My Mate's A Footballer

BBC Radio 5 Live
  • 5.0 (29)
  • COMEDY
My Mate's A Footballer Podcast

Joe Wilkinson has always wanted a professional footballer to be his mate. Step forward Patrick Bamford, who has signed up to this podcast to work out if the pair really can become true friends. Joe is a lifelong Gillingham supporter and wants to discover what it takes to play the game at the highest level because you can't support a friend without understanding what they've gone through and the challenges they face. Pat has agreed to answer any question that Joe thinks of so they will cover plenty of ground and you get to hear insight and stories from inside the dressing room at a professional football club as the two hosts get to know each other by spending time together recording this podcast.

  1. SEP 19

    Joe Wilkinson vs Pam the Receptionist

    Joe continues his search for a role at Pat’s football club, Leeds United, and this week the pair investigate the jobs of Press Officer and Receptionist. Pat reveals how the media team react when a player says something they shouldn’t and what actually happens in ‘media training’. Joe discusses how intimidated he usually is by receptionists but learns why that might not be the case at a football club.

    32 min

  2. SEP 12

    Could Joe Wilkinson Become a Kit Man?

    Patrick attempts to find Joe a role on the staff at Leeds United following his unsuccessful attempt at becoming a free-kick specialist at the age of 49. This was supposed to be an episode about a number of different jobs but Joe became slightly obsessed with the job of a kit man so ends up setting Pat some homework for the next episode to help him discover more roles appropriate for a stand-up comedian and actor.

    31 min

  3. SEP 5

    The Youth Of Today

    What is it like for a young player in the cut-throat world of football? On this episode Pat reveals what it was like for players at the tender age of 15 coming through today. Once the microphone issues are sorted, Joe finds out about the role of YouTube in educating footballers and the types of initiations younger players have to go through before making a first-team appearance.

    38 min

  4. AUG 29

    Boot Deals, Surprising Balls & Kit Launches

    Joe wants to discuss all the equipment that footballers use in their job and develops his obsession with boots to find out what a ‘boot deal’ actually means. There’s a surprising fact about footballs and Pat reveals what it’s like at a club when a new kit is launched plus he also reveals who has the best pitch in England.

    36 min

  5. AUG 22

    Re-Living Pre-Season: Pranks, Roommates And Go-Karting

    Patrick and Joe discuss what happens on a pre-season tour with a Championship club. Alongside the inevitable fitness work, Joe is pleased to hear there’s also time to let off some steam including a squad go-karting competition (apologies Willy Gnonto) and playing pranks on your teammate’s room involving a fish.

    32 min

  6. AUG 15

    How To Get Inside The Head Of A Football Player

    After the first game of the season Pat and Joe discuss the mind games involved in playing football which include putting off an opponent before they take a penalty.

    37 min

  7. AUG 8

    Could Joe Wilkinson Be The Next England Manager?

    Joe reunites with Pat to discuss his wedding, the next England manager and how best to switch off on holiday before the season starts again. Pat checks out Joe’s credentials for one of football’s biggest jobs and Pat realises there’s some alarming common ground shared by his mum and Joe.

    36 min

  8. JUN 13

    Patrick and Joe pick their England team for the Euros

    Pat and Joe get together for one last pod before the summer tournament kicks off where Joe (hypothetically) puts Pat in charge of England after imagining Gareth Southgate has the runs. They discuss who should start and whether footballers can enjoy tournaments like these as a fan or whether it’s a busman’s holiday.

    32 min
See All (35)

Hosts & Guests

5
out of 5
29 Ratings

About

Joe Wilkinson has always wanted a professional footballer to be his mate. Step forward Patrick Bamford, who has signed up to this podcast to work out if the pair really can become true friends. Joe is a lifelong Gillingham supporter and wants to discover what it takes to play the game at the highest level because you can't support a friend without understanding what they've gone through and the challenges they face. Pat has agreed to answer any question that Joe thinks of so they will cover plenty of ground and you get to hear insight and stories from inside the dressing room at a professional football club as the two hosts get to know each other by spending time together recording this podcast.

Information

  • Creator
    BBC Radio 5 Live
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2024
  • Episodes
    35
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © (C) BBC 2024
  • Show Website
    My Mate's A Footballer

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