28 episodes
My Mate's A Footballer BBC Radio 5 Live
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- Sport
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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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.
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What Happens on a Footballer’s Stag Do?
Pat is back from his stag do in Marbs and Joe is delighted to share the goss and see the photos including which music legend he was forced to dress as. After those frivolities, the pair discuss how the Leeds players reacted to play-off defeat and Pat reveals what it’s like to face Cristiano Ronaldo in the tunnel as an opponent.
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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 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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