitulation in trying to qualify for the European Championships, those beautiful boys in blue came through and warmed all of our hearts in fine fashion by lifting that FA Cup trophy high above everyone's heads on a balmy day in May at the Home of Football. The less said about what happened after that, the better. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s still kicking off in that tunnel even ages after it actually kicked off in the tunnel as Man City’s continuing excellence makes Jose Mourinho get snippy, Mike Ashley and Amanda Staveley continue to thrash out Newcastle’s future and we see the welcome return of that sweet fifth booking as players look for time off over Christmas.We also try to give Sean Dyche the England job, Big Sam’s big grin widens further and El Diego is involved.This show is sponsored by bet365 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In at number 11 in our countdown is Steve McClaren and England's ill-fated attempt at qualifying for Euro 2008. New in the job, Steve was tasked with giving England their English identity back after Sven-Goran Eriksson, the first foreigner to hold the position, had ruled the roost for so long. His first assignment proved to be his undoing however as his team failed to impress, culminating in a disastrous defeat at home to Croatia on a windy and rainy night at Wembley.This was the first big event to occur after the formation of The Football Ramble back in April 2007 and in many ways set the tone for the years to come, both in shambolic England performances and The Ramble having to resort to humour to get through difficult footballing times. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The first of our countdown of the biggest moments, themes and events of the last ten years comes in the shape of World Cup 2010. The first tournament of its kind ever to be held in Africa, the world was treated to vuvuzelas, Bafana Bafana, yet another turgid performance from those Three Lions and Spain lifting the trophy.The boys don't let England's showing dampen their spirits though as they enthusiastically march down memory lane regaling all with their memories of the summer, including what it was like to be on the ground in Johannesburg. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Derbies galore as Man City take their noisy neighbours tag very seriously and wind up Jose Mourinho, only partially by beating his team, Big Sam hits the ground grinning and West Ham do a number on Chelsea.If that isn’t enough - and it’s not as there’s way more discussed than that - there’s the confusing emergence of the puffa waistcoat, some good fortune for Coventry in their City of Culture bid and more of your unlucky tales of missing goals, you silly listeners.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This time around we chat about some geologically scintillating stuff from Liverpool ahead of Everton’s visit to Anfield on Sunday, a fixture so important that Sam “My Own Man” Allardyce has turned down a free trip to Cyprus to prepare. Cut out this line about Jesse sodding Lingard.As the noisy neighbours of Man City prepare to head to Old Trafford we hear of another curmudgeonly neighbour making a stubborn nuisance of himself, while the ladvent calendars come out in Sunderland and everything goes worryingly quiet in Newcastle… This show is sponsored by bet365  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re back once again, not unlike the renegade master, to discuss a frankly superb goalkeeping performance from David De Gea, wobbly yet winny Man City, some immediate big licks from Big Sam and a ruddy WORLD CUP DRAW! It’s about to get real. On top of all that jazz there are confusing sock related activities, Eric Dier bravely trying to move on and Sunderland get yet another mention that they really won’t want... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Big Sam Allardyce and Alan Pardew returning to the fold in the same week? What a Ramble bonanza/sign of just how many chances these particular British managers get. Big Sam at least gets a warm welcome to Goodison Park after Wayne Rooney’s midweektacular hat trick against despair’s West Ham, Man City keep up their daunting run and Arsenal turn a corner. Again. Elsewhere there’s a surprising career change for a croaky favourite, an unnecessary banishment, a gun and a Quantum Leap reference that really shouldn’t be so hard to understand. This show is sponsored by bet365 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gary Megson displays some gigantic cojones after steering West Brom to a draw against Spurs at Wembley Hart Lane, a lightning powered footballer emerges onto the scene to lead England’s future and Everton continue their league wide benevolence.On top of all this we finally have at least partial details of Pete’s confusing and intriguing CV, Marcus gets credit for almost correctly predicting the future and a man called Spud saves the day. Give it a listen and tell all your mates.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We wait with bated breath for West Brom to announce Alan ‘Party Pards’ Pardew as their new boss so the season can truly begin. How we’ve missed him. How three of us have missed him. It’s not all bad news for Hartlepool’s favourite son though as the Newcastle takeover looms. Surely nothing can go wrong…Elsewhere there are Champions League adventures, including an oddly enjoyable evening for Brendan Rogers, wicked whispers and postcode corrections. This show is sponsored by bet365  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The managerial merry-go-round is either working perfectly or completely broken depending on who you are. Tony Pulis leaves us for the time being, while fed up of enjoying life, Chris Coleman takes the Sunderland job, possibly regretting it already. As well as all this Paul Pogba returns from injury, seemingly more powerful than ever, there’s a North London Derby and David Moyes gets an enthusiastic welcome that leads to a deluge of banter for Essex Police.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Even though they were just friendlies England have got us all worked up about the World Cup again as we chat about the draw, groups of death and a long-needed alternative England band. There are also fireworks in Peru, a far-from-perfect hat trick in Australia and a word from El Diego.Not only that, the Premier League is back, with the North London derby, Everton’s hunt for a new manager and a topless Marcus Speller, which though irrelevant is always welcome.This show is sponsored by bet365  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There have been so many international fixtures it’s as if it’s all building up to some kind of World’s Fair of football. There have been 0-0 thrillers, heartbreak for Northern Ireland, the glorious sight of Herve Renard and his lucky shirt and Australia being Australian. Elsewhere there are expectations of higher standards, Tom Heaton (obviously), behaviour arches and the odd geography lesson.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s international week and England’s innovative conceptual interpretation of a squad prepare to batter known melts Germany and Brazil. There’s also a whole host of football from elsewhere, potential revisionism regarding one David Moyes, urinal encounters, Luke almost meeting a hero and Star Fruit - with extra large fruity pieces. This show is sponsored by bet365  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here at Ramble HQ we get a huge amount of emails and don't always have the time to get through them all on our two regular weekly shows. So, to that end, please welcome The Football Ramble Shredder! In this special ep, we trawl through as many of your email as we can - including missives from a man who believes he can predict what we're going to say before we've said it, a load of puns (obviously), and just exactly how long it would take you to listen to all the Ramble episodes back to back (someone must have been *very* bored...)To get involved in this nonsense yourself, it's: [email protected]'t forget to hit subscribe to make sure you never miss an episode of The Football Ramble, and leave us a review on iTunes. We'd really appreciate it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

West Ham kindly sacked Slaven Bilic before we recorded this time around enabling us to go to town on the Hammers, including Andy Carroll’s fairly robust advice for the fans. Elsewhere there's time for more handshake drama, the joy of bendy headers courtesy of Mr Morata, and Everton and Watford's game of the season contender which also provided something for Unsy to be happy about.On top of that we learn about Graeme Souness’ small box, enjoy some cupsets and marvel at the evergreen, evermassive everPeter Crouch. Get him on some sort of plane.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A frothy show as we enjoy the exploits of Spurs and young Harry Billy Winks, the lines on Pep Guardiola’s forehead visibly smooth out as he enjoys life and lusts after defeated Napoli and Antonio Conte wonders what the point of it all is.Elsewhere Roy Keane hits the form of his life as a pundit, the future looks bright for good old Peter Reid, and the correspondence gets tasty. Don't miss it! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joe Hart is despondent, and we mean really despondent, after West Ham conceded a 97th minute equaliser to Big Roy and his boys. Basically everyone is fuming with professional-headerer Michail Antonio but not us! Not us, no! We are delighted for the drama here at Ramble HQ.Elsewhere, for obvious reasons (mostly physical) it's not easy to cast David Unsworth aside but Claude Puel and his Leicester team managed it in some style on Sunday and so the boys ruminate on what that may mean for Everton this season as the Toffees lurch from one crisis to another.And as if Marcus would ever let an England triumph slip under the radar - he's cock-a-hoop about those U17s doing a demolition job on, well let's face it, the entire world really and thinks it bodes well for the summer. Of course he does.Stay tuned for a Going for Glold controversy as well. Blimey, it's all happening here this week... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There’s trouble in paradise in hit drama Wembley Lane as we see evidence of a new BFF in Dele Alli’s life, Diego Maradona’s trip to London continues with lots of fun and immaculate timekeeping, while Mark Noble gets generous with his kit with mixed results.As if all this isn’t enough there’s the usual searingly insightful chat and a novel way to give England an advantage at the World Cup. Welcome to the age of the DAG. Confused? You will be.This show is sponsored by bet365. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Frankly, if you're Dejan Lovren you should probably swerve this one. Poor guy. We look at Spurs getting cosy at Wembley and a doozy at Goodison Park where poor old Ronald Koeman’s Everton once again failed to set an example.Elsewhere a Premier League legend teaches us about brain signals, we question Garth Crooks' preparation methods and we learn of a truly awful Christmas beverage, invented by Pete. Obviously.Oh, and for admin reasons you might want to listen right to the end... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We maraud across football like David Luiz marauds across a football pitch, with Big Sam heading Stateside, Leicester getting bored and hitting their panic button and Sadio Mane getting a distressing new fitness regime. And we may also be witnessing the end of an era as Mike Ashley looks to sell up. And we all know what that means: Peak Donaldson. Tune in to hear exactly how excited he is... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As a weird dust cloud floats over Ramble HQ we lose ourselves over Roy Hodgson shuffling Crystal Palace into life, Man City playing the best football in all of recorded history ever and recoil at news of an interesting portrait Pete owns.There also digs from Jose Mourinho, Jurgen Klopp and Troy Deeney...it's like an episode of Time Team. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Football! Everywhere! There's World Cup qualification drama, the Premier League diving straight back in with Liverpool vs Man United and... David Moyes. Ah well. As well as all that there's an update on Stuart Pearce's toilet habits, Humble Mike Dean and an update on the strength of the pound, in what is a mixed listen for Neville Southall. This show is sponsored by bet365 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we continue our deeply-held passion for international football and discuss what merry old England do now qualification is assured, how Scotland get over their 'genetic problems' and confusing permutations elsewhere in the world.As if that isn't enough we hear a heartwarming tale of charity work from one of the kindest men in football, a disturbing new theory on a Marcus Speller crush and Pete's latest body modification. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's a crunch international break and Ramble HQ is stricken with World Cup fever, though there's bad news for Joe Hart and an exciting endorsement from Pete Donaldson, who yet again forgets where the email section is supposed to be.The boys also find time to round up as much World Cup qualification action as possible, from Faroe Islands to Syria and just about everything in between.Elsewhere Jose Mourinho's homecoming is typically humble and ENGLAAAAAAAND. Bowler hat. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our favourite Northern prince returns from the Far East to much fanfare (most of which is warranted, we suppose), the Champions League is dished out early and we hear of Pep's dedication to team spirit. Also, Crystal Palace's fans take a novel approach to their Goal of the Month competition, we hear of a Brazilian team who are badly disrespecting their supporters and we sound the call for your strangest reasons for having a match abandoned. So get in touch! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Diego Costa has a lovely time parading himself around Atletico's shiny new stadium before Chelsea get one over on him, there's a striker crisis for Crystal Palace as they have no fit strikers (apart from the fit striker they have) and we conclude that Harry Kane is in fact very good indeed. On top of that we travel back to the time of the superhero player manager again, and a new Ramble honour is created.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liverpool’s whirlwind approach to how to play the game continues apace, we marvel as Wayne Rooney turns into the Terminator in front of our very eyes and we also find out how Brendan Rodgers is (clue: he’s ok).Elsewhere Ghana force their way into the running order in spectacular fashion and Chris Sutton finally has something to complain about. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Spurs take some pressure off Arsenal with an embarrassing video, Jurgen Klopp's defence continues to wobble and Jose Mourinho is intent on destroying the Carabao Cup.As if that isn't enough there are David Seaman decoys, further incongruous unveiling and a Joey Barton anecdote featuring an old favourite. Here's a clue; Marcus enjoyed it very much. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The boys take much delight in Luke having his backside burned in the hot seat, Arsenal manage to not disgrace themselves on the TV away from home and Marcus will not let up on his fantasy of going on holiday with Ronald Koeman, despite his recent run of bad results. Elsewhere there's love for the record-equalling Gareth Barry, the Guangzhou Evergrande plot thickens and Harry Redknapp is finally getting to spend more time with his golf clubs. T'rrific! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Get ready for a bumper edition of football strangeness this week as Andre Villas-Boas brings forth a contender for best conspiracy theory ever, we hear of some confusingly sporting behaviour from Sevilla boss Eduardo Berizzo, and bear witness to a punchy prediction from #Moorestradamus for our best bet with bet365.Elsewhere, Liverpool legend Roy Hodgson is back in the dugout (although sadly not at Anfield), we're privy to Pete's 'alternative' emails and the Wolves PR team strike another strange hit.This show is sponsored by bet365. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Frank de Boer's time at Crystal Palace is no de moer, Chris Sutton defends the honour of Sadio Mane's flying boot and even Mark Hughes thinks this whole handshake thing is getting a bit silly.Elsewhere Jose Mourinho's fashion sense is starting to come into question, we hear from Luke Skywalker and medieval weaponry makes a welcome return. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We open the show with talk of exciting opportunities for John Motson as he retires from the BBC, digs from Jamie Vardy and the rumble of yet more planes overhead. ALREADY.Meanwhile we also gain some insight into West Ham's behind the scenes omnishambles and unspeakable things happen in some beds and swimming pools, and all because of Neymar, apparently. DG.This show is sponsored by bet365. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's international week and England are almost in Russia, Wales and Northern Ireland continue to impress and Ruud Gullit keeps causing trouble with his camera. Elsewhere we reminisce about Pete the zookeeper, Sergio Ramos gets a surprise and we hear from Hearts of Oak. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

International week is upon us and we have cameos from our beloved D-Beck, a resurgent David Villa and the ever-bubbling Sergio Ramos.Elsewhere there are notes from an elite meeting of managerial minds and a very creative application of one of the most famous roles in football. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mike Dean reminds us all who this is really about, the Pulis Derby provides the usual fireworks - off the pitch, obviously - and there's more of the same from Arsenal. It really is getting much harder to know what to say about them.On top of that there are flying fists among Forest fans for the most noble of reasons and despite their win at the weekend Newcastle suffer a damning assessment from the local pigeon community. Something Pete is presumably completely in favour of... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England's Wayne Rooney is now simply Wayne Rooney once more, Benjamin Mendy takes some time to settle into the parking regulations of his new surroundings and Jurgen Klopp turns it up to 11. Heavy metal football!If that isn't enough we also hear of a young Luke's rash consumer choices and an interesting plan to remodel St James' Park from our dear Pete, who is obviously pleased that his beloved Newcastle lost yet another game.To get in touch, hit us up at [email protected] show is sponsored by bet365 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Behold, the brand new European football show from The Football Ramble!In the inaugural episode of On The Continent Marcus, Luke, James and Andy dissect the ramifications of Neymar's move to PSG and what it means for an increasingly shambolic Barcelona. They also take the time to look at the latest developments in Milan, Bayern Munich's new academy and the most recent Mario Balotelli debacle. To get in touch, email us: [email protected], and don't forget to listen from next week you'll need to subscribe separately by searching 'On The Continent' on iTunes or wherever you get your pods. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Chelsea drum up a win at the Home of Spurs, Man United continue to maraud under Mourinho and there's the usual stuff like coincidental code words and aggressive US based printer issues. Seriously Trey, can you hand these out for me please? Woo!Also, Pete gets yet another lookalike, one with huge ramifications, and Newcastle ruin his weekend yet again. Elsewhere the eponymous Jesé gets revenge for our earlier comments but undeterred, Moorestradamus has another prediction... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we get a welcome breath of fresh air in the Champions League as Brendan Rodgers rolls into town to run his mouth all over Liverpool's win in Hoffenheim, we visit Stoke's last chance saloon and Steve Claridge is still, well, Steve Claridge.We also look ahead to the beano that will be Newcastle's visit to Spurs' visit to Wembley and Gareth Barry goes on and on and on and on in his quest to become the world's most boring record breaker.Meanwhile there's just about enough time to hear about Pete's sloppy internet security habits. Approach with caution. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Well, what a start to the Premier League that was! The boys get stuck in to all the big stories from the opening weekend in the top flight, a league which seems to have its heart set on getting more and more ridiculous as the seasons go on.There's also chat about the red cards that have been popping up all over the UK including a truly incredible contribution from our friends north of the border, as well as a mention for Cristiano Ronaldo who enjoyed what can only be described as a 'mixed' evening in the Clasico.And, as if Going for Glold wasn't controversial enough last week, there's yet more drama in the football world's premier player-based game. Hold on to your hats! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let's be honest, last season was great and all but it just isn't the same without our beloved Newcastle United. And now The Entertainers are back and already providing us with plenty of fun, albeit this time with just a touch more thrift. On top of that there's big talk from Danny Rose, glances towards Everton's ambitions, the return of Gary Megson and, of course, Pete's fleshy back. Don't ask.This show is sponsored by bet365 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're back! Clearly! After a summer bare of football but smothered in madness we discuss the glittering showpiece magic of the Community Shield, the new ABBA penalty system and once again struggle to catch up with what represents value in the transfer market. Elsewhere there's a party at Villa Park as John Terry starts to 'put down roots', Yeovil have unwelcome admin issues and there's a welcome return for one or two old favourites...It's good to be back, yes it's good to be back Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hola! It's our final show of the season and Real Madrid dominated it as much as they've dominated everything else this season. Scotland sound brave ahead of their World Cup qualifier with minnows England and there are wicked whispers about potential impending transfers.Alongside all this there are the usual up to date references plus our, and your, favourite moments of the season. Have yourselves a splendid summer. See you next season. Yeah. See ya.Find us online at thefootballramble.com, @footballramble on Twitter and facebook.com/footballramble on Facebook. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the final preview show of the season, the boys look forward to what's sure to be a great Champions League Final, suggest what Tom Cruise can bring to the occasion and find time to mention the latest transfer rumours. There's also some Scotland v England chat and your finest email contributions of the week. Meanwhile, has Diggory Donaldson finally found a way to get himself into The Beano? Tune in to find out!Get in touch with us: [email protected] show is sponsored by bet365 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arsenal won the FA Cup! Ha! Brilliant. The game is relived with varying degrees of enthusiasm, as is the play off final, which was frankly another one in the eye for British managers. On top of this there are cup wins from all over the place, we discover some massive gaps in our film knowledge and updates on swimming pool maths and henges, of course.Find us online at thefootballramble.com, @footballramble on Twitter and facebook.com/footballramble on Facebook. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hello! We're back to examine Man United's pragmatic Europa League victory, a look ahead to the FA Cup and some play off finals! It's some sort of bonanza.Elsewhere we examine some of Britain's finest henges, hear a heartwarming tale about Ray Wilkins but also learn of a terrifying new strain of fake newsFind us online at thefootballramble.com, @footballramble on Twitter and facebook.com/footballramble on Facebook. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.