The Second Captains Podcast

We mourn the passing of the age of Scottish giants, and try to work out what the Premier League should do with its five billion pounds.John Brewin analyses a strange week for Louis van Gaal, in which his attempts to educate were not received warmly by the Manchester press pack. And Nick Harris of sportingintelligence helps us pick through the detail of the TV rights deals. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland have named an incredible team to play France, but we can't help but wonder if all those injuries really have cleared up. Gerry Thornley joins us to discuss.Tiger Woods is taking an indefinite break from golf - can he handle the humiliation of a long, slow slide into obscurity?Plus there's Andy Lee's world-title challenger, mid 80's boxing on youtube, and rat experiments on golfers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shane Jennings and Shane Horgan join us to discuss Ireland's kicking game, Henshaw, big beatable France and the George North concussion issue.Eamon Dunphy talks to us about his decades-long admiration for the retiring AP McCoy. Plus there's Butragueno's heartbeat, fairytale endings for men who have far more than their fair share and some news on our upcoming live show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran talk about the treachery of Gareth Bale, and Big Sam's lofty contempt for Long Ball United.Miguel Delaney joins us to talk about the inexorable rise of Harry Kane. And Jonathan Wilson reports from Equatorial Guinea on the Africa Cup of Nations heroes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Sean O'Brien, Ian Keatley selected, Wales V England, RWC year hype - Shane Horgan and Eddie O'Sullivan join us for a bumper 6N preview.Brian Murphy talks to us about broadcaster snubs and conspiracy theories. Plus there's celeb gatecrashers, Rory's cash, Welsh hymns and Marky Mark love. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester City had a chance to puncture Chelsea's title charge this weekend. We ask John Brewin if the club believes its a superpower yet.Emmet Malone joins us to discuss Martin O'Neill's humour defuser and what Roy has to do to get the head coach's attention. And there's Gabriele Marcotti on the potential demise of the San Siro. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Those of you who stayed up late to watch the Super Bowl were richly rewarded with a classic end game - we get the verdict from Boston on Brady, coach Carroll and the worst call in SB history.Oisin McConville and Anthony Moyles join us in studio to discuss the start of the league; Plus we speculate on Joe Schmidt's starting line-up for Ireland against Italy this Saturday, Murray's mind melt and the Snooperbowl. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We talk about Diego Costa's controlled insanity, and Jose Mourinho's probable misidentification of the spidery genius at the centre of the sinister campaign being waged against him. Philippe Auclair looks at FIFA's presidential election. And Michael Walker discusses the Celtic Rangers game this weekend. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's Super Bowl week, which means our US correspondent, Brian Murphy takes centre-stage, telling the NFL newbies who to look out for, who to hate, and bemoaning Super Bowl parties. Eoin met Tommy Walsh to discuss his return from Australia, plus there's Ken's wedding manners, World War Lance, and Joe Brolly finally gets the media recognition he's been sorely lacking over the last month. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leinster are at home to Bath in the QFs - we ask Gerry Thornley and Shane Horgan how optimistic fans can be and if the Celts can ever match the cash.After Hurricane Fly's 5th Irish Champion Hurdle success, we speak to Ruby Walsh about the big choice he has to make ahead of Cheltenham. Plus there's Winston Churchill, receding hair options, Carlos Santana's size 5s and 21st century attention spans. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We discuss the romance of the Cup, Jorge Mendes The Dream Weaver and Van Gaal's canary in the mine.We ask Dion Fanning if the FA Cup giants were upset to have been killed. Tim Vickery joins us to look back on the career of Juan Roman Riquelme. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Team Sky came onto the world cycling scene they were more than happy to portray themselves as 'cleaner than clean'. On the day former Sky team doctor Geert Leinders is banned for life by the Anti-Doping Agencies of the USA, Denmark and the Netherlands, we ask what damage this will do to their reputation. US Murph talks to us about one of the craziest playoff games in NFL history, and how under-inflated footballs has somehow become a massive story. Plus Jonathan Pearce's break-out commentary moment, and how to be a cheater, courtesy of South Park's Eric Cartman. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran reminisce about Eric Cantona, and wonder where Chelsea will find room in their squad for the latest £25m+ right-sided attacking midfielder.Jonathan Wilson is on the line from Equatorial Guinea where he's covering the Africa Cup of NationsAnd Dermot Corrigan fills us in on the state of play at Atletico Madrid, whose coach Diego Simeone insists they get fitter the more they play Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's only the second time in 17 seasons that Munster have failed to qualify for the quarter-finals of the European Cup - Shane Horgan and Gerry Thornley analyse a sobering weekend for Munster, and a much improved showing from Leinster. The winner of the William Hill Sports Book of the Year award this year was 'Night Games', by Anna Krien, which touches on many of the same issues currently being discussed as part of the Ched Evans farrago - she joins us from Melbourne. And Ken, Eoin and Murph discuss Conor McGregor's latest UFC win Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Ciaran talk about Arsenal's new "Terminator" mode, Santi Cazorla's paradoxical foot-speed and Jose Mourinho's respect for Steven Gerrard unlike certain others he could name. John Brewin was there to see Manchester City terminated by Arsene Wenger's mechanical attack dogs and Jonathan Liew joins us to analyse the pros and cons of January transfer trading. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ciaran and Ken discuss why some people still appear to struggle with the concept that others can read their racist Facebook postings, and how Sir Jack Hayward embodied the kind of class you seldom find in football nowadays. Miguel Delaney on why Man City's signing of Wilfried Bony might be annoying Jose Mourinho and Gabriele Marcotti joins us for some blue-sky thinking on the future of the European game Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fergus Connolly is the Irishman currently in charge of Elite Performance with the San Francisco 49ers, the latest stopping-off point in a career that has seen him work with the Dublin senior footballers, Liverpool FC, Bolton Wanderers, the Wales national rugby team and the Seattle Seahawks - we hear if there's any difference between our Irish sportspeople and the brash, ultra-confident stars of the NFL. We take a look back at the glory days of Shoot magazine, Ken talks about Winston Churchill's Nobel Prize for Literature, and there's US Murph too. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re staring down the barrel of a province-less quarter-final lineup for the European Rugby Champions Cup after the Six Nations, but Shane Horgan and Gerry Thornley reckon Munster have what it takes to beat Saracens away this weekend. Steph Roche continues her quest for Puskas Award glory and Peter Stringer joins us from Bath as he enjoys an Indian Summer in the Aviva Premiership. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ciaran and Ken discuss Gus Poyet's contempt, FIFA's Zurich gala and the new bad boy image of Lionel Messi.Jonathan Wilson saw Chelsea return to the top of the Premier League with an ultimately-comfortable win against NewcastleAnd John Brewin is on to discuss Southampton's victory at Old Trafford Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Murph and Ken discuss the latest developments in the Ched Evans situation.Sid Lowe analyses Lionel Messi's recent power plays at Barcelona.And Tony Barrett is on the line to talk about why Roberto Martinez has started to run into problems at Everton. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ched Evans' repeated attempts to get back into football have polarised opinion - Malachy Clerkin joins Mark, Ken and Murph to discuss the latest news on his chances of ever playing professionally in the UK again. US Murph tells us about why exactly he tore the San Francisco 49ers owner a new one on live radio last week, and our resident darts fan tells us why it is the sport of kings. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Connacht now play successful, crowd-pleasing rugby. Head coach Pat Lam joins us to discuss skills, the new fan base and how big the province can get.Gerry Thornley looks at who has been impressing Joe Schmidt over the Christmas period. Plus there's the Oisin McConville suite, the state of Christmas family relations and the Cowboys' biggest fan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin and Ken talk about Neymar's holidays, John Terry's respectful nature, and the road less travelled.Dion Fanning joins us to discuss Steven Gerrard's big announcement. Kieran Canning analyses one of the greatest results of David Moyes' career. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hey there 2015! Today’s show includes two of our favourite ever interviewees - David Baddiel and Michael Parkinson.We talk to David about supporting Abramovich era Chelsea, the real Mourinho, Ken’s yak hair, and the legacy left by his Fantasy Football show. Michael Parkinson chats about football and the community, why sport still matters, and the Premier League machine. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin and Ken discuss Jose's threadbare routine, Irish Everton woes and wonder which is the best resort for old ladies in the hills of Tuscany.John Brewin saw both Manchester clubs hit a speed bump over the post-Christmas period. He also reveals who really knocked Liverpool off their perch. Plus there's Mignolet's return, Harry's touch and FIFA's footballing heroine. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Seasons greetings from the SC Christmas Cabin where we have, as ever, left our families in order to shoot game and play parlour games.Its an especially festive Brian Murphy (the most Christmassy of all our friends) on the US sporting year. Plus we talk to one of the stars of 2014, Eamonn Fitzmaurice, about helming Kerry to an All Ireland title. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shane Curran has written one of the books of the sporting year - he joins us to talk about his life in football, the League of Ireland, and how he can lead Roscommon back to All-Ireland glory, as manager. Shane Horgan is on hand to discuss Johnny Sexton's concussion setback, and Ken Early sings out the show as our special Christmas gift to you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin and Ken discuss Jose Mourinho's 11-man circle of magic, Falcao's neck power and why coach Rodgers isn't getting enough credit. Jonathan Wilson watched Sunderland's historic fourth win in a row over Newcastle. Tim Vickery explains why South American strikers are simply better. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s our equivalent of the Late Late Toy Show as we take a look back at the sports books of the year, review a few all time classics and talk about the art of sportswriting with Malachy Clerkin and Lawrence Donegan.Eoin Ken and Murph discuss Frozen, the worry eater, over parenting, the BOD Paul O'Connell relationship and Jose's cocktail of cruelty, vanity and lies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Murph discuss the legacy of Thierry Henry, and managers' bosses signing players they don't want.Dion Fanning analyses the success of committee-based transfer dealings. Philippe Auclair explains the significance of the resignation of FIFA Ethics Committee chair Michael Garcia. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy Lee became the first Irishman since the 1930's to win a world title in America. Himself and his trainer Adam Booth join us to discuss Andy's future and the importance of their friendship.Gerry Thornley and Bernard Jackman look at how serious issues are for Leinster and Munster. Plus there's coach Brian, finishing the job, and Ken's gripe with SPOTY celebs. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin and Ken discuss Van Gaal's managerial masterpiece, and whether Liverpool will follow Spurs template all the way to the end.John Brewin tries to make sense of events at Old Trafford and we ask Jonathan Wilson if dropping an underperforming keeper can jolt him back into form. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin and Ken talk about Manchester City stepping up, Liverpool stepping off and the Craicageddon that ultimately engulfed Jack Charlton's Ireland team.Miguel Delaney was in Rome to see City shush the Curva Sud.And Alan McLoughlin joins us to talk about his excellent new memoir, A Different Shade Of Green. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin and Ken discuss the Paul Kimmage drugs in rugby story, postmen, Rodgers and Suarez energy, and what makes Ken happiest.US Murph joins us to discuss activism among American athletes and 49ers woe. Andy Lee has a shot at superstardom on Saturday night - Darren O'Neill and Richie Woodhall join us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ken has been in Los Angeles all weekend getting to the heart of Robbie's American dream and interviews him after the MLS final. Sid Lowe discusses marginalised Suarez and hat trick mania in Spain. Plus theres Mourinho's ballboy excuses, the importance of family and locker room aromas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Padraig Harrington is in upbeat form as he talks to us about learning to not be so hard on himself.Munster and Leinster both lack a Plan B ahead of season-defining return games next weekend - Gerry Thornley and Shane Horgan discuss. Plus there's Robbie Keane MVP, and how to call in sick to your boss. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Murph grab their pom-poms and dance for the King of US soccer, Robbie Keane.John Brewin sees rays of hope for Liverpool. And Hugo Borst discusses his new book on Louis van Gaal - "O, Louis". Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There's nothing in life more annoying than multi talented sportspeople and their obscene abilities - US Murph on some American legends.Andy Lee ahead of his world title fight in Las Vegas. Also Epstein v Gladwell, magic number of greatness, the mudlark and Ireland's 1984 LA tracksuits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin and Ken discuss John Delaney's silence, Roy Keane's departure from Villa, and Van Gaal's Christmas break.Jonathan Wilson considers the question of whether the Premier League as a whole needs to be ashamed of itself this season. Raphael Honigstein explains why Borussia Dortmund are bottom of the league. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ahead of the Champions Cup Munster have 7 wins in a row, while Leinster lack a spark - Gerry Thornley and Denis Hickie discuss.Also renewed Connacht optimism, a new TG4 documentary series on the Galway Races, flop haired Englishmen and Stephen Hunt V GAA. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin and Ken discuss John Delaney's masterclass in crisis management, and how Anthony Daly's book sheds light on the career of Pep Guardiola.Richie Sadlier joins us to discuss Balladgate. And Miguel Delaney was impressed by what he saw at the Emirates. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Murph discuss sports administrator bling, THE catch and the FAI's bungled PR strategy.We talk to Michael Foley about his book The Bloodied Field: Croke Park - Sunday 21 November 1920. And there's a Thanksgiving special with US Murph Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin and Ken talk about saying the unsayable and the tragedy of Dave Whelan's 78-year old frame of reference.Dion Fanning analyses Liverpool's latest Premier League surrender. And Philippe Auclair wonders whether Arsenal are ever going to change. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jonathan Sexton talks to us about progress, Ireland's kick heavy strategy and hype. Gerry Thornley and Mattie Williams look at next step for Ireland. Katie Taylor was crowned World champion for a fifth time - London 2012 team captain Darren O'Neill reckons she's our greatest ever athlete. Plus there's Ken's appendicitis, Shane Lowry top 50, McDevitt's Monday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin and Ken discuss Ireland's mauling of USA, discontent on the stands of the Aviva, and Van Gaal's need for precision. John Brewin fills us in on the adventures of the English travelling fans at Celtic Park. Jonathan Wilson looks ahead to Saturday's match between Arsenal and Man United. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Wallabies are in town with Michael Cheika and his wayward stars - we hear the Australian viewpoint. It turns out Tiger Woods does care about what is written about him - we speak to Dave Hannigan in America.Plus there's Darren O'Neill on Katie's grudge match, bad tippers, Tommy Timber, and Henning Berg's autobiography. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin and Ken talk about Martin O'Neill's exasperated attempts to address issues raised in Roy Keane's press conference.Tom English explains how the Scots have turned things around. Grant Wahl explains why team USA are a bit like team Ireland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ireland are third in the world rankings, so why not scrap the World Cup and we'll take our bronze medals now? Gerry Thornley and Matt Williams on long term consistency and Australia. Emmet Malone on Roy Keane's latest media outburst, Ken stands up for his colleagues in the gutter journalism game and Scottish weekend. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We talk Roy's scrabble move, Murph's Milltown misery, George Galloway, getting stuck in the rugby mud and the cautionary tale of Ireland's meeting with Georgia in the 2007 World Cup.Ken Early reports live from Glasgow ahead of Ireland V Scotland on Friday night, and we profile the man with the biggest ego in US sports, the owner of the Dallas Cowboys, Jerry Jones Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.