Podcast: The Totally Football Show with James Richardson

Jimbo is joined by Duncan Alexander, Jay Harris and Benji Lanyado in the studio with a whole banquet of football topics to feast upon.

The Premier League fixture list pairs up Arsenal and Brighton, Newcastle and Tottenham and Manchester United and Liverpool. Can sensible Slot maintain his 100% record as Reds manager? Is signing Chiesa another sensible move? And would United signing Raheem Sterling be less sensible?

Benji’s West Ham host champions Man City as we pay tribute to one of City’s former managers, the incomparable Sven-Göran Eriksson.

Plus the Carabao Cup, the Eze show and Adama Traore Ballon d’Or.

Produced by Charlie Jones.

RUNNING ORDER:
• PART 1: Paying tribute to Sven-Göran Eriksson (03.00)
• PART 2: Man United v Liverpool preview (12.00)
• PART 3: West Ham v Man City and Arsenal v Brighton previews (25.00)
• PART 4a: Carabao Cup round-up (36.00)
• PART 4b: Newcastle v Spurs preview (40.00)
• PART 4c: The rest of the Premier League weekend (45.00)
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We recorded this show several hours before the sad news of Sven-Göran Eriksson’s death at the age of 76. We’ll share our memories of the manager who had such a huge impact on European football - and indeed Jimbo’s career - on Thursday’s Totally, and again when our Euro crew reassembles next week.
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In the meantime, James Horncastle, Julien Laurens, Seb Stafford-Bloor and Pol Ballus are here to take you through all the headlines from across the continent.
PSG’s scintillating start to their Ligue 1 campaign continued - while Lille, Monaco and Lens also maintained their perfect records.
Antonio Conte’s Napoli bounced back from their shock opening day 3-0 defeat with a 3-0 victory over Bologna - but Milan’s poor start continued as they were beaten at Parma.
The first weekend of the new Bundesliga season didn’t disappoint - including yet another Leverkusen late show and opening day victories for Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.
Plus, over in Spain Barcelona maintained their winning start under Hansi Flick while both Madrid sides registered 3-0 triumphs.
To life, Kaiser!
***
Produced by Lucy Oliva.
RUNNING ORDER:
• PART 1: Hello and moments of the week (02.00)
• PART 2: Ligue 1 review - are PSG looking ominous already? (08.00)
• PART 3: Serie A review - Napoli bounce back as Milan struggle (21.15)
• PART 4: Bundesliga review - Leverkusen late show while Bayern and Dortmund get opening day wins (35.35)
• PART 5: La Liga review - Barcelona impress as Real and Atleti record 3-0 wins (47.05)
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Jimbo is joined in the studio by Tim Spiers, Matt Davies-Adams and Colin Millar after some extraordinary Premier League action.

Enzo Maresca secures his first win in the Premier League as Chelsea beat Wolves 6-2 at Molineux. Noni Madueke scores a hat-trick after an accidental post about the city of Wolverhampton. Liam Twomey reviews a remarkable day.

Arsenal are 2-0 winners at Villa but does the result say more about Arteta’s men or Emery’s side? And Brighton are victorious as Man United lose in stoppage time again.

Everton remain bottom of the Premier League after a 4-0 thrashing at Spurs. Matt Jones from The Blue Room tells us why Toffees fans shouldn’t be panicking just yet.

Plus advertising hoardings and the underrated Andy Cole.

Produced by Charlie Jones.

RUNNING ORDER:
• PART 1: Is Wolverhampton really s**t? (01.00)
• PART 2a: Wolves 2-6 Chelsea with Liam Twomey (05.30)
• PART 2b: Bournemouth 1-1 Newcastle & Liverpool 2-0 Brentford (18.00)
• PART 3: Big wins for Man City and Arsenal (26.00)
• PART 4: Brighton 2-1 Man United (39.00)
• PART 5a: Tottenham 4-0 Everton with Matt Jones (46.00)
• PART 5b: The rest of the Premier League weekend (55.00)
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Jimbo welcomes Charlie Eccleshare, Natalie Gedra and Liam Tharme into The Athletic studios ahead of the second weekend of Premier League action.

Arsenal travel to Villa Park to face a team that scuppered their title hopes by winning both meetings last season. Can Unai Emery get one over on his old club again?

Fabian Hürzeler has his first home game as Brighton boss with Man United visiting the Amex. And a lot has happened at Man City and Ipswich since they last met in the top flight.

Plus bullish Ange, Evanilson down south and what is going on at Chelsea?

Produced by Charlie Jones.

RUNNING ORDER:
• PART 1: Tennis needs VAR (02.00)
• PART 2a: Aston Villa v Arsenal preview (05.00)
• PART 2b: Man City v Ipswich preview (15.00)
• PART 3a: Leicester 1-1 Tottenham & Spurs v Everton preview (20.00)
• PART 3b: Brighton v Man United preview (30.00)
• PART 4: The rest of the Premier League weekend (38.00)
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Jimbo, James Horncastle and Julien Laurens are with you to round up a busy first weekend of domestic action across the continent.
Laterkusen strike again as Xabi Alonso's side needed an 88th-minute equaliser to force a penalty shootout before going on to win the German Super Cup against Stuttgart. Seb Stafford Bloor brings us the story plus the latest from across Germany.
Kylian Mbappé’s start to life in La Liga didn’t quite go to plan as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Mallorca while Barcelona got off to winning ways under Hansi Flick. Pol Ballus joins us from Spain.
Meanwhile, Antonio Conte made a nightmare start to his time at Napoli in a 3-0 humbling by Verona - and Inter became the first Serie A champions to fail to win on the opening day of the next season since 2015 after conceding an injury-time equaliser to draw 2-2 with Genoa.
Plus, Roberto De Zerbi’s Marseille well and truly announced themselves with a 5-1 battering of Brest. They heard our calls for a proper title race last week…
Produced by Lucy Oliva.
RUNNING ORDER:
• PART 1: Hello and moments of the week (00.45)
• PART 2: German Super Cup review - plus a look ahead to the opening weekend of Bundesliga action (06.15)
• PART 3: Serie A review - Conte's Napoli stunned as Juve start brightly (15.45)
• PART 4: Ligue 1 review - Big wins for PSG and Marseille (27.55)
• PART 5: La Liga review - Barcelona off to winning ways while Real and Atléti drop points (38.25)
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Jimbo is joined by Daniel Storey, Matt Davies-Adams and Sasha Goryunov after the opening weekend of the new Premier League season.

The champions ease to victory at Stamford Bridge to make it a losing start at Chelsea for Enzo Maresca. But the decision to leave out Raheem Sterling, and to make Enzo Fernandez captain, is what dominates discussion.

Brighton sit top of the table after a 3-0 victory at Everton in Fabian Hurzeler’s first game in charge. Brian Owen from The Argus tells us why we shouldn’t be surprised.

Arne Slot’s Liverpool overcome Ipswich in his first match in charge while Villa show their squad depth in their victory at West Ham. And Brentford's Ivan Toney looks set for Saudi Arabia.

Plus Henry or Salah, a golden era of goalkeeping and bridge transfers.

Produced by Charlie Jones.

RUNNING ORDER:
• PART 1: An opening weekend of few surprises (01.00)
• PART 2a: Chelsea 0-2 Man City (04.30)
• PART 2b: Brentford 2-1 Palace with Jay Harris (15.00)
• PART 3a: Ipswich 0-2 Liverpool (25.00)
• PART 3b: Arsenal 2-0 Wolves and great goalkeepers (33.00)
• PART 4: Everton 0-3 Brighton with Brian Owen (40.00)
• PART 5: The rest of the Premier League weekend (49.00)
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Jimbo, James Horncastle and Julien Laurens are back and they’ve got some new friends as the season kicks off across the continent.

Kylian Mbappe helped Real Madrid to the Super Cup on his debut. Will he help Real retain the La Liga title? Pol Ballus joins us from Spain.

Leverkusen shocked Europe last season. Now it’s Vincent Kompany’s Bayern that are looking to catch them. Seb Stafford-Bloor has more from Germany.

Inter dominated Serie A last season but there’s been plenty of change at their rivals with Thiago Motta now at Juventus and Antonio Conte taking charge at Napoli.

And Roberto De Zerbi is the biggest arrival in France. Can he inspire Marseille and will we have an actual title race in Ligue 1 this season?

Produced by Charlie Jones.

RUNNING ORDER:
• PART 1: Some changes and some Super Cup reaction (01.00)
• PART 2: La Liga preview - can anyone stop Kylian’s Real? (07.00)
• PART 3: Ligue 1 preview - could De Zerbi’s Marseille challenge? (24.00)
• PART 4: Serie A preview - will Conte’s Napoli lead the chase? (37.00)
• PART 5: Bundesliga preview - will Kompany’s Bayern bounce back? (56.00)
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Jimbo’s back! And so are Duncan Alexander, Tom Williams and Adrian Clarke as the 2024/25 Premier League season dawns upon us.

Man City are aiming for a fifth title in a row - can Arsenal stop them after two second place finishes? Or will it be Liverpool in Arne Slot’s first season in charge?

Are Maresca and ten Hag the managers under most pressure after the events of last season and this summer? And will the three promoted clubs go straight back down again?

Plus a big Fulham prediction, the Ipswich player who could be the answer to England’s problems and why there are so many southern teams in the Premier League this season.
Produced by Charlie Jones.

RUNNING ORDER:
• PART 1a: How’s the weather? (01.00)
• PART 1b: The title race - is it Arsenal’s year? (07.00)
• PART 2a: Breakthrough players and teams in 24/25 (23.00)
• PART 2b: Who will finish in the top 4? (40.00)
• PART 3: Who’s going down? (57.00)
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Jimbo is joined by Rory Smith, Duncan Alexander, Tom Williams and many, many more after Spain deservedly win Euro 2024.

It’s a 4th European title for the Spanish, with a late winner from Mikel Oyarzabal breaking England hearts in Berlin. Plenty to discuss regarding the Kane conundrum, Southgate’s style of football and whether he and England can go again.

Plus our panelists from across the tournament relive their highlights of these Euros. From the fans to the kids.

Produced by Charlie Jones.
Theme music by JJ Bull.

RUNNING ORDER:
• PART 1: Spain 2-1 England (02.30)
• PART 2: A look back at Euro 2024 (28.00)

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Joining Jimbo are Daniel Storey, Pol Ballus, Dom Fifield, Jay Harris and Liam Tharme ahead of the highly anticipated conclusion of the Euros.

England take on Spain. The English contingent on our panel are feeling more relaxed and more trusting in this Three Lions team than ever before. Tactically how can they overcome La Roja who have won 6 out of 6 at this tournament?

Plus who do the Spanish fear in Gareth Southgate’s side? And will Lamine Yamal be having a very happy 17th birthday celebration?

Produced by Charlie Jones.
Theme music by JJ Bull.

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Jimbo is joined by Carl Anka, Tim Spiers and Raphael Honigstein after a glorious night for Gareth Southgate’s England.

The Three Lions are through to a second successive Euros final after a last-gasp victory over Netherlands. Ollie Watkins comes on for Harry Kane and scores the winner. Time to start giving Gareth some credit? Or did the officials offer a helping hand?

Did the team show that they might have what it takes to beat the best team in the tournament? Spain await on Sunday in Berlin as we look ahead to the final.

Produced by Charlie Jones.
Theme music by JJ Bull.

RUNNING ORDER:
• PART 1: England 2-1 Netherlands with Seb Stafford-Bloor (01.00)
• PART 2: A look ahead to the final and a look back (24.00)

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Jimbo welcomes Tom Williams and Adrian Clarke into the studio after Spain overcome the French to book their place in the final in Berlin on Sunday.

16-year-old Lamine Yamal steals the show as La Roja reach their first major tournament final in 12 years. Will the best team at the Euros win the whole thing? And what are the factors that led to Kylian Mbappe being one of the flops of the tournament?

England and Netherlands face off on Wednesday night to determine who will take on Spain. Hear why it may or may not be Jude Bellingham’s night, plus Sjoerd Mossou tells us about the Dutch expectations ahead of a special match in Dortmund.

Produced by Charlie Jones.
Theme music by JJ Bull.

RUNNING ORDER:
• PART 1: Spain 2-1 France with Pol Ballus (04.00)
• PART 2a: The first Euro final and Bellamy to Wales (24.00)
• PART 2b: England v Netherlands preview with Sjoerd Mossou (28.00)

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Jimbo is joined by Tim Spiers, Mark Carey, Daniel Storey and more as the semi-final line-up for Euro 2024 is completed.

England labour once again but emerge victorious against Switzerland. Why were the penalties so good? Why did England stop playing for so long? How have England made it to yet another semi under Southgate?

It will be the Netherlands on Wednesday after they come from behind to beat Turkey in Berlin. Will we see a more open England game with Koeman’s side in opposition?

Plus we look ahead to the other semi-final between Spain and France - the unstoppable force and the immovable object.

Produced by Charlie Jones.
Theme music by JJ Bull.

RUNNING ORDER:
• PART 1: England beat Switzerland on penalties (03.45)
• PART 2: Netherlands 2-1 Turkey with James Horncastle (21.00)
• PART 3: Spain v France preview with Pol Ballus (33.00)

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Jimbo is back with Tim Spiers and Colin Millar for company after the first two quarter-finals go the distance at Euro 2024.

It’s not an easy watch but France are in the semi-finals after progressing past Portugal on penalties. Charlotte Harpur is feeling optimistic about the French style but how badly do they need a Giroud up front?

Spain stun hosts Germany with a victory secured in the last-minute of extra time by Mikel Merino. Seb Stafford-Bloor reflects on a German campaign where everyone can hold their heads high.

Saturday will see Netherlands face Turkey and England take on Switzerland. Valentin Schnorhk tells us how the best group of players the Swiss have ever had can make history and reach a semi-final for the very first time.

Produced by Charlie Jones.
Theme music by JJ Bull.

RUNNING ORDER:
• PART 1: France beat Portugal on pens with Charlotte Harpur (03.00)
• PART 2: Spain 2-1 Germany with Seb Stafford-Bloor (17.00)
• PART 3a: England v Switzerland preview with Valentin Schnorhk (31.00)
• PART 3b: Netherlands v Turkey preview (42.00)

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Jimbo's joined in the studio by JJ Bull and Adrian Clarke to wrap up the last two round of 16 clashes at Euro 2024.
We begin with events in Leipzig - as Turkey hung on to progress to the quarterfinals for the first time in 16 years thanks to a stunning last-gasp save from goalkeeper Mert Gunok in their 2-1 win over Austria. Michael Cox stops by with his on the whistle thoughts on a rainy night in Saxony.
Earlier in the evening, the Netherlands confirmed safe passage to the last eight as they ultimately cruised to a 3-0 victory over Romania in Munich. Seb Stafford-Bloor gives us his match report - and a shoe update!
Then it's all eyes on Friday and Saturday's incredibly intriguing quarterfinal ties. Portuguese journalist David Novo's on the line to reflect on the Ronaldo saga and the role he could play against France on Friday night...
Produced by Lucy Oliva.
Theme music by JJ Bull.
RUNNING ORDER:
• PART 1: Austria 1-2 Turkey with Michael Cox (03.15)
• PART 2: Romania 0-3 Netherlands with Seb Stafford Bloor (15.40)
• PART 3a: Spain v Germany preview (27.00)
• PART 3b: Portugal v France preview with David Novo (31.10)
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Jimbo welcomes Duncan Alexander and Jay Harris into the studio after France and Portugal set up a quarter-final date in dramatic fashion.

Portugal overcome Slovenia on penalties after a 0-0 draw that revolves around Cristiano Ronaldo and his obsession with scoring. How much longer can Roberto Martinez indulge his captain and how annoyed must his team-mates be?

France need a late own goal to see off Belgium as they still wait for one of their own players to score from open play. Julien Laurens tells us why Didier Deschamps won’t be changing his approach any time soon.

And Tuesday sees the last day of last 16 action. Andreas Heidenreich explains what makes this Austria side so special as they aim to make it all the way to the final.

Produced by Charlie Jones.
Theme music by JJ Bull.

RUNNING ORDER:
• PART 1: Portugal progress past Slovenia with Matt Slater (02.00)
• PART 2: France 1-0 Belgium with Julien Laurens (21.00)
• PART 3a: Austria v Turkey preview with Andreas Heidenreich (31.00)
• PART 3b: Netherlands v Romania preview (38.00)

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Jimbo is joined by Tom Williams, Mark Carey, Daniel Storey and Kristof Terreur after another day of drama at Euro 2024.

England are through to the quarter-finals after a last-gasp comeback against Slovakia. But it’s yet another unconvincing display from Gareth Southgate’s side. With Switzerland coming next, what can the England manager do to get them firing? Is Phil Foden the one who has to make way?

Georgia give Spain a scare but La Roja show their class in a 4-1 win. Up next - Germany.

Monday’s last 16 ties will see France take on Belgium in the latest chapter in their rivalry. And Portugal face Slovenia with a certain Cristiano Ronaldo looking to finally get on the scoresheet.

Produced by Charlie Jones.
Theme music by JJ Bull.

RUNNING ORDER:
• PART 1: England 2-1 Slovakia (02.30)
• PART 2: Spain 4-1 Georgia (19.00)
• PART 3a: France v Belgium preview (28.00)
• PART 3b: Portugal v Slovenia preview (40.00)

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Jimbo's joined by Adrian Clarke and Sasha Goryunov to look back on an eventful first evening of round of 16 ties at Euro 2024.
We begin in Dortmund, where there was lightning, thunder and torrential rain - but it didn't stop Germany from getting the job done in a 2-0 victory over Denmark which wasn't without VAR drama. Seb Stafford-Bloor checks in from a wet and wild Westfalenstadion.
Then to Berlin - where holders Italy crashed out of the tournament following a pretty dismal showing against Switzerland in a 2-0 defeat. Michael Cox and James Horncastle are on hand to bring reaction - and ponder what next for the Azzurri and their manager Luciano Spalletti.
Finally, it's all eyes on the next two round of 16 ties coming our way on Sunday - with Spain taking on Georgia after England face Slovakia in Gelsenkirchen. Kristian Flak drops in to bring us a flavour of the mood from Bratislava ahead of the game.
Produced by Lucy Oliva.
Theme music by JJ Bull.
RUNNING ORDER:
• PART 1: Germany 2-0 Denmark with Seb Stafford-Bloor (2.55)
• PART 2: Switzerland 2-0 Italy with Michael Cox & James Horncastle (14.15)
• PART 3a: England v Slovakia preview with Kristian Flak (31.20)
• PART 3b: Spain v Georgia preview (41.15)
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While Team Totally catches up on their zzzs ahead of the knockouts, we want to tell you about our upcoming live show!
Join Jimbo, the stats-tastic Duncan Alexander, the utterly Gallic Julien Laurens, the enigmatic Producer Charlie and a special mystery guest* at the Leicester Square Theatre in London's West End on Tuesday October the 8th. We'll talk about what's going on in the Premier League, discuss who'll be doing what in the revamped Champions League, and tell you tales that are just far too spicy for the regular pod.
Tickets are on sale now - and you can get full details at leicestersquaretheatre.com, or by searching for 'Totally Football Show live' on your Google machine
__
* The mystery guest is quite probably James Horncastle, but he's a little tied up at the moment and we can't remember if he just agreed to the show in principle when we asked him a few weeks ago or whether he did indeed 100% confirm. Keep listening to the pod and following us on X to stay up to date.
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Jimbo's got Charlie Eccleshare and Colin Millar alongside him - plus a variety of special guests over in Germany - as the Euro 2024 group stages reach their conclusion.
We begin with events in Group F - which saw Georgian heroics as they booked their place in the last 16 in their first ever appearance at a major tournament after the 2-0 win over Portugal. Nika Kevkhishvili joins us to revel in the momentous victory. But heartbreak for the Czechs, sent packing after the 2-1 defeat by Turkey in Hamburg.
It's fair to say it wasn't such a thrilling conclusion to Group E - with Slovakia and Romania playing out a 1-1 draw which Carl Anka was on hand to witness - and boos ringing out for Belgium after their goalless draw with Ukraine. Dom Fifield joins us from Stuttgart to reflect the sour mood amongst the Red Devils support base...
With two rest days incoming before the round of 16 begins in earnest over the weekend - we take a look ahead to the full line-up of fixtures - and speak to Rafa Honigstein ahead of Germany v Denmark on Saturday night...
Produced by Lucy Oliva.
Theme music by JJ Bull.
RUNNING ORDER:
• PART 1a: Georgia 2-0 Portugal with Nika Kevkhishvili (05.50)
• PART 1b: Czech Republic 1-2 Turkey (15.25)
• PART 2a: Slovakia 1-1 Romania with Carl Anka (20.20)
• PART 2b: Ukraine 0-0 Belgium with Dom Fifield (25.30)
• PART 3a: Round of 16 look ahead - Germany v Denmark with Rafa Honigstein (30.50)
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