EP. 396 | Dermot Kennedy: “You Have To Be DELUDED!” – From Busking to Sold Out Stadiums OVERNIGHT?!

0:00Chris Stark: Hello and welcome to That Peter Crouch Podcast with me, Peter Crouch. I'm going to call you Sid's, not Notorious S.I.D. anymore. That was a moment in time. I'll call him the BBQC for a little while. It feels like it's all evolved. I'm happy with that. You're back at Sid's. I'm happy with that. Yeah, good. It's a chapter in the book. It's a new chapter. It's a new chapter, yeah. We live in there. And feel free to get involved in the DMs with nicknames you feel like. No, well, listen, we've all got nicknames. I was Crouch from Bahrain a couple of weeks ago. that seems to you never know what can happen in this podcast and now you're a recording artist now you're a singer it needs a nickname that sort of encompasses the current Steve Sidwell as we know him I'm trying we don't even need to come up with one now because everyone's ones that they send in are way better this is what I'm scared of now so let the people decide what your pop star name should be pop star name that's what you're yeah a recording artist but this is why we wanted to get Dermot Kennedy in today he's a big football fan big United fan but he's an incredible artist it just feels like the right person to come in as you head towards this gig at Finsbury Park potentially or whenever this performance will be but as you're learning the guitar you can get a little bit of advice there well I am going to you know strum and hopefully we can get him to strum and I will be watching him really closely how he strums great it's going to be exciting Steve Strumswell I'd like Crouchy can I just say well done and congratulations as well before we get too far into this he sent the best message into the group the other day he was you were pissed I imagine but firing off all sorts of messages to book people and I was on a night out and I was just it was like one after another you were like that's I'm not going to say the names yet you were like that's so and so book that's that book I was like bloody hell it's taken about eight, nine years but we've do you know what happened right?

1:55Chris Stark: Do you know what we're doing? I was watching matches today and every kind of team I was watching I went I've got his number so then I was pissed just firing it out and everyone was saying yes so I mean the podcast is just going to be fantastic it really is when the big man texts it gets involved people respond straight away like people will probably look at that on a Saturday night and go I'll leave that to you know tomorrow morning but let's get back straight away some of the names floating around for this podcast is in a very good place I think it's in a really good place and I keep getting told actually recently lots of people saying the direction you're taking is the correct direction trust the process I said can we just say one of the names that hopefully will get sorted but I only want to bring it up because the message was so good one of them was James Milner who hopefully we can lock down and get here I think it'll be a great podcast but the screen grab you sent to us even fired back with his with his mobile phone provider EE?

2:56yeah yeah

2:56Chris Stark: he's an EE man yeah and then on the screen grab you've put back to him you reek of EE

3:06I'm not gif gaff by the way

3:07Chris Stark: I just love the fact that you know it's better when the players are our listeners do you know what I mean? exactly yeah and I think yeah I think I was talking logistics wasn't I? and I just said you know we'd love to have you on and he actually said yeah we've been talking that'd be great looking forward to it and by the way I'm not Giff Gaff I am EE and yeah I did say you stink of EE stink yeah yeah great yeah well done he's up for it anyway he's a great lad Millie oh what a great lad yeah I'm really really keen to have him on just staying on the mobile phone situation for a minute Freddie Wandsworth is he's got in touch from another mobile phone 11 enjoyed this he says chaps regards to families I was inspired by the message last week so here is a phone network 11 he's gone with a 4-3-3 formation the managers even included okay Ingo pay as you Hugo Lawrence pay as Hugo Lawrence fantastic back three Lee Dixon's car phone yeah of course you've got Ben me me yeah yeah Ben me Tyrone Data Roamings is one of my personal favourite Matt T-Mobile Cash Midfield 3 of Oriel and O2 Cermaney Andre Movie Star Shavin Brilliant Yeah, like that one Pablo Vodafor Nals Yeah Front 3 of Ryan Giggsabite This year he's on 3 That's good Mary's on three Mario Baloteliphone yeah lovely the manager is aka the gift gaffer

5:01Chris Stark: his mobile phone Bill Shankly

5:09Chris Stark: mobile phone Bill Shankly well done Freddie in Wadsworth fantastic I see Tesco Mobile got involved in the in our predictions the other week and they they rattled ears off and said over to you Gifgaf which Gifgaf didn't respond I know we we've come up with a lot of ideas every week and you guys do as well but I saw that comment and then I thought wouldn't it be great if we say book to five sides pitch right and we just settle it so we let all the mobile networks put whatever players forward they want to to represent them. So they could do nothing or the, the bigger ones with a bit more money can, can bring in whatever footballers.

5:51And we just, we decide, we decide it on the pitch. And then I think we can do this with other rivalries. We do a whole rivalry series.

6:00Chris Stark: You say we could have a five a side, like EE, GIF, Gaff, phone to phone. And they've, so they all battle it out. And then we can do this with other rivalries, with other companies. I love it. we make a whole rivalry series and this podcast settles them on the pitch so let me see so you're O2 right I'm Vodafone and you're GIFGF right let's settle this now like we'll be the gaffers yeah you can only people that work for these companies be involved in this five side this is what I'm saying or a player that can prove they're on that network yeah so you can bring in a player if they're on that network but then we talk about budgets because they might want to only perform for a certain fee and if GIFGAF or O2 can't provide that fee but Vodafone can but then they're not on Vodafone so yeah I know it's an interesting one this is this is we can do this it's got legs just note that one down Jamie if you don't mind mobile network provider five aside I mean we can start with that then we do pizza delivery companies we'll settle it Domino's Pizza Hut da da da five aside we settle these things on the pitch as a podcast I like it do you like it if anyone's where we set it in the ring no we set it on the pitch yeah it's our it's our one of them I like it I guess yeah alright okay so we need a football pitch and then we'll we'll speak to these relevant phone companies and end of the day if they're not interested and they don't get involved fine but then they lose do you know what I mean yeah no problem yeah okay you've got Dermot Kennedy now can't wait to find out what his service provider is

7:44Chris Stark: welcome to the podcast thank you very much great to have you on nice man thank you no you do you're flying man it's great to see it really is thank you yeah so sid you you went right i see you last summer oh you did really i was at hyde park oh with sac brian yes of course yeah what a day two good days brilliant oh man so we see you before yes and then you come out and sing with him yes when he came on and done his bit as well he's wild man he's inspiring he kind of he sort of does his show in a way that I think is brilliant he literally I was sat a stage watching him anyway and I've done that song with him a few times and he kind of came over the in-ears to everybody and he just said he was like is Dermot here like I think he must be gone and then I was still like so it's nice it's all on the fly you know I think sometimes so you mean in those moments where you come out as a guest like he's literally talked into a microphone they're going like someone get a hold of Dermot exactly really yeah yeah but he thought I was gone.

8:38It's quite, because I'd done it the night before as well, I think, but it's quite, it's just informal. I think sometimes when you, his shows are huge and I think sometimes when you do shows that big, you think it needs to be a certain way and it needs to be planned to death and all that. It just doesn't. Yeah.

8:52Chris Stark: It was good. Yeah, it was good. Everyone was taken aback by it and he was taken aback by it as well, wasn't he? Well, it's nice to be honest. Playing support is nice. I don't do it often, but it's lovely because you're finished at eight o 'clock and there's no pressure. It's not your gig, do you know? yeah I like that it's nice hearing two musicians chat like this common ground you know what I mean just common ground like discussing the art just their gigs you know after the summer we can have a proper chat and you know we can go through it yeah are you alright to give him a few tips like maybe later on in the pod just to finish 100 % on the guitar is funny because I'm a very basic guitarist but I'm a few years in so am I don't worry about that talk us through the new album then right You've replaced me.

9:34Chris Stark: You've got Chris and Sid and you're right in the middle of there looking, yeah, a lot, yeah. Looking pensive, yeah. I didn't want one. There was one where, I think there was one where I was looking at the camera and I just didn't want it. I would like, I don't know. I wanted it to look a bit different. But yeah, I love that. I mean, going up to album, I've signed about, I don't know, thousands and thousands of them and I'm still not sick of that image. So I'm proud of it. Yeah, it's good. Very good. It looks good. But in the woods, you've got a few singles out. It's not quite out yet. When's it out?

9:58it's out april 3rd few songs out now yeah um it's funny you know like you kind of i think right before an album comes out you kind of it's the most in my experience the most self-doubt you experience you know because you're right it's sort of like the thinnest moment right before it all goes mad so uh so yeah you kind of you're right in that moment where you second guess everything

10:17Chris Stark: but yeah it's all good okay it's all good what's that you've got some big shows as well like viva yes indeed amazing man that's that must be obviously you know from your kind of upbringing you know from I suppose busking where you're like that's incredible to then be I suppose you were on the streets of Dublin to then being at the Aviva like what a journey and I think about like the Aviva obviously used to be Lansdowne Road where I would see games constantly and yeah it's hard you know it's hard to process it and I think people ask you how it's going to feel but I don't think you know like I've even gone there when it's empty now to kind of film stuff for the show and all that but you can't prepare for what it's going to feel like I don't think would you have done the is it the Dublin Busk at Christmas?

11:01Yeah, yeah, yeah.

11:02Chris Stark: So they've done one this year at Devonshire. Oh yeah, of course. And Glenn Hansard was there and Elder May it was incredible. Yes, yeah, yeah. The singers and that and it was just so you've done that obviously over in Dublin. Yes. Oh, that was a big thing for me because I used to go and watch that and then say, I don't know, 12 years ago maybe I went in and there would be Glenn Hansard, Damien Rice, Imelda, all these people that kind of stand up on the stage and it's brilliant but I kind of, no one knew who I was and I would push my way to the front kind of thing because there was a real sort of, like, I think before I got into the music industry, there was real arrogance to me, honestly.

11:35And I kind of thought like, I should be up there doing that. And so anyway, I pushed my way to the front and I ended up singing a Bob Dylan song with Glenn Hansard, who I've just admired for a very long time. So it was surreal. And then, yeah, just to kind of, I would go in now, I went in two years ago, not this Christmas just gone, but yeah, it's a brilliant thing.

11:53Chris Stark: Is that kind of how it, how it started for you then did you have like that were you pushing to the front of you know were you like oh i'm fucking good yeah yeah yeah and it's funny because then you get into it and you get humbled quite quickly i think you know because you realize everyone's very good and and and the playing field gets a lot more kind of you know you just you realize that you're not as special as you thought you were do you know what i mean and and especially for me because i didn't necessarily grow up in a music scene or anything so it was real kind of like big fish small pond type thing and then you just realize everybody's brilliant but um i don't know i think in music it's funny you know because and i'm sure football is similar you just you have to be deluded to a certain degree don't you you have because no one's going to believe in it as much as you do so um so i had to have that jam yesterday you was talking there was like the sort of top players that go from good players to elite players that borderline arrogance where they go i should do this i can do that i can play there or yes i'll score that goal yeah yeah of course oh definitely and i think yeah i i mean like i don't know you could make comparisons about musical football all day but it's just i think um you know moments where you feel down and you don't feel confident and that's you just have to kind of constantly remind yourself that you think you are you talk about making your own luck as well in those situations do you think you were born derma in the right is are you born and performing in the right era the right decade would you say I love that question.

13:11I don't know. I think, uh, maybe not, you know, I think like the way, you know, I don't know how many thousand songs are uploaded a day. Social media is flooded. Like, I don't love taking part in all that. I would like to potentially, I don't know, like, like era has gone by where you just release your music and then you play shows and that's the only way people can see. I think I would like that. Yeah. I sort of get that. And I think, I think everything's encouraged to be so fast now and like no intros is the thing I keep. Oh, seriously. Yeah. I had a song a while back, a while back where I ended up doing an interview with Zane Lo Fort and it was this big moment.

13:47It was years ago, but it was this huge kind of moment for me. And he was playing a song called Moments Past and the intro is 45 seconds. And, and I remember my manager saying just, yeah, that's great, but just please don't, for your next single, don't have a 45 second intro. But I would love to not think about anything like that. You think about all the great music that has these long intros. Oh my God. I think it's one of my favourite tunes of all time.

14:07Chris Stark: It's like, it's Peace. I think it's 1998 or something, or 1997, I think it's called. And it's a 12-minute tune. Really? Yeah. And I listen to all 12 minutes. I fucking love it. Yeah, yeah, yeah. No, it's really exciting. You know what I mean? Like, I think an intro's massive. Oh, man. And nowadays, you think about radio edits and stuff like that. It's a shame you have to consider any of that stuff. But, you know, you can't be stupid as well. You do have to just adapt to the times you live in, I think, yeah. Also, some people would argue, like with social media and the internet and all that like you know it's a lot easier nowadays to be discovered and have a song go nuts and all that sort of thing so yeah I get it I get it like strip it back be a bit more raw yeah especially on the guitar as well yeah I just you know it's unbelievable honestly even the way he's he's mirroring yeah I'm like you know maybe you give him some tips for his big gig for the album but things Zach Bryan's a good example because he doesn't participate in any of that stuff.

15:06Do you know what I mean? It's a good example of how someone could, like I think in Hyde Park, what he played to about 120 ,000 people over two nights.

15:12Chris Stark: You know, when I look at you though, I think you're like, it feels like the live stuff to you is important, right? Oh, it's everything. That's kind of where you excel or what you love doing. It's just what I know how to do. Yeah, I had someone years ago, I remember we were touring quite hard and we didn't stop touring for a couple of years and he kind of said, it's great to see you doing it the old fashioned way. And I just don't really understand. Do you know, like it's the only thing I know how to do I think there's certain ways you can get ahead but since I was young the only thing I know how to do is kind of play to people in a room but I just think whenever we go to Dublin on the old golf trip or you know certainly we go to certain pubs in London play Irish music it's something amazing about being in Ireland with the everyone seems to be so talented they enjoy live music their culture is something that I just really love yeah celebrate life it is something special definitely I think it's a precious thing.

16:04Yeah, music is seen as just, it's like cherished in society. I like, I think it's from years and years and years ago. And so I take it for granted, you know, for Dublin to be the first city I played to people in, it's just a supportive environment, you know? And I think people kind of tell you it's a good thing to be doing and they push you a bit, you know? So yeah, it's a lovely place to kind of start making music.

16:23Chris Stark: Well, listen, I suppose you're getting that love back now with the amount of people turning up to your shows over there. Oh, crazy. And I remember like, it was a big thing for me when I started playing. You see a lot of artists kind of get to a point where they can play in the three arena in Dublin, which is 13 ,000 people, but then they might go to New York and play to a couple of hundred. And I was very determined for that not to be the case. You know, I wanted to play the same amount of people everywhere I went. And the main thing in that for me meant I had to be away a lot. And so there's this famous thing, how Irish people kind of lift up their own and support their own.

16:53And when I came back from touring out of Ireland quite a bit, I was worried that it wouldn't be there. Do you know what I mean? That people thought I took it for granted or something. Then I came back and played a festival in Dublin and it was rammed. and I just knew I was like, oh, that's grand. Like that'll be there for me. So yeah, nice. Nice.

17:07Chris Stark: Okay. Big United fan. Yeah. Yeah. Yes. What? Well, it was easy, wasn't it? It was Roy Keane, Dennis Herwin and all that when I was a kid. So I was like, yeah. Okay. Is that, did it come from your family as well? Yeah. Oh, I remember. I literally remember like when I was younger, Roy Keane playing and he came to a gig in Manchester that we did and my mom was there as well. My mom just spoke to him the whole time and I hadn't met him and I was like, I'll just let that happen. And this is, because I'm a fan of his because my mom was a fan of him. And yeah, it just felt like I should leave them chat.

17:33It was nice. God, amazing. How did your mom, after that, what did she say? She just, I think they're similar in a way. My mom is completely no bullshit and I just knew they would get on well. And so, yeah, she thought it was mad to meet him. And his wife was there as well. They all got on well. Yeah, we actually had an art gallery at one point. How do you explain this? We had a, it's an art gallery. The 16th chapel. Yeah, we called it the 16th chapel. It's a story in itself. It's a long story. I was a bit confused one day. But anyway, we sat at this art gallery and it was pictures of people meeting Roy Keane.

18:05Right, yeah, yeah. With little quotes underneath

18:08Chris Stark: of what he had actually said to them. Oh, very good, yeah, yeah. So it was just like little things like, obviously he's pissed off that he's having a photo taken and it was like, there's one of him eating an ice cream and it was, while I'm having a fucking ice cream? Really? That was the quote underneath. We just captioned them all up and there was one that was, when he was behind the bar, Some of the quotes are just cutting And it was like we'll have it But I don't want to That was what it was It sounds like your mum had a lovely experience So when he was at the gig You know my tour manager said Please come back Dermot would love to meet you And then he didn't want to Because he was like I don't want to bother him He just did his thing I just wanted to go home And anyway eventually he reluctantly said I'll come back and say hello And he had the beard and everything And I think he had a hat on And on the way someone stopped and was like Roy can I get a picture and he just said absolutely fucking not and just kept walking I love it he didn't stop for a second yeah absolutely fucking not I love it I've told the story where he told me to fuck off when I was 16 down the tunnel at Highbury asking for an autograph and he told me to fucking do one and you weren't playing or anything you were just I was in the youth team at the time and I used to just get autographs and you got an authentic experience yeah I got the true Roy I got the true Roy he was about to go and play he was down the tunnel with Man Utd the captain at the time when he was going to Arsenal it was like war of attrition and yeah he told me to fucking go and do one I love it I recently sat next to him at a charity dinner Jamie Carragher's one football for change and obviously because we did the I told a couple of stories on the pod about playing against him and seeing him at lights once and I wasn't sure you know he was just perfect gentleman lovely lovely fella like absolutely loved him I remember when he was talking to me at one time there was people kind of queuing for a, for a picture.

19:57Chris Stark: Yeah. And he was talking to me and just went, if I'm just going to continue to talk to you and they will fuck off in a minute. He said to you? Really? Yeah, yeah, yeah. And the queue, I just saw you and he continued to talk. Yeah, yeah, yeah. And that was, it made me laugh so much. And then one by one, I just saw him get bored and kind of walk off and he went, They gave up? There you go. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I'm sure he knows well, yeah. But it's kind of like he's as famous as he's ever been, isn't he? With the point of show. I think people can see that he, you know, he's very nice guy. He just has zero kind of pretense about anything.

20:31Yeah. As a football fan, has, has football ever tried? Have you ever tried to make a football song or a song about football? No, I would say there's memories I have that are involved in that, but I wouldn't do that. No, no. You're not tempted. No, I wouldn't capture the love I have for it. I don't think. No, it'd be bad.

20:51Chris Stark: Are you a singer on the terraces? Do you get involved? that you're a prawn sandwich man. He's definitely a prawn sandwich man now. No, I would be quiet. You'd be surprised. The only noise you ever get out of me is when I'm kind of on stage, genuinely. Yeah. Oh, in school and stuff, I wouldn't go on. Like, it's funny. I know people from school now can't believe I do what I do because you wouldn't hear a sound, yeah. Really? Didn't talk. I saw a video of Alfie Boe at the Liverpool game and he's singing You'll Never Walk Alone but he's doing it full Alfie Boe. Style. Yeah. that's full on it's awesome I kind of think especially if you've got a great voice like yourself you owe it to your club to perform it properly true yeah I'm a fair weather fan yeah in that sense was it always United obviously it was I can imagine it was it growing up there was it always either Liverpool United that's how it feels it is an awful lot of Liverpool United yeah a friend of mine is actually an Arsenal fan and he did that because his brother supported United so yeah it's usually just United Liverpool yeah what was it like coming over for you know like when you you said you come over your dad and stuff like that what was it like because i remember when i was playing for liverpool quite often it's very similar you know a lot of irish people used to come over and the hotels would be packed and it'd be a good buzz yeah you know like before and after the games oh it was huge man you get over and back in the day yeah and um and i remember i think there was three times me and my dad came over and one of them was champions league against basil i remember and uh wasn't even a huge game but i don't know just the atmosphere is unbelievable it really was and and and yeah it was just, I don't know, that love you have for when you're a kid, it's, it's mental, isn't it?

22:24So when you could actually see it in person, it was wild. Yeah. Did you play as a kid? Uh, yeah, I played until I was 22. I'd be playing now, honestly, if I didn't do it. I definitely, yeah. It's a, it's a different part of my brain. I think sometimes in music, I think people think, oh man, I'm out there and I'm flow state, not think about anything kind of mind is empty. And it's really not the case. I think singing and performing is very much kind of, you're in your body. Do you know what I mean? You're thinking about life and it's emotional and blah, blah, blah. Football is unbelievable. Your mind just goes clear, doesn't it?

22:50Yeah, it does.

22:51Chris Stark: I used to come into the training ground with problems and go home without them. You know, not talk about it or anything. I just went and go and play football and, you know, exercise. Yeah, yeah, yeah. And I just feel so much better. Oh, 100%. Yeah, I do think, you know, back even just playing amateur football in Dublin, Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday type thing. I was a better person. Do you know what I mean? You deal with so much. Definitely. Yeah, yeah. You are a good footballer though. It has to be said. Have you seen him play in soccer? Yeah, with soccer. right nah I'm always reluctant with soccer aid to talk about why because I think it's unbelievable I love it to death and I will do it as long as I can but it's everyone who does it kind of has this thing of like oh it's just soccer aid but then it is good though it is good though no I think I actually think it's okay to say it the pros are very nice to you though yeah of course in what way well no very nice as people but also in the game they're very kind of oh of course I've seen I've seen a few of them lose their Only if they think you're a wanker.

23:50Chris Stark: Yeah. Or they think you're taking a piss. Yes. Or if you get stuck into them thinking you can do that. Oh, okay. They take care of you. Yeah. Yeah. Definitely. It's very similar to you, Sid, isn't it? You know, you just lose yourself in music and football. I saw you last playing at Five A Side, actually, in London. I remember it was like a music industry, Five A Side thing. That's right. Oh, that was too. In Shoreditch. Joe Cole, Dan Johnson. Yeah. Yeah. You down there for that? I was playing. but that stuff kills you because you're playing against lads who might not be fantastic footballers but they're just mad fit and they're slamming into you yeah that is an issue that isn't it did Conch play did Paul Koncheski play Paul Koncheski play David James broke his finger David James broke his finger in that game yeah so you love soccer though do you?

24:33I know I love it I love it to pieces and the first time I did it was in Old Trafford and it was Covid so it was empty and the feeling was unbelievable it was class yeah but you scored I was watching I was actually there scored a scaldi pano yeah yeah but um i did the commentary for that did you really yeah yeah yeah but that was it was a surreal one because it's just not one in the stadium oh it was a covid one yes yes what who was the best

24:57Chris Stark: you played like who who was the professional that you fought oh there's plenty of them isn't there was the one just gone was rivaldo um yeah and uh yeah mental and the first time i played though But the first time, you know, Wayne Rooney has done, I think everyone I did. And he's unbelievable, obviously. Ah, yeah, like the standard's off the charts. But it's unbelievable. I guess it's little moments. Like there was a bit in training where Wayne Rooney was taking free kicks. And just the way he even kicks the ball is just nuts. What did you learn? Was there anything specifically that sticks in your head, a little thing that changed your game?

25:33In football? In soccer way training from one of the pros. There was one. Robbie Keane plays them. and he would often chat to me just like because we're both Irish or whatever and he his thing was what I was saying earlier just like don't try it on with anybody because it won't go well and I remember there was one time in training just gone Carlos Tevez was playing in the last one and he kind of came in for the last day of training the day before the game and I nutmegged him in training and it was funny because everyone thought it was great crack and then Robbie Keane came over and he was like don't do that again he was like he just won't like it yeah so he learned to be sensible yeah but you know what

26:12Chris Stark: you've still got that for life though I do oh see Carlos Tevez just popped it through yeah yeah yeah but he was still playing wasn't he like he came on and scored four goals for a laugh basically yeah that was mad actually I remember that when you see a pro turn it on and soccer right yeah exactly I always remember Defoe doing it came on I'm sure Redknapp was managing it was almost like he had a bet on with his mate yeah yeah yeah it looked piss easy for him I was marking him in the last one. It was woeful. Oh, sorry. No, no, no. It was. Do you know what's bad? Actually, I always come off software to the WhatsApp with the lads.

26:46And the first one was one of my mates were always saying, oh, he'll have nightmares about Jermaine Defoe. But it was me and Leonardo Bonucci playing centre-back.

26:54Chris Stark: Who was your manager for both of them? Harry Redknapp the first time and then Peter Schmeichel just gone. Yeah. Who's a piano player? I wanted to play, I did a song at halftime and I was joking about him playing piano. How was the halftime? it was good it was fun to be honest if I was going to play a song at Old Trafford I'd be bricking it and then because I was playing the match I didn't have to think about it too much and I just had to go and do it it was fine yeah I would get nervous if I was thinking about it the whole time yeah class what do you make of United this season it's good isn't it it's good to see is that right yeah I think so of course it is I don't know I like I don't know anything about a football club's work or anything like that but I do it's hard to imagine a world in which if it carries on this way he doesn't deserve of the job a bit, you know?

27:34Gotta be ace. Fair?

27:35Chris Stark: Yeah. Yeah. I think so. It's unbelievable. The change is wild. Yeah, yeah. We know Michael as well, you know, he's my age, so I kind of came through under 18s, under 21s, and you couldn't wish for, you know, everyone wants him to do well, Jeremy. He's a really good lad, and, you know, he's galvanized the team, so that's all that matters, isn't it, right? You get the players on side. Oh, man. Yeah, you see a lot of chat, don't you, about like when this season is finished, and if he were to become the manager, how he stops being everybody's pal and all that. But I don't know. I honestly don't have a clue.

28:06But I don't know. Yeah, they're flying. Yeah, fair enough.

28:10Chris Stark: You know, I just want to get back right to the start. What was your big break, music-wise? How did it happen for you? I always pin it down to this one moment. I'm very grateful for how long it took, to be quite honest, because it means I kind of know who I am as a person. So I don't take that for granted. but it did took ages. And, and there was one time I was playing a gig here in London in the servant jazz quarters, which was about 40 people. And I had organized it myself, booked it myself, sort of brought my piano and guitar over, did all that stuff. And, uh, and then I played the gig and this type of gig where you kind of mingle into the crowd afterwards and just chat to people.

28:45And, um, and there was a few people said, Oh, I came to the show cause I heard your music today. And then I went home and my Spotify had gone from say 10 plays a day to sort of 40 ,000. And it was this sort of moment where it just felt like it all flipped and um and truthfully like no joke I kind of I think since then I've been chasing that feeling because like you said the live thing is crucial to me and so if I can play to 40 people that day and then 200 and then 500 it's just it's a nice way of me kind of trying to figure it out because it just it makes it quite simple like if I get on a stage all I can do is my best and if it's good enough then the crowd will be bigger next time and and uh so but i do see that as the moment yeah i think it was 2017 yeah yeah i think so i remember i remember just when i'd heard about you for the first time and i was at radio one yeah and you were just tipping into and you knew from from there it must be a bit like you know where you see certain footballers and you've seen it a lot with the max downman chat of late it's like shit it's just another level to everything else that's out yeah and then sure Sure enough, he goes and he's flying.

29:52Thank you. Yeah. And it is kind of, you're right, you can draw comparisons, I think, at any point between football and music. And there is a lot of crossover in places, but yeah, it's just mad. It's mad how talented. How much of it were you born? Can you be born with that talent, do you think? Or is that just working and hard work? I think, I mean, I don't like speaking about it from my own point of view, but I think it's a thing you just have that you can do. I think it is. Of course, you can learn and you can train and all that sort of stuff. but like, I don't know, like, like if I, you sort of need both, but I think you, you have something about it.

30:25And to be quite honest, like joking about my guitar playing, like it truly is very limited. It really is. But I've figured it out in such a way that it works for me. And, and, and I think like there's ways I play chords that I'd be playing an F chord, but it's kind of a weird version of it. But I've figured out over the years that it kind of is the best version of it for the way I sing. And I can only do that by myself. Do you know what I mean? if someone taught me all day long how to play this chord and that chord, I would become quite more basic in a way, if that makes sense. So, uh, so you figured out your own way, but, uh, yeah, like, I mean, my voice kind of crapped out about three or four years ago.

31:01I had to take some time and figure out how to sing, but until then I was entirely untrained. So I do think it's, I think you've got this, it's like this deep, proper Irish soulful. When you were a kid, you wouldn't have had this deep kind of like, No, I guess not. Did it just tip into puberty and it all just matched up? It must have done, yeah. I used to, yeah, I did have that moment like where I was singing in the back of the car and my mom and my sister were kind of like, what is that sort of thing? Yeah, so, yeah. I think, I don't know, I think largely it's a, it's a, it's a thing you're kind of born with, I think.

31:34Yeah. I agree. You hear that, Sids? Yeah. How are you picking this up? Honestly, I've, I've got my voice recorded off. Yeah, exactly right, yeah. We're going to have to get you to play something in a minute. Yeah, yeah.

31:43Chris Stark: Well, as successful as you've been, you know, you can always learn. And Sid is here to help you. Do you want to get the Akui, Sid? Yeah, so whilst he's getting that, let's just explain. So the big plan with this is that potentially he's going to support Kasabian at Finsburg. Yeah, yeah. Finsburg. Yeah, they're doing a big gig there. That'd be his first ever gig. What is that, about 40 ,000 people? Yes. Yeah, around that. Yeah. So basically he said to us before around Christmas time, any New Year's resolutions, One was to learn Spanish and one was to learn the guitar. So we're trying to get him to do Enrique Inglés in Spanish.

32:19Chris Stark: Oh, brilliant. What did you say, two weeks? About two weeks. Yeah. So I've got to tell you a funny story this morning. If you're about to play like that, that's impressive. So a story this morning. I got the train to the studio and got to London Bridge. And I was walking down one of the corridors down and there was a homeless man there. and uh as I'm getting closer he was he was quite loud this fella old guy beard beard can in hand and I'm walking down I've got this big guitar yes carrier and he said ah musician and I said play me a song I said I can't play fuck all mate and he said I've never heard of that one he said but give it a go

33:08did he really

33:09Chris Stark: mate honestly I laughed the whole way down here he probably thought you were going to just like rock up so yeah I've been literally been two weeks and I've been basically learning on the on YouTube alright shall I hold that for you SIDS and then are you going to sing or are you just saying we're doing a sing yet I like that bear in mind he's only been down in two weeks yes it is yeah we're only going two weeks you ready mate

33:58Chris Stark: can you dance that's beautiful I think that's a good idea that's good it's alright it's alright it's getting there it's just you've got to look at obviously both eyes and both hands this is the thing this is when athletes try to do something it's full on isn't it yeah he's in the zone now yeah and then I haven't got the sorry sorry that's easier than what you were doing previously though sorry sorry sorry right there

34:39Chris Stark: I think it's great. That's really good. That's really... I feel like crying. I feel like crying, Sid. To be very honest. Are you encouraged by being able to do that in two weeks? Oh, yeah. You must be. Yeah. Yeah, considering at the start, I mean, I was... You were flying there. I was choking it to death. I mean, my left hand was screaming. But I need some lessons. So I need to really... I want to put something out there. I want to look up someone local and really crack on. and get one to one. It sounds like you've just got to find your own way. You know roughly what you've got to do there. Yeah, but I still need to be taught.

35:15Chris Stark: I can't do it by myself. Yeah, I think maybe a few lessons. But from what you've really come on. Well, you guys have got to sing it as well. Yeah, yeah. That's brilliant. I think it'll be easier in front of 40 ,000 people as well because they can just carry the whole thing. I just hope so. Yeah, yeah. Will it truly be that song? Yeah. Well then you'll have the crowd behind you as well. It has got to be Hero and Rick Inglasius. Brilliant. Perfect. I think it's a self-hero. It's a lovely song though. It's a lovely song. Yeah, it's like reading the room a little bit. Dead Top of Crown. Yeah, come on.

35:49Chris Stark: Have you brought your guitar? Yes, I do indeed. Can you give us something? Yeah, go on. Is that right? Yeah, of course. This is what we're talking about.

36:01What, sing something? Yeah, go on. It's up to you. Yeah, it's just playing. is. Yeah, if you don't mind. Okay.

36:14It's out of tune. You'd know that. Yeah, I did think that. As a peer of mine. Yeah.

36:24There is a light

36:31Certain candlelight that never shone on me wanted my whole life to be lived with you lived with you there is a way everybody say to do each and everything Oh, but what good does that bring If I ain't got you If I ain't got you Cause baby, you don't know what it's like Baby, you don't know what it's like to love somebody to love somebody the way I love you

37:40wow wow unreal

37:44Chris Stark: unreal man I'm a Kennedy ladies and gentlemen well you showed me right up there that was funny don't get your lessons That was super. Puberty was returning onto a place. That was so good. Domo, we've got some fan questions. We had loads, by the way. It seems that you've got a lot of fans. Aaron Smith says, what network are you on and do you get benefits from your provider? Just phone network. I'm not sure if you're an Irish one. You'd be surprised how interesting that question is for me. Really? Yeah. Are you into it? I am with Vodafone. and I have, yeah. A man of integrity. This feels like so small.

38:30I think this has been turned, has it? No, it hasn't. I have a very specific sort of contract with Vodafone through an institution that I'm not in. Anyway, it's hard to explain. But basically, it benefits me globally and that's okay. Does it? It does.

38:47Chris Stark: So are you like, can you, this is what Vodafone does. I'm pretending to be a nun, basically. Swear to God, I have like a nun phone plan. Really? No joke. Really? So what does that entail? It just means I have data wherever I go. Do you really like that? This is the stuff that they don't even advertise on Gifgaff. I don't think it's readily available. We've got three different providers here. Gifgaff, O2 and Vodafone. It says a lot about the man. I'll get you on the Sisters of Mercy plan. Is that what it is? Okay. I can't. I actually will. Jesus Christ. Mate, you know what? When you speak to the right people at the top of Vodafone's tree...

39:29Chris Stark: The thing is, you can't have these conversations with fellow GIFGAP people. You're not even these conversations. I don't think they provide anything in the state, stateside. You're worried about GIFGAP. You are. You're terrified. They're coming. Well, it's good to know. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Listen, we'll chat after. We'll chat after.

39:50Chris Stark: Okay, Foodspot's 246. No idea who that is. If you could choose one meal that you could eat every single day for the rest of your life and one song that plays on repeat until the meal's finished, what would you choose? What a scenario to be in. Chicken dinders, always chicken dinders. Really? Yeah. What song will we be playing? Is it sad or happy? There's a song I was on, I was lucky enough to feature on it. It's called Above the Clouds of Pompeii by a band called Bears Den. Unbelievable. Yeah, that's my favorite song. Really? It's sad. That's beautiful. Okay. okay alright nice Talz is there a song that you almost didn't release but now you couldn't imagine not being around I probably got a couple of them yeah ones a day I'm very lucky like I feel quite there's a lot of conviction if I like a song it's going to come out just whether it's sort of a single or a lead thing or not it's going to exist so nah it's rare that a song is kind of like actually Better Days I nearly didn't bring that out because because it was COVID and it felt like a COVID song and I didn't want to look like I was trying to make a COVID song do you know I didn't want to think I was you know I wasn't trying to sort of make this hopeful song at a time when people didn't feel good and then we played it at Transmit in Glasgow the festival and people hadn't been outside in years and like that gathered together and so then I was like oh it's good it was a good idea God what a festival that is to sort of blast all the crazy man is there a song that you've written And how much, how much do you write for other artists?

41:24I never have. You never have? No, I never have. And there's never been a song that say you haven't gone with, but then you've let another artist. No, I've had people kind of say, I've had people I've written songs with who come to me and say, I'm working with so-and-so. They love this song. Would you be happy to let it go? And I say, yes. I think it might've happened once or twice where it does come out. I don't know, honestly. If I'm not bringing out a song, I'm done with it. They can have it. That's amazing. Cause I was talking to Calvin Harris not too long ago, and it blew my mind this that he wrote Call My Name by Cheryl Cole and just the idea he's made this song but somewhere there exists a demo of Calvin Harris singing Call My Name yeah yeah yeah to send over to her people like him isn't that great that level of like of work rate too they just never stopped yeah

42:06Chris Stark: yeah yeah okay what are your favourite places you like to travel on tour and to relax and has anyone directly inspired songs you've written uh sure and uh yeah place I love to go to I was there last week is New York I like being there it's funny because in Dublin in Ireland I kind of live in the middle of nowhere and so New York it's the complete opposite and I just I get I don't know there's some kind of there's a good Irish energy there it feels I don't know it feels very welcoming I love being there yeah it is good it feels that way doesn't it and of course unlimited service while he's there you know on his phone oh as soon as I land yeah maybe even up in the air yeah yeah eventually you've done South by Southwest is that I have what's that like it's fantastic a friend of mine lives in Austin oh brilliant and um i've not been a lot of my friends had gone over because it was in season at the time yeah but they said it was just oh yeah of course like incredible uh yeah it's brilliant you know i got a good run at it because i think some people play 15 gigs in the week you know whereas we did five and it was manageable but um but it's mad yeah i think it's changed quite a bit but you do the good thing for me was it was in the middle of a tour i think some people go over thinking this is the thing that's gonna get me signed and do all this and maybe it will i don't know but But it's just for me, it was, yeah, it was just fun things to do in the middle of a tour.

43:16You get to live somewhere for a week as well, which is nice.

43:19Chris Stark: Yeah. Class. Okay. Luke from Sheppard said, which music artist is the best footballer and which is the worst? Ooh. You're pals with many people that, you know, like play music, you know, artists. Musicians? Yeah. Yeah. I would be. It's funny though, because you never sort of get to spend time with these people because we're all just moving constantly. Noah Cahn's a good footballer do you know him yeah yeah he's a big Chelsea fan but he is he's a good footballer who's the worst I'm trying to think of someone who won't be offended by that I haven't seen him play maybe he might be great he might be no I'm not sure Serge he's good he's a proper player loves his football doesn't he oh yeah yeah this thing all these people still play I don't get to play like James Bay for example he's a great player he's playing every week I think I would love that is he still doing soccer aid James Bay yeah I think so he did it once with me and he was great yeah yeah yeah nice good little firm dodged the question successfully you've done well there you've done well there you've done well there you've done well there you've done well you've done well you've done well there that's crouchy-esque right Dermot we do a thing called the game's gone here's the board what is pissing you off at the moment?

44:41It's a classic one but VAR does bother me. Yeah, yeah, yeah. It does. Well, just how long it takes. Yeah. You know, I think and I'm, yeah. Did you see recently with the US World Cup how there's going to be all these sort of breaks in the games? Yeah. And just, I don't know, clearly just spaces for tons of commercials and stuff. You would worry about how the game might change.

45:03Chris Stark: Okay, so is this going to be a planned break? I think so. Is this going to be like a war? Is this because of heat, but then they're just going to use that? But they're just going to use that. They're actually like, we can get some adverts. That would be games gone. Yeah, that could be. Where do you stand on sort of big bus parades before a relegation match? Before a relegation match? Yeah. He's referring to Spurs. I'm talking about Tottenham here. Yeah. They're trying to galvanise. Oh, and there was one yesterday? There was a giant bus parade. Was there really? Oh my God. sort of flares everything no that's bad that's bad I think game's gone they're trying to get shot they don't want to go down no I'm not listen I'm not saying but you can't kind of you can't have that sort of thing before can you serious I think I remember Everton did it not long ago they've just they got together it feels like they rather they were planning a demonstration and instead of a demonstration they thought there'd be negative impact on the team let's just get together is that what it is and yeah that's a good you know what I mean that's what I feel you need to win the game yeah I agree are they safe currently whatever point above it yeah it's not it's not good at the time of recording yeah do you know what's bad and I've seen a couple of people talk about this when it's literally just blocking the ball and it goes out for a corner and then everyone high fives and celebrates that's bothering me lately oh you want that on the thing I'm going to put that up because I don't like that either that's a great one yeah do you know when you block so this is when you block the ball from a corner and then you tell the fans to get out of their seat yeah yeah that's not I don't think that should be that's unacceptable is it yeah but you just want to throw yeah yeah yeah yeah stuff like that and it's like yeah you've made a tackle in the box as a defender yes and then you've told the crowd to get out out of your seat yes it's your job well I feel bad because I'm a musician saying it but it's true now no it's true that's exactly what it's made for that's actually come up before a couple of times.

47:05Chris Stark: And also, if I'm actually a fan of the crowd and the centre half is telling me to get off my, on my, stand up for his block tackle. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Absolutely not. I want to see a winger dribble at someone and then I'll get off my seat. Yes. That's going on. I don't know how you're writing this one. Yeah, true. How would you say that? Defenders celebrating mediocrity. Yeah. I fucking can't spell celebrating. Better than mediocrity.

47:38I'm going to have a go. What was world deadline date?

47:42Chris Stark: So do you remember when they used to be outside the training grounds and the fans would be there and you might see like, you know, the odd toy. Do you mind signing that one for me? No problem.

47:56Chris Stark: I'll put my name on that. Do you know what? It's just so we know that, you know, that's what you believe in. Of course. We've had Danny Dyer celebrate. Yeah, who's that? Harry Wilson. There you go, mate. You live on. Happy days. Great. Dermot, thanks so much for coming in, mate. And good luck with the album, right? The Way in the Woods, right? Thanks, lads. And what day was it out again? April 3rd. April the 3rd. Yes, indeed. Can't wait. Best luck with the gig. Cheers. You're going to be fine. I'll take your word for it. Yeah, yeah, seriously. Yeah, before you go, Dermot, we've got a little campaign at the moment.

48:32Chris Stark: Just wanted if you could help us with our campaign. obviously to make shin pads great again I don't know if you've noticed in the Premier League now that the shin pads are pretty non-existent I mean even socks are down you know it's not it's not a great look is it that's all so yeah Harry Wilson we've gifted some shin pads I'm going to be wearing some for the Liverpool Legends match or we'll wear them and yeah we've got you some Dermot Kennedy shin pads that's a good size so there you go mate so if you are playing soccerade or whenever you're playing football mate we'd like to see you in them or yeah exactly even in a gig you never know exactly that it doesn't have to be football it's good to be protected if you want to walk out of the Aviva with a pair of them on that would be good yeah you know then feel free thank you very much appreciate it Tom man really appreciate it nice for you thank you

49:25Chris Stark: alright let's get into the best league in the world sorry for this we're a little bit remote it's just me and Sid at the moment you could say I've lost the dressing room again. We are remote. I'm in a bit of an echoey room because there's not much furniture in this room. And I've just got back from Liverpool, SIDS. How are you feeling? How did the body hold up? How was the knee, more importantly? Yeah, well, obviously I played in the Legends match against Borussia Dortmund. And yeah, I was slightly hungover. It was quite a big evening after the... main event. We ended up drawing 2-1. I changed the game actually when I came on Sid.

50:06Chris Stark: I played kind of last half hour. I changed the game because we were 2-0 up when I came on and we drew 2-1.

50:18Chris Stark: But I was making the match after the game. That's the most important bit. That's where you come into your own, isn't it? I certainly did, Sid. Do you know what? There was a couple of with the DJs from last year were there. And I don't know if I remember if I told you, but I ended up getting up with them in the DJ booth and doing a few tunes. And it seemed to go down really well. So this year, they were on me before the game. They were saying, like, would you, you know, all the LFC Foundation, they were, would you come and DJ again? I said, I'm not really a DJ, you know. It depends how many beverages I have.

50:57Chris Stark: but listen I managed to have the right amount of beverages and I was straight up there you couldn't get me off but it was good Sid you know they had these amazing graphics for me behind me yeah maybe we'll post something on the socials because Jürgen was up dancing yeah Pepe Reina near the front we had Jersey Dudek with his family buzzing off it it was it was such a great buzz you know everyone was dancing just a really good like atmosphere all the Dortmund players their families everyone dancing yeah love that brilliant I did see some some videos on socials and your arms was wide mic in hand dropping lyrics was there a bit of a retro a retro kind of tracksuit as well that you guys had Liverpool guys yeah mate what what a trackie it's the it's the Robbie Fowler one isn't it I've seen them advertising it's kind of is it around 94 I reckon That kind of era?

51:57Chris Stark: 94, something like that. Yeah, it's a green kind of retro tracksuit. But yeah, I mean, I've had it fleeced off me, to be honest. Nothing I had, like, obviously, Abby's dad was all over it. He wanted the trackie top. Someone wanted the T-shirt. I remember there was a lad at the game, there was loads of kids with signs, you know, like, Thiago, Gerard, Jürgen, you know. and some a little lad in a wheelchair lovely little little boy he asked for my boots as well so I had to I had to give him those as well so yeah I didn't come back with that to be honest but even the shin pads I don't know if you heard about the shin pads Sid I did hear about the shin pads mate yeah yeah that's brilliant unbelievable like we gave some to Jürgen he had them on Ian Rush I don't know he actually Ian Rush said I think he's going to give them to his lad his lad plays so he'll be wearing the shin pads Stevie actually played in the shin pads we gave him and anyone who's anyone who's at the game would tell you they were fucking all over Anfield the pads they kept falling out I think we'll yeah we'll take it to the manufacturers then in a few little minor tweaks and then we'll start getting them out to the players a few little tweaks mate a few little tweaks but yeah absolutely fantastic Liverpool do it well Liverpool do it well you had over 60 ,000 wasn't it Anfield full house party after if anyone does it well it's always it's always done well at Anfield I just can't believe it Sid you know like genuinely like I can't get my head around like when I was playing kind of you never think you're going to get that feeling again like I don't know if I was going overboard when I said it last time like it's one of the best days of my year you know getting to run out at Anfield again 60 ,000 people there you know the atmosphere is brilliant you get to see all your old mates again even when I was on the bus uh you know I just felt like a footballer again you know I mean you get that kind of buzz and I just really loved it and obviously we just raised that you know a load of money for the LFC foundation which do kind of amazing job around the city of Liverpool it's all local you know and um you know there's other amazing charities that focus on things that going on kind of out of our out of our country but they're they're focusing on, you know, just right there, you know, the city of Liverpool, there's certain people in the city that need help and, you know, need some backing and, you know, just it's, they do really good work and it's, yeah, it's a pleasure to be involved.

54:34Chris Stark: I just absolutely love it. So it's a shoo-in every year for us. Yeah, love it, love it. No, you always, I think, yeah, listen, man of the people, you'll always be welcome back there. But as we've noticed, no Chris is there. So he's, I believe he's sent some voice notes in is that right because he's as you left the dressing room he's just thought he won't turn up yeah yeah I don't know who he thinks he is at the minute Sid yeah he's gone big for me he's gone big time I think it's ever since he got the capital the main gig you know he seems to think he could just swan off on holiday yeah feel like I've lost the dressing room but you know when the egos get too big sometimes you know what I mean you think you know I remember when he was just a young player coming through you know and you know now since the breakfast show I think it's gone to his head let's listen to what he's got to say come on Crouchy unbelievable scenes I'm not sure what you've spoken about yet the photos the videos you put in the whatsapp so many amazing things going on there the DJ set I'm absolutely gagging to talk about really really hope you're sharing this with everyone because it It was one of the best things we've seen.

55:50I woke up, in case he's not shown this yet, woke up to a WhatsApp from Crouchy with a video of him DJing. It is phenomenal. So the Klopp stuff, getting him in shin pads. I feel like if anything was to ever happen to me, my impact on the game of football could be persuading you and then in turn this podcast persuading the nation to make shin pads great again. My legacy. and yeah, I'm very proud of that. I'm on holiday, so sorry I can't be there, boys. Just spending time with the family. I was tempted to get my wife on this one, but we just went to the hotel, so she's looking around. So I might, for next predictions, get her involved.

56:33Also, other news for me, I was at the England training camp a few days ago, filming something there, chatting to Dan Byrne. I was filming something with him and a couple of other players, and he was saying about coming on the podcast. So let's make that happen as soon as. Predictions coming up next.

56:53Chris Stark: Well, I'll tell you what, I feel it's a little bit, oh, there's a little thumbs up again. Yeah. Yeah, like that was great from Chris, to be fair. Yeah, he was getting Dan Byrne on, that'd be great. I'd love to have him on. Yeah, Dan Byrne, he's up in the City of Love, isn't he? So he's always said about coming on, so I'm sure they get a few days off here and there. Or we go up to the City of Love, or that could be a bit dangerous. Oh, mate. Yeah, essentially. But yeah, we'll go and test the water, can't we? That's a nice voice note there from Chris, because a man of his calibre, and how well we've seen him DJ up front, obviously Isla White, and how he gets a crowd going.

57:37Chris Stark: He would have watched out seeing you, obviously, doing what you do. and I could see him really watching that and enjoying it. I could see him liking that. I feel like there's some good backing there. Do you know what I mean? He's been doing it a long time. We've seen it first hand at the Isle of Wight. He had the place absolutely rocking, didn't he? So, yeah, I'll take that as a big compliment there. I take it back that his ego's gone. It's all gone to his head. I take it all back. Yeah, that was a nice voice that was out. So he's back in the saddle. Right, should we crack on with these predictions?

58:07Yeah,

58:08Chris Stark: let's do it. Yeah, last week, I mean, Chris was on the verge of a nine-pointer. Incredible scenes. They all equalised, didn't they? What was it, the Wales game and the Ireland game? Late goals killed him. He had nine points there in a bag. That would have put him ahead of me and I would have been bottom. Yeah, yeah. I think in a way, I mean, I'm saying this in hindsight, in a way, I think we both wish that it probably would have happened to make the league really tight. Like, obviously when it's happening, you're buzzing that them equalisers go in. The Wales one done me. I had Italy to win, which they did.

58:45Chris Stark: So I got three points. I was on for a six-pointer, which would have given me a good, a nice, even bigger buffer. But happy still just to get the three points. Yeah, that's nice, mate. Listen, you're on 62 points. I'm on 57 and Chris is on 50. But as you've seen there, the fact that he was on the verge of a nine-pointer, I wouldn't put him two points ahead of me. and, you know, only a few behind you. So anything can happen. There's a lot to play for. We've got FA Cup this weekend, Sid. Yes. Yeah, like it. Okay, next part of the podcast is supported by Paddy Power. Big weekend fixture is Manchester City versus Liverpool.

59:23Chris Stark: Cracker, to be fair. Manchester City are 8-11. 10 against you, 17 quid. A 10 on Liverpool is 3-1, gets you 40. So, listen, Liverpool are capable of getting a result. I know they've had a difficult season, but more than Cable, I think that's not a bad odds. No, not at all. I think this is going to be close, isn't it? I think when it was drawn, it was a little bit like, ah, you don't really want to see them clash this early, especially the two big teams. Liverpool are chasing top five. I actually think they're going to get a Champions League spot above Chelsea. I think Chelsea will just drop out.

59:58Chris Stark: But I think this FA Cup could be a huge one for all the clubs. So this is huge, I think for both for both clubs I think they're going to want to go all the way and win it I don't know where I see this one I was at I was at the Brighton game you know it was poor I've got to say it was really poor so you know that's going to lead into my thinking to be honest should we have a little a word from Chris listen to him first yeah alright boys City Liverpool I did whack this up on Instagram so I've had quite a lot of messages on this one. Most people seem to be encouraging a missionary in this one. Potentially, potentially a 3-0.

1:00:44But I've heard on the side of caution here, I think after all the LFC Foundation stuff, Liverpool will be buoyed needing to step up their game after that crouchy masterclass. So I do think there'll be a golden hit from Liverpool, but I do think it'll be a City win so I'm going to go City 2 Liverpool 1 yeah

1:01:07Chris Stark: I like it a lot I was I was pretty I was pretty I was probably going to go for that if I'm being entirely honest go on City far away do you know what I am going to go for I'm going to go for a 1-1 I think it could be a horny draw this one I don't think there is replays so I think it's going to be decided on the day I'm pretty sure but I still think it'll be a 1-1 draw alright fair enough I'm going to go with 2-2 then I'm going to go for yeah I'm going to go for a draw 2-2 nice alright ok well since we've still got Paddy's boost each pick at a leg of the CrouchPod bet builder it'll be put on a special section of the of Paddy Power's website and app I am going to go with Erling Haaland to score first.

1:02:03Chris Stark: I will go for a player to be carded, Alexis McAllister. Okay, on two or more shots on target, we go with Cody Gakpo. Nice. The odds are correct at the time of recording. Please gamble responsibly. Right, moving on to Chelsea versus Port Vale. Really interesting game, Ness. I don't know how you play it if you're Liam Rossini because do you for me personally I'd play a really strong team and pull them off early you know what I mean like get yourself two free up and then just take off who you want that's how I'd play yeah I think he has to I think this is what there's a potential banana skin here I even know it's at the bridge I think everyone's going to be looking at this like he's done really well at Chelsea I think everyone's waiting for him to really slip up or I say everyone there's people out there waiting for him to slip up I don't think he can afford to do that in this game so I think you're right I think he has to go strong I think he will go strong and if yeah the dream scenario is if he can get a nice cushion and a comfortable lead start making the subs be a bit tactical with it but they do need to get still a bit of momentum going because it's a big end for them for the league season as well to get a Champions League space financially more so than anything so I think you're right mate I think you'll go all big guns and I just can't see Chelsea losing I can't I don't know what do you think?

1:03:35Chris Stark: I mean I don't feel I just think Port Vale as well I mean they lost 4-0 didn't they in the last game and they lost the last two but you know Chelsea was really poor against Everton when they got they got dismantled by PSG let's be honest poor home loss against Newcastle as well so he needs a win and he needs to be pretty comfortable I think I think they will win it I'm going to go with 3-0 3-0 okay I'm going to go with and we haven't done this for a while are we still doing more than four and a half goals gets an extra point yeah we'll give you that okay right I'm going to go for 4-1 Chelsea victory nicely done alright what's Chris saying Chelsea Port Vale I'm so tempted to go for Port Vale with this if it wasn't for the fact that I need points.

1:04:26I really do believe the FA Cup throws open results in such a unique way that whereas everyone is saying go for Chelsea win, I really have a feeling about Port Vale. I'm just not in a position of points. I don't have the luxury of points to play with. So I have to go head over heart on this one. I'm going to go Chelsea 3, Port Vale 0.

1:04:49Chris Stark: Oh, that's good. so he that's good he said the same as me there I'm tempted I'm tempted to back Port Vale now like I know I said 3-0 he's gone for that but like I think that could this could break Chris if he suggested that they could win it I get it I get it yeah and he said 3-0 so I'll swap mine and say 1-0 Port Vale and if that comes in I think that'll shatter him I think it's the end for him he's a broken he's broken he's gone he's gone he'll be done if that comes in I think it could I think it could it could see him off he might as well do the forfeit now I think you're right alright let's live there that's a big shout though but big shout I mean you've banked you've banked Chelsea the whole way you've said Port Vale lost 4-0 in their last game it could only be Chelsea and now it's Port Vale 1-0 it is what it is it's the business end it does crazy I think you shoot twitchy bum time let's go next game Southampton Arsenal I like this game you know Southampton lost in 14 you know won the last three they're playing really really well obviously Arsenal you know lost in the cup final disappointing really didn't give a great account themselves I mean it would be a massive upset if Southampton did win but they're a decent side at the moment Yeah they crept into the playoffs I believe considering that they were hovering around the bottom they're now in the playoffs they're at home it's always one of them as well after international break you don't know who's going to come back fit 100 % fit I know a lot of players have come out of the international scene haven't they?

1:06:45Chris Stark: They've been called back by their clubs because of a few injuries so let's shall we see what Chris says first yeah let's go let's go and then it comes down to Southampton Arsenal it's a weird one with Arsenal it feels like they've brought everyone back at a time where they're going to be needed into this bit of the season the FA Cup run don't want a repeat of what happened in the Carabao they don't want to flop so I'd be fascinated to hear your thoughts on the whole sort of what Arsenal have done The bit that gets me is, does Arteta have to ring the relevant international managers and just be honest with them about his plan?

1:07:25And then they sort of PR a knee injury or knee discomfort or whatever it is. Or do the players have to lie to their manager? I'd love to know how it actually works when you want to get out of international duty. but that aside score prediction I'm going to go Arsenal 3 Southampton 1 that's Arsenal 3

1:07:48Chris Stark: Southampton 1 I knew it did you fancy that? yeah I thought I thought it was 3-1 it was I wonder whether he's gone 3-1 or whether Rhea's gone 3-1 because she said 3-1 last time didn't she for Arsenal when he asked her I've got a feeling he's taking I think she's she's I think she's driving the ship at the moment I think she's the captain yeah I think he's she seems like the brains behind the operation to me

1:08:20Chris Stark: I think he's definitely asked her and he just put it out as his prediction yeah with regards to his questions Sid about insertion I mean I think these days you know quite often the players will kind of leave they'll be leaving that to the clubs you know like the physio or the doctor or even a manager might reach out and say you know he's not fit I mean this has been going on for years isn't it I think we have a title running and things like that you know even playing friendlies and things and I get it you know Arteta he's not bothered how England are doing is he do you know what I mean he wants to keep his players fit yeah but quite often when we play for England if there was an injury you'd still have to come beat up you'd have to be assessed by the England team doctors or you know the England physios and they make an assessment on whether you should go home or not.

1:09:11Chris Stark: So I think that's the kind of the way it used to be. And then it's a lot different pulling out when you're in an England tracksuit there. So Rex Ferguson, he was a bit of the master when he was telling the United golden generation, look, if we can get out of this, you get out and come back and just get back fit. It's an absolute banker, wasn't it? You knew the Saturday after an international break that Scholes, you know, Nicky Butt, whoever was playing for England, Beckham, they'd all be back in the starting, the starting 11 every time. Yeah, yeah. No, it's true. I do think though it's going to be a bit closer than what he thinks.

1:09:52Chris Stark: He's gone 3-1, 3-1 Arsenal. Go on, I'll let you go next, I'll go last. I'll go for the missionary Arsenal 2-1. I knew, I knew you was going to say it. I know Southampton are flying. They're at home. I think it's going to be a good atmosphere. I just see probably Arsenal just blocking them out. I think I see them shutting it out. I'm going to go 2-0 Arsenal. Well, that concludes the games for this week. Obviously, you know, good luck, Sid. Thank you to Dermot Kennedy for coming on. And stay tuned because we've got some... Honestly, I sat down. I think we all know who the guest is going to be. But I sat down with Jurgen Klopp.

1:10:33Chris Stark: you give me about an hour of his time before the LFC game the other day of foundation it's an absolute belting episode Sid and we'll we'll have a little chat around it as well so love it stay tuned for that one that will be coming soon should we let Chris have the last word yeah let's do it just a quick PS as well just been for the buffet breakfast at the hotel two things here omelette station arguably one of the best bits of a holiday right why are they so good at making omelettes second thing is there's a football team here i can't figure out who they are but there's a whole football team they were dominating the buffet this morning um they've got one star above the crest and i'm in morocco so uh yeah i don't want to make it like one of those teasers that we used to do in covid be up all hours trying to figure out but if someone could let me know what that team could be that would be useful to know Morocco one star above the crest so for red and white crest but the writing's too small for me to see and I can't just stare at another man's chest the whole way through my breakfast on top of that Siddy I hope you're well mate you'd be very very proud of me I'm on holiday and there was something I was going to say to you I've completely forgotten so this message has been pointless alright have a good pod guys

1:11:58Chris Stark: he's obviously staying at a very nice hotel if a football team is going to be staying there let's put it that way just thinking out loud Morocco are playing Paraguay for a friendly so I think it could be Paraguay just going to throw that one out there and you said that they do have a little star in their crest or above their crest yeah they've got a little star there so he's staring at a man's chest with one star I'm going to throw it out and say it's Paraguay shoot me down but we'll see alright there guys listen have a good one son have a good day I know you played golf this morning have a nice relaxing evening I'm going to have a couple of jars and we'll reconvene next Wednesday see you on the next one if you work in university maintenance Granger considers you an MVP because your playbook ensures your arena is always ready for tip-off and Grainger is your trusted partner.

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