Podcast · Sport

The Athletic FC Podcast

by The Athletic · English · Sport

The Athletic's flagship football podcast is with you six days a week, bringing unrivalled analysis from the biggest stories in world football. New host Emma Paton is joined by the likes of David Ornstein, Adam Crafton, Matt Slater and James Horncastle. The show takes you inside the biggest stories in football told by the best reporters in the business. We cut through the noise to tell you what’s…

New episodes: Daily
Typical length: 44 min
Latest: 5 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

5 Oct 2026 · 43 minNew

Why do Man City think they can win their appeal?

Manchester City have lodged their appeal against the Premier League's independent commission after being found guilty of almost all the charges made against them. On today's show, we explain how City's appeal process will work and why they still believe they can overturn the initial verdict. Plus, the panel review England's 7-0 thrashing of Croatia, discuss Cavan Sullivan's debut for the USMNT and get excited for the return of the Premier League this weekend. Emma Paton is joined by Rob Green and Cerys Jones in the studio and The Athletic's Football Finance expert Chris Weatherspoon. Host:…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

4 Oct 2026 · 46 minNew

What If… VAR was scrapped?

What If is back with a big topic: VAR. Should the contentious technology continue or should the Premier League vote to scrap it? Emma Paton is joined by Tim Spiers, Dan Kilpatrick and former Premier League referee and VAR Graham Scott to discuss the pros and cons of getting rid of VAR. The panel also discuss the possibility of introducing a VAR challenge system, and other potential improvements to the system. Host: Emma Paton Guests: Tim Spiers, Dan Kilpatrick, Graham Scott Executive Producer: Adam Jones Producers: Mike Stavrou, Grayson Moody Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more…
3 Oct 2026 · 28 min

Danny Drinkwater on joining Chelsea, his Man Utd contract & regrets

What is Danny Drinkwater's biggest regret? Welcome to Truth or Padel Extra, the show where David Ornstein takes on footballers to ask questions he wouldn't be able to in a normal interview. This week David is joined by Premier League winner and former Leicester, Chelsea and Manchester United midfielder Danny Drinkwater to discuss his rollercoaster career. Host: David Ornstein Guests: Gary Neville Executive Producer: Joe Devine Editor: Don Ma Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2 Oct 2026 · 37 min

Premier League trends, surprises + disappointments so far

The Tactical Preview becomes the Tactical Review during the international break, as we look back at the first five weeks of Premier League action. Kate Mason is joined by Rob Green and Duncan Alexander to discuss the trends from the opening stages of the campaign; from expected points, to shot conversion. The panel also break down who has surprised and disappointed them, chatting Leeds and Everton's solid defences to Spurs' slow start. Host: Kate Mason Guests: Rob Green, Duncan Alexander Executive Producer: Adam Jones Producers: Mike Stavrou, Liam Warburton, Xavi Bird Hosted on Acast. See…
1 Oct 2026 · 59 min

How much bigger could the Man City scandal get?

Manchester City and the Premier League have gone to war since The Athletic first revealed they had been found guilty of virtually all the charges facing them last week. We’ve discussed the responses from both sides, possible sanctions and how those within the game have reacted. Today we’re asking… whose reputations have been damaged most? And how much bigger could this story actually get? Host: Kate Mason Co-hosts: Rob Green, Matt Slater, Adam Crafton Exec Producer: Adam Jones Producer: Mike Stavrou Videographer: Liam Warburton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
30 Sep 2026 · 44 min

Explaining Man City's £900m 'sham' finances

Manchester City have been found guilty of artificially inflating their revenues and reducing costs via "sham payments" in the verdict reached by an independent regulatory commission investigating the charges brought against them by the Premier League. Kate Mason is joined by The Athletic's senior news reporter Matt Slater, at the European Football Clubs general assembly in Copenhagen as well as former England goalkeeper Rob Green to react to the statements released by both the Premier League and Man City. The Athletic's football finance writer Chris Weatherspoon also breaks down the nature…
29 Sep 2026 · 49 min

Inside the Man City scandal, with Ornstein and Horncastle

Last week, David Ornstein dropped the exclusive story that Manchester City had been found guilty of almost all their charges relating to the Premier League's financial regulations. Today, he’s here with us in the studio. So how did the news that shook the world of football come about? How does it compare to the Calciopoli scandal in Italy? And what’s the reaction been from their rivals across England and Europe? Host: Kate Mason Guests: David Ornstein, James Horncastle Executive Producer: Adam Jones Producer: Mike Stavrou Videographer: Grayson Moody Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for…
27 Sep 2026 · 54 min

Man City charges: The fallout + what happens next?

After David Ornstein exclusively revealed Manchester City were found guilty of almost all of the 115 charges relating to breaches of Premier League financial regulations on Friday, we’re here to explain what those charges actually are, what the immediate fallout has been from the verdict, and what happens next. Emma Paton is joined by The Athletic’s senior football reporter Adam Crafton in New York, managing editor of news Luke Bosher and Manchester United correspondent Cerys Jones. Executive Producer: Adam Jones Videographer: Grayson Moody Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more…
26 Sep 2026 · 27 min

Gary Neville on the future of punditry & becoming Prime Minister | Truth or Padel Full Interview

Who does Gary Neville think will become the next great pundit? And does he see himself going into politics some day? Welcome to Truth or Padel Extra, the show where David Ornstein takes on footballers to ask questions he wouldn't be able to in a normal interview. This week David is joined by Manchester United legend and star pundit Gary Neville to discuss his biggest mistakes on and off the pitch, his latest moment of reflection in life and why he doesn't want to own Manchester United. Host: David Ornstein Guests: Gary Neville Executive Producer: Joe Devine Editor: Don Ma Hosted on Acast.…
25 Sep 2026 · 23 min

EMERGENCY POD: Man City found guilty of almost all charges, with David Ornstein

Manchester City have been found guilty on almost all of the charges relating to breaches of the Premier League’s financial regulations. In this emergency podcast, senior news reporter Matt Slater is joined by football correspondent David Ornstein and Manchester City correspondent Sam Lee to discuss the breaking news and what it means. Host: Matt Slater Guests: David Ornstein, Sam Lee Executive Producers: Adam Jones, Adey Moorhead Producers: Grayson Moody, Mike Stavrou, Liam Warburton Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
24 Sep 2026 · 42 min

Is the Chelsea 'project' stuck?

Clearlake Capital have taken “full control” of Chelsea, purchasing Todd Boehly’s minority stake. Kate Mason is joined by Matt Slater, Liam Twomey and Rob Green to get into why Boehly’s four year affiliation with the club has come to an end, and what it means for the Chelsea ‘project’. Plus, Matt explains Clearlake's £5bn valuation of the club - more than double the purchase price back in 2022, and we get into the latest on Chelsea's stalling stadium plans. Host: Kate Mason With: Liam Twomey, Matt Slater and Rob Green Executive Producer: Adam Jones Producer: Jay Beale Videographer: Lara…
23 Sep 2026 · 42 min

Kylian Mbappe interview: Liverpool talks, Mourinho at Madrid and idolising Ronaldo

Kylian Mbappe sits down exclusively with Daniel Taylor from The Athletic for a wide ranging interview at Real Madrid’s training ground. In a wide ranging conversation, he revealed how close he came to joining Liverpool before PSG, working with Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid, his favourite World Cup memories and what he does in his spare time to unwind. Hosts: Emma Paton & Danny Taylor Guest: Kylian Mbappe Executive Producer: Alex Hoffman Videographer: Rachael Tinde Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
22 Sep 2026 · 49 min

Ornstein latest: Brentford’s recruitment recipe

Brentford continued their excellent start to the season with a 3-0 win over Chelsea on Friday night. Emma Paton is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein, James Horncastle and Liam Tharme to dive into how the west London side operate so efficiently on and off the pitch. David also answers listener questions on Spurs' latest investment and what is going on at executive level at Manchester United. Plus, don't miss our teaser for David's brand new series: Truth or Padel. Host: Emma Paton With: David Ornstein, James Horncastle and Liam Tharme Executive Producer: Adam Jones Producer: Mike…
21 Sep 2026 · 46 min

How Brighton humbled Arsenal + Spurs hit rock bottom

Arsenal were dealt a humbling on Saturday as Brighton ran riot on the south coast. Emma Paton is joined by Cerys Jones and Rob Green to get into how Fabian Hurzeler did a job on the Premier League champions, and where this result leaves Mikel Arteta's side. Plus, after their worst ever start to a Premier League season, we get into Spurs' defeat to Aston Villa that leaves them bottom of the league, and Stu James drops by to discuss his weekly feature for The Athletic, ranking the performance of all 20 Premier League teams to decide who won the weekend. Host: Emma Paton With: Cerys Jones & Rob…
20 Sep 2026 · 50 min

What If... the Super League had happened?

On this week's episode of What If, we're diving into the 2021 European Super League project, which collapsed within a matter of days. Host Emma Paton is joined by Matt Slater and Dan Kilpatrick to see what would've happened if the idea actually went ahead. Could it have worked, what would it have meant for domestic leagues, the Champions League and the fabric of football? Host: Emma Paton Guests: Matt Slater, Dan Kilpatrick Executive Producer: Guy Clarke Producers: Mike Stavrou, Grayson Moody Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
18 Sep 2026 · 47 min

Spurs vs Aston Villa + the importance of pressing

It’s Tactical Preview time, and this week our primary focus is Tottenham Hotspur vs Aston Villa in north London. Kate Mason is joined by Rob Green and Liam Tharme to break down how Roberto De Zerbi’s side can try and score their first Premier League goal of the season. Also on the agenda is Bournemouth vs Liverpool, Brentford vs Chelsea and what’s been behind Hull City’s incredible start to the season. The panel also break down the importance of pressing in the modern era and how it’s changed over time. Host: Kate Mason Guests: Rob Green, Liam Tharme Executive Producer: Guy Clarke Producers:…
17 Sep 2026 · 38 min

Why does JJ Gabriel want to leave Man United?

Manchester United's 15-year-old academy prospect JJ Gabriel has outlined his desire to leave. To discuss why and how this situation has developed Kate Mason is joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton and Matt Slater as well as former England goalkeeper Rob Green. Andy Mitten, co-host, of Talk of the Devils also joins having watched Gabriel extensively at youth team level within the Manchester United academy system. As well as the situation around Gabriel's registration and Manchester United specifically the panel also delve into the impact Brexit has had on youth recruitment and retention as…
16 Sep 2026 · 39 min

Are Liverpool adapting to Iraola?

Liverpool saw off Spurs on Tuesday night to make it two wins from two in the cup competitions, but Andoni Iraola’s side have just one Premier League victory so far. Emma Paton is joined by The Athletic’s James Pearce and Cerys Jones, plus author of 'Data Game: The Story of Liverpool FC's Analytics Revolution', Josh Williams to get into whether Iraola’s team are adapting to his principles. Plus, as Andy Robertson made his Anfield return after nine years on Merseyside, the panel discuss whether the current Liverpool squad have enough leaders and consider the implications Cody Gakpo’s departure…
15 Sep 2026 · 45 min

Ornstein latest: Why are Spurs still struggling to score?

Spurs have scored zero goals in their first four Premier League games this season. So why are Roberto De Zerbi's side struggling to find the back of the net despite their £300m summer outlay? Emma Paton is joined by David Ornstein and James Horncastle to discuss why they're misfiring in front of goal. Tottenham correspondent Jack Pitt-Brooke also drops by to discuss the issue. David also answers questions from subscribers on Man United's coaching set-up, Coventry City's poor start to the season compared to Hull City and Ipswich Town and interest from Arsenal in Liverpool winger Rio Ngumoha.…
14 Sep 2026 · 40 min

Has Manchester derby defeat put Carrick under pressure?

Erling Haaland settled the 199th Manchester derby with the only goal as Man City came away from Old Trafford with a 1-0 win. Emma Paton is joined by The Athletic's Cerys Jones and former England goalkeeper Rob Green to pick through a controversial meeting. Manchester United correspondent Laurie Whitwell reflects on Michael Carrick's anger at the decision to allow Haaland's goal with former Premier League referee Graham Scott joining us to explain the VAR process. Man City correspondent Sam Lee explains the significance of the derby win for Enzo Maresca and we also wrap-up some of the other…
13 Sep 2026 · 51 min

What If... Wayne Rooney joined Manchester City in 2010?

Ahead of the Manchester derby, this week on What If... we're talking about Wayne Rooney and the hypothetical around whether he could have possibly made the switch across Manchester from United to City back in 2010. Emma Paton is joined by The Athletic's Jack Pitt-Brooke and Dan Kilpatrick, as well as Andy Mitten from Talk of the Devils to delve into Rooney's at times strained relationship with Sir Alex Ferguson Our alternative timeline ponders whether the move to City could have taken place, as well as whether Rooney could have moved to Jose Mourinho's Chelsea in 2013 as well as the impact…
11 Sep 2026 · 39 min

Man United v Man City + underlying data buys

This week on the Tactical Preview we're looking ahead to the first Manchester derby of the season, as Manchester United welcome Man City to Old Trafford. Kate Mason is joined by Rob Green and The Athletic's Thom Harris to analyse City's midfield having been reconstructed during the summer transfer window with the arrival of Elliot Anderson, Ayyoub Bouaddi and Enzo Fernandez. The Athletic's Man City correspondent Sam Lee also drops by to explain how the new unit is coming together, while the panel assess whether playing on the counter may suit Michael Carrick's side There's also a look ahead…
10 Sep 2026 · 45 min

Champions League boom + Garry Cook on Manchesterism

As the Champions League returns, a number of big match-ups have played out including Real Madrid taking on Inter Milan and Liverpool facing Atletico Madrid, but where is the jeopardy? Kate Mason is joined by Adam Crafton, Matt Slater and Rob Green to analyse the growth and investment within the Champions League and discuss whether the change to the league phase format has led to a closed-shop for the clubs capable of winning the tournament. Plus, ahead of Sunday's Manchester derby, former Man City CEO Garry Cook joins the podcast to discuss the role the two clubs have played in raising the…
9 Sep 2026 · 36 min

Is Mourinho's Real Madrid return working?

Real Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Inter in their opening Champions League fixture was far from convincing. Emma Paton is joined by The Athletic's Liam Twomey and Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero to get into Jose Mourinho’s return to the Spanish capital, the panel discuss whether he’s the man to bring silverware back to the Bernabeu amid familiar problems to last season. Plus, with the shortlist for the Ballon d'Or revealed, could Harry Kane become just the fourth Englishman to win the award? Host: Emma Paton Co-hosts: Liam Twomey, Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero Featuring: Guillermo Rai Exec Producer: Guy…
8 Sep 2026 · 45 min

Inside Everton's transfer window frustrations with Ornstein and Horncastle

After seeing a late move for Folarin Balogun collapsed Everton have been left with 18 senior first team players, something manager David Moyes seems less than pleased by. Emma Paton is with David Ornstein and James Horncastle to analyse Everton's transfer dealings, discuss why things played out in the manner they did - including looking likely to strike a deal to sell Harrison Armstrong to Nottingham Forest. The Friedkin Group are also exploring investment opportunities in the club, so the panel assess the relationship the owners have with the club having only taken control in December 2024.…
7 Sep 2026 · 37 min

Who can challenge Arsenal for the title?

Arsenal made it three wins from three at the start of the new Premier League season, coming from behind to beat Chelsea 2-1 at the Emirates. Emma Paton is joined by former England goalkeeper Rob Green and The Athletic's Matt Slater to look back on the weekend's action. Art de Roche shares his thoughts on Arsenal's attacking rotations on show against Chelsea, with Liam Twomey assessing how far off becoming title challengers Xabi Alonso's side are. Moving away from the Emirates, the panel assess who else could challenge for the title this season, with Man City being the only other side to take…
6 Sep 2026 · 1 hr

What If... Abramovich bought Spurs instead of Chelsea?

For episode two of What If... we're talking Chelsea's former owner Roman Abramovich - and the parallel universe where he buys Spurs, or even Arsenal, instead of the Blues. Emma Paton is joined by The Athletic's Tim Spiers and Spurs writer Jack Pitt-Brooke and Chelsea writer Liam Twomey to delve into the influence of Abramovich and how he changed the game forever. Our alternative timeline ponders what would happen to Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United, Mourinho and the Premier League's ownership and investment landscape had Abramovich not taken over. Host: Emma Paton Guests: Tim Spiers, Jack…
4 Sep 2026 · 42 min

Arsenal vs Chelsea + how to rebuild a squad

Welcome back to the Tactical Preview, this week, our focus is on Arsenal vs Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. Kate Mason is joined by former England goalkeeper Rob Green and The Athletic’s Tactics writer Liam Tharme to analyse Xabi Alonso’s low-possession style from their first two games and how their potent attack could go about breaking down a stubborn Arsenal side. The panel also discuss squad building, with multiple clubs going through big changes in personnel over the summer window. They also look at Everton vs Manchester United, Nottingham Forest vs Spurs and Newcastle vs…
3 Sep 2026 · 41 min

Was this the summer the Premier League ate itself?

This summer the Premier League smashed the record for spending within the division, with £1.7bn worth of transfers between Premier League clubs alone. Kate Mason is joined by Adam Crafton, Matt Slater and Rob Green to get into what this means for football here in the UK and why player prices are so high. Plus, Tim Bridge, lead partner of Deloitte's Sports Business Group, drops in to talk about the impact on the wider game and growing wealth gaps across Europe. Host: Kate Mason With: Adam Crafton, Matt Slater, Rob Green Featuring: Tim Bridge Executive Producer: Adam Jones Producer: Jay Beale…
2 Sep 2026 · 57 min

Inside the summer transfer window, with Ornstein and Horncastle

The transfer window is now closed after another summer of truly bonkers spending. Emma Paton is joined by The Athletic's David Ornstein & James Horncastle to get into the deals that stood out and the deals that fell through, including Folarin Balogun's failed move to Everton that had repercussions for Chelsea. Plus, the panel reveal their favourite signing of the summer, the transfer that made them double take and which set of fans shout be most concerned now the window has shut. Host: Emma Paton With: David Ornstein and James Horncastle Executive Producer: Adam Jones Producer: Jay Beale…

About The Athletic FC Podcast

The Athletic FC Podcast is a English sport podcast from The Athletic. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: The Athletic
Language: English
Category: Sport
New episodes: Daily
Typical length: 44 min
Latest episode: 5 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1488521447
Website: nytimes.com/athletic/podcasts
Rights: The Athletic

RSS feed Apple Podcasts Website

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The Athletic FC Podcast

Latest episode

Why do Man City think they can win their appeal?

Earlier episodes 29 most recent

What If… VAR was scrapped?

Danny Drinkwater on joining Chelsea, his Man Utd contract & regrets

Premier League trends, surprises + disappointments so far

How much bigger could the Man City scandal get?

Explaining Man City's £900m 'sham' finances

Inside the Man City scandal, with Ornstein and Horncastle

Man City charges: The fallout + what happens next?

Gary Neville on the future of punditry & becoming Prime Minister | Truth or Padel Full Interview

EMERGENCY POD: Man City found guilty of almost all charges, with David Ornstein

Is the Chelsea 'project' stuck?

Kylian Mbappe interview: Liverpool talks, Mourinho at Madrid and idolising Ronaldo

Ornstein latest: Brentford’s recruitment recipe

How Brighton humbled Arsenal + Spurs hit rock bottom

What If... the Super League had happened?

Spurs vs Aston Villa + the importance of pressing

Why does JJ Gabriel want to leave Man United?

Are Liverpool adapting to Iraola?

Ornstein latest: Why are Spurs still struggling to score?

Has Manchester derby defeat put Carrick under pressure?

What If... Wayne Rooney joined Manchester City in 2010?

Man United v Man City + underlying data buys

Champions League boom + Garry Cook on Manchesterism

Is Mourinho's Real Madrid return working?

Inside Everton's transfer window frustrations with Ornstein and Horncastle

Who can challenge Arsenal for the title?

What If... Abramovich bought Spurs instead of Chelsea?

Arsenal vs Chelsea + how to rebuild a squad

Was this the summer the Premier League ate itself?

Inside the summer transfer window, with Ornstein and Horncastle

About The Athletic FC Podcast

More from The Athletic 2

More English sport 6

Take it with you