The Preview Show: Best of British

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2:52The Cologuard test is non-invasive, requires no special prep or time off, and you start screening right from your home. It's just three simple steps. Set up, sample, and ship. If you're 45 or older and at average risk, ask your doctor about the Cologuard test. Available by prescription only. Learn more or request a prescription at Cologuard.com slash podcast. Back to life, back to reality, everybody. Welcome to the Football Ramble Preview Show. The community shield is upon us. It's Friday 8th August. I'm Marcus Speller. I'm Jim Campbell. And I'm Vinicius Nhaturajah.

3:40Hello everybody. It's good to be back on the Football Ramble. And it's a Friday for crying out loud. What a day to be alive. Vish, nice to have you back on the pod with me back on the pod. Nice to be back. All it took was another billion pounds of signings, and here I am again. Here you are again. Fresh from the cricket, fresh from Manchester United. Signings, lovely old job. Jim Campbell returning for another swing. How are you, old boy? I'm good, mate. I've been holding down the fort. Everything's fine in your absence. Don't worry. It's not falling apart. It's a little bit rickety, but I think we're going to be OK.

4:15I think we're going to be OK. There's been a lot of Oasis chat since I've been away and I've thoroughly enjoyed it and I'm just glad that you and Luke have reverted to Oasis fandom. There are still one or two unbelievers among us but I think we can all agree. I mean, who gives a shit? I think we can all agree, Vish, I was proved right in the end. I don't remember not being an Oasis fan but there you go. I'll let you have that. Community Shield. Community Shield, everybody. Sorry about the bollocks, let's get on with the Community Shield. Crystal Palace versus... Repurposing Wembley for football.

4:51That's it, Oasis have moved out the way so the Community Shield could happen. Crystal Palace against Liverpool, Sunday at 3pm. Palace's first ever appearance in the Community Shield. Vish, people say, well, it's not that big a deal. It's the curtain raiser. You have to win something to get into this final. so therefore if you're in it you're a successful team and it's worth winning as you well know it is a gateway cup or shield to other shields it's a gateway shield to other cups um yeah

5:26Marcus Speller: you're absolutely right you do have to win something to be in it and you know what given the summer that crystal palace have had they should be grateful because this could be taken away from them you know we have won them once yeah yeah a team in france did quite well in their cup so you're not allowed. What? Sorry. Yeah, you're in the John's former owner. You're in the John's paid trophy instead of the FA Cup this year. Yeah, do you miss Manchester United being in the Community Shield, Vish? Presumably you do. No. Again, you have to have won something to get in there. No, you don't have to have won something to spend a lot of money, do you?

5:59Marcus Speller: Do you know what? There is a quirk though because I suppose if a team does the double then you don't necessarily have to win something, do you? You can get in through what would be second place in the league. Yeah, that's very much the cuck share of Community Shield players. It is an early mention on your return. Well, anyway, Jim, Palace's first ever appearance in the Community Shield. Liverpool, though, in contrast, have won the bugger 16 times, the third most wins in history. You'd surely fancy them to win a 17th because of the players they have. I just think we'll never hear the end of it if they get a 17th Community Shield.

6:35just be banners at every game, just constantly singing about it. It's like, God, please not that. Didn't Oli Glasner say he wanted to knock Liverpool off their community shield perch? So as a child, I think he did. I wanted to knock them off their shield. There's an early child here for them to sort of begin the long road and putting that right. Yeah. Genuinely, I think obviously Liverpool, if they win it, they'll be pleased to win it because they're a huge club with a winning mentality. but you do wonder like it would actually mean something to Palace because as you mentioned it's their first appearance there in a way that it won't to Liverpool so it'd be very interesting to see how they approach it it's essentially just the best kind of pre-season game you can have isn't it because it's at Wembley it's massive there's something kind of nominally riding on it and it's often quite a fun game because the stakes are quite low right so yeah I'll be watching it we'd like to see a penalty shootout in the community I think yeah why not Do we?

7:34I mean, it was a good game, but I went, oh, Bruce, it's a good game. And then it's just a little bit of extra tension because, as Jim said, it's quite a low-pressure affair. So I feel like a penalty shootout just ramps it up that tiny little bit.

7:48Marcus Speller: I suppose, yeah, it's a bit like sometimes when you watch extra time in tournaments or even like the knockout stages of cup competitions, you're like, you know, very much this meeting could have been an email. This extra time could have been a penalty shootout. I suppose this is what that is. Yeah, Liverpool. Although, like, low-pressure penalties is quite a fun idea. Everyone just doing, like, Raboners and whatnot. It never pans out that way, but I'd like to see it. Yeah, fair enough. Can you make a case for Palace winning this, Vish? Yeah, I don't see why not. Not least because I suppose Liverpool have got to work out, not necessarily work out, but I suppose give game time to a few of their new pieces, as it were.

8:27Marcus Speller: Like, I think there's not necessarily a lot riding on it from a cohesion point of view, but there is an expectation in this kind of game that you see a lot of those new players that you've brought in. So whether it's Florian Wurtz, whether it's Eketike, or even like Kirkes to a point, and whether Kirkes starts. Or Frimpong as well. They've got a lot of new toys. Yeah, of course. Yeah. And Frimpong. How can I forget? So as well as on that side, if they get, you know, 60 minutes into each of them in their desired roles and there's a bit of promise there, then they'll probably take an extra time, or rather a penalty shootout defeat.

9:08Marcus Speller: At the same time, I think probably for the first time in a while. Take a penalty shootout defeat? Yeah, yeah, yeah. As in like, you know, if they lose on penalties, they're not necessarily going to wear it that harshly, are they? The point I was trying to make is that it's kind of more for those players. But at the same time, this is probably the first community shield in a while that I can remember that would actually have two sets of fans who are properly up for it. And that will naturally contribute to probably a more intense game as well. So, yeah, as Jim said, it's going to be quite exciting.

9:39Marcus Speller: It might be the best one we've seen for a while, actually, despite the most things. I mean, although Liverpool fans, I mean, you couldn't blame them if they thought, do you know what? We're in European competition. We've got plans to go far, all the Cups. We've potentially got a lot of travel this season and we've had a lot of travel. Do we really fancy it? Are you suggesting they do a Man United? Pull out of it? Undermine it forevermore? That's not the thoughts of the players I'm suggesting. I'm saying that when he's saying about both sets of fans up for it, of course you're in a fan or Wembley and all the rest of it.

10:12But I think you sit here. I mean, I suppose with the tradition of the Liverpool fans, yes, if they gather, they're going to make a good noise. Palace fans, I get what you're saying. I mean, I was at the game when Leicester City were there against, it would have been Ibrahimovic's Manchester United as he would have described them. And it was great to see Leicester there, of course a team not that familiar with the community. So I understand what you mean. I think we're all hoping for a kind of a raucous game. Could you make an argument though for Palace here because despite all the chat, they have a settled team.

10:47I know that sounds a bit silly because obviously Gay and Eze subject of a lot of transfers but they're still ultimately there. There's not been much talk of them doing an ESAC and skipping training and all that kind of thing. So as we know that they're there, they're a part of the team, they're preparing for this game and this team knows how to do well in cup competitions. They, you know, the way they played against Man City, of course, in the FA Cup final a few months ago. Whereas Liverpool, okay, the players they're bringing in are bloody brilliant to an already brilliant side. I understand that.

11:17But this is much more of a kind of a testing ground for Arna Slott than it would be for, say, Crystal Palace. Yeah, well, I suppose Palace's remit will be just do exactly what we did in the FA Cup final and try and execute it in a similar manner you would expect. Now, they can obviously be really exciting and sort of irresistible attacking force in some contexts, but it's a very risky strategy against the team as good as Liverpool. And obviously, you know, we saw to a devastating effect how they are a lot more efficient up front than Man City were last season. So it's a risky game. I imagine it will be the game they play.

11:52But yeah, I mean, I think you can make the argument that we've seen them win the FA Cup by trying to contain, you know, what is essentially a better team and using their quality on the break. So why not? I'm sure they'll do it again. Yeah. Could it be Darwin Nunes' farewell match for Liverpool if he plays, Vish? because apparently Al Hillel have reached an agreement with him and Liverpool, 46 million plus add-ons Al Hillel are expected to pay. It'd be a fitting end to the man's career, a triumph at Wembley, at Liverpool.

12:22Marcus Speller: I mean, they'd be stupid to play him and risk losing some of that 46 million. That's madness. I don't know who's advising the Saudis, but obviously everyone in the Premier League and the rest of Europe are like, no one's saying anything. don't write blogs about it we don't need to hear from the smarter podcast we don't need you going into their accounts telling them what they're doing wrong everyone shut up and let them play 46 million for a play we want to get rid of leave it, don't worry about it that's what I don't imagine he will play stick him on the bench, get a medal yeah get a little wave, get a medal, oh he's got a medal now 75 You're going to have to pay a bit extra now Yeah You know your add-ons was if he wins something When he's there, what if he wins something When he's still with us What is that, and this one's a shield as well, different Novelty, so get that Well When the Premier League starts, Liverpool They are, they will be and are The favourites for the Premier League of course Crystal Palace Will remain to be seen Where people, or how people think they'll do with, as I say, with regards to Ezen Gay, if they're going to stay or go and all that kind of stuff.

13:36It always seems to be a saga with Mark Gay. He's got one year left on his contract, so it'll be interesting to see what happens there. With regard to their European travels this season, we know that currently they are going to be playing in the Europa Conference League qualifying rounds. They're not even in the tournament. They've been drawn to play the winner of Friedrichstadt or Michelin with Michelin leading the draw 3-1 on aggregate after the first leg. Now, any mention of that game was quickly removed from the Palace website as the club is obviously still fighting to play in next season's Europa League.

14:12Crystal Palace's court of arbitration hearing takes place today and a decision is expected on Monday. So everybody involved, if you could make that decision before we record Monday's version of the ramble, that would be incredibly convenient for us. That would be ideal. Maybe this is yet another example of Premier League bias from an English podcast, but maybe just keep Forrest in the Europa League as well. Just let them both in there. Or let them have a game to determine who goes in the Europa League and who goes in the Conference League. Eh? Come on. Yeah, there's your community shield. That's way better.

14:52Marcus Speller: And then whoever wins that, they and Manchester United go into the Europa League. Because that's what everyone wants. Every single person wants that. It's very true. Very true, if you believe lies. Oh, gentlemen, this weekend the Championship returns, of course. Birmingham City minority owner Tom Brady, Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney, and Swansea co-owner Snoop Dogg are all involved. They're all Championship clubs. And they recorded a video together to promote the new season. Have you seen it, Jim Campbell? I have. they spend a fair bit of time explaining what the sport is to an American audience, which I have to say leaves me a little bit cold from where I'm sat.

15:38But I do understand that, you know, the championship is now some sort of pissing contest between American celebrities. So might as well just get on board with it, I guess. Vish, your thoughts?

15:48Marcus Speller: Oh, God. Part of me thinks it insults the intelligence of Americans who are into soccer. And the other part of me thinks I hate Americans. And it's difficult with an American wife to really articulate that, but she is at work at the moment, so it's fine. And you're not there, or presumably planning to go there anytime soon. Also, this room does have a lock. It's kind of my office, but it's also a panic room. So if you are going there soon, which perhaps you may well do, you do love the president, though, don't you? He's the best bit about it, really. He is the best, the musketeer. No, no, you don't have to be nice to him anymore.

16:26Marcus Speller: Just leave him out of it. Only if the Don likes the Musketeer, in which if he doesn't, I hate him. I like Tariffs. I like Mackies. One of those things is definitely true. And I hate this video. So we've got that at the end. So yes, good luck to all of them in the championship. Swansea boss Alan Sheehan has confirmed that he likes Snoop Dogg. So that's something all of Swansea can get behind. He said he hasn't met him yet. Or Swansea, as Snoop says. Swansea, absolutely, yeah. Swan on sea. He said he hasn't met him yet, but his music is, and I quote, fine. Now, it does depend. It does depend how he said that word.

17:11Because if he said he's produced some fine music over the years, that's a compliment. Whereas if he said, what do you think of his music? Yeah, fine. That's not a compliment, is it? Yeah. You know? No. Steve McManaman.

17:23Marcus Speller: He's just listening to nothing but a G thing going, yeah, that's fine. Yeah, tick that box. Next album. Too low doubt? What, going crazy? Again, fine. Fine. I don't need to say the word. It's totally fine. We don't do the gin or the juice at training, Snoop. Right. Now, we should say that the second tier podcast have predicted Ipswich will win the league and Southampton will finish second in the championship this season. For Premier League... are generally very good, right? Well, they are. But for a Premier League, I don't think it's a stretch to call you a Premier League snob, Jim Campbell, looking at Arsenal.

18:03What do you think of that? Because it does seem, I'd like, there go the fireworks in Jim's background. Is that quite, so we talk about the Premier League being a bit of a closed shop. The three up go straight down now. There's worries of that. If it's like just six teams rotating, that will be severely depressing. I've got a feeling that this season Liverpool might be so good that 19 teams get relegated. So we'll see how that pans out. Well, you can find out the second tier's final championship league table predictions by listening to the episode below this one in the Football Ramble feed. Make sure you listen to second tier throughout the championship season to keep up to date with the most chaotic league of the world.

18:48It is brilliant down there. Don't get me wrong, Fulham. Don't then just go, okay, you know, let's try and please old Speller. Let's get back down there. I like our Premier League status, but the Championship is a hoot. So get involved with the second tier. Search for second tier in your podcast app now to subscribe. Coming up after this, could beautiful Jack Grealish be on the move?

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20:23But if you're not hydrated, you're already playing catch-up. So we keep a stash of Liquid IV in our studio. One stick mixed into 16 ounces of water is clinically demonstrated to hydrate faster than water alone with three times the electrolytes of the leading sports drink, plus eight vitamins and nutrients. Whether you're traveling, exercising, or podcasting, the best business news ever, Liquid IV makes it easy to stay hydrated wherever life takes you. So shop now at liquidiv.com. Liquid IV hydration. That goes wherever life takes you. Losing weight can feel like a roller coaster, full of ups, downs, and being thrown for loops, like when someone brings donuts into the office or your kid's dino nuggets start giving you that look again.

21:02That's why there's Noom. They combine GLP-1s to quiet the food noise with healthy habits that help you keep it quiet, even if you get off the meds. Their program is designed to make weight loss a smooth ride, helping you understand what drives you, so you can build better habits to not just lose weight, but keep it off.

21:20Marcus Speller: Noom. Lose for keeps. Get started at Noom.com. Not all customers will clinically qualify for medications. Individual results may vary. This message is brought to you by Cologuard. If you recorded songs off the radio for a mixtape, it might be time to screen for colon cancer. The Cologuard test is non-invasive, requires no special prep or time off, and you start screening right from your home. It's just three simple steps. Set up, sample, and ship. If you're 45 or older and at average risk, ask your doctor about the Cologuard test. Available by prescription only. Learn more or request a prescription at Cologuard.com slash podcast.

22:06No pressure, but when a World Cup comes, we're expecting a win here in Los Angeles. for the USA, aren't we everybody? There you go! There you go! And so we are here to support you to get that done. Welcome back to the football ramble, everybody. Yeah, that was a congresswoman in America thinking that Heung-min Song plays for the United States when he was doing his media stuff for LAFC. So if a player signs to your league, they don't necessarily represent your nation. Believe me, if that was the case, England would be in a very good place right now. But it isn't the case, Jim Campbell. And Son Hyun Min plays for Korea Republic or South Korea, as we affectionately call them.

22:57He does. Yeah. He does not play for the USA now, as everyone knows. It's really easy to just, you know, figure that out, isn't it? Surely.

23:04Marcus Speller: It's not your Hyun Min son. It's not your canal. Yeah. Deal with it. Well, he completed his move to LAFC. I did quite enjoy that Sun admitted that LAFC wasn't his first choice, but a chat with the club's president changed his heart. So he's an absolute gem of a footballer and a person, Son Hyunmin. You spoke about him the other day when it was finalised that he was leaving. And that interview he did with, I think it was with Ben Haynes, wasn't it, on Spurs TV, when he was very emotional and you saw what the club meant to him because, you know, what he means to the fans. You know, it's very rare you get that in football nowadays, that kind of level of connection.

23:47But I quite like, though, that straight away, look, this wasn't my first choice, but the president twisted my arm and I'm here, you know. Yeah, but I think that's a refreshing and enjoyable honesty, right? Yeah, I think that, you know, he changed his heart, I think was actually the wording of that was quite good because that could have been misconstrued. you because when you first read that yeah this really wasn't what i had in mind you go oh and then he says he's changed my heart so yeah a chance for him to connect with some more fans jim yeah and i think it's probably not that difficult to be talked into the idea that if you live in la you might have a really good time you might have a really really nice time there you know so yeah i think that probably for the residents of la that's probably like yeah it is amazing here actually you're you're right um to reconsider and go actually yeah this is a brilliant option I think Spurs have got north of 20 million for him as well, which I think for a 33-year-old player is brilliant business.

24:40Yeah, well, it's... Yet more credit to Daniel Leavitt. Yeah, again, pile the credit on that man. It's an MLS record as well, that signing. So again, as Jim says, I mean, obviously, there's plenty of life in Son's tank, but 33 for that amount of money, it's not too shabby, Vish.

24:58Marcus Speller: No, not at all. I wonder with that record, though, it's probably more of a front-facing record isn't it it's like oh we've paid this much for someone and you don't see like you know it's not like the messy deal which had like five different conglomerates behind the scenes kind of um pouring into that you know obviously his profile as well it's a big acquisition for the league um it's probably a territory where they don't command too much of a pool so i mean you see what it does for like the social numbers of particular clubs when they sign high-profile Korean players in particular. So, yeah, that's only going to be another boost.

25:35Marcus Speller: And also, as you said, fundamentally, they're just getting a really genial, popular guy as well. And it helps that he's gorgeous. Yeah, absolutely right. And, Jim, he links up with Hugo Lloris, who's already there. I mean, that's just enjoyable. It's a handsome team. It's a very handsome team. And he'll be a real leader in there. Well, yeah, it is a handsome team. In terms of, like, you know, skincare tips and stuff like that. Yeah, well, they did have Olivier Giroud, of course, so you are right to say that it's a very handsome team. And also... It's a town full of beautiful people, isn't it? There must be some sort of unspoken bar that you have to reach before you're allowed to play for them.

26:14Yeah, and he's 33, so he's probably safe from Leonardo DiCaprio as well. I should say that Seoul is about three hours closer to L.A. than London, flying time. So slightly more convenient for those who are from his homeland who want to go and see him play. A win-win all round. I think we can all agree on that. Back at Spurs, this is a sickener. It's been revealed that James Madison will miss the majority of the season with a torn ACL. So in that farewell game, of course, that Son had for Spurs in his home country, Madison got that injury. Your heart goes out to the guy. Like, he missed the Europa League final.

27:00Of course, it's the same injury. He obviously exacerbated. And, like, to be a footballer, when you miss out on something, you know, he had a good time, obviously, with the celebrations and all. But when you miss a period of football and you do the same thing and it is way longer, that is so demoralising. It's such a long time to be out as well, and it completely changes the social dynamic of your life, really, in terms of just doing the rehab and not being training with your mates and all of that stuff. And missing a season of your career at that stage, I think he's, what, 28, is he, Madison? He's certainly in his late 20s.

27:37That is something where you're probably thinking, am I going to be the same when I come back? And also, like, this is just... Yeah, it's a real shame for him. I suppose there's no upside to it, but it has happened within the window. Spurs were looking at a player in that position anyway, so they have a chance to address it but it's a sickness and Madison as well particularly

28:00Marcus Speller: Yeah even the club side of it is not good news for Madison because they'll likely bring in someone who has to hit the ground running will therefore be ready made for their plans this season and will be younger than Madison so even if he comes back ahead of time and his knee is reinforced he will find himself further back than when he started this preseason and Marcus as you said a world cup year given his age you know let's be frank it was probably his last chance to make a world cup yeah um and that's gone like fundamentally it has gone unless he has some remarkable patch of form and again there are injuries um to his rivals in those kind of positions but yes it's gutting for him.

28:47Marcus Speller: I know people often hate on him a little bit because he's quite corny and I suppose he's a bit cheesy, but he's outspoken in a kind of like Jack the Lad kind of way that you should be able to excuse in this world. But I have a lot of affection for him and this is, yeah, this was very gutting when it came out. He was at the last World Cup in Katab. I don't think he got on the pitch. and he's always desperate ambitions to play for him, not quite there, and you just think, barring some sort of miraculous comeback and then some amazing form, really, it is extremely unlikely he would be there. Yeah, and also, I know you can say this about a lot of players, but it's especially true with him.

29:37Marcus Speller: He is very open about the fact that he loves playing football. I know what you mean. That isn't that common, and that adds an extra layer of sadness on this. It certainly does. Well, hopefully he has the quickest of recoveries possible. Right, gentlemen, let's turn our attention to some transfer news. Manchester United. Fadushin, your beloved Manchester United, this is... What have we done now? What have we bloody done? Manchester United fans set up a GoFundMe page with a target of£120 million to try and raise funds for the club to try to sign Carlos Belieber from Brighton. Why have you started with that?

30:14Yeah. I don't know if you know the Man United fan, Ian M. That's all he's going by. But he started the fundraiser on Wednesday night titled Belieber to Man United Fund. The description reads, we need this to happen. We need this to happen. We need this to happen. We need this to happen. There's a£120 million target set. At the time of recording, a mighty£159 has been raised. I don't know if that is from former employees of Manchester United who are still all behind the club presumably but where was the GoFundMe page for the members of staff that got sacked by that bastard Sir Jim you lot are a disgrace Vish

30:50Marcus Speller: I can't even make a joke about that that's absolutely spot on isn't it and I'm sure there were there were obviously different parts of it but I suppose this is getting the most publicity Sir Jim given the£159 quiz well I've messaged Ian M and basically said look you're doing a good thing here and if you want to pass on your messages it's ian.m at ineos.com I'm sure he'd love to hear from you it's kind of wild to think that you know the reason that a fan would do this 120 million pounds the reason that a fan would do this and it might be bollocks you know it might be made up but let's take it at face value here it's the football ramble true please take us at face value here.

31:35Marcus Speller: But the reason this would exist is because a fad would have done the maths for PSR and been like we've already spent a lot of money we didn't know we had. Let's not take a piss here. Let's all cobble together, all of us. There's so many factors. Even you would have got some severance from being sacked from Manchester United. Put that back in the pot. There are so many factors though, right? Yeah. There is, Jim. Because you've got to think of the Man United tax that goes on top of every transfer and then the Brighton tax that they put on top of their own transfers. So how many taxes are there here that you need to factor in?

32:11So he's just gone, surely 120 million of our money will do it. Maybe they can top up the pot themselves. Yeah. I'd love to know Sir Jim Ratcliffe's thoughts on this. Maybe he's E &M. That's his mask. Who knows? Who knows? One of his many, many sock puppet accounts I would imagine. But yeah, he... It seems like there is a legitimate desire from Man United to get, believe it. We should take it seriously. I think it would be prohibitively expensive. Brighton don't want to sell. We know how good they are at holding on to their players if they want to, or selling them for a huge amount of money if they choose to go that way.

32:45But it's another show of intent from United. And I think the three players they've brought in so far, I don't think Sesco's confirmed yet, but it's looking like it's all but done. They are players that immediately raise the quality of the first team. And I think there is a gaping hole in that midfield, isn't there? That seems like a really obvious candidate, that position for someone who would come in and believe as a, you know, a sort of quick front footed, very strong, kind of sharp tackler. And you can see immediately how he would improve that midfield. So, you know, it's, it probably won't happen, but the intent is, is interesting.

33:18And again, I think they're having a really good window. I mean, how, how do you feel about the, the, the balance of the squad now, Fish? Because obviously it's very, very good up front at the moment, but it, like I said, it does feel like there is still a

33:29Marcus Speller: need for some signings further back yeah yeah and there's a there's a logic to say that if they do get Belieber then it would alleviate some of the pressures or some of the issues at the back in defense because you've got a bit more cover there you've got more legs in front of them you've got someone who by all accounts um and you know we've watched a fair bit of him in his Premier League career someone who as you say is very energetic but also like doesn't seem to waste the ball Gives it away quickly, but not in the Manchester United sense of giving it to the opposition. Gives it away to someone else on his team very quickly.

34:07Marcus Speller: Good recycler. And, you know, there were patches last year where, and you really had to squint to see them to be like, I kind of know what he's trying to do with that midfield. And certainly from people better versed in this kind of stuff, Belieber would bring that further forward or progress that even further. but yeah it's been a confusing window as a Manchester United fan because I've been very excited and at the same time I'm like okay so how does this mess up which is the point of you know where how does this come a cropper and even little things about people to people who've been on these tours with pre-season tours with Manchester United journalists talking about a change in culture on the one side that's a good thing on the other side this is the most optimistic time of the season before the season actually starts um so you take everything with a pinch of salt and i say that with a great degree of pessimism i admit but yeah it's quite exciting it all looks quite flair um and i don't know am i allowed to be happy i think i am happy if you're concerned then contact e &m and stump up some cash you you have the power to help this situation thanks to old Ian what I would say is though I think that Manchester United I'd love it if Ruben Aberim turned them into the entertainers like proper Keegan's Newcastle stuff because as you say you've got Brian and Bumo there Matthias Cunha two brilliant signings Benjamin and Shesko Shesko they've agreed a deal in principle that's happening make them top heavy don't worry about that Shesko is 6 foot 5 get the ball into him um and Ahmad and Dorga were there for the little flick-ons out what I think just swarm them if they get past the midfield of Casemiro and Ian Brown and just go for it the centre of the pitch so someone someone did a um someone did like an ideal Manchester United 11 which had obviously players in the squad but a couple of players who they linked with including Seska Belieber and there might have been one other as well and genuinely it was like God that looks amazing just don't look at Bez at left back otherwise that's brilliant I think presumably they are going to get Sesko as much has been said on this pod and beyond it would be a good signing I mean he looks a player I know people are always quick to say but he's not quite the finished article you know he's only young blah blah blah but you know if you look at what he can do then they have to be seriously improved from last season they just have to be otherwise but i suppose this hold the club then it comes like what is yeah but then it becomes like right you've spent this much money you can't just be like well we finished the top half this time didn't we you know there's a bit more to it time will tell this season with amarin because i know he's only you know what has he had half a season or whatever it is a part of a season at manchester united and it was it was really tough going.

37:16I think this season you're right. I think if you see the green shoots and you see something the match I'd have to finish, you know, let's be clear, above 15th for it to be an improvement. That's where we are. That's where we are. Don't have a go at me. If I don't leave coming, that's where they are right now. Okay. Marcus, Marcus does is 14th with no European football an improvement. So this gym, yeah, is it? It is, Jim. It is, Jim. You don't get it. It is. Incredibly, Jim. Right? Again, this is not my opinion. This is a fact. It is an improvement. Okay? It is. Forget your points, tallies and all.

37:58But I think with Amorim, the idea of them having... I mean, I don't think anybody's mentioned them challenging for the title. I think that would be madness. Luke Shaw has. God bless him. But I think... He hasn't been around for ages. But I think with Manchester United, it really is just see how you go. Because if you see some proper green shoots and you can see some real improvement, you can start to look at managers elsewhere and how they improve things and it maybe took them a bit of time. I'm fascinated to see what will happen. I think they will improve. I mean, if they could get European football, that would be incredible.

38:35But a ball hasn't even been kicked yet, so I'll stop myself running away with myself here. So, yeah, we shall see. I still fancy him to be the first one to walk post-Ferguson. But who knows? He did say he wants to stay there for the next 20 years. So is he a glutton for punishment? Is he a very confident man who's going to put it right? Only time will tell, gentlemen. And that is the beauty of football and how time works generally. Now, Sesko, of course, became the seventh player to reject Newcastle United this summer, which is quite damning on the club. I thought it was good times at Newcastle United.

39:10You know, they won the League Cup, they're in the Champions League, and yet no one seems to want to go there. This has been the weirdest sort of sideshow of the window for me. I can't believe it. I know Anthony Alanga's gone there. So they have made a couple of signs, and Alanga's a really good sign. For me, Newcastle's like one of the teams to be at at the moment in the Premier League. Yeah. They're in the Champions League. Obviously, you know, perhaps it's a wages thing. Maybe they can't offer the wages that rival clubs can because of the PSR restrictions. because there must be some kind of explanation as to why so many players are looking at this project and going, you know what, I feel better elsewhere.

39:48It could also be the kind of lack of a director of football. Perhaps that just means there are disadvantages in negotiations. Maybe there's something there, but seven players is a lot, isn't it? It is, yeah. I mean, I understand that those players have gone to Manchester United or Chelsea or wherever. So, you know, these are big clubs who have got a bigger tradition historically and more recently than Newcastle United. I get that. But I just think that Newcastle, you would think that they are in a relative position of strength and they're finding it difficult to strengthen. They have strengthened because Alanga's gone there.

40:26But the whole situation with Izak, it's been extraordinary over these past few weeks or however long it's been going on. I mean, he has been asked to train away from the first team. And he reportedly wasn't invited to the Newcastle family barbecue. I mean, when you're not being invited to the family barbecue, Vish, you know that something's up.

40:46Marcus Speller: Yeah, but I suppose in my case, it's justified, isn't it? I think maybe in his act it's justified. But when his family is still allowed to go and he wasn't allowed to go. Yeah. That'd be weird, wouldn't it? Maybe. We've got your kids, aren't we? We've got your kids, Isaac. You can't go. You can't leave the club. They're happy here. Can I throw something in there that I don't... I mean, I'm just throwing this out speculatively. But do you think the lack of signings and the lack of... As Jim alluded to with the lack of director of football, do you think it also works in the way that they haven't really dealt with too many agents and therefore they haven't necessarily built up a rapport or even that kind of transactional relationship, a consistent transactional relationship with, you know, I suppose the top end agents that often run, you know, all of these transfers and, you know, there's a small pool of agents who do that.

41:44Marcus Speller: And therefore, you know, because it feels like a lot of, you know, it's no coincidence where if you look at transfer news in particular, that you will often see the same types of clubs, specifically the same clubs actually, linked to certain players. and it's always, without fail, Man City Knight and Chelsea because Man City Knight and Chelsea in this, in the kind of like 2000s through to 2010s were constantly in discussions with these agents, talking to these players and maybe Newcastle, fresh to this, just don't necessarily have that relationship. So it's not even necessarily on them because I always think, and this is probably a bit of a romanticised view of it, but I always kind of think, get them through the door at Newcastle and getting to see it and be like, look, there is so much already in place here.

42:34Marcus Speller: And I appreciate modern football doesn't work like that. But I'm like, I mean, you look at what Izak has been able to build up. Which is such a shame. Look, it's his career. He wants to put another hundred grand or whatever on his salary. Blah-de-blah-de-blah. Look, fine. But it's such a shame after the season they've had. He gets the winning goal in the cup final. The scenes of celebration in Newcastle after that cup final win. Phenomenal. and it's like, right, now build from that. And look, I get the fact that we're mentioning, but they've got Champions League. Well, Chelsea got Champions League as well.

43:04I understand that and a number of other sides. But it is a shame for them. I mean, Oli Watkins was the next name being linked with a move to Newcastle United, although the man who knows, David Ornstein, has said he's just not for sale. Like, Bastion Villa have made that clear time and time again. I know everyone's got their price, but I think it's very unlikely. I'm getting in Orny's slipstream here, Jim, because that's the wise place to be when it comes to transfers in particular. It's not happening. No, I mean, also, Orny says it's not happening. But we believe in the Ornacle. Also, I don't see the upside for Villa there.

43:43He's essentially the most Premier League-proven option in this hypothetical market. I know they've just signed, or they're sort of looking very likely to sign Evan Gessand from France. But that just leaves him with two strikers on the books. So that's not a replacement for Watkins. That's to compliment him. And can you replace a player like Ali Watkins without spending the entirety of the fee that you get for him? It's just pointless. It just doesn't make any sense for Villa. And by all accounts, he's not pushing for a move or anything. So I think that one's a bit of a no-go, to be honest. There's still a little bit of time in the window.

44:16So maybe we'll see Newcastle sign somebody. But look, if they don't sign anybody else and Isaac is still there, he's going to have to play football. Yeah, I mean, they may be in a situation where they have to make him stay. Oh, yeah. I mean, you made the point a couple of weeks ago, or whenever it was, Jim on the Ramble, that it feels like he's left it a little bit too late to start this. And who knows, maybe he's been poorly advised. I don't know. I think it's a great shame if Izak wasn't there in this coming season to be a part of the Champions League campaign and to see what they could do. Because such an important player, such a loved player, who's written himself into Newcastle United folklore, quite frankly just with that winning goal alone in the cup final so he may well still be there and and if he does look it can still be good we've seen players before you know have a bit of a strop or whatever way you want to spin it and they remain and they go on and and continue to play well for the club so a fascinating situation at Newcastle United I want to turn our attention gentlemen to Everton because Everton have approached Manchester City of a possible deal to sign Jack Grealish on loan.

45:23Oh, we want to see more of those calves because what did he only start in one Premier League game last season? I know he had his injury troubles, Jim, but my goodness, for a player of that talent who again in a World Cup year, you know, Grealish will be desperate to make the England squad. He was so, so gutted to miss out on the Euros in 2024. It is a big window for Grealish because it's quite clear he's not going to play much at Man City if he stays. Yeah, he absolutely has to leave. He's not really been playing in pre-season either, so the writing is very much on the wall there. And we all love Jack Grealish, don't we?

45:58He's a player we want to see play week in, week out, just because the entertainment factor he brings. I think Everton would be an interesting fit. And I say interesting because it isn't that long ago that it seemed not quite unfathomable, but unlikely that he would be interested in playing for a team outside of the European places. But it looks like it just isn't an option for him. Now, I said a few months ago that I think Forrest would be a really good fit for him. Perhaps his wages are too big for that to work, but I've not actually seen that link. But, I mean, Everton seems to be, or they seem to be the club that's pushing for it the most.

46:32I don't know if David Moyes is the right player or the right manager to bring back the Maverick Grealish that we all want to see. He is a big fan of Grealish. He is, yeah, but he isn't generally a manager that likes to have a player who kind of has the freedom to go and do whatever he wants, right? Which is what we really want from Grealish. Grealish has played a different role at Man City. And also, I mean, I understand why you say that. Very different role he played at Man City, which he took time to learn, but he learned it, it's fair to say, because he was a part of, he was a regular starter in a treble winning season.

47:00He's not played much last season. And also the idea of Grealish not being able to roll his sleeves up or roll his socks down or whatever you want to phrase it and get stuck into a team who are in the lower half of the league. I understand it's been a while since he's done that, but he did that with Villa. so he has done it. Oh, I'm not saying he can't do that. Indeed. But what do you think, Vish? Because there were other clubs that were interested. I mean, Napoli were interested. I mean, that would be quite the move. Obviously on loan, I think again the wages and all that kind of boring stuff are there.

47:34He reportedly rejected Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce which would have been quite something. But there is talk that Grealish and his team are just waiting because come towards the end of the window they think that other clubs may come forward because despite you know what we've seen Grealish do off the pitch if you understand what I mean or so on and so forth and the injuries he's a phenomenal player he is I I think the Everton

48:05Marcus Speller: match-up would be brilliant personally if we park the numbers side of it in terms of the financials. I think Everton have been crying out for that kind of player for a long time, Everton fans in particular. A bit of flair. The fact that it's a new, yeah, a bit of flair. The fact that it's a new stadium adds an extra bit onto it as someone who can fill it, quite literally. You know, his presence will get people in their seats. It's a steady ship under Moyes, you would think as well. Yeah, 100%. And also, I think if you look at Moyes' teams, even last year with Everton in something like NDI, There is always someone who is allowed to be, is encouraged to be the flair player.

48:46Marcus Speller: We even saw that at West Ham in patches as well. But I think fundamentally getting Jack Grealish playing regularly in front of fans who adore him is just good. And that to me is the long and short of it. I think it'll be a lovely little matchup. I think he'll be loved. I think it's the kind of place that has long had a history of craving those kind of fair players. And then I think of that anti-Lotti team where they've probably got too many all at the same time. Hammers Rodriguez in there. Yeah. But there is a lot to really like about it. And I appreciate it might be quite unlikely and there might be better fits out there.

49:32Marcus Speller: And as you say, it might even be the case that he's just the highest profile mover on deadline day itself. but for me I kind of love it so I'm all in for it I also think that Everton have by far and away the best home kit in the league this season and I think they'll sell an absolute boatload of them with Jack Greenish's name on the back of it getting them printed up now Everton fans that'll help with the wages there we are coming up after this Scott McSauce has been nominated for the Ballon d 'Or

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52:21Right, gentlemen, it's the big one, the Ballon d 'Or, the one everybody wants. The nominees have been announced, and Napoli's Scott McTominay has made the 30-player shortest. If he wins that, come on. Come on. Come on. Come on. There's an amazing little thing that's happened in our running order here as well that I'm just going to jump ahead to if you don't mind. Scottish producer Rory has noted notable other British players to make the list are Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer and Harry Kane. He's done the reverse Andy Murray. Yeah. yep so Chris Hoyt they're all in there

53:06so yeah I mean it's McTominay's to lose surely Jim I'd think so isn't it very much one of those where you're just happy to be nominated can you get like a little get your laurels like if a theatre show or a comedy show gets a nomination for something you get a laurel like nominated for the best newcomer at the Northampton Fringe or whatever and then you just have it there forever you should get it on your shirt I thought you went to Cilla Black there look you get your laurels your laurel laurels of laughs. Fish, what do you reckon then? Is he a shoo-in or do you fancy maybe Usmana Dembele, for example?

53:39Well, I think first and foremost,

53:41Marcus Speller: well, first and foremost, it's a massive feather in the cap of the Manchester United Academy for the club who gave... Put a bet on now for 2026 Marcus Rashford, Ballon d 'Or winner. Do it now, everybody. Yeah, it is incredible. It's like he's on the best holiday that refuses to end because he has a lovely time. I still remember when he scored that first goal for Napoli last season and it was like, oh, it'd be good if he enjoys himself. Oh, he's starting. He's starting, you know. He's actually starting out there. Yeah. Oh, he's driving from midfield. They're letting him drive from midfield over there.

54:25Marcus Speller: That's a bit weird. and then fast forward he's he's drinking lovely wine he's smoking tabs yeah like he's he's raving about tomatoes he's having like the most amazing Italian summer and oh I've got to go back to work now by the way here's a fucking Ballon d 'Or nomination yeah roll that up and smoke that then oh dear may I remind unbelievable everybody and and Vishu as well that his last game for Manchester United he won the FA Cup as well he has played an absolute blinder wins the FA Cup with Manchester United rides out of town well I would say driven out of town quite frankly the way they treated him was a disgrace no I just he rides out of town goes to Napoli is the best player in Serie A which is some achievement and now he's on for the Ballon d 'Or now I say he's on for the Ballon d 'Or we have to come back to something close to reality because Mohamed Salah's in there as well Vettinha you know you start mentioning these players there is some very, very stiff competition.

55:27I'm not sure. Some people might think there's an obvious winner. I suppose that the names that, the ones that stand out would be Uzmano Dembele, Mohamed Salah, Vettinha maybe, you know. Yeah, I think Vettinha's maybe an outside shot.

55:42Marcus Speller: It's got to be Dembele for me. I think we spoke about this a fair bit last season, didn't we, when PSU were on that, the latter part of their run to the Champions League. But I mean, he's just a man reborn. And it would be incredible if, of the kind of Ballon d 'Or winner slash nominees that he spent his time playing third and fourth fiddle to, if he was like, yeah, this is mine now. Do you think, no, I mean, Rafinha and Lamin-Yemal have obviously had good times. Do you think the Club World Cup counts for anything? Because therefore, does Cole Palmer get it ahead of Dembele? The answer's no. No, I don't think it does, yeah.

56:18Marcus Speller: Wow. But I gave it real consideration, though, Marcus. I know you're a convert, but yeah, I don't think it does. I had a Vogue here. What about Rosetsky? Rosetsky's in with the shirt, isn't he? He always is for me, but I'm a Jeremy Bates man, as you know. But it's a very old reference there. If you got that, well done. Well bloody done. I like Fred Perry. Yeah, now you're talking. Last Englishman ever to win Wimbledon. And perhaps ever the way things are going. I don't know. Now, new Premier League arrivals, Vita Juchoresh and Florian Wirtz, were also nominated alongside Erling Haaland, Alexis McAllister-Mosala, Alexis McAllister can we have a moment to appreciate him getting in there I think that's great that little bit of recognition he had an excellent season he's a brilliant player but maybe a bit unsung two Scottish nominees lovely always appreciated do you think it is see if someone said in the Ballon d 'Or nominations you're just making up the numbers it sounds like a disrespect but if you're making up the numbers in the Ballon d 'Or nominations you're obviously doing something right aren't you yeah absolutely you're more in there than most players.

57:24Indeed, yeah.

57:26Marcus Speller: I like the way this is also, like, he's obviously an exceptional player and he's won so much in the last few years, but not a single mention, and I think he'd like this, for Fabian Ruiz. Oh, Ruiz is in there? Is he? That's what I mean. Yeah, sorry, sorry, yeah. Oh, right. Well, there you go. That proves the point, isn't it? Yeah. I've read that list. Of course I have. The man hasn't, Fabian Ruiz hasn't run or got into a sprint for four years. And he's just casually waltzed into the Ballon d 'Orlist. And that's why he wouldn't get my vote. He's so good. You've got to run fast if you're going to get in there.

58:03Chelsea got nominated for Men's Club of the Season, quite pleasingly. And Enzo Maresco has been nominated. By who, the fucking accountants? What? Oh, you know, look, they won the FIFA Club World Cup, baby. They're on for that. Yeah. They are on for it. Yeah, fair. And if you want to see the trophy, go and visit the White House. but Enzo Moresca has been nominated for coach of the year as well. What a turnaround for that man. I know, yeah. I mean, two trophies, Champions League. A lot of stick from his own supporters throughout the season. Yeah. But get a load of that. It's never boring at Chelsea, is it?

58:34If I was Moresca and I won coach of the year, I'd walk around that stadium with that trophy in my hand, looking at the wall in the eye, I went, which one of you booed me? Who did it? Who did it? Yeah.

58:44Marcus Speller: Well, that joke, isn't it? Which one of you booed me? You're a cunt.

58:55Marcus Speller: yeah right then let's move on to some actual football chat it's thin on the ground but don't worry this weekend's coming Champions League qualifiers are underway they've been underway for ages they were been underway I think wasn't it the Club World Cup was still going on I think the Champions League started there's a lot of teams though Jim you can't be a Champions League snob like you Arsenal fans are you can't go straight into the proper well there's teams who are on the ground Jim who have to play lots of qualifying rounds one of them is Benfica previous winners of the European Cup they beat Nice why bother why bother while the curse is active I mean you've got to break the curse somehow and they only do that by winning it and they beat Nice 2-0 on Wednesday before the game Nice fans provoked Benfica with a Tifo that said Vittoria the eagle is a whore strong that's very mean it's not not my favourite eagle based banner which was a banner by Roma fans that said to Lazio simply fuck you and fuck your eagle it's a bit more honest it's lovely and succinct well I just think yeah to be fair what the Benfica eagle gets up to in his spare time we're not here to kink shame no we're not your eagle is on the game is an odd sort of criticism which I do respect in a way but I just think we can do better.

1:00:18Marcus Speller: Avian sex work is work. Yeah? Victoria the Eagle needs more rights, is what it needs to say. She should be at Ajax, for example, if that's the case. Anyway, let's move on before we tank ourselves up here. Is that where you think they all live? Is that where you think all sex workers live? Oh, no. Amsterdam. We'll live together in a lovely red house. No, it's a house, but there's a red light on it. I've heard the song. Something to do with rock sand. Right, anyway, can I move on to Arsenal? You can't throw rocks at their house because of all the windows. Oh dear, well they can't throw stones at me, people in glass houses.

1:00:59Anyway, Arsenal play part two of the Emirates Cup at home against Athletic Club on Saturday.

1:01:06Marcus Speller: Oh, just fucking hurry up and start already. What are we doing? They're not involved in the community field. they lost the first game against Villarreal 3-2 on Wednesday night quite enjoyably well you would have seen former Arsenal man Nicolas Pepe open the score you remember him Jimmy he was bought for an enormous amount of money he was and it didn't really work out he did a lot better than people give him credit for actually won the FA Cup as well fans were booing him which is mad absolutely mad I mean not very many but like one is too many in that situation he didn't choose that price tag Yeah, I sort of, he didn't.

1:01:43And I sort of, I didn't realise he was kind of on the pitch until he scored, to be honest. But yeah, it was not a great performance in a lot of senses from Arsenal. They don't look ready. Really sort of shoddy at the back. It's a bittersweet symphony, this life. I'm not expecting great things this season, I have to say. Already feeling quite down about it. It feels like the good old days, actually. Genuinely. Yeah, I think, I do think they've improved the squad from last season. They've actually done it. Yeah, he had a clunky start. Now, I'm not going to judge him on that. The team needs to adjust to him.

1:02:20But I think that's going to take a little bit of time. Arsenal have a very tough start. Yeah, I'm... This is a post-oasis come down, isn't it? Yeah, you're probably right. I mean, tomorrow I might feel very differently. But, yeah, I've got some concerns about the style being a little bit stale and also, as I said, the changes needed, taking a little bit of time with a very, very difficult start. Obviously, they're away to Old Trafford on the first day of the season. Anfield away, Newcastle away, Man City at home. You've got to play all these teams, Jim. You've got to go away to still. You do have to play them.

1:02:56Absolutely, you do. That happens every year. I'm a bit worried about it. I think that what's made you depressed about this is after the match, when VRL won, the teams took part in what can only be described as a very meaningless penalty shootout. They lost 3-2. Come on, play a penalty, he said. Villarreal also won that. They did. So they lost twice. Noni Makuweke missed the key penalty as well. I mean... Yeah, he... So Arsenal do this a lot. Arteta asks opposition managers if they want to do a penalty shootout so you get the opportunity to practice it in the first stadium. Did in the FA Cup against Man United last season.

1:03:36Yeah, indeed. Which I think, you know, makes a lot of sense. But yeah, at the same time, the way the players approached it didn't seem like it was very pressure heavy. Are there fans who don't know that that's a thing? Sorry, is the scoreboard deceiving me? The vast majority of fans seem to think that, yeah. Seem to be like, why are they doing this? They do it every time. Don't you watch every Arsenal-friendly virgin? Well, fair enough. I think they're going to give you a bit of cheer, Jim, this coming season. Yeah, I hope so. I'm sure there's going to be times I enjoy it and I'm sure there will be points where the new kind of style and the new players click.

1:04:10But yeah, I just feel an apprehension I've not felt for a while. Possibly because I've had my fingers burned quite badly over the last two seasons. But we'll see in terms of, you know, the last bit. It's like Game of Thrones, isn't it? Really good, really good, really good, really good. Yeah, well, I've never watched it and it sounds like I was right. There we are, everybody. Thanks for listening to the Football Ramble, part of the ACARS Creator Network. Your weekly Football Ramble game will return for a new season next Friday. So don't worry, we will be back in contention with each other for pride and glory next Friday.

1:04:44And the three of us are back on Monday to bring you a review of that Community Shield crunch grudge match from Liverpool versus Crystal Palace. Make sure you subscribe to the Football Ramble in your podcast app so you do not miss anything. thank you very much Vish thank you thank you very much Jim thank you and thank you Nicholas Pepe see you all the time

1:05:12the Football Ramble is a stack production and part of the Acast Creator Network

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