26 episodes
My Mate's A Footballer BBC Radio 5 Live
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- Sports
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5.0 • 27 Ratings
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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.
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What Happens When A Player Gets Injured?
Patrick and Joe talk about injuries and the lengths that a player and their club goes to get them fit. Joe finds out about players being injured at a football club, what the equipment they use and if there's a special camaraderie amongst those in the treatment room. We also find out which smelly vegetable a former teammate used to treat his injury and what it's like when a player has to retire early because of injury. Oh, and Joe reveals that a friend of his thinks Pat is beautiful.
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Arm Round The Shoulder or A Kick Up The…?
Patrick and Joe talk about the qualities that make a good manager, if you can be friends with a manager outside of football and if it’s possible for a manager to be both feared and loved. Joe finds out from Pat what kind of player he is; an arm round the shoulder or if he needs a few harsh words from the gaffer to perform and Pat reveals which English superstar he’s been texting recently and Joe declares his love for a Man City winger.
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The Secret to Playing at Wembley
Joe and Patrick are reunited the day after Leeds thumped Norwich to make the Championship playoff final. Pat waxes lyrical about the atmosphere at Elland Road as Joe reveals the rather bleak setting where he watched the game and wants to find out if footballers get overtime when their club has a playoff run. Pat describes his injury frustration and his hope of making the trip to Wembley as well as giving some sage advice for his teammates about playing at the home of English football.
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How Do Footballers And Managers Deal With Pressure?
After a brief hiatus, Joe and Pat are reunited to discuss pressure and the birth of Pat’s second child. The work/life balance of a football manager is assessed as Jürgen Klopp looks to take time away from the game and Pat discusses Kalvin Phillips' time at West Ham.
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Is Joe Wilkinson Actually Good at Taking Free Kicks?
Joe has regretted mentioning this ever since the first episode of the podcast, but now let’s all find out whether Joe Wilkinson could actually become a set-piece specialist. You’ll hear how he embraces getting into the full kit, trying to play mind games with the Leeds United goalkeeper who he’s about to face and Patrick reveals the surprise for Joe that he believes will become the ideal motivator as he attempts to score 5 free kicks past Karl Darlow.
Customer Reviews
Perfecto
The perfect combo of interesting behind the scenes football info all with a nice topping of laughs. Joe and Patrick are so natural and likable that this pod just flies by. I could listen to it all day. 6 stars.
A pod I want to listen to!!!
Finally! A pod about this sport that I want to listen to- that doesn’t make me groan or angry - and I don’t have to turn off because I don’t like what’s being said- I love this pod- It’s original and interesting. Thank you so much for putting this together- I look forward to every episode. Keep up the great work.
Highlight of My Day
Even if you’re a Leeds fan thousands of miles away in the States, these guys will make you feel like you’re in the room with them. Constantly checking to see if there’s a new episode. The pairing of Joe and Patrick works so well and every episode is as fascinating as it is hilarious. So fun to get an inside glimpse into professional footballer life while laughing along the way.
Keep it up boys.
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