Trouble with Football

Neil Smith
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  • Soccer

Do you know what the Trouble with Football is? Enough is enough! I'm drawing up a list of the things in our beautiful game that annoy and frustrate us to send to the footballing big boss. Each episode I'll be joined by a prominent voice from the football opinions landscape to tell me what they think the Trouble with Football really is... From the rise of social media, to those stupid tiny shin pads and everything in between. Nothing is off limits! Join the conversation and lets fix football. A 72Q Production

  1. Jun 29

    Addiction in Football

    In this engaging and honest interview, Jay Motty, Manchester United fan, football content creator, and sobriety advocate, shares insights on the intersection of football, addiction, and mental health. From his journey of sobriety to the challenges of modern football culture, this conversation offers a deep dive into the issues that impact players and fans alike. Topics Addiction and mental health in football Impact of sobriety on football experience Support systems for retired players The influence of social media on fan behavior Challenges of modern football culture guest name: Jay Motty Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jay Motty and his background 01:08 Jay's journey as a Manchester United fan 02:00 How Jay became a United supporter 03:55 The evolution of Stratford Paddock 07:28 Highlights of Jay’s career and achievements 08:17 Introduction to Soberfellas podcast 11:43 Experiences of watching football sober 13:11 Joy of experiencing football moments sober 18:27 The trouble with football: divisiveness and online toxicity 22:28 The link between football and addiction 27:10 Support for players and the lack of safety nets 32:39 Evolving addiction trends among footballers 35:50 The importance of open conversations about mental health 39:49 How to support friends and fans struggling with issues 41:09 Closing remarks and final thoughts resources Manchester United Official Website - https://www.manutd.com Sober Fellas Podcast - https://www.youtube.com/@SoberFellas Alcohol Change UK - https://alcoholchange.org.uk Homeless Charity - The Booth Centre - https://boothcentre.org.uk guest links Twitter - https://twitter.com/JayMotty Stretford Paddock YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@StretfordPaddock keywords football, addiction, sobriety, mental health, Manchester United, football culture, player support, social media, fan engagement, mental health awareness Support systems for athletes Impact of social media on fan behavior Evolving addiction trends in sports

  2. Jun 24

    Feigning Injury

    In this episode of 'The Trouble with Football', host Neil Smith engages with Sheffield United fan and content creator Jimmy Smith, known for his channel Blades Ramble. They discuss Jimmy's journey as a fan, the ups and downs of Sheffield United's recent seasons, and the importance of community among fans. The conversation also delves into the integrity of football, particularly the issue of players feigning injury, and explores potential solutions to improve the game. Takeaways Jimmy inherited his Sheffield United fandom from his father. Growing up as a Sheffield United fan in a Leeds-dominated area was challenging. The Blades Ramble was created to provide a platform for genuine fan discussions. Mental health played a significant role in Jimmy starting his channel. The community aspect of Blades Ramble has brought fans together. Sheffield United's recent seasons have been a roller coaster of emotions. Chris Wilder's return has sparked optimism among fans. Feigning injury is a major concern in football today. Independent medical assessments could improve player safety. Retrospective actions against players feigning injury should be considered. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Trouble with Football 01:01 Becoming a Sheffield United Fan 03:36 Sheffield United's Roller Coaster Journey 07:35 The Rise of Blades Ramble 16:51 Integrity and Feigning Injury in Football Social media for Jimmy, @bladesramble football, Sheffield United, Blades Ramble, integrity, feigning injury, podcast, sports discussion, fan community, mental health, football culture

  3. Jun 17

    Club Hierarchies

    Amelia Beltrao, TalkSport news presenter and Chelsea fan, shares her insights on the current state of football club management, the impact of Americanized structures, and her journey into sports journalism. Discover her perspectives on club hierarchies, the role of fans, and the evolving landscape of football governance as well as her love of Chelsea FC. Amelia's Socials.... Instagram - ameliaabeltraoX - @ameliaabeltraoTikTok - @ameliaabeltrao Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Trouble with Football 03:03 Amelia's Journey as a Chelsea Fan 06:08 Life at TalkSport: A Unique Work Environment 09:12 Transitioning from Radio to Video at TalkSport 12:00 The Trouble with Football: Club Hierarchies 15:06 The Role of Managers vs. Head Coaches 17:59 The Fragmentation of Responsibility in Football Clubs 20:40 The Toxic Cycle of Club Management 22:01 Leadership Structures in European Football 24:56 The American Influence on Football Ownership 26:33 Financial Implications of Poor Performance 28:40 Fan Disconnection and Ticketing Issues 32:19 The Need for Fan Representation 34:50 The Americanization of Chelsea's Recruitment

  4. Jun 7

    Schadenfreude

    In this weeks TwF we talk with Dean Scoggins, Head of Sport at The Sun Newspaper. We explore the evolving landscape of football media, fan behavior, and the pervasive issue of Schadenfreude in football culture. Discover insights on how digital platforms are reshaping sports journalism, the impact of social media on fan emotions, and potential ways to foster a more positive football environment. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Trouble with Football 01:02 Dean Scoggins: A Journey in Sports Journalism 02:11 The Daily Life of a Sports Editor 05:39 The Evolution of Media in Football 09:05 Challenges of Balancing Fast-Paced News and Credibility 12:20 Rebuilding Trust in Sports Journalism 16:36 The Trouble with Football: Schadenfreude in the Game 22:03 The Psychology of Rivalry 27:09 Understanding Fan Emotions 31:05 Media's Role in Fan Dynamics 34:35 The Impact of Schadenfreude in Football 36:19 Proposing Solutions for a Positive Football Culture resources The Sun - https://www.thesun.co.uk Dean Scoggins on social media is @deanodecides on all platforms www.tiktok.com/@deanodecides football media, fan behavior, Schadenfreude, digital sports journalism, social media football, football culture, sports reporting, football fan emotions, football analysis, football controversies

  5. Jun 1

    The Offside Rules

    In this episode of 'The Trouble with Football', host Neil Smith engages with Stephen Goldsmith, co-host of the Wise Men Say podcast, to discuss the intricacies of being a Sunderland fan, the impact of the docu-series 'Sunderland Till I Die', and the evolution of the offside rule in football. They delve into the emotional rollercoaster of Sunderland's journey, the challenges faced by fans, and the controversial role of VAR in modern football, particularly regarding the offside rule. Takeaways Sunderland's football journey has been tumultuous and emotional. The docu-series 'Sunderland Till I Die' provided a unique perspective on the club's struggles. Being a Sunderland fan means experiencing extreme highs and lows. The Wise Men Say podcast was born out of a desire for dedicated Sunderland content. The offside rule has evolved but may not serve its original purpose anymore. VAR has complicated the offside rule, removing the discretion of officials. Fans often feel robbed of the joy of celebrating goals due to VAR checks. The spirit of the game is being overshadowed by strict interpretations of rules. There is a need for a review of the offside rule to align with modern football. Football's annoyances are what keep fans engaged and talking. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Trouble with Football 00:59 The Journey of a Sunderland Fan 05:03 Sunderland's Recent History and the Impact of the Docu-Series 10:05 The Rise of Sunderland: From League One to the Premier League 13:54 The Evolution of the Offside Rule 20:56 The Role of VAR in Modern Football 26:28 Proposed Changes to the Offside Rule 30:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Sunderland, football podcast, VAR, offside rule, football community, Wise Men Say, Sunderland Till I Die, football journey, Premier League, football discussions

  6. May 25

    International Squads

    Join Neil as he chats with football broadcaster Josh Shreeve about his journey from playground commentator to BBC radio host, exploring the quirks of international squad selections and the cultural impact of football and music. football, broadcasting, international squads, football music, squad selection, football culture, BBC Radio, football stories, sports podcast, football humour, World Cup, Guest links Instagram - https://instagram.com/joshshreve Football Fix Show https://www.mixcloud.com/VoicesRadio/josh-shreeves-football-fix-140526-voices-radio/ key topics International squad selection controversies The cultural significance of football music The journey from playground commentator to BBC host Humorous stories from football tournaments The impact of social media on squad announcements The Hidden Stories Behind International Squad Selections How Football Music Connects Fans and Players Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Guest and His Background 03:02 Josh's Journey to Football Fandom 05:54 Transitioning to Sports Broadcasting 09:00 Exploring the Intersection of Music and Football 12:00 The Trouble with International Squads 15:06 The Evolution of Squad Sizes in Football 20:52 The Emotional Rollercoaster of Squad Announcements 21:48 The Impact of Social Media on Squad Selections 23:42 Surprise Selections: The Case of Theo Walcott 25:07 Historical Context: Surprising Choices in World Cup History 28:31 The Evolution of England's Striker Situation 30:14 Passion and Pride: The Brazilian Approach to National Duty 32:05 The Changing Dynamics of Player Selection 34:15 Squad Harmony: The Importance of Team Chemistry 36:19 The Role of Experience in Squad Selection 40:50 The Jealousy of Selection: Wanting the Best for England

  7. May 13

    Time Wasting!

    Tom Ward from Sky Blues Extra tells us about his beloved Coventry City & why Time Wasting is the real Trouble with Football! Surely something we can all get behind!

  8. Apr 28

    Cup Replays

    In this episode Bournemouth fan and Podcaster Craig Beazley tells us why the abolishment of Cup Replays is the Trouble with Football.

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About

Do you know what the Trouble with Football is? Enough is enough! I'm drawing up a list of the things in our beautiful game that annoy and frustrate us to send to the footballing big boss. Each episode I'll be joined by a prominent voice from the football opinions landscape to tell me what they think the Trouble with Football really is... From the rise of social media, to those stupid tiny shin pads and everything in between. Nothing is off limits! Join the conversation and lets fix football. A 72Q Production

Information

  • Creator
    Neil Smith
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Neil Smith
  • Show Website
    Trouble with Football

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