Straight Outta Cobham: The Athletic FC's Chelsea show

4.8 (260)
SOCCER
UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

The Athletic's Chelsea experts - Simon Johnson, Liam Twomey, Luke Bosher and Jessy Parker Humphreys - are alongside host Matt Davies-Adams to bring you behind the scenes at Stamford Bridge. Expect unrivalled insight, honest opinion and stimulating debate.

1 DAY AGO

Is pressure mounting on Maresca after meek FA Cup exit?

Well, that didn't go very well... Matt Davies-Adams has got Liam Twomey and Simon Johnson alongside him to look back on the pretty abject 2-1 defeat by Brighton on Saturday night which saw Chelsea dumped out of the FA Cup. We take a deep dive into the lacklustre performance, the absence of any fight or desire from the players - and the growing feeling of discontent around the job that Enzo Maresca is doing following his post-match comments that they could now 'focus on the Premier League and Conference League' - which it's fair to save haven't gone down particularly well with the fanbase. No such problems for CFCW - who fought back from a goal down to beat Everton 4-1 and book their place in the quarterfinals of the Women's FA Cup. We'll be back on Friday to look ahead to the trip to... oh no, Brighton! HOST: Matt Davies-Adams WITH: Liam Twomey and Simon Johnson PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

52 min
5 DAYS AGO

FA Cup 4th round clash kicks off Brighton double-header

Nothing says magic of the FA Cup like a trip to the seaside at 8pm on a Saturday night... Matt Davies-Adams has got Simon Johnson and Luke Bosher alongside him to look ahead to the first of two visits to take on Brighton in the space of less than a week. We're joined by The Athletic's football tactics writer - and Brighton fan - Liam Tharme to get an insight into the Seagulls AND a word on some of the standout tactical intricacies he's noticed from Chelsea so far this season. We give some final reflections now that transfer window is *finally* closed - including what it means for potential game time for Christopher Nkunku now that speculation about his future is on hold - and a sure improvement in Enzo Maresca's mood after a month of distraction. There's all the Blues news elsewhere, and a quiz! We'll be back on Monday to reflect on events at The Amex and find out how CFCW fare against Everton in the 5th round of the Women's FA Cup. HOST: Matt Davies-Adams WITH: Luke Bosher, Simon Johnson and Liam Tharme PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

48 min
FEB 4

A win's a win against West Ham amid a flurry of deadline day (loan) departures

We don't want your shorts, Enzo... Matt Davies-Adams has got Jessy Parker Humphreys and Liam Twomey alongside him run the rule over the *slamming shut* of the transfer window AND the crucial three points against the Hammers. We begin with events on the field, as Chelsea came from behind to win a Premier League game at Stamford Bridge in which they’ve trailed at half time for the first time since December 2013 (no, seriously!). We reflect on the 2-1 win over West Ham - with the help of Simon at the ground - which certainly wasn't pretty but was mightily important for Enzo Maresca. Then - we attempt to round up all the deadline day deals, including the loan departures of Disasi, Felix, Chilwell and Chukwuemeka - as well as a host of academy products. What does it all mean?! With Jessy in tow it would be rude not to check in with the latest news surrounding CFCW - still unbeaten after a scrappy 1-0 win at Aston Villa courtesy of a fortunate late own goal but with Keira Walsh already looking like she could be a key difference maker with the quadruple still on... We'll be back on Thursday to preview Saturday night's trip to the seaside to take on Brighton in the 4th round of the FA Cup! HOST: Matt Davies-Adams WITH: Liam Twomey, Jessy Parker Humphreys and Simon Johnson PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1 hr
JAN 30

Is Monday night a must-win against Graham Potter's West Ham?

We're in for a very busy Monday... Matt Davies-Adams has got Luke Bosher and Liam Twomey in tow to look ahead to the impending Graham Potter reunion. But we begin with everyone's favourite transfer window rumour mill chat - including the ongoing interest in Mathys Tel, potential late approaches for a striker, the sorry Ben Chilwell situation, the peculiar case of Deivid Washington AND an audacious deadline day swoop for Keira Walsh! Then, we turn our attention to matters on the pitch and the visit of West Ham to Stamford Bridge under the lights on Monday night. We try and imagine a life at Stamford Bridge had Graham Potter not been sacked after just 31 games in charge... We've of course got all your other Blues news covered - and a quiz! We'll be back on Tuesday to reflect on the West Ham game and tell you how CFCW got on against Aston Villa... HOST: Matt Davies-Adams WITH: Luke Bosher and Liam Twomey PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 2m
JAN 27

Was sorry City defeat Chelsea's most worrying performance of the season?

Therapy's in session, buckle up... Matt Davies-Adams is joined by The Athletic's Liam Twomey and Simon Johnson to take a look back on the fairly disastrous 3-1 defeat at Manchester City. There's no hanging about as we dissect the tactical ineptitude, lack of accountability on the pitch and failings from the manager through to the sporting directors... One thing we can ALWAYS count on though are the mighty CFCW - who took an even firmer grip on the WSL title race thanks to the 1-0 win over Arsenal at a raucous Stamford Bridge. Jessy Parker Humphreys sent us their thoughts after another statement victory for Sonia Bompastor's side. Plus, Renato Veiga's in Turin, Kepa's not coming back - but are we expecting any last minute transfer business from the Blues? We'll be back on Thursday to preview the now even more significant Monday night meeting with Graham Potter's West Ham. HOST: Matt Davies-Adams WITH: Simon Johnson, Liam Twomey and Jessy Parker Humphreys PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 3m
JAN 23

Top four all to play for as trip to flawed Man City awaits

Be more PSG, Chelsea... Matt Davies-Adams has got two of The Athletic's finest, Luke Bosher and Simon Johnson alongside him for your second weekly dose of Blues chat. We begin with a look at the latest transfer news - including the record-breaking arrival of USA defender Naomi Girma. We pushed the emergency voice note klaxon so Jessy Parker Humphreys could tell us all about the 24-year-old and what she'll bring to the club. On the men's side - we console Luke over news that Renato Veiga is set to spend the rest of the campaign and Juventus, and check in on the rumours of Garnacho coming in... Then, it's all eyes on Manchester City on Saturday evening, with Enzo Marseca's side travelling to face a City side two points behind them in the table and reeling from their 4-2 defeat by PSG in the Champions League. We look ahead to that game and ponder the midfield options and approach to taking on the uncharacteristically poor Citizens. Plus, can Simon build upon his remarkable performance in last week's quiz and get another big win? We'll be back on Monday to reflect on the the trip to Manchester City, that huge WSL clash with Arsenal coming to Stamford Bridge - and bring you up to speed with all the other Blues news! HOST: Matt Davies-Adams WITH: Luke Bosher, Simon Johnson and Jessy Parker Humphreys PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

57 min
JAN 21

Super Trev shines on his return - but are we in the midst of a midfield injury crisis?

Welcome back, Trevoh... Matt Davies-Adams has got Liam Twomey and Jessy Parker Humphrey's alongside him to look back on the much-needed 3-1 victory over Wolves on Monday night. We highlight Chalobah's triumphant return to Stamford Bridge, the ongoing concerns around Robert Sanchez which just aren't going away - and worry about the lack of midfield options following the latest potentially long-term injuries to Enzo and Lavia. There's a closer look at the transfer window, including rumours of an approach for Alejandro Garnacho, the possibility of yet more loan recalls due to the midfield injury woes - and news of another youthful signing. Plus, Chelsea Women returned to WSL action in emphatic style with a 5-0 victory over West Ham. Next up, the small matter of a London derby with Arsenal - where a win would probably all but seal a sixth straight title... We'll be back on Thursday to preview the trip to the Etihad to take on a Manchester City side who unfortunately seemed to have remembered how to play football again... HOST: Matt Davies-Adams WITH: Liam Twomey and Jessy Parker Humphreys PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

55 min
JAN 16

Returning Reece rescues a point - but why are Chelsea so bad in the second half of games?

We've missed you, Reece (and Trevoh...)... The Athletic's Chelsea writers Liam Twomey and Simon Johnson are alongside Matt Davies-Adams to look back on the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth. We lament yet another second half collapse, weigh up the positives and negatives of Nicholas Jackson - and revisit the accusations of tactical naivety levelled at Enzo Maresca. So, a response is needed on Monday night against a Wolves side who sit inside the relegation zone but have form when it comes to picking up three points and springing a surprise at Stamford Bridge.. We also touch base with the latest January transfer window activity - including the recall of Trevoh Chalobah from Crystal Palace and the rumoured departures of Christopher Nkunku and Axel Disasi - and the news that the club have been found PSR compliant. Plus - have we seen the greatest performance in the history of the quiz? We'll be back on Tuesday to reflect on the visit of Wolverhampton Wanderers and find out how Chelsea Women get on back in WSL action against West Ham on Sunday afternoon. HOST: Matt Davies-Adams WITH: Liam Twomey and Simon Johnson PRODUCER: Lucy Oliva Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 4m

See All (368)

4.8

out of 5

260 Ratings

Best Chelsea show around

Jan 27

Andrew.Abelleira

I’ve listened to a few Chelsea podcasts and SOC is by far the best one. Great insight on the team and they present the information in a witty and interesting way. Highly recommend to any Chelsea fan looking for a podcast to listen to about the team.
Enjoyable

12/18/2024

NutmegRyan

It’s so nice to have a positive Chelsea-focused podcast when so much of the media takes shots at the club (some fair, a lot of them not so much). Matt is the best and most likable host around, he’s just pleasant to listen to and I’m always happy to hear him on other podcasts as well. The rotating guests are fun and I love checking in with the pod after each match to recap. Keep up the good work!
Top Tier

10/22/2024

Colonel Dawson

Clearly the best Chelsea focused pod out there. All panel members are well balanced and highly qualified. I look forward to every edition.
Matt is the MVP

10/13/2024

NickPH!

Really enjoy this pod. Quality over quantity, I always miss this over the international break. Matt does a great job keeping it light and torturing Simon and Liam with the quiz. Makes sure to give the women’s team their due with the fantastic Jesse Parker Humphreys. Only bad part is the rambling voice notes after matches. Great listen!

The Athletic's Chelsea experts - Simon Johnson, Liam Twomey, Luke Bosher and Jessy Parker Humphreys - are alongside host Matt Davies-Adams to bring you behind the scenes at Stamford Bridge. Expect unrivalled insight, honest opinion and stimulating debate.