Premier League honey

0:00I tell myself, it's not about comparing. But then I start wondering, what can they lift? Are they adding more weight to their barbell than I am? And suddenly, I'm not training. Then I realize, my journey is not theirs. I've earned every step. So I smile. My smile is the shape resilience takes to keep me moving. To put more smiles out into the world, Colgate has supported female athletes for over 50 years with the Colgate Women's Games, the nation's longest-running indoor track and field series for girls and women. Colgate, your smile is your strength Immersing yourself in all things soccer ahead of this summer's World Cup?

0:34I'm Alex Abnos, Senior Sports Editor from The Guardian Whether you're a soccer beginner or you know the game inside and out we've got you covered From one of the fastest growing soccer newsrooms The Guardian brings you in-depth World Cup coverage that gets into the winners and losers on and off the pitch Read, watch and listen as our journalists connect the dots between the games, the cultures and this political moment We'll have daily newsletters throughout the tournament, a global perspective, and a squad of Americans, including me, on the ground with the U.S. national team. Plus, if you want to test your soccer knowledge, try On The Ball.

1:06It's a game in the Guardian app, and it's really, really fun. And if you're into stuff like this...

1:10Marcus Speller: Well, I think the problem is if you give footballers an inch, they will take a mile. Is it too much when it's this close? It's a bit much. It's a bit too real. Maybe you could just talk with a slight delay. Be sure to listen to our Football Weekly podcast for on-the-move expert analysis. The Guardian, bringing you the whole picture on soccer. Search Guardian Soccer for more. Yeah, he's called the local, literally local honey man. Love that. So, I mean, when they see bee company, they haven't got any honey. That's your one fucking job, lads. They just sell bees. Well, they sell a little bee.

1:46Pete Donaldson: Make your own honey like a real man. Motherfuckers. All right, Peter. Motherfuckers. Motherfucking Lee B Company The B Lees Lee? Unbelievable The Jigsaw Jazz And the Get Fresh Flow Everybody Welcome to the Football Ramble Arsenal extend their lead And Spurs were superb It's Monday 4th of May I'm Marcus Speller I'm Pete Duddleson I'm Jim Campbell And I'm the Dishanahantaraja

2:15Yeah! In comma!

2:23Pete Donaldson: Hello everybody It's another Manic Monday At the Football Ramble Peter Sorry I was having a bit of a yarn up there A German yarn up I ain't stretched out A German yarn up A German yarn up in a World Cup year Thank you What are you thinking Got a German manager Show some respect For our brethren For our sausage brethren That was a get out of jail free card And then he voluntarily walked back in A pocketbook munching, Brennan. Peter. Yes. Hello. Just before we started, you did a very good impression of Cher. I'd like you to share it with the audience. If you be... If you be living life after love.

3:05Pete Donaldson: There you go.

3:06Marcus Speller: What a start. I still can't believe they chopped her throat during that. I know. So unnecessary. I'll do T-pen next. Use auto-tune.

3:14Pete Donaldson: Right, before we get started, a reminder that we are hosting a huge watch-along for England's first World Cup game. We're taking over a 40-foot brewery in North London on Wednesday, 17th June, for England versus Croatia. That game kicks off at 9pm. It'll be open a fair few hours before that. There'll be massive outdoor screens, exclusive merch, top-tier food, live pre-match chat, and our brand new World Cup lager, My Fizzy Aunt. That'll be pouring all night long. there are a handful of tickets left so don't miss out grab yours now via the Eventbrite link in the show notes I get an email on a shared email account for Stack every time we sell a ticket or somebody buys a ticket and it has been a torrent I can't get my own emails, I've had to turn it off because there are so many people this is such a hot ticket everyone's getting so excited about it and buying all the tickets I wanted to stop quite frankly

4:07Marcus Speller: that will reassure listeners knowing that their details are going to wreck to you yes no GDPR in the great Donaldson Peter it's a bank I'll live on this service I'm running today it's very slow you sense every 15 minutes not every 10 that's absolutely right

4:31Pete Donaldson: well then gentlemen let's pick up the pace talking about Tottenham Hotspur They beat Aston Villa 2-1 at Villa Park. Luke and I did a little prediction thing on Instagram. And as a lot of people have pointed out post this result, we don't know anything. We're clowns. Experts laughing emojis. Zero ball knowledge. Yeah, exactly. Exactly. So apologies there, Tottenham Hotspur. But let's be honest, I don't think anybody saw this coming. The manner of the performance, the manner of the victory, Jim Campbell, it was bang on. Yeah, well, the story is the manner, isn't it? Yeah. right from the off they were a lot more kind of confident than we've seen from Spurs recently and actually when you look at the starting line-up it's one of those where you go I know they've got a lot of injuries but actually this is a solid team from top to bottom there's not really a weak spot in terms of you know this seeming like the disaster that Spurs' season has been unfolding to be Conor Gallagher obviously gets a brilliant goal early on that sets the tone and actually they really look like comfortably the better team which will be absolutely infuriating for us to Villa because they've got a really really good record at home this season obviously they've rested players ahead of a game in Europe it was a bit of a makeshift midfield wasn't it it was but I always find this kind of attitude a little bit funny when obviously you know resting players makes a difference but there's this sense of like ah you know they've got a big big game coming up the one after this so make sure to lose this so you're extra fresh for the next one you still want to go out there and win it And you and Emery look furious with the performance.

6:06Pete Donaldson: Or is it a big grand plan for Forrest? Because Spurs winning means that it puts a little bit more pressure on Forrest. And De Forrest go, oh, we can't throw everything at this game. That's not what it was. But what it was was a brilliant performance. Yes, Villa were very passive. And quite frankly... They had an XGF zero until a 96 minute zero. They were pissed for. Really bad. I mean, the cameras panning around the ground. every Villa fan was absolutely fuming because this is not what they've come to expect. And even with that game, that very important second leg against Forest this week, that performance was very, very bad.

6:43Marcus Speller: And a bit of a vibe killer as well, we should say. Oh, completely, yeah. Given that they're going to be at Villa Park on Thursday.

6:49Pete Donaldson: Absolutely, yeah. But Pete Donaldson, Tottenham Hotspur, when they beat Wolves last time round, it was still a bit disjointed. It wasn't convincing. But look, a win's a win's a win. and they needed that because they hadn't won all year so you've got to start somewhere but the improvement of performance even from that was just clear as day yeah I mean Aston Villa did show nothing a caveat needs to be explained but they I can't remember the last time Spurs took the game to their opponents in the first half like they did and Jim obviously mentioned Conor Gallagher's goal but like he just pressed the shit out of that midfield and he that's what he's there for that's what he's there for it's how he plays and to play you know a relatively decent player like that in that kind of position doing that kind of role it was God it was night and day it's easily the best performance he had in a Spurs shirt it was exactly what Spurs needed a goal to get them going but even Vish even if that moment of brilliance from Gallagher doesn't happen still there was such great value for that victory and such a mature performance because it wasn't obviously you've got to get the goals but the way they managed the game and completely restricted yes a very flat and very poor Aston Villa side but bearing in mind what we have seen before again you have to give them an enormous amount of credit

8:10Marcus Speller: I would go as far to say in a complimentary way that it wasn't a mature performance, it was a kid like performance in the sense of De Zerbe almost told them all right you see the ball, run after it whenever they have it, just fucking run at them every single one of you go where the ball is I was talking to a Spurs fan in midweek about essentially about this game and the situation of Spurs more broadly and it seemed like the toughest job De Zerbi would have is convincing a group of players who will have options at the end of the season if Spurs go down that it's worth them fighting to keep Spurs up and that's what we saw on Sunday didn't we that organisation the fact that they obviously really did give a shit I know you know players do have a you know more professional pride than sometimes they're giving credit for but it's not like we've seen much from Spurs this season and the Gallagher thing is really interesting I was really happy for him because I feel like sometimes the way we talk about him and indeed the fact that he's been at Atletico Madrid for so long you kind of like dismiss the fact that he can kick a football

9:16Pete Donaldson: I know what you mean

9:17Marcus Speller: he's like he can kick a man brilliant he's good at that he's got a long ranger

9:20Pete Donaldson: in him for sure yeah

9:21Marcus Speller: I was about to say

9:24Pete Donaldson: Palace played a different role

9:26Marcus Speller: yeah he was basically Palace is equivalent of Morgan Gibbs White yeah

9:30Pete Donaldson: in terms of

9:31Marcus Speller: he was all action he scored loads of good goals he played loads of through balls he was very exciting dynamo player for them his tenacity

9:39Pete Donaldson: is often means his other parts of his game is overlooked of course

9:42Marcus Speller: yeah yeah it's not like yeah I suppose the other thing to say as well is Paulinho had a really good game yeah I think I don't know if you can if you're going to be passive

9:52Pete Donaldson: don't be passive against Gallagher and Paulinho yeah just eat you up

9:55Marcus Speller: I don't know if you remember this but there's a bit in the second half where the tackle but no no but he goes down for the tackle and so he's on the floor and the the forward i think maybe rogers hasn't actually made a move yet so instead of getting up he like crabs over to him he like slides over and then tackles him uh but yeah like i mean villa were appallingly bad yeah they were i don't think it's taking anything away from spurs to say that because obviously they're in a quite unique space where they're always gonna make changes it looked like they did no prep for this game yes which Which, you know, I can kind of get because it's, you know, to expect from Spurs to a point.

10:31Marcus Speller: But it was clearly so dismissive of Spurs in the build-up to this. They had bigger fish to fry. And, you know, that's something that they'll have to square on Thursday. But, yeah, like Spurs did exactly what they needed to do. But, by the way, did it well enough to suggest that they might be in a better spot going forward and that they might not be relegated.

10:50Pete Donaldson: No, sure. I get that. I mean, from Villa's point of view, obviously they're in a command, Well, they're in a very good position to finish fifth. They've got the Europa League as well. They've not been brilliant in the last handful of games. They're six points above Bournemouth. And Villa, I mean, I think they've looked at their fixtures and gone, you know, we've got Liverpool. Okay, well, Liverpool aren't great. They're still, you know, a decent side. Last day against Manchester City could well, you know, you would imagine that would be a very important fixture for Manchester City. So that's a tough one.

11:20Pete Donaldson: But then they've got Burnley and they're thinking, you know what, one win, we should be okay. But, you know, it's not a given that they will still qualify for Champions League. I very much suspect they will. But I think that's some of the fans were just thinking, it's like, lads, come on. Not only is this really, really bad to watch, but the momentum going into the game against Forest, you know, we'll see if that plays any part. Perhaps not. But there's things to play for it. And to be that bad. It's one of those things that happens quite often at this point of the season. and it makes you wonder if season ticket holders go, next season, when you're going to take a game off, can you let us know which one it's going to be?

11:58Marcus Speller: 100%. Really, really frustrating.

12:00Pete Donaldson: I think, to go back to Spurs though, if I may, I think what they did really well and what they've needed to do, and I would assume this comes from Roberto De Zerbi, is they played without fear. Yes. And they were competitive in a way that they've not been in a lot of games recently. Obviously the Wolves games, you say, they win that game and they get that going, but they had to sort of scrap for it in a way that was very different from today because clearly that confidence has come back. And if they compete like that in the rest of the games, I think they'll be fine. I really do. You would think so.

12:28Pete Donaldson: And quite clearly the away fans thought, because have you heard Spurs fans singing like that? I can't remember the last time. And they were singing. There was still a lot of the game to go, but it was quite obvious how the result was going to end up because they were 2-0 and obviously Buendia scores right at the very, very end. Which, I mean, to be honest, 2-1 flattered Villa. Let's be quite frank. I think that was their only shot on target. 2-1 flattered them. And I mean, in the, what was it, the 66th minute, Colin Mawani was walking past the Spurs fans as he'd been taken off. And he was slapping high fives and all this kind of stuff.

12:58Pete Donaldson: And I was thinking, this is a side who, up until the final whistle, were in the relegation zone. Yeah. But it shows you the mentality shift that those fans and clearly the players and manager all sort of think, ah, we finally cracked it. Now, obviously there's games to go and it's going to be an incredible run-in. but my goodness you know you look at it well they've got Leeds United at home next and West Ham of Arsenal Arsenal at home as well yeah I am convinced West Ham gets something there that's a story for another day I thought you might be but it is the smart money now could suggest that they would be three maybe four points above West Ham next weekend you know I'm looking you know far too far ahead into the future here with regard to relegation battles but I just the whole energy you know how many times did we see Spurs plays you know typified with Polina when he makes that tackle and wins that free kick when he's celebrating it Pedro Porro you know the mentality shift was so blatantly obvious to see and that fed to the fans and back and forth it is a completely different feeling now at Tom Hotspur and actually this is going to sound like a ridiculous comparison and we'll come on to the Arsenal game later but I was at the Leicester City they win the league next season I was at the Emirates on Saturday and the first half performance was like, oh my God, this is what it used to be like.

14:20Pete Donaldson: And that is a tangible feeling. And that sense of relief is absolutely massive. It looked like the players felt that as well. And Spurs will be going through a very different version of that same thing. And that energy is absolutely priceless for them in the situation they're in at this point of the season. Yeah, totally. So it ended being a great weekend for Spurs because Brentford beat West Ham 3-0, which was tough on West Ham because they hit the woodwork four times. that's that Somerville slalom was yeah it would have been one of the goals of the season and it crashed off the bar Castellanos was unlucky and those moments came they would have changed the game of course when the scoreline was I mean 3-0 doesn't tell the story the fact is though brilliant win for Brentford who were on the march for European places but poor old West Ham Peter that is it's a really really frustrating one it means it adds further distance between them and Spurs in terms of goal difference as well, which will be effectively like another point.

15:22Pete Donaldson: I mean, Spurs are 10 goals better off than West Ham. Do you worry about the Hammers now? It was such an open, fun, like on-the-break counter-attacky kind of first half. I thought, well, you know, this is kind of what West Ham are, you know, that's how West Ham have been doing so well recently. But you sort of look at kind of like, Forrest might get, Forrest are probably the ones who are looking at their running. They've got Chelsea away, obviously, at a time of recording this afternoon. Man United as well. Newcastle and Bournemouth as well. Forrest might get pulled in. The way the Spurs have kind of shown a bit in this last football match, you do sort of think, oh, maybe they're now looking at Forrest that they've been able to sort of climb over.

16:07But yeah, it's not looking great for them at this moment in time. Too little, too late, potentially. That Spurs performance has put the willies up a few teams, as you say. Manson doing some great Nick Pope work in this match. Yeah, he enjoyed that. Really good stuff.

16:23Pete Donaldson: Yeah, he certainly did. I mean, yeah. 1-0 as well. It's an own goal, of course. Again, off the bar. I know, yeah. It's the story of the afternoon. They love just matching the bar. I really feel for Mavropanos because he's been an absolute warrior for them. He's been a key figure in their sort of upturn in form and a real sort of reference point for them. So that is particularly gutting, especially as he then has a narrow offside decision go against him. Gutting. It's offside though, Jimmy. Indeed, indeed. But it was absolutely one of those afternoons for West Ham, wasn't it? What was Malik Diouf doing though?

16:58Pete Donaldson: Malik Diouf is such a funny player like that, isn't he? He looks like he can be really sort of dynamic and interesting going forward and then he's got a moment like this in him. I thought it was outside the box. It just looked like it was really... I think he might have fouled him outside the box and then given him another one on the white bunny. Yeah, you might have got a penalty for that. This will get you... There you go. Yeah, inviting Thiago to take a penalty against you. You're not going to get anything there. I mean, yeah, 2-0, it's a bit of a mountain to climb. Oh, West Ham. It's an absolutely intriguing run-in because, as you say, there we were thinking after Forest beat Sunderland 5-0 and I'm beaten in their last six, oh, they'll be all right.

17:35Pete Donaldson: Suddenly, they are just three points away. Obviously, they're playing this afternoon. you're right to say but they can't have the type of performance Villa put in against Chelsea but looking at the run-in as we say West Ham have got Arsenal then they're away to Newcastle and at home to Leeds they will be hoping very much that Leeds will be home and hosed by then which I suspect they will be I think everyone's looking at their Leeds three points to see how it goes and they're hoping as well that Newcastle will have nothing to play for which may well be the case too but Brentford Fish my goodness they just go on and on

18:06Marcus Speller: yeah I'm I'm going to sound like I'm taking credit away from them, but because of the top half of the league has been so different this year to the point where I know we're going to talk about it, but even my club, Manchester United have already secured champions league football, despite having such a bad start to the season that it's hard to gauge where they would be next year playing the same way. Cause you're, you're kind of assuming other people will get their act together. But the one thing you can say about Brentford is they've been consistent all the way through. I think it was interesting.

18:37Marcus Speller: listening to an interview with Keith Andrews in the week and talking about like their style of play and how with all the focus on on I suppose like yeah set pieces and the kind of bigger focus on that that Brentford's difference makers are being cut down to a point because the continuity that he's had with them over the last few years despite the fact he's only been manager this season is they've been really focusing on all that and so it'd be interesting to see how they come out next season and what kind of trends they're pushing towards. Because clearly from top to bottom, they have this way of operating that just feels so much more sustainable than everyone around them.

19:18Pete Donaldson: Also having one of the top goal scorers in the league is massive, isn't it? Absolutely massive when you're on a sort of charge in the way that Brentford are. It's really, really impressive and it's so important to keep winning in that kind of little, really, as you mentioned, it is kind of the B teams, isn't it? are in this really fierce little battle between themselves. Oh, yeah. It's just so important for all three of them to stay the course and keep winning. Brighton losing is massive for Brentford there. Obviously Bournemouth are just ahead in front.

19:47Marcus Speller: Well, we'll see who brings home the honey. Because of the bee teams. Yes, the bee teams. Brentford are the bees, of course. Yes. Yeah, of course, ruining that.

19:57Pete Donaldson: Yeah, so they're more likely.

19:58Marcus Speller: Yeah. Goals like honey. Goals like honey. Goals. Seagulls, not girls. I didn't say girls like honey. What about cherries? Girls don't like boys, girls like lovely honey.

20:13Pete Donaldson: Let's go. Do seagulls like honey? I don't like any of them, aren't they? Probably more than girls. Have you ever seen a girl with honey? My dad, famously, as I've said on the show before, saw a seagull eat a poo once, so coming out of a sewage pipe, so they will eat anything.

20:27Marcus Speller: At first that's my fault, isn't it, for leading them down that path? It is. Yes.

20:31Pete Donaldson: We've got an email. Oh! Ben's been in touch. B-mail. B-mail. Ben says, so it's come to my attention that sixth place in the league can qualify for the Champions League, but only if Villa win the Europa League and finish exactly fifth. Due to Liverpool playing Brentford in the final game, I realised something very bizarre could happen. The criteria going into the final day are Aston Villa have won the Europa League, Liverpool are fourth, Villa are exactly fifth, let's say one point behind Liverpool, Brentford are sixth, let's say four points behind Villa and four points ahead of whoever's in seventh guaranteeing sixth if this happens then Brentford would need to lose to Liverpool to guarantee Champions League football I speak for neutrals everywhere when I desperately want that to happen right just what do you do in that situation

21:17Marcus Speller: don't make it obvious

21:18Pete Donaldson: surely Liverpool could do quite something in that game and just not try imagine yes you want European football you want to mix it with the big boys do you

21:28Marcus Speller: you're going to have to police machine yourself. You really want to lose this game?

21:32Pete Donaldson: Exactly, you are going to have to sail very close to the wind. What are you going to do,

21:38Marcus Speller: throw it into your own goal? Too obvious. Go on, Callaghan,

21:42Pete Donaldson: go on. It's mad that, isn't it? I mean, inevitably, I suppose, because of the way the, you know, how it is all set up, is the very, very odd, tiny, teensy, little specific loopholes. Yeah. How on earth do you... I don't know. Worth 90 million. That's all. Blimey O 'Reilly. Brilliant. Well, I wonder if it'll happen. Who knows? Coming up after this, Manchester United themselves are back in the big time.

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24:45Immersing yourself in all things soccer ahead of this summer's World Cup? I'm Alex Abnos, Senior Sports Editor from The Guardian. Whether you're a soccer beginner or you know the game inside and out, we've got you covered. From one of the fastest-growing soccer newsrooms, The Guardian brings you in-depth World Cup coverage that gets into the winners and losers on and off the pitch. Read, watch, and listen as our journalists connect the dots between the games, the cultures, and this political moment. We'll have daily newsletters throughout the tournament, a global perspective, and a squad of Americans, including me, on the ground with the U.S.

25:17national team. Plus, if you want to test your soccer knowledge, try On the Ball. It's a game in the Guardian app and it's really, really fun. And if you're into stuff like this.

25:25Marcus Speller: Well, I think the problem is if you give footballers an inch, they will take a mile. Is it too much when it's this close? It's a bit much. It's a bit too real. Maybe you could just talk with a slight delay. Be sure to listen to our Football Weekly podcast for on the move expert analysis. The Guardian, bringing you the whole picture on soccer. Search Guardian Soccer for more. You don't need a passport to taste the world's most luxurious beef. Just head to Benihana. introducing the Wagyu of the World menu. From the rich flavor of American masami ribeye to the bold Australian New York strip to the legendary melt-in-your-mouth A5 Japanese Wagyu, this is the finest beef on the planet, expertly grilled right at your table.

26:05Why settle for an ordinary steak dinner when you can taste the world in one bite? Only at Benihana. Book your table at benihana.com.

26:21Sometimes it's like a bottle of ketchup. It comes all at the same time and I hope it will also come further on in the upcoming games.

26:29Pete Donaldson: Oh, you saucy sod. Welcome back to the Football Ramble, everybody. Thanks to Friend of the Ramble, Peter, for sending us that clip. You can become a friend of the Ramble too. Search patreon.com forward slash football ramble or click that join button on YouTube to get involved. Yes, Daniel Farker, covered in sauce, celebrating Leeds United's win on Friday night, beating Burnley 3-1. already relegated Burnley 3-1 we knew Leeds were going to win that game they won it with aplomb and when the full time whistle went they played Smooth Criminal by Michael Jackson nice in homage to Mike Jackson as he prefers to be called Action Mike Jackson the interim Burnley manager could also be a nod to you Peter humming a Michael Jackson tune at the end of My Biddy Aunt on Friday yes exactly to my victory and you did do your little dance for us didn't you I had a good old A famous Michael Jackson dance.

27:20Marcus Speller: How far are people going to take this? Is Martin Bashir going to come out of the next game? Can't really freak him out. Yeah, Bubbles of Monkey is still... Bubbles of Trimpanzee is still... That's a lovely... Don't just move on from Martin Bashir that quickly. No, it's in a similar vein. Bring out the monkey as well, yeah. All right. Look, it's Jermaine Jackson. He's your brother.

27:38Pete Donaldson: Yeah, that's right. Look, it's a documentary. Okay. Let's get that documentary crew out of here.

27:44Marcus Speller: Oh, look, we've actually refused to acknowledge all the bad bits in Burnley season so you stay up

27:52do not go and see

27:53Marcus Speller: that documentary it's not a documentary is it it's a dramatic reimagination in the Premier League

27:59Pete Donaldson: survival until proven relegation when you've got a lot of people cosplaying as Michael Jackson outside cinemas the length and breadth of the UK you have to know that it is not a you know Watson all documentary is it really

28:12Marcus Speller: that's a great way of putting it yeah but a word on Leeds United Peter They were good

28:19Pete Donaldson: Surely they're up aren't they? Yeah What do you mean? Staying up Staying up Yes They are up Forget everything about Michael Jackson Right That is utterly crucial

28:29Marcus Speller: You were really thinking of puns weren't you? Because I was as well Yeah I know Do you think that they'll be off the wall? Yeah Yeah It works What are they? The man in the mirror You are not alone Don't you just say the song

28:42Pete Donaldson: In mid-table That's the Burnley guy Leeds Yeah Leeds Victory They are They are seven points clear Of the relic They're above Crystal Palace In the table now That'll be annoying Daniel Farquhar looks like a moon raker Yeah You mean Walker Walker

29:02Marcus Speller: Moon rakers are Bond films Yeah Shit Yeah Oh it's hay fever bank holiday

29:07Pete Donaldson: Monday We've all gone mad Everyone's off our heads On antihistamines I tell you what though Leeds They have You know they were down there they used up one of their stop talking about Leeds you only live twice you want to do Michael Jackson you only live twice you know and that victory was crucial yes again home against Burnley who's bad Burnley right better better there we are yeah

29:33Marcus Speller: I've always said nobody does it better

29:38Pete Donaldson: very good let's go to the Champions League teams Manchester United 3, Liverpool 2 because Manchester United are Champions League Vish, Michael Carrick's done it

29:48Marcus Speller: Yeah, what are you worried about?

29:51Pete Donaldson: Nothing mate, nothing They were so good first half

29:54Marcus Speller: Yeah, yeah Really good I think it was Jamie Carragher who said it at the start of the second half basically alluded to the fact that there might have been like a freaky Friday incident at the tunnel at half time because as bad as Liverpool were in that first half United were just as bad in exactly the same ways at the start of the second. Yeah. I mean, yeah, like a brilliant game. It's one of the things that I think I've said on this, I've said it on the show a few times, but of all the shitness that Manchester United have put out into the world over the last few years, I think the worst underlying thing of all of it is spending all that money and being boring.

30:33Marcus Speller: Yes. And I think like the fact that the football has been good, you know, for reasons that we'll come on to and the fact that they can, you know, going to a big game like that and ultimately end today and I appreciate like the result dictates a lot of what people feel but the manner of some of that football as well was

30:50Pete Donaldson: really good really engaging and yeah quite promising it's just good to see the big the big sign-ins could you and um in Bumo just playing a bit but let's go to yeah yeah yeah

31:01Marcus Speller: I actually think those two um have been consistent throughout yeah partly because they've had to really even the system that Amorim had them playing in it relied a lot on those two doing the heavy lifting with creativity but it's people like Bruno it's people like Maynu even someone like Dallow who is like I kind of love him like a son in a way because there's something about him that's like I know you're flawed but fuck you try and you're like you are quite ambitious in some of the things you try and there's a lot to I find that quite endearing from one of my own players

31:32Pete Donaldson: if he could take a moment before he shot he might be one of like the most prolific goal scoring defenders in the world.

31:39Marcus Speller: He's very highly rated in Europe, which I find interesting in its own way. But yeah, there was a lot to like about that squadron in part because of what people have seen from them in the last few months.

31:50Pete Donaldson: It did come dangerously close to being one of those silly situations that Man United have got themselves in over the past few seasons, with letting that lead slip, especially with the first goal I thought was really good. Roy Keane was probably on his side in terms of the first goal and how maybe the Man United defenders could have dealt with Sobbertsle better. The second one's just ridiculous, though. The second one is... That is modern football, you know, typified when it doesn't go right. Because back in the day, a goalkeeper would just lump it up the pitch. Whatever's going on, just lump it.

32:23Pete Donaldson: I guess that is the risk that's built into this style of play, though, isn't it? It was just executed in a particularly poor way. What I was going to say, Jim, is that the goalkeeper would just lump it up the pitch, no matter what. It's just like, that's what I do. And obviously what that meant is, you lose the ball a lot so you give it away whereas I think a goalkeeper now I mean Lamens you know he's been good and we all make mistakes but how on earth he can't see the danger there even if it's an accurate pass there's players on him but you know up until we come to the modern day it's this is what I do I play the ball short it's the same kind of yeah just lump it or just play it short that's what I do there's no kind of thinking well actually should I have a bit more direction on this so that's why you can contrast it to what it was before it's that same mindset of oh yeah he's just stuck in that sort of rut of it and not having a look and thinking well there's no way I should make that pass because as I say even if it's an accurate one it still puts the defender on a enormous pressure and Liverpool couldn't believe their luck

33:19Marcus Speller: I don't know it's like absolutely a terrible terrible mistake from him but at the same time it's a bad pass but I think even if it's a good pass no but if it's a good pass then what it does it gives well it sucks players in

33:33Pete Donaldson: and then they're away yeah yeah

33:34Marcus Speller: but it's thinking about the best case scenario in that situation isn't it and the best case scenario is Landon's like I play a ball to him on a side for the defender where he's shielded from McAllister who's encroaching him who then lays it off to someone else because then I think Saba Sly or Gakpo would come to him and it's thinking like that I don't necessarily have a problem with it but I do have a problem with the execution being that bad if you can't make a pass like that Don't do it full stop Like it was so so bad Did you see when Soberslay pointed to His Premier League badge Yeah Man you're like He won a lot of Premier League Most of anyone actually It's been a while though

34:16Pete Donaldson: It has been a while

34:17Marcus Speller: It's been a while Cheers Pete I did appreciate that

34:21Pete Donaldson: I think though That incident Surely makes the result More satisfying right To To nearly throw it away And then win it Yeah a little bit Would you rather One three two or three Neil I like the

34:35Marcus Speller: giving your opponent hope yeah

34:38Pete Donaldson: clean sheets are over

34:39Marcus Speller: also the Kobe Maneu situation lovely goal he was so he was so close to leaving yeah

34:46Pete Donaldson: I mean madness yeah

34:47Marcus Speller: but everyone knew it was madness at the time and the implicit trust that the board gave Amorim really kind of you know met its threshold at that point when he was like look he can't do this really specific job I want to be want done in central midfield so I have to sell him and the board were like I don't know mate like he is quite good can we not try and see if this works out

35:13Pete Donaldson: I found it a player who not long before all that happened had started a Euros final for England and suddenly just couldn't get in the team and was surplus to requirements now I know there are playing styles and he surely will be on Thomas Tuchel's mind even though I don't think he's met up with them with an England I don't think so no not under Tuchel yeah

35:31Marcus Speller: I was actually wondering your take on this because it's been you know he's been really good uh i think it helps that the midfielders are playing close together so he you know not only can he show his like dexterity with his one touch but also like roll a midfielder and carry the ball forward and stuff is there like do you see that as like a breakthrough into the squad i don't think he's

35:53Pete Donaldson: going to start but i don't i don't think he'll start because i think elliot anderson's got that job he obviously if he starts then it gives declan rice a different role to play and people people want Rice playing more as a sort of a shuttler rather than a defensive midfielder. So I appreciate that. But of course, while a game is playing out, you need many different ways to skin a cat. And so I think Mainu could and should be an option. I, yeah, I wonder if, in terms of Tuchel, we know that he really does, as all managers should do, prioritise or it's very important the harmony of the group and all that kind of stuff and he hasn't as I say hasn't he even met Maynou perhaps he's rubbed shoulders with him at some point so yeah it might be sort of too little too late for Maynou I personally don't think so but maybe it is but he's done all he can surely his freshness is a massive massive boon as well there's that and also his experience he has gone all the way to a final with England so he knows what it is to be around the camp I'm back on board Marcus there we are there we go but Manu's talk on Michael Carrick was interesting after the game he was asked about Carrick and of course as we know Manchester United are umming and ahhing about who will manage the club come the summer and Manu said with regard to Carrick we want to follow him we want to die for him on the pitch he wants us to fight and we did that today his confidence in not just me but all the players is huge we are going to talk about Carrick and his future more on the mailbag tomorrow but clinching Champions League football which does very much go in Carrick's favour, especially as all the fans were chanting his name at the end of the game.

37:34Marcus Speller: Yeah, yeah, he's done a good job. I genuinely don't know if I'd give him the job.

37:39Pete Donaldson: Yeah. Man United fans do seem divided on this.

37:42Marcus Speller: I think I'll try and give it to Andoni Irayola, and if he can't, give it to Carrick. That's where I am with it right now.

37:50Pete Donaldson: All right, well, we will be quoting you tomorrow on the Mailbag with that, and some other things that you may or may not have said. what did you think of Benjamin Sheshko's goal did it graze his fingers as it plopped in the back of the net or on its way into the goal yeah I thought it did I actually thought it was fairly clear as well I was surprised that that was you thought it should have been chalked off yeah and again the rule is if it touches any part of the attacker's hand or the goal scorer's hand it has to be chalked off so yeah I mean I thought it was pretty obvious that it did hit his fingers no conclusive evidence that he handled the ball before scoring according to VAR could you get your nails done like really long I don't know why that would help that wouldn't help I just think trying to get goals I just think it would sort of I don't know throw in a harsh light you know the rules of the game I suppose the laws of the game you could sort of say well what you should do is you know like tie your fingers so you've got you've got clenched fists yeah just get your hands removed you look harder just get your hands removed completely yeah good point get your arms removed right okay what might suggest that if your nails are really long, if you get those silly like long acrylic nails and you and it hits the nails you have got an advantage there but you can say it's my nails mate I'm fucking Wolverine over here Nails are part of your hands though, aren't they?

39:10Pete Donaldson: So yeah, you can't, you could do that in like Yeah, they're the dead keratin aren't they? They're not alive, are they? Can you imagine? Imagine Carrick post-match. It was a dead keratin It hit his dead keratin What if you've got a very What if you've got like a 1950s sort of Not beehive Teddy boy haircuts Like Elvis hair that goes right out there That's fine Would that count as being offside? Because it's a part of the body you could score with It would count as being offside Same rules That's the only reason people don't do that

39:42Marcus Speller: Unless you're playing against a defender With a massive mullet Yes, exactly It'd be like the block. Do you remember the band The Cartoons? Yes. I do. They were creepy, weren't they? Peter, basically, we can

39:59Pete Donaldson: put this to the test. Basically, what you need to do is you need to get some VAR officials to retrospectively look at some decisions from the Bundesliga from the 1970s, right? And you'll find out all the answers to them. There we are. Alright then, gentlemen, coming up after this, Arsenal, get their mojo back.

40:49We'll see you next time. between the games, the cultures, and this political moment. We'll have daily newsletters throughout the tournament, a global perspective, and a squad of Americans, including me, on the ground with the U.S. national team. Plus, if you want to test your soccer knowledge, try On The Ball. It's a game in the Guardian app, and it's really, really fun. And if you're into stuff like this...

41:07Marcus Speller: Well, I think the problem is, if you give footballers an inch, they will take a mile. Is it too much when it's this close? It's a bit much. It's a bit too real. Maybe you could just talk with a slight delay. Be sure to listen to our Football Weekly Podcast for on-the-move expert analysis. The Guardian, bringing you the whole picture on soccer. Search Guardian Soccer for more. Right now at Mattress Warehouse, save up to$800 warehouse-wide. Get buy one, get one free deals, plus a free adjustable base on select mattresses, 0 % interest financing, free delivery, and our exclusive lifetime price guarantee only at Mattress Warehouse.

41:47Pete Donaldson: Arsenal 3 poor old Fulham 0 Arsenal 6 points 6 points that is the lead they have over the Citizens they also boosted the goal difference to 41 so 4 ahead of Manchester City's total now Manchester City of course play Everton this evening Jim Campbell this was just a tonic it was and it was the performance that was the best part of it we touched on it earlier but they were so good in that first half now there is obviously a bit of a caveat which is that Fulham had a bug in the camp and they said the Burge was missing as a result of that. But we don't know the extent of how much that was affecting players.

42:22Pete Donaldson: Shame that Arsenal had to go to those lengths again. Yeah, I'm all for it, to be honest. I'm absolutely all for it. Dirty bastards. Put whatever you like in those lasagnas. But yeah, again, the fluency of this performance was so different from what we've seen from Arsenal recently. I think the quality of the passing was notably better than it's been in a long time. Some of that is personnel. Saka being back and being back in the sort of form that we expect him from is really, really welcome. Mikel Arteta made comments after the game about how, for the first time in a long time, he's actually moving freely.

43:00Pete Donaldson: So he's obviously been carrying various injuries and stuff. Without any pain. Yeah, and also, you know, hasn't sort of been limited by his own body. That was really, really clear. because I think there's an element of playing through pain but you're certainly not at your best if you're having to do it, are you? And he looked really, really fresh. Myles Lewis-Skelly came into the midfield and looked like he'd played there all his life. He did really, really well.

43:23Marcus Speller: Which he sort of has, isn't he?

43:24Pete Donaldson: Yeah, he sort of has done that in his youth career and he stepped up and I think it was his freshness as much as his performance that was good. Calafuri came in as well. Trossard had a really good game and obviously Victor Jokeres has probably his best game and certainly in the Premier League for Arsenal. Yeah, I mean, it was a very charitable performance from Fulham. I thought Arsenal were going to win. I didn't give Fulham much hope because, again, that type of game and what Arsenal need. But yeah, the illness in the camp obviously doesn't help at all. But yeah, Arsenal... They look like they just signed Peppa Pig, the way they were playing.

43:58Pete Donaldson: Maybe that's... I mean, Spurs are unbeaten since they've got Peppa Pig on board. But Arsenal, Peter, they... How many times... Is Percy Pig a free agent right now? Not a bad shout What's the difference

44:09Marcus Speller: Pepper Pig's a character Percy Pig's a confectionary

44:12Pete Donaldson: Yes Well played Well played But Peter Arsenal We've said so many times Especially in recent weeks and months Come on Arsenal You've got to do a bit more You've got to go and win it And they responded like this They did And like I said Just seeing Saka back Doing what he does best Was just Oh I'm glad he's Remembered how to play a bit of football Ahead of the World Cup Ahead of the World Cup It got me very excited Bigger picture Yeah, none of that Premier League and Champions League rubbish. I mean, it was. I mean, it was great to see Saka back, as I say, from an England point of view. Obviously, from an Arsenal point of view, you know, just the difference he makes.

44:49Pete Donaldson: But Jokeres as well, he's, you know, and we will talk about Jokeres on the mailbag tomorrow too. But, you know, getting goals, a bit more confidence. Okay, I know he's not scored against some of the top sides, but good for him. and it puts pressure on Manchester City. And the only thing I would say, Vish, I mean, this might be being a touch harsh though, is if indeed goal difference does come down to it, you know, 3-0 up at half-time, I thought would Arsenal, I know they've got Atletico midweek, you know, got to manage everything, but I thought, you know, maybe the fourth and fifth was there for the taking.

45:22Pete Donaldson: Is that being a bit harsh, do you think?

45:24Marcus Speller: I think so. I think so. Because I thought they managed the game really well. I think, you know, what, so Saka came off at half-time Jocko Reyes and Rice came off after about an hour like that kind of makes sense given what you have ahead I also thought you know the bigger picture side to it was the atmosphere at the Emirates was probably on par with the Dalman goal that was great in terms of the celebration the way people left that ground yep and I thought that gone um I think a lot of you know certainly a lot of things I saw online and even you know Jim mentioned before we start the show there was like a a recognisable, enjoyable, vintage Arsenal that you could ascribe to this performance, which is quite good because you can, you know, it's the kind of thing that can build up, especially if they get a good result in midweek against Atletico.

46:11Marcus Speller: I, the Mars Lewis-Gelly thing, I just thought was a really nice story, objectively. I think as Jim said about like, starting out as a midfielder and coming out, coming into that position, which then allows obviously Declan Rice to play this more withdrawn position that seems to be working really well for Arsenal recently. But showing such like, I don't know, just he didn't do it in the way that Zubimendi has done that role. He did it in the way that he wanted to do it. And I think there's a lot to be said for that, for someone so young and just the way he was able to show out. Because he gets a lot of criticism for his position at left back, or the way he plays left back.

46:48Marcus Speller: But part of that is because he moves into midfield, as most fullbacks do now. But starting midfield, it was nice to see like, oh, I get it now. that's why you are where you are and doing so well

46:58Pete Donaldson: he looked sort of freed from those responsibilities which is obviously a good thing for him he was pretty all action and I think having Ricardo Calafuri in there as well just sort of roaming around means that actually the experience that Marlos Lovice-Gelly has gained at left back is useful if someone needs to sort of plug that gap

47:13Marcus Speller: that's true actually yeah do you think also like so very quickly I thought this when Jacka left Arsenal but when was the last time you've had a left footer in central midfield isn't that that deep not Odegaard but I suppose Odegaard plays it occasionally, doesn't he?

47:28Pete Donaldson: Yeah, but Odegaard plays on the right. So, yeah, it's quite a rare thing, actually, that the so-called left eight is a left foot. Although Lewis Skelly didn't really play there. He played a bit deeper and they were a bit more of a double pivot at the base of midfield. But yeah, I think he deserves all the plaudits he's got. There was talk a little while ago that he might be considered for a sale. I wonder if he might have saved Arsenal a lot of money in Mikel Arteta's mind by being a rotation option in there for Zubamendi because one of the stories of the season is that Zubimendi has been absolutely running to the ground and his performance levels have dropped off as a clear result of that.

48:02Pete Donaldson: And perhaps a solution was there all along. It's easy to be wise after the fact. There's been a couple of opportunities where it looked like he might start in midfield and then an injury has meant he's been needed at left back. He's been quite unlucky with that. So that's the reality of the season. This was a perfect game for Arsenal, wasn't it? 3-0, you get the goals, Jokorje Saka and Louis Skelly. Again, the feeling totally changes. Looking at Arsenal's remaining fixtures, see West Ham away, Burnley at home. That is exactly the fixture you want in the running. Palace away on the last day. That's tricky.

48:34Pete Donaldson: That Palace game comes a few days before the Europa Conference League final. If Arsenal beat West Ham, then Palace will be absolutely fine. Honestly, if Arsenal beat West Ham... That's the key game. It is. It absolutely is. If Arsenal beat West Ham, then unless Man City win all their games and it comes down to goal difference, you have to say, my goodness, it is very much the home straight. Again, the feeling in North London all round seems very positive. And that's lovely, isn't it, Vish? It is, yeah.

49:03Marcus Speller: I did quite like the support they were giving each other over the weekend.

49:09Pete Donaldson: Well, I think actually they'll need to give Arsenal support against West Ham. Spurs have really complicated this by meaning West Ham really, really need to get something against us. West Ham love to sort of bloody the nose of bigger teams. we've had tricky results against them in the past I think this is a really tough game yeah one thing that I am looking forward to next season for Arsenal is every goal Victor Jokic does the same celebration and I just think that again if it's if he is to kick on and score goals against the bigger teams and so on and so forth you know like a last minute even Atletico you know gets a very very important goal I just that sort of boom up the hands go it's like no just lose yourself and top off He's not going to do that.

49:54Marcus Speller: But he does, actually. So at sporting, he would obviously lose himself. And then, you know, like they'd break away. And then he would do it. It's the disciplined Arteta side. That's what you get from those celebrations. Is that what it is?

50:08Pete Donaldson: You enjoy it, but you enjoy it by being disciplined. He's got to be professional. As we saw in Canada over the weekend. Did you see this? Into Toronto. They were playing them. And their man, Thomas Skublack, scored on Saturday night. Now, he is an estate agent in his own time. Yes. And when he scored, he pulled out his business card and held it up to the camera. I mean, use bigger font though if you're going to do that. Yeah, yeah. Unfurl a big one. I mean, the fact is, we all now know what he does. Completely. We are deep into the era of side hustle culture, right? So maybe this is going to be the opening of a floodgate and then everybody will start doing it.

50:47Yeah, true. I find real estate and estate agents insufferable, so I can't endorse any of this. No. But good on him. Right. Trying. What if he was a local honey man? Yeah. We've been talking a lot about local honey because we've all got hair fever and asthma problems. So I've been trying to look at some local honey near me. Yes. Local honey in my area. Local honey's in your area. Hang on a minute. I just want some local high street honey. and I need it and I want it and I want it hard. Okay? When's your birthday?

51:26Pete Donaldson: How old will you be next time? Next time, 5 '6". Good age! Good age! Good age! Nobody watched that show. Nobody watched that show. Or did they? Right. It was the final day of the regular football league season on Saturday. and Ipswich Town secured promotion to the Premier League they did it was perfect yes they had the perfect opponents a mid-table side who were completely on the beach fair play but it's perfect you score two goals early everybody relaxes everybody relaxes and then you get the third later on and then you can properly celebrate perfect yeah that's how you do it absolutely good stuff and once again Borough are in the playoffs and they'll be and they'll go out to the semi-finals and you should never be seen again in the Premier League never be seen again in the Premier League I thought he thought it would be good for the area for them to be promoted he might think that Jimmy might think that but they always fail at the semi-final level in the playoffs well they're going to have to get past Southampton in the semi-final which I think Southampton that's a tricky one Southampton seem to be the team that nobody want to play in the playoffs at the moment Millwall though they are in the semi-finals of the playoffs they couldn't do it I mean it was always a bit difficult for them with Ipswich, particularly as Ipswich had QPR.

52:47Pete Donaldson: But Millwall are going to play Hull City. Wrexham have missed out. Yeah. Poor old Wrexham. Oh, no. What about Sheffield Wednesday? They are officially out of administration. A US consortium, Arise Capital Partners. They sound like a fine bunch led by David Storch, completed their purchase of the club on Saturday. Whoever they are, it could be the Donald himself, the Chancery hat to go. It could be Chancery with a hat on. It could be Bealsybub. I mean, Chad Seary had to go. And the EFL have waived the 15-point deduction for next season. So they'll start on zero points, which is huge for them. Did you see the way they announced it at Hillsborough on the big screens?

53:26Pete Donaldson: They had, this is the point, this is the points deduction for next season. You start at minus 15, it's going down. When it got to zero, hey! I thought they were just saying they were going to win that many games that they would climb out of it. I thought that's what they were trying to say. Start on minus 15. Yeah, start on minus 15 and they're just saying, well, this is how the, it'll happen through the league they'll get at least 15 points remember it's not goal scoring in football you really need that local honey don't you but yeah look it was great to see Sheffield Wednesday fans happy because my goodness they've had to they've had to eat an enormous amount of shite this season local shite as well they've finished this season on zero points didn't they so they've already matched that yeah wasn't it nice to see Roy Hodgson finishing his time at Bristol City with a 2-0 one over Stoke City.

54:11Pete Donaldson: It was. None of it mattered or did it? Because when you get a personal thanks, I say personally, he tweeted it, from former FIFA president Joseph S. Blatter saying, congratulations, dear Roy Hodson, on finishing your Bristol City chapter with a victory and with the same class and dignity and football wisdom that have defined your remarkable career. 44 years after your first spell there. Blah-de-blah-de-blah. He goes on. But knowing you, I still hope this was not your last game on the touchline. After all, 78 is still very young when the heart beats for football with friendship and admiration Sepp that's 125 year old Sepp Blatter and he knows that at 78 yeah you've still got three FIFA presidencies left in you is that a ring an endorsement Peter?

54:55yeah I think so he's quite he doesn't tweet a lot but when he does it's very heartfelt one would suggest my dear friend Rolf Nye happy birthday just a Swiss painter that he's talking about Bring back Sepp

55:10Pete Donaldson: Bring back Sepp Sounds like he's sat by a fireplace With a glass of very expensive whiskey Being a whistle The reminiscent he does Also it feels like

55:18Marcus Speller: It's been done by his Like Grandson or granddaughter Because it's Because You know Everything's really heartfelt And then it's like Hashtag Bristol City Hashtag FA Hashtag Football Family Hashtag Roy Hodgson Hashtag England Hashtag Roy Hodgson Small Case Hashtag Ashton Gate

55:34Pete Donaldson: Hashtag Ice Bucket Challenge What is that about? Do you think he's been kind of held against his will? Yeah, I don't think that's him. We should kick him out of it. What do you call a thing where you sort of take control of everyone's finances and stuff and like all people's finances? Illegally. Criminality is general. Criminality. Conservatorship? Conservatorship. Like Brittany had. Like you have. That's the one. I deserve. So we need a free set blatter campaign. Getting back. Who amongst us would not want to see that? Considering the guy at the moment? Yes, I would have him back in a heartbeat.

56:10Pete Donaldson: Anyway, from nice, warm, positive comments to some aggressive ones, we go to Leighton Orient. They escaped relegation from League One on the final day. They drew two all with Burton Albion. But manager Richie Wellens wasn't happy. This is the highlight of the whole weekend. When is he happy, Jim? Essentially never at the moment because of how much he hates his players. Bear with me, everybody. I am going to read the full quote here. So, Orient escaped relegation, but it's been a poor season, I think it's fair to say. Richie Wellens said this. I've come out a couple of times and had a go at our supporters in the past.

56:43Pete Donaldson: Great start. Superb start. I'm going to apologise for that now. I'm going to tell you the reason why I've done it. We've got a weak group. Really, really weak, okay? And when our supporters give them criticism, I try to take the criticism off them. So I come out and say the atmosphere wasn't great and the supporters come at me. So that's his tactic, right? The players have been bad, so I'll have a go at the supporters so they can have a go at me.

57:05Marcus Speller: Which is fine, which makes a lot of sense and loads of managers do it.

57:07Pete Donaldson: Right, okay.

57:08Marcus Speller: In that way? Yeah, yeah. You know, he's basically showing them behind the curtain here for the start.

57:15Pete Donaldson: I don't feel that my protection of them is worth it. Week in, week out, especially the past six or seven weeks, they get served up with rubbish. There are too many players that have wasted 10 months of their career and wasted my time. I've had one year of my management that has been wasted by the players and that they have wasted the supporters' time as well. they have not given them enough days to turn up to there's not enough people at this football club with the mentality to win and he said to the players apparently clap the fans because they've earned it they've paid their money all season to come and watch us home and away and they deserve to be clapped but then don't go celebrating with your family get off the pitch it's an embarrassing season mike he's top man isn't he put your daughter down put your daughter down and get in there I mean is this the kind of thing that fans want to hear perhaps bearing in mind he's had a go at them and now he's saying look it's been rubbish it's not been good enough

58:11Marcus Speller: I think it's fine something a bit different something a bit more honest yeah you know is it too honest I suppose we'll find out if he still does start the next season

58:21Pete Donaldson: well that's the tricky thing now I think that I don't know again forgive me for sort of comparing the old and the new again but you know back in the day when you couldn't just suddenly quickly move clubs or there was less movement. I think some of the players maybe back in the day would be like, we have to up it because at my local pub, I keep getting pills from everybody, right? And maybe it's similar in League One for Lake Norrin, perhaps. But nowadays, if you upset a whole group of players like that, the easiest thing to do is just move the manager on. But the players have to take some sort of responsibility.

58:51Pete Donaldson: Well, this is it though, isn't it? It's a challenge to those players at a very interesting time. You've got the whole summer to decide whether you want to be here or not. If you don't want to be here, I'm not interested in you, which is a clear sign, isn't it? It's a bold move, but I guess we'll see if it pays off. Yeah, how about that?

59:05Marcus Speller: I think the thing that he touched on there which is really interesting is you've wasted 10 months of your career. Yeah. Which is quite a galling thing to hear if you're a footballer, especially if you're a League One footballer.

59:16Pete Donaldson: Very much so. Very much so, Vish. And what a galling note to end on for this football ramble. Thank you very much for listening to it though. Part of the ACAR's Creators Network we are. Pete, Jim and I are back tomorrow for the Mailbag. so subscribe to make sure that you do not miss it. There we are, everybody. Oh, it's hotting up. We are deep into the business end of the football season. So join us for the mailbag tomorrow because it's going to be a cracker. Thanks, Vish. Cheers. Thanks, Jim. Thank you. Thank you, Petey. Goodbye, everyone. Thank you, Richie Wellens.

59:53The Football Ramble is a Stack production and part of the Acast Creator Network.

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