The Indy Football Podcast

Since England won the World Cup in 1966, they have not been back to another men’s final, appearing in only two semi-finals in 1990 and 2018 in their closest attempts at repeating the feat. So, as the 2026 World Cup approaches, on the 60th anniversary of that famous Wembley win, should England have won more tournaments with the talent and resources at their disposal? And can Thomas Tuchel finally end the wait this summer? In the second episode of The Independent’s World Cup podcast, sports writers Lawrence Ostlere, Miguel Delaney and Kieran Jackson discuss which past tournaments England could have won, why they’ve underdelivered and whether the neurosis of 60 years of hurt can ever be overcome. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the first edition of our weekly Copa Independent podcast, we are looking at the very meaning of the World Cup itself, and the two sides of the biggest cultural event in human history. But why has it got to that level? Why does it feel like nothing else in sport? Has it fulfilled the ideals of its creators? What would Jules Rimet, who envisioned a competition to bring mankind together, think of how it is now politically used? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Miguel Delaney and Adam Clery in the 2nd episode of a new podcast; State of Play.Also, while you're here, follow Adam's brand new YouTube channel right here: www.youtube.com/@TheAdamCleryFootballChannel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

*Cough cough* Is this thing on?The Independent is resurrecting this channel with a new show; State of Play.Join Adam Clery and Miguel Delaney for a brand new podcast about the politics of the Premier League, the controversies of the modern game and, well, the state of play.This is a pilot episode, so please do get in touch to tell us what you thought!Also, while you're here, follow Adam's brand new YouTube channel right here: www.youtube.com/@TheAdamCleryFootballChannel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Vithushan Ehantharajah is joined by Miguel Delaney and Melissa Reddy to discuss Diego Maradona, who sadly passed away on Wednesday morning in his native Argentina.One of the great players in the history of the game Maradona won the World Cup with Argentina in 1986 as well as, and even more impressively in many ways, two Scudettos with Napoli in the eighties and early nineties. Subscribe to this series so you never miss an episode. Follow Indy Football on social media to keep up to date with all the latest stories. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The gang are back to discuss Pep Guardiola's two-year contract extension at Manchester City. Vithushan Ehantharajah is this week joined by Miguel Delaney and Jack Rathborn to chat about the recent international break, the dramatic Euro 2020 play-offs as well as what to expect when the Premier League returns this weekend.Subscribe to this series so you never miss an episode.Follow Indy Football on social media to keep up to date with all the latest stories. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There were wins for all four English teams in the Champions League with none more impressive than Manchester United’s statement win over RB Leipzig at Old Trafford on Wednesday night. So, was that United's best ever performance? Host Vithushan Ehantharajah is joined by Miguel Delaney and Melissa Reddy to discuss that game and more. Subscribe to this series so you never miss an episode. Follow Indy Football on social media to keep up to date with all the latest stories. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another international break in the books, but don’t worry, only 25 more days until the next one.England beat Wales and Belgium but then succumbed to Denmark, with Harry Maguire and Reece James, after the final whistle, seeing red.Host Vithushan Ehantharajah is joined by Melissa Reddy and Jack De Menezes to discuss England and preview the upcoming Premier League fixtures, as well as talk about Project Big Picture.Subscribe to this series so you never miss an episode. Follow Indy Football on social media to keep up to date with all the latest stories. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of the wildest weekends in Premier League history is in the books. 3-0, 4-0, 6-1 and 7-2... and West Ham winning another football match. Host Vithushan Ehantharajah is joined by Miguel Delany, Melissa Reddy and Mark Critchley to discuss the goals and what led to them. The team also talk transfers after the closure of the window on Monday. Subscribe to this series so you never miss an episode. Follow Indy Football on social media to keep up to date with all the latest stories. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vithushan Ehantharajah is joined by Mark Critchley and Jack Rathborn discuss City's disastrous defeat to Leicester at the Etihad at the weekend, and preview Guardiola's upcoming personal clash with Bielsa when they face Leeds.Mark shares what he's heard from the United camp on the potential signing of Jadon Sancho from Dortmund and the team also look ahead to the coming games.Subscribe to this series so you never miss an episode.Follow Indy Football on social media to keep up to date with all the latest stories. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liverpool are winning, Manchester United are not and Kepa Arrizabalaga is making massive mistakes. That can only mean one thing - the new Premier League season is well and truly underway. Host Vithushan Ehantharajah is joined by Melissa Reddy, Jack Rathborn and Mark Critchley to discuss the opening weekend of games. Subscribe to this series so you never miss an episode. Follow Indy Football on social media to keep up to date with all the latest stories. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After the strangest conclusion to a season in history, we have had the strangest - and shortest - offseason. Just a matter of weeks after the 2019/20 Premier League campaign wrapped up, the English top flight is set to return once again with Fulham and Arsenal kicking things off for 2020/21 this weekend. Host Vithushan Ehantharajah was joined by Miguel Delany, Melissa Reddy and Mark Critchley for a special live episode to discuss how this season will work, who to watch out for and even offer their predictions as well. Subscribe to this series so you never miss an episode. Follow Indy Football on social media to keep up to date with all the latest stories. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s been a frenetic fortnight as Europe’s premier club competitions frantically try and reach a conclusion like never before.We’ve seen thrills, spills, drama and three English clubs knocked out.Host Vithushan Ehantharajah is joined by chief football writer Miguel Delaney and northern football correspondent Mark Critchley to discuss the Europa and Champions League games that have been and gone, and those that are still to come.They also share their predictions for who will lift the trophies this season.Subscribe to this series so you never miss an episode.Follow Indy Football on social media to keep up to date with all the latest stories. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The weirdest European football season in history is back underway with the Champions League and Europa League competitions returning this week after their coronavirus-enforced hiatus.Manchester United are already safely through to the next knockout round after seeing off the mighty LASK on Wednesday evening with Wolves, Rangers, Manchester City and Chelsea all hoping to follow them over the coming days.Vithushan Ehantharajah is joined by Miguel Delaney and Mark Critchley to discuss all those games and give their predictions on who will win both competitions. Subscribe to this series so you never miss an episode.Follow Indy Football on social media to keep up to date with all the latest stories. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The longest Premier League season in history has finally drawn to a close.Liverpool are champions at last, while Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea—despite Leicester’s incredible start to the campaign—will join them in next season’s Champions League.Vithushan Ehantharajah is joined by Miguel Delaney and Melissa Reddy to discuss the highlights from this standout season, from VAR, to players impacting social change and, of course, the immense impact of Covid-19.Subscribe to this series so you never miss an episode.Follow Indy Football on social media to keep up to date with all the latest stories from the Premier League and around the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Vithushan Ehantharajah is joined by Miguel Delaney, Melissa Reddy and Mark Critchley to discuss a jaw-dropping night in the Championship.And with Liverpool getting their hands on the Premier League trophy for the first time in 30 years, Melissa has all the details from Anfield.Subscribe to this series so you never miss an episode.Follow Indy Football on social media to keep up to date with all the latest stories from the Premier League and around the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A decision to ban Manchester City from Champions League football has been overturned.Uefa ruled that the club had breached Financial Fair Play regulations and banned them from European football for two years. But after an appeal, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) sided with the City and overturned the Uefa decision.Vithushan Ehantharajah is joined by Miguel Delaney, Melissa Reddy and Mark Critchley to discuss the verdict and its wider ramifications on the game and spending regulations in general.Miguel also shares his touching tribute to Jack Charlton, who died on Friday aged 85.Subscribe to this series so you never miss an episode.Follow Indy Football on social media to keep up to date with all the latest stories from the Premier League and around the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Melissa Reddy is joined by Miguel Delaney and Mark Critchley to discuss the Wigan FC debacle. Also, Miguel talks about the how he stirred the pot this week with his comments on Carlo Ancelotti and Everton. The Manchester clubs and the relegation battle are also on the table for discussion. Subscribe to this series so you never miss an episode. Follow Indy Football on social media to keep up to date with all the latest stories from the Premier League and around the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Indy Football Podcast returns to discuss Liverpool's first Premier League title, the building blocks towards league trophy number 19 and what challenges they face from Manchester City and Chelsea going forward.FA Cup domination from the traditional clubs is also on the menu and we and take a look at the relegation battle.Subscribe to this series so you never miss an episode.Follow Indy Football on social media to keep up to date with all the latest stories from the Premier League and around the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ahead of the return of the Premier League the Indy Football Podcast gang got together for a special live episode.Host Vithushan Ehantharajah was joined by special guest Dimitar Berbatov and the Indy's sports team to discuss the return of football after the coronavirus break.For early access to live podcasts and events like this one, as well as loads of exclusive content, subscribe to Independent Premium for just £3 for the first three months: https://bit.ly/2UMzuNRThis podcast episode was in association with the Betfair Exchange, offering a different way to bet where you can set your own odds, lay a bet or even set your own odds: btfr.co/multiples-indy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Along with the rest of the sporting world, we've taken a short break recently. But now, we're back, and we're returning with style.Luke Brown and Vithushan Ehantharajah discuss the return of the podcast and a very special live episode which is planned for Monday evening.For more information on that click here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-indy-football-podcast-live-in-association-with-betfair-tickets-108435982944Also, some emotional news. After more than three years at the Indy, Luke is leaving on Friday and officially handing over the keys to the show to Vithushan.Subscribe to this series so you never miss an episode.Follow Indy Football on social media to keep up to date with all the latest stories from the Premier League and around the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Luke Brown is joined by Melissa Reddy and Mark Critchley to discuss Liverpool's remarkable U-turn on their controversial decision to place some non-playing staff on furlough during the coronavirus pandemic. Should Liverpool be praised? Or pilloried? And what do the team make of Tottenham Hotspur's grim determination to push ahead with their own plans to furlough staff? All of that and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Luke Brown is joined by Miguel Delaney, Melissa Reddy, Mark Critchley and Vithushan Ehantharajah to discuss the latest news on football’s response to the coronavirus pandemic.Miguel explains how the Premier League are considering a World Cup style ‘TV bonanza’ finish to the season, plus the team consider whether it is fair for Tottenham Hotspur - one of the richest clubs in the world - to furlough some of their lowest-paid staff members.Plus everybody gives their latest Netflix recommendations, which include Love is Blind, for some reason.Luke, Melissa and Vithushan are also appearing on a new series, The Independent Coronavirus Podcast, this week to discuss the Olympics, Wimbledon and the Premier League a little further so make sure you give that a listen if you enjoyed this episiode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Luke Brown is joined by Miguel Delaney, Vithushan Ehantharajah, Melissa Reddy and Mark Critchley to discuss how football has responded to the coronavirus pandemic.They reveal the latest behind-closed-doors discussions and how players are maintaining their fitness during this unprecedented period. They also debate whether clubs are doing enough to help their local communities through this crisis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Luke Brown is joined by Ben Burrows, Miguel Delaney and Jack Rathborn to discuss the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on football. They discuss the rapidly changing domestic and continental calendar, the threat the virus poses to non-league clubs and how The Independent plans to cover football when there isn’t any football on.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Luke Brown is joined by Ben Burrows and Tony Evans to dissect Tottenham Hotspur's Champions League exit at the hands of RB Leipzig. They discuss speculation that manager José Mourinho was confronted by a group of senior players after the match in Germany and examine chairman Daniel Levy's role in the crisis. Is Tottenham's season already over? And have they missed out on the chance to join the European elite? All that and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ben Burrows is joined by Miguel Delaney, Vithushan Ehantharajah and Jack Rathborn to discuss the battle to avoid relegation.Can Aston Villa use their Carabao Cup final performance to kick on and beat the drop in the in the Premier League? Are Watford out of trouble after so sensationally beating the unbeatable Liverpool? Is Norwich’s football too good for them to go down? And does Andy Robertson have the biggest mouth in football? All those questions answered and more.Follow us on social mediaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheIndependentSport/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/independentsport/Twitter: https://twitter.com/IndyFootball Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Luke Brown is joined by Ben Burrows and Jack Rathborn to examine the seasons of some of the clubs outside the Premier League’s Big Six. There is praise for Sheffield United and Leicester City, both of whom are flying high and could be playing in the Champions League next season. And what about the European aspirations of Wolves, who could be dark horses to win the Europa League? But it’s not all positive. The team also discuss West Ham and ponder how the club can cope with a potentially destructive relegation. All that and some random Tyson Fury chat.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Luke Brown is joined by Miguel Delaney, Vithushan Ehantharajah and Ben Burrows to discuss the future of club football. The team discuss Miguel’s special report on the state of the game and examine how a growing financial disparity has destroyed the sport’s inherent unpredictability. They ask what – if anything – can be done and respond to some listener feedback. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Luke Brown is joined by Miguel Delaney, Ben Burrows and Jack Rathborn to talk all things Manchester City. How much can we read into their recent defeat at Tottenham Hotspur? What next for Pep Guardiola? And do they have a chance of winning the Champions League this season? All that and a quick bit of Neymar chat, too.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Luke Brown is joined by Sports Editor Ben Burrows, columnist Tony Evans and reporter Jack Rathborn to discuss the January transfer window. What can Manchester United expect from Bruno Fernandes? Are Giovani Lo Celso, Steven Bergwijn and Gedson Fernandes good enough to replace Christian Eriksen? And who are the window’s biggest winners and losers. Plus, Tony takes aim at the thugs who attacked Ed Woodward’s house on Tuesday night. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Luke Brown is joined by Miguel Delaney, Tony Evans and Ben Burrows to discuss the future of the domestic game. Should we fear Liverpool’s dominance? Are superclubs good for football? And does the sport still represent the communities that need it the most?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Luke Brown is joined by Sports Editor of The Independent Ben Burrows and football writer Lawrence Ostlere to assess the fortunes of the Premier League clubs to have changed managers this season Watford, Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, Watford (again), Everton and West Ham. There is also time for some transfer news and the team attempt to work out exactly who Gedson Fernandes is.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Luke Brown is joined by Miguel Delaney, Tony Evans and Ben Burrows to talk January transfers. Why do Manchester United keep insisting they do not want to sign anyone? Will Jose Mourinho and Daniel Levy clash at Tottenham? And how on earth do Liverpool improve on what they already have? All that and more.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Luke Brown, Miguel Delaney and Tony Evans travel to Munich for a German football themed special.They discuss Miguel’s recent story that Borussia Dortmund are open to selling England international Jadon Sancho this January, as well as Bayern Munich’s struggles in the Bundesliga as well as recent trend of young English footballers heading to the continent. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Luke Brown is joined by Vithushan Ehantharajah, Lawrence Ostlere and Jack Rathborn to discuss the fallout at the Emirates after the club sacked manager Unai Emery. Was it the correct decision? And who should replace him? The team also discuss this week’s Premier League results as well as reviewing Amazon Prime’s coverage.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Luke Brown is joined by Tony Evans, Ben Burrows and Vithushan Ehantharajah to discuss the Premier League's four most vulnerable managers. Unai Emery. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Marco Silva. Manuel Pellegrini. Who is next for the chop? And do any of them have a chance of turning things around? Plus some Jose Mourinho chat and Tony bursts a blood vessel ranting about VAR. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Luke Brown is joined by Miguel Delaney, Tony Evans and Jack Rathborn to discuss the sensational news that Jose Mourinho is replacing Mauricio Pochettino as Tottenham Hotspur manager. Is Mourinho really the right man for the job? Does Daniel Levy know what he has let himself in for? And what does Pochettino do next? Miguel also compares Spurs to Malaga, for some reason. All that and more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Luke Brown is joined by Miguel Delaney, Lawrence Ostlere and new signing Vithushan Ehantharajah to discuss the great canteen clash of November 2019. Should England supporters be worried that Raheem Sterling and Joe Gomez clashed while on international duty? Did Gareth Southgate handle the situation correctly? And who would really win in a fight between the pair. All that and more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Luke Brown is joined by Tony Evans and Lawrence Ostlere to ask: how much football is too much football? They talk Liverpool's crazily congested fixture list, the Fifa Club World Cup and the future of England's domestic cup competitions. Tony then goes on a very uncharacteristic rant, this time about rugby union. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Luke Brown is joined by Miguel Delaney, Lawrence Ostlere and Mark Critchley to talk all things Manchester United. Was their draw with Liverpool really their best performance of the season? Has everybody been too hard on poor Ole Gunnar Solskaer? And how about Ed Woodward? All that and more.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Luke Brown is joined by Miguel Delaney, Tony Evans and Ben Burrows to discuss ‘The Independent Century’: our week-long countdown of the 100 greatest players of the 21st century. The team talk Messi vs Ronaldo, the greatest English player of the last twenty years and is Zidane overrated? Includes the immortal Tony line: “Everybody involved in compiling this list should be shot. Including myself.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Luke Brown is joined by Miguel Delaney, Tony Evans and Jack Rathborn to discuss the fallout from Tottenham's extraordinary 7-2 loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions League. They then discuss the various rebuilding projects underway at some of Europe's biggest clubs this season. And they ask: who is going to win the Champions League this season? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Luke Brown is joined by Tony Evans and Ben Burrows to dissect the troubles at Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur. They also discuss the starts made by Leicester City, West Ham and Everton, and ask: which of the Premier League’s chasing pack is best placed to gatecrash the Big Six this season?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.