Second Captains

Pep Guardiola was extremely impressed this weekend by John Stones' stones. We look back on a fantastic game between his side and Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium. Manchester United won again at Middlesbrough, but Ken believes their victory at Middlesbrough betrayed some worrying signs about the direction they are taking relative to their rivals. Much of the internet disagrees. This week sees the return of international football, Ireland play Wales on Friday night and Emmet Malone reports on the latest from Abbottstown. And Philippe Auclair joins us to read Arsene Wenger's mind as reports emerge that the Arsenal manager has decided to sign a new contract. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

So where are we after a tumultuous Six Nations campaign? We ended on an indisputable high, with victory over Grand slam and world record chasing England on Saturday. But there remains a world of regret over those defeats away to Scotland and Wales, and a championship that might have been there to win. Shane Horgan and Gerry Thornley give us their verdicts on the last 7 weeks. We also catch up with Michael Conlan after his professional debut in Madison Square Garden on Saint Paddy's Day, which included an early stoppage, a capacity crowd... and Conor McGregor. Plus there's Murph's (GB & I) Lions test team, and we fall into the Stephen Jones black-hole of logic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's show day in London, and what better way to start it than breakfast with London's own Frank 'Lamps' Lampard (Sure, he was a few tables down from us, and never made eye contact, but it still made Ken's day).We're still reeling from Manchester City's exit from the Champions League last night - we ask Ken does he have any sympathy for Pep? On tonight's show we'll be chatting to Crystal Palace's Damien Delaney, we look ahead to the last game of the Six Nations with England-killer Shane Horgan and World Cup winner Neil Back, and it's the podcast Yalta as we break bread with Barry Glendenning and Gabriele Marcotti from rival podcasts The Game and Guardian Football Weekly. Recorded live from our base at the beautiful Kensington Hotel, part of the Doyle Collection of hotels in London, Dublin, Cork, Bristol and Washington DC. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Martin O’Neill has chosen his extended squad for the Wales game, and with a whole island of footballers to choose from, we ask should all 5 million of us get included, before he does the fine tuning for match days?Dion Fanning of SportsJoe joins us in studio to discuss Aidan McGeady’s outrageous return to form, and how we are shaping up for the Wales game.Plus there’s Wayne Rooney getting Phil Jones’d, PSG’s documentary on pain, Emre Can’s Simone Biles move and Jose’s early excuses. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dublin were trundling along rather unobtrusively until last Saturday, when they comprehensively demolished Mayo, handing out a 12 point beating to their closest rivals. Oisin McConville is in studio, and he wonders just why Mayo haven't focused more of their energies on getting a run together in this year's league. We also talk about how much farther Cork can descend after their shock loss to Clare in Division 2. David Haye, Tony Bellew, and the sport of boxing emerged from last weekend with little credit. Don McRae, author and journalist non pareil joins us to talk about how much damage they inflicted on the gaiety of the nation over the last couple of weeks. Jamie Carragher was happy enough nevertheless, and there's also Katie Taylor's third straight professional win, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Wilt The Stilt, and Andre The Giant. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran discuss reports from Russia, where top politicians are devising a macho new sport. One the Russians might have a chance of winning something in. Today's show is dominated by talk of L'Affaire Sanchez. Does the Chilean embody the passion that Arsenal are missing, or is this the posturing of a prima donna who needs to learn the meaning of respect? Miguel Delaney joins us from London Colney to report on Arsene Wenger's post-Sanchez, pre-Bayern press conference, where it seems once again, the Arsenal manager did not see the incident.We also talk about the chaos at Old Trafford, where Zlatan Ibrahimovic escaped a red card, only to miss the penalty that condemned Jose Mourinho's team to another dismal draw. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland were able to beat France by ten points with a misfiring attack - Shane Horgan reckons they need more invention closer to the try-line, Eoin Reddan isn't too sure we had any other choice. Both men join us to analyse the Six Nations, including how Italy nearly out-foxed England, and how Eddie Jones sometimes comes across as "a pain in the arse". The GAA Congress was always going to be feisty this weekend - but as all 3 of Paraic Duffy's motions relating to the football championship were passed, an edge came to proceedings. The glee with which Congress ignored the will of both the GPA and the CPA was plain to see - Malachy Clerkin of the Irish Times was there, and feels a little uneasy about how this will play out. And - after this show, would anyone ever invite Eoin McDevitt to a wedding again? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jonathan Wilson joins us to talk about Zlatan's dominant performance at Wembley and whether he's forcing us to reconsider what we thought we knew about the responsibilities of a striker in 2017.Meanwhile the fallout continues from Claudio Ranieri's sacking. Have Leicester committed a crime against football? Do players have too much power, as Martin O'Neill says, or is Jurgen Klopp correct that the real fault lies with directors? Is Ranieri even the person we should be feeling sorry for? Who really deserves the credit for Leicester's success?In Spain, Sergio Ramos has told his international central defensive partner Gerard Pique to take off the tinfoil hat.And a mysterious admirer has sent Ciaran a beautiful gift. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The FA Cup is where the pampered princelings of the Premier League come face to face with the hard men of the Real World. Joey Barton and Leicester FC have already become casualties. Now Arsenal must brave the horrors of Sutton's 1990s-vintage dressing room if they are to survive.Barney Ronay joins us to talk about how Millwall FC saved their ground from a dubious regeneration scheme.And Dermot Corrigan reports from Spain, where an unsmiling Barcelona were almost humiliated by Leganes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Lee is returning to the ring in Madison Square Garden in New York, on St Patrick's weekend. We discuss the dynamic of sharing the gym with the man responsible for taking his world title away from him - Billy Joe Saunders. He also tells us how talking up the fight helps him, as well as helping to sell tickets.As of today, Connacht have a new head coach, and it's a former New Zealand school teacher with a history of attacking rugby... which bodes well for Kieran Keane's future in Ireland. Gerry Thornley broke the news last week, and he was at Carton House today for the latest injury updates ahead of Ireland/France this weekend.Rory McIlroy was playing golf with President Trump on Sunday morning, and Ken provides us with some valuable context.Plus there's Pint Baby, Bundee Aki's seal of approval, and some of the highlights of week 1 of our World Service. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland got their 6N campaign back on track with a 9-try filleting of a pretty terrible Italy team – Shane Horgan talks to us about the return of Jonny Sexton, and the new France looking a lot like the same old France. Former Welsh legend Martyn Williams was in the Principality Stadium for the game of the weekend between England and Wales. Derek McGrath’s Waterford got some measure of revenge for last summer’s All-Ireland semi-final replay defeat to Kilkenny when they won for the first time in Nowlan Park since 2004 yesterday, and he joins us on the show. Plus there’s the cultural titan in Eoin’s family tree, land grabs, and a possible return for Murph’s Country Pages. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran look back on a weekend in which Irish goalwizards were rampant throughout English football's top two divisions,Sean Dyche rose above the shade thrown by Antonio Conte, Antonio Conte ignored the shade thrown by Jose Mourinho, and Jordan Henderson's team talk inspired Liverpool to a return to form. They also talk about the increasingly hostile atmosphere in German football, where fans are upping the ante in terms of offensive banners at matches.Jonathan Wilson tries to explain what happens when a successful team dissolves into ineptitude overnight.And Miguel Delaney was at Arsenal to see them get things back on track ahead of this week's clash with Bayern Munich. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Ireland team has been named for our second Six Nations game against Italy this weekend. We wonder when Ireland are gonna park the bus and Shane Jennings asks why our players are being rested, when our entire club system revolves around giving them enough time off to be fresh for international duty.US Murph tells us - through gritted teeth - about the greatness of the New England Patriots after their Superbowl triumph, and there's the OCI elections, trusting your team-mates and nefarious table quiz tactics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran discuss the ongoing Arsenal crack-up, DejanLovren's refugee story and the neurological problems suffered by oldplayers who headed a lot of balls.Raphael Honigstein joins us to talk about why Philipp Lahm has decidedto call it quits at the end of this season, aged just 33. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A loss on the opening weekend of the Six Nations is never nice - and a shock loss to Scotland doesn't sweeten the pill. Shane Horgan and Gerry Thornley dissect the 27-22 loss on Saturday. Dublin's winning streak in league and championship is now at 30 games - Seanie Johnston of Cavan got an up-close look at the All-Ireland champions and tells us what makes them so great. And we have exciting news about our new adventure - the Second Captains World Service. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran launch the Second Captains World Service, anddiscuss the Arsenal Fan TV revolution which is ruffling establishmentfeathers at the Emirates.Stuart James joins us to analyse where it has all gone wrong forClaudio Ranieri and Leicester.And Jonathan Wilson reports from Gabon on Cameroon's triumph in the African Cup of Nations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

February starts with a bang - a large, oval-ball-shaped bang. We have Shane Horgan, Sean Cronin and Scott Hastings to preview the Six Nations, and whether Scotland can keep going for Conor Murray's legs. We're also joined by US Murph to discuss the Atlanta Falcons and their date with destiny against the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl this Sunday night.Plus there's a return to Doug and Lisa's for the chilli bowl, the National Prayer Breakfast, and Arnold Schwartzenegger's greatest ever movie (hint - it's Twins). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran discuss the Premier League midweek: the inconsistency of Arsenal, the indomitability of Kante and Luiz, the irritability of Jose Mourinho.Miguel Delaney and John Brewin join us to analyse more closely the games at Anfield and the London Olympic stadium. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The rest of the tennis season would want to go some to match the Australian Open for drama, as it gave us Serena Williams winning a record-breaking 23rd Grand Slam title, and Roger Federer rolled back the years to beat Rafa Nadal in 5 sets. Sinead O'Carroll of The Journal, and Elaine Buckley of the Fair Game podcast joined us in studio. Dave Hannigan joins us from New York to discuss Trump's latest omnishambles, and there's Mayweather McGregor money, overly-polite post-match interviews, Skittles, and flying Olympic class. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran pore over the decline of the FA Cup, and hear a former Arsenal right-back's views on what has gone wrong with the world. No, not Lee Dixon. Jack Pitt Brooke joins us to talk about ways to save the competition, and also fills us in on the exciting full debut of Gabriel Jesus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran discuss Shane Long's conquest of Anfield, Jurgen Klopp's war on doubt, and how wingers, like Tinkerbell, only flourish when you believe in them.Tony Barrett joins us to try to diagnose what has gone wrong at Liverpool.And Jonathan Wilson reports from Gabon where he is covering the Africa Cup of Nations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It has been a life-affirming few days for sports fans and sports stars in their mid-30s. We speak to Luke Jensen of ESPN about Roger Federer, Serena Williams and Venus Williams rolling back the years at the Australian Open. Sam Weinman of Golf Digest talks to us about his new book "Win At Losing: Harnessing the Power of Setbacks to Succeed in Work and Life". Plus there's the unfolding planetary train-wreck, old codgers and Andy Lee on Carl Frampton's status among the all time greats. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin McDevitt is BACK. On today's agenda - Rooney, China, Pep Guardiola's courage, Arsene Wenger's rage, and some terrible corner kicks.Sid Lowe joins us from Madrid to analyse what we've learned about Zinedine Zidane over the course of a successful year in charge at Real Madrid. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin McDevitt's triumphant return to the hotseat continues, as we discuss Munster and Leinster's progression to the quarter-finals of the European Cup, Connacht's heartbreak, and the Ireland squad for the 6 Nations, with Shane Horgan and Gerry Thornley. Kevin Cullen of the Boston Globe tells us why everyone is rooting against Donald Trump's favourite NFL team, the New England Patriots, and there's a brief digression into the Weimar Republic, Sean Spicer and alternative facts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Richie Sadlier attempts that 'difficult second podcast', as he sits in for Eoin and chats to his old team-mate Stephen Elliot about their time together under Roy Keane at Sunderland, Dwight Yorke's body fat, and why academies are the root of all ills in football. There's also the day Richie's parents met some Man City ultras, helicopter parents, and what breed of dog Ken would be, if he were to transform into a species of mammal that Richie actually admires... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ken and Ciaran discuss Mauricio Pochettino's disdain for social media, and why you should never trust a political article that makes a football comparison.Emmet Malone joins us in studio to talk about John Delaney's appearance yesterday before a Dail committee.And Simon Hughes reflects on the career of Xabi Alonso, who announced yesterday that he will retire at the end of the season. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One year ago, the Irish provinces were going nowhere fast in Europe - now Munster and Leinster are through with a round to spare, and Connacht still have their destiny in their own hands. Shane Horgan and Gerry Thornley on another good-news weekend for Irish rugby. And we speak to Katie Cooke, an inspirational 19 year old living with epilepsy and not letting it prevent her from finishing the last two Dublin marathons, and her doctor Colin Doherty, an epielpsy specialist in St James Hospital, who runs with her every step of the way.Plus there's Tadhg Furlong's pillow, Quasar and hugging it out. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ken and Ciaran talk about Merseyside v Manchester, after a great weekend for long-haired bearded English footballers, and a bad weekend for Iberian galactico super-coaches.Miguel Delaney and John Brewin join us to analyse the weekend's action: did Jose blow his big chance? Will Pep lose patience with City before City lose patience with him?Plus there's Andy Carroll's giant leap for mankind, Everton's young 'uns and La La Liga. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ken and Ciaran scour history searching for feats to compare with the miracle that Jose Mourinho has performed at Manchester United.Rob Smyth joins us to look ahead to the weekend's match at Old Trafford.And Philippe Auclair explains what's going on between Dmitri Payet and West Ham United. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We invited Richie Sadlier in as guest host and he immediately started bossing us around, demanding in depth interviews on weighty topics..... and that we walk and feed his dog Bobbi.First up is Luke Fitzgerald, who like Richie, had to retire early because of injury. Luke turns the tables and starts asking Richie some searching questions. We also talk to Dion Fanning about the football world's inability to openly discuss Paul Gascoigne's alcoholism. Plus there's Ken's mood swings, Astro scum, rating colleagues, and how to become a football man. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Munster utterly dominated Racing Metro of Paris in every facet on Saturday - Liam Toland and Shane Horgan ask if they (and Leinster) have what it takes to go on and win the Champions Cup outright this year.Davy Fitzgerald got off to a flying start as Wexford hurling manager yesterday - we ask Liam Griffin if it's OK to start getting carried away yet.Plus there's the weekend that didn't matter, BDO darts upheaval and making people look like lunatics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ken and Ciaran comb the desolate wilderness of the FA Cup third round weekend like a couple of stray dogs rooting through a rubbish tip for giblets.After Merse and Thommo kicked off on Soccer Saturday, Jonathan Liew joins us to talk about whether English football is giving English football men a fair deal.And Josh Robinson is in Zurich for FIFA's annual gala, which has been renamed The Best. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Spurs blew the title race wide open last night, defeating Chelsea 2-0 to end their 13 match winning streak. Have Spurs shown others how to crack Conte's code? Dion Fanning joins us in studio to talk about another calamitous week for Arsenal, and Murph and Ken discuss whether Jefferson Montero has ever heard of Ronald Reagan.Plus there's Fergie's comfort zone, Sanchez's hissy-fit and Arsenal Fan TV. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

US Murph joins us for the first time in 2017 to tell his hopes and dreams (not Trump related) for the new year. We talk about Ronda Rousey's precipitous fall from grace in the UFC, plus there's a brand new edition of Kens Friendz, US sports franchises most popular with 1990s teens, and John Giles. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two wins from two meant Munster certainly had the most productive Christmas of the four Irish provinces; Gerry Thornley and Denis Hickie join Simon, Ken and Murph to look back over the festive rugby action. Gregor McGuckin tells us why he wants to take part in the sporting world's version of a time machine; the Golden Globe solo round the world yacht race.Plus there's celestial navigation, Pep's country for old men, swimming with sharks, and Devin Toner the giant Irish man. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ken and Ciaran talk about a busy New Year's weekend in the Premier League. As the pressure increases, there are signs that managerial heads are beginning to melt.Miguel Delaney was at the Olympic Stadium to see Manchester United extend their winning run to sixAnd Jack Pitt-Brooke looks ahead to Tottenham v Chelsea, a match Spurs need to win to keep people believing the title race is still on... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin and Ken look back on the Christmas football programme, including Eden Hazard's superb display against Bournemouth, Pep eyeing Liverpool, and a rough 24 hours for Samir Nasri.Jonathan Wilson joins us to reflect on Bob Bradley's brief spell in charge of Swansea City. And there's Harry the Hornet, Mkhitaryan majesty, and World Cup gluttons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We've left the Christmas cabin but the magic is still alive as we discuss smoking outside Mass, Jerry Flannery sightings, Michelangelo, and Brian O'Driscoll's snooze button snobbery.We look back at some of our favourite shows from 2016 including the Muhammad Ali special, Emmanuel Petit on French society, and the time Cerys from Catatonia out analysed Ken Early. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ken and Murph discuss China's contribution to civilization, Putin the cuddly cartoon and mighty Zlatan's relentless drive to be Knighted.We ask Raphael Honigstein why German fans now hate Red Bull more than they hate Bayern Munich.And Dermot Corrigan explains why Madrid are about to cut some flab. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's a very special festive edition of The Irish Times Second Captains podcast, as we look back at the best moments of 2016 with Richie Sadlier and a collection of our most popular music montages. Expect Robbie Brady, Robbie Henshaw, Pat Kenny, John Giles, Bobbi the dog, and Steve McClaren to feature prominently.Plus we look at the impact of Euro 2016 on Ireland, NZ rugby fallout and there's a war of words between Richie and Murph. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Connacht are now the great entertainers of European rugby, but against Wasps they won without playing their best rugby. We ask former Connacht star Gavin Duffy how significant this win was with Pat Lam having announced his retirement two weeks ago. Liam Toland and Gerry Thornley discuss Munster's late loss to Leicester and Northampton's strange approach to the competition.Plus we analyse the latest episode in the Mayo drama, and Ken the Tv reviewer makes his first ever appearance on the show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran discuss the art of looking like you care when you don't really care, and other pressing issues from the weekend's football.Jonathan Wilson analyses Man City's victory over Arsenal in the big game of the weekend.And Rory Smith joins us to talk about his meeting with Francesco Totti, still going strong at 40. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran discuss Ronaldo's four-ball, midweek MOTD, Lallana's fresh polish, and one pundit's irritable reaction to being disresPepted.David Stubbs joins us to talk about his book: 1996 and the End of History.Plus there's Oasis V Blur, Gazza's yard of pace, and hatin' on Chris Evans. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Its time for one of our favourite shows of the year - its the Second Captains Sports Book Special!! We welcome the most learned man we know, Malachy Clerkin, to the studio, to discuss the best books of the year. Warning: things get a little heated.We examine weighty themes such as the search for darkness in a sportsman's soul, making lemons from lemonade, and Paul O'Connell's smoking habits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Champions Cup was back this week, and the Irish provinces scored a ton of tries and are all still very much in contention - Gerry Thornley is in studio. Andy Lee runs the rule over Anthony Joshua and Andy's old gym buddy Wladimir Klitschko, plus there's Fionnuala McCormack's comments on the 'European' cross-county championships, obese wildlife, and Klopp taking aim at the Neville brothers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin and Ken talk about how some top football men have teamed up to beat down on Liverpool's new goalkeeper, dismiss Jose Mourinho's claims that Spurs are the most complete team in the league, and reflect on the liberating quality of absolute submission to charismatic authorityJohn Brewin was at the King Power stadium to see Vardy humble GuardiolaAnd Miguel Delaney analyses how likely Chelsea are to break the Premier League record for wins in a row Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Thomas Barr was one of the stars of Irish sport in 2016, finishing a whisker outside of a medal place in a 400m hurdles Olympic final that seemed a long way away when he was crippled by injury just 12 weeks before Rio - he joins us in studio. Gerry Thornley has literally written the book on Pat Lam's Connacht, he's with us to talk about his shock departure for Bristol, and his own book "Front Up, Rise Up: The Official Story of Connacht Rugby". Plus there's the scourge of 'everyone gets a medal day', Whiddy Island tourism, and drinking bags of popcorn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin and Ciaran bully Ken after he was slammed by Ireland's greatest football man, John Giles. Broken hearted Ken makes a feeble effort to explain how actually Giles agrees with him on a lot of stuff.Sports lawyer Ian Lynam joins us in studio to talk about how contracts are done in modern football. It's not just clubs who are trying to use data to gain an edge.Plus there's Pep's plan, rating Raheem and Arsenal's brain drain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We continue our celebrations of our 750th podcast with Jonathan Wilson and Richie Sadlier in conversation with the lads at the Liberty Hall Theatre in Dublin.They discuss how the Premier League went X-rated this weekend with Sergio Aguero, Marcos Rojo, and Zlatan kicking our poor Seamus Coleman in the head.And just to re-affirm there's goodness in the world... there's Richie's new dog Bobbi. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.