Hubbry Logo
Football WeeklyFootball WeeklyMain
Open search
Football Weekly
Community hub
Football Weekly
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Football Weekly
Football Weekly
from Wikipedia

Football Weekly
GenreSports
LanguageEnglish
Cast and voices
Hosted byMax Rushden (2017–present)
James Richardson (2006–2017)
Publication
Original release2006
ProviderThe Guardian
Related
Websitetheguardian.com/football/series/footballweekly

Football Weekly is a podcast about football produced by The Guardian newspaper in the United Kingdom. It was first broadcast in 2006. It reviews the latest football results and news, and previews forthcoming matches. While focused on the Premier League and English football more broadly, the show pays significant attention to football across Europe, paying particular attention to La Liga, Serie A and the Bundesliga.[1]

Originally provided weekly—as its name suggests—Football Weekly, as of 2021, broadcasts three times a week during the European football season.[2] The original episode release day was Monday, after the weekend's fixtures, and since 2007 a second weekly podcast, Football Weekly Extra, has aired on Thursdays to review midweek action and preview the next weekend's matches.[3] A third weekly episode published on Tuesdays or Wednesdays has been produced since June 2020,[2] typically either focusing on news from non-British European leagues, or providing space for extended discussions of particular topics.

History

[edit]

The podcast began on 11 May 2006 as The World Cup Show, produced daily throughout the 2006 World Cup, and returned during the season under its new name on 29 August 2006, due to popular demand.[4] During European Championships and World Cups, the podcast has aired daily.

The show was originally presented by James Richardson, with contributions by various Guardian journalists and freelance correspondents, most regularly Barry Glendenning. Richardson and journalist Iain Macintosh left in July 2017 for a new rival podcast, The Totally Football Show.[5][6] Richardson was replaced by Max Rushden.[7]

Rushden explains that the show "ranges from proper analysis of what has happened on the pitch in the UK and around Europe, to commentary about serious issues off it, balanced with some complete nonsense."[8] Speaking in the wake of the 2018 World Cup, the Guardian's head of sport called the podcast "a brand leader despite plenty of opposition including from the BBC. It is one of our greatest multimedia successes."[9] Since the late 2010s, the programme has paid greater attention to women's football, giving more frequent segments and occasional dedicated episodes to the women's game.[10]

Awards

[edit]

In April 2008 Football Weekly was nominated for Sports Programme of the Year in the annual Sony Radio Academy Awards – the UK's main national radio awards.[11] In 2018 the Football Supporters' Federation awarded Football Weekly the Podcast of the Year for the second year running and the fifth time in the last six years.[12] Esquire called the show "one of the big beasts of football podcasting".[13]

Regular panellists

[edit]

Other occasional contributors include Jim Burke, Andy Hunter, Gregg Bakowski, Sean Ingle, Louise Taylor, Anne-Marie Batson, Elis James, Jacqui Oatley, Paul Doyle, Rory Smith, Paul MacInnes. James, Oatley and Carruthers are occasional guest hosts in the absence of Rushden, while MacInnes is a previous guest host of the show.

Lowe, Rhind-Tutt and Wrack will typically only appear to discuss matters pertaining to, respectively, Spanish, German and women's football. While also appearing on regular shows, in podcasts specifically themed around European football, Auclair and Bandini are the respective regular experts on the French and Italian game.

Former panellists

[edit]

Former guest hosts

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Football Weekly is a weekly produced by newspaper, focusing on (soccer) with analysis, commentary, and debate on matches, news, and issues from the and international leagues. Launched on August 29, 2006, as a follow-up to The Guardian's World Cup Show, it has become one of the newspaper's longest-running and most popular audio programs, attracting over six million listens during the . Hosted primarily by since 2017 and , the features panel discussions with journalists, pundits, and occasional special guests, typically running 50-55 minutes per episode. Episodes cover recent results, European competitions, international tournaments, player performances, managerial changes, and broader topics like governance and fan culture, often blending informed analysis with humor and alternative viewpoints. The podcast has earned widespread acclaim, winning the Podcast of the Year award at the Football Supporters' Association (FSA) Awards multiple times, including in 2023 for a hat-trick of consecutive victories, 2022, 2021, and 2018 (its fifth win in six years). It also received a bronze in the Listeners' Choice category at the 2021 British Podcast Awards. Beyond audio, Football Weekly has expanded to live tours across the and , a 2023 book compiling highlights, and related spin-offs like Women's Football Weekly. As of 2025, it is nominated for Podcast of the Year at the FSA Awards and plans daily editions for the from the US. Available on platforms including , , and , it maintains a global audience through its accessible, engaging format.

Overview

Format and Scope

Football Weekly is structured as a panel-based discussion that emphasizes humorous and opinionated analysis of football matches, news, transfers, and previews. Produced by , it features a host leading conversations among journalists, pundits, and guests, blending informed debate with light-hearted banter and alternative perspectives on the sport. The show's scope centers primarily on the English , while extending coverage to major , international tournaments, and broader football issues such as and player welfare. Launched in 2006 following the , initially as a weekly , Football Weekly has evolved its to meet growing demand, increasing to three episodes per week by 2021 during the European football season. These include a standard Monday episode reviewing weekend action, a Thursday "Football Weekly Extra" dedicated to midweek fixtures and news, and Tuesday or Wednesday previews ahead of key matches. Episodes typically run for 45 to 60 minutes, allowing space for in-depth yet concise breakdowns without exhaustive recaps. The format incorporates host-led segments for structured analysis, occasional guest interviews with players or experts, and listener engagement through emails or questions integrated into discussions. Unique elements include the use of audio clips from match highlights, press conferences, and fan reactions to illustrate points, as well as recurring light-hearted features that highlight quirky news or cultural aspects of the game, maintaining an entertaining tone amid serious punditry. This approach establishes the 's identity as an accessible yet insightful companion to weekly football events.

Production Details

Football Weekly is produced by The Guardian's audio team based in , where episodes are typically recorded in a studio following weekend and midweek matches to capture timely reactions. The production incorporates remote contributions from international correspondents, such as via phone calls to experts like in , allowing for global perspectives without requiring all participants to be on-site. The podcast is distributed through multiple platforms, including The Guardian's website, , , and Global Player, enabling wide accessibility for listeners worldwide. Free episodes are ad-supported, while premium ad-free versions are available to Guardian members, supporting the outlet's subscription-based model. Editorial preparation begins with a compiling a shared document of notes on recent events, which evolves through the weekend; the host then drafts an intro and loose running order the night before recording, ensuring an unscripted but structured discussion. is handled by Guardian journalists as part of the broader oversight, aligning with the organization's rigorous standards for sports content. Post-production involves editing for clarity, removing errors or tangents, and adding sound elements like music intros, with episodes uploaded the same afternoon for rapid release. Accessibility features include auto-generated transcripts available via platforms like (since 2024) and third-party services such as , aiding listeners with hearing impairments or those preferring text. The podcast is supported by The Guardian's sports desk, with a core team comprising a host, one or two producers (such as Ben Green and Silas Gray), and rotating contributors from the staff, though specific budget figures are not publicly disclosed. Occasional sponsorships from football-related brands have funded aspects of production, but betting firms have been avoided since June 2023 in line with The Guardian's ethical guidelines prohibiting across all platforms.

History

Origins and Launch

Football Weekly originated as a special podcast series titled The World Cup Show, which debuted on 10 May 2006 as a daily production by The Guardian to cover the buildup and events of the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. Hosted by James Richardson, the show featured contributions from Guardian journalists such as Barry Glendenning, providing analysis, previews, and reactions to tournament developments. This initiative capitalized on the emerging popularity of podcasting in the mid-2000s, offering listeners accessible, audio-based football commentary amid the global event. Following the conclusion of the on 9 July 2006, the was rebranded and relaunched as Football Weekly on 29 August 2006, transitioning to a regular weekly format focused on reviewing the and European football competitions. The first episode, hosted by Richardson and featuring panelists including Michael Walker, , Kevin McCarra, and , was recorded in a studio setting to emulate casual, informed discussions among football enthusiasts. Released every Monday, the episodes typically ran for around 45-60 minutes, emphasizing banter-style debates on matches, transfers, and league news, with an initial reliance on UK-based experts due to the nascent state of remote recording technology in podcasting at the time. Early episodes faced challenges in audience building, as podcast distribution was still maturing, prompting heavy through The Guardian's print editions and website to leverage the prior success of The World Cup Show. A key milestone came with the podcast's coverage of the 2006-07 season, marking its establishment as a staple Guardian offering and including reactions to major events like the aftermath of Arsenal's loss to . This period solidified Football Weekly's role in providing timely, panel-driven insights into domestic and continental football.

Evolution of Format and Hosting

Football Weekly Extra was introduced as a midweek edition to provide dedicated coverage of the League, which later expanded to include other cup competitions such as the and domestic leagues during busy periods. This addition allowed for more timely analysis of European fixtures, complementing the original Monday episode that recapped weekend action. The hosting landscape shifted significantly in 2017 when James Richardson, who had led the podcast since its launch, stepped down after 11 years. , a former stand-in host and presenter, took over as the main host starting with the 2017-18 season, maintaining the twice-weekly format while bringing his experience from live sports broadcasting. The format grew further around 2020 with the addition of a third weekly episode, typically released on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, to offer deeper previews and analysis of international and non-Premier League news; this expansion was facilitated by remote recording setups adopted amid the . By 2023, the was consistently producing three episodes per week, reflecting its adaptation to increased listener demand for comprehensive coverage. Video elements were incorporated as early as 2009 through clips on the Guardian Football YouTube channel, evolving to include full episode uploads and live reaction streams during major tournaments. For instance, during Euro 2020 (held in 2021), the team broadcast live panel discussions reacting to key matches, such as England's penalty shoot-out loss to Italy in the final. From onward, the increasingly utilized remote panels to accommodate global events and contributors, enhancing flexibility for coverage of international tournaments. During the 2022 in , brief daily spin-off episodes under the Football Daily banner provided on-the-ground previews and recaps, allowing for rapid response to match outcomes and off-field stories. Episodes have integrated segments on , such as (xG) metrics, to contextualize tactical decisions in matches at least since .

Personnel

Current Hosts and Regular Panellists

Max Rushden has served as the primary host of Football Weekly since 2017, bringing his experience as a former presenter to the role, where he is recognized for his witty moderation style and strong emphasis on fan engagement. His background includes work in comedy and broader sports broadcasting, which informs the podcast's light-hearted yet insightful tone. Barry Glendenning acts as the regular co-host, having contributed since the podcast's inception in 2006 as a Guardian journalist. He delivers sharp analysis, particularly on Irish football and refereeing decisions, and has authored books such as The Accidental Footballer that explore the sport's cultural dimensions. The regular panellists form a rotating group of experts who appear based on episode topics, typically featuring 3-4 per show to foster balanced debate. , a former Manchester City defender, joined in the 2020s to provide insider player perspectives on tactics and club dynamics. offers a youthful viewpoint with a focus on trends and diverse fan experiences, having contributed regularly since 2022. Philippe Auclair serves as the French football expert, delivering in-depth coverage of and international matches. , a Guardian columnist, specializes in tactical breakdowns and broader narratives. , the La Liga correspondent, brings expertise on Spanish football and European competitions. contributes humorous essays and cultural commentary on the game. Nicky Bandini (formerly known as Bandini), specializing in Italian football analysis, has contributed since the 2010s. The team emphasizes diversity, incorporating voices from women's and lower-league football; for instance, Faye Carruthers occasionally crosses over from her role on Women's Football Weekly to discuss gender-inclusive topics and emerging talents. This rotation ensures varied expertise, with panellists like Onuoha focusing on tactics and Lowe on continental fixtures.

Former Hosts, Panellists, and Guest Hosts

James Richardson served as the original host of Football Weekly from its launch in August 2006 until July 2017. A veteran broadcaster with prior experience at the and , Richardson departed to pursue other projects, including hosting The Totally Football Show. His tenure helped establish the podcast's reputation for balanced discussion, drawing on his background in European football coverage. Early regular panellists included Jim Burke, who provided a Scottish perspective during the 2000s and continues as an occasional contributor, and Amy Lawrence, a pioneer in women's football journalism who contributed through the before joining in 2019. Scottish football expert Kevin McCarra also featured regularly until 2012, offering insights on domestic and international matters; he passed away in 2020. Notable former panellists from the 2010s included Paul MacInnes, a Guardian editor who appeared occasionally until around 2020. Mike Hytner contributed with a focus on youth teams and development before transitioning to the role of sports editor at . Guest hosts, such as prominent figures like and , occasionally stepped in for special episodes, particularly during major tournaments like the , though such appearances became less frequent after 2020 as the core team stabilized. Many departures, including Richardson's, stemmed from scheduling conflicts or opportunities with other Guardian podcasts and media ventures, leading to shifts in the panel's dynamics.

Content and Coverage

Premier League and Domestic Focus

Football Weekly places a strong emphasis on the , dedicating the bulk of each episode to dissecting key matches, tactical nuances, and ongoing narratives such as title races and relegation struggles. For instance, the podcast provided detailed of the 2023-24 , where Manchester City defeated Manchester United 3-0 in October 2023, with hosts exploring Pep Guardiola's tactical dominance and United's defensive frailties. Similarly, during the intense 2022-23 title race, episodes highlighted Arsenal's wobbles and Manchester City's momentum, examining how dropped points shifted the balance toward City's eventual triumph. Relegation battles receive focused attention, including discussions on Everton's 10-point deduction in November 2023 for breaching Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), underscoring the financial pressures on lower-table clubs. Coverage extends to domestic cups and the (EFL), with segments analyzing drama and upsets. The between and Chelsea, which won on penalties after a 0-0 draw, was dissected for its tactical stalemate and implications for both teams' seasons. EFL highlights include promotion races, such as Sunderland's playoff victory in May 2025 that secured their return, often spotlighting lower-league resilience amid broader domestic narratives. Transfer windows feature dedicated episodes, particularly in January and summer periods, where the podcast evaluates major deals and their financial ramifications under PSR regulations. The £100 million transfer of from to in July 2023 was a focal point in season preview discussions, with analysis of its impact on squad dynamics and West Ham's Europa Conference League success. Fan culture is woven into episodes addressing supporter concerns, such as the 2024-25 ticket pricing protests, exemplified by Aston Villa fans' backlash against high Champions League matchday costs announced in September 2024, which highlighted tensions over accessibility and loyalty exploitation. The podcast's unique angles often include light-hearted yet incisive commentary on controversies like (VAR) decisions, building on post-2022 World Cup scrutiny. A September 2022 episode lampooned VAR's inconsistencies in Premier League games, debating reforms amid fan frustration over erroneous calls that altered match outcomes. Player welfare debates, including fixture congestion and , are similarly approached with humor and depth, drawing on domestic examples to advocate for sustainable scheduling.

International and Women's Football

Football Weekly extends its analysis beyond domestic English football to include substantial coverage of major European leagues, drawing on specialist correspondents for nuanced insights. , the Guardian's Madrid-based correspondent, frequently contributes segments on , offering detailed breakdowns of club performances, such as Real Madrid's triumphant 2023-24 campaign that secured both and the , forming a celebrated double. The podcast also addresses dynamics, including historic rivalries like the Milan derby, through regular input from Italian football expert Nicky Bandini, who highlights tactical evolutions and transfer impacts. Bundesliga coverage emphasizes innovative strategies, with Norwegian journalist Lars Sivertsen providing commentary on pressing systems and youth development at clubs like Bayern Munich and . International tournaments receive dedicated attention, particularly during major events, with the podcast producing multiple episodes to dissect matches, narratives, and broader implications. For the in , hosts and guests critiqued the tournament's organization, including issues related to migrant labor and LGBTQ+ rights in the host country, framing these within football's ethical responsibilities. The 2024 UEFA European Championship prompted a series of specials tracking national teams, with extensive focus on England's run to the final against , analyzing tactical decisions by and standout performances from players like . Since the late 2010s, the podcast has increasingly incorporated women's football, allocating regular segments to the (WSL) and aligning with the sport's global surge post-2019 . Coverage highlights key storylines, such as Chelsea's commanding 2023-24 WSL title win, their fifth consecutive championship, underscoring the league's competitive depth and rising professionalism. Episodes on the Women's Euros explore team progress and societal impact, often featuring crossovers with Faye Carruthers, host of the Guardian's dedicated Women's Football Weekly podcast, to bridge mainstream and specialized discussions. The program occasionally spotlights football from the Global South, addressing critiques of underrepresentation by including voices from diverse regions. Segments on (MLS) examine its growth and star players like at Inter Miami, contrasting it with European models. The (AFCON) receives focused episodes, such as previews debating favorites like and , incorporating African journalists to contextualize continental rivalries and infrastructure challenges. From 2020 to 2025, Football Weekly's emphasis on women's football has intensified amid broader equality initiatives, with discussions on topics like equal pay campaigns gaining prominence in 2024, reflecting FIFA's push for parity in and salaries across genders. This evolution mirrors the podcast's commitment to comprehensive global coverage, complementing its domestic focus while amplifying underrepresented voices in the sport.

Reception and Impact

Critical Reception and Listenership

Football Weekly has garnered a substantial listenership since its inception, consistently ranking among the top sports podcasts in the UK and internationally. As of November 2025, it holds strong positions such as #12 in the UK sports category on Spotify and #3 in the US soccer subcategory on Apple Podcasts, reflecting its enduring appeal to football enthusiasts. The podcast attracts over 500,000 monthly listeners, a figure that has grown steadily since its early years, with peaks during major tournaments like the Premier League season and international competitions. This popularity is further evidenced by its frequent appearances in top podcast charts, including second place among UK soccer podcasts in late 2025. The has received widespread positive reception for its blend of accessible tactical analysis, informed punditry, and irreverent humor, earning an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 on based on over 20,000 reviews. Listeners praise the panel's ability to balance serious discussions on issues like and in football with entertaining anecdotes and lively banter, making it suitable for both dedicated fans and casual followers. Criticisms of Football Weekly have occasionally surfaced, particularly regarding perceived biases in coverage and the occasional superficiality of commentary. Some reviewers have labeled episodes as "biased, misinformed, and tired drivel," pointing to instances where panel opinions on club performances drew backlash for overlooking key nuances. Early in its run, the podcast faced accusations of a London-centric perspective in its focus on Premier League clubs, mirroring broader critiques of UK sports media's capital bias, though this has lessened with expanded international coverage. More recent feedback has debated the emphasis on dramatic narratives over in-depth tactical breakdowns, with some listeners arguing for deeper analytical rigor amid the show's humorous style. The podcast's cultural impact extends beyond metrics, influencing fan discourse through memorable moments and viral content. Panellist Barry Glendenning's passionate rants and comedic reactions, such as his iconic "oh my days" commentary during Euro 2020, have spawned memes and clips that resonate widely among supporters. This humor has helped shape online football conversations, with episodes often cited in broader media for post-match insights and alternative viewpoints. Growth in its audience has been amplified by engagement, including the official account (@guardian_footballweekly) with 16,000 followers sharing highlights and behind-the-scenes content.

Awards and Recognitions

Football Weekly has received numerous accolades since its inception, recognizing its contributions to sports podcasting, fan engagement, and innovative coverage of football. In 2008, the podcast was nominated for the Sony Radio Academy Awards in the Sports Programme of the Year category, highlighting its early role in pioneering audio content for football enthusiasts through digital platforms. The podcast has been particularly successful at the Football Supporters' Federation (FSF) Awards, earning the Podcast of the Year multiple times for its accessible analysis and community-focused discussions. Wins include 2013, when it was selected by public vote for outstanding supporter-oriented content; 2014, praised for blending in-depth Premier League coverage with broader football narratives; 2016, acknowledging consistent quality amid evolving formats; 2017, for its timely takes on domestic and international matches; and 2018, marking the second consecutive victory and the fifth win in six years, which underscored its enduring appeal to fans. More recent successes came in 2022 and 2023, with the 2023 award completing a hat-trick of recent honors and reflecting adaptations to post-pandemic listening habits. In 2025, it was shortlisted for Podcast of the Year at the FSF Awards, with results pending as of November 2025. At the British Podcast Awards, Football Weekly received a in the Listeners' Choice Award in , voted by the public for its engaging panel discussions during a challenging year for live . These recognitions have affirmed the podcast's status as a benchmark for audio, emphasizing its balance of humor, expertise, and inclusivity in covering football's global landscape.

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.