The Game

Nat & Gregor are joined by Ben Machell after his beloved Leeds United secured their promotion to the Premier League, but can Leeds cut it back in the big time?The panel discuss this, a weekend of managerial casualties and the 8 billion possible permutations at the bottom of The Championship! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nat & Gregor are joined by James Restall for an EFL special looking at the race for promotion to the Premier League, an inquest into what has happened at Hull following their 8-0 humbling at Wigan, and the panel discuss what makes Adebayo Akinfenwa so special. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alyson Rudd joins Nat & Gregor for an in-depth look at how Manchester City successfully appealed their 2-year European Ban. So where next for Financial Fair Play?More on this, the sorry state of the North London sides and the latest on what promises to be a thriller of a relegation battle. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nat & Gregor are joined by Tom Roddy to discuss one of the final David Silva masterclasses at The Etihad, and how he should be honoured when he departs Man City at the end of the season.The panel discuss this, some exciting news for Chelsea fans, and ask if it's ever ok to switch club allegiances? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nat & Gregor are joined by Matt Dickinson after contrasting weekends for either side of Manchester. So should City fans be worried? And how soon will United be back challenging for titles?More on this, the incredible story of Jamie Vardy and Gregor tells us what it was like to play against a 16-year-old Wayne Rooney. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alyson Rudd joins Nat & Gregor fresh from her trip to see Bournemouth humbled at home to Newcastle. So has time run out on Eddie Howe? More on this, the happy hammers, and whether there is a road back for Wigan after going into administration this week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nat & Gregor are joined by Matt Dickinson following the weekend's FA Cup action. Was Newcastle's defeat to Man City the end of the road for Steve Bruce? And do managers like him and Neil Warnock get enough credit?Gregor has been watching Warnock's new team Middlesbrough in the flesh to deliver his verdict, and the panel discuss where it's gone wrong for Leicester and oh so right for Liverpool. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nat & Gregor are joined by Jonathan Northcroft to discuss Anthony Martial becoming the first Man United player to score a Premier League hat-trick in over 7 years! So is he finally the real deal?The panel discuss this, an action packed weekend of FA Cup action and ask how long until we see a high profile footballer come out as gay. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alyson Rudd joins Nat & Gregor to look back on the first weekend of the Premier League's restart.Arsenal are in the firing line after another abject performance, so how much further can they fall? And with all 4 bottom sides losing this weekend, have the panel seen anything to change their mind on who is going down. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nat & Gregor are joined by Jonathan Northcroft to try and work out exactly what happened for the "ghost goal" at Villa Park in the restart's first big talking point. David Luiz also goes under the microscope after a night to forget at The Etihad.Plus special reports from Henry Winter & Matt Dickinson on what football without fans is really like. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alyson Rudd joins Nat & Gregor to welcome back Premier League football!Hear why they're backing Norwich to perform a great escape, which 'dysfunctional' Premier League team is in the middle of another player contract dispute, and is one title good enough for this Liverpool side? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jonathan Northcroft joins Nat & Gregor to discuss The Cherries sticky situation as Ryan Fraser looks set to depart Bournemouth, but is it ever ok to refuse to play?More on this, a crazy week for the EFL, and the case for Norwich to stay up this season! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Dickinson joins Nat & Gregor to look back on a good weekend for Chelsea football club. Timo Werner agrees to join Frank Lampard's side, whilst Emma Hayes is handed the WSL title. So is it time Hayes was given a job in the men's game?The panel discuss this and the ever changing role of the captain, has British football become too obsessed with it's lion-hearted leaders? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Times Chief Football Writer Henry Winter joins Nat & Gregor to explore the need for football to lead from the front in the battle against racism across the globe.More vocal players, fearless protests and stronger sanctions are all up for debate as they ask whether football needs to be more proactive rather than reactive.All this plus more from Mark Noble and Jack Grealish, who Henry has been speaking to this week as we countdown the days to the return of The Premier League. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alyson Rudd joins Nat & Gregor with news that The Championship will be back on the 20th June, but how many players out of contract at the end of the month will want to play?The panel discuss this, potential problems for the return of live action, and nominate their all time spot kick kings! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jonathan Northcroft joins Nat & Gregor with news that Premier League football will return on the 17th June. But are we ready?The panel debate this and ask....who is the Premier League's greatest import? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Martyn Ziegler joins Nat & Gregor in what is a crucial week for the return of football in England, and why we could be seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.More on this, why the EFL could turn to the government for help, and the panel mark 15 years to the day since the miracle of Istanbul. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nat & Gregor are joined by Henry Winter to discuss problems at Watford as Troy Deeney stays away from training over safety concerns.The panel discuss this, whether personality traits of footballers make them more likely to struggle with mental health, and a look back at one of England's finest performances as they thrash Holland at Euro 96. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alyson Rudd joins Nat & Gregor to look at the likes and dislikes from the return of the Bundesliga. Is this what we want English football to be when it returns?More on this, the evolution of refereeing, and Paul Gascoigne. Was he really as good as everyone says he was? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nat & Gregor are joined by Jonathan Northcroft to discuss the future of Leagues 1 and 2, and whether footballers should be back at work at the same time as everyone else.And with two Scots on the panel it's time for Euro 96 revisited! Does the pain of England's victory over Scotland still hurt 24 years on? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nat & Gregor are joined by Alyson Rudd to discuss the mental health issues arising from the coronavirus pandemic, and whether football can do more to help tackle this.They also give their verdict on the latest developments on Project Restart, and look back on the bizarre reign of Louis van Gaal at Manchester United. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Times' Chief Football Writer Henry Winter joins Natalie Sawyer on The Game Podcast to tell us why football should not be returning anytime soon, and why he hates Wembley Stadium!Tom Roddy also has a trip down memory lane to mark 4 years since Leicester lifted the title, and the panel tackle one of football's great debates...half and half scarves! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nat & Gregor are joined by Matt Dickinson to discuss Kevin De Bruyne's possible exit from Man City, the latest on project restart, and yet more unpopular football opinions.Have England really overachieved as a football team? And has the country ever produced a decent manage? More on this and much much more... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Introducing our new free daily news podcast, Stories of our times. It takes you to the heart of the stories that matter, with exclusive access and reporting. Published for the start of your day, it is hosted by Manveen Rana and David Aaronovitch.Cheltenham Festival was the last major sporting event to take place prior to the national lockdown in the UK. But should it ever have happened? The four-day fixture took place in March and has since become a lightning rod for criticism around perceived government inaction on the coronavirus crisis. We talk to people who were there. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nat & Gregor are joined by Jonathan Northcroft to discuss bad news for Newcastle fans as Mauricio Pochettino declares his "dream" to manage Spurs again one day!Plus the panel have a game of unpopular football opinions....should England really have achieved more as a football team? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nat & Gregor are joined by Matt Lawton to discuss "Project Restart" which aims to get the Premier League back up and running. But is it a restart or a non-starter?More on this, where Phil Neville could be heading next and a look back to a tweak in the laws of the game that revolutionised modern football. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nat & Gregor are joined by The Times' Chief Sports Reporter Martyn Ziegler for an in depth look at UEFA's executive committee meeting and what it means for next season's Champions League.`Martyn also does a deep dive into Newcastle's potential new owners, and whether Steve Bruce should be a worried man. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nat & Gregor are joined by Matt Dickinson to cast their expert eyes across inventive ways to make football behind closed doors work. Virtual season tickets, fake crowd noises and even drive through football!All that plus more on Wayne Rooney insisting he's not a natural goalscorer, and Gregor tells us what it's like to face Andres Iniesta on the pitch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nat & Gregor are joined by Alyson Rudd to look back on the rocky road of Mike Ashley at Newcastle as his time nears an end.They also discuss 'invisible geniuses' in football, and Alyson pays a touching tribute to the victims of the Hillsborough disaster on the week of the 31st anniversary. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nat & Gregor are joined by Jonathan Northcroft to pay tribute to Chelsea goalkeeping legend Peter Bonetti who passed away on Easter Sunday. They discuss the impact he had on English football as he pioneered the game in his position.And with a new proposal to finish the Premier League season at Wembley and St George's Park, Gregor tells us why top players may have changed their minds on leaving their families to get back to football. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nat & Gregor are joined by Alyson Rudd following the news of the Premier League players initiative to help the NHS, so are we too quick to judge high earning footballers?More on this, whether Sadio Mane should be in the running for the Ballon d'Or, and anyone for a game of football scrabble? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nat & Gregor are joined by Matt Dickinson to discuss Liverpool's much publicised decision to furlough some of their staff! So should the club reconsider?More on this, Wayne Rooney's must read column in the Sunday Times, and a look back on the 2006 World Cup in Germany from Matt and his 'moles in the camp!' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nat & Gregor are joined by Jonathan Northcroft to discuss whether there really is a "moral vacuum"in football, as billionaire owned Premier League clubs weigh up using government money to ease their financial worries.The panel also take on some football brainteasers to get you thinking, and choose their top 3 Premier League classic clashes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nat & Gregor are joined by Matt Dickinson to discuss Harry Kane's proposal of the end of June being the moment that enough is enough and it's goodbye to this season!The panel discuss this, proposed 'World Cup style' camps for an accelerated end to the season, and discuss the greatest moments they've ever seen live in the flesh. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nat & Gregor are joined by Alyson Rudd to discuss where the money should come from to fill the current financial void in football, and how the National League plans to scrap it's current season altogether!And you've been having your say on what the nation's favourite football film is, as the panel cast their decisive votes! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nat & Gregor are joined by Matt Dickinson to debate who the greatest manager of all time is! Sir Alex Ferguson, Bob Paisley and Jose Mourinho all get a mention but Matt & Gregor believe that none of them deserve the accolade! Find out why as it's left to Natalie to cast the decisive vote. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nat & Gregor are back as the beautiful game comes to terms with the most ugly of times.They're joined by Jonathan Northcroft to discuss what no Premier League football before the 30th April means for the future of the game in England and beyond.Plus Gregor has been catching up with some Premier League footballers about how they're getting on in isolation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Natalie and Gregor are joined by the Times very own Alyson Rudd to look back on an awful week in the Champions League for Liverpool and Tottenham.Rebeccas Myers also joined them following a tough SheBelieves campaign for Phil Neville and his Lionesses.And, is football really football without the fans? As coronovirus takes it's toll on sport, we discuss whether anybody really wants football behind closed doors. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nat & Gregor are joined by James Restall to discuss Man United's derby win at Old Trafford! But are the good times back under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer?Henry Winter brings a special report from Old Trafford on Bruno Fernandes watch, plus the panel discuss Newcastle's odd season, ask whether Mo Salah is Liverpool's greatest ever attacker - and Gregor talks pre-match rituals after Carlos Tevez and Diego Maradonna shared a pre-match smooch in Argentina for good luck! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nat & Gregor have Tom Roddy and Tom Clarke in to discuss Eric Dier hurdling seats to get involved in an altercation at Tottenham!And after the Giroud and Gilmour show at Stamford Bridge, should Billy the kid be on his way to the Euros? Plus we tell you which of the panel thinks Oliver Giroud would be a Championship striker in another life! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nat & Gregor are joined by Alyson Rudd and Matt Dickinson to discuss Phil Foden's masterclass at Wembley! But has he got enough time to make Gareth Southgate's Euro 2020 squad?They also look at where Liverpool rank in the Premier League's greatest ever teams after their unbeaten run came to an end, and ask whether we should feel sorry for Wilfried Zaha. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nat & Gregor are joined by Molly Hudson & James Restall to look back on Man City's incredible win at The Bernabeu, and discuss whether Kevin de Bruyne is now the best midfielder in Europe.They also ask whether Villa fans would be happy to win the League Cup and get relegated, and Natalie recalls her most bizarre interviews....including a chat with George Clooney! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

No Natalie this week so Tom Clarke is joined by Gregor and Alyson Rudd for more on whether Arsenal's win over Everton proves they are well and truly back under Mikel Arteta.They also discuss whether Sean Dyche is getting enough credit and talk treasured sporting possessions after new Barcelona signing Martin Braithwaite admitted he'll never wash his shirt again after being hugged by Lionel Messi! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nat & Gregor are joined by Tom Clarke and Alyson Rudd fresh from her trip to Madrid to see Liverpool's superstars humbled by a dogged Atletico Madrid.They also look at some of football's best strops after Dele Alli's antics against RB Leipzig, and with Erling Haaland taking the world by storm Gregor reminisces about playing against a 15-year-old boy wonder by the name of Wayne Rooney. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this edition of The Game podcast Natalie and Gregor are joined by James Restall and Tom Roddy!They'll be chatting Sean Dyche, changing room talk, Inter Miami and are there big changes on the horizon for Manchester City? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gregor is back! As he and Natalie discuss who was 'having one' on Sunday in the high profile bust up between Bournemouth's Dan Gosling and referee Jon Moss.They're joined by Alyson Rudd and Tom Clarke for more on this, Ben Gibson forcing his way out of Burnley, and whether Arsenal should be more worried about relegation than making the top 4! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gregor Robertson is back alongside Natalie Sawyer this week for the latest episode of The Game. They are joined by The Times very own, Matt Dickinson, and James Restall.They took an in depth look at the Championship and how Marcelo Bielsa can turn things around at Leeds.They also discussed where the problems are at Palace and the difficulties of coming to terms with ageing in football. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

No Gregor this week, but Natalie is joined by Alyson Rudd, Jonathan Northcroft and Tom Clarke to discuss John Stones' troubles under Guardiola at Man City.They also discuss West Ham's problems on and off the pitch, and pay tribute to the 23 brave souls who followed Barrow AFC on their 740-mile round trip to Dover! With an incredible tale along the way! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nat & Gregor are joined by Molly Hudson and James Restall to discuss whether we can truly call Tottenham's win over Man City a Mourinho masterclass, and ask if Gareth Bale has done anything wrong by staying put at Real Madrid.All that plus a touching piece on Accrington Stanley striker Billy Kee, who announced he is retiring from football at the age of 29 due to ongoing mental health issues. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pep Guardiola has picked a fight with the Man City faithful over not selling out The Etihad - but has he got a point?Nat & Gregor are joined by Molly Hudson for more on this, Christian Eriksen bidding farewell to the Premier League by joining Antonio Conte in Milan, and whether West Ham are doomed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.