The Game

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And so this is Christmas... power to the people right on! Dec 21, 2023

Show notes

Jonathan Northcroft, Gregor Robertson and Martin Samuel join Tom Clarke for the final pre-Christmas edition of The Game.

First on the agenda is the super league…its back, but will it actually happen? Perhaps the fans will have more power than they realise.

Away from a potential super league why were West Ham so lacklustre, is Keiron Trippier fatigued and all change at Nottingham Forest. Who will be top at Christmas, Villa are in with a shout after an exceptional 2023. And finally a Christmas wish for 2024...

Merry Christmas one and all, we’ll see you for a Christmas pod on Wed 27rh Dec.

Timeline:

Super League

3’ the super league…so depressing. Making football less competitive. Enriching the richer clubs.

5’ can’t exist unless people want it to exist.

7’ danger of the rich getting richer at the expense of all football.

8’ the model doesn’t offer meritocracy.

12’ the revamped champions league looks to be a testing of the water

15’”to what extent have fans lost control of their clubs to the global market place.”

18’ “eternal lust for growth….football doesn’t need more money.”

West Ham

24’ odd team selection

25’ weak semi final line up, three steps from a trophy.

26’ Competent, pragmatic manager but a romantic fan base. Tough mix.

Newcastle and Trippier

30’ Fatigue, confidence, even the best are affected.

32’ has he been the same since the confrontation with the fans and Bournemouth?

Nottingham Forest

39’ Hurling pieces at a board, no plan, no structure. He got lucky with Cooper.

41’ Cooper earned the right to see out the season. Instead he’s got more players and out before Christmas.

45’ Nuno not a good fit. He likes, small simple. Forest is not that.

Villa

49’ Will they be top at Christmas. It would underline an extraordinary year for Villa.

51’ Villa won’t fall away. They’ve sustained this from for a year. 15 wins at home.

52’ Jonny on Emery “You can see when a coach has a club in the palm of his hand.”

54’ Martin on Emery “I’m gonna ask for what I want and I’m gonna get what I want.”

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Sh**housery, idiots and control freaks Dec 18, 2023

Show notes

Tom Clarke is joined by Gregor Robertson, Tom Allnutt and Hamzah Khalique-Loonat.

They look at a lamentable game at Anfield, a good result for Utd, a reality check for Liverpool?

Arsenal seems to be the only team playing with control, Odegaard is on form and Rice remains imperious. Will it be enough to get them to the title?

Aston Villa ground out a win at a tough place to go, but is their keeper the dogs bo**ocks or a sh**house?

Lower down the table Everton are on a fantastic run as Dych once again shows his quality - identity, endeavour effectiveness. Forest by contrast look a little lost.

**Few technical issues today, sorry. They'll be fixed for Thurs.

Timeline:

Liverpool v Man Utd

2’ a game to forget

4’ Consistent with where United are at, stutter, lack of creativity but a valuable well earned point. Reflective of a changed midfield that is energetic and hard working. Better defensive organisation.

5’ Kobbie Mainoo, looks exciting, promising but will the expectations mount?

6’ lack of creativity and width from Liverpool. 34 shots, but no real danger. Some poor decisions.

7’ was this a surprise for Liverpool. They have been lucky in recent games and looked listless at home against Man Utd. Is this the reality dawning?

8’ No goals for Nunez in 9 games. Diaz not the same since the incident with his father.

9’ But all teams have looked patchy and inconsistent. The only team looking to have control are Arsenal.

Arsenal, City and Villa

11’ The team look to have control. Their stats are on the up while City and Liverpool are dropping.

13’ Jorginho off the pitch providing unity.

14’ Martin Odegaard has come into form. Past 6 matches,

15’ Declan Rice covering cast areas for Arsenal, gave Odegaard freedom to create. Rice absolutely key to that.

17’ Arsenal very good front to back, After a rough spell now well oiled, in defence and attack. Defences wins titles.

20’ Arsenal seem to have tunnel vision and appear ready to be champions. Predictable, not exciting, but regular, winning controlled.

22’ Ben Mee’s sending off changed the game. But thereafter Villa went for the win, not the draw.

23’ A gritty win at a place no one likes to go to. Despite chaos Villa got the three points.

24’ VAR inconsistent again. Ben ?Mee should have had a penalty.

25’ Why are Villa doing well, the players of the manager? Both.

27’ Emery has improved Watkins, Kamara is back from injury. Emery has brought intensity and focus.

30’ Nice family man outside of football. But on the pitch stretches ever opportunity to his advantage. Believes he is the best in the world and wants to live up to that.

31’ His antics got his own player sent off.

West Ham v Wolves

35’ Paqueta, Alvarez Bowen and Kudos. Fabulous four. Their creativity won West Ham the game.

36’ Free flowing forward line could be the future, but Moyes prefers stable reliable, Antonio. Can he squeeze both in?

37’ Conflict still at heart of West Ham. How are they laying, are they committed to Moyes?

41’ Will Moyes still be manager next season?

Everton, Forest and Burnley

46’ What a run for Everton. Classic Sean Dyche, getting best out of players. Finding a system that suits the players and drilling them.

47’ Maximising everything at his disposal.

48’ Burnley, endeavour, quality but soft centre. Everton ruthless.

49’ Kompany not changing his methods, sticking to his principles.

50’ Everton play effective football. Its refreshing as it is different to others.

53’ Forest are on a bad run, but look a little lost.

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Both United's out with a whimper and Wally Downes – founder of the ‘Crazy Gang’ Dec 14, 2023

Show notes

Tom Clarke is joined by regulars Martin Samuel and Gregor Robertson and special guest Wally Downes. They look back on the weeks champions league fixtures and the exit of Manchester and Newcastle United from Europe. Were Newcastle naïve to not kill off a game they led in? Did Manchester United even put up a fight?

After the break a reflection on Wally’s career in football, from being one of the founders of the crazy gang at Wimbledon through to his time in coaching throughout the leagues.

Timeline:

Newcastle

2’ Newcastle, yes they were good, yes they have progressed. But they still lost.

5’ Injuries and fatigue affected them.

7’ May well dip into transfer market.

8’ Limitations because of FFP

11’ Newcastle are not well known outside of the UK. That creates problems with income.

15’ It was nip and tuck, they were unfortunate. They are still ahead of schedule.

Man Utd

16’ Lost their identity. Buying the wrong players with the wrong attitude.

17’ Delusions on grandeur. Needs a sea change a policy change.

19’ Anthony given chance after chance. Dan James wasn’t

20’ look at the subs, not good enough.

22’ Man Utd did well to stay in the game, no chance of winning it.

24’ There is desperation now.

26’ Modern football doesn’t suit Man Utd – not as much up and at em’

28’ Red flag over Sancho.

Arsenal and Man City

30’ Both look good. Could draw each other.

31’ Final year of the current champions league format

Life and Career of Wally Downes

35’ Debut for Wimbledon at leatherhead – balled out by his keeper wrestling players and punched the keepers brother in law.

38’ Style of play

40’ shuttle runs, fitness and 3 mile runs.

42’ not a cake walk to the top. Played on the crazy gang tag.

45’ they had very good players and developed good players.

47’ “can’t afford to show respect, we’d have got our arses kicked.” Never got cocky.

48’ Alan Cork took his boots off…”they’re not crossing to me.”

52’ Vinnie Jones story.

55’ Coaching style

59’ Nothing new under the sun, most tactical analysis is the same as it always was, just a different name.

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Jeff Stelling joins us to discuss wins for Villa, Spurs, and Fulham; and defeats for Chelsea and Man Utd. Dec 11, 2023

Show notes

Tom Clarke has crawled off his sick bed to join Monday regulars Alyson Rudd and Gregor Robertson and special guest Jeff Stelling.

After a quick hello to Jeff its on to a brilliant set of matches this weekend. Spurs and Bournemouth are committed to attacking football, no compromise, at the expense of a tired Newcastle and a disjointed Manchester United.

Villa are the real deal. Emery has re-ignited Villa park, has strength in depth and has the fans and team united. The same can’t be said of Chelsea and Pochettino.

And a great week for Fulham.

Timeline:

2’ A big hello to Jeff Stelling. Whistle stop tour of all things Jeff, career, Hartlepool and more Hartlepool.

9’ Modern football, access to players, how things have changed.

11’ City players in the 70’s used to do a panto for the fas!

Spurs v Newcastle

12’ Postecoglou stuck to his principles and went for it, all guns blazing. It paid off. Newcastle looked tired, running on fumes.

13’ Eddie Howe is already picking youngsters, hard to see what else he can do. Pantomime of a game.

14’ Post playing the sort of game expected and welcomed at Spurs. The fans love it, it’s a thrown back to glory glory Tottenham Hotspurs. Newcastle out on their feet. Fans left after the game with no trains – again.

17’ As tired as Newcastle are, there is an element of poor form. Can form stem from fatigue. Howe not claiming tiredness as an excuse.

Man Utd v Bournemouth

19’ Bournemouth turned the corner. Iraola was on the edge now looks genius to appoint and stick with him.

20’ nit many sackings this year.

22’ Iraola believes in attacking football. Players now buying into that and starting to gel. Results and confidence are coming.

25’ Where do Man Utd stand. Limited plan or vision. Hard to know what the team will produce.

26’ Are players short of confidence or not trying…hard to tell.

27’ playing players out of position, lack of clarity. Martial…would he rather be Christmas shopping…

Villa v Arsenal

29’ Its not hype, Villa are very good. How is Emery doing it?

30’ Emery always hard a better than average home record at his clubs.

31’ he is linking fans and the team igniting Villa park and its atmosphere, which is historically a hostile place to go.

32’ Villa were amazing against City, a bit lucky against Arsenal.

34’ They play an incredibly high line. The manager improves players.

36’ top four more realistic than title winners.

37’ Arsenal a bit below par, but unlucky not to have a goal or a penalty in last minute.

38’ Club built around Emery and to support.

39’ Arsenal not playing as well as last season, but right up there. Bodes well for a serious title tilt, winning when not playing well.

41’ could go to the final weekend.

Fulham

43’ Suddenly found some goals and the results are following.

47’ Good players finding confidence.

48‘ Palhinha top of the stats each week.

Chelsea

How do you spend a billion and look so poor…

Too many signings on potential.

Rumour has it Poch wants to sign more.

Poch was brought ot build a team, gel them together. Doesn’t look like he is doing that yet.

Behind the scenes the club is still messy. Poch is hinting at that.

Gap between perception and reality.

Will Poch be given time?

They need results, fast.

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Villa rockin’, Arsenal not stoppin’, Forest and Palace shockin’ Dec 07, 2023

Show notes

The Thursday club of Tony Cascarino, Gregor Robertson and Martin Samuel join Tom Clarke to discuss a fantastic title race and a pressure mounting in midtable.

Villa park was rocking as they extended their unbeaten home run, playing front foot football and bullying the reigning European and Premier league champions. Man City look to be in a mini crisis. Meanwhile Arsenal are a reflection of their big summer signing, Declan Rice – powerful, accomplished and never give up. Rice looks a bargain at 100 million.

Forest and Palace are currently mid table, but the fans are not happy. Steve Cooper and Roy Hodgson are feeling the pressure as modern football is showing its about entertainment, not just survival.

Timeline

Villa

2’ Villa, not just top four but serious contenders. Christmas will be key.

3’ Emery is a very good manager. Does it reflect more on Arsenal that he didn’t succeed there…?

5’ Villa played a high line and battered City

7’ Well drilled, pace at full back, front foot full of confidence. Silk and steel.

9’ When Villa park is up it is a fabulous place. The feeling around the club is very positive.

10’ McGinn outstanding.

City

12’ Why isn’t Kalvin Philips in the team, is he worse than Akanji in midfield?

13’ midfield mismatch – McGinn, Luiz over ran City – Stone and Akanji.

15’ Is there something wrogn at City? MArhez, Gundogan both left and very hard to replace.

19’ very hard to do it three seasons running.

20’ Very dependant on Rodri and De Bryne.

Arsenal

23’ Declan Rice. Mentality as much as physical ability. A bargain at 100m

25’ As with Bellingham Rice impacts a game.

27’ consummate professional, skilled, improves those around him.

Nottingham Forest

30’ Things don’t look good for Steve cooper. Chairman left at four nil and his pass was found flung into a nearby garden.

31’ But the Forest fans chanted his name in the second half.

33’ post match Cooper referenced the unsettled nature of his team.

Crystal Palace

35’ Hodgson under pressure. Fans want to see better football. Hodgson says the fans are spoilt.

37’ He was lucky last season with the fixtures. This season its proving much harder.

39’ Fans not happy with just surviving, they want better football.

40’ Not that long ago the conversation around palace was a lot different. Players from the local area, young exciting. Now its gone backwards.

42’ what’s the point of playing to finish 16th. Have a go, have fun.

Excitement

50’ Survival isn’t enough. Fans look down the road and think “why aren’t we playing like that?”

Moyes may see out his contract, but look at Bournemouth, Spurs, Wolves all playing exciting football.

Man Utd v Chelsea

54’ Good win, but it was the worst Chelsea team in a long time. Kept giving the ball to Utd.

55’ Chelsea haven’t put in one 90min performance.

57’ they’ve shipped out experience and bought potential, but not established.

59’ they won’t be a top six team. Look at their bench last night.

61’ Utd created lots of chances and things looked better. Only three of top four.

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City cracks, Trent whacks and Heckingbottom sacked Dec 05, 2023

Show notes

Tom Clarke is back fresh as a daisy from his holidays, and he is joined by Charlotte Duncker, Tony Cascarino and Gregor Robertson to review the weekend’s goal fest.

Are standards slipping at City or were Spurs brilliant. Trent Alexander Arnold was outstanding, and he was everywhere, does it matter what his starting position is.

All change at Sheffield United as Paul Heckingbottom bows out after a five nil defeat at Burnley. Chris Wilder is back, but with the current owners is the Bramall Lane job a poisoned chalice.

Plus big wins for Burnley and Everton and some boos for Steve Cooper.

City v Spurs

2’ Problems for City or brilliant spurs

5’ drop off in defending, standards not the same. Injuries are key – Stones, De Bryne.

9’ three games back to back with things to worry about and lack of control. Very un-City like.

11’ Spur were brave, clever and relentless. But could they have even won if they had tailored their approach just a bit?

13’ all or nothing under Postecoglou.

Arsenal

15’ Rice adds resilience and stability. More pragmatic.

17’ Learning from previous seasons. Have a stronger squad this season.

Liverpool and Fulham

19’ Trent AA outstanding. Should he just play in midfield. Teams exploiting the space he leaves though.

21’ Down to bones defensively, Matip and Robertson out for some time.

22’ TAA is a generational talent. How many players can do what he can do. But what is his role?

25’ Does it matter if he has a position. Do Liverpool have an alternate right back?

27’ Fulham lacking a bit of edge but played well. Similar to last season, need to strengthen. Still nearly men.

Villa

29’ Over achieving, but now with champions league aspirations.

30’ Emery doing it with effectively the same squad Gerrard had. It is now Emery’s club, his staff, his set up. Involved in everything and working very well. But will they make top four.

Sheffield United

34’ Paul Heckingbottom out, Chris Wilder back in.

35’ coming into a a club up for sale, in need of players and a team dispirited.

36’ owners are a real problem.

37’ Why would wilder go back to such a mess? 15 fit players before the season started.

40’ Owner admitted to being in touch with wilder all season, unfair on Heckingbottom.

44’ no chance of staying up. Owners fault, not Paul Heckingbottom.

Burnley

45’ Finally some relief for Kompany. Will this be the spark?

46’ Confidence yes, but turnaround, not sure. Look at who they beat…

48’ They have been the better team in many of their games, but to open to hang on. Does Kompany need to temper his principles a bit?

Forest

51’ first boos for Steve Cooper at the City ground. Are fans starting to doubt him?

53’ leading striker out till new year. Replacements not up to same level. No shot on goal until 31st minute.

55’ next two games make or break for Cooper. Results need to improve.

57’ Everton created lots of chances. Chris Wood right up the street of Everton centre halves. Needed a different approach.

59’ Everton comfortable. But game lacked quality. Everton good enough to pull away, even with a ten point deduction.

60’ But Calvert Lewin injured again.

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Champions League and jeez, referees! Nov 30, 2023

Show notes

Martin Samuel, James Gheerbrant and Jonathan Northcroft join Gregor Robertson for the Thursday edition of The Game.

Manchester United once again take centre stage. Free scoring, but also conceding freely too and dropping a two goal lead twice in Türkiye. Arsenal in contrast are less expansive than last year but more defensively solid, they’re also top of their group and top of the Premier League…can they possibly be under the radar?

Newcastle suffered at the hands of VAR and the team finish by discussing the attempts being made to attract more ex-players into helping VAR officiating.

A bonus section includes Martin Samuel giving his fascinating memories of Terry Venables

Timeline

Man Utd

2’ Scoring freely away from home, but conceding just as easily.

6’ Bruno Fernandes and Onana

8’ A poorly set up team, too stretched. Everton game was a warning sign. Everton had tons of shots.

10’ United have gone backwards this season, if you look at performance not result. Emotionally unstable as a team.

14’ players have to manage games, less flash and volatility. More steel sense and game management.

Newcastle

21’ ludicrous decision. But Eddie Howe’s reaction has been fantastic.

23’ Group still wide open, anything could happen.

24’ Eddie Howe has done a remarkable job

25’ the differing interpretation of the handball law between UEFA and all domestic league. Not a sustainable position.

28’ how can there be ‘a version’ of the rules…?

Arsenal

31’ what happened to boring boring Arsenal?

33’ are Arsenal under the radar. Top of the league and through as top of their Champions league group. Very effective.

35’ Rice outstanding, allows others to play. Used to be very exciting, second most goals per game last season. This season much further down, but seemingly more managed, secure.

38’ Declan Rice is rhythm guitar, and he is essential and really good.

41’ Arsenal have bounced back two season running after disappoint/frustrating ends to the previous season.

Refereeing

44’ How to overcome the accusation of bias if you’re seeking ex pros to be referees.

47’ more trust required. Ex pros have a lot to offer.

53’ something needs to change and probably will. It is now to regular.

55’ economically not viable to be a referee, takes a long time to qualify and doesn’t pay a lot. For ex players that will be problematic.

59’ can we ever foresee a top player officiating and not being called biased.

1hr it works in cricket.

Terry Venables

Why did he leave England…

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Tactics at the top, belief at the bottom and adios El Tel Nov 27, 2023

Show notes

Tony Cascarino, Alyson Rudd and Tom Allnutt join Gregor Robertson on the Monday edition of The Game. The team pay tribute to Terry Venables and reflect on his eclectic range of interests outside the game and his tactical ability as a coach.

Reflecting on the weekends fixtures they look at the tactical battle at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium, Man Utd have won five in six and are two off the top four. At the bottom, Everton’s belief and frustration couldn’t get a result, whereas Luton showed they never give up.

What will be the difference in making the top four or avoiding relegation?

Timeline

Venables memories

2’ A remarkable man who did so many things outside of football. Busi9ness, singing, tailor, bought a club…sold Maradona and bought Archibald.

4’ edit neil and tony.

5’ shrewd, negotiator, charismatic, loved football. Tactically ahead of his time.

7’ Loved in Spain, tactically respected. A Penalty shootout away from winning the European cup with Barca.

9’ Embodied Tottenham.

Tottenham v Villa

10’ Spurs opened very well. Unlucky not to be further ahead. Fair result could have been a draw.

12’ the offside derby, two teams playing a high line.

14’ Villa applied the break more often, spurs remained gung ho and paid for it.

15’ intriguing game. No compromise by either team. Good decisions by Emry, taking cash off, getting Teilemons on. Demonstrates the level of management in the premier league.

19’ Villa right in shake up for top four. But spurs heavily hit by injuries and suspensions.

Everton v Man Utd

21’ Not in the script for Everton to be hit by a wonder goal.

23’ where did Garnacho’s goal rank? Great goal, how important was it?

27’ Bergkamp, Adam, Crouch, Bergkamp again…

29’ Utd, fifth win in six games. Only two off top four.

32’ Everton now have a BIG job to avoid relegation.

Luton v Palace

36’ Lift off at Luton. Performances starting to get results.

38’ Fit team, heads don’t drop. Not capitulated in any game. Great self belief.

39’ Place facing injury problems to key players. Could they get sucked in?

40’ Injuries came at key time in the game. Hodgson has defensive know how.

Newcastle v Chelsea

48’ Is Tiago Silva starting to show his age? At 39 are the years catching up?

50’ Backward step for Chelsea and Poch. First time he has called out his players.

52’ Anthony Gordon gave Reece James a torrid time.

City v Liverpool

55’ there for city to win, they missed the chance.

56’ Good result for Liverpool, a point at City, how can you grumble?

Arsenal

Top and under the radar.

Brentford not at their best.

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Crime and Punishment Nov 23, 2023

Show notes

Gregor Robertson is joined by Jonathan Northcroft, Tony Cascarino and Martin Samuel for heated discussion on the murky world of football finance and governance. As Everton face a ten point deduction for breaching profit and sustainability rules, the team ask, does the punishment fit the crime? The answer is a resounding no! But why is that, is it a level playing field and what are the wider implications for clubs such as Manchester City and Chelsea. After a quick look at the vote on multi club ownership models finally some actual football and a look ahead to the big game at the weekend, as Manchester City take on Liverpool.

Timeline

2’ internationals. Learnt nothing from England. But Italy Ukraine…a shocking decision and Martin thinks something stinks.

4’ Head of UEFA said Italy not qualifying would be a disaster. Why are officials saying who they want to progress.

Everton points deduction

8’ The facts, what were Everton penalised for?

10’ FFP is a construct of the riches clubs to keep the status quo.

12’ no such thing as organic growth because the best teams cherry pick the best players from smaller clubs. Inward investment to beat that system should not be punished.

15’ Everton have had a go and have been punished.

18’ why are the rules there, are they doing what they are supposed to do?

20’ the commission agreed it wasn’t an attempt to cheat, just poor management, but without danger to the club. The punishment doesn’t fit the crime.

21’ the commission portrayed Everton as ‘continually reckless.’

22’ Premier league stopped working with Everton, why?

24’ will there be, or should there be an independent regulator.

27’ What is the alternative? Unfettered spending, so long as it isn’t based on debt.

29’ is this punishment going to kill the under dog story? An arbitrary construct.

33’ We want two things in football, clubs not going into debt and going bust and healthy competition.

35’ Man City charges…being bogged down by expensive lawyers.

38’ pick a team of lawyers because they’ll decide who wins what, but they’ll do it in five years time.

41’ City charges.

Vote to NOT ban signing players from associated clubs

49’ similar issue and touches on self regulation.

52’ need a robust set of loan regulations.

Historic agent issues

58’ The FA are looking into a breach from 2008 when Jermaine Defoe left Portsmouth to go to Spurs.

City v Liverpool

1’02’ Every player who has come in to the midfield has been an upgrade.

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The modern Mr Luton: Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu Nov 20, 2023

Show notes

In a special episode of The Game Tom Clarke is joined by regulars Gregor Robertson and Jonathan Northcroft as they speak to special guest Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu about his life and career.

Pelly is the first player to play for the same club from the national league through to the Premier league. Following ten years at the club, he is now mentioned alongside Luton legend Mick Hartford and has a mural, song and type of honey all created in his honour.

On the pitch he has played under an England manager and in a Wembley final. This is a chance to hear more from one club man Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu.

Timeline:

2’ start of career. Belmont and Boreham Wood.

6’ West Ham and playing for Allardyce.

8’ Dec 2013…on loan to Luton. Shock compared to Luton and Boreham Wood.

10’ John Still 100 goals and hundred points.

11’ Debut at Staines in the cup. Playing out of position at centre half.

18’ injuries and adjusting to the demands of regular league football.

21’ Nathan Jones. Great guy spoke a really good game, good tactically. Great use of data.

22’ Near misses and promotion to league one.

28’ Tough first season in the championship. Manager coming and going. The return of Nathan Jones.

30’ Footballers during covid.