Beckham's Basement Podcast

Critty Smith

Beckham’s Basement Podcast Welcome to the Beckham’s Basement Roundtable — where four friends in Charleston break down the beautiful game from every angle. From the biggest headlines shaking world football to the subtle moves shaping its long-term future, we cover it all: transfers, financials, front office drama, managerial sackings, ownership politics, and the business behind the badges. Each week, we dive into the current events driving the global conversation while honoring the history that built the sport. Who’s elevating the game? Who’s hurting it? What decisions will matter most five years from now? Nothing is off the table. With four distinct perspectives — sometimes aligned, sometimes completely at odds — expect passionate debates, sharp analysis, a few controversial takes, and always entertaining conversation. Whether it’s Premier League chaos, European giants in transition, or seismic shifts in the global game, we’re talking about it. Pull up a chair in the basement in Charleston and join the roundtable. This is football talk that’s informed, unfiltered, and never boring.

  1. JAN 19

    Episode 71 - 2026 New Year Resolutions: Sack YOUR Manager!!! - Basement BEST OF 2025 Awards!

    In this episode, Critty, Stephen, Nick and Tim dive into the tumultuous world of football management, focusing on the recent managerial sackings in major clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Chelsea. The conversation kicks off with a light-hearted banter about New Year's resolutions before transitioning into a serious discussion about Manchester United's decision to sack Ruben Amorim after a series of disappointing performances. The panel reflects on the club's declining standards and the challenges faced by managers in a toxic environment, questioning whether the issues lie with the players or the management itself. They also touch on the implications of these sackings for the clubs involved and the broader football landscape, including the potential for new managerial appointments and the impact on team dynamics. As the discussion progresses, the focus shifts to Real Madrid's unexpected sacking of Xabi Alonso, exploring the high expectations at the club and the pressure on managers to deliver results. The episode wraps up with a look at Chelsea's recent managerial changes, highlighting the club's struggles despite significant investments in talent. Throughout the conversation, the panelists provide insights into the complexities of football management, the expectations placed on coaches, and the often unforgiving nature of the sport. They dive deep into the current state of football, focusing on the challenges faced by clubs like Spurs and Liverpool and discuss the ongoing injury issues plaguing Spurs, questioning whether it's a result of training techniques or management decisions. The conversation shifts to Liverpool's managerial situation, particularly the controversial tenure of Arnie Slot, with Critty expressing skepticism about his tactics and player management. The discussion highlights the disparity between Liverpool's past successes under Klopp and their current struggles, emphasizing the need for strategic signings and effective management to navigate a transition year. The episode wraps up with reflections on the best and worst performances of 2025, showcasing the highs and lows of various teams and players in the football landscape.

    2h 22m
  2. 01/10/2025

    Episode 66 - Tactics, Man Management Or Superior Talent - What Truly Creates A Winner In Football?

    Summary The Basement discusses the latest transfer rumors surrounding Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah, analyzing the implications of their potential moves. They delve into the broader topic of tactics in football, questioning whether tactical innovation is overrated and how individual brilliance can sometimes overshadow strategic planning. The conversation highlights the complexities of modern football, including the impact of player decisions and managerial strategies on team performance. They discuss the role of tactics in football, highlighting the importance of adapting strategies to the players' strengths and the situation at hand. The conversation shifts to the critical aspect of man management, where they argue that a manager's ability to connect with players and earn their respect is essential for success. They conclude by discussing situational football, where understanding player dynamics and adapting tactics accordingly can lead to better outcomes on the field. They discuss the limitations of tactics alone, emphasizing the critical role of effective man management in achieving success. The conversation also highlights the importance of exploiting weaknesses in opponents' strategies, illustrating how tactical adjustments can lead to significant outcomes in matches. Through various examples, they explore the nuances of football management and the factors that contribute to a team's success.

    1h 32m
5
out of 5
26 Ratings

About

Beckham’s Basement Podcast Welcome to the Beckham’s Basement Roundtable — where four friends in Charleston break down the beautiful game from every angle. From the biggest headlines shaking world football to the subtle moves shaping its long-term future, we cover it all: transfers, financials, front office drama, managerial sackings, ownership politics, and the business behind the badges. Each week, we dive into the current events driving the global conversation while honoring the history that built the sport. Who’s elevating the game? Who’s hurting it? What decisions will matter most five years from now? Nothing is off the table. With four distinct perspectives — sometimes aligned, sometimes completely at odds — expect passionate debates, sharp analysis, a few controversial takes, and always entertaining conversation. Whether it’s Premier League chaos, European giants in transition, or seismic shifts in the global game, we’re talking about it. Pull up a chair in the basement in Charleston and join the roundtable. This is football talk that’s informed, unfiltered, and never boring.