http://www.beyondthepitch.net/ Now We’re Talking Football: A fresh perspective on the World’s only Beautiful Game. Beyond The Pitch is a new and creative endeavor that has dedicated itself to the global game from numerous points of view, featuring expert opinion and debate to offer their unique perspectives. Now We’re Talking Football: A fresh perspective on the World’s only Beautiful Game. Beyond The Pitch is a new and creative endeavor that has dedicated itself to the global game from numerous points of view, featuring expert opinion and debate to offer their unique perspectives. Beyond The Pitch BTP show@beyondthepitch.net en-us 720 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/images/icon_disp.png http://www.beyondthepitch.net/ (C) 2012 beyondthepitch.net Sun, 05 Feb 2012 01:22:54 PST Football, soccer, talk, sport, soccer, Football, soccer, talk, sport, soccer, no nonadult Phil and Anto are joined by writer and commentator Gabriele Marcotti to take a look at the major movers and shakers in Serie A now that the transfer market has closed and important results toward the Scudetto are flying fast and furious. We start at Lazio where fireworks have begun after losing out on Keisuke Honda and a host of transfer activity moving entirely in the wrong direction. We also look at what has happened at Novara with their coaching change and if the dream may indeed be coming to an end there. Loads on Juventus, Inter and Milan who were all rather interesting in their own ways in terms of player movement but for a variety of reasons to separate economics from title ambitions and whether any kind of knockout blow was found here. In the case of Juventus it was about reinforcements but moving out some players no longer in the plan, perhaps done a window too late. Inter has moved Thiago Motta for two dynamic players in Angelo Palombo and Freddy Guarin and we also examine some of the economics behind Wesley Sneijder as the midfield looks a bit locked up in terms of options under Claudio Ranieri. Then its a look over at Milan to attempt to separate facts from spin in the matter of Pato, Carlos Tevez and some of the longer term ramifications for the club, including the potential for a shift on Mario Balotelli with Manchester City. Then we look at the arrivals this winter and how the confusion on the trequartista position seems to undermine perceptions for Allegri now that results have failed of late. We also examine the fortunes for Udinese, Napoli and Roma to gauge who has some edge here and really try to assess the overall project at Roma where the output seems hesitant and gauge the politics and longer term parameters for Luis Enrique in this first season where expectations are usually at a fever pitch. Phil and Anto are joined by writer and commentator Gabriele Marcotti to take a look at the major movers and shakers in Serie A now that the transfer market has closed and important results toward the Scudetto are flying fast and furious. We start at Phil and Anto are joined by writer and commentator Gabriele Marcotti to take a look at the major movers and shakers in Serie A now that the transfer market has closed and important results toward the Scudetto are flying fast and furious. We start at Lazio where fireworks have begun after losing out on Keisuke Honda and a host of transfer activity moving entirely in the wrong direction. We also look at what has happened at Novara with their coaching change and if the dream may indeed be coming to an end there. Loads on Juventus, Inter and Milan who were all rather interesting in their own ways in terms of player movement but for a variety of reasons to separate economics from title ambitions and whether any kind of knockout blow was found here. In the case of Juventus it was about reinforcements but moving out some players no longer in the plan, perhaps done a window too late. Inter has moved Thiago Motta for two dynamic players in Angelo Palombo and Freddy Guarin and we also examine some of the economics behind Wesley Sneijder as the midfield looks a bit locked up in terms of options under Claudio Ranieri. Then its a look over at Milan to attempt to separate facts from spin in the matter of Pato, Carlos Tevez and some of the longer term ramifications for the club, including the potential for a shift on Mario Balotelli with Manchester City. Then we look at the arrivals this winter and how the confusion on the trequartista position seems to undermine perceptions for Allegri now that results have failed of late. We also examine the fortunes for Udinese, Napoli and Roma to gauge who has some edge here and really try to assess the overall project at Roma where the output seems hesitant and gauge the politics and longer term parameters for Luis Enrique in this first season where expectations are usually at a fever pitch. Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:25:00 GMT 36:30 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP02032012.gab.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2012/02/13/gabriele-marcotti/ Beyond The Pitch Phil and Anto are joined once again by former Wimbledon, Newcastle and England international defender Warren Barton for another episode that takes a look at many of the key talking points as a rather quiet and uneventful transfer window has closed. We start with upstart Liverpool where Kenny has seen his side win two very important Cup ties on route to a potential Carling Cup win and progress through the FA Cup. Did Kenny pull the right lever after a bitter loss to Bolton Wanderers and has the squad begun to turn the corner as lack of transfers might just prove evidence to what he thinks about this team. Elsewhere, Manchester United has closed the gap completely in the league table on cross town rival Manchester City and with Sir Alex breathing down the favorite this season may be it is time to take a deeper look into the fortunes of City, who were touted to be competitive on all fronts and have underperformed. We also look at the failure to move Carlos Tevez as indicator to both the marketplace and how Manchester City has a problem if they are left with a player who does not play a minute of competitive football for nine months once the summer hits. We also gauge events at Arsenal and whether the plan has come off the rails a bit as a number of players who fit their profile have gone unexamined with barely any move to reinforce the squad for a bitter top four challenge. And then we move to some of the movers and shakers in this transfer window in the case of Newcastle, Everton and Queens Park Rangers to get an idea of their ambitions and even some clubs who look destined for relegation and an early sneak peek at who might just come up next season from The Championship with West Ham United and Southampton leading the way. Vaishali Bhardwaj also makes her return with two world football updates in this episode. Phil and Anto are joined once again by former Wimbledon, Newcastle and England international defender Warren Barton for another episode that takes a look at many of the key talking points as a rather quiet and uneventful transfer window has closed. Phil and Anto are joined once again by former Wimbledon, Newcastle and England international defender Warren Barton for another episode that takes a look at many of the key talking points as a rather quiet and uneventful transfer window has closed. We start with upstart Liverpool where Kenny has seen his side win two very important Cup ties on route to a potential Carling Cup win and progress through the FA Cup. Did Kenny pull the right lever after a bitter loss to Bolton Wanderers and has the squad begun to turn the corner as lack of transfers might just prove evidence to what he thinks about this team. Elsewhere, Manchester United has closed the gap completely in the league table on cross town rival Manchester City and with Sir Alex breathing down the favorite this season may be it is time to take a deeper look into the fortunes of City, who were touted to be competitive on all fronts and have underperformed. We also look at the failure to move Carlos Tevez as indicator to both the marketplace and how Manchester City has a problem if they are left with a player who does not play a minute of competitive football for nine months once the summer hits. We also gauge events at Arsenal and whether the plan has come off the rails a bit as a number of players who fit their profile have gone unexamined with barely any move to reinforce the squad for a bitter top four challenge. And then we move to some of the movers and shakers in this transfer window in the case of Newcastle, Everton and Queens Park Rangers to get an idea of their ambitions and even some clubs who look destined for relegation and an early sneak peek at who might just come up next season from The Championship with West Ham United and Southampton leading the way. Vaishali Bhardwaj also makes her return with two world football updates in this episode. Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:07:00 GMT 60:00 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP01312012.ptf.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2012/01/31/prime-time-football/ Beyond The Pitch Anto is joined by Middle East football expert currently at the Rajaratnam School of International Studies and is the author of the Turbulent World of Middle East Soccer to discuss the stadium tragedy at Port Said this evening which resulted in at least 73 killed and up to 1,000 injuries in the hours after bloody confrontations. James provides us some background and insight into the background of the ultra movement in Egypt and how these elements have connection to the uprising in Egypt during the fall of Mubarak in the past year. And we also gauge some of the early impressions from the video broadcast around the world showing an overwhelming surge at the pitch and whether police unwillingness to control the violence may indicate some role in the proceedings either by act or omission, which will probably never be known or proven. We also explore the relationship between these ultra groups, their ideologies, motivations and ongoing resistance during the transition since Mubarak stepped down. We also try to examine what will face these ultra groups in the future and how the video evidence reveals some very chilling observations as the crowd has arrived armed and shows no hesitation or concern for the authorities on the scene, which erupted into savage violence at one end of the stadium later set on fire. James also provides clarity into how the players and national team is viewed by these ultra groups and what this will mean for former US National Team manager Bob Bradley who just took on the project of rebuilding the program. Anto is joined by Middle East football expert currently at the Rajaratnam School of International Studies and is the author of the Turbulent World of Middle East Soccer to discuss the stadium tragedy at Port Said this evening which resulted in at lea Anto is joined by Middle East football expert currently at the Rajaratnam School of International Studies and is the author of the Turbulent World of Middle East Soccer to discuss the stadium tragedy at Port Said this evening which resulted in at least 73 killed and up to 1,000 injuries in the hours after bloody confrontations. James provides us some background and insight into the background of the ultra movement in Egypt and how these elements have connection to the uprising in Egypt during the fall of Mubarak in the past year. And we also gauge some of the early impressions from the video broadcast around the world showing an overwhelming surge at the pitch and whether police unwillingness to control the violence may indicate some role in the proceedings either by act or omission, which will probably never be known or proven. We also explore the relationship between these ultra groups, their ideologies, motivations and ongoing resistance during the transition since Mubarak stepped down. We also try to examine what will face these ultra groups in the future and how the video evidence reveals some very chilling observations as the crowd has arrived armed and shows no hesitation or concern for the authorities on the scene, which erupted into savage violence at one end of the stadium later set on fire. James also provides clarity into how the players and national team is viewed by these ultra groups and what this will mean for former US National Team manager Bob Bradley who just took on the project of rebuilding the program. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 22:25:00 GMT 23:00 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP02012012.dorsey.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2012/02/01/james-dorsey/ Beyond The Pitch Phil and Anto are joined by English sports commentator Clive Tyldesley of ITV to have a look at some of the major talking points which have emerged after an FA Cup weekend as the Premier League takes a turn back into the teeth of a difficult run. We look at the situation with David de Gea who struggled at Anfield and if the goalkeeper position for Sir Alex has finally become a major liability and whether Kenny Dalglish has begun to turn fortunes around for Liverpool with two cup pursuits still in view and the top four on edge. We also look into the matter of Javier Hernandez and whether Ferguson might have been done a longer term favor by narrowing the fronts on which a weakened squad would be required to fight it out. Clive also offers his thoughts on the enduring charm of the Africa Nations Cup and how these national teams continue to endure in style despite a strong push by European managers to make their football more tactical. Then we return to the matter of Manchester City who has outspent everybody, but teeters on the edge of surrendering the Premier League lead to a United team missing several key reinforcements and top line quality, to their standards. In the end we get into the matter of the Jose Mourinho who is again sparking up rumors of a return to England, so we take a look at his recent accomplishments and try to determine which club would be in prime position to claim his services. Phil and Anto are joined by English sports commentator Clive Tyldesley of ITV to have a look at some of the major talking points which have emerged after an FA Cup weekend as the Premier League takes a turn back into the teeth of a difficult run. We Phil and Anto are joined by English sports commentator Clive Tyldesley of ITV to have a look at some of the major talking points which have emerged after an FA Cup weekend as the Premier League takes a turn back into the teeth of a difficult run. We look at the situation with David de Gea who struggled at Anfield and if the goalkeeper position for Sir Alex has finally become a major liability and whether Kenny Dalglish has begun to turn fortunes around for Liverpool with two cup pursuits still in view and the top four on edge. We also look into the matter of Javier Hernandez and whether Ferguson might have been done a longer term favor by narrowing the fronts on which a weakened squad would be required to fight it out. Clive also offers his thoughts on the enduring charm of the Africa Nations Cup and how these national teams continue to endure in style despite a strong push by European managers to make their football more tactical. Then we return to the matter of Manchester City who has outspent everybody, but teeters on the edge of surrendering the Premier League lead to a United team missing several key reinforcements and top line quality, to their standards. In the end we get into the matter of the Jose Mourinho who is again sparking up rumors of a return to England, so we take a look at his recent accomplishments and try to determine which club would be in prime position to claim his services. Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:20:00 GMT 33:00 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP01272012.clive.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2012/01/30/clive-tyldesley/ Beyond The Pitch Phil and Anto are joined once again by former Wimbledon, Newcastle and England international defender Warren Barton for another insight episode into a major issue brewing and that is the development of English top level managers who can ascend to the Premier League. One look across the full landscape and there are only three Englishmen currently plying their trade and the numbers do not appear to be increasing anytime soon unless it does happen through promotion from lower league football. Given his past association with the League Managers Association, Warren helps us gauge the many contributing factors including his time working on his coaching badges and what he learned in Holland from continental powers in terms of how they groom and develop management staff and player executives. We also look at other countries like Italy - and Germany and Spain, to an extent - where the job of actually building football clubs has become a massive undertaking and where the executives themselves are traditionally larger than life themselves as the first team manager, while in England there does seem to be an element of competition between executives and managers for the same job. These kinds of situations are reducing with time inside the Premier League, but there does seem to be a continuing trend of fewer and fewer English managers. Lots here to think about and consider, including how players and managers might have to be developed at lower level clubs like is the case in Spain so that the experience becomes a true training ground and resource for the Premier League. Phil and Anto are joined once again by former Wimbledon, Newcastle and England international defender Warren Barton for another insight episode into a major issue brewing and that is the development of English top level managers who can ascend to the Phil and Anto are joined once again by former Wimbledon, Newcastle and England international defender Warren Barton for another insight episode into a major issue brewing and that is the development of English top level managers who can ascend to the Premier League. One look across the full landscape and there are only three Englishmen currently plying their trade and the numbers do not appear to be increasing anytime soon unless it does happen through promotion from lower league football. Given his past association with the League Managers Association, Warren helps us gauge the many contributing factors including his time working on his coaching badges and what he learned in Holland from continental powers in terms of how they groom and develop management staff and player executives. We also look at other countries like Italy - and Germany and Spain, to an extent - where the job of actually building football clubs has become a massive undertaking and where the executives themselves are traditionally larger than life themselves as the first team manager, while in England there does seem to be an element of competition between executives and managers for the same job. These kinds of situations are reducing with time inside the Premier League, but there does seem to be a continuing trend of fewer and fewer English managers. Lots here to think about and consider, including how players and managers might have to be developed at lower level clubs like is the case in Spain so that the experience becomes a true training ground and resource for the Premier League. Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:55:00 GMT 33:00 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP01242012.ptf.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2012/01/26/prime-time-football/ Beyond The Pitch Anto is joined by solicitor Daniel Geey of Field Fisher Waterhouse of London who serves as an associate in the Competition and EU Regulatory Law Group to have a deeper look at the Luis Suarez case in terms of process after adding some perspective into the matter. Daniel helps us parse the key factors in terms of timing, politics, standards of proof in different arenas while acknowledging the difficulty in separating all these factors in light of race and racist remarks by players and/or fans with a football stadium. We break down the process that the FA and the Independent Regulatory Commission’s Report (IRCR) conclusions used to come to the matter of charging Suarez and ultimately finding him guilty given the unique characteristics of sporting justice and the standards of proof that this process uses in its evaluation of evidence. We also examine the existing FA procedures for reporting racism charges and whether the chronology in this case allowed Suarez a measure of fairness throughout the entire ordeal from the start. We also visit the colloquial and/or idiom applications of language as an instrument of defence for Luis Suarez and whether this can or should be applied in the evaluation. We also take a look at the balance of probabilities mechanism that established who was seen as more credible during the investigatory process and if there were issues that should have been more aggressively pursued by Liverpool Football Club and representatives acting on behalf of Luis Suarez. Then we also look at the upcoming John Terry case that sits in a different arena with the Crown Prosecution Service and how Burden of Proof is a vastly different mechanism than the standard of proof that the FA used in its process, and if this difference, once exploited by criminal defense attorneys in the case of John Terry, will shade how the FA treats the case once settled in the criminal courts. Anto is joined by solicitor Daniel Geey of Field Fisher Waterhouse of London who serves as an associate in the Competition and EU Regulatory Law Group to have a deeper look at the Luis Suarez case in terms of process after adding some perspective int Anto is joined by solicitor Daniel Geey of Field Fisher Waterhouse of London who serves as an associate in the Competition and EU Regulatory Law Group to have a deeper look at the Luis Suarez case in terms of process after adding some perspective into the matter. Daniel helps us parse the key factors in terms of timing, politics, standards of proof in different arenas while acknowledging the difficulty in separating all these factors in light of race and racist remarks by players and/or fans with a football stadium. We break down the process that the FA and the Independent Regulatory Commission’s Report (IRCR) conclusions used to come to the matter of charging Suarez and ultimately finding him guilty given the unique characteristics of sporting justice and the standards of proof that this process uses in its evaluation of evidence. We also examine the existing FA procedures for reporting racism charges and whether the chronology in this case allowed Suarez a measure of fairness throughout the entire ordeal from the start. We also visit the colloquial and/or idiom applications of language as an instrument of defence for Luis Suarez and whether this can or should be applied in the evaluation. We also take a look at the balance of probabilities mechanism that established who was seen as more credible during the investigatory process and if there were issues that should have been more aggressively pursued by Liverpool Football Club and representatives acting on behalf of Luis Suarez. Then we also look at the upcoming John Terry case that sits in a different arena with the Crown Prosecution Service and how Burden of Proof is a vastly different mechanism than the standard of proof that the FA used in its process, and if this difference, once exploited by criminal defense attorneys in the case of John Terry, will shade how the FA treats the case once settled in the criminal courts. Thu, 26 Jan 2012 23:25:00 GMT 40:00 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP01252012.geey.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2012/01/26/daniel-geey/ Beyond The Pitch Phil and Anto are joined by Manchester City legend Nicky Summerbee to have a discussion into how his club has progressed this season and whether real title credentials are manifest as the very first Premier League title gets closer into view. We talk about the mental games played by other managers week upon week and how these elements have begun to make Manchester City stronger as the fixtures progress throughout the season. At two ends of the stick are manager Roberto Mancini and SuperMario Balotelli who have both arrived to provide equal parts stability and unpredictability, both of which revealed themselves in the Tottenham match. We look at the upcoming schedule with most of the big fixtures at home as a key factor along with return of some key pieces from suspension and Africa Nations Cup once the business end of the season reveals itself. Nicky also believes this is a key season for Manchester City in the sense that once a bit of success arrives, this will be the start of an emerging power who will have been a lot better for having learned some valuable lessons from a challenge at the top, led by Roberto Mancini who never seems to be satisfied. Phil and Anto are joined by Manchester City legend Nicky Summerbee to have a discussion into how his club has progressed this season and whether real title credentials are manifest as the very first Premier League title gets closer into view. We tal Phil and Anto are joined by Manchester City legend Nicky Summerbee to have a discussion into how his club has progressed this season and whether real title credentials are manifest as the very first Premier League title gets closer into view. We talk about the mental games played by other managers week upon week and how these elements have begun to make Manchester City stronger as the fixtures progress throughout the season. At two ends of the stick are manager Roberto Mancini and SuperMario Balotelli who have both arrived to provide equal parts stability and unpredictability, both of which revealed themselves in the Tottenham match. We look at the upcoming schedule with most of the big fixtures at home as a key factor along with return of some key pieces from suspension and Africa Nations Cup once the business end of the season reveals itself. Nicky also believes this is a key season for Manchester City in the sense that once a bit of success arrives, this will be the start of an emerging power who will have been a lot better for having learned some valuable lessons from a challenge at the top, led by Roberto Mancini who never seems to be satisfied. Mon, 23 Jan 2012 06:45:00 GMT 16:00 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP01232012.nicky.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2012/01/23/nicky-summerbee/ Beyond The Pitch Phil and Anto are joined by former Sunderland player and current English football broadcaster Micky Gray to have a look at Sunderland since the club replaced Steve Bruce with Martin O`Neill to gauge the club fortunes as we make the turn in the Premier League season toward the stretch run. Lots to consider including the ongoing struggle to find that goalscorer since Asamoah Gyan and Darren Bent left the club, along with the emergence of some new faces who will have to deliver as some key fixtures are coming into view. Micky helps us evaluate the options for strikers with the club and whether the club might make a move in the transfer window to help the team across the line. We also discuss the fortunes of Newcastle United and whether that influenced the decision to make that change in manager, and how passions in the Northeast always get magnified, especially in a season like this where the top ten is in a constant state of flux. We also go into some other key players in the midfield and emerging players to watch as important factors going forward. Wonderful part of this episode is the chat on Darlington Football Club and how it should force football into a rethink about priorities and how economics are shaping most of the Premier League outside of Manchester City and Chelsea with long established clubs showing an element of austerity after many free-spending years. Phil and Anto are joined by former Sunderland player and current English football broadcaster Micky Gray to have a look at Sunderland since the club replaced Steve Bruce with Martin O`Neill to gauge the club fortunes as we make the turn in the Premie Phil and Anto are joined by former Sunderland player and current English football broadcaster Micky Gray to have a look at Sunderland since the club replaced Steve Bruce with Martin O`Neill to gauge the club fortunes as we make the turn in the Premier League season toward the stretch run. Lots to consider including the ongoing struggle to find that goalscorer since Asamoah Gyan and Darren Bent left the club, along with the emergence of some new faces who will have to deliver as some key fixtures are coming into view. Micky helps us evaluate the options for strikers with the club and whether the club might make a move in the transfer window to help the team across the line. We also discuss the fortunes of Newcastle United and whether that influenced the decision to make that change in manager, and how passions in the Northeast always get magnified, especially in a season like this where the top ten is in a constant state of flux. We also go into some other key players in the midfield and emerging players to watch as important factors going forward. Wonderful part of this episode is the chat on Darlington Football Club and how it should force football into a rethink about priorities and how economics are shaping most of the Premier League outside of Manchester City and Chelsea with long established clubs showing an element of austerity after many free-spending years. Sun, 22 Jan 2012 17:29:00 GMT 23:30 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP01222012.gray.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2012/01/22/mickey-gray/ Beyond The Pitch Phil and Anto are joined by Everton Football Club legend and icon Graeme Sharp to take stock of where the club is in the midst of the season and a winter transfer window. We talk about the struggle to find goals, who might be the answer for David Moyes and a look at the league itself where there might just be an opening for optimism for the Toffies. Graeme also weighs in on the issue of Tim Cahill who has seen a dip in form, the loss of Mikel Arteta and the arrival of Landon Donovan the second time around, even while Moyes continues to glue together a weekly lineup that is amongst the most stingy in the league. We also get into the matter of investment for the club itself and Graeme gives us a very practical view on why a takeover worked at Manchester City and why the stadium is the biggest obstacle for Everton at the moment. Lots on how Everton continues to bring through young players - one of the few Premier League clubs to do that with any regularity - and how David Moyes might just be talking sense about finding Premier League clubs are lower division alternative that simulates what the top flight has in store for them as professionals. In the end we close on the matter of Landon Donovan and how more will be expected him the second time around as the club will be more dependent on his pace to solve a shortcoming in the Everton attack which needs more variety. Phil and Anto are joined by Everton Football Club legend and icon Graeme Sharp to take stock of where the club is in the midst of the season and a winter transfer window. We talk about the struggle to find goals, who might be the answer for David Moy Phil and Anto are joined by Everton Football Club legend and icon Graeme Sharp to take stock of where the club is in the midst of the season and a winter transfer window. We talk about the struggle to find goals, who might be the answer for David Moyes and a look at the league itself where there might just be an opening for optimism for the Toffies. Graeme also weighs in on the issue of Tim Cahill who has seen a dip in form, the loss of Mikel Arteta and the arrival of Landon Donovan the second time around, even while Moyes continues to glue together a weekly lineup that is amongst the most stingy in the league. We also get into the matter of investment for the club itself and Graeme gives us a very practical view on why a takeover worked at Manchester City and why the stadium is the biggest obstacle for Everton at the moment. Lots on how Everton continues to bring through young players - one of the few Premier League clubs to do that with any regularity - and how David Moyes might just be talking sense about finding Premier League clubs are lower division alternative that simulates what the top flight has in store for them as professionals. In the end we close on the matter of Landon Donovan and how more will be expected him the second time around as the club will be more dependent on his pace to solve a shortcoming in the Everton attack which needs more variety. Sat, 21 Jan 2012 07:25:00 GMT 20:00 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP01222012.sharp.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2012/01/21/graeme-sharp/ Beyond The Pitch Phil and Anto are joined by Spanish football correspondent Sid Lowe to have a discussion into the matter of Jose Mourinho and how Real Madrid seems to be at a point of emotional and mental crisis as the air war surrounding several key players has taken a new, bizarre twist. We look into all the factors leading up to this point, some of the Mourinho myths which have been shattered in all the El Clasico encounters with Barcelona and how he continues to lose the war on each front in this battle. We get into the mechanics of this problem and where some things have gone wrong for Jose Mourinho from the fact that he is in a pitched battle with one of the great sides of this generation in Barcelona. Then we explore the greater history behind Jose Mourinho leading up to his appointment at Real Madrid to examine what worked and what is different in this squad and how unique Real Madrid and the Spanish team really is and how those factors have become even more crucial when analyzing the situation. We talk a bit about the heroic fight he took to Barcelona with Internazionale Milano, the lessons learned from Chelsea and FC Porto and how different this situation really is within the prism of a powerhouse in the same general neighborhood in the shape of Barcelona. We examine the key relationships as they play out in the press and how Cristiano Ronaldo continues to play a key role in terms of how he and Mourinho are both tied at the hip based on their extreme ambition to compete and win. We also gauge the situation for a struggling Villarreal who looks at the end of a cycle for them under the weight of injury, coaching changes and financial concerns, Malaga who fails to impress even now with a cheap fourth place at stake and how Atletico Madrid and Athletic Bilbao stand to gain the most down the stretch. Phil and Anto are joined by Spanish football correspondent Sid Lowe to have a discussion into the matter of Jose Mourinho and how Real Madrid seems to be at a point of emotional and mental crisis as the air war surrounding several key players has tak Phil and Anto are joined by Spanish football correspondent Sid Lowe to have a discussion into the matter of Jose Mourinho and how Real Madrid seems to be at a point of emotional and mental crisis as the air war surrounding several key players has taken a new, bizarre twist. We look into all the factors leading up to this point, some of the Mourinho myths which have been shattered in all the El Clasico encounters with Barcelona and how he continues to lose the war on each front in this battle. We get into the mechanics of this problem and where some things have gone wrong for Jose Mourinho from the fact that he is in a pitched battle with one of the great sides of this generation in Barcelona. Then we explore the greater history behind Jose Mourinho leading up to his appointment at Real Madrid to examine what worked and what is different in this squad and how unique Real Madrid and the Spanish team really is and how those factors have become even more crucial when analyzing the situation. We talk a bit about the heroic fight he took to Barcelona with Internazionale Milano, the lessons learned from Chelsea and FC Porto and how different this situation really is within the prism of a powerhouse in the same general neighborhood in the shape of Barcelona. We examine the key relationships as they play out in the press and how Cristiano Ronaldo continues to play a key role in terms of how he and Mourinho are both tied at the hip based on their extreme ambition to compete and win. We also gauge the situation for a struggling Villarreal who looks at the end of a cycle for them under the weight of injury, coaching changes and financial concerns, Malaga who fails to impress even now with a cheap fourth place at stake and how Atletico Madrid and Athletic Bilbao stand to gain the most down the stretch. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 13:07:00 GMT 34:00 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP01242012.sid.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2012/01/24/sid-lowe/ Beyond The Pitch Phil and Anto are joined by England football correspondent Matt Law of the Daily Express to have a chat after the Arsenal-Manchester United match where tons of key talking points have emerged. We get into the supporters questioning Arsene Wenger and some of the performances and on-field reactions by the players themselves, including the failures of Andrei Arshavin to discover where exactly did it all go wrong for the Russian since his move to The Emirates. Talk about falling out of the top four has people wondering what next for Arsenal both in financial terms and lost credibility and/or reputation in pursuing new players and keeping hold of the ones who are vital to the cause. Then we move to the matter of another high octane Sunday fixture between Manchester City and Tottenham where none other than SuperMario has touched off a firestorm and another key victory sealed by his penalty kick, much to the outrage of Spurs fans. We also get deeper into what Harry Redknapp might regret should he get locked out of either the top spot or Champions League football as the need for a top level striker has eluded him at White Hart Lane. Questions on Liverpool have surfaced in another defeat to a team they should beat as Bolton puts a blinder into their season long plans and will the Carling Cup be enough for Dalglish after slamming some of his players post match? Then we close on the matter of Aston Villa who has been able to avoid the relegation scrap after dispatching Wolverhampton in a key match. Loads of key talking points and lots of interesting takes by Matt Law. Phil and Anto are joined by England football correspondent Matt Law of the Daily Express to have a chat after the Arsenal-Manchester United match where tons of key talking points have emerged. We get into the supporters questioning Arsene Wenger and Phil and Anto are joined by England football correspondent Matt Law of the Daily Express to have a chat after the Arsenal-Manchester United match where tons of key talking points have emerged. We get into the supporters questioning Arsene Wenger and some of the performances and on-field reactions by the players themselves, including the failures of Andrei Arshavin to discover where exactly did it all go wrong for the Russian since his move to The Emirates. Talk about falling out of the top four has people wondering what next for Arsenal both in financial terms and lost credibility and/or reputation in pursuing new players and keeping hold of the ones who are vital to the cause. Then we move to the matter of another high octane Sunday fixture between Manchester City and Tottenham where none other than SuperMario has touched off a firestorm and another key victory sealed by his penalty kick, much to the outrage of Spurs fans. We also get deeper into what Harry Redknapp might regret should he get locked out of either the top spot or Champions League football as the need for a top level striker has eluded him at White Hart Lane. Questions on Liverpool have surfaced in another defeat to a team they should beat as Bolton puts a blinder into their season long plans and will the Carling Cup be enough for Dalglish after slamming some of his players post match? Then we close on the matter of Aston Villa who has been able to avoid the relegation scrap after dispatching Wolverhampton in a key match. Loads of key talking points and lots of interesting takes by Matt Law. Sun, 22 Jan 2012 17:29:00 GMT 19:30 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP01222012.matt.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2012/01/22/matt-law/ Beyond The Pitch Anto is joined by two very important people from Coerver Coaching who are not only dedicated to the cause of youth development and technical skills training in the United States, but also have a very unique perspective in the game based on their playing careers. First up in US National Team legend and icon Kristine Lilly who featured a remarkable 352 times for the Women across five World Cup cycles and winning two of them in a storied career that would make her the most successful US player in the history of the program when factoring in her Olympic Gold Medals and collegiate titles at North Carolina. Kristine gives us her insight into the Coerver program, her new initiative for women as well as gives us a look into her wonderful career, the professional league in America and whether she has the itch to pursue a coaching career herself. A wonderful discussion with a player who has experienced it all at the highest levels of the sport and might just own a record that will never be toppled. Then second, Coerver co-founder and Chelsea Football Club legend Charlie Cooke stops by to take even more deeply about Coerver Coaching where we get into the gears of the program and then get into his storied career which delivered him from Scotland to triumphs in the English First Division and then to American with the North American Soccer League starting with the Los Angeles Aztecs, the distant cousin of Major League Soccer today featuring the likes of numerous world legends including George Best and Tommy Smith. Then we turn to the matter of the 1970 FA Cup Final where Charlie explains how the Blues took the spoils in the replay at Old Trafford and how he came face to face very early on with technically skilled continental footballers who opened his eyes to the world we see today in football. Just a wonderful discussion on player development, where the game seems to be headed and the skills that will be required if the United States wants to reach its full potential for the men and women in this evolving world game. Anto is joined by two very important people from Coerver Coaching who are not only dedicated to the cause of youth development and technical skills training in the United States, but also have a very unique perspective in the game based on their pl Anto is joined by two very important people from Coerver Coaching who are not only dedicated to the cause of youth development and technical skills training in the United States, but also have a very unique perspective in the game based on their playing careers. First up in US National Team legend and icon Kristine Lilly who featured a remarkable 352 times for the Women across five World Cup cycles and winning two of them in a storied career that would make her the most successful US player in the history of the program when factoring in her Olympic Gold Medals and collegiate titles at North Carolina. Kristine gives us her insight into the Coerver program, her new initiative for women as well as gives us a look into her wonderful career, the professional league in America and whether she has the itch to pursue a coaching career herself. A wonderful discussion with a player who has experienced it all at the highest levels of the sport and might just own a record that will never be toppled. Then second, Coerver co-founder and Chelsea Football Club legend Charlie Cooke stops by to take even more deeply about Coerver Coaching where we get into the gears of the program and then get into his storied career which delivered him from Scotland to triumphs in the English First Division and then to American with the North American Soccer League starting with the Los Angeles Aztecs, the distant cousin of Major League Soccer today featuring the likes of numerous world legends including George Best and Tommy Smith. Then we turn to the matter of the 1970 FA Cup Final where Charlie explains how the Blues took the spoils in the replay at Old Trafford and how he came face to face very early on with technically skilled continental footballers who opened his eyes to the world we see today in football. Just a wonderful discussion on player development, where the game seems to be headed and the skills that will be required if the United States wants to reach its full potential for the men and women in this evolving world game. Fri, 20 Jan 2012 20:06:38 GMT 55:00 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP01202012.coerver.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2012/01/20/coerver-coaching/ Beyond The Pitch Phil and Anto are joined once again by former Wimbledon, Newcastle and England international defender Warren Barton to take a look at some of the early economic indicators and how the marketplace is being shaped at this stage of the transfer window and what it might be saying about the entire football landscape. We gauge whether the window is actually working or whether it is causing more damage than it is worth given its first intentions. Then we extend it to the case of business in the game itself to consider the knockdown effects as it seems to have put clubs themselves into desperate situations leading to the closure of some doors, shutting out the fans. We give high marks to Newcastle, Tottenham, Swansea, Everton and even Arsenal in the past who were easily the best at assessing players and value and finding some surprises. Warren chimes in on the effects these closures have on a football club and a local community from his experience while at Wimbledon FC. Are the problems today being driven by austerity, UEFA Financial Fair Play or the global economic crisis ... perhaps a combination of factors. We also look at the individual cases of Manchester City and Tottenham to look at their title credentials in terms of mentality as both teams are unproven champions but have shown a mental resiliency to grind out results and what this may mean for the chase to the finish. Warren relives his experience in a similar situation when the pressure mounted for Kevin Keegan and Newcastle when they were being chased by Sir Alex and Manchester United in a historic title chase and how it can affect the elusive mentality at key junctures if a team does not have the leaders in place. We also examine the case of Liverpool and Arsenal who are in a dogfight with Chelsea for that last Champions League slot to assess what this could mean to their ambitions and business plans going forward. Are there enough youth players to bring up the slack, and if so, why all the loans and signings of past legends on temporary deals? We also examine the case of the transfer window itself to establish who are the clubs who will make the risk and try to either buy a slot or preserve their Premier League survival. Now that Gary Cahill has arrived at Chelsea and Alex seems on his way out, what does this mean for David Luiz in the clear and present? Then we close on the player loans from Major League Soccer to discuss what these moves mean and if they are counterproductive in the greater picture. Vaishali Bhardwaj also makes her return with two world football updates in this episode. Phil and Anto are joined once again by former Wimbledon, Newcastle and England international defender Warren Barton to take a look at some of the early economic indicators and how the marketplace is being shaped at this stage of the transfer window a Phil and Anto are joined once again by former Wimbledon, Newcastle and England international defender Warren Barton to take a look at some of the early economic indicators and how the marketplace is being shaped at this stage of the transfer window and what it might be saying about the entire football landscape. We gauge whether the window is actually working or whether it is causing more damage than it is worth given its first intentions. Then we extend it to the case of business in the game itself to consider the knockdown effects as it seems to have put clubs themselves into desperate situations leading to the closure of some doors, shutting out the fans. We give high marks to Newcastle, Tottenham, Swansea, Everton and even Arsenal in the past who were easily the best at assessing players and value and finding some surprises. Warren chimes in on the effects these closures have on a football club and a local community from his experience while at Wimbledon FC. Are the problems today being driven by austerity, UEFA Financial Fair Play or the global economic crisis ... perhaps a combination of factors. We also look at the individual cases of Manchester City and Tottenham to look at their title credentials in terms of mentality as both teams are unproven champions but have shown a mental resiliency to grind out results and what this may mean for the chase to the finish. Warren relives his experience in a similar situation when the pressure mounted for Kevin Keegan and Newcastle when they were being chased by Sir Alex and Manchester United in a historic title chase and how it can affect the elusive mentality at key junctures if a team does not have the leaders in place. We also examine the case of Liverpool and Arsenal who are in a dogfight with Chelsea for that last Champions League slot to assess what this could mean to their ambitions and business plans going forward. Are there enough youth players to bring up the slack, and if so, why all the loans and signings of past legends on temporary deals? We also examine the case of the transfer window itself to establish who are the clubs who will make the risk and try to either buy a slot or preserve their Premier League survival. Now that Gary Cahill has arrived at Chelsea and Alex seems on his way out, what does this mean for David Luiz in the clear and present? Then we close on the player loans from Major League Soccer to discuss what these moves mean and if they are counterproductive in the greater picture. Vaishali Bhardwaj also makes her return with two world football updates in this episode. Thu, 19 Jan 2012 20:25:00 GMT 64:00 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP01182012.ptf.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2012/01/19/prime-time-football/ Beyond The Pitch Anto is joined by two wonderful African football correspondents and editors who help break down this upcoming Africa Cup of Nations from Equatorial Guinea and Gabon starting on January 21st. Overall the big topics are the favorites and the big powers who did not qualify, but each segment takes a different slant to provide a rich exploration of the game in Africa which at this juncture seems in transition after an historic World Cup barely 19 months ago. Ed Aarons of the BBC and KickOff Magazine in the first half halps us break down the groups themselves and take a look at the emerging storylines including whether this is the last great chance for Ivory Coast to finally raise some silverware as three of the big constants in Cameroon, Nigeria and three-time defending champion Egypt failed to qualify. We try to layout the Final 16 to gauge the two entries from each group to see who could be expected to reach the quarterfinals in 2012. Ed has a serious background in Southern African football and we take a deeper look at the failure of South Africa a tournament removed from the center of the football universe, Angola who may have hit their peak and seems to face a big struggle and then to surprise package Botswana who has reached their very first finals tournament in their history. In the second half Ghana football correspondent Gary Al Smith joins us to answer the basic premise about whether football is actually progressing in Africa freed from the expectations placed before it. We gauge the politics, infrastructure and logistics as a part of the evaluation, but take a 360 degree view of those factors in tandem with the on-pitch product which clearly is beginning to show signs of an emerging maturity in how teams approach their own styles of play and become more tactical as an evolutionary step, manifest by the number of teams who put down some very big international powers. Clearly this was not accomplished by mistake. We also look at the gears inside the big powers who stand to gain the most in this edition of the Africa Nations Cup including Ivory Coast, Ghana, Senegal and Morocco who all have signature players who are either considered proven commodities or candidates who have failed to prove their quality as tournament players. We also look at the emergence of Yaya Toure as a football icon for the region and the world and the Ayew brothers with Ghana who have delivered a new winning energy and mentality from the success raised by Ghana in the 2009 U-20 World Cup. Lots of gears and insight as well as emerging players and nations as the biggest Africa Nations Cup yet kicks off this weekend. Anto is joined by two wonderful African football correspondents and editors who help break down this upcoming Africa Cup of Nations from Equatorial Guinea and Gabon starting on January 21st. Overall the big topics are the favorites and the big power Anto is joined by two wonderful African football correspondents and editors who help break down this upcoming Africa Cup of Nations from Equatorial Guinea and Gabon starting on January 21st. Overall the big topics are the favorites and the big powers who did not qualify, but each segment takes a different slant to provide a rich exploration of the game in Africa which at this juncture seems in transition after an historic World Cup barely 19 months ago. Ed Aarons of the BBC and KickOff Magazine in the first half halps us break down the groups themselves and take a look at the emerging storylines including whether this is the last great chance for Ivory Coast to finally raise some silverware as three of the big constants in Cameroon, Nigeria and three-time defending champion Egypt failed to qualify. We try to layout the Final 16 to gauge the two entries from each group to see who could be expected to reach the quarterfinals in 2012. Ed has a serious background in Southern African football and we take a deeper look at the failure of South Africa a tournament removed from the center of the football universe, Angola who may have hit their peak and seems to face a big struggle and then to surprise package Botswana who has reached their very first finals tournament in their history. In the second half Ghana football correspondent Gary Al Smith joins us to answer the basic premise about whether football is actually progressing in Africa freed from the expectations placed before it. We gauge the politics, infrastructure and logistics as a part of the evaluation, but take a 360 degree view of those factors in tandem with the on-pitch product which clearly is beginning to show signs of an emerging maturity in how teams approach their own styles of play and become more tactical as an evolutionary step, manifest by the number of teams who put down some very big international powers. Clearly this was not accomplished by mistake. We also look at the gears inside the big powers who stand to gain the most in this edition of the Africa Nations Cup including Ivory Coast, Ghana, Senegal and Morocco who all have signature players who are either considered proven commodities or candidates who have failed to prove their quality as tournament players. We also look at the emergence of Yaya Toure as a football icon for the region and the world and the Ayew brothers with Ghana who have delivered a new winning energy and mentality from the success raised by Ghana in the 2009 U-20 World Cup. Lots of gears and insight as well as emerging players and nations as the biggest Africa Nations Cup yet kicks off this weekend. Wed, 18 Jan 2012 13:55:00 GMT 70:00 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP01182012.afcon.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2012/01/18/africa-nations-cup-2012-preview/ Beyond The Pitch Phil and Anto are joined by Oliver Kay of The Times to take a deeper look at all the key moments in the Premier League after the action this weekend where a number of weaknesses continue to be revealed. The league is far from settled, but some clear conclusions can be made: how the signing of Paul Scholes by Manchester United seems a sign of desperation, that Dimitar Berbatov appears on his way out of Old Trafford, how Arsenal continues to find itself incapable of winning when Robin Van Persie is not extraordinary each and every match. Questions continue for both Wenger and Arsenal who might just be fielding the worst side since the arrival of Wenger himself - then we turn our attention to the matter of Liverpool where the goal output is at its lowest since the Premier League was formed, but are we to think that better players alone will be enough for Kenny Dalglish and the Anfield faithful in the wake of a terrible episode for Luis Suarez and continued failures for Andy Carroll. We also look at the tenure of Steve Kean at Blackburn to determine if all the problems can be pointed at him or at the football structure itself under the Venky ownership group. We also explore what could happen at Manchester City should Mancini fail to win at Anfield on January 22nd in the Carling Cup and if desperation would begin to set in once there is only one trophy to chase. We also look at the matter of Chelsea where the Fernando Torres saga endures to guage how much longer that he has before Abramovich decides to cash in. We close on the clear surprise story of Newcastle United who continues to respond to all the body blows and its first test without Demba Ba as its key man against Queens Park Rangers to determine what needs to be done to improve the squad as we head toward the business end of the campaign. Phil and Anto are joined by Oliver Kay of The Times to take a deeper look at all the key moments in the Premier League after the action this weekend where a number of weaknesses continue to be revealed. The league is far from settled, but some clear Phil and Anto are joined by Oliver Kay of The Times to take a deeper look at all the key moments in the Premier League after the action this weekend where a number of weaknesses continue to be revealed. The league is far from settled, but some clear conclusions can be made: how the signing of Paul Scholes by Manchester United seems a sign of desperation, that Dimitar Berbatov appears on his way out of Old Trafford, how Arsenal continues to find itself incapable of winning when Robin Van Persie is not extraordinary each and every match. Questions continue for both Wenger and Arsenal who might just be fielding the worst side since the arrival of Wenger himself - then we turn our attention to the matter of Liverpool where the goal output is at its lowest since the Premier League was formed, but are we to think that better players alone will be enough for Kenny Dalglish and the Anfield faithful in the wake of a terrible episode for Luis Suarez and continued failures for Andy Carroll. We also look at the tenure of Steve Kean at Blackburn to determine if all the problems can be pointed at him or at the football structure itself under the Venky ownership group. We also explore what could happen at Manchester City should Mancini fail to win at Anfield on January 22nd in the Carling Cup and if desperation would begin to set in once there is only one trophy to chase. We also look at the matter of Chelsea where the Fernando Torres saga endures to guage how much longer that he has before Abramovich decides to cash in. We close on the clear surprise story of Newcastle United who continues to respond to all the body blows and its first test without Demba Ba as its key man against Queens Park Rangers to determine what needs to be done to improve the squad as we head toward the business end of the campaign. Sun, 15 Jan 2012 12:29:00 GMT 35:00 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP01152012.oli.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2012/01/15/oliver-kay/ Beyond The Pitch Anto is joined by MP Damian Collins who represents the Folkestone and Hythe constituency in British Parliament and its House of Commons Select Committee for Culture, Media and Sport to have a conversation into the matters of governance of English football and the ongoing saga with respect to Sepp Blatter and FIFA in the wake of two controversial World Cup bids awarded for 2018 and 2022. We look back at the evidence placed before his committee by Lord Triesman nearly a year ago and what we have begun to learn as more information and public statements by Jack Warner have gone on to confirm many of the allegations raised. We also look into the matter of the Football Governance process that has begun to address the business of football and potential for real legislation to meet the modern challenges of a massive industry which is Premier League and top flight football. We discuss some of the dangers to the game if transparency is not pushed upon football clubs, how real substantive change will address the real local threats to surrounding businesses and tax revenues should the situation not be reformed intrinsically and how risk in this new global financial reality could have tragic consequences. Then we return to the matter of FIFA and Sepp Blatter and how there has actually been more talk than action in the past year with respect to reform and responding to allegations involving the potential for real corruption of the sport at its highest levels. We dig back into the allegations raised by Lord Triesman both in terms of direct quote and what MP Collins thinks needs to happen in terms of actual transparency for the FIFA Ethics Committee and who out there could step into the breach as leader of world football once Blatter finally moves on and the organization begins the important work of restoring its public credibility. Anto is joined by MP Damian Collins who represents the Folkestone and Hythe constituency in British Parliament and its House of Commons Select Committee for Culture, Media and Sport to have a conversation into the matters of governance of English foo Anto is joined by MP Damian Collins who represents the Folkestone and Hythe constituency in British Parliament and its House of Commons Select Committee for Culture, Media and Sport to have a conversation into the matters of governance of English football and the ongoing saga with respect to Sepp Blatter and FIFA in the wake of two controversial World Cup bids awarded for 2018 and 2022. We look back at the evidence placed before his committee by Lord Triesman nearly a year ago and what we have begun to learn as more information and public statements by Jack Warner have gone on to confirm many of the allegations raised. We also look into the matter of the Football Governance process that has begun to address the business of football and potential for real legislation to meet the modern challenges of a massive industry which is Premier League and top flight football. We discuss some of the dangers to the game if transparency is not pushed upon football clubs, how real substantive change will address the real local threats to surrounding businesses and tax revenues should the situation not be reformed intrinsically and how risk in this new global financial reality could have tragic consequences. Then we return to the matter of FIFA and Sepp Blatter and how there has actually been more talk than action in the past year with respect to reform and responding to allegations involving the potential for real corruption of the sport at its highest levels. We dig back into the allegations raised by Lord Triesman both in terms of direct quote and what MP Collins thinks needs to happen in terms of actual transparency for the FIFA Ethics Committee and who out there could step into the breach as leader of world football once Blatter finally moves on and the organization begins the important work of restoring its public credibility. Thu, 12 Jan 2012 06:30:00 GMT 27:00 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP01132012.damian.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2012/01/12/damian-collins/ Beyond The Pitch Anto and Nico meet up for a fourth Inside MLS episode as the league begins the player combine and teams gear up for the Super Draft on January 12th with Ives Galarcep of SoccerByIves and FoxSoccer.com. As a great symbol to the growth of the league the draft and the off season has taken on the glare and craziness of other sports leagues in North America, so we take a look through some of the haze first to get underneath the draft favorites, some ideas on how teams will approach this process and what we can expect in some corners of the league as the player selections available have some very interesting trends about them. Ives also gives us his insight into what may happen with player trades and the top prospects as well as take a look at a few lingering questions for Jurgen Klinsmann and his January camp to look for some quality depth in his national team selection. We also evaluate the new coaches in Major League Soccer to see who has the best chance of success and visit some comments made by Preston Zimmerman to get separate what he actually said and if there is indeed something there as the national team is begun a massive transformation under Klinsmann. We look at the striker position where there is some definite sense of need there as well as the emerging questions at the center back position to gauge what talents are in the pool and where they fit in. Then we turn to the matter of the player loans to Europe this off season to see if these are totally in the best interest of the league itself and if we are just one major injury from seeing it come crashing down. Lots here on the draft, emerging players and even some national team as many in the January camp have clear MLS ties as US Soccer looks toward the start of World Cup qualification for 2014 once these next two friendlies and a trip to Genoa are completed in February. Nico is even forced to account for all the former Internazionale players being linked with Major League Soccer! Anto and Nico meet up for a fourth Inside MLS episode as the league begins the player combine and teams gear up for the Super Draft on January 12th with Ives Galarcep of SoccerByIves and FoxSoccer.com. As a great symbol to the growth of the league t Anto and Nico meet up for a fourth Inside MLS episode as the league begins the player combine and teams gear up for the Super Draft on January 12th with Ives Galarcep of SoccerByIves and FoxSoccer.com. As a great symbol to the growth of the league the draft and the off season has taken on the glare and craziness of other sports leagues in North America, so we take a look through some of the haze first to get underneath the draft favorites, some ideas on how teams will approach this process and what we can expect in some corners of the league as the player selections available have some very interesting trends about them. Ives also gives us his insight into what may happen with player trades and the top prospects as well as take a look at a few lingering questions for Jurgen Klinsmann and his January camp to look for some quality depth in his national team selection. We also evaluate the new coaches in Major League Soccer to see who has the best chance of success and visit some comments made by Preston Zimmerman to get separate what he actually said and if there is indeed something there as the national team is begun a massive transformation under Klinsmann. We look at the striker position where there is some definite sense of need there as well as the emerging questions at the center back position to gauge what talents are in the pool and where they fit in. Then we turn to the matter of the player loans to Europe this off season to see if these are totally in the best interest of the league itself and if we are just one major injury from seeing it come crashing down. Lots here on the draft, emerging players and even some national team as many in the January camp have clear MLS ties as US Soccer looks toward the start of World Cup qualification for 2014 once these next two friendlies and a trip to Genoa are completed in February. Nico is even forced to account for all the former Internazionale players being linked with Major League Soccer! Sat, 07 Jan 2012 18:25:00 GMT 69:00 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP01062012.mls.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2012/01/07/inside-mls-volume-4-super-draft/ Beyond The Pitch Anto is joined once again by former Wimbledon, Newcastle and England international defender Warren Barton to take a look at what we may have learned about many of the chief competitors at the end of the festive period heading toward an FA Cup Third round that will culminate with two Manchester rivals meeting up in the feature match. We first start with the top performers at this break which are Tottenham who have cleared an important hurdle after five straight unbeaten and gauge whether they make the leap in the transfer window to help their cause. Then we look at the emerging the story at Manchester United where the club has lost two Premier League matches inside of a week and problems have now developed between Wayne Rooney and Sir Alex much to the dismay of supporters and the club itself on the pitch. Has a serious crack developed with Manchester United and can Ferguson get things back on track in time for a Sunday clash with Manchester City which puts another trophy on a knife edge. We also look at the exploits of Demba Ba who is carrying Newcastle on his shoulders in advance of his national team duty with Senegal for the Africa Cup of Nations which should take him out of the lineup until mid-February and could bring bigger problems for the club who needs his goals. Then we turn to the matter of Sunderland where Martin O`Neill who is the manager of the month for December and seems to have the Black Cats back in the hunt. We also look at the fortunes for Liverpool and Manchester City in the wake of their encounter and where these clubs appear to be headed in the market as the transfer window opens up. We also examine what Martin Jol is doing at Fulham in the afterglow of its massive result over Arsenal on a moment of magic from Bobby Zamora and how the club continues to rely on seasoned professionals to get things done every year. In the end we take a closer look at Arsenal, Chelsea going forward as well as the recently promoted sides to evaluate their chances for survival in the Premier League and close on the matter of the Manchester Derby in the FA Cup and what it could mean if United loses a third straight match and how City will approach the market once Carlos Tevez departs the club. Anto is joined once again by former Wimbledon, Newcastle and England international defender Warren Barton to take a look at what we may have learned about many of the chief competitors at the end of the festive period heading toward an FA Cup Third r Anto is joined once again by former Wimbledon, Newcastle and England international defender Warren Barton to take a look at what we may have learned about many of the chief competitors at the end of the festive period heading toward an FA Cup Third round that will culminate with two Manchester rivals meeting up in the feature match. We first start with the top performers at this break which are Tottenham who have cleared an important hurdle after five straight unbeaten and gauge whether they make the leap in the transfer window to help their cause. Then we look at the emerging the story at Manchester United where the club has lost two Premier League matches inside of a week and problems have now developed between Wayne Rooney and Sir Alex much to the dismay of supporters and the club itself on the pitch. Has a serious crack developed with Manchester United and can Ferguson get things back on track in time for a Sunday clash with Manchester City which puts another trophy on a knife edge. We also look at the exploits of Demba Ba who is carrying Newcastle on his shoulders in advance of his national team duty with Senegal for the Africa Cup of Nations which should take him out of the lineup until mid-February and could bring bigger problems for the club who needs his goals. Then we turn to the matter of Sunderland where Martin O`Neill who is the manager of the month for December and seems to have the Black Cats back in the hunt. We also look at the fortunes for Liverpool and Manchester City in the wake of their encounter and where these clubs appear to be headed in the market as the transfer window opens up. We also examine what Martin Jol is doing at Fulham in the afterglow of its massive result over Arsenal on a moment of magic from Bobby Zamora and how the club continues to rely on seasoned professionals to get things done every year. In the end we take a closer look at Arsenal, Chelsea going forward as well as the recently promoted sides to evaluate their chances for survival in the Premier League and close on the matter of the Manchester Derby in the FA Cup and what it could mean if United loses a third straight match and how City will approach the market once Carlos Tevez departs the club. Fri, 06 Jan 2012 18:25:00 GMT 55:00 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP01062012.ptf.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2012/01/06/prime-time-football/ Beyond The Pitch Phil and Anto are joined once again by former Wimbledon, Newcastle and England international defender Warren Barton after the first set of matches in the holiday period to take a look at a very changing Premier League race as Manchester United has caught up with their crosstown rivals as the fixtures come fast and furious. We examine why Sir Alex Ferguson continues to find success in this league right about this time of year and consider whether we are starting to see Manchester City hit that bump in their season which many have predicted. Suddenly Mancini has hit a key moment in his campaign to win the Premier League, but his team has not quite yet rebounded from its Champions League disappointment, hitting something of a wall against West Bromwich. We also take a look at the changing fortunes of some of the London based clubs as Arsenal has made the move to loan one of its legends in Thierry Henry as the Africa Cup of Nations looks to sap some of its strikers at the beginning of the New Year. We also dig a bit deeper into the misfortunes for Arsenal both over this last two and a half year spell against the other EPL powers as well as the huge opportunity that was missed at the beginning of the year when the club squandered at least eight points in the campaign. This leads to the clear beneficiary of this decline which has been their North London rivals Tottenham who have continued a remarkable trend of improving each and every transfer window with a number of shrewd signings. In the third segment we take another look at the issues surrounding Liverpool Football Club in the wake of an FA eight match ban for Luis Suarez and what it may mean for the fortunes for the club and Luis Suarez himself, with one big question mark remaining with Andy Carroll as the transfer window approaches. We also look at the issue with respect to how it may affect John Terry and and residual impact it might have in the long season ahead. Phil and Anto are joined once again by former Wimbledon, Newcastle and England international defender Warren Barton after the first set of matches in the holiday period to take a look at a very changing Premier League race as Manchester United has ca Phil and Anto are joined once again by former Wimbledon, Newcastle and England international defender Warren Barton after the first set of matches in the holiday period to take a look at a very changing Premier League race as Manchester United has caught up with their crosstown rivals as the fixtures come fast and furious. We examine why Sir Alex Ferguson continues to find success in this league right about this time of year and consider whether we are starting to see Manchester City hit that bump in their season which many have predicted. Suddenly Mancini has hit a key moment in his campaign to win the Premier League, but his team has not quite yet rebounded from its Champions League disappointment, hitting something of a wall against West Bromwich. We also take a look at the changing fortunes of some of the London based clubs as Arsenal has made the move to loan one of its legends in Thierry Henry as the Africa Cup of Nations looks to sap some of its strikers at the beginning of the New Year. We also dig a bit deeper into the misfortunes for Arsenal both over this last two and a half year spell against the other EPL powers as well as the huge opportunity that was missed at the beginning of the year when the club squandered at least eight points in the campaign. This leads to the clear beneficiary of this decline which has been their North London rivals Tottenham who have continued a remarkable trend of improving each and every transfer window with a number of shrewd signings. In the third segment we take another look at the issues surrounding Liverpool Football Club in the wake of an FA eight match ban for Luis Suarez and what it may mean for the fortunes for the club and Luis Suarez himself, with one big question mark remaining with Andy Carroll as the transfer window approaches. We also look at the issue with respect to how it may affect John Terry and and residual impact it might have in the long season ahead. Fri, 30 Dec 2011 11:55:00 GMT 65:00 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP12302011.ptf6.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/12/30/prime-time-football/ Beyond The Pitch Anto is joined by world recognized Italian football correspondent and commentator Gabriele Marcotti to have a look at the major talking points involving a remarkable Serie A season at the halfway mark. We take a look at all the surprise packages thus far including Juventus, Udinese and a small provincial team called Atalanta who has defied a six point penalty to find itself in a great position to survive its first season in the top flight since returning from Serie B this past year. The story begins with Antonio Conte who at the worst will be at level points with defending champions AC Milan at the summit in something of a surprise while the miracle that is Udinese continues to defy the odds themselves after losing key players this past summer. We also look at Claudio Ranieri who has probably saved Internazionale from being the story having saved the club from something of a terrible collapse for now. We also chat about the Carlos Tevez saga and what drives Silvio Berlusconi to sign these kinds of star players and why he is so successful in pulling these types of deals off. Then we turn our attention to the disappointing fortunes for ACF Fiorentina since that night against Bayern Munich in the Champions League to gauge what the factors for their retreat actually were in light of a terrible injury to Stefan Jovetic that seemed to shake this club to its core in the wake of Cesare Prandelli departing the team. We also take stock of some emerging Italian success in both the Champions and Europa Leagues this term with five teams going through the group stage and into the knockout rounds. Lots on a Roma resurgence and how Luis Enrique has been able to win over the club and how Franco Baldini views the contract situation with Daniele De Rossi. Also check out the conversation on race with respect to excluding people of color from key decision making positions within the sport. A huge bonus episode with lots to consider and always some of the best insights out there from one of the top thinkers out there today covering football. Anto is joined by world recognized Italian football correspondent and commentator Gabriele Marcotti to have a look at the major talking points involving a remarkable Serie A season at the halfway mark. We take a look at all the surprise packages thu Anto is joined by world recognized Italian football correspondent and commentator Gabriele Marcotti to have a look at the major talking points involving a remarkable Serie A season at the halfway mark. We take a look at all the surprise packages thus far including Juventus, Udinese and a small provincial team called Atalanta who has defied a six point penalty to find itself in a great position to survive its first season in the top flight since returning from Serie B this past year. The story begins with Antonio Conte who at the worst will be at level points with defending champions AC Milan at the summit in something of a surprise while the miracle that is Udinese continues to defy the odds themselves after losing key players this past summer. We also look at Claudio Ranieri who has probably saved Internazionale from being the story having saved the club from something of a terrible collapse for now. We also chat about the Carlos Tevez saga and what drives Silvio Berlusconi to sign these kinds of star players and why he is so successful in pulling these types of deals off. Then we turn our attention to the disappointing fortunes for ACF Fiorentina since that night against Bayern Munich in the Champions League to gauge what the factors for their retreat actually were in light of a terrible injury to Stefan Jovetic that seemed to shake this club to its core in the wake of Cesare Prandelli departing the team. We also take stock of some emerging Italian success in both the Champions and Europa Leagues this term with five teams going through the group stage and into the knockout rounds. Lots on a Roma resurgence and how Luis Enrique has been able to win over the club and how Franco Baldini views the contract situation with Daniele De Rossi. Also check out the conversation on race with respect to excluding people of color from key decision making positions within the sport. A huge bonus episode with lots to consider and always some of the best insights out there from one of the top thinkers out there today covering football. Tue, 20 Dec 2011 19:07:00 GMT 42:00 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP12202011.marcotti.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/12/20/gabriele-marcotti/ Beyond The Pitch Anto and Phil are joined by PSV Eindhoven and Dutch international defender Wilfred Bouma for a very interesting chat about his career, his time at Aston Villa and the long road back from a terrible injury that kept him out of football for close to two years and almost ended his contract. Back with the football club which delivered him to the top flight of Dutch football in 1994, this is a story about the kind of dedication and perseverance it takes to stay at the top. Wilfred Bouma is the kind of defender who combined quality and toughness early in his career with PSV Eindhoven and by 2005 this led to a move to Aston Villa in the Premier League where he established himself as a first regular under Martin O`Neill. But his time in the EPL ended with an Intertoto Cup third round tie at Villa Park in 2008, shortly after his return from international duty, when he suffered a serious ankle injury that would lead to a long and difficult 18 months before he would ever see a pitch again. That would in turn lead him back to PSV where he has discovered home once again, a second life in football and was even part of a remarkable match that saw his side triumph 10-0 over Feyenoord a little more than a year ago. Wilfred has been capped 35 times by The Netherlands since making his debut in September 2000 and was included in both the Euro 2004 and Euro 2008 squads for Holland. Dutch clubs are performing extremely well this season in European football and Wilfred gives us his take on the success of the EPL and some emerging Dutch sides the past couple of seasons. Anto and Phil are joined by PSV Eindhoven and Dutch international defender Wilfred Bouma for a very interesting chat about his career, his time at Aston Villa and the long road back from a terrible injury that kept him out of football for close to tw Anto and Phil are joined by PSV Eindhoven and Dutch international defender Wilfred Bouma for a very interesting chat about his career, his time at Aston Villa and the long road back from a terrible injury that kept him out of football for close to two years and almost ended his contract. Back with the football club which delivered him to the top flight of Dutch football in 1994, this is a story about the kind of dedication and perseverance it takes to stay at the top. Wilfred Bouma is the kind of defender who combined quality and toughness early in his career with PSV Eindhoven and by 2005 this led to a move to Aston Villa in the Premier League where he established himself as a first regular under Martin O`Neill. But his time in the EPL ended with an Intertoto Cup third round tie at Villa Park in 2008, shortly after his return from international duty, when he suffered a serious ankle injury that would lead to a long and difficult 18 months before he would ever see a pitch again. That would in turn lead him back to PSV where he has discovered home once again, a second life in football and was even part of a remarkable match that saw his side triumph 10-0 over Feyenoord a little more than a year ago. Wilfred has been capped 35 times by The Netherlands since making his debut in September 2000 and was included in both the Euro 2004 and Euro 2008 squads for Holland. Dutch clubs are performing extremely well this season in European football and Wilfred gives us his take on the success of the EPL and some emerging Dutch sides the past couple of seasons. Sun, 18 Dec 2011 20:29:00 GMT 12:00 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP12182011.bouma.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/12/18/wilfred-bouma/ Beyond The Pitch Anto is joined for another edition of Prime Time Football with Warren Barton of Fox Soccer Channel to take a first look at the Champions League draw which seems to be a case of England and Italy on the marquee with two very interesting match ups between Arsenal-AC Milan and Chelsea-Napoli. We get into each of the massive draws to highlight the attacking fireworks in both sets of teams along with some of the key areas that may provide opportunities for either team. This includes the defensive and midfield battles with the better part of a transfer window ahead that could alter the outcome. The strikers and attacking options are very tasty, but the defenders could be what separates these sides in the end. We also provide some early storylines for the other fixtures including the fortunes of the highly favored Spanish sides and the other interesting fixtures highlighting Marseilles-Inter Milan to the degree that these are two clubs who could be very active in the January window due to their struggles domestically in Ligue 1 and Serie A, respectively. We also take a look at some of the key fixtures from the Europa League draw where some of the contests seem even more sexy than those found in the Champions League based on pedigree and tradition of several of the sides. Other contests involving Spanish, English and the Italian sides are also highlighted. To conclude the episode we take a look at a couple of key EPL fixtures that should highlight the title credentials for Arsenal, Manchester City, Tottenham and Chelsea which are all in frame over the next week. Warren Barton is a former Wimbledon, Newcastle United and England international defender and is also the lead analyst on Fox Soccer Matchday, Goals on Sunday and UEFA Champions League coverage on FOX. Anto is joined for another edition of Prime Time Football with Warren Barton of Fox Soccer Channel to take a first look at the Champions League draw which seems to be a case of England and Italy on the marquee with two very interesting match ups betw Anto is joined for another edition of Prime Time Football with Warren Barton of Fox Soccer Channel to take a first look at the Champions League draw which seems to be a case of England and Italy on the marquee with two very interesting match ups between Arsenal-AC Milan and Chelsea-Napoli. We get into each of the massive draws to highlight the attacking fireworks in both sets of teams along with some of the key areas that may provide opportunities for either team. This includes the defensive and midfield battles with the better part of a transfer window ahead that could alter the outcome. The strikers and attacking options are very tasty, but the defenders could be what separates these sides in the end. We also provide some early storylines for the other fixtures including the fortunes of the highly favored Spanish sides and the other interesting fixtures highlighting Marseilles-Inter Milan to the degree that these are two clubs who could be very active in the January window due to their struggles domestically in Ligue 1 and Serie A, respectively. We also take a look at some of the key fixtures from the Europa League draw where some of the contests seem even more sexy than those found in the Champions League based on pedigree and tradition of several of the sides. Other contests involving Spanish, English and the Italian sides are also highlighted. To conclude the episode we take a look at a couple of key EPL fixtures that should highlight the title credentials for Arsenal, Manchester City, Tottenham and Chelsea which are all in frame over the next week. Warren Barton is a former Wimbledon, Newcastle United and England international defender and is also the lead analyst on Fox Soccer Matchday, Goals on Sunday and UEFA Champions League coverage on FOX. Fri, 16 Dec 2011 02:10:38 GMT 28:00 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP12162011.ptf.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/12/16/prime-time-football/ Beyond The Pitch Phil and Anto are joined by Guardian football correspondent Daniel Taylor to take a look at some of the major off the pitch stories involving both Manchester clubs at the moment. The questions continue for the Manchester United midfield as Darren Fletcher has been felled by illness and we get underneath the timelines for Sir Alex in terms of when this problem would have been first known to establish whether the midfield crisis is more than just about injuries, but more about available resources given that a high degree of faith has been placed in some very young players at the moment. We also look into the matter of Rafael and Fabio who continue on a bit of their own difficulty in an attempt to avoid injuries and gauge the level of patience that Ferguson will have in their regard. We also shift to the matter of the Carlos Tevez saga to examine all the statements and mentions of interest by various clubs in an attempt to break down if there is indeed real interest outside of AC Milan whose offer was rejected this past week by Manchester City. Then we turn our attention to the matter of SuperMario Balotelli and his moments of madness both on and off the pitch and how the relationship between he and manager Roberto Mancini is so much more than a traditional player-coach relationship given the number of chances to redeem himself that SuperMario has received. Is he actually settled in Manchester or will he be gone as soon as Mancini eventually leaves? We also look at the matter of the Luis Suarez-Patrice Evra case to understand its unusually long delay to get a ruling. Are we really trending toward new ground here as Liverpool and Suarez contest that the issue is borne from a cultural difference in interpretation. Lastly, we move back to Manchester City to gauge the effect of Africa Cup of Nations and whether the club will go out and freshen up the squad given the importance of Yaya Toure and the loss of Tevez in an era of austerity and Financial Fair Play. Phil and Anto are joined by Guardian football correspondent Daniel Taylor to take a look at some of the major off the pitch stories involving both Manchester clubs at the moment. The questions continue for the Manchester United midfield as Darren Fl Phil and Anto are joined by Guardian football correspondent Daniel Taylor to take a look at some of the major off the pitch stories involving both Manchester clubs at the moment. The questions continue for the Manchester United midfield as Darren Fletcher has been felled by illness and we get underneath the timelines for Sir Alex in terms of when this problem would have been first known to establish whether the midfield crisis is more than just about injuries, but more about available resources given that a high degree of faith has been placed in some very young players at the moment. We also look into the matter of Rafael and Fabio who continue on a bit of their own difficulty in an attempt to avoid injuries and gauge the level of patience that Ferguson will have in their regard. We also shift to the matter of the Carlos Tevez saga to examine all the statements and mentions of interest by various clubs in an attempt to break down if there is indeed real interest outside of AC Milan whose offer was rejected this past week by Manchester City. Then we turn our attention to the matter of SuperMario Balotelli and his moments of madness both on and off the pitch and how the relationship between he and manager Roberto Mancini is so much more than a traditional player-coach relationship given the number of chances to redeem himself that SuperMario has received. Is he actually settled in Manchester or will he be gone as soon as Mancini eventually leaves? We also look at the matter of the Luis Suarez-Patrice Evra case to understand its unusually long delay to get a ruling. Are we really trending toward new ground here as Liverpool and Suarez contest that the issue is borne from a cultural difference in interpretation. Lastly, we move back to Manchester City to gauge the effect of Africa Cup of Nations and whether the club will go out and freshen up the squad given the importance of Yaya Toure and the loss of Tevez in an era of austerity and Financial Fair Play. Thu, 15 Dec 2011 18:55:00 GMT 33:30 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP12152011.taylor.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/12/15/daniel-taylor/ Beyond The Pitch Phil and Anto are joined once again by former Wimbledon, Newcastle and England international defender Warren Barton in the hours just after a monumental clash at Stamford Bridge that saw Chelsea answer the bell, get off the mat at least temporarily and find enough character to take all three points off a visiting Manchester City. Not only did it inflict a first defeat of the season for the away side, there are now a few small questions about this Manchester City team now that Yaya Toure and several other key players will be off to Africa Cup of Nations as the iron of the schedule heats up around the holidays. Who are the leaders on this Manchester City squad who will lead them through the rough patches of the season while Yaya Toure is away and will the club go out for another key player to see them through it? We also visit two very important matches over the weekend that centered on Stoke City-Tottenham where the referee decisions were curious and over to Sunderland-Blackburn Rovers where the new manager arrival cliche proved true again as Martin O`Neill has taken the reigns and a last gasp win by Sebastian Larsson proves decisive. We also look at the wonderful stories about key strikers - Robin Van Persie on a monumental weekend at Arsenal Football Club and Demba Ba at Newcastle United - who continue to lead their teams with consistent goals. We also take a look at the fortunes for Liverpool and Manchester United to gauge their exploits over the weekend including the ongoing issue with Andy Carroll who by subtraction only leaves Liverpool with one reliable scorer in Luis Suarez and few options to fill the gap. We close on the matter of El Clasico over the weekend at the Santiago Bernabeu where Pep Guardiola has once again proved his dominance over The Special One on the biggest stage. We examine the issues deeper including the Lionel Messi dynamic and how Guardiola has yet again demonstrated his tactical superiority. Phil and Anto are joined once again by former Wimbledon, Newcastle and England international defender Warren Barton in the hours just after a monumental clash at Stamford Bridge that saw Chelsea answer the bell, get off the mat at least temporarily a Phil and Anto are joined once again by former Wimbledon, Newcastle and England international defender Warren Barton in the hours just after a monumental clash at Stamford Bridge that saw Chelsea answer the bell, get off the mat at least temporarily and find enough character to take all three points off a visiting Manchester City. Not only did it inflict a first defeat of the season for the away side, there are now a few small questions about this Manchester City team now that Yaya Toure and several other key players will be off to Africa Cup of Nations as the iron of the schedule heats up around the holidays. Who are the leaders on this Manchester City squad who will lead them through the rough patches of the season while Yaya Toure is away and will the club go out for another key player to see them through it? We also visit two very important matches over the weekend that centered on Stoke City-Tottenham where the referee decisions were curious and over to Sunderland-Blackburn Rovers where the new manager arrival cliche proved true again as Martin O`Neill has taken the reigns and a last gasp win by Sebastian Larsson proves decisive. We also look at the wonderful stories about key strikers - Robin Van Persie on a monumental weekend at Arsenal Football Club and Demba Ba at Newcastle United - who continue to lead their teams with consistent goals. We also take a look at the fortunes for Liverpool and Manchester United to gauge their exploits over the weekend including the ongoing issue with Andy Carroll who by subtraction only leaves Liverpool with one reliable scorer in Luis Suarez and few options to fill the gap. We close on the matter of El Clasico over the weekend at the Santiago Bernabeu where Pep Guardiola has once again proved his dominance over The Special One on the biggest stage. We examine the issues deeper including the Lionel Messi dynamic and how Guardiola has yet again demonstrated his tactical superiority. Tue, 13 Dec 2011 11:07:00 GMT 65:00 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP12132011.ptf.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/12/13/prime-time-football/ Beyond The Pitch Phil and Anto are joined once again by former Wimbledon, Newcastle and England international defender Warren Barton to discuss many of the biggest issues involving the Champions League after a thrilling and shocking set of games on Matchday 6, resulting in the final 16 clubs to progress to the knockout rounds in February. Warren is also the lead analyst for Fox Soccer Match Day, Goals on Sunday, and UEFA Champions League coverage in the United States and the talking points are start nowhere more significant than in the city of Manchester where both teams crashed out of the competition on the last day of the group stage. Could this lead to the beginning of the end for Sir Alex Ferguson if not given the important resources needed to inject new faces and added quality as he seems sure to not remain if reinforcements do not arrive in the next several months with Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool all spending to regain top honors in the EPL. Then we turn to the matter of Manchester City who appear to have been given a break in the shadow of the issues engulfing their rivals from across town, who would have expected to get through given their spending and quality. But has the Champions League record for Roberto Mancini been given fresh reminder to past difficulties in Europe when he was in charge of Internazionale before the arrival of Jose Mourinho. We also take some time weigh out the second place teams to gauge the potential threats there as well as the fortunes for Arsenal and Chelsea - under fire at times domestically but safe as group winners in the initial phase. We also close on some of the disappointments and examine the fortunes for Ajax who were cruelly displaced after a bizarre result at the hands of Lyon and Dynamo Zagreb in Croatia. Phil and Anto are joined once again by former Wimbledon, Newcastle and England international defender Warren Barton to discuss many of the biggest issues involving the Champions League after a thrilling and shocking set of games on Matchday 6, result Phil and Anto are joined once again by former Wimbledon, Newcastle and England international defender Warren Barton to discuss many of the biggest issues involving the Champions League after a thrilling and shocking set of games on Matchday 6, resulting in the final 16 clubs to progress to the knockout rounds in February. Warren is also the lead analyst for Fox Soccer Match Day, Goals on Sunday, and UEFA Champions League coverage in the United States and the talking points are start nowhere more significant than in the city of Manchester where both teams crashed out of the competition on the last day of the group stage. Could this lead to the beginning of the end for Sir Alex Ferguson if not given the important resources needed to inject new faces and added quality as he seems sure to not remain if reinforcements do not arrive in the next several months with Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool all spending to regain top honors in the EPL. Then we turn to the matter of Manchester City who appear to have been given a break in the shadow of the issues engulfing their rivals from across town, who would have expected to get through given their spending and quality. But has the Champions League record for Roberto Mancini been given fresh reminder to past difficulties in Europe when he was in charge of Internazionale before the arrival of Jose Mourinho. We also take some time weigh out the second place teams to gauge the potential threats there as well as the fortunes for Arsenal and Chelsea - under fire at times domestically but safe as group winners in the initial phase. We also close on some of the disappointments and examine the fortunes for Ajax who were cruelly displaced after a bizarre result at the hands of Lyon and Dynamo Zagreb in Croatia. Sat, 10 Dec 2011 23:59:00 GMT 31:30 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP12102011.ptf.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/12/10/prime-time-football/ Beyond The Pitch Anto is joined by Guardian and Sports Illustrated football correspondent Sid Lowe to preview what is now regarded as the biggest club football match in the world - El Clasico - between Real Madrid and Barcelona. This is less a tactical preview than it is about the politics of Spanish football both in terms of the enigmatic and captivating figure of Jose Mourinho as he attempts to unseat Barcelona in his second year in charge of the Spanish giants both domestically and in Europe; then over to a Barcelona side in Pep Guardiola that seems to be in the process of evolving early in this defence of their second European honor in the last three seasons while navigating an emotional minefield with Mourinho in the capitol city. We get into some of the decisions each of the managers have made early in this season in order to evaluate whether this La Liga season will hinge on the very fine margins of this one contest in Madrid as Barcelona have clearly surrendered too many points in a league largely dominated by these two very elite football clubs. We also look at the emerging fortunes of Angel Di Maria and Cesc Fabregas and what they mean to each side. Then we turn our attention to the Champions League failures of Valencia in successive years and how it this failure continues to incorrectly reinforce the existing stereotype that there is only two quality sides in La Liga. We also examine the progress at Malaga to determine if there is indeed progress or if progress is moving according to expectation at present and whether the club will venture back into the winter transfer business to secure that fourth slot for European football. We also take a look at the European Championship draw from the Spanish perspective having drawn Italy once again as nemesis and discuss a potential key player not considered in El Clasico. Anto is joined by Guardian and Sports Illustrated football correspondent Sid Lowe to preview what is now regarded as the biggest club football match in the world - El Clasico - between Real Madrid and Barcelona. This is less a tactical preview than Anto is joined by Guardian and Sports Illustrated football correspondent Sid Lowe to preview what is now regarded as the biggest club football match in the world - El Clasico - between Real Madrid and Barcelona. This is less a tactical preview than it is about the politics of Spanish football both in terms of the enigmatic and captivating figure of Jose Mourinho as he attempts to unseat Barcelona in his second year in charge of the Spanish giants both domestically and in Europe; then over to a Barcelona side in Pep Guardiola that seems to be in the process of evolving early in this defence of their second European honor in the last three seasons while navigating an emotional minefield with Mourinho in the capitol city. We get into some of the decisions each of the managers have made early in this season in order to evaluate whether this La Liga season will hinge on the very fine margins of this one contest in Madrid as Barcelona have clearly surrendered too many points in a league largely dominated by these two very elite football clubs. We also look at the emerging fortunes of Angel Di Maria and Cesc Fabregas and what they mean to each side. Then we turn our attention to the Champions League failures of Valencia in successive years and how it this failure continues to incorrectly reinforce the existing stereotype that there is only two quality sides in La Liga. We also examine the progress at Malaga to determine if there is indeed progress or if progress is moving according to expectation at present and whether the club will venture back into the winter transfer business to secure that fourth slot for European football. We also take a look at the European Championship draw from the Spanish perspective having drawn Italy once again as nemesis and discuss a potential key player not considered in El Clasico. Fri, 09 Dec 2011 21:25:00 GMT 40:00 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP12092011.sid.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/12/09/sid-lowe/ Beyond The Pitch Anto is joined by GolTV lead in-studio analyst Ray Hudson to preview what is the biggest club match on the planet, El Clasico, between Real Madrid and Barcelona. Ray will be on hand as a commentator and offers us his insights into some of the key factors ahead of the clash. For football fans in North America you already know simple words cannot describe the imaginative and colorful lexicon of Ray Hudson. He cannot be duplicated. And like so few in the business of announcing televised football games no matter its stripes or origins what you instantly realize when you listen to his golden pipes roar through your speakers is that this game you are watching has just been elevated because Ray Hudson is on hand for the action. We also look at the fortunes for Valencia in the coming year as they have fallen out of the Champions League, gauge whether Malaga can close the deal for fourth in Spain to get them to the promised land and the intriguing subplots for each club. Then we pay tribute to Juan Roman Riquelme winning a title in Argentina and then take a moment to reflect on the maestro that was legendary Brazil midfielder Socrates who recently passed away and the artistry that was the midfield with Socrates, Falcao and Zico and whether it could ever be duplicated. Then we close on the issue of Zlatan Ibrahimovic at Barcelona as the Sweden international has released a new book criticizing Pep Guardiola during his tenure with the current European and Spanish champions. Does this tell us more about Zlatan or add fuel to the fire that Guardiola seems to find difficulty in dealing with superstar players not brought through their own academy as new parallels seem to be emerging with David Villa who will be needed to conquer Madrid to win the spoils at the Bernabeu. Anto is joined by GolTV lead in-studio analyst Ray Hudson to preview what is the biggest club match on the planet, El Clasico, between Real Madrid and Barcelona. Ray will be on hand as a commentator and offers us his insights into some of the key fa Anto is joined by GolTV lead in-studio analyst Ray Hudson to preview what is the biggest club match on the planet, El Clasico, between Real Madrid and Barcelona. Ray will be on hand as a commentator and offers us his insights into some of the key factors ahead of the clash. For football fans in North America you already know simple words cannot describe the imaginative and colorful lexicon of Ray Hudson. He cannot be duplicated. And like so few in the business of announcing televised football games no matter its stripes or origins what you instantly realize when you listen to his golden pipes roar through your speakers is that this game you are watching has just been elevated because Ray Hudson is on hand for the action. We also look at the fortunes for Valencia in the coming year as they have fallen out of the Champions League, gauge whether Malaga can close the deal for fourth in Spain to get them to the promised land and the intriguing subplots for each club. Then we pay tribute to Juan Roman Riquelme winning a title in Argentina and then take a moment to reflect on the maestro that was legendary Brazil midfielder Socrates who recently passed away and the artistry that was the midfield with Socrates, Falcao and Zico and whether it could ever be duplicated. Then we close on the issue of Zlatan Ibrahimovic at Barcelona as the Sweden international has released a new book criticizing Pep Guardiola during his tenure with the current European and Spanish champions. Does this tell us more about Zlatan or add fuel to the fire that Guardiola seems to find difficulty in dealing with superstar players not brought through their own academy as new parallels seem to be emerging with David Villa who will be needed to conquer Madrid to win the spoils at the Bernabeu. Wed, 07 Dec 2011 13:25:00 GMT 32:00 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP12092011.hudson.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/12/07/ray-hudson/ Beyond The Pitch Phil and Anto are joined once again by former Wimbledon, Newcastle and England international defender Warren Barton to discuss many of the biggest issues involving the Premier League over a wild weekend of poor officiating and late goals. Warren is also the lead analyst for Fox Soccer Match Day, Goals on Sunday, and UEFA Champions League coverage in the United States and the talking points are brisk as we open the discussion with the big Fulham win over a Liverpool team that continues to struggle against the smaller, more disciplined sides. We also revisit the issues for Andy Carroll who continues to not provide scoring threat but also seems to impact the partnership that Luis Suarez needs to find space and be his most productive self. We also take a look at the emergence of Manchester City not just as an economic power, but how this financial muscle has a great impact in English football overall as so much money trickles down the pyramid both on and beyond the pitch. We also get another example of how far David Luiz must go to become a proper defender as he was not sent off during a key contest this weekend at Newcastle and how this did impact the outcome of the match well before anything was decided. Other topics are the manager hotseat, a huge comeback win for Mick McCarthy and Wolves, the ongoing demonstration by Tottenham of their quality and whether Chelsea and Arsenal are separating themselves for the fight for that last Champions League slot in England. Lots of talking points with a great bit of insight from Warren. Phil and Anto are joined once again by former Wimbledon, Newcastle and England international defender Warren Barton to discuss many of the biggest issues involving the Premier League over a wild weekend of poor officiating and late goals. Warren is a Phil and Anto are joined once again by former Wimbledon, Newcastle and England international defender Warren Barton to discuss many of the biggest issues involving the Premier League over a wild weekend of poor officiating and late goals. Warren is also the lead analyst for Fox Soccer Match Day, Goals on Sunday, and UEFA Champions League coverage in the United States and the talking points are brisk as we open the discussion with the big Fulham win over a Liverpool team that continues to struggle against the smaller, more disciplined sides. We also revisit the issues for Andy Carroll who continues to not provide scoring threat but also seems to impact the partnership that Luis Suarez needs to find space and be his most productive self. We also take a look at the emergence of Manchester City not just as an economic power, but how this financial muscle has a great impact in English football overall as so much money trickles down the pyramid both on and beyond the pitch. We also get another example of how far David Luiz must go to become a proper defender as he was not sent off during a key contest this weekend at Newcastle and how this did impact the outcome of the match well before anything was decided. Other topics are the manager hotseat, a huge comeback win for Mick McCarthy and Wolves, the ongoing demonstration by Tottenham of their quality and whether Chelsea and Arsenal are separating themselves for the fight for that last Champions League slot in England. Lots of talking points with a great bit of insight from Warren. Tue, 06 Dec 2011 11:07:00 GMT 50:00 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP12062011.ptf.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/12/06/prime-time-football/ Beyond The Pitch Capped at every level from U16 upwards by his country - Nicklas Bendtner began his footballing career in Denmark before Arsene Wenger came calling in summer 2004. Ironically, his debut came against Sunderland, as late substitute in a 3-0 Arsenal victory at the Stadium of Light. Since arriving in England he has made 211 appearances for Arsenal, Birmingham City and now the Black Cats of Sunderland, scoring 59 goals and adding 31 assists. He was named the Danish under 17 player of the year in 2004 and the Danish football player of the year in 2009, scoring 17 times in 45 appearances and hoping to feature prominently for his country in the European Championships. Niklas also represented his country during the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa - scoring against Cameroon - but an injury sustained during the tournament resulted in a long lay-off and the striker didn not play his first club game of last season until mid-October. Niklas gives his insights on the events that led to the departure for Steve Bruce and his relationship with the departed manager, the arrival of a new manager in Martin O`Neill and a refreshing take on how Denmark should look to approach Germany, Netherlands and Portugal in the group stage at the European Championship this summer in Poland/Ukraine. Capped at every level from U16 upwards by his country - Nicklas Bendtner began his footballing career in Denmark before Arsene Wenger came calling in summer 2004. Ironically, his debut came against Sunderland, as late substitute in a 3-0 Arsenal vict Capped at every level from U16 upwards by his country - Nicklas Bendtner began his footballing career in Denmark before Arsene Wenger came calling in summer 2004. Ironically, his debut came against Sunderland, as late substitute in a 3-0 Arsenal victory at the Stadium of Light. Since arriving in England he has made 211 appearances for Arsenal, Birmingham City and now the Black Cats of Sunderland, scoring 59 goals and adding 31 assists. He was named the Danish under 17 player of the year in 2004 and the Danish football player of the year in 2009, scoring 17 times in 45 appearances and hoping to feature prominently for his country in the European Championships. Niklas also represented his country during the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa - scoring against Cameroon - but an injury sustained during the tournament resulted in a long lay-off and the striker didn not play his first club game of last season until mid-October. Niklas gives his insights on the events that led to the departure for Steve Bruce and his relationship with the departed manager, the arrival of a new manager in Martin O`Neill and a refreshing take on how Denmark should look to approach Germany, Netherlands and Portugal in the group stage at the European Championship this summer in Poland/Ukraine. Sun, 04 Dec 2011 18:29:00 GMT 17:00 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP12042011.niklas.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/12/04/nicklas-bendtner/ Beyond The Pitch Anto and Matteo are back again to take a look at AC Milan in the latest episode from three important angles after a 2-0 Genoa victory that was for a bit interrupted by tear gas outside the stadium. It all centers around the return of Silvio Berlusconi to the official leadership of the club he helped make famous over the last 25 years and why club supporters should be happy to see him return. We also get into the rumors involving Carlos Tevez and some other candidate rumored for the Rossoneri as well as stories linking Thiago Silva on a move away to Barcelona in the coming offseason with the club already targeting replacements in Brazil. We weigh out the possibilities for Carlos Tevez and what exactly could trigger the move on both the parts of AC Milan and Manchester City now that a meeting has been targeted by Adriano Galliani. But the big story continues to be the return of the president to the club in the figure of Silvio Berlusconi who sees his football club as a lot more than just a sporting venture. We evaluate the players of the season at this juncture, gauge the performance in the Champions League group stage and take stock of the calendar leading into the winter break and the transfer window. We are harshly critical of Robinho and Aquilani while we give huge marks for Nocerino and Kevin Prince Boateng as perhaps two of the biggest steals in European football over the last two seasons. Lots to cover including all the key players and a serious progress report for Max Allegri in advance of his contract extension and what the club should do about Stephan El Shaarawy during this next window. Anto and Matteo are back again to take a look at AC Milan in the latest episode from three important angles after a 2-0 Genoa victory that was for a bit interrupted by tear gas outside the stadium. It all centers around the return of Silvio Berlusco Anto and Matteo are back again to take a look at AC Milan in the latest episode from three important angles after a 2-0 Genoa victory that was for a bit interrupted by tear gas outside the stadium. It all centers around the return of Silvio Berlusconi to the official leadership of the club he helped make famous over the last 25 years and why club supporters should be happy to see him return. We also get into the rumors involving Carlos Tevez and some other candidate rumored for the Rossoneri as well as stories linking Thiago Silva on a move away to Barcelona in the coming offseason with the club already targeting replacements in Brazil. We weigh out the possibilities for Carlos Tevez and what exactly could trigger the move on both the parts of AC Milan and Manchester City now that a meeting has been targeted by Adriano Galliani. But the big story continues to be the return of the president to the club in the figure of Silvio Berlusconi who sees his football club as a lot more than just a sporting venture. We evaluate the players of the season at this juncture, gauge the performance in the Champions League group stage and take stock of the calendar leading into the winter break and the transfer window. We are harshly critical of Robinho and Aquilani while we give huge marks for Nocerino and Kevin Prince Boateng as perhaps two of the biggest steals in European football over the last two seasons. Lots to cover including all the key players and a serious progress report for Max Allegri in advance of his contract extension and what the club should do about Stephan El Shaarawy during this next window. Fri, 02 Dec 2011 22:25:00 GMT 50:50 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP12032011.milan.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/12/02/milan-insider/ Beyond The Pitch Anto is joined by Sean Hamil of the Birkbeck Sports Business Centre in London to have lengthly discussion into football governance at both a ground level and academic perspective. Since joining Birkbeck, Sean has focused on his core interest - the corporate governance and regulation of sport on which he has written and co-edited an extensive range of articles – notably the 2001-2003 editions of the State of the Game corporate governance of English football review - and a number of books including, among others, The Changing Face of the Football Business: Supporters Direct; Football in the Digital Age: Whose Game Is It Anyway?; and A Game of Two Halves? The Business of Football. Sean was invited to give oral evidence to the 2011 House of Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee Enquiry into the Governance of Football and his contribution was quoted extensively in the final report. He has recently been involved in reviewing Corporate Social Responsibility practice in the Scottish Premier League, with subsidiary analysis of CSR practice in English football. Sean is the academic director of the MSc Sport Management and the Business of Football at Birkbeck College, and a Director of the Birkbeck Sport Business Centre. Sean is also a lecturer on the UEFA Certificate in Football Management (CFM) management development programme for executives in UEFA member national associations, focusing on the topic of the organisation and governance of world and European football. Obviously, the main talking points of this first discussion is the emergence of English football in the Premier League era and what seems to be at stake now that the financial crisis has hit the marketplace. If you think that it is all doom and gloom for the sport, there is the potential this may be the case, but how to explain the odd attachment in economic terms that fans and supporters have with their clubs. A lot to consider in a brilliant football business conversation. Anto is joined by Sean Hamil of the Birkbeck Sports Business Centre in London to have lengthly discussion into football governance at both a ground level and academic perspective. Since joining Birkbeck, Sean has focused on his core interest - the c Anto is joined by Sean Hamil of the Birkbeck Sports Business Centre in London to have lengthly discussion into football governance at both a ground level and academic perspective. Since joining Birkbeck, Sean has focused on his core interest - the corporate governance and regulation of sport on which he has written and co-edited an extensive range of articles – notably the 2001-2003 editions of the State of the Game corporate governance of English football review - and a number of books including, among others, The Changing Face of the Football Business: Supporters Direct; Football in the Digital Age: Whose Game Is It Anyway?; and A Game of Two Halves? The Business of Football. Sean was invited to give oral evidence to the 2011 House of Commons Culture, Media and Sport Committee Enquiry into the Governance of Football and his contribution was quoted extensively in the final report. He has recently been involved in reviewing Corporate Social Responsibility practice in the Scottish Premier League, with subsidiary analysis of CSR practice in English football. Sean is the academic director of the MSc Sport Management and the Business of Football at Birkbeck College, and a Director of the Birkbeck Sport Business Centre. Sean is also a lecturer on the UEFA Certificate in Football Management (CFM) management development programme for executives in UEFA member national associations, focusing on the topic of the organisation and governance of world and European football. Obviously, the main talking points of this first discussion is the emergence of English football in the Premier League era and what seems to be at stake now that the financial crisis has hit the marketplace. If you think that it is all doom and gloom for the sport, there is the potential this may be the case, but how to explain the odd attachment in economic terms that fans and supporters have with their clubs. A lot to consider in a brilliant football business conversation. Sat, 03 Dec 2011 21:29:00 GMT 43:00 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP12022011.hamil.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/12/03/sean-hamil/ Beyond The Pitch The debut episode where Phil and Anto are joined by former Wimbledon, Newcastle and England international defender Warren Barton to discuss many of the biggest issues involving the world game. Warren is also the lead analyst for Fox Soccer Match Day, Goals on Sunday, and UEFA Champions League coverage in the United States and the talking points are brisk as we start with a new manager in Sunderland as Steve Bruce is released of his duties after winning but a pair of games in the first 13 of the new season and leaves a team struggling to find goals or a consistent formula as of late. Then we turn to the matter of continued Chelsea woes under first year manager Andre Villas-Boas with enduring issues for David Luiz and John Terry that do not look to be going away any time soon. We also cover the injury situation at Liverpool to Lucas Leiva to weigh the options for Kenny Dalglish as the transfer window opens in a few weeks and then turn our attention to the two big movers at the moment in the Premier League in Newcastle United and Tottenham to gauge who seems to have more staying power and determine what has driven their success. In both cases it began in the summer transfer window with different strategies but equally positive results. Then we turn to the European Championship draw that happened Friday to get a first look at the group stage, weigh out some favorites and take a look at England and Ireland and their prospects going forward. We take a stab at some of the favorites with our crystal ball and then turn our attention to a bit of Champions League to determine a favorite top four if we were to concede that Real Madrid and Barcelona were the top two. Warren closes on his tribute to Gary Speed who he knew both on and off the pitch and gives us an insight into a football legend that only he can provide. The debut episode where Phil and Anto are joined by former Wimbledon, Newcastle and England international defender Warren Barton to discuss many of the biggest issues involving the world game. Warren is also the lead analyst for Fox Soccer Match Day The debut episode where Phil and Anto are joined by former Wimbledon, Newcastle and England international defender Warren Barton to discuss many of the biggest issues involving the world game. Warren is also the lead analyst for Fox Soccer Match Day, Goals on Sunday, and UEFA Champions League coverage in the United States and the talking points are brisk as we start with a new manager in Sunderland as Steve Bruce is released of his duties after winning but a pair of games in the first 13 of the new season and leaves a team struggling to find goals or a consistent formula as of late. Then we turn to the matter of continued Chelsea woes under first year manager Andre Villas-Boas with enduring issues for David Luiz and John Terry that do not look to be going away any time soon. We also cover the injury situation at Liverpool to Lucas Leiva to weigh the options for Kenny Dalglish as the transfer window opens in a few weeks and then turn our attention to the two big movers at the moment in the Premier League in Newcastle United and Tottenham to gauge who seems to have more staying power and determine what has driven their success. In both cases it began in the summer transfer window with different strategies but equally positive results. Then we turn to the European Championship draw that happened Friday to get a first look at the group stage, weigh out some favorites and take a look at England and Ireland and their prospects going forward. We take a stab at some of the favorites with our crystal ball and then turn our attention to a bit of Champions League to determine a favorite top four if we were to concede that Real Madrid and Barcelona were the top two. Warren closes on his tribute to Gary Speed who he knew both on and off the pitch and gives us an insight into a football legend that only he can provide. Fri, 02 Dec 2011 18:25:00 GMT 52:00 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP12012011.ptf.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/12/02/prime-time-football/ Beyond The Pitch Phil and Anto are joined by Kenny Derbyshire of the Hillsborough Justice Campaign to recall the events of that tragic day in April 1989, resulting in the deaths of 96 people and 766 being injured, all fans of Liverpool Football Club. It remains the deadliest stadium-related disaster in British history and among the worst ever international football accidents. The match, an FA Cup semi-final tie between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, was abandoned six minutes into the game. Kenny was there that day and helps us understand what happened at the grounds, gives us a more complete background about the events, how the warnings by Liverpool supporters were entirely ignored and what happened in the aftermath. The Hillsborough Justice Campaign includes bereaved and survivors of the disaster itself as well as supporters of the continued fight for justice, which has recently been put on the front page again as the 22 years of their fight has now come full circle through an e-petition and a remarkable evening on 17 October before the House of Commons which led in turn to Parliament agreeing to release all documents to the families. Kenny also gives an insight into the ongoing role of the HJC and how it will continue to provide support to those affected once these documents are finally released. Liverpool MP Steve Rotheram made a very moving opening speech to the debate on the Hillsborough disaster and the key moments are presented throughout this interview with Kenny. The 20th anniversary of Hillsborough was the major turning point for the campaign and Kenny gives us an up-close view from the moment of tragedy to the fight for justice and the start of seeing a 22 year mission being recognized at last. Phil and Anto are joined by Kenny Derbyshire of the Hillsborough Justice Campaign to recall the events of that tragic day in April 1989, resulting in the deaths of 96 people and 766 being injured, all fans of Liverpool Football Club. It remains the d Phil and Anto are joined by Kenny Derbyshire of the Hillsborough Justice Campaign to recall the events of that tragic day in April 1989, resulting in the deaths of 96 people and 766 being injured, all fans of Liverpool Football Club. It remains the deadliest stadium-related disaster in British history and among the worst ever international football accidents. The match, an FA Cup semi-final tie between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest, was abandoned six minutes into the game. Kenny was there that day and helps us understand what happened at the grounds, gives us a more complete background about the events, how the warnings by Liverpool supporters were entirely ignored and what happened in the aftermath. The Hillsborough Justice Campaign includes bereaved and survivors of the disaster itself as well as supporters of the continued fight for justice, which has recently been put on the front page again as the 22 years of their fight has now come full circle through an e-petition and a remarkable evening on 17 October before the House of Commons which led in turn to Parliament agreeing to release all documents to the families. Kenny also gives an insight into the ongoing role of the HJC and how it will continue to provide support to those affected once these documents are finally released. Liverpool MP Steve Rotheram made a very moving opening speech to the debate on the Hillsborough disaster and the key moments are presented throughout this interview with Kenny. The 20th anniversary of Hillsborough was the major turning point for the campaign and Kenny gives us an up-close view from the moment of tragedy to the fight for justice and the start of seeing a 22 year mission being recognized at last. Wed, 30 Nov 2011 22:25:00 GMT 25:15 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP11302011.hillsborough.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/11/30/hillsborough-justice-campaign/ Beyond The Pitch Phil and Anto are joined by Villarreal attacking midfielder Jonathan de Guzman in advance of a key match against Malaga CF on Monday night in La Liga. Jonathan made a late move from Real Mallorca this past transfer window to El Madrigal, slotting into an already dynamic offensive team and seeing lots of action. Key talking points are the rash of injuries to key players that have hit the Yellow Submarines, his adjustment to a new club with serious ambitions of reaching European football and setting the Villarreal season on a good path heading toward the winter break given that the schedule seems to work in their favor down the stretch. Jonathan also discusses the potential of taking a second look at Canada as his international team now that the FIFA regulations have been relaxed since he declared Dutch representation. We also take a look at the disparity between football clubs in terms of the superpowers in relation to TV money and how this affects competitive balance, the role of Marcos Senna with the Yellow Submarines and the longer term plans for Jonathan now that he has signed a long term contract with Villarreal. Jonathan was raised in Canada, but made the move to the Feyenoord youth academy at age 12 to further his football education and became a first team regular at age 18, making 127 appearances and scoring 26 goals in five seasons. This season at Villarreal has been difficult for the team as it has struggled against injuries and a group of death in the Champions League, seeing action in 16 matches and finding his way on the scoring sheet with a tremendous finish to open that account against Bavarian giants Bayern Munich on Matchday 5. Jonathan has also been capped four times for the Netherlands under 21s, scoring three goals and was active on the 2008 Summer Olympic squad in Beijing. Phil and Anto are joined by Villarreal attacking midfielder Jonathan de Guzman in advance of a key match against Malaga CF on Monday night in La Liga. Jonathan made a late move from Real Mallorca this past transfer window to El Madrigal, slotting int Phil and Anto are joined by Villarreal attacking midfielder Jonathan de Guzman in advance of a key match against Malaga CF on Monday night in La Liga. Jonathan made a late move from Real Mallorca this past transfer window to El Madrigal, slotting into an already dynamic offensive team and seeing lots of action. Key talking points are the rash of injuries to key players that have hit the Yellow Submarines, his adjustment to a new club with serious ambitions of reaching European football and setting the Villarreal season on a good path heading toward the winter break given that the schedule seems to work in their favor down the stretch. Jonathan also discusses the potential of taking a second look at Canada as his international team now that the FIFA regulations have been relaxed since he declared Dutch representation. We also take a look at the disparity between football clubs in terms of the superpowers in relation to TV money and how this affects competitive balance, the role of Marcos Senna with the Yellow Submarines and the longer term plans for Jonathan now that he has signed a long term contract with Villarreal. Jonathan was raised in Canada, but made the move to the Feyenoord youth academy at age 12 to further his football education and became a first team regular at age 18, making 127 appearances and scoring 26 goals in five seasons. This season at Villarreal has been difficult for the team as it has struggled against injuries and a group of death in the Champions League, seeing action in 16 matches and finding his way on the scoring sheet with a tremendous finish to open that account against Bavarian giants Bayern Munich on Matchday 5. Jonathan has also been capped four times for the Netherlands under 21s, scoring three goals and was active on the 2008 Summer Olympic squad in Beijing. Sun, 27 Nov 2011 14:29:00 GMT 13:30 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP11282011.deguzman.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/11/27/jonathan-de-guzman/ Beyond The Pitch Phil and Anto are joined by Guardian writer and editor Barry Glendenning to have a chat on many of the popular talking points in the English game and a wondrous qualification for Ireland in the European Championships this summer. We have a chat on the issues involving Carlos Tevez and his potential move to AC Milan as the issues at Manchester City seem to have no alternative but to move him on. We also discuss the potential that the Premier League clubs currently in the Champions League may not be as good as advertised - perhaps better and more expensive parts, but not necessarily better teams with only Arsenal and Manchester United seemingly assured of passing to the knockout rounds after the new year. We also look into the matter of Manchester City itself where players appear to find their separation more tumultuous than fanfare with their arrival. We also discuss the problems at Chelsea which seem entirely out of control and whether there are fireworks of a different sort in store much like Mario Balotelli in the midnight hours. We also gauge the misfortunes and misfiring of the Manchester United squad at this stage given earlier proclamations by Sir Alex Ferguson that the club was indeed getting closer to Barcelona with very few indicators that this is the case. We also touch on the matter of Robin Van Persie who has come to the rescue of Arsenal with his rich vein of goals in all competitions and consider the surprise package that is Newcastle United at this juncture of the schedule. If you want your analysis with some true entertainment, this is your episode for sure! Phil and Anto are joined by Guardian writer and editor Barry Glendenning to have a chat on many of the popular talking points in the English game and a wondrous qualification for Ireland in the European Championships this summer. We have a chat on th Phil and Anto are joined by Guardian writer and editor Barry Glendenning to have a chat on many of the popular talking points in the English game and a wondrous qualification for Ireland in the European Championships this summer. We have a chat on the issues involving Carlos Tevez and his potential move to AC Milan as the issues at Manchester City seem to have no alternative but to move him on. We also discuss the potential that the Premier League clubs currently in the Champions League may not be as good as advertised - perhaps better and more expensive parts, but not necessarily better teams with only Arsenal and Manchester United seemingly assured of passing to the knockout rounds after the new year. We also look into the matter of Manchester City itself where players appear to find their separation more tumultuous than fanfare with their arrival. We also discuss the problems at Chelsea which seem entirely out of control and whether there are fireworks of a different sort in store much like Mario Balotelli in the midnight hours. We also gauge the misfortunes and misfiring of the Manchester United squad at this stage given earlier proclamations by Sir Alex Ferguson that the club was indeed getting closer to Barcelona with very few indicators that this is the case. We also touch on the matter of Robin Van Persie who has come to the rescue of Arsenal with his rich vein of goals in all competitions and consider the surprise package that is Newcastle United at this juncture of the schedule. If you want your analysis with some true entertainment, this is your episode for sure! Sat, 26 Nov 2011 19:29:00 GMT 24:00 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP11262011.barry.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/11/26/barry-glendenning/ Beyond The Pitch Phil and Anto are joined by French Football analyst and commentator Philippe Auclair to have a chat about the many facets surrounding Paris St-Germain and Olympique Marseilles as these teams are set to collide this weekend with two managers on the hot seat for very different reasons. The story for Antoine Kombouare after a shock defeat against Nancy is whether he can last longer than the winter break even while he has the team in first place, while issues for Didier Deschamps seem to be as much borne from systemic problems for the club itself. Much of the problem in the case of Marseilles seems to revolve around a club that is not a functional model for sustainable success and on going battle between the manager and the sporting director since a failure to replace Mamadou Niang and the heavy cost and failure of Andre-Pierre Gignac since his arrival. Philippe gives us an up-close look at many of these key factors for each club and a deeper look behind the scenes into the business of French football as it relates to true football governance, what the new TV deal for for French football really means in the bigger picture, and given that this revenue will not serve all the financial issues at hand how the DNCG has yet to solve many of the key structural issues under its stewardship. Then we focus on the clear matter of PSG itself, both in terms of the on-field product where Kevin Gamiero has emerged as one the top French talents at the head of the formation even while high price acquisition Javier Pastore continues to dazzle with his price tag but some uneven performances while key players such as Nene and Sahko continue to impress. Then we close on the matter of Lille and Marseilles in the Champions League to gauge which club has the better chance of escaping the group stages. Phil and Anto are joined by French Football analyst and commentator Philippe Auclair to have a chat about the many facets surrounding Paris St-Germain and Olympique Marseilles as these teams are set to collide this weekend with two managers on the ho Phil and Anto are joined by French Football analyst and commentator Philippe Auclair to have a chat about the many facets surrounding Paris St-Germain and Olympique Marseilles as these teams are set to collide this weekend with two managers on the hot seat for very different reasons. The story for Antoine Kombouare after a shock defeat against Nancy is whether he can last longer than the winter break even while he has the team in first place, while issues for Didier Deschamps seem to be as much borne from systemic problems for the club itself. Much of the problem in the case of Marseilles seems to revolve around a club that is not a functional model for sustainable success and on going battle between the manager and the sporting director since a failure to replace Mamadou Niang and the heavy cost and failure of Andre-Pierre Gignac since his arrival. Philippe gives us an up-close look at many of these key factors for each club and a deeper look behind the scenes into the business of French football as it relates to true football governance, what the new TV deal for for French football really means in the bigger picture, and given that this revenue will not serve all the financial issues at hand how the DNCG has yet to solve many of the key structural issues under its stewardship. Then we focus on the clear matter of PSG itself, both in terms of the on-field product where Kevin Gamiero has emerged as one the top French talents at the head of the formation even while high price acquisition Javier Pastore continues to dazzle with his price tag but some uneven performances while key players such as Nene and Sahko continue to impress. Then we close on the matter of Lille and Marseilles in the Champions League to gauge which club has the better chance of escaping the group stages. Fri, 25 Nov 2011 23:00:38 GMT 25:00 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP11252011.auclair.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/11/25/phillipe-auclair/ Beyond The Pitch Often we are told about how football is more than just a game. But in the case of Craig Bellamy that indeed became the bright shining truth after a trip to visit war ravaged Sierra Leone a few years ago, where he came face to face with tragedy so vast he could not turn his back on it or look away. This brief trip became the inspiration for the Craig Bellamy Foundation, which has become the biggest sports investment for the country in nearly 30 years and its first ever youth academy. Sierra Leone itself is a very small country on the west coast of Africa. Known in the Western World more for its blood diamonds and devastating civil war, it is one of the poorest counties in the world .. and in the aftermath of a brutal civil war between 1991 and 2002 which left the country devastated. After 10 years of peace, life expectancy in Sierra Leone is 48 years (18 below the global average) and the likelihood of a woman dying in childbirth is greater than anywhere on the planet. In 2000, UNICEF estimated that nearly 72 percent of children between ages 5 and 14 in Sierra Leone were working, with 48 percent performing unpaid work for someone other than a household member. Considerably less than half of the population are literate, with adults averaging less than 3 years of school each. Despite government efforts since the war, with less than 45 percent of children currently attending school, this is unlikely to change. The vast majority go to primary school, as it is now compulsory and free, while access to secondary school remains very limited as fees are out of reach for most families. Often we are told about how football is more than just a game. But in the case of Craig Bellamy that indeed became the bright shining truth after a trip to visit war ravaged Sierra Leone a few years ago, where he came face to face with tragedy so va Often we are told about how football is more than just a game. But in the case of Craig Bellamy that indeed became the bright shining truth after a trip to visit war ravaged Sierra Leone a few years ago, where he came face to face with tragedy so vast he could not turn his back on it or look away. This brief trip became the inspiration for the Craig Bellamy Foundation, which has become the biggest sports investment for the country in nearly 30 years and its first ever youth academy. Sierra Leone itself is a very small country on the west coast of Africa. Known in the Western World more for its blood diamonds and devastating civil war, it is one of the poorest counties in the world .. and in the aftermath of a brutal civil war between 1991 and 2002 which left the country devastated. After 10 years of peace, life expectancy in Sierra Leone is 48 years (18 below the global average) and the likelihood of a woman dying in childbirth is greater than anywhere on the planet. In 2000, UNICEF estimated that nearly 72 percent of children between ages 5 and 14 in Sierra Leone were working, with 48 percent performing unpaid work for someone other than a household member. Considerably less than half of the population are literate, with adults averaging less than 3 years of school each. Despite government efforts since the war, with less than 45 percent of children currently attending school, this is unlikely to change. The vast majority go to primary school, as it is now compulsory and free, while access to secondary school remains very limited as fees are out of reach for most families. Wed, 23 Nov 2011 20:25:00 GMT 21:30 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP11232011.craig.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/11/23/craig-bellamy-foundation/ Beyond The Pitch Anto is joined by ESPN Commentator Janusz Michallik to have a lengthy chat about a number of major stories focusing on the Premier League, Bundesliga, Serie A and the upcoming key fixtures in the Champions League. We spend particular emphasis on what we learned this weekend about Chelsea and Liverpool in the aftermath of the match including the key talking points and whether Andre Villas-Boas is at the point of a crisis. We also look at Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham as the key movers in the league and weigh their progress, with serious praise for the Gunners who have gotten off the mat to get back into the race for the top four. Then we turn to the matter of the key match this weekend in the Bundesliga between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund to gauge their fortunes ahead and whether the problems for the Bavarian giants are reflected in what can be considered a thin squad at key positions toward the back of the formation. Then we look further into the collision course that is emerging between a Milan club who may be focused more on Europe and a resurgent Juventus to evaluate where they reside in terms of priorities and energy given recent form and the fixtures ahead. The questions here are whether Gigi Buffon is the key factor for Juventus and whether Max Allegri has a squad better suited to Serie A or the Champions League. Then we look at the matter of Napoli and Manchester City to gauge the potential for an explosive result on Tuesday and the massive match ahead between AC Milan and Barcelona midweek for some key points and whether Allegri will make the right moves to sharpen the Milan counter attack with Ibrahimovic deeper behind Robinho and Pato with Andres Iniesta and Dani Alves unavailable for their visit to San Siro for the spoils of the group. Lastly, we close on the matter of David Beckham to gauge whether the big influence of Beckham was to teach Major League Soccer how to manager superstar players in the future. Anto is joined by ESPN Commentator Janusz Michallik to have a lengthy chat about a number of major stories focusing on the Premier League, Bundesliga, Serie A and the upcoming key fixtures in the Champions League. We spend particular emphasis on what Anto is joined by ESPN Commentator Janusz Michallik to have a lengthy chat about a number of major stories focusing on the Premier League, Bundesliga, Serie A and the upcoming key fixtures in the Champions League. We spend particular emphasis on what we learned this weekend about Chelsea and Liverpool in the aftermath of the match including the key talking points and whether Andre Villas-Boas is at the point of a crisis. We also look at Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham as the key movers in the league and weigh their progress, with serious praise for the Gunners who have gotten off the mat to get back into the race for the top four. Then we turn to the matter of the key match this weekend in the Bundesliga between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund to gauge their fortunes ahead and whether the problems for the Bavarian giants are reflected in what can be considered a thin squad at key positions toward the back of the formation. Then we look further into the collision course that is emerging between a Milan club who may be focused more on Europe and a resurgent Juventus to evaluate where they reside in terms of priorities and energy given recent form and the fixtures ahead. The questions here are whether Gigi Buffon is the key factor for Juventus and whether Max Allegri has a squad better suited to Serie A or the Champions League. Then we look at the matter of Napoli and Manchester City to gauge the potential for an explosive result on Tuesday and the massive match ahead between AC Milan and Barcelona midweek for some key points and whether Allegri will make the right moves to sharpen the Milan counter attack with Ibrahimovic deeper behind Robinho and Pato with Andres Iniesta and Dani Alves unavailable for their visit to San Siro for the spoils of the group. Lastly, we close on the matter of David Beckham to gauge whether the big influence of Beckham was to teach Major League Soccer how to manager superstar players in the future. Mon, 21 Nov 2011 10:45:00 GMT 40:00 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP11212011.janusz.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/11/21/janusz-michallik/ Beyond The Pitch Phil and Anto are joined by Dutch football icon and current Ajax head coach Frank De Boer to have a chat on many topics involving the current state of the defending Dutch champion as they head into a clash with Lyon midweek in the Champions League. The winner of five Dutch titles, a Spanish league title with Barcelona, five domestic cups, the 1992 UEFA Cup, the 1995 UEFA Champions League and an Intercontinental Cup that same year, he featured prominently in the past for Ajax where he played both left back and center back more than 300 times. Frank De Boer is himself a legend who returned to coach the squad after serving as assistant to his national team in the 2010 World Cup. Under his guidance, the players made a resounding comeback to claim a third star on the shirt, but more importantly, as always is the way for an Ajax team, the team reverted back to the Ajax style. Even after Luis Suarez and Urby Emanuelson left in January for greener pastures, Frank brought a fresh calmness back to the team where young players like Cristian Eriksen could thrive and many believe he is the coach for whom Ajax has been wanting since van Gaal left. Frank is also the second-highest capped Dutch player, recording 112 appearances for his country as the bedrock of its defensive back line through the 1990s. He played in two World Cups and three European Championships for the Netherlands, missing only England 96 through injury. Lots of topics discussed including the challenges for this generation at Ajax, the current form of the team, looking back at that historic 1995 Ajax team that conquered Europe, the potential arrival of Louis van Gaal while Johan Cruijff continues his important work ahead and whether the recent slip by Holland against Germany has any important lessons. Phil and Anto are joined by Dutch football icon and current Ajax head coach Frank De Boer to have a chat on many topics involving the current state of the defending Dutch champion as they head into a clash with Lyon midweek in the Champions League. T Phil and Anto are joined by Dutch football icon and current Ajax head coach Frank De Boer to have a chat on many topics involving the current state of the defending Dutch champion as they head into a clash with Lyon midweek in the Champions League. The winner of five Dutch titles, a Spanish league title with Barcelona, five domestic cups, the 1992 UEFA Cup, the 1995 UEFA Champions League and an Intercontinental Cup that same year, he featured prominently in the past for Ajax where he played both left back and center back more than 300 times. Frank De Boer is himself a legend who returned to coach the squad after serving as assistant to his national team in the 2010 World Cup. Under his guidance, the players made a resounding comeback to claim a third star on the shirt, but more importantly, as always is the way for an Ajax team, the team reverted back to the Ajax style. Even after Luis Suarez and Urby Emanuelson left in January for greener pastures, Frank brought a fresh calmness back to the team where young players like Cristian Eriksen could thrive and many believe he is the coach for whom Ajax has been wanting since van Gaal left. Frank is also the second-highest capped Dutch player, recording 112 appearances for his country as the bedrock of its defensive back line through the 1990s. He played in two World Cups and three European Championships for the Netherlands, missing only England 96 through injury. Lots of topics discussed including the challenges for this generation at Ajax, the current form of the team, looking back at that historic 1995 Ajax team that conquered Europe, the potential arrival of Louis van Gaal while Johan Cruijff continues his important work ahead and whether the recent slip by Holland against Germany has any important lessons. Sat, 19 Nov 2011 15:09:00 GMT 16:30 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP11192011.frank.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/11/19/frank-de-boer/ Beyond The Pitch Anto is joined by Grant Wahl of Sports Illustrated to have a discussion about how things have progressed for Jurgen Klinsmann through the Slovenia match midweek - the last international match of the year for the United States - to take stock of some positives and some warning signs for the central defense and continued concern about goalscoring. There are many questions about the age in the back and whether Clint Dempsey might just be that center forward who has eluded the United States since Brian McBride last ended his international career. Nevertheless, it would not be an international break without yet another gaffe by FIFA President Sepp Blatter so it is also the appropriate time to evaluate the general level of tone deaf comments with the man who once attempted to run against Blatter in the last election. Of course, Grant is also here to help us take a look at many of the key talking points involved in the upcoming MLS Cup Final between Los Angeles Galaxy and Houston Dynamo with several very important talking points to consider: the impact of Dominic Kinnear and what one more title would mean for his establish reputation as one of the top managers in Major League Soccer over the years, whether the Brad Davis injury can be overcome and whether Houston may just have the antidote for Los Angeles given that it perhaps boasts the best defensive unit in the league at this juncture. Are Juninho and Josh Sauders the men to watch for Los Angeles if this match becomes a close knit affair? Of course much of the discussion will evolve around whether this could be the last match for David Beckham in Major League Soccer five years removed from his arrival and whether transfer rumors of Frank Lampard making the move to replace him have weight given his situation at Chelsea FC. We close on the matters of the latest news out of New England as the team has chosen former player Jay Heaps to coach the side and whether a move from the capitol to Baltimore seems inevitable for DC United given the latest new from that front. Anto is joined by Grant Wahl of Sports Illustrated to have a discussion about how things have progressed for Jurgen Klinsmann through the Slovenia match midweek - the last international match of the year for the United States - to take stock of some Anto is joined by Grant Wahl of Sports Illustrated to have a discussion about how things have progressed for Jurgen Klinsmann through the Slovenia match midweek - the last international match of the year for the United States - to take stock of some positives and some warning signs for the central defense and continued concern about goalscoring. There are many questions about the age in the back and whether Clint Dempsey might just be that center forward who has eluded the United States since Brian McBride last ended his international career. Nevertheless, it would not be an international break without yet another gaffe by FIFA President Sepp Blatter so it is also the appropriate time to evaluate the general level of tone deaf comments with the man who once attempted to run against Blatter in the last election. Of course, Grant is also here to help us take a look at many of the key talking points involved in the upcoming MLS Cup Final between Los Angeles Galaxy and Houston Dynamo with several very important talking points to consider: the impact of Dominic Kinnear and what one more title would mean for his establish reputation as one of the top managers in Major League Soccer over the years, whether the Brad Davis injury can be overcome and whether Houston may just have the antidote for Los Angeles given that it perhaps boasts the best defensive unit in the league at this juncture. Are Juninho and Josh Sauders the men to watch for Los Angeles if this match becomes a close knit affair? Of course much of the discussion will evolve around whether this could be the last match for David Beckham in Major League Soccer five years removed from his arrival and whether transfer rumors of Frank Lampard making the move to replace him have weight given his situation at Chelsea FC. We close on the matters of the latest news out of New England as the team has chosen former player Jay Heaps to coach the side and whether a move from the capitol to Baltimore seems inevitable for DC United given the latest new from that front. Wed, 16 Nov 2011 23:25:00 GMT 34:00 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP11162011.wahl.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/11/16/grant-wahl/ Beyond The Pitch Recorded - November 13: Phil and Anto rejoin forces after a Hitchhiker Guide of the Los Angeles pubs to check back in on several remarkable and bizarre stories across the football landscape. We start in the realm of the Sir Alex love festival for 25 years in the big chair at Manchester United to have a look back at all the changes in the culture of the club and who might be the type of man to succeed him down the road. We also weigh in on the matter of disgruntled goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak who has now compared his plight to modern slavery. Then we turn to the matter of Euro qualification which seemed all but over after the first matches with the exception of Portugal-Bosnia which looked fraught with danger to the Portuguese but ultimately settled when the Bosnians could not match the intensity required. Also discussed is the wonderful story that is Giovanni Trapattoni and Ireland who have qualified for Euro 2012 finals for the firs time in more than two decades. We also examine the record of Fabio Capello after being criticized for playing too negative upon beating defending champion Spain 1-0, in a match where England clearly was without its two best players in Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard. We also examine the matter of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, his sensationalized new autobiography and the story that is Silvio Berlusconi now that he has left the office of Prime Minister and what may be the effects on AC Milan given what we know from his history at similar crossroads in the past. Of particular note is a conversation into the matter of player hedge funds and where football seems to be heading in a Financial Fair Play world with power brokers already working the seams and blindspots in the area player movement. Are we headed for a new market reality with agent networks and hedge funds where third party deals add a layer of competitive advantage for clubs who become financially entangled in these devices: a problem or a new opportunity? Recorded - November 13: Phil and Anto rejoin forces after a Hitchhiker Guide of the Los Angeles pubs to check back in on several remarkable and bizarre stories across the football landscape. We start in the realm of the Sir Alex love festival for 25 Recorded - November 13: Phil and Anto rejoin forces after a Hitchhiker Guide of the Los Angeles pubs to check back in on several remarkable and bizarre stories across the football landscape. We start in the realm of the Sir Alex love festival for 25 years in the big chair at Manchester United to have a look back at all the changes in the culture of the club and who might be the type of man to succeed him down the road. We also weigh in on the matter of disgruntled goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak who has now compared his plight to modern slavery. Then we turn to the matter of Euro qualification which seemed all but over after the first matches with the exception of Portugal-Bosnia which looked fraught with danger to the Portuguese but ultimately settled when the Bosnians could not match the intensity required. Also discussed is the wonderful story that is Giovanni Trapattoni and Ireland who have qualified for Euro 2012 finals for the firs time in more than two decades. We also examine the record of Fabio Capello after being criticized for playing too negative upon beating defending champion Spain 1-0, in a match where England clearly was without its two best players in Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard. We also examine the matter of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, his sensationalized new autobiography and the story that is Silvio Berlusconi now that he has left the office of Prime Minister and what may be the effects on AC Milan given what we know from his history at similar crossroads in the past. Of particular note is a conversation into the matter of player hedge funds and where football seems to be heading in a Financial Fair Play world with power brokers already working the seams and blindspots in the area player movement. Are we headed for a new market reality with agent networks and hedge funds where third party deals add a layer of competitive advantage for clubs who become financially entangled in these devices: a problem or a new opportunity? Mon, 14 Nov 2011 20:29:00 GMT 55:00 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP11132011.btp.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/11/14/beyond-the-pitch/ Beyond The Pitch Anto and Nico team up for a third Inside MLS episode to preview the MLS Cup Final between Los Angeles Galaxy and Houston Dynamo to take a look at the key factors in the match including injuries, how these teams reached this final match and what may be some of the subplots that could effect the outcome. Also joining us is Frank Dell`Apa of The Boston Globe to have a chat about the changes at New England Revolution since the departure of Steve Nicol and explore what has happened to the Revolution over the years having seen the organization hit the rocks recently. We also cover the vacant coaching situation at Colorado Rapids now that Gary Smith has left the club a year removed from winning an MLS Cup and if there is any hint of what the team may do in its new coaching search. Also joining us for a chat is Vincenzo Bernardo to talk about his eventful career at only 21 years old, starting with the MetroStars and then moving to the Napoli youth system before a stop in Austria before returning back in the United States seeking a professional contract with Major League Soccer this offseason as a highly skilled offensive player with a tremendous footballing background and his prospects moving forward. We get under some of the statistics leading into MLS Cup including the key injuries, the possible tactics, what we learned in this playoff run and make a few predictions for a final winner in what seems to be the final match for David Beckham in his last match in Major League Soccer. Anto and Nico team up for a third Inside MLS episode to preview the MLS Cup Final between Los Angeles Galaxy and Houston Dynamo to take a look at the key factors in the match including injuries, how these teams reached this final match and what may b Anto and Nico team up for a third Inside MLS episode to preview the MLS Cup Final between Los Angeles Galaxy and Houston Dynamo to take a look at the key factors in the match including injuries, how these teams reached this final match and what may be some of the subplots that could effect the outcome. Also joining us is Frank Dell`Apa of The Boston Globe to have a chat about the changes at New England Revolution since the departure of Steve Nicol and explore what has happened to the Revolution over the years having seen the organization hit the rocks recently. We also cover the vacant coaching situation at Colorado Rapids now that Gary Smith has left the club a year removed from winning an MLS Cup and if there is any hint of what the team may do in its new coaching search. Also joining us for a chat is Vincenzo Bernardo to talk about his eventful career at only 21 years old, starting with the MetroStars and then moving to the Napoli youth system before a stop in Austria before returning back in the United States seeking a professional contract with Major League Soccer this offseason as a highly skilled offensive player with a tremendous footballing background and his prospects moving forward. We get under some of the statistics leading into MLS Cup including the key injuries, the possible tactics, what we learned in this playoff run and make a few predictions for a final winner in what seems to be the final match for David Beckham in his last match in Major League Soccer. Sun, 13 Nov 2011 23:29:00 GMT 78:00 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP11132011.mls.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/11/13/inside-mls/ Beyond The Pitch Anto is joined by international football commentator Bira Brasil of TV Globo in Brazil to cover all the major talking points regarding the Selecao and the Campeonato Brasileiro, which continues to confirm itself as the most competitive football league in the world. We get into all the main contenders with a handful of match days left to gauge who has the edge going to the end including Corinthians and Vasco at the top and a troika of teams chasing down the leaders including reigning champions Fluminense, Botafogo and Flamengo in that volatile pack. We also explore the terrible fortunes of Gremio who seem on a collision course with the second division if results and form do not improve. Then we turn our attention to the matter of superstar and poster boy Neymar at Santos who has signed a new contract to keep him in Brazil through the 2014 World Cup as well as center forward Borges who has easily claimed the scoring title aiming at a FIFA Club World Cup test with Barcelona. We also explore whether Neymar might just be in the same breath as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as the best player in the world and whether he deserves World Player of the Year credentials. Then we turn to the matter of the Brazilian national team to look at squad itself and the reluctance of Mano Menezes to open up the midfield to a more offensive system which seems to run counter to what he has been saying in the press. We also explore some of the emerging names that seem destined for moves in the next couple of transfer windows including Dede, Rhodolfo, Oscar, Lucas Moura and Casemiro to determine which of these prospects have serious potential and discuss their characteristics and current form. We also explore the issues involving Lucas Leiva, Hernanes, Elias and David Luiz with the national team going forward to determine their potential and promise. Anto is joined by international football commentator Bira Brasil of TV Globo in Brazil to cover all the major talking points regarding the Selecao and the Campeonato Brasileiro, which continues to confirm itself as the most competitive football leagu Anto is joined by international football commentator Bira Brasil of TV Globo in Brazil to cover all the major talking points regarding the Selecao and the Campeonato Brasileiro, which continues to confirm itself as the most competitive football league in the world. We get into all the main contenders with a handful of match days left to gauge who has the edge going to the end including Corinthians and Vasco at the top and a troika of teams chasing down the leaders including reigning champions Fluminense, Botafogo and Flamengo in that volatile pack. We also explore the terrible fortunes of Gremio who seem on a collision course with the second division if results and form do not improve. Then we turn our attention to the matter of superstar and poster boy Neymar at Santos who has signed a new contract to keep him in Brazil through the 2014 World Cup as well as center forward Borges who has easily claimed the scoring title aiming at a FIFA Club World Cup test with Barcelona. We also explore whether Neymar might just be in the same breath as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as the best player in the world and whether he deserves World Player of the Year credentials. Then we turn to the matter of the Brazilian national team to look at squad itself and the reluctance of Mano Menezes to open up the midfield to a more offensive system which seems to run counter to what he has been saying in the press. We also explore some of the emerging names that seem destined for moves in the next couple of transfer windows including Dede, Rhodolfo, Oscar, Lucas Moura and Casemiro to determine which of these prospects have serious potential and discuss their characteristics and current form. We also explore the issues involving Lucas Leiva, Hernanes, Elias and David Luiz with the national team going forward to determine their potential and promise. Sat, 12 Nov 2011 00:29:00 GMT 38:00 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP11122011.bira.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/11/12/brazil-insider/ Beyond The Pitch Phil is joined by Manchester United legend Lee Sharpe to take a look back at the early days of Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford to give us a close up on the legendary manager. These were the important first seasons at the club when the future for the manager was anything but settled or solid as every facet of the club was being transformed from the training to the youth development to the culture within the club itself. Lee gives us some insight into how Ferguson held things together with never seriously allowing it to effect the overall direction of the club. Lee also gives us a look into how key players were handled differently including Eric Cantona and the key early contributions of his staff on moving the needle against an evolving landscape in modern football. The discussion closes on how Lee Sharpe explains what he believes has made Sir Alex so successful along with how he believes his eventual replacement may be selected including what kind of man will follow Ferguson and how much input the manager will have on the successor. Very interesting discussion with a player who was there as the transformation was underway for a remarkable run for a legendary manager. Phil is joined by Manchester United legend Lee Sharpe to take a look back at the early days of Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford to give us a close up on the legendary manager. These were the important first seasons at the club when the future for t Phil is joined by Manchester United legend Lee Sharpe to take a look back at the early days of Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford to give us a close up on the legendary manager. These were the important first seasons at the club when the future for the manager was anything but settled or solid as every facet of the club was being transformed from the training to the youth development to the culture within the club itself. Lee gives us some insight into how Ferguson held things together with never seriously allowing it to effect the overall direction of the club. Lee also gives us a look into how key players were handled differently including Eric Cantona and the key early contributions of his staff on moving the needle against an evolving landscape in modern football. The discussion closes on how Lee Sharpe explains what he believes has made Sir Alex so successful along with how he believes his eventual replacement may be selected including what kind of man will follow Ferguson and how much input the manager will have on the successor. Very interesting discussion with a player who was there as the transformation was underway for a remarkable run for a legendary manager. Fri, 11 Nov 2011 23:00:38 GMT 10:30 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP11112011.sharp.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/11/11/lee-sharpe/ Beyond The Pitch Anto is joined by Ben Shave of PortuGOAL.net and In Bed With Maradona to take another look at Portuguese football including a huge two-legged playoff pressure cooker against Bosnia and Herzegovina with a Euro 2012 Final at stake. We get underneath all the key talking points which may ultimately serve as a final verdict on Paulo Bento as the spine of the team continues to look unsteady from the back with a number of players at risk on the return leg with yellow card accumulation a factor. We look at the tactical elements along with some of the key personnel issues and match-ups including further conflict between Bento and Jose Bosingwa who has made it clear that he will never play for the national team with the current team manager in place. We also examine some of the key economic factors inside the Portuguese game as well as the slide in form of FC Porto in the Champions League in a season removed with the move of Andre Villas-Boas to Chelsea. We also explore the issue of player hedge funds now involving Jorge Mendes, Peter Kenyon, a Dubai money tree and links into AC Milan who seem to have formed a triangle within a financial process that essentially serves as a player hedge fund that seems to be defining a new emerging business model in the Financial Fair Play era. We also cover the deep crisis at Boavista Futebol Clube as debts have mounted in concert with relegation seasons and leading into a player strike as salaries have not been paid to either the players and a manager who has since left. We close on the matter of the favorites - FC Porto, Benfica and Sporting - to weigh out the favorites and how things may shake out at the quarter pole of the domestic game. Anto is joined by Ben Shave of PortuGOAL.net and In Bed With Maradona to take another look at Portuguese football including a huge two-legged playoff pressure cooker against Bosnia and Herzegovina with a Euro 2012 Final at stake. We get underneath a Anto is joined by Ben Shave of PortuGOAL.net and In Bed With Maradona to take another look at Portuguese football including a huge two-legged playoff pressure cooker against Bosnia and Herzegovina with a Euro 2012 Final at stake. We get underneath all the key talking points which may ultimately serve as a final verdict on Paulo Bento as the spine of the team continues to look unsteady from the back with a number of players at risk on the return leg with yellow card accumulation a factor. We look at the tactical elements along with some of the key personnel issues and match-ups including further conflict between Bento and Jose Bosingwa who has made it clear that he will never play for the national team with the current team manager in place. We also examine some of the key economic factors inside the Portuguese game as well as the slide in form of FC Porto in the Champions League in a season removed with the move of Andre Villas-Boas to Chelsea. We also explore the issue of player hedge funds now involving Jorge Mendes, Peter Kenyon, a Dubai money tree and links into AC Milan who seem to have formed a triangle within a financial process that essentially serves as a player hedge fund that seems to be defining a new emerging business model in the Financial Fair Play era. We also cover the deep crisis at Boavista Futebol Clube as debts have mounted in concert with relegation seasons and leading into a player strike as salaries have not been paid to either the players and a manager who has since left. We close on the matter of the favorites - FC Porto, Benfica and Sporting - to weigh out the favorites and how things may shake out at the quarter pole of the domestic game. Thu, 10 Nov 2011 18:55:00 GMT 31:30 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP11102011.shave.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/11/10/portugal-insider/ Beyond The Pitch Anto is joined by John Coulson, Project Manager, and Duncan Alexander, Head of Content and Customer Service, with Opta Sports to have a discussion into the convergence of data, analysis and intelligence in the modern game. We get into what exactly Opta collects on every match, what can be done with this data both in real time and downstream as analytics and how broadcasters and partners have leveraged these resources into a number of interactive and deep dive initiatives to help understand and measure activity on a football pitch. How are these granular insights affecting not only the audience experience, but also the way clubs, executives and football scouts approach the challenging task of identifying talent and performing quality control on their squads on a very fundamental level. We also illustrate how the challenges for football clubs and federations in the future may well be to extrapolate all this data entries into a clearly incomplete field of analysis and intelligence to provide key decision makers in football with actionable insights. We also explain some of the lesser known statistics being recorded which may, in the future, lend themselves to true sabermetric criteria not unlike what Bill James has done for Major League Baseball with his algorithms and evaluations on activity performance and actual situational relevance. Anto is joined by John Coulson, Project Manager, and Duncan Alexander, Head of Content and Customer Service, with Opta Sports to have a discussion into the convergence of data, analysis and intelligence in the modern game. We get into what exactly O Anto is joined by John Coulson, Project Manager, and Duncan Alexander, Head of Content and Customer Service, with Opta Sports to have a discussion into the convergence of data, analysis and intelligence in the modern game. We get into what exactly Opta collects on every match, what can be done with this data both in real time and downstream as analytics and how broadcasters and partners have leveraged these resources into a number of interactive and deep dive initiatives to help understand and measure activity on a football pitch. How are these granular insights affecting not only the audience experience, but also the way clubs, executives and football scouts approach the challenging task of identifying talent and performing quality control on their squads on a very fundamental level. We also illustrate how the challenges for football clubs and federations in the future may well be to extrapolate all this data entries into a clearly incomplete field of analysis and intelligence to provide key decision makers in football with actionable insights. We also explain some of the lesser known statistics being recorded which may, in the future, lend themselves to true sabermetric criteria not unlike what Bill James has done for Major League Baseball with his algorithms and evaluations on activity performance and actual situational relevance. Wed, 09 Nov 2011 13:25:00 GMT 30:00 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP11072011.opta.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/11/09/opta-sports/ Beyond The Pitch Phil is joined by former Wimbledon and Newcastle United defender and Fox Soccer in studio analyst to take a look at the EPL Champions League contenders both in terms of their domestic and European form at the quarter pole. The main topics are some of the emerging problems for Manchester United in midfield in concert with a revolving door defense and whether Sir Alex may need to make some moves at the midway point. Also on the list is the quiet job Arsenal has done in restoring order in both the Premier League and finding form in Europe although Wenger may have made a mistake in not using Van Persie against Marseilles. Other talking points include ongoing problems for Chelsea in the wake of the recent John Terry scandal and how that may be wearing on the squad and then the attention turns to the matter of Manchester City who suddenly have emerged as EPL favorites and perhaps even a CHampions League dark horse having found their way at last in the midweek fixtures. Who are the favorites going forward? Is it Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich in pole position? Lots to discuss in this chat with Warren Barton. Phil is joined by former Wimbledon and Newcastle United defender and Fox Soccer in studio analyst to take a look at the EPL Champions League contenders both in terms of their domestic and European form at the quarter pole. The main topics are some o Phil is joined by former Wimbledon and Newcastle United defender and Fox Soccer in studio analyst to take a look at the EPL Champions League contenders both in terms of their domestic and European form at the quarter pole. The main topics are some of the emerging problems for Manchester United in midfield in concert with a revolving door defense and whether Sir Alex may need to make some moves at the midway point. Also on the list is the quiet job Arsenal has done in restoring order in both the Premier League and finding form in Europe although Wenger may have made a mistake in not using Van Persie against Marseilles. Other talking points include ongoing problems for Chelsea in the wake of the recent John Terry scandal and how that may be wearing on the squad and then the attention turns to the matter of Manchester City who suddenly have emerged as EPL favorites and perhaps even a CHampions League dark horse having found their way at last in the midweek fixtures. Who are the favorites going forward? Is it Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich in pole position? Lots to discuss in this chat with Warren Barton. Tue, 08 Nov 2011 16:20:00 GMT 16:00 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP11072011.warren.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/11/08/warren-barton/ Beyond The Pitch Anto is joined by Asian football correspondent John Duerden who contributes to a wide range of media outlets around the world to discuss all the major events starting with a remarkable AFC Champions League Final played out between Jeonbuk Motors and Al-Sadd. There were numerous talking points leading into this match given the semi-final between Suwon Bluewings and Al-Sadd which ultimately were crowned champion Sunday in Korea. We get underneath all the key issues and turning points in what must be seen as perhaps the most memorable final in the history of the tournament. Then we turn our attention back to AFC World Cup qualification third round and the key fixtures between China-Iraq in Doha and Thailand-Saudi Arabia in Bangkok which could spell the end for two very recognized managers in José Camacho of China PR and Frank Rijkaard of Saudi Arabia as losses at this stage would spell doom for a 2014 World Cup appearance in Brazil. We also focus on the results of the K-League where Jeonbuk Motors was crowned regular season champions in advance of the playoffs and the remarkable run of Kashiwa Reysol in the J-league with three games to left in the calendar with established powers Nagoya Grampus and Gamba Osaka breathing down their heels with a dangerous fixture away in the end against Urawa Red Diamonds to determine a champion. What makes it a remarkable title chase is that Kashiwa was recently promoted, so we gauge whether the disaster that struck Japan possibly threw the entire season into chaos as a contributing factor which needs to be calculated. We also discuss two major events played out in Iran and Bahrain where threats and actual events against players with political overtones should require that FIFA step in to hit both of these federations with sanctions. In conclusion we look at the move of Australia to the FIFA calendar this offseason and evaluate whether the Far East powers in South Korea, Japan and China may have to reconsider a similar move for both practical and logistical reasons. Anto is joined by Asian football correspondent John Duerden who contributes to a wide range of media outlets around the world to discuss all the major events starting with a remarkable AFC Champions League Final played out between Jeonbuk Motors and Anto is joined by Asian football correspondent John Duerden who contributes to a wide range of media outlets around the world to discuss all the major events starting with a remarkable AFC Champions League Final played out between Jeonbuk Motors and Al-Sadd. There were numerous talking points leading into this match given the semi-final between Suwon Bluewings and Al-Sadd which ultimately were crowned champion Sunday in Korea. We get underneath all the key issues and turning points in what must be seen as perhaps the most memorable final in the history of the tournament. Then we turn our attention back to AFC World Cup qualification third round and the key fixtures between China-Iraq in Doha and Thailand-Saudi Arabia in Bangkok which could spell the end for two very recognized managers in José Camacho of China PR and Frank Rijkaard of Saudi Arabia as losses at this stage would spell doom for a 2014 World Cup appearance in Brazil. We also focus on the results of the K-League where Jeonbuk Motors was crowned regular season champions in advance of the playoffs and the remarkable run of Kashiwa Reysol in the J-league with three games to left in the calendar with established powers Nagoya Grampus and Gamba Osaka breathing down their heels with a dangerous fixture away in the end against Urawa Red Diamonds to determine a champion. What makes it a remarkable title chase is that Kashiwa was recently promoted, so we gauge whether the disaster that struck Japan possibly threw the entire season into chaos as a contributing factor which needs to be calculated. We also discuss two major events played out in Iran and Bahrain where threats and actual events against players with political overtones should require that FIFA step in to hit both of these federations with sanctions. In conclusion we look at the move of Australia to the FIFA calendar this offseason and evaluate whether the Far East powers in South Korea, Japan and China may have to reconsider a similar move for both practical and logistical reasons. Mon, 07 Nov 2011 16:20:00 GMT 34:30 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP11072011.duerden.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/11/07/john-duerden/ Beyond The Pitch Anto is joined by world-recognized football writer and commentator Gabriele Marcotti to take a look at many of the major stories involving Italian football at the moment starting with the surprising condition that struck AC Milan striker Antonio Cassano this past week. We also look at the early fortunes of Internazionale which have become bleaker in Serie A even though the club is at the top of their Champions League group to determine what may be the problem for this team going towards the winter break. We also evaluate the surprising fortunes for Antonio Conte and Juventus to consider whether the biggest tests are now just coming into view as the winter approaches and whether the club has a Plan B should Andrea Pirlo follow past form and wear down as the fixture list becomes extended. We also examine the state of Napoli to gauge if Walter Mazzari is having issues with player rotation, fixture congestion or young players who are showing uneven results or whether the club has other issues hidden in their lack of depth and no real midfield force who can slow down matches in terms of holding possession as the statistics seem to not fit what Napoli really is as a football club in terms of its performance. We also look at the wonder that has been Udinese this season and whether Francesco Guidolin will ever get the recognition he deserves for what he has done at Udine and may get a shot at one of the bigger clubs. We also weigh in on the issue of AC Milan and its wastefulness in the attack and whether this will be an issue that will ultimately haunt the Rossoneri both in Europe and in Serie A. Of particular note is the description of how young and supremely talented midfielder Gabriel Torje landed at the club as told to Gabriele Marcotti and the emerging story at US Pescara as cult figure Zdenek Zeman seems to have lit another fire in Serie B with the Delfini and how his remarkable career is now being reflected in this latest collection of spare parts in his own trademark style. Anto is joined by world-recognized football writer and commentator Gabriele Marcotti to take a look at many of the major stories involving Italian football at the moment starting with the surprising condition that struck AC Milan striker Antonio Cass Anto is joined by world-recognized football writer and commentator Gabriele Marcotti to take a look at many of the major stories involving Italian football at the moment starting with the surprising condition that struck AC Milan striker Antonio Cassano this past week. We also look at the early fortunes of Internazionale which have become bleaker in Serie A even though the club is at the top of their Champions League group to determine what may be the problem for this team going towards the winter break. We also evaluate the surprising fortunes for Antonio Conte and Juventus to consider whether the biggest tests are now just coming into view as the winter approaches and whether the club has a Plan B should Andrea Pirlo follow past form and wear down as the fixture list becomes extended. We also examine the state of Napoli to gauge if Walter Mazzari is having issues with player rotation, fixture congestion or young players who are showing uneven results or whether the club has other issues hidden in their lack of depth and no real midfield force who can slow down matches in terms of holding possession as the statistics seem to not fit what Napoli really is as a football club in terms of its performance. We also look at the wonder that has been Udinese this season and whether Francesco Guidolin will ever get the recognition he deserves for what he has done at Udine and may get a shot at one of the bigger clubs. We also weigh in on the issue of AC Milan and its wastefulness in the attack and whether this will be an issue that will ultimately haunt the Rossoneri both in Europe and in Serie A. Of particular note is the description of how young and supremely talented midfielder Gabriel Torje landed at the club as told to Gabriele Marcotti and the emerging story at US Pescara as cult figure Zdenek Zeman seems to have lit another fire in Serie B with the Delfini and how his remarkable career is now being reflected in this latest collection of spare parts in his own trademark style. Fri, 04 Nov 2011 23:00:38 GMT 35:30 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP11042011.marcotti.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/11/04/gabriele-marcotti/ Beyond The Pitch Anto is joined for a very special discussion with Alf Galustian in the evolving world and philosophy of youth development. A former player himself in the 1970s with Wimbledon where his career in football was derailed by a cruciate injury, Alf has become known around the world for the work he has done since 1984, when he co-founded the Coerver Coaching program with another former player, Charlie Cooke. Alf can be found at the training grounds and centers of some of the biggest football clubs and national federations today, preaching a philosophy that focuses on the development of individual core skills - first touch, one versus one skills training, running with the ball and superb passing at top speed. Alf has worked with AC Milan, Bayern Munich, Newcastle United and an array of successful national teams including England, France and Japan. The core message is that skill development, always but always, with ball at the feet, should come well before every other aspect of football itself - the tactics, physical training and team work. This central philosophy has opened new doors over the years to an entire coaching network which has delivered Alf and Coerver to the forefront of the grass roots and elite level ... and his global coaching network includes, among others, the likes of Jurgen Klinsmann, Vicente del Bosque, Zinedine Zidane, Gerard Houllier, Ossie Ardiles as well as Arsene Wenger. We have a look into this emerging world through the results of the emerging world powers themselves, how defenders have been left behind and the concept of what excellence will look like in the future for players using Lionel Messi as a case study. Anto is joined for a very special discussion with Alf Galustian in the evolving world and philosophy of youth development. A former player himself in the 1970s with Wimbledon where his career in football was derailed by a cruciate injury, Alf has bec Anto is joined for a very special discussion with Alf Galustian in the evolving world and philosophy of youth development. A former player himself in the 1970s with Wimbledon where his career in football was derailed by a cruciate injury, Alf has become known around the world for the work he has done since 1984, when he co-founded the Coerver Coaching program with another former player, Charlie Cooke. Alf can be found at the training grounds and centers of some of the biggest football clubs and national federations today, preaching a philosophy that focuses on the development of individual core skills - first touch, one versus one skills training, running with the ball and superb passing at top speed. Alf has worked with AC Milan, Bayern Munich, Newcastle United and an array of successful national teams including England, France and Japan. The core message is that skill development, always but always, with ball at the feet, should come well before every other aspect of football itself - the tactics, physical training and team work. This central philosophy has opened new doors over the years to an entire coaching network which has delivered Alf and Coerver to the forefront of the grass roots and elite level ... and his global coaching network includes, among others, the likes of Jurgen Klinsmann, Vicente del Bosque, Zinedine Zidane, Gerard Houllier, Ossie Ardiles as well as Arsene Wenger. We have a look into this emerging world through the results of the emerging world powers themselves, how defenders have been left behind and the concept of what excellence will look like in the future for players using Lionel Messi as a case study. Wed, 02 Nov 2011 13:25:00 GMT 37:00 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP11022011.coerver.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/11/02/coerver-coaching/ Beyond The Pitch Anto is joined by US Soccer Hall of Famer and Fox Soccer Channel studio analyst Eric Wynalda for a quick look at the weekend action in the MLS playoffs involving the NY-LA match and whether Real Salt Lake has found its magic just in time for a repeat act of two years ago. But the main issue here is moving Major League Soccer to the regular FIFA calendar for any number of reasons including, among others, putting US Soccer into the business of football worldwide and opening up the league to a world that it is currently locked out of given how teams outside of North America navigate their business models for player acquisition. There are other reasons to do this as well - including the way that MLS playoffs finds itself locking horns with the NFL and Major League Baseball during its World Series which seems to have a massive effect on stadium attendance and the all-important TV ratings that drive sponsorship and broadcast fees. Eric also gives us his perspective on how this schedule is affecting the sales potential of US players who cannot move overseas for top dollar, which affects not only the players but also the clubs who get cut off from this revenue stream given that most of the world will not loan or sell some of its players given how the MLS season is stacked on the calendar. As always, an interesting take on the business of football in the United States and how the current system has formed a self-imposed barrier on league growth and reputation worldwide. Anto is joined by US Soccer Hall of Famer and Fox Soccer Channel studio analyst Eric Wynalda for a quick look at the weekend action in the MLS playoffs involving the NY-LA match and whether Real Salt Lake has found its magic just in time for a repeat Anto is joined by US Soccer Hall of Famer and Fox Soccer Channel studio analyst Eric Wynalda for a quick look at the weekend action in the MLS playoffs involving the NY-LA match and whether Real Salt Lake has found its magic just in time for a repeat act of two years ago. But the main issue here is moving Major League Soccer to the regular FIFA calendar for any number of reasons including, among others, putting US Soccer into the business of football worldwide and opening up the league to a world that it is currently locked out of given how teams outside of North America navigate their business models for player acquisition. There are other reasons to do this as well - including the way that MLS playoffs finds itself locking horns with the NFL and Major League Baseball during its World Series which seems to have a massive effect on stadium attendance and the all-important TV ratings that drive sponsorship and broadcast fees. Eric also gives us his perspective on how this schedule is affecting the sales potential of US players who cannot move overseas for top dollar, which affects not only the players but also the clubs who get cut off from this revenue stream given that most of the world will not loan or sell some of its players given how the MLS season is stacked on the calendar. As always, an interesting take on the business of football in the United States and how the current system has formed a self-imposed barrier on league growth and reputation worldwide. Mon, 31 Oct 2011 20:20:00 GMT 23:00 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP10312011.eric.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/10/31/eric-wynalda/ Beyond The Pitch Phil and Anto are joined by Times football correspondent Oliver Kay to take stock of the Premier League at the quarter pole with a look at the top teams who all seem to have question marks about them as well as some other emerging issues. We look no further than the City of Manchester where two teams appear to be moving in different directions based on questions lingering for Sir Alex in his midfield and defensive options while an untested Manchester City in terms of Premier League silverware may find itself lacking in the leadership department as the matches continue into the bad weather and first year challenge of the Champions League. We also look into Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham to discuss what their positions should be based on expectations and settle on whether that fourth slot is firmly in the hands of Spurs who have a match in hand and seemed to have turned a corner with must win fixtures. We evaluate the John Terry issue that came into view during the match with QPR as well take stock of the emerging surprise package that is Newcastle United to determine if it is the fixture list or Alan Pardew magic controlling the early exploits for the Magpies. Also we look at a growing problem for Steve Bruce at Sunderland to gauge where his fortunes may lie as the team has clearly not lived up to expectations given the funds spent during his tenure. Has the European window closed for Chelsea and how should we evaluate performances for both Andre Villas-Boas and Kenny Dalglish has each of their squads have shown elements of promise and unmet expectations as well. Phil and Anto are joined by Times football correspondent Oliver Kay to take stock of the Premier League at the quarter pole with a look at the top teams who all seem to have question marks about them as well as some other emerging issues. We look no Phil and Anto are joined by Times football correspondent Oliver Kay to take stock of the Premier League at the quarter pole with a look at the top teams who all seem to have question marks about them as well as some other emerging issues. We look no further than the City of Manchester where two teams appear to be moving in different directions based on questions lingering for Sir Alex in his midfield and defensive options while an untested Manchester City in terms of Premier League silverware may find itself lacking in the leadership department as the matches continue into the bad weather and first year challenge of the Champions League. We also look into Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham to discuss what their positions should be based on expectations and settle on whether that fourth slot is firmly in the hands of Spurs who have a match in hand and seemed to have turned a corner with must win fixtures. We evaluate the John Terry issue that came into view during the match with QPR as well take stock of the emerging surprise package that is Newcastle United to determine if it is the fixture list or Alan Pardew magic controlling the early exploits for the Magpies. Also we look at a growing problem for Steve Bruce at Sunderland to gauge where his fortunes may lie as the team has clearly not lived up to expectations given the funds spent during his tenure. Has the European window closed for Chelsea and how should we evaluate performances for both Andre Villas-Boas and Kenny Dalglish has each of their squads have shown elements of promise and unmet expectations as well. Sun, 30 Oct 2011 14:29:00 GMT 25:00 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP10302011.oli.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/10/30/oliver-kay/ Beyond The Pitch Phil and Anto are joined by former England striker and Premier League legend to Les Ferdinand to have a chat about Spurs, his remarkable career and a look at the recent charges of racism in football. The PFA player of the year in 1996 with Newcastle United and currently sitting fifth in the Premier League all time goal scoring record book, our next guest is one of the fine strikers to have appeared in the English top flight as the EPL emerged in the 1990s. Les Ferdinand became the first player to score for six different premier league clubs and notch the 10,000th goal in league history - a storied career which saw him play at QPR, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United, Leicester and Bolton Wanderers and make 17 appearances for the England national team with five goals. He has partnered with the likes of legendary players Alan Shearer and Jurgen Klnsmann. Saved Tottenham from certain relegation while also helping Spurs win a League Cup in 1999, defeating Leicester City 1–0 in the final. Today, Les is the strikers coach on the Tottenham training staff - the club for whom he played 118 matches and scoring 33 goals. One of the major highlights is a discussion about the Rooney Rule which has worked in the National Football League to develop diversity in its hiring process over time and how this concept could be applied to European football. Phil and Anto are joined by former England striker and Premier League legend to Les Ferdinand to have a chat about Spurs, his remarkable career and a look at the recent charges of racism in football. The PFA player of the year in 1996 with Newcastle Phil and Anto are joined by former England striker and Premier League legend to Les Ferdinand to have a chat about Spurs, his remarkable career and a look at the recent charges of racism in football. The PFA player of the year in 1996 with Newcastle United and currently sitting fifth in the Premier League all time goal scoring record book, our next guest is one of the fine strikers to have appeared in the English top flight as the EPL emerged in the 1990s. Les Ferdinand became the first player to score for six different premier league clubs and notch the 10,000th goal in league history - a storied career which saw him play at QPR, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United, Leicester and Bolton Wanderers and make 17 appearances for the England national team with five goals. He has partnered with the likes of legendary players Alan Shearer and Jurgen Klnsmann. Saved Tottenham from certain relegation while also helping Spurs win a League Cup in 1999, defeating Leicester City 1–0 in the final. Today, Les is the strikers coach on the Tottenham training staff - the club for whom he played 118 matches and scoring 33 goals. One of the major highlights is a discussion about the Rooney Rule which has worked in the National Football League to develop diversity in its hiring process over time and how this concept could be applied to European football. Fri, 28 Oct 2011 11:10:38 GMT 34:00 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP10282011.les.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/10/28/les-ferdinand/ Beyond The Pitch Anto and Nico team up for a second Inside MLS episode to preview the playoffs with special guests Technical Director and Coach Frank Klopas of the Chicago Fire and Washington Post columnist Steve Goff. Starting with the wildcard rounds and gazing into our predictions for favorites and dark horses as the money rounds of Major League Soccer starts in its annual second season of knockout matches. We start with Steve Goff to look at the season for DC United who just fell outside of the playoffs to take a look at the many issues involving the club including what the team might have to do with Charlie Davies and how Will Chang approaches the future given the stadium issue at hand. Steve weighs in on his picks for the playoffs as well as the much discussed MVP debate involving Dwayne De Rosario among several other pressing topics. Then we turn it over to Frank Klopas who gives us his take on the remarkable turnaround with Chicago Fire after a midseason coaching change where he took the team to a US Open Cup Final against Seattle and just outside of the playoff bubble to see where his team now finds itself and whether he is ready to take another step back into coaching this young team with a number of questions that must be answered ahead of next season. Frank gives us his look at the favorites and a couple of dark horses as well going forward into the playoff rounds ahead. Then we debate the MVP candidates, worthy first year players and the coaches who shaped this very interesting MLS season to come up with a few picks of our own. Anto and Nico team up for a second Inside MLS episode to preview the playoffs with special guests Technical Director and Coach Frank Klopas of the Chicago Fire and Washington Post columnist Steve Goff. Starting with the wildcard rounds and gazing in Anto and Nico team up for a second Inside MLS episode to preview the playoffs with special guests Technical Director and Coach Frank Klopas of the Chicago Fire and Washington Post columnist Steve Goff. Starting with the wildcard rounds and gazing into our predictions for favorites and dark horses as the money rounds of Major League Soccer starts in its annual second season of knockout matches. We start with Steve Goff to look at the season for DC United who just fell outside of the playoffs to take a look at the many issues involving the club including what the team might have to do with Charlie Davies and how Will Chang approaches the future given the stadium issue at hand. Steve weighs in on his picks for the playoffs as well as the much discussed MVP debate involving Dwayne De Rosario among several other pressing topics. Then we turn it over to Frank Klopas who gives us his take on the remarkable turnaround with Chicago Fire after a midseason coaching change where he took the team to a US Open Cup Final against Seattle and just outside of the playoff bubble to see where his team now finds itself and whether he is ready to take another step back into coaching this young team with a number of questions that must be answered ahead of next season. Frank gives us his look at the favorites and a couple of dark horses as well going forward into the playoff rounds ahead. Then we debate the MVP candidates, worthy first year players and the coaches who shaped this very interesting MLS season to come up with a few picks of our own. Wed, 26 Oct 2011 20:25:00 GMT 75:30 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP10262011.mls.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/10/26/inside-mls/ Beyond The Pitch Anto is joined by Spanish Football correspondent Sid Lowe of The Guardian to have a look at many of the big stories beyond the pitch in La Liga that have emerged in recent weeks. This episode deals primarily on the very important economic and political landscape of the Spanish game in terms of the recent issues for Real Mallorca and the Michael Laudrup divorce which has become even messier in recent days in the wake of some allegations of media interference. We also turn our attention to the landscape of TV rights in Spain and eroding stadium attendances in the face of a number of factors lending to economic and sporting dominance and how the two giants of Spanish football control a number of important political blocks amongst the ownership structure and how their power in put into play both in terms of tangible and intangible means. We also look at the matter of Villarreal on the brink after their massive loss against Manchester City at the last moments of their Champions League encounter to gauge with respect to their ongoing psychological state and whether the club will be further faced with selling its best properties in Giuseppe Rossi and Nilmar on the heels of Santi Cazorla as the club risks falling out of Europe altogether. We also examine the potential impacts of the Eurozone Crisis on Spanish football which has already shown its effects as leading indicators and how the TV money itself could be at risk given that the next contract may actually be less than the existing contract today. Then we close on the matter of the Bielsa revolution at Bilbao to gauge where things reside at the moment and how the progress is being measured. Then we close on the matter of Kaka and Mesut Ozil at Real Madrid to separate what is truth and speculation both short and long term. Anto is joined by Spanish Football correspondent Sid Lowe of The Guardian to have a look at many of the big stories beyond the pitch in La Liga that have emerged in recent weeks. This episode deals primarily on the very important economic and politi Anto is joined by Spanish Football correspondent Sid Lowe of The Guardian to have a look at many of the big stories beyond the pitch in La Liga that have emerged in recent weeks. This episode deals primarily on the very important economic and political landscape of the Spanish game in terms of the recent issues for Real Mallorca and the Michael Laudrup divorce which has become even messier in recent days in the wake of some allegations of media interference. We also turn our attention to the landscape of TV rights in Spain and eroding stadium attendances in the face of a number of factors lending to economic and sporting dominance and how the two giants of Spanish football control a number of important political blocks amongst the ownership structure and how their power in put into play both in terms of tangible and intangible means. We also look at the matter of Villarreal on the brink after their massive loss against Manchester City at the last moments of their Champions League encounter to gauge with respect to their ongoing psychological state and whether the club will be further faced with selling its best properties in Giuseppe Rossi and Nilmar on the heels of Santi Cazorla as the club risks falling out of Europe altogether. We also examine the potential impacts of the Eurozone Crisis on Spanish football which has already shown its effects as leading indicators and how the TV money itself could be at risk given that the next contract may actually be less than the existing contract today. Then we close on the matter of the Bielsa revolution at Bilbao to gauge where things reside at the moment and how the progress is being measured. Then we close on the matter of Kaka and Mesut Ozil at Real Madrid to separate what is truth and speculation both short and long term. Sat, 22 Oct 2011 22:29:00 GMT 44:00 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP10222011.sid.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/10/22/sid-lowe/ Beyond The Pitch Anto flies solo with special emphasis placed on the matter of the Manchester Derby with Daniel Taylor of The Guardian including the major talking points for each side. We look into the difficulty in projecting what Roberto Mancini and Sir Alex Ferguson may do given some of the key statistics leading into the match itself on Sunday. Much attention is being placed on the defence of both sides including the goalkeepers and defensive midfielder for the Red Devils. We also try to establish some of the potential danger men beside the favorite candidates to serve as game-changers for the contest beyond Silva, Rooney, Hernandez, Dzeko, Nasri and Aguero. We also check in on the matter of the Carlos Tevez which never seem set to be settled without a lengthy process where player representatives and the player himself seem to have dug in their feet rather than look to solve the problem. Then we turn our attention to Serie A with Roberto Gotta of ESPN Soccernet to take a look at the big clubs in Milan, Inter and Juventus who all seem to be at the mercy of evolving forces: the Rossoneri who appear to have found their game at last, the slow descent this season by Inter and then the recent announcement on Alessandro Del Piero in Turin which seems to be the subject of some poorly executed message control and just bad timing by the club itself given the season is not even 10 fixtures old. We also examine the message Berlusconi may have sent to his second year manager, Inter on alert as even reaching the Champions League looks severely in doubt next season and whether Juventus can take the promise of a new era forward or will the club remain embroiled in a number of fights based on its recent troubled history, Anto flies solo with special emphasis placed on the matter of the Manchester Derby with Daniel Taylor of The Guardian including the major talking points for each side. We look into the difficulty in projecting what Roberto Mancini and Sir Alex Fergu Anto flies solo with special emphasis placed on the matter of the Manchester Derby with Daniel Taylor of The Guardian including the major talking points for each side. We look into the difficulty in projecting what Roberto Mancini and Sir Alex Ferguson may do given some of the key statistics leading into the match itself on Sunday. Much attention is being placed on the defence of both sides including the goalkeepers and defensive midfielder for the Red Devils. We also try to establish some of the potential danger men beside the favorite candidates to serve as game-changers for the contest beyond Silva, Rooney, Hernandez, Dzeko, Nasri and Aguero. We also check in on the matter of the Carlos Tevez which never seem set to be settled without a lengthy process where player representatives and the player himself seem to have dug in their feet rather than look to solve the problem. Then we turn our attention to Serie A with Roberto Gotta of ESPN Soccernet to take a look at the big clubs in Milan, Inter and Juventus who all seem to be at the mercy of evolving forces: the Rossoneri who appear to have found their game at last, the slow descent this season by Inter and then the recent announcement on Alessandro Del Piero in Turin which seems to be the subject of some poorly executed message control and just bad timing by the club itself given the season is not even 10 fixtures old. We also examine the message Berlusconi may have sent to his second year manager, Inter on alert as even reaching the Champions League looks severely in doubt next season and whether Juventus can take the promise of a new era forward or will the club remain embroiled in a number of fights based on its recent troubled history, Fri, 21 Oct 2011 22:10:38 GMT 42:00 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP10212011.btp.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/10/21/beyond-the-pitch/ Beyond The Pitch Recorded: October 13 - Phil and Anto are back with a Euro 2012 review leading into the November high stakes playoff including segments from Irish commentator and pundit Eamon Dunphy and Portugal international striker Hugo Almeida to gauge the progress for two national teams at the precipice. First of Eamon Dunphy joins us at 11:15 to evaluate the tenure of Giovanni Trapattoni with Ireland and the prospects moving forward against Estonia in the playoffs next month. Eamon was a huge supporter of Trapattoni but has some clear ideas on how the team has been managed and who should be appointed next for World Cup qualification in the next cycle. Then at 33:15 Besiktas and Portugal striker Hugo Almeida joins us on the line from Turkey to have a look at an upcoming two-legged playoff against Bosnia and their danger man Eden Dzeko. We also explore the uneven qualification campaign with Hugo for Portugal through a manager change, players scattered throughout many of the very best clubs in Europe and then turn our attention to the delayed start of the Turkish league as an influence for Hugo and his preparedness for qualification. Hugo gives us his take on where Turkish football now finds itself and if the controversy has died down. Then we turn our attention to the Wayne Rooney red card against Montenegro, emerging national teams leading into the European Finals next summer and the key talking points for many of the locked in nations. We also examine the start of South American qualification and the recent hysteria in England over comments from Ian Ayre about individual club broadcasting rights and what it really tells us about Liverpool, football in general and the suicide pact football will sign with itself should it be permitted much longer to not look out for its domestic health. Recorded: October 13 - Phil and Anto are back with a Euro 2012 review leading into the November high stakes playoff including segments from Irish commentator and pundit Eamon Dunphy and Portugal international striker Hugo Almeida to gauge the progres Recorded: October 13 - Phil and Anto are back with a Euro 2012 review leading into the November high stakes playoff including segments from Irish commentator and pundit Eamon Dunphy and Portugal international striker Hugo Almeida to gauge the progress for two national teams at the precipice. First of Eamon Dunphy joins us at 11:15 to evaluate the tenure of Giovanni Trapattoni with Ireland and the prospects moving forward against Estonia in the playoffs next month. Eamon was a huge supporter of Trapattoni but has some clear ideas on how the team has been managed and who should be appointed next for World Cup qualification in the next cycle. Then at 33:15 Besiktas and Portugal striker Hugo Almeida joins us on the line from Turkey to have a look at an upcoming two-legged playoff against Bosnia and their danger man Eden Dzeko. We also explore the uneven qualification campaign with Hugo for Portugal through a manager change, players scattered throughout many of the very best clubs in Europe and then turn our attention to the delayed start of the Turkish league as an influence for Hugo and his preparedness for qualification. Hugo gives us his take on where Turkish football now finds itself and if the controversy has died down. Then we turn our attention to the Wayne Rooney red card against Montenegro, emerging national teams leading into the European Finals next summer and the key talking points for many of the locked in nations. We also examine the start of South American qualification and the recent hysteria in England over comments from Ian Ayre about individual club broadcasting rights and what it really tells us about Liverpool, football in general and the suicide pact football will sign with itself should it be permitted much longer to not look out for its domestic health. Fri, 14 Oct 2011 08:00:38 GMT 85:30 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP10132011.btp.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/10/14/beyond-the-pitch/ Beyond The Pitch Phil and Anto are joined by German football historian Uli Hesse to take a look at both the remarkable success of Die Mannschaft in Euro 2012 qualification including a perfect record and how an array of young football talent indicates that a changing of the guard could be in the cards come this summer in Poland/Ukraine. We also get into the reversal of fortunes between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund since last March as the Bavarians continue to run rampant in both the Bundesliga and in the Champions League but explore whether the continued health problems for Arjen Robben will keep the Bayern from the European glory. In the matter of defending champion Dortmund, has the team overcome the loss of Nuri Sahin, the prolonged absence of Lucas Barrios and the missing form of emerging star Shinji Kagawa since his foot injury? Uli helps us answer many of these questions including the strange coaching and personnel moves at Hamburg, major problems at Wolfsburg for Felix Magath since he returned to the club and if there is indeed an identity problem at the club as it now finds itself mired in a mid table dilemma. We also examine the performance of German teams in the Champions League recently to gauge whether the competition level or domestic focus is preventing an ongoing level of continuity needed to sustain success at the highest level of European football for clubs going forward. Additionally we consider whether a consistent challenger to Bayern Munich is what is lacking in order to push the German powerhouse to greatness at the highest levels of the game itself in the Champions League. Phil and Anto are joined by German football historian Uli Hesse to take a look at both the remarkable success of Die Mannschaft in Euro 2012 qualification including a perfect record and how an array of young football talent indicates that a changing Phil and Anto are joined by German football historian Uli Hesse to take a look at both the remarkable success of Die Mannschaft in Euro 2012 qualification including a perfect record and how an array of young football talent indicates that a changing of the guard could be in the cards come this summer in Poland/Ukraine. We also get into the reversal of fortunes between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund since last March as the Bavarians continue to run rampant in both the Bundesliga and in the Champions League but explore whether the continued health problems for Arjen Robben will keep the Bayern from the European glory. In the matter of defending champion Dortmund, has the team overcome the loss of Nuri Sahin, the prolonged absence of Lucas Barrios and the missing form of emerging star Shinji Kagawa since his foot injury? Uli helps us answer many of these questions including the strange coaching and personnel moves at Hamburg, major problems at Wolfsburg for Felix Magath since he returned to the club and if there is indeed an identity problem at the club as it now finds itself mired in a mid table dilemma. We also examine the performance of German teams in the Champions League recently to gauge whether the competition level or domestic focus is preventing an ongoing level of continuity needed to sustain success at the highest level of European football for clubs going forward. Additionally we consider whether a consistent challenger to Bayern Munich is what is lacking in order to push the German powerhouse to greatness at the highest levels of the game itself in the Champions League. Wed, 12 Oct 2011 20:25:00 GMT 25:30 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP10122011.uli.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/10/12/bundesliga-insider/ Beyond The Pitch Anto and Matteo Bonetti join up again in the week leading to a highly important period in the season for AC Milan to take a look at the many problems that emerged in two huge away fixtures early in the season. This culminated with the match against Juventus which saw an old friend take the spoils in Andrea Pirlo - a club legend with the Rossoneri - to take stock of the injuries, ideas and performances that were not working for either Allegri or the team. We get into the early talking points on the lips of Milanisti: the loss of Andrea Pirlo, continued lack of faith in some of the decisions by Allegri this early in the campaign, ongoing and growing concerns about Pato, Zlatan becoming disturbingly philosophical and how AC Milan will need to respond not only in Serie A but also the Champions League. We also revisit a topic that seemed to get papered over during the Scudetto campaign a year ago which illustrates just how much is changing in Serie A along with a team that is still in transition from top to bottom including a number of players who are on one year contracts. Two things are very clear thus far - Allegri seems to have very little confidence in new arrival Alberto Aquilani and that the next two transfer windows will go a long way to spelling out just where Milan is going as a football club, the question will be whether the current coach is there to shepherd this transition or whether he is the vehicle taking the club to its destination in the future given the pressure he will be under this weekend against an upstart Palermo side looking to put another one over AC Milan since the Coppa Italia semi-final. The good news for Milan is that this may just be the most competitive Serie A in years and that most of the big clubs in contention still have to travel to San Siro to fight for that title. Anto and Matteo Bonetti join up again in the week leading to a highly important period in the season for AC Milan to take a look at the many problems that emerged in two huge away fixtures early in the season. This culminated with the match against Anto and Matteo Bonetti join up again in the week leading to a highly important period in the season for AC Milan to take a look at the many problems that emerged in two huge away fixtures early in the season. This culminated with the match against Juventus which saw an old friend take the spoils in Andrea Pirlo - a club legend with the Rossoneri - to take stock of the injuries, ideas and performances that were not working for either Allegri or the team. We get into the early talking points on the lips of Milanisti: the loss of Andrea Pirlo, continued lack of faith in some of the decisions by Allegri this early in the campaign, ongoing and growing concerns about Pato, Zlatan becoming disturbingly philosophical and how AC Milan will need to respond not only in Serie A but also the Champions League. We also revisit a topic that seemed to get papered over during the Scudetto campaign a year ago which illustrates just how much is changing in Serie A along with a team that is still in transition from top to bottom including a number of players who are on one year contracts. Two things are very clear thus far - Allegri seems to have very little confidence in new arrival Alberto Aquilani and that the next two transfer windows will go a long way to spelling out just where Milan is going as a football club, the question will be whether the current coach is there to shepherd this transition or whether he is the vehicle taking the club to its destination in the future given the pressure he will be under this weekend against an upstart Palermo side looking to put another one over AC Milan since the Coppa Italia semi-final. The good news for Milan is that this may just be the most competitive Serie A in years and that most of the big clubs in contention still have to travel to San Siro to fight for that title. Tue, 11 Oct 2011 17:37:00 GMT 57:00 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP10112011.milan.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/10/11/milan-insider/ Beyond The Pitch Phil and Anto are joined by former US National Team player and Fox Soccer Channel commentator Eric Wynalda to take a look at the US win over Honduras to evaluate the introduction of new players, a new playing formula, Brek Shea and how MLS seriously needs to figure out how the league needs to address player development. We examine how moving Clint Dempsey closer to goal is proving instant dividends for the US National Team and how much of this can be attributed to the emergence of Brek Shea. Instantly apparent from this group of players is the level of professionalism that arrives from players who are seeing regular first team football with their clubs with a bit of shakiness at the back and some reticence in the finishing in the front line. Then we turn our attention to the matter of David Beckham to review his tenure in Major League Soccer and measure the balance between on the pitch and beyond the pitch success of his arrival in an upstart North American marketplace. We also get underneath the Juninho issue at Los Angeles given that the club has already extinguished its three designated player allocation to see if Bruce Arena can keep all of these pieces together in the near term future. We close on the matter of MLS Playoffs to determine who seems to have the best chance of making the second season in the East where the battle seems to have intensified in recent weeks with DC United, Houston, New York, Columbus and Chicago all in the crossfire at the end. This opens a rather interesting discussion about money and broadcasting inside football and how the game needs to be covered in the United States where some clubs do spend and others quite frankly do not. Phil and Anto are joined by former US National Team player and Fox Soccer Channel commentator Eric Wynalda to take a look at the US win over Honduras to evaluate the introduction of new players, a new playing formula, Brek Shea and how MLS seriously Phil and Anto are joined by former US National Team player and Fox Soccer Channel commentator Eric Wynalda to take a look at the US win over Honduras to evaluate the introduction of new players, a new playing formula, Brek Shea and how MLS seriously needs to figure out how the league needs to address player development. We examine how moving Clint Dempsey closer to goal is proving instant dividends for the US National Team and how much of this can be attributed to the emergence of Brek Shea. Instantly apparent from this group of players is the level of professionalism that arrives from players who are seeing regular first team football with their clubs with a bit of shakiness at the back and some reticence in the finishing in the front line. Then we turn our attention to the matter of David Beckham to review his tenure in Major League Soccer and measure the balance between on the pitch and beyond the pitch success of his arrival in an upstart North American marketplace. We also get underneath the Juninho issue at Los Angeles given that the club has already extinguished its three designated player allocation to see if Bruce Arena can keep all of these pieces together in the near term future. We close on the matter of MLS Playoffs to determine who seems to have the best chance of making the second season in the East where the battle seems to have intensified in recent weeks with DC United, Houston, New York, Columbus and Chicago all in the crossfire at the end. This opens a rather interesting discussion about money and broadcasting inside football and how the game needs to be covered in the United States where some clubs do spend and others quite frankly do not. Mon, 10 Oct 2011 10:20:00 GMT 31:30 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP10102011.wynalda.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/10/10/eric-wynalda/ Beyond The Pitch Recorded - October 6, 2011 - Phil and Anto return for another review at the international break including the main storylines across all of the biggest leagues in Europe. We start with the ongoing Carlos Tevez saga and how it has been shaped as a Lost In Translation episode, then move to the Wayne Rooney saga involving his father and a betting scandal, even more problems at Arsenal in defence and whether this is indeed a truly Premier League given the lack of balance and competitiveness each weekend. Then we turn to the matter of Serie A and Zlatan Ibrahimovic deciding that he has now become predictably less in love with football after a terrible result in a match at Juventus and the emergence of PSG in Ligue 1 as Javier Pastore continues to take the league by storm even while rumors of a David Beckham arrival seems to poke a hole in the credibility of the project. We also look at the problems plaguing empty stadiums and the exciting alternatives at Bayern Munich as the club continues to destroy the competition with a remarkable stinginess in defence. We also discuss the issues in Spain and how Madridistas are developing a wide fickle streak as Jose Mourinho has seemed to have taken over every facet of the football club. We also look at the upcoming fixtures that will shape the outcome of Euro 2012 winners and playoff contenders leading to the summer tournament. Lots to cover in the game and we even get into the state of the Europa League as it seems to have lost its appeal given that teams do not take it seriously and fans are starting not to attend these matches even in the most ardently supported club stadiums. Recorded - October 6, 2011 - Phil and Anto return for another review at the international break including the main storylines across all of the biggest leagues in Europe. We start with the ongoing Carlos Tevez saga and how it has been shaped as a Lo Recorded - October 6, 2011 - Phil and Anto return for another review at the international break including the main storylines across all of the biggest leagues in Europe. We start with the ongoing Carlos Tevez saga and how it has been shaped as a Lost In Translation episode, then move to the Wayne Rooney saga involving his father and a betting scandal, even more problems at Arsenal in defence and whether this is indeed a truly Premier League given the lack of balance and competitiveness each weekend. Then we turn to the matter of Serie A and Zlatan Ibrahimovic deciding that he has now become predictably less in love with football after a terrible result in a match at Juventus and the emergence of PSG in Ligue 1 as Javier Pastore continues to take the league by storm even while rumors of a David Beckham arrival seems to poke a hole in the credibility of the project. We also look at the problems plaguing empty stadiums and the exciting alternatives at Bayern Munich as the club continues to destroy the competition with a remarkable stinginess in defence. We also discuss the issues in Spain and how Madridistas are developing a wide fickle streak as Jose Mourinho has seemed to have taken over every facet of the football club. We also look at the upcoming fixtures that will shape the outcome of Euro 2012 winners and playoff contenders leading to the summer tournament. Lots to cover in the game and we even get into the state of the Europa League as it seems to have lost its appeal given that teams do not take it seriously and fans are starting not to attend these matches even in the most ardently supported club stadiums. Fri, 07 Oct 2011 18:00:38 GMT 53:00 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP10062011.btp.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/10/07/beyond-the-pitch/ Beyond The Pitch Anto is joined by solicitor Daniel Geey of Field Fisher Waterhouse of London who serves as an associate in the Competition and EU Regulatory Law Group to have a deeper look at recent developments in the Murphy/QC Leisure case before the European Union, under The Free Movement of Goods and Labor Statute and The Single European Act. We examine the decision itself on both a practical and academic level as well as look deeper into some of the language used in the official opinion to assess potential ramifications now that this decision reverts back to England for application. It seems that both sides of the aisle in this appeal have serious consideration and opening for exploration and interpretation. Daniel helps us get into a bit of practical analysis in terms of where many of the consequences may find themselves bearing in mind that the Premier League is heading for another bidding process with a year left in the current broadcasting deal. Will this decision impact the 3PM blackout rule in the UK, does this force the implementation of Premier League TV in response and we also consider the downstream impact on UEFA in a macro sense given that in an age of UEFA Financial Fair Play where all the cash streams and rules are not equal in any analysis of the landscape. Will this ultimately land in the lap of UEFA who has positioned itself as both regulator and award arm of the most lucrative matches to clubs via European competition. If you want to get underneath some of the key issues and ramifications of a very important decision, take a listen to Daniel Geey. Anto is joined by solicitor Daniel Geey of Field Fisher Waterhouse of London who serves as an associate in the Competition and EU Regulatory Law Group to have a deeper look at recent developments in the Murphy/QC Leisure case before the European Unio Anto is joined by solicitor Daniel Geey of Field Fisher Waterhouse of London who serves as an associate in the Competition and EU Regulatory Law Group to have a deeper look at recent developments in the Murphy/QC Leisure case before the European Union, under The Free Movement of Goods and Labor Statute and The Single European Act. We examine the decision itself on both a practical and academic level as well as look deeper into some of the language used in the official opinion to assess potential ramifications now that this decision reverts back to England for application. It seems that both sides of the aisle in this appeal have serious consideration and opening for exploration and interpretation. Daniel helps us get into a bit of practical analysis in terms of where many of the consequences may find themselves bearing in mind that the Premier League is heading for another bidding process with a year left in the current broadcasting deal. Will this decision impact the 3PM blackout rule in the UK, does this force the implementation of Premier League TV in response and we also consider the downstream impact on UEFA in a macro sense given that in an age of UEFA Financial Fair Play where all the cash streams and rules are not equal in any analysis of the landscape. Will this ultimately land in the lap of UEFA who has positioned itself as both regulator and award arm of the most lucrative matches to clubs via European competition. If you want to get underneath some of the key issues and ramifications of a very important decision, take a listen to Daniel Geey. Thu, 06 Oct 2011 20:25:00 GMT 32:30 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP10072011.geey.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/10/06/daniel-geey/ Beyond The Pitch Join Anto and Vaishali Bhardwaj as they introduce the 22nd episode of World Football Insider which takes you into the biggest stories in each of the biggest leagues in the World. We cover all the key stories in each of these leagues in the world, review the results and talk transfers, club, national team and player issues with quotes and the most important information. Premier League, Serie A, La Liga, Bundesliga, Ligue 1 along with the major Asian and football in the Americas all available in one broadcast. Let us know what you think as this will be the ongoing format for the most complete review show of its kind. Get the stories behind the results and the personalities shaping the biggest games all around the world in one broadcast. Join Anto and Vaishali Bhardwaj as they introduce the 22nd episode of World Football Insider which takes you into the biggest stories in each of the biggest leagues in the World. We cover all the key stories in each of these leagues in the world, rev Join Anto and Vaishali Bhardwaj as they introduce the 22nd episode of World Football Insider which takes you into the biggest stories in each of the biggest leagues in the World. We cover all the key stories in each of these leagues in the world, review the results and talk transfers, club, national team and player issues with quotes and the most important information. Premier League, Serie A, La Liga, Bundesliga, Ligue 1 along with the major Asian and football in the Americas all available in one broadcast. Let us know what you think as this will be the ongoing format for the most complete review show of its kind. Get the stories behind the results and the personalities shaping the biggest games all around the world in one broadcast. Wed, 05 Oct 2011 20:25:00 GMT 57:45 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/audio/BTP10052011.world.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/10/05/world-football-insider/ Beyond The Pitch Anto is joined by Matt Law, football correspondent with The Express, to take a closer look at the outcome of the North London Derby and all the key talking points continue to point at Arsenal. Clearly this could have been an even more shocking a result had Tottenham finished the opportunities that were there along with some heroics from Wojciech Szczesny who made several wonderful saves to keep the scoreline respectable. We examine what was uncovered near the pitch as leadership questions on the pitch during matches continues to raise its head as well as a general level of failure amongst the collective unit at Arsenal who do not seem to have any actual possibility to defend both at the back and in the midfield. Now that the injuries continue to mount with the loss of Bacary Sagna this weekend and having the benefit of an international break will Arsene Wenger make the necessary adjustments to his priorities - become less enterprising and more difficult to beat in response the shortcomings of the squad? The answer on the surface may surprise the neutrals if not the supporters themselves at first brush. We also look at two surprising teams who have yet to suffer a loss through seven matches in the Premier League in Newcastle United and Aston Villa to measure each club at the checkpoint. Then we turn to the matter of Liverpool who got two bonus points with their weekend victory in the Merseyside Derby - the win and getting Andy Carroll recording a goal to boost his confidence. Anto is joined by Matt Law, football correspondent with The Express, to take a closer look at the outcome of the North London Derby and all the key talking points continue to point at Arsenal. Clearly this could have been an even more shocking a res Anto is joined by Matt Law, football correspondent with The Express, to take a closer look at the outcome of the North London Derby and all the key talking points continue to point at Arsenal. Clearly this could have been an even more shocking a result had Tottenham finished the opportunities that were there along with some heroics from Wojciech Szczesny who made several wonderful saves to keep the scoreline respectable. We examine what was uncovered near the pitch as leadership questions on the pitch during matches continues to raise its head as well as a general level of failure amongst the collective unit at Arsenal who do not seem to have any actual possibility to defend both at the back and in the midfield. Now that the injuries continue to mount with the loss of Bacary Sagna this weekend and having the benefit of an international break will Arsene Wenger make the necessary adjustments to his priorities - become less enterprising and more difficult to beat in response the shortcomings of the squad? The answer on the surface may surprise the neutrals if not the supporters themselves at first brush. We also look at two surprising teams who have yet to suffer a loss through seven matches in the Premier League in Newcastle United and Aston Villa to measure each club at the checkpoint. Then we turn to the matter of Liverpool who got two bonus points with their weekend victory in the Merseyside Derby - the win and getting Andy Carroll recording a goal to boost his confidence. Mon, 03 Oct 2011 20:20:00 GMT 15:30 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP10032011.matt.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/10/03/matt-law/ Beyond The Pitch Anto is joined by youth development guru Tom Byer from Japan to have a serious look at grassroots football training starting as soon as 5-6 years old as it stands today in Japan in order to compare it to how the United States approaches its training focus and the best practices found in the Far East. Tom has been teaching football techniques to children in Japan for more than 20 years and his training programs have since developed into one of the most effective and recognised training systems throughout the region. With more than 2,000 football events for over 500,000 kids, parents and coaches, Tom has established the largest football school business in Japan and around the world, with over 80 schools, 150 full-time coaches and 15,000 kids. We get underneath his ideas on development, how the coaching pyramid tends to overlook the most important age group and why the football environment is so precious in the developing footballers. We also take a deep dive into how the Japanese have implemented, targeted and created an organized framework to identify its hottest prospects along with elite skills training. As Tom will point out, success in football starts at the bottom rungs on the pyramid and that developing successful footballers is not an accident in Japan as young players are encouraged to play 365 days a year rather than playing for a season on a recreational level. Tom also gives us a look into China where the potential for the future is just massive and how the Chinese view organized sport. In the end we circle back to the issue of environment and how the United States in its eager attempt to self-examine has reached to Tom and around the world for the biggest shortcomings of the past. Anto is joined by youth development guru Tom Byer from Japan to have a serious look at grassroots football training starting as soon as 5-6 years old as it stands today in Japan in order to compare it to how the United States approaches its training Anto is joined by youth development guru Tom Byer from Japan to have a serious look at grassroots football training starting as soon as 5-6 years old as it stands today in Japan in order to compare it to how the United States approaches its training focus and the best practices found in the Far East. Tom has been teaching football techniques to children in Japan for more than 20 years and his training programs have since developed into one of the most effective and recognised training systems throughout the region. With more than 2,000 football events for over 500,000 kids, parents and coaches, Tom has established the largest football school business in Japan and around the world, with over 80 schools, 150 full-time coaches and 15,000 kids. We get underneath his ideas on development, how the coaching pyramid tends to overlook the most important age group and why the football environment is so precious in the developing footballers. We also take a deep dive into how the Japanese have implemented, targeted and created an organized framework to identify its hottest prospects along with elite skills training. As Tom will point out, success in football starts at the bottom rungs on the pyramid and that developing successful footballers is not an accident in Japan as young players are encouraged to play 365 days a year rather than playing for a season on a recreational level. Tom also gives us a look into China where the potential for the future is just massive and how the Chinese view organized sport. In the end we circle back to the issue of environment and how the United States in its eager attempt to self-examine has reached to Tom and around the world for the biggest shortcomings of the past. Sun, 02 Oct 2011 14:29:00 GMT 33:00 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP100220111.byer.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/10/02/tom-byer/ Beyond The Pitch Phil and Anto are joined by world recognized football writer and commentator Gabriele Marcotti to take a look at a number of key fixtures this weekend including a highly anticipated Juventus-AC Milan clash that seems to be more an early checkpoint on Antonio Conte in the much larger picture. We look at the off season moves, gauge whether Juventus have indeed improved and found the right balance amidst talk that all is not calm behind the scenes at Juve between Marotta and Conte over transfer targets. We also look at the pattern of injury problems for Pato and if this is raising key concern at Milan along with a proving ground for Giorgio Chiellini this weekend as he seems to have regressed in the past year culminating in a terrible performance last weekend at Catania. We also look into the move of Claudio Ranieri and Internazionale and whether it is masking a great problem with the plan at Inter and serves as yet another short term inspired move not unlike last season when the club jumped from Rafa Benitez to Leonardo, that these strokes seem to defy the long term need for the club who has begun to assemble a very interesting crop of young players. Then we turn to the key issues at AS Roma who are now beginning to show life and commitment from the biggest stars in Francesco Totti and Daniele De Rossi who are clearly involved in their specific roles in a system that seems to involve Barcelona and calcio qualities in a very exciting blend that has been intriguing as the season progresses. We also discuss the emergence of Gokhan Inler at Napoli, who might just be the signing of the season in Serie A, thus far, as he has added a dimension in midfield that Napoli clearly lacked. Then we finish on the the subject of Serie A itself which has revealed itself early as a truly exciting league where invention, necessity and economics have forced clubs to keep seeking the next prospect and newer unknown managers who so far are paying instant dividends. Phil and Anto are joined by world recognized football writer and commentator Gabriele Marcotti to take a look at a number of key fixtures this weekend including a highly anticipated Juventus-AC Milan clash that seems to be more an early checkpoint on Phil and Anto are joined by world recognized football writer and commentator Gabriele Marcotti to take a look at a number of key fixtures this weekend including a highly anticipated Juventus-AC Milan clash that seems to be more an early checkpoint on Antonio Conte in the much larger picture. We look at the off season moves, gauge whether Juventus have indeed improved and found the right balance amidst talk that all is not calm behind the scenes at Juve between Marotta and Conte over transfer targets. We also look at the pattern of injury problems for Pato and if this is raising key concern at Milan along with a proving ground for Giorgio Chiellini this weekend as he seems to have regressed in the past year culminating in a terrible performance last weekend at Catania. We also look into the move of Claudio Ranieri and Internazionale and whether it is masking a great problem with the plan at Inter and serves as yet another short term inspired move not unlike last season when the club jumped from Rafa Benitez to Leonardo, that these strokes seem to defy the long term need for the club who has begun to assemble a very interesting crop of young players. Then we turn to the key issues at AS Roma who are now beginning to show life and commitment from the biggest stars in Francesco Totti and Daniele De Rossi who are clearly involved in their specific roles in a system that seems to involve Barcelona and calcio qualities in a very exciting blend that has been intriguing as the season progresses. We also discuss the emergence of Gokhan Inler at Napoli, who might just be the signing of the season in Serie A, thus far, as he has added a dimension in midfield that Napoli clearly lacked. Then we finish on the the subject of Serie A itself which has revealed itself early as a truly exciting league where invention, necessity and economics have forced clubs to keep seeking the next prospect and newer unknown managers who so far are paying instant dividends. Sat, 01 Oct 2011 09:29:00 GMT 29:30 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP10012011.gab.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/10/01/gabriele-marcotti/ Beyond The Pitch Anto is joined by Nicolino DiBenedetto of STATS from Chicago to take an inside look at the playoff possibilities in Major League Soccer as the key fixtures look to shape the seeding for the second season now that Los Angeles Galaxy seems to have wrapped up the Supporters Shield for having the best season-long record. We weigh up the main contestants for the playoffs in both the Eastern and Western Conferences along with a great deal of emphasis on what is considered the biggest disappointment in MLS this season - New York Red Bulls - in light of the outrage over the Rafa Marquez comments that landed him in some PR trouble with local fans and seems to speak loudly about the plan in New York. We examine the use of the designated player for defensive players with Red Bulls while teams like Los Angeles Galaxy use their slots for more offensive players to compliment a more sturdy side from the back. We also get into the miracle project with Chicago Fire under Frank Klopas and how he changes the playing style of the club and was able to harness the talents of two very skilled players in Dominic Oduro and Patrick Nyarko and add some important parts to lead the team to a playoff chase once thought impossible. We also get into the exploits of Real Salt Lake who suddenly looks vulnerable after surrendering two successive hat tricks and consider their possibilities going forward with a handful of matches remaining. We also discuss the high physical demands in the North American game just based on commercial travel and the overall physicality of the league itself and how this will begin to impact several of the candidates challenging entry into the playoffs. Lots to cover including some of the key coaches and emerging players in the West who have gone largely under the radar amongst casual fans of the league but share a huge impact with their respective teams. Anto is joined by Nicolino DiBenedetto of STATS from Chicago to take an inside look at the playoff possibilities in Major League Soccer as the key fixtures look to shape the seeding for the second season now that Los Angeles Galaxy seems to have wrap Anto is joined by Nicolino DiBenedetto of STATS from Chicago to take an inside look at the playoff possibilities in Major League Soccer as the key fixtures look to shape the seeding for the second season now that Los Angeles Galaxy seems to have wrapped up the Supporters Shield for having the best season-long record. We weigh up the main contestants for the playoffs in both the Eastern and Western Conferences along with a great deal of emphasis on what is considered the biggest disappointment in MLS this season - New York Red Bulls - in light of the outrage over the Rafa Marquez comments that landed him in some PR trouble with local fans and seems to speak loudly about the plan in New York. We examine the use of the designated player for defensive players with Red Bulls while teams like Los Angeles Galaxy use their slots for more offensive players to compliment a more sturdy side from the back. We also get into the miracle project with Chicago Fire under Frank Klopas and how he changes the playing style of the club and was able to harness the talents of two very skilled players in Dominic Oduro and Patrick Nyarko and add some important parts to lead the team to a playoff chase once thought impossible. We also get into the exploits of Real Salt Lake who suddenly looks vulnerable after surrendering two successive hat tricks and consider their possibilities going forward with a handful of matches remaining. We also discuss the high physical demands in the North American game just based on commercial travel and the overall physicality of the league itself and how this will begin to impact several of the candidates challenging entry into the playoffs. Lots to cover including some of the key coaches and emerging players in the West who have gone largely under the radar amongst casual fans of the league but share a huge impact with their respective teams. Fri, 30 Sep 2011 18:00:38 GMT 44:30 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP09302011.nico.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/09/30/inside-mls/ Beyond The Pitch Join Anto and Vaishali Bhardwaj as they introduce the 21st episode of World Football Insider which takes you into the biggest stories in each of the biggest leagues in the World. We cover all the key stories in each of these leagues in the world, review the results and talk transfers, club, national team and player issues with quotes and the most important information. Premier League, Serie A, La Liga, Bundesliga, Ligue 1 along with the major Asian and football in the Americas all available in one broadcast. Let us know what you think as this will be the ongoing format for the most complete review show of its kind. Get the stories behind the results and the personalities shaping the biggest games all around the world in one broadcast. Join Anto and Vaishali Bhardwaj as they introduce the 21st episode of World Football Insider which takes you into the biggest stories in each of the biggest leagues in the World. We cover all the key stories in each of these leagues in the world, rev Join Anto and Vaishali Bhardwaj as they introduce the 21st episode of World Football Insider which takes you into the biggest stories in each of the biggest leagues in the World. We cover all the key stories in each of these leagues in the world, review the results and talk transfers, club, national team and player issues with quotes and the most important information. Premier League, Serie A, La Liga, Bundesliga, Ligue 1 along with the major Asian and football in the Americas all available in one broadcast. Let us know what you think as this will be the ongoing format for the most complete review show of its kind. Get the stories behind the results and the personalities shaping the biggest games all around the world in one broadcast. Wed, 28 Sep 2011 16:55:00 GMT 49:00 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/audio/BTP09292011.world.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/09/28/world-football-insider/ Beyond The Pitch Recorded - September 27, 2011 - Phil and Anto join up after the first night of matches on Matchday 2 in the Champions League to take a look at the fallout from each of the main fixtures and take a look ahead to the Wednesday games, make a few predictions, and start to look at some of the key matches across the European domestic front the weekend in many of the biggest leagues. Sometimes light-hearted, other times cutting, but always leaning on the analysis that we have collected from some of the biggest names in football. We also get into some of the teams, players and managers on the move and some of those on the hotseat. It all seems to start with the tale of Roberto Mancini at Manchester City in light of recent problems with Carlos Tevez, what it tell us about the plan to turn the club into a European power and what Mancini is telling us about the club in his very raw reaction to the events between himself, Tevez, Dzeko and his moves throughout the Bayern Munich match at the Allianz. We also talk some Ranieri at Inter, Wenger and Arsenal and really heap some praise on PSV Eindhoven and their emerging superstar, Dries Mertens. Also on deck is a chat on Dimitar Berbatov, a suddenly shaky Manchester United defence and the wild opening to the Serie A season with a heavy weekend package of key fixtures. Can anybody stop the machine that is Bayern Munich? Surely Mancini and Manchester City could not, but they do seem to be on their way to the very top at this juncture. Recorded - September 27, 2011 - Phil and Anto join up after the first night of matches on Matchday 2 in the Champions League to take a look at the fallout from each of the main fixtures and take a look ahead to the Wednesday games, make a few predict Recorded - September 27, 2011 - Phil and Anto join up after the first night of matches on Matchday 2 in the Champions League to take a look at the fallout from each of the main fixtures and take a look ahead to the Wednesday games, make a few predictions, and start to look at some of the key matches across the European domestic front the weekend in many of the biggest leagues. Sometimes light-hearted, other times cutting, but always leaning on the analysis that we have collected from some of the biggest names in football. We also get into some of the teams, players and managers on the move and some of those on the hotseat. It all seems to start with the tale of Roberto Mancini at Manchester City in light of recent problems with Carlos Tevez, what it tell us about the plan to turn the club into a European power and what Mancini is telling us about the club in his very raw reaction to the events between himself, Tevez, Dzeko and his moves throughout the Bayern Munich match at the Allianz. We also talk some Ranieri at Inter, Wenger and Arsenal and really heap some praise on PSV Eindhoven and their emerging superstar, Dries Mertens. Also on deck is a chat on Dimitar Berbatov, a suddenly shaky Manchester United defence and the wild opening to the Serie A season with a heavy weekend package of key fixtures. Can anybody stop the machine that is Bayern Munich? Surely Mancini and Manchester City could not, but they do seem to be on their way to the very top at this juncture. Wed, 28 Sep 2011 10:55:00 GMT 50:30 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP09272011.btp.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/09/28/beyond-the-pitch/ Beyond The Pitch Phil and Anto are joined by Phil Schoen of GolTV in America to have a chat on his early impressions of the La Liga campaign including a start which seems to defy some of the widely held stereotypes that the Spanish top flight is not entertaining. Obviously their combined economic power is well beyond anything in Europe at the present time and will eventually reveal itself in a sporting context, but questions remain on competitive issues as other leagues have moved toward collective bargaining with TV rights. We also get into the matter of the key storylines including the ongoing fascination with Jose Mourinho and the displays being revealed week upon week by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the sense that we are in the midst of two all-time greats going head to head in a generational level contest of art, expression and will on a football pitch. We also consider whether football fans in America truly have a grasp of the political, cultural and social aspects to these kinds of heated rivalries - like the one being played out weekly by Real Madrid and Barcelona. Then we shift our attention to the matter of Jurgen Klinsmann and US Soccer as another paradigm appears to be shifting with regard to the need for a more serious approach to player development, a feat Germany completed in large part to the guidance of Klinsmann and others nearly a decade ago. Coincidentally, as Klinsmann searches for the next generation of American players upon whom he will build his legacy in the United States, is he feeling the pinch of a professional top flight which did not have the proper academy system in place 10-15 years ago to provide the required talent base today? Talking The Beautiful Game from an American perspective with the lead voice of GolTV so it is certainly worth the listen. Phil and Anto are joined by Phil Schoen of GolTV in America to have a chat on his early impressions of the La Liga campaign including a start which seems to defy some of the widely held stereotypes that the Spanish top flight is not entertaining. Obv Phil and Anto are joined by Phil Schoen of GolTV in America to have a chat on his early impressions of the La Liga campaign including a start which seems to defy some of the widely held stereotypes that the Spanish top flight is not entertaining. Obviously their combined economic power is well beyond anything in Europe at the present time and will eventually reveal itself in a sporting context, but questions remain on competitive issues as other leagues have moved toward collective bargaining with TV rights. We also get into the matter of the key storylines including the ongoing fascination with Jose Mourinho and the displays being revealed week upon week by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in the sense that we are in the midst of two all-time greats going head to head in a generational level contest of art, expression and will on a football pitch. We also consider whether football fans in America truly have a grasp of the political, cultural and social aspects to these kinds of heated rivalries - like the one being played out weekly by Real Madrid and Barcelona. Then we shift our attention to the matter of Jurgen Klinsmann and US Soccer as another paradigm appears to be shifting with regard to the need for a more serious approach to player development, a feat Germany completed in large part to the guidance of Klinsmann and others nearly a decade ago. Coincidentally, as Klinsmann searches for the next generation of American players upon whom he will build his legacy in the United States, is he feeling the pinch of a professional top flight which did not have the proper academy system in place 10-15 years ago to provide the required talent base today? Talking The Beautiful Game from an American perspective with the lead voice of GolTV so it is certainly worth the listen. Tue, 27 Sep 2011 18:00:00 GMT 22:30 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP09272011.phil.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/09/27/phil-schoen/ Beyond The Pitch Anto is joined by football correspondent of The Sun Shaun Custis to have a chat about the key storylines and moments emerging after this weekend in the Premier League. We start with the rash of injuries mounting at Manchester United to gauge whether their first hurdle of the season is now upon them, then move over to Newcastle United which seems to be finding a bit of wonderful rhythm under Alan Pardew with a wonderful start to the season with several key new additions. Will it last for Newcastle or are they being flattered more by the schedule? Then we turn over to the matter of Manchester City who is up against a massive fixture against Bayern Munich in Matchday 2 in the Champions League against Bayern Munich at the Allianz to consider whether Mancini will still go guns blazing when faced with one of the hottest squads in Europe at present. Then we take another look inside the questions raised at Chelsea over the weekend as Fernando Torres seems to have found something, but continually takes a step back - which in this case was due to a red card. Is Fernando Torres on his way back and is this linked to his ever-changing level of happiness and is Andre Villas Boas using the talented Spaniard in the appropriate way given that Torres has never truly been a center forward, preferring instead to work up top with a partner closer toward goal rather than a pair of wingers in his best days at Liverpool and the Spain national team. Then we close on the matter of Liverpool itself who is still less than convincing when faced against the more physical EPL sides. Does Kenny have a problem at the center of the defence and will this weakness be exploited more and more as the season progresses? Anto is joined by football correspondent of The Sun Shaun Custis to have a chat about the key storylines and moments emerging after this weekend in the Premier League. We start with the rash of injuries mounting at Manchester United to gauge whether Anto is joined by football correspondent of The Sun Shaun Custis to have a chat about the key storylines and moments emerging after this weekend in the Premier League. We start with the rash of injuries mounting at Manchester United to gauge whether their first hurdle of the season is now upon them, then move over to Newcastle United which seems to be finding a bit of wonderful rhythm under Alan Pardew with a wonderful start to the season with several key new additions. Will it last for Newcastle or are they being flattered more by the schedule? Then we turn over to the matter of Manchester City who is up against a massive fixture against Bayern Munich in Matchday 2 in the Champions League against Bayern Munich at the Allianz to consider whether Mancini will still go guns blazing when faced with one of the hottest squads in Europe at present. Then we take another look inside the questions raised at Chelsea over the weekend as Fernando Torres seems to have found something, but continually takes a step back - which in this case was due to a red card. Is Fernando Torres on his way back and is this linked to his ever-changing level of happiness and is Andre Villas Boas using the talented Spaniard in the appropriate way given that Torres has never truly been a center forward, preferring instead to work up top with a partner closer toward goal rather than a pair of wingers in his best days at Liverpool and the Spain national team. Then we close on the matter of Liverpool itself who is still less than convincing when faced against the more physical EPL sides. Does Kenny have a problem at the center of the defence and will this weakness be exploited more and more as the season progresses? Mon, 26 Sep 2011 20:00:00 GMT 17:15 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP09232011.custis.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/09/26/shaun-custis/ Beyond The Pitch Phil and Anto are joined by Andy Green, an advisor to the Manchester United Supporters Trust and a financial analyst, to have a spirited discussion into the matter of an attempt by the Glazers to float an IPO in the Far East to raise cash and what the ramifications may turn out to be. We examine what kind of shares these would be, should the owners go forward on their approach in the near to medium term future. We breakdown how the accounts are reported including EBITDA of the club itself as a business, the root of valuation itself in the realm of a football club and what some of the key variables continue to be given that European football is about to feel the first tug of UEFA Financial Fair Play. We evaluate the stark differences and disparities between the individual domestic television money distribution and a nightmare scenario under which it may take more than 100 million in wages to qualify for the Champions League with few slots available, exposing these very clubs with exclusion if the clubs do not have compliance worthy operations. We also look at the convergence of shifting priorities as Manchester United has emerged from its days as a PLC and what the Glazers may do with the bulk of the cash once it has been raised given that supporters still do not know how some high-interest PIK notes were suspiciously paid down without any clear explanation. We then close on the matter of clubs like Everton and Aston Villa being left behind in the wake of the Premier League era and discuss whether the Glazers are at the beginning of the end given the future uncertainty of what may happen when the most valuable asset of the club - Sir Alex Ferguson - decides to move on or retire with the economic dominance of Manchester City literally raising the price of success with each passing transfer window. Phil and Anto are joined by Andy Green, an advisor to the Manchester United Supporters Trust and a financial analyst, to have a spirited discussion into the matter of an attempt by the Glazers to float an IPO in the Far East to raise cash and what th Phil and Anto are joined by Andy Green, an advisor to the Manchester United Supporters Trust and a financial analyst, to have a spirited discussion into the matter of an attempt by the Glazers to float an IPO in the Far East to raise cash and what the ramifications may turn out to be. We examine what kind of shares these would be, should the owners go forward on their approach in the near to medium term future. We breakdown how the accounts are reported including EBITDA of the club itself as a business, the root of valuation itself in the realm of a football club and what some of the key variables continue to be given that European football is about to feel the first tug of UEFA Financial Fair Play. We evaluate the stark differences and disparities between the individual domestic television money distribution and a nightmare scenario under which it may take more than 100 million in wages to qualify for the Champions League with few slots available, exposing these very clubs with exclusion if the clubs do not have compliance worthy operations. We also look at the convergence of shifting priorities as Manchester United has emerged from its days as a PLC and what the Glazers may do with the bulk of the cash once it has been raised given that supporters still do not know how some high-interest PIK notes were suspiciously paid down without any clear explanation. We then close on the matter of clubs like Everton and Aston Villa being left behind in the wake of the Premier League era and discuss whether the Glazers are at the beginning of the end given the future uncertainty of what may happen when the most valuable asset of the club - Sir Alex Ferguson - decides to move on or retire with the economic dominance of Manchester City literally raising the price of success with each passing transfer window. Sun, 25 Sep 2011 21:29:00 GMT 24:00 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP09252011.andy.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/09/25/andy-green/ Beyond The Pitch Anto is joined by ESPN Commentator Janusz Michallik to have a lengthy chat about a number of major stories focusing on the Premier League, Serie A and the upcoming key fixtures in the Champions League. We start with a good status report on Liverpool where issues at the back of the formation have not yet been fully addressed as Kenny Dalglish is in the process of transition with the club. We consider the key defensive problems at Arsenal that seem to be addressed in Europe whereas the tactics do seem to burst in the EPL. We also take a look at Manchester United to evaluate the youth movement at Old Trafford to gauge whether the performance in the Premier League can be duplicated in the Champions League as the squad does seem a bit unbalanced on paper. We also take a look at Manchester City to see if their quality is enough to wage the battle on shart weeks when the demand of European fixtures do appear. Then we turn our attention to the crisis at Internazionale which led to the dismissal of new manager Gian Piero Gasperini so early in the season and replacing him with a much more established manager in Claudio Ranieri who has been on the sidelines since resigning from AS Roma. We also consider the injury crisis at AC Milan to evaluate how players do seem to prepare these days as a potential reason for the repeat muscle injuries to Alexandre Pato and the Milan squad in general as high numbers of absences continue as the average age of the team seems to decrease. We also touch on the early successes of Udinese and Juventus on balance and the mistake Mazzari may have made in the Chievo match by turning up the rotation dial too far. Then we close on the matter of the key and most intriguing fixtures for Matchday 2 of the Champions League next week. A massive show with loads of information and analysis where the storylines are the deepest. Anto is joined by ESPN Commentator Janusz Michallik to have a lengthy chat about a number of major stories focusing on the Premier League, Serie A and the upcoming key fixtures in the Champions League. We start with a good status report on Liverpool Anto is joined by ESPN Commentator Janusz Michallik to have a lengthy chat about a number of major stories focusing on the Premier League, Serie A and the upcoming key fixtures in the Champions League. We start with a good status report on Liverpool where issues at the back of the formation have not yet been fully addressed as Kenny Dalglish is in the process of transition with the club. We consider the key defensive problems at Arsenal that seem to be addressed in Europe whereas the tactics do seem to burst in the EPL. We also take a look at Manchester United to evaluate the youth movement at Old Trafford to gauge whether the performance in the Premier League can be duplicated in the Champions League as the squad does seem a bit unbalanced on paper. We also take a look at Manchester City to see if their quality is enough to wage the battle on shart weeks when the demand of European fixtures do appear. Then we turn our attention to the crisis at Internazionale which led to the dismissal of new manager Gian Piero Gasperini so early in the season and replacing him with a much more established manager in Claudio Ranieri who has been on the sidelines since resigning from AS Roma. We also consider the injury crisis at AC Milan to evaluate how players do seem to prepare these days as a potential reason for the repeat muscle injuries to Alexandre Pato and the Milan squad in general as high numbers of absences continue as the average age of the team seems to decrease. We also touch on the early successes of Udinese and Juventus on balance and the mistake Mazzari may have made in the Chievo match by turning up the rotation dial too far. Then we close on the matter of the key and most intriguing fixtures for Matchday 2 of the Champions League next week. A massive show with loads of information and analysis where the storylines are the deepest. Thu, 22 Sep 2011 23:00:00 GMT 49:00 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP09222011.janusz.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/09/janusz-michallik/ Beyond The Pitch Join Anto and Vaishali Bhardwaj as they introduce the 20th episode of World Football Insider which takes you into the biggest stories in each of the biggest leagues in the World. We cover all the key stories in each of these leagues in the world, review the results and talk transfers, club, national team and player issues with quotes and the most important information. Premier League, Serie A, La Liga, Bundesliga, Ligue 1 along with the major Asian and football in the Americas all available in one broadcast. Let us know what you think as this will be the ongoing format for the most complete review show of its kind. Join Anto and Vaishali Bhardwaj as they introduce the 20th episode of World Football Insider which takes you into the biggest stories in each of the biggest leagues in the World. We cover all the key stories in each of these leagues in the world, rev Join Anto and Vaishali Bhardwaj as they introduce the 20th episode of World Football Insider which takes you into the biggest stories in each of the biggest leagues in the World. We cover all the key stories in each of these leagues in the world, review the results and talk transfers, club, national team and player issues with quotes and the most important information. Premier League, Serie A, La Liga, Bundesliga, Ligue 1 along with the major Asian and football in the Americas all available in one broadcast. Let us know what you think as this will be the ongoing format for the most complete review show of its kind. Thu, 22 Sep 2011 00:40:00 GMT 45:45 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/audio/BTP09222011.world.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/09/22/world-football-insider/ Beyond The Pitch Anto is joined by Ben Shave of PortuGOAL.net and In Bed With Maradona to have a lengthy and spirited chat on all facets of Portuguese football including domestic league, Champions League and national team ramifications as FC Porto and Benfica look to lock horns this Friday in their first O Classico of the season. We focus on the emerging storylines at the major players of the Portuguese game including the absence of Falcao in the Porto attack, the emergence of Axel Witsel at Benfica and all the complex issues at Sporting where the team is still adjusting to all the changes on the pitch while beyond it connections to CAA, Peter Kenyon and Jorge Mendes now seem to speak to the new commercial reality for clubs at the wrong end of the Eurozone financial crisis. We also spend some time exploring the fortunes of the Portuguese teams in the Champions League and gauge the key question of the changes at Porto in advance of O Classico. We also look into the Sporting-Setubal fixture this weekend and how Braga continues to produce results in the face of so many changes each transfer window. Then we close on Euro2012 qualification for Portugal who always makes it too difficult on itself as a key away fixture looms with Denmark on 11 October without defensive mainstay Carvalho on the backline. We examine whether The Special One, Jose Mourinho, may be in the shadows pushing the envelope given the pressures at Madrid and the long shadow he casts over the entire footballing world in his native Portugal. Anto is joined by Ben Shave of PortuGOAL.net and In Bed With Maradona to have a lengthy and spirited chat on all facets of Portuguese football including domestic league, Champions League and national team ramifications as FC Porto and Benfica look to Anto is joined by Ben Shave of PortuGOAL.net and In Bed With Maradona to have a lengthy and spirited chat on all facets of Portuguese football including domestic league, Champions League and national team ramifications as FC Porto and Benfica look to lock horns this Friday in their first O Classico of the season. We focus on the emerging storylines at the major players of the Portuguese game including the absence of Falcao in the Porto attack, the emergence of Axel Witsel at Benfica and all the complex issues at Sporting where the team is still adjusting to all the changes on the pitch while beyond it connections to CAA, Peter Kenyon and Jorge Mendes now seem to speak to the new commercial reality for clubs at the wrong end of the Eurozone financial crisis. We also spend some time exploring the fortunes of the Portuguese teams in the Champions League and gauge the key question of the changes at Porto in advance of O Classico. We also look into the Sporting-Setubal fixture this weekend and how Braga continues to produce results in the face of so many changes each transfer window. Then we close on Euro2012 qualification for Portugal who always makes it too difficult on itself as a key away fixture looms with Denmark on 11 October without defensive mainstay Carvalho on the backline. We examine whether The Special One, Jose Mourinho, may be in the shadows pushing the envelope given the pressures at Madrid and the long shadow he casts over the entire footballing world in his native Portugal. Wed, 21 Sep 2011 21:55:00 GMT 30:30 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP09212011.shave.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/09/21/portugal-insider/ Beyond The Pitch Anto is joined by Chicago Fire and Ghana striker Dominic Oduro who scored perhaps the biggest goal of the year for his team after it had went down to 10 men against Chivas USA chasing that final playoff spot with six games to go. The last time we checked in with Dominic Oduro, it was during the long hot summer days of Major League Soccer at midseason, but for the Chicago Fire it was a bit more than that: the team had gone through a poor start to the season and technical director Frank Klopas became interim coach, hoping to steer the team in a new direction. Since then much has changed, the Fire now find themselves in playoff mode with six matches left in the season for that last playoff slot while finding themselves on the brink of history in the United States with a one-off US Open Cup final less that two weeks away against Seattle, who are hoping to write a bit of their own history as well. But for Dominic Oduro this has been a breakout season, reaching double digits for goals in a league where they have been hard to come by at times, just a breath away from top goalscorer in MLS. Dominic Oduro now joins a group of six Fire players who have scored at least 10 goals during the MLS regular season, with three-straight game winners in the league and two more in the club’s run to the final of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, totaling 12 across all competitions this year. Anto is joined by Chicago Fire and Ghana striker Dominic Oduro who scored perhaps the biggest goal of the year for his team after it had went down to 10 men against Chivas USA chasing that final playoff spot with six games to go. The last time we ch Anto is joined by Chicago Fire and Ghana striker Dominic Oduro who scored perhaps the biggest goal of the year for his team after it had went down to 10 men against Chivas USA chasing that final playoff spot with six games to go. The last time we checked in with Dominic Oduro, it was during the long hot summer days of Major League Soccer at midseason, but for the Chicago Fire it was a bit more than that: the team had gone through a poor start to the season and technical director Frank Klopas became interim coach, hoping to steer the team in a new direction. Since then much has changed, the Fire now find themselves in playoff mode with six matches left in the season for that last playoff slot while finding themselves on the brink of history in the United States with a one-off US Open Cup final less that two weeks away against Seattle, who are hoping to write a bit of their own history as well. But for Dominic Oduro this has been a breakout season, reaching double digits for goals in a league where they have been hard to come by at times, just a breath away from top goalscorer in MLS. Dominic Oduro now joins a group of six Fire players who have scored at least 10 goals during the MLS regular season, with three-straight game winners in the league and two more in the club’s run to the final of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup, totaling 12 across all competitions this year. Tue, 20 Sep 2011 22:34:00 GMT 18:00 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP09212011.oduro.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/09/20/dominic-oduro/ Beyond The Pitch Anto is joined by Asian football correspondent John Duerden who contributes to many of the biggest sources in worldwide coverage on several key talking points including the AFC Champions League as the final eight heads to the return legs along with the emerging leaders in Asia for qualification for the 2014 World Cup. We start on the recent statements of Mohamed bin Hammam and his intension to take the confirmation of his lifetime ban to a higher court and what the impact may be on investigations of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and the inner politics of FIFA and the AFC itself. Then we examine the AFC Champions League games themselves including a wild result between Cerezo Osaka and Jeonbuk Motors which seems to set up an explosive return leg in South Korea. In the matter of World Cup qualification the storylines just write themselves as a number of high profile coaches such as Camacho, Zico, Rijkaard, Zaccheroni and Queiroz all find themselves at different points of heated matches as the competition enters a vital and critical stage in the months ahead. We close on the tumultuous arrival of Asamoah Gyan in UAE with his new club Al Ain and speculate if this high money move for the Ghanian is a sign of things to come with footballers in the prime of their careers. Then we close on the matter of a new Qatari Academy called Aspire which seems to be recruiting footballers from all of the world and seems to be enshrouded in mystery with respect to its ultimate aim as either a source for transfers or, indeed, a talent pool for its national team or both. We discuss both the real and ethical issues involved and soon discover that it may be a more cynical operation but differs very little from the approaches of the more established countries worldwide, who have enjoyed a vast advantage for years when they have nationalized foreigners in their programs. Anto is joined by Asian football correspondent John Duerden who contributes to many of the biggest sources in worldwide coverage on several key talking points including the AFC Champions League as the final eight heads to the return legs along with t Anto is joined by Asian football correspondent John Duerden who contributes to many of the biggest sources in worldwide coverage on several key talking points including the AFC Champions League as the final eight heads to the return legs along with the emerging leaders in Asia for qualification for the 2014 World Cup. We start on the recent statements of Mohamed bin Hammam and his intension to take the confirmation of his lifetime ban to a higher court and what the impact may be on investigations of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and the inner politics of FIFA and the AFC itself. Then we examine the AFC Champions League games themselves including a wild result between Cerezo Osaka and Jeonbuk Motors which seems to set up an explosive return leg in South Korea. In the matter of World Cup qualification the storylines just write themselves as a number of high profile coaches such as Camacho, Zico, Rijkaard, Zaccheroni and Queiroz all find themselves at different points of heated matches as the competition enters a vital and critical stage in the months ahead. We close on the tumultuous arrival of Asamoah Gyan in UAE with his new club Al Ain and speculate if this high money move for the Ghanian is a sign of things to come with footballers in the prime of their careers. Then we close on the matter of a new Qatari Academy called Aspire which seems to be recruiting footballers from all of the world and seems to be enshrouded in mystery with respect to its ultimate aim as either a source for transfers or, indeed, a talent pool for its national team or both. We discuss both the real and ethical issues involved and soon discover that it may be a more cynical operation but differs very little from the approaches of the more established countries worldwide, who have enjoyed a vast advantage for years when they have nationalized foreigners in their programs. Tue, 20 Sep 2011 20:34:00 GMT 38:30 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP09202011.duerden.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/09/20/asian-insider/ Beyond The Pitch Phil and Anto are joined by Kieran Canning to review the Old Firm over the weekend between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrax which was won 4-2 by the home side in the first edition of the rivalry. Kieran helps us get underneath all the key storylines that developed during the match and the developing points that bear mentioning as the SPL continues along this season. This match seriously seemed to be a case of two managers at an early checkpoint, but also several issues ahead appear to be facing Neil Lennon whose team does seem to switch off mentally in crucial contests. We examine the off the pitch issues for Lennon since he arrived at Celtic, but it does seem that the problems which have developed are more a function of young players with a young manager who simply need to find a balance in personnel and tactics going forward. This match was also an important moment for Rangers manager Ally McCoist who made two key additions at centre back in Dorin Goian and Carlos Bocanegra while being able to hold onto key stroker Nikica Jelavic who was a target of more prominent clubs from a financial sense in the big picture. Easily McCoist found his first success in his biggest test yet after failing in Champions League and Europa League qualification, but the biggest test yet appears on the horizon as an HMRC decision could alter the future for Rangers in draconian measure should the club find itself in administration along with a 10 point deduction. Kieran helps us get under all the issues of the match and the finances along with detailed analysis of one of the most heated rivalries in the world. Phil and Anto are joined by Kieran Canning to review the Old Firm over the weekend between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrax which was won 4-2 by the home side in the first edition of the rivalry. Kieran helps us get underneath all the key storylines that Phil and Anto are joined by Kieran Canning to review the Old Firm over the weekend between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrax which was won 4-2 by the home side in the first edition of the rivalry. Kieran helps us get underneath all the key storylines that developed during the match and the developing points that bear mentioning as the SPL continues along this season. This match seriously seemed to be a case of two managers at an early checkpoint, but also several issues ahead appear to be facing Neil Lennon whose team does seem to switch off mentally in crucial contests. We examine the off the pitch issues for Lennon since he arrived at Celtic, but it does seem that the problems which have developed are more a function of young players with a young manager who simply need to find a balance in personnel and tactics going forward. This match was also an important moment for Rangers manager Ally McCoist who made two key additions at centre back in Dorin Goian and Carlos Bocanegra while being able to hold onto key stroker Nikica Jelavic who was a target of more prominent clubs from a financial sense in the big picture. Easily McCoist found his first success in his biggest test yet after failing in Champions League and Europa League qualification, but the biggest test yet appears on the horizon as an HMRC decision could alter the future for Rangers in draconian measure should the club find itself in administration along with a 10 point deduction. Kieran helps us get under all the issues of the match and the finances along with detailed analysis of one of the most heated rivalries in the world. Mon, 19 Sep 2011 19:10:00 GMT 28:30 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP09192011.canning.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/09/19/scotland-insider/ Beyond The Pitch Phil and Anto are joined by Times football correspondent Oliver Kay to take stock of an important checkpoint this weekend in the Premier League, where the Sunday matches seemed to indicate very much about where each of the EPL contenders are headed into a key phase of the season as Champions League fixtures enter the equation. We start with the events of the biggest match of the weekend which saw Chelsea take on Manchester United at Old Trafford which seemed to give us something that was both unexpected and puzzling outcome, given how different the result could have been had Chelsea taken their chances. We get into the emergence of Phil Jones in his first year in Manchester, the ongoing enigma that his Fernando Torres and whether Frank Lampard will be facing a short future under Andre Villas Boas given the emergence of a new flowing style that does not seem to require his set of skills and lacking pace. We also look at the false dawn at Liverpool that seems to be emerging in the face of huge expectations and the real and present danger to Manchester City without Nigel De Jong in midfield over the last two matches against Napoli and Fulham. Even further we try to unpack the issues at Arsenal where the defending is getting no better with mentality lapses and whether Arsene Wenger could ultimately pay the final price given the trajectory of the season at this very early stage or if he is compelled to make the necessary steps to return the Gunners to real prominence. Phil and Anto are joined by Times football correspondent Oliver Kay to take stock of an important checkpoint this weekend in the Premier League, where the Sunday matches seemed to indicate very much about where each of the EPL contenders are headed i Phil and Anto are joined by Times football correspondent Oliver Kay to take stock of an important checkpoint this weekend in the Premier League, where the Sunday matches seemed to indicate very much about where each of the EPL contenders are headed into a key phase of the season as Champions League fixtures enter the equation. We start with the events of the biggest match of the weekend which saw Chelsea take on Manchester United at Old Trafford which seemed to give us something that was both unexpected and puzzling outcome, given how different the result could have been had Chelsea taken their chances. We get into the emergence of Phil Jones in his first year in Manchester, the ongoing enigma that his Fernando Torres and whether Frank Lampard will be facing a short future under Andre Villas Boas given the emergence of a new flowing style that does not seem to require his set of skills and lacking pace. We also look at the false dawn at Liverpool that seems to be emerging in the face of huge expectations and the real and present danger to Manchester City without Nigel De Jong in midfield over the last two matches against Napoli and Fulham. Even further we try to unpack the issues at Arsenal where the defending is getting no better with mentality lapses and whether Arsene Wenger could ultimately pay the final price given the trajectory of the season at this very early stage or if he is compelled to make the necessary steps to return the Gunners to real prominence. Sun, 18 Sep 2011 21:29:00 GMT 23:15 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP09182011.oli.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/09/18/oliver-kay/ Beyond The Pitch Anto is joined by international football commentator Bira Brasil of TV Globo in Brazil to cover all the major talking points regarding the Selecao and the Campeonato Brasileiro, which may now be the most competitive football league in the world. Of course, we start with Mano Menezes who cannot seem to get the best out of the players who seem to perform so extremely well in the Champions League, which is more than likely the highest level of football in the modern game. We get underneath whether Mano is making the right player choices, has enough time with the players themselves or if he is just too defensive minded from the outset. Bira helps us understand some of the behind the scenes stories regarding the refusal to call up Hulk as a center forward, past reluctance for using Real Madrid left back Marcelo and whether Pato is really best suited to be used a single forward without a target man. We also get into the expectations surrounding Neymar and Ganso and whether this is playing out on the pitch as well. Then we turn our attention to the professional game in Brasil as well, which is nothing short of a dogfight past the halfway mark as teams cannot seem to find much in the way of continuity with their results throughout this season. We discuss many of the favorites including Corinthians and Vasco de Gama who seem to find their fortunes based on very different circumstances. In closing we have a chat about the significant milestone that Rogerio Ceni reached with Sao Paulo - a feat which may never be duplicated again in world football - and the recent health problems that have struck down 1982 World Cup legend Socrates and his brave stand facing the very real prospect of a liver transplant. Anto is joined by international football commentator Bira Brasil of TV Globo in Brazil to cover all the major talking points regarding the Selecao and the Campeonato Brasileiro, which may now be the most competitive football league in the world. Of Anto is joined by international football commentator Bira Brasil of TV Globo in Brazil to cover all the major talking points regarding the Selecao and the Campeonato Brasileiro, which may now be the most competitive football league in the world. Of course, we start with Mano Menezes who cannot seem to get the best out of the players who seem to perform so extremely well in the Champions League, which is more than likely the highest level of football in the modern game. We get underneath whether Mano is making the right player choices, has enough time with the players themselves or if he is just too defensive minded from the outset. Bira helps us understand some of the behind the scenes stories regarding the refusal to call up Hulk as a center forward, past reluctance for using Real Madrid left back Marcelo and whether Pato is really best suited to be used a single forward without a target man. We also get into the expectations surrounding Neymar and Ganso and whether this is playing out on the pitch as well. Then we turn our attention to the professional game in Brasil as well, which is nothing short of a dogfight past the halfway mark as teams cannot seem to find much in the way of continuity with their results throughout this season. We discuss many of the favorites including Corinthians and Vasco de Gama who seem to find their fortunes based on very different circumstances. In closing we have a chat about the significant milestone that Rogerio Ceni reached with Sao Paulo - a feat which may never be duplicated again in world football - and the recent health problems that have struck down 1982 World Cup legend Socrates and his brave stand facing the very real prospect of a liver transplant. Sat, 17 Sep 2011 23:09:00 GMT 43:30 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP09172011.bira.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/09/17/bira-brasil/ Beyond The Pitch Phil and Anto are joined by Wimbledon and Newcastle United legend Warren Barton of Fox Soccer Channel to take a look at the results and trends through Matchday One of the Champions League. We take a look at the main players starting with Barcelona and AC Milan to determine if Guardiola will regret not going for a true center-back this summer rather than more of the same in the midfield. We also check in with the Arsenal result at Borussia Dortmund which turned out to be a positive result even though the draw came about from a wonder goal by Perisic. Most of the spoils went to the visiting sides which was a very interesting trend with the opening fixtures which speaks to the sense of mentality that the Champions League demands given the prize of the Knockout Rounds into the next calendar year. We also look at some of the surprising results including CSKA Moscow getting a result in France, Napoli taking a point from Manchester City, but nowhere else was it as shocking was the result at San Siro with Internazionale who were shocked by Trabzonspor who nicked a late goal from a former Palermo player and continue to the downward spiral for Gian Piero Gasperini in his first year. Warren gives us some insights into his days in the Champions League with Newcastle United to give us an idea of the landscape for many of the new arrivals in the Champions League including the travel, the change of mentality and hostile conditions. We close on the matter of the key checkpoint fixtures this Sunday with particular focus on Manchester United and Chelsea and two other key matchups between Tottenham and a Liverpool trying to take advantage of the dip in form of Arsenal for that fourth slot in England. We also look at the unique challenges for Mancini and Manchester City as the Tevez and Balotelli sit on the bench for a first year Champions League time heading to Craven Cottage to grind out a point against a suddenly pressurized Fulham under Martin Jol. Phil and Anto are joined by Wimbledon and Newcastle United legend Warren Barton of Fox Soccer Channel to take a look at the results and trends through Matchday One of the Champions League. We take a look at the main players starting with Barcelona an Phil and Anto are joined by Wimbledon and Newcastle United legend Warren Barton of Fox Soccer Channel to take a look at the results and trends through Matchday One of the Champions League. We take a look at the main players starting with Barcelona and AC Milan to determine if Guardiola will regret not going for a true center-back this summer rather than more of the same in the midfield. We also check in with the Arsenal result at Borussia Dortmund which turned out to be a positive result even though the draw came about from a wonder goal by Perisic. Most of the spoils went to the visiting sides which was a very interesting trend with the opening fixtures which speaks to the sense of mentality that the Champions League demands given the prize of the Knockout Rounds into the next calendar year. We also look at some of the surprising results including CSKA Moscow getting a result in France, Napoli taking a point from Manchester City, but nowhere else was it as shocking was the result at San Siro with Internazionale who were shocked by Trabzonspor who nicked a late goal from a former Palermo player and continue to the downward spiral for Gian Piero Gasperini in his first year. Warren gives us some insights into his days in the Champions League with Newcastle United to give us an idea of the landscape for many of the new arrivals in the Champions League including the travel, the change of mentality and hostile conditions. We close on the matter of the key checkpoint fixtures this Sunday with particular focus on Manchester United and Chelsea and two other key matchups between Tottenham and a Liverpool trying to take advantage of the dip in form of Arsenal for that fourth slot in England. We also look at the unique challenges for Mancini and Manchester City as the Tevez and Balotelli sit on the bench for a first year Champions League time heading to Craven Cottage to grind out a point against a suddenly pressurized Fulham under Martin Jol. Fri, 16 Sep 2011 15:00:38 GMT 29:00 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP09162011.barton.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/09/15/warren-barton/ Beyond The Pitch Anto is joined by world recognized football correspondent, editor and author Jonathan Wilson to review Issue Two of The Blizzard which was released earlier this month, featuring a next-generation marketing and content management approach as football media seems to find itself becoming more and more centralized. The Blizzard is a very big departure from the traditional channels available in the main stream in that it offers a longer form style of football coverage on a quarterly basis and provides its readership a true community experience where they can pay on an as you can option at the website across a number of formats including digital and conventional alternatives. We take the emergence of The Blizzard and the extinction of several very well recognized football publications as a firm symbol to the new global reality facing the game as the corporate era seems to take root in every aspect of the sport. We discuss tactics with national teams, how smaller teams appear to be battling the big teams less for a real opportunity to win anything but also market relevance against a stacked deck where sporting power has been doubled down by economic power from destinations afar and how our expectations have become stunted over time as romantic clubs are measured by reaching the Champions League via co-efficient rather than actually winning a title. We also get into the lapse of iconic defenders and a variety of topics in a massive football discussion featuring on the very best football journalists and thinkers in the game today. Jonathan Wilson has become regarded as one of the top thinkers and writers - having contributed to The Guardian as its Eastern European football correspondent, The Independent, FourFourTwo Magazine, The Financial Times and the Daily Telegraph, just to name a few. His work has been characterized as an examination of football as indicator, decoding the formations and tactics and sporting rituals as a manner of unlocking cultural identity. Anto is joined by world recognized football correspondent, editor and author Jonathan Wilson to review Issue Two of The Blizzard which was released earlier this month, featuring a next-generation marketing and content management approach as football Anto is joined by world recognized football correspondent, editor and author Jonathan Wilson to review Issue Two of The Blizzard which was released earlier this month, featuring a next-generation marketing and content management approach as football media seems to find itself becoming more and more centralized. The Blizzard is a very big departure from the traditional channels available in the main stream in that it offers a longer form style of football coverage on a quarterly basis and provides its readership a true community experience where they can pay on an as you can option at the website across a number of formats including digital and conventional alternatives. We take the emergence of The Blizzard and the extinction of several very well recognized football publications as a firm symbol to the new global reality facing the game as the corporate era seems to take root in every aspect of the sport. We discuss tactics with national teams, how smaller teams appear to be battling the big teams less for a real opportunity to win anything but also market relevance against a stacked deck where sporting power has been doubled down by economic power from destinations afar and how our expectations have become stunted over time as romantic clubs are measured by reaching the Champions League via co-efficient rather than actually winning a title. We also get into the lapse of iconic defenders and a variety of topics in a massive football discussion featuring on the very best football journalists and thinkers in the game today. Jonathan Wilson has become regarded as one of the top thinkers and writers - having contributed to The Guardian as its Eastern European football correspondent, The Independent, FourFourTwo Magazine, The Financial Times and the Daily Telegraph, just to name a few. His work has been characterized as an examination of football as indicator, decoding the formations and tactics and sporting rituals as a manner of unlocking cultural identity. Thu, 15 Sep 2011 19:40:00 GMT 46:30 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP09152011.wilson.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/09/15/jonathan-wilson/ Beyond The Pitch Phil and Anto are joined by another true legend and football icon Jaap Stam who has some very revealing things to say not only about his departure from Manchester United, but also setting the record straight on the remarkable events in and around the 2005 Champions League Final lost by AC Milan. These is an exclusive as Japp reveals several new details about a career that may have delivered him to the two most memorable matches in the Champions League era and even more. Just say the name Jaap Stam and it conjures up so many images of great moments and remarkable matches that stretch from Holland to England and into Italy and back home again - always having left the indelible image wherever he has played of the iconic hard-edge defender that seems to be disappearing from the game worldwide. Because Stam speaks to something far more visceral in the sport, the kind of impenetrable wall of a defensive stopper celebrated by club supporters and teammates alike but loathed and even feared by the opposition. The type of respect that is earned through a mixture of intimidation, achievement and desire. He is the winner of one Dutch title, 4 Premier League titles, 10 domestic cups, an historic treble with Manchester United in 1999 including the UEFA Champions league and an Intercontinental Cup later that year, Stam is regarded one of the best defenders of his generation. But the awards do not stop there either, named the Dutch footballer of the year in 1997, the PFA Team of the Year three straight years, and UEFA Champions League Best Defender twice, he served his country with distinction as well, capped 67 times and reaching three different semi-finals for Holland. Simply put, Jaap Stam is truly one of the enduring figures the game has known in the last 25 years, legendary Dutch international, PSV Eindhoven, Manchester United, Lazio, AC Milan and Ajax defender who speaks with us from his very first club, FC Zwolle. Phil and Anto are joined by another true legend and football icon Jaap Stam who has some very revealing things to say not only about his departure from Manchester United, but also setting the record straight on the remarkable events in and around the Phil and Anto are joined by another true legend and football icon Jaap Stam who has some very revealing things to say not only about his departure from Manchester United, but also setting the record straight on the remarkable events in and around the 2005 Champions League Final lost by AC Milan. These is an exclusive as Japp reveals several new details about a career that may have delivered him to the two most memorable matches in the Champions League era and even more. Just say the name Jaap Stam and it conjures up so many images of great moments and remarkable matches that stretch from Holland to England and into Italy and back home again - always having left the indelible image wherever he has played of the iconic hard-edge defender that seems to be disappearing from the game worldwide. Because Stam speaks to something far more visceral in the sport, the kind of impenetrable wall of a defensive stopper celebrated by club supporters and teammates alike but loathed and even feared by the opposition. The type of respect that is earned through a mixture of intimidation, achievement and desire. He is the winner of one Dutch title, 4 Premier League titles, 10 domestic cups, an historic treble with Manchester United in 1999 including the UEFA Champions league and an Intercontinental Cup later that year, Stam is regarded one of the best defenders of his generation. But the awards do not stop there either, named the Dutch footballer of the year in 1997, the PFA Team of the Year three straight years, and UEFA Champions League Best Defender twice, he served his country with distinction as well, capped 67 times and reaching three different semi-finals for Holland. Simply put, Jaap Stam is truly one of the enduring figures the game has known in the last 25 years, legendary Dutch international, PSV Eindhoven, Manchester United, Lazio, AC Milan and Ajax defender who speaks with us from his very first club, FC Zwolle. Wed, 14 Sep 2011 21:55:00 GMT 35:30 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP09142011.stam.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/09/14/jaap-stam/ Beyond The Pitch Join Anto and Vaishali Bhardwaj as they introduce the nineteenth episode of World Football Insider which takes you into the biggest stories in each of the biggest leagues in the World. We cover all the key stories in each of these leagues in the world, review the results and talk transfers, club, national team and player issues with quotes and the most important information. Premier League, Serie A, La Liga, Bundesliga, Ligue 1 along with the major Asian and football in the Americas all available in one broadcast. Let us know what you think as this will be the ongoing format for the most complete review show of its kind. Join Anto and Vaishali Bhardwaj as they introduce the nineteenth episode of World Football Insider which takes you into the biggest stories in each of the biggest leagues in the World. We cover all the key stories in each of these leagues in the worl Join Anto and Vaishali Bhardwaj as they introduce the nineteenth episode of World Football Insider which takes you into the biggest stories in each of the biggest leagues in the World. We cover all the key stories in each of these leagues in the world, review the results and talk transfers, club, national team and player issues with quotes and the most important information. Premier League, Serie A, La Liga, Bundesliga, Ligue 1 along with the major Asian and football in the Americas all available in one broadcast. Let us know what you think as this will be the ongoing format for the most complete review show of its kind. Tue, 13 Sep 2011 19:07:00 GMT 40:10 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/audio/BTP09132011.world.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/09/13/world-football-insider/ Beyond The Pitch Phil and Anto are joined by US Hall of Fame National Team player and Fox Soccer Channel studio analyst Eric Wynalda to get his initial observations of the Jurgen Klinsmann era after the first three games, which has seen the United States look more enterprising in spurts but not quite finding the right balance having lost twice and drawn against an undermanned Mexican team in a rematch of the Gold Cup final. We examine the distinct change in playing philosophy under Klinsmann and the emergence of Brek Shea along with the move to more foreign based youth players such as Timmy Chandler and reports of the US coach arriving at Hoffenheim to check in on four players in connection with the United States as perhaps an indicator on where Klinsmann sees the future of the program. Given that in the first 15 years of Major League Soccer did not have a recognized academy system of its own across the league, relying on centralized efforts and the NCAA, is this ultimately the reason why the US is seeking brighter pastures across the world? We also look into the matter of what may be the right type of tactical formation for the US National Team and how key players Donovan and Dempsey might best be used in the future along with the other pieces of the puzzle. Eric also gives us some personal insight into some of the staff that Klinsmann has assembled and what US fans might come to expect from their appointments, including Martin Vasquez, Tab Ramos and Thomas Dooley who all bring unique elements to the program. Then we close on the matter of the final stretch of Major League Soccer including some of the favorites such as the Galaxy, Seattle, FC Dallas and Real Salt Lake as well as some of the disappointments including Toronto, Vancouver along with a very big failure with New York who had spent aggressively and have only been able to register six wins all season. Phil and Anto are joined by US Hall of Fame National Team player and Fox Soccer Channel studio analyst Eric Wynalda to get his initial observations of the Jurgen Klinsmann era after the first three games, which has seen the United States look more en Phil and Anto are joined by US Hall of Fame National Team player and Fox Soccer Channel studio analyst Eric Wynalda to get his initial observations of the Jurgen Klinsmann era after the first three games, which has seen the United States look more enterprising in spurts but not quite finding the right balance having lost twice and drawn against an undermanned Mexican team in a rematch of the Gold Cup final. We examine the distinct change in playing philosophy under Klinsmann and the emergence of Brek Shea along with the move to more foreign based youth players such as Timmy Chandler and reports of the US coach arriving at Hoffenheim to check in on four players in connection with the United States as perhaps an indicator on where Klinsmann sees the future of the program. Given that in the first 15 years of Major League Soccer did not have a recognized academy system of its own across the league, relying on centralized efforts and the NCAA, is this ultimately the reason why the US is seeking brighter pastures across the world? We also look into the matter of what may be the right type of tactical formation for the US National Team and how key players Donovan and Dempsey might best be used in the future along with the other pieces of the puzzle. Eric also gives us some personal insight into some of the staff that Klinsmann has assembled and what US fans might come to expect from their appointments, including Martin Vasquez, Tab Ramos and Thomas Dooley who all bring unique elements to the program. Then we close on the matter of the final stretch of Major League Soccer including some of the favorites such as the Galaxy, Seattle, FC Dallas and Real Salt Lake as well as some of the disappointments including Toronto, Vancouver along with a very big failure with New York who had spent aggressively and have only been able to register six wins all season. Mon, 12 Sep 2011 15:50:00 GMT 32:00 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP09122011.eric.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/09/12/eric-wynalda/ Beyond The Pitch Anto is joined by Matt Law who is a football correspondent with The Express late in the evening from Manchester to take a look at many of the key talking points involving the English game heading back into the club season after an international break. We begin with the matter of Manchester City now that Garry Cook has resigned due to a last indiscretion too many over an poorly framed email and his explanation for it, along with a first look who may assume his very important role as CEO for the club, in effect. We also examine Manchester City in light of Financial Fair Play to determine if some of the comments by Roberto Mancini do in fact reveal a serious undercurrent of worry that the club is potentially facing further scrutiny by UEFA. We also consider whether both Manchester clubs, based on their early ability to score goals over the first three matches, is a function of true skill or the possibility that some of the established clubs have lost the capacity to defend responsibly and professionally during these recent blow out results, particularly for Arsenal and Tottenham. We also look deeper at the transfer window for Arsenal to examine whether the result and actions during the campaign may be bigger than just Arsene Wenger and do actually reflect an organizational problem given how the business of transfers work between clubs and whether those in charge have failed Wenger in building the required relationships. We close on the matter of two big matches this weekend - Tottenham visiting Wolves and Stoke City hosting Liverpool - as key indicators on two clubs who would normally see themselves as contesting for a top four slot. As a bonus we also look at the matter of Fabio Capello with England to consider whether the freedom of knowing that an expiring contract has liberated the Italian in an odd way as he continues to speak more candidly and confidently about player and performance issues. We also consider if the eventual arrival of a healthy Steven Gerrard with the national team might just be the story to watch as Capello aims for the Euros this summer. Anto is joined by Matt Law who is a football correspondent with The Express late in the evening from Manchester to take a look at many of the key talking points involving the English game heading back into the club season after an international brea Anto is joined by Matt Law who is a football correspondent with The Express late in the evening from Manchester to take a look at many of the key talking points involving the English game heading back into the club season after an international break. We begin with the matter of Manchester City now that Garry Cook has resigned due to a last indiscretion too many over an poorly framed email and his explanation for it, along with a first look who may assume his very important role as CEO for the club, in effect. We also examine Manchester City in light of Financial Fair Play to determine if some of the comments by Roberto Mancini do in fact reveal a serious undercurrent of worry that the club is potentially facing further scrutiny by UEFA. We also consider whether both Manchester clubs, based on their early ability to score goals over the first three matches, is a function of true skill or the possibility that some of the established clubs have lost the capacity to defend responsibly and professionally during these recent blow out results, particularly for Arsenal and Tottenham. We also look deeper at the transfer window for Arsenal to examine whether the result and actions during the campaign may be bigger than just Arsene Wenger and do actually reflect an organizational problem given how the business of transfers work between clubs and whether those in charge have failed Wenger in building the required relationships. We close on the matter of two big matches this weekend - Tottenham visiting Wolves and Stoke City hosting Liverpool - as key indicators on two clubs who would normally see themselves as contesting for a top four slot. As a bonus we also look at the matter of Fabio Capello with England to consider whether the freedom of knowing that an expiring contract has liberated the Italian in an odd way as he continues to speak more candidly and confidently about player and performance issues. We also consider if the eventual arrival of a healthy Steven Gerrard with the national team might just be the story to watch as Capello aims for the Euros this summer. Fri, 09 Sep 2011 23:40:00 GMT 33:30 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP09092011.law.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/09/09/matt-law/ Beyond The Pitch Anto is joined by Paolo Bandini of The Guardian to have a look at the new Serie A season for some of the key talking points leading into a very interesting season in Italy. We start on the emergence of a new stadium and a new era at Juventus delivering one of the true storied football clubs into the new global realities involving marketing itself in a battle for true relevance. We examine the landscape of what this arrival means to the game in Serie A and whether other clubs will finally seek this model now that the mold has been broken where one of the biggest clubs now owns its own stadium. We also look into the matter of AS Roma to evaluate all the issues surrounding the Luis Enrique arrival in concert with the cultural and identity issues which seem to descend upon the very large shadow cast by the club captain, Francesco Totti, who is more than just a legendary footballer, but a symbol to Roma itself. Then we turn our attention to almost all of the key players - Milan, Inter and Napoli - from the new acquisitions to the expectations and obsessions of their very different and iconic owners who seem to add a layer of color to the league not found in virtually any other country. Can Milan repeat as champion or will they get distracted by the Champions League, is Inter set to crumble under the weight of its age and apparent move to transition from its last great success with Mourinho and can Napoli now battle on two fronts as it finds itself in the bright lights of European football with what seems to be a reinforced but thin squad. We close on the matter of the Azzurri which has qualified for Euro 2012 but consider whether the group stage competition seemed to flatter the Italians given that its national team has yet to qualify for a major competition with two games to spare. Anto is joined by Paolo Bandini of The Guardian to have a look at the new Serie A season for some of the key talking points leading into a very interesting season in Italy. We start on the emergence of a new stadium and a new era at Juventus deliveri Anto is joined by Paolo Bandini of The Guardian to have a look at the new Serie A season for some of the key talking points leading into a very interesting season in Italy. We start on the emergence of a new stadium and a new era at Juventus delivering one of the true storied football clubs into the new global realities involving marketing itself in a battle for true relevance. We examine the landscape of what this arrival means to the game in Serie A and whether other clubs will finally seek this model now that the mold has been broken where one of the biggest clubs now owns its own stadium. We also look into the matter of AS Roma to evaluate all the issues surrounding the Luis Enrique arrival in concert with the cultural and identity issues which seem to descend upon the very large shadow cast by the club captain, Francesco Totti, who is more than just a legendary footballer, but a symbol to Roma itself. Then we turn our attention to almost all of the key players - Milan, Inter and Napoli - from the new acquisitions to the expectations and obsessions of their very different and iconic owners who seem to add a layer of color to the league not found in virtually any other country. Can Milan repeat as champion or will they get distracted by the Champions League, is Inter set to crumble under the weight of its age and apparent move to transition from its last great success with Mourinho and can Napoli now battle on two fronts as it finds itself in the bright lights of European football with what seems to be a reinforced but thin squad. We close on the matter of the Azzurri which has qualified for Euro 2012 but consider whether the group stage competition seemed to flatter the Italians given that its national team has yet to qualify for a major competition with two games to spare. Thu, 08 Sep 2011 23:40:00 GMT 35:00 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP09082011.paolo.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/09/08/paolo-bandini/ Beyond The Pitch Anto is joined by Sports Illustrated football journalist Grant Wahl to take a deeper look at the US National Team after the first handful of games under Jurgen Klinsmann to examine some emerging talking points which includes the use of Jose Torres in the center of the midfield, the number of experiments currently being evaluated in the early going. It appears that Klinsmann is making the move from the established lineups used by Bob Bradley to a more enterprising and technical blend of players who seem to be designed to add a measure of cover for some of the forecasted weaknesses in the collective - most notably - the center of the defensive line where both the current players and future prospects seem to be rather thin when evaluating them on paper. We also get into matter of Landon Donovan who hasn't turned in the best performance with the US team over the last calendar year and measure whether there is a move to Clint Dempsey as more of a recognized leader on this team. We also evaluate the wingbacks who seem to have found some measure of quality in numbers if not an entirely full answer to demonstrated problems at left back. We also get into the matter of the strikers where the scoring opportunities have been as few as the quality of the passing in the final third. On the good side, we also discuss the matter of Brek Shea and how he seems to have not only emerged for the US on the left wing, but also has turned in a stunning year with his club team FC Dallas after losing reigning MVP David Ferreira for almost the entire season thus far. We also have a quick chat on the Robbie Keane transfer to Los Angeles as perhaps a downpayment in advance of extending David Beckham on a new contract. Suddenly what looked like a walk to MLS Cup for the Galaxy suddenly looks under threat as Javi Morales of Real Salt Lake and the aforementioned Ferreira have begun their conditioning work with two of serious Western powers in Major League Soccer. In the end we return to the matter of the Klinsmann influence throughout the US Soccer program as a number of key appointments are in the days ahead. Anto is joined by Sports Illustrated football journalist Grant Wahl to take a deeper look at the US National Team after the first handful of games under Jurgen Klinsmann to examine some emerging talking points which includes the use of Jose Torres in Anto is joined by Sports Illustrated football journalist Grant Wahl to take a deeper look at the US National Team after the first handful of games under Jurgen Klinsmann to examine some emerging talking points which includes the use of Jose Torres in the center of the midfield, the number of experiments currently being evaluated in the early going. It appears that Klinsmann is making the move from the established lineups used by Bob Bradley to a more enterprising and technical blend of players who seem to be designed to add a measure of cover for some of the forecasted weaknesses in the collective - most notably - the center of the defensive line where both the current players and future prospects seem to be rather thin when evaluating them on paper. We also get into matter of Landon Donovan who hasn't turned in the best performance with the US team over the last calendar year and measure whether there is a move to Clint Dempsey as more of a recognized leader on this team. We also evaluate the wingbacks who seem to have found some measure of quality in numbers if not an entirely full answer to demonstrated problems at left back. We also get into the matter of the strikers where the scoring opportunities have been as few as the quality of the passing in the final third. On the good side, we also discuss the matter of Brek Shea and how he seems to have not only emerged for the US on the left wing, but also has turned in a stunning year with his club team FC Dallas after losing reigning MVP David Ferreira for almost the entire season thus far. We also have a quick chat on the Robbie Keane transfer to Los Angeles as perhaps a downpayment in advance of extending David Beckham on a new contract. Suddenly what looked like a walk to MLS Cup for the Galaxy suddenly looks under threat as Javi Morales of Real Salt Lake and the aforementioned Ferreira have begun their conditioning work with two of serious Western powers in Major League Soccer. In the end we return to the matter of the Klinsmann influence throughout the US Soccer program as a number of key appointments are in the days ahead. Wed, 07 Sep 2011 16:55:00 GMT 37:00 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP09072011.wahl.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/09/07/grant-wahl/ Beyond The Pitch Join Anto and Vaishali Bhardwaj as they introduce the eighteenth episode of World Football Insider which takes you into the biggest stories in each of the biggest leagues in the World. We cover all the key stories in each of these leagues in the world, review the results and talk transfers, club, national team and player issues with quotes and the most important information. Premier League, Serie A, La Liga, Bundesliga, Ligue 1 along with the major Asian and football in the Americas all available in one broadcast. Let us know what you think as this will be the ongoing format for the most complete review show of its kind. Join Anto and Vaishali Bhardwaj as they introduce the eighteenth episode of World Football Insider which takes you into the biggest stories in each of the biggest leagues in the World. We cover all the key stories in each of these leagues in the worl Join Anto and Vaishali Bhardwaj as they introduce the eighteenth episode of World Football Insider which takes you into the biggest stories in each of the biggest leagues in the World. We cover all the key stories in each of these leagues in the world, review the results and talk transfers, club, national team and player issues with quotes and the most important information. Premier League, Serie A, La Liga, Bundesliga, Ligue 1 along with the major Asian and football in the Americas all available in one broadcast. Let us know what you think as this will be the ongoing format for the most complete review show of its kind. Tue, 06 Sep 2011 22:34:00 GMT 46:15 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/audio/BTP09062011.world.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/09/06/world-football-insider/ Beyond The Pitch Phil and Anto are joined by Times football correspondent Oliver Kay to have a discussion about all the key talking points involving English football including the ongoing fallout from the transfer window, Premier League and the England national team. We start on the issue of Arsene Wenger who has in many way defied his trademark approach in the transfer window by being forced through injuries and suspensions to make several last day purchases which is so uncharacteristic of the Frenchman during his tenure at the Emirates. We take a look back at how this youth strategy was born - partly due to necessity with the arrival of Abramovich at Chelsea but also with the new stadium reality which may have set Arsenal on a course with a 10 to 20 year plan that may just need breaking now that so many talented players have moved on in the prime of their careers. We also get into the matter of Manchester City being the best placed team in terms of personnel on paper at the time and return once again to the issue of why Sir Alex Ferguson continues to overlook the issues in the midfield as the club seems to not have closed the gap to any degree with Barcelona since the Champions League final in May. We also get into the issues of Gary Cahill not being sold in this window partly due to suspicions that Bolton or the player may have some clause in a contract holding Cahill in place for the time being, if not longer. We also get into the matter of Garry Cook at Manchester City and the email which seems to have landed him in a bit of hot water due to its nature and we evaluate how Abu Dhabi views Cook to get an idea if he will survive this gaff if found to have sent the email. Then we turn our attention to Chelsea where the acquisitions still do not seem to have a focus about them, including Lukaku and Oriol who will be starved for playing time and do risk their careers being stunted without playing time in the near term. And lastly, we close on the matter of the England national team victory over Bulgaria to establish the bright spots and areas of need going forward as well as a moment to reflect on the racial abuse directed at Ashley Young to determine what can actually be done by football governance to eradicate racism in all forms from football. Phil and Anto are joined by Times football correspondent Oliver Kay to have a discussion about all the key talking points involving English football including the ongoing fallout from the transfer window, Premier League and the England national team. Phil and Anto are joined by Times football correspondent Oliver Kay to have a discussion about all the key talking points involving English football including the ongoing fallout from the transfer window, Premier League and the England national team. We start on the issue of Arsene Wenger who has in many way defied his trademark approach in the transfer window by being forced through injuries and suspensions to make several last day purchases which is so uncharacteristic of the Frenchman during his tenure at the Emirates. We take a look back at how this youth strategy was born - partly due to necessity with the arrival of Abramovich at Chelsea but also with the new stadium reality which may have set Arsenal on a course with a 10 to 20 year plan that may just need breaking now that so many talented players have moved on in the prime of their careers. We also get into the matter of Manchester City being the best placed team in terms of personnel on paper at the time and return once again to the issue of why Sir Alex Ferguson continues to overlook the issues in the midfield as the club seems to not have closed the gap to any degree with Barcelona since the Champions League final in May. We also get into the issues of Gary Cahill not being sold in this window partly due to suspicions that Bolton or the player may have some clause in a contract holding Cahill in place for the time being, if not longer. We also get into the matter of Garry Cook at Manchester City and the email which seems to have landed him in a bit of hot water due to its nature and we evaluate how Abu Dhabi views Cook to get an idea if he will survive this gaff if found to have sent the email. Then we turn our attention to Chelsea where the acquisitions still do not seem to have a focus about them, including Lukaku and Oriol who will be starved for playing time and do risk their careers being stunted without playing time in the near term. And lastly, we close on the matter of the England national team victory over Bulgaria to establish the bright spots and areas of need going forward as well as a moment to reflect on the racial abuse directed at Ashley Young to determine what can actually be done by football governance to eradicate racism in all forms from football. Tue, 06 Sep 2011 07:07:00 GMT 30:00 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP09052011.oli.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/09/06/oliver-kay/ Beyond The Pitch Phil and Anto are joined by Shaun Custis of The Sun from Sofia, Bulgaria to talk about the changing of the guard with the England national team with a new collection of young players and how this may impact Fabio Capello in the lead up to Euro 2012, the Italian manager seemingly becoming more and more detached from the proceedings as the matches proceed. Then we turn to the matter of Premier League transfers with even more attention spent on the last day dealings of Arsenal to examine whether a long standing belief system with respect to the way Arsene Wenger has approached this part of the business has been forever punctured given the perception of panic that seemed to develop in the wake of that 8-2 destruction at the hands of Manchester United. We examine these transactions - particularly Mikel Arteta and Per Mertesacker as symbols to where the ambitions do actually lie for the club. Then we turn our attention to Newcastle United and to Sunderland who both were somewhat active in the window for very different reasons to measure what is happening there behind the scenes - particularly with Mike Ashley who continues to agitate Newcastle fans and then to Steve Bruce who clearly was trying to move Asamoah Gyan and obtain Peter Crouch but was forced - perhaps to his fortune - to take Nicklas Bendtner on loan from Arsenal. The Denmark international clearly has some quality and looks to have a point to prove now that he has left Arsenal. Then we turn our attention to the parallel universe of expectations between Everton and Stoke City. In the case of Everton the club is starting to take on the look and feel of Charlton Athletic in the days of Alan Curbishley where the Toffees seem a club one departure of David Moyes from certain demise given the need of investment while Stoke City seem to have made yet another step up in quality with arrivals of Peter Crouch and Wilson Palacios to go along with another Tottenham signing in David Woodgate. Clearly these are clubs moving in very different directions and seem to defy English football history in terms of widely held perceptions. Phil and Anto are joined by Shaun Custis of The Sun from Sofia, Bulgaria to talk about the changing of the guard with the England national team with a new collection of young players and how this may impact Fabio Capello in the lead up to Euro 2012, Phil and Anto are joined by Shaun Custis of The Sun from Sofia, Bulgaria to talk about the changing of the guard with the England national team with a new collection of young players and how this may impact Fabio Capello in the lead up to Euro 2012, the Italian manager seemingly becoming more and more detached from the proceedings as the matches proceed. Then we turn to the matter of Premier League transfers with even more attention spent on the last day dealings of Arsenal to examine whether a long standing belief system with respect to the way Arsene Wenger has approached this part of the business has been forever punctured given the perception of panic that seemed to develop in the wake of that 8-2 destruction at the hands of Manchester United. We examine these transactions - particularly Mikel Arteta and Per Mertesacker as symbols to where the ambitions do actually lie for the club. Then we turn our attention to Newcastle United and to Sunderland who both were somewhat active in the window for very different reasons to measure what is happening there behind the scenes - particularly with Mike Ashley who continues to agitate Newcastle fans and then to Steve Bruce who clearly was trying to move Asamoah Gyan and obtain Peter Crouch but was forced - perhaps to his fortune - to take Nicklas Bendtner on loan from Arsenal. The Denmark international clearly has some quality and looks to have a point to prove now that he has left Arsenal. Then we turn our attention to the parallel universe of expectations between Everton and Stoke City. In the case of Everton the club is starting to take on the look and feel of Charlton Athletic in the days of Alan Curbishley where the Toffees seem a club one departure of David Moyes from certain demise given the need of investment while Stoke City seem to have made yet another step up in quality with arrivals of Peter Crouch and Wilson Palacios to go along with another Tottenham signing in David Woodgate. Clearly these are clubs moving in very different directions and seem to defy English football history in terms of widely held perceptions. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 14:09:00 GMT 19:00 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP09032011.custis.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/09/03/shaun-custis/ Beyond The Pitch Phil and Anto are joined by Arsenal legend and Sky Sports commentator Paul Merson to have a chat about the England-Bulgaria match in advance of all the new changes to the squad and figures that any positive away result is all the England needs to move ahead. Then we turn our attention to the issues that have evolved from the recently closed transfer window to see who are the favorites going forward. We pay particular attention to the issues at Arsenal to determine what is really going on behind the scenes and if this has been a slow progression as Chelsea and Manchester City have gone about the business of raising the price of success in the Premier League and how Manchester City has gone on cannibalizing the Gunners over the years with one important caveat - Arsene Wenger used to be known for moving places at the right time when players had played their best football for Arsenal, but now these players are leaving in their prime. Paul gives us some insight into the failures not only behind the scenes leaving all of their transfer business too late, but also the tactical mistakes made in the United game. We also examine two key last minute deals for Raul Meireles and Craig Bellamy to determine if these were just as important as the Mikel Arteta deal given that Chelsea and Liverpool needed additional depth going foward. We also look at Manchester United to see if they have actually closed the gap with Barcelona with an injection of youth and if Manchester City is a team capable of competing for four trophies this season. Then we turn to the matter of the 40 million offer for Luka Modric and whether Tottenham should have sold him to Chelsea. We close on the matter of the newly promoted teams to determine if Queens Park Rangers are the one team with their moves late in the transfer window which could survive its first year in the top flight. We also take one last look at Chelsea to see if they indeed have begun to make their transition with several key moves or if problems in the back have suddenly been revealed. Phil and Anto are joined by Arsenal legend and Sky Sports commentator Paul Merson to have a chat about the England-Bulgaria match in advance of all the new changes to the squad and figures that any positive away result is all the England needs to mov Phil and Anto are joined by Arsenal legend and Sky Sports commentator Paul Merson to have a chat about the England-Bulgaria match in advance of all the new changes to the squad and figures that any positive away result is all the England needs to move ahead. Then we turn our attention to the issues that have evolved from the recently closed transfer window to see who are the favorites going forward. We pay particular attention to the issues at Arsenal to determine what is really going on behind the scenes and if this has been a slow progression as Chelsea and Manchester City have gone about the business of raising the price of success in the Premier League and how Manchester City has gone on cannibalizing the Gunners over the years with one important caveat - Arsene Wenger used to be known for moving places at the right time when players had played their best football for Arsenal, but now these players are leaving in their prime. Paul gives us some insight into the failures not only behind the scenes leaving all of their transfer business too late, but also the tactical mistakes made in the United game. We also examine two key last minute deals for Raul Meireles and Craig Bellamy to determine if these were just as important as the Mikel Arteta deal given that Chelsea and Liverpool needed additional depth going foward. We also look at Manchester United to see if they have actually closed the gap with Barcelona with an injection of youth and if Manchester City is a team capable of competing for four trophies this season. Then we turn to the matter of the 40 million offer for Luka Modric and whether Tottenham should have sold him to Chelsea. We close on the matter of the newly promoted teams to determine if Queens Park Rangers are the one team with their moves late in the transfer window which could survive its first year in the top flight. We also take one last look at Chelsea to see if they indeed have begun to make their transition with several key moves or if problems in the back have suddenly been revealed. Fri, 02 Sep 2011 18:00:38 GMT 22:00 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP09022011.merson.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/09/02/paul-merson/ Beyond The Pitch Anto is joined by Guardian football writer and author David Conn to have a deeper look at football finances, how UEFA Financial Fair Play regulations and the effects of globalization seemed poised to toss the game into further chaos given the spending that does not seem to slow down. His column at The Guardian is among the must-read variety these days as the historic and present commercial realities have become every bit of the footballing lexicon as formations, league tables and set pieces. David Conn is more than a sports journalist, whose investigative journey into the game, just as the Sky TV millions began pouring into the Premier League - to its chairmen, and to its players and agents who had become terrifyingly rich - reporting on the parks pitches of his youth deteriorating into a condition worse than once imagined and lamenting the missed opportunities that football overlooked as this financial maelstrom took hold. And thus began his trademark exploration of the game and its relationship with money as his way of understanding football as both a global business and a cultural force that he covers with almost forensic precision. To that end he has written two books on this subject - The Football Business: Fair Game in the 90s? released in 1998 and The Beautiful Game? - Searching the Soul of Football in 2005 - both of which chronicle how a hugely popular yet poorly run sport was transformed into a multi-billion cash machine which has resulted in a system of inequality where the bottom club in the Premier League has received more than the 72 Football League clubs put together. David is always a must listen and in this edition we explore the emerging world of a Manchester United IPO in the Far East, how the arrival of Roman Abramovich in the Premier League may in part explain the erosion of Arsenal as an English power and a new European trend of smart operators who seem to be buying lower division historic clubs for the purpose of elevating them to the top flight with minimal investment only to cash in with owners who have no attachment to the culture in which these clubs reside. Anto is joined by Guardian football writer and author David Conn to have a deeper look at football finances, how UEFA Financial Fair Play regulations and the effects of globalization seemed poised to toss the game into further chaos given the spendin Anto is joined by Guardian football writer and author David Conn to have a deeper look at football finances, how UEFA Financial Fair Play regulations and the effects of globalization seemed poised to toss the game into further chaos given the spending that does not seem to slow down. His column at The Guardian is among the must-read variety these days as the historic and present commercial realities have become every bit of the footballing lexicon as formations, league tables and set pieces. David Conn is more than a sports journalist, whose investigative journey into the game, just as the Sky TV millions began pouring into the Premier League - to its chairmen, and to its players and agents who had become terrifyingly rich - reporting on the parks pitches of his youth deteriorating into a condition worse than once imagined and lamenting the missed opportunities that football overlooked as this financial maelstrom took hold. And thus began his trademark exploration of the game and its relationship with money as his way of understanding football as both a global business and a cultural force that he covers with almost forensic precision. To that end he has written two books on this subject - The Football Business: Fair Game in the 90s? released in 1998 and The Beautiful Game? - Searching the Soul of Football in 2005 - both of which chronicle how a hugely popular yet poorly run sport was transformed into a multi-billion cash machine which has resulted in a system of inequality where the bottom club in the Premier League has received more than the 72 Football League clubs put together. David is always a must listen and in this edition we explore the emerging world of a Manchester United IPO in the Far East, how the arrival of Roman Abramovich in the Premier League may in part explain the erosion of Arsenal as an English power and a new European trend of smart operators who seem to be buying lower division historic clubs for the purpose of elevating them to the top flight with minimal investment only to cash in with owners who have no attachment to the culture in which these clubs reside. Tue, 30 Aug 2011 19:05:00 GMT 30:00 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP08302011.conn.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/08/30/david-conn/ Beyond The Pitch Phil and Anto are joined by Guardian Spanish football journalist and commentator Sid Lowe to have a discussion about the major talking points entering the new La Liga season right after the opening match from Camp Nou with Villarreal. The issues are fast and furious as we start with the matter of Real Madrid to gauge whether they truly have narrowed the gap with Barcelona and if Karim Benzema is an area of weakness in the Real Madrid attack and if Gonzalo Higuain is a better option. Then the matter moves to Barcelona and Pep Guardiola as the team seemed to approach its opener with an almost experimental side that can now play without any sense of defenders or true strikers, seeking instead to match 10 outfield players of a similar skill base. We look at Barcelona in a historical context in terms of mentality of truly great generational sides like Ajax and Milan and Bayern Munich to gauge the extreme level of preparation that is required to make this system and its players work almost so effortlessly in the new age. How Barcelona seems to approach the football pitch in stark contrast to other thought processes in conventional football. Then we turn our attention to the situation at Atletico Madrid were a vast amount of changes have happened including a surprising arrival of Falcao along with a number of other fascinating signings such as Arda Turan to determine if they have rebounded in advance of a Diego Forlan move to Internazionale for greener pastures. We also examine the situation at Malaga where the start has not been very good with a few key weaknesses exposed ruthlessly by Sevilla over the weekend. The end piece the discussion turns to the state of La Liga and the state of the Spanish game itself that will open some eyes given the record number of club administrations, a vast separation of wealth between the big two clubs and the other 18 clubs who seem to find themselves marginalized on both an economic and sporting landscape. Phil and Anto are joined by Guardian Spanish football journalist and commentator Sid Lowe to have a discussion about the major talking points entering the new La Liga season right after the opening match from Camp Nou with Villarreal. The issues are Phil and Anto are joined by Guardian Spanish football journalist and commentator Sid Lowe to have a discussion about the major talking points entering the new La Liga season right after the opening match from Camp Nou with Villarreal. The issues are fast and furious as we start with the matter of Real Madrid to gauge whether they truly have narrowed the gap with Barcelona and if Karim Benzema is an area of weakness in the Real Madrid attack and if Gonzalo Higuain is a better option. Then the matter moves to Barcelona and Pep Guardiola as the team seemed to approach its opener with an almost experimental side that can now play without any sense of defenders or true strikers, seeking instead to match 10 outfield players of a similar skill base. We look at Barcelona in a historical context in terms of mentality of truly great generational sides like Ajax and Milan and Bayern Munich to gauge the extreme level of preparation that is required to make this system and its players work almost so effortlessly in the new age. How Barcelona seems to approach the football pitch in stark contrast to other thought processes in conventional football. Then we turn our attention to the situation at Atletico Madrid were a vast amount of changes have happened including a surprising arrival of Falcao along with a number of other fascinating signings such as Arda Turan to determine if they have rebounded in advance of a Diego Forlan move to Internazionale for greener pastures. We also examine the situation at Malaga where the start has not been very good with a few key weaknesses exposed ruthlessly by Sevilla over the weekend. The end piece the discussion turns to the state of La Liga and the state of the Spanish game itself that will open some eyes given the record number of club administrations, a vast separation of wealth between the big two clubs and the other 18 clubs who seem to find themselves marginalized on both an economic and sporting landscape. Mon, 29 Aug 2011 20:13:00 GMT 36:30 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP08292011.lowe.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/08/29/sid-lowe/ Beyond The Pitch Phil and Anto are joined by world recognized football journalist Gabriele Marcotti to discuss all of the big topics involving Italian football in the coming year. We start with the Champions League draw for AC Milan, Internazionale and Napoli, in particular, to determine if these clubs are well positioned to get through their respective groups. We also take a look at the situation early on for AS Roma who were knocked out of the Europa League already and if the club has made just too many changes in the new year with a new owner and coach or if the club had no other choice but to turn on the page and look ahead. We spend particular time on Napoli as well to examine the squad to see if they can battle on two fronts given the additions made in the off season. We try to examine the issue of Italian clubs in Europe in recent years - outside of the Internazionale success under Jose Mourinho - to see if the issue is one of talent or actually one of mentality and competition at the highest level week in and week out in the domestic leagues. This also transitions to the recent success of the Azzurri over Spain in Bari and whether it suggests that Italy has the power and players to compete at the highest levels of Europe or whether its very top players are getting the right exposure at the highest rungs of the Champions League where mentality, technique and competition are at their highest levels. We also look at newcomers Atalanta with its severe point reduction and Novara who will certainly be the darling of the year like AC Cesena was a year ago. In the end we do take a look at the defending champion AC Milan to gauge what their focus will be in the coming year knowing how obsessed Silvio Berlusconi can be with European silverware and if the other clubs in position can challenge them in year two under Max Allegri. We also look at the constant level of change at Juventus, the summer of conflicting moves by Lotito at Lazio and if Gasperini has a shot given the newfound austerity at Inter. In closing we look into the strike that halted the Serie A season at least one week to determine if the stoppage will be long and what issues are at stake. Phil and Anto are joined by world recognized football journalist Gabriele Marcotti to discuss all of the big topics involving Italian football in the coming year. We start with the Champions League draw for AC Milan, Internazionale and Napoli, in pa Phil and Anto are joined by world recognized football journalist Gabriele Marcotti to discuss all of the big topics involving Italian football in the coming year. We start with the Champions League draw for AC Milan, Internazionale and Napoli, in particular, to determine if these clubs are well positioned to get through their respective groups. We also take a look at the situation early on for AS Roma who were knocked out of the Europa League already and if the club has made just too many changes in the new year with a new owner and coach or if the club had no other choice but to turn on the page and look ahead. We spend particular time on Napoli as well to examine the squad to see if they can battle on two fronts given the additions made in the off season. We try to examine the issue of Italian clubs in Europe in recent years - outside of the Internazionale success under Jose Mourinho - to see if the issue is one of talent or actually one of mentality and competition at the highest level week in and week out in the domestic leagues. This also transitions to the recent success of the Azzurri over Spain in Bari and whether it suggests that Italy has the power and players to compete at the highest levels of Europe or whether its very top players are getting the right exposure at the highest rungs of the Champions League where mentality, technique and competition are at their highest levels. We also look at newcomers Atalanta with its severe point reduction and Novara who will certainly be the darling of the year like AC Cesena was a year ago. In the end we do take a look at the defending champion AC Milan to gauge what their focus will be in the coming year knowing how obsessed Silvio Berlusconi can be with European silverware and if the other clubs in position can challenge them in year two under Max Allegri. We also look at the constant level of change at Juventus, the summer of conflicting moves by Lotito at Lazio and if Gasperini has a shot given the newfound austerity at Inter. In closing we look into the strike that halted the Serie A season at least one week to determine if the stoppage will be long and what issues are at stake. Sat, 27 Aug 2011 22:02:00 GMT 33:00 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP08272011.marcotti.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/08/27/gabriele-marcotti/ Beyond The Pitch Phil and Anto are joined by Kay Murray of Real Madrid TV to give us a review of the preseason for Los Blancos as well as where things reside in the lead into the second season under Jose Mourinho. The squad and the supporters are firmly behind The Special One is his second season - which historically has been when his teams have finally been best placed to break out for silverware - along with a breakdown of many of the new arrivals at the club this season including Coentrao, Varane, Sahin and what seems to be a revitalized Karim Benzema who seems even more fit and prepared than he was just a year ago. We also get into many of the key roles being filled by players like Xabi Alonso as a senior player amongst what is one of the youngest teams at the highest rung of the elite clubs in Europe. Kay gives us the view from inside the club on the recent Champions League draw that has delivered Ajax, Lyon and Dinamo Zagreb, which starts for Real Madrid on 14 September as well as some behind the scenes observations on Cristiano Ronaldo, Jose Mourinho, the new players and even recently departed Jerzy Dudek who moved on this past season. Kay also gives us a preview on the new goalkeepers who will fall in behind Iker Casillas and how Mourinho seems to have structured the squad and organization for a long term plan as many of the key pieces are considered young players in comparison to past Madrid teams. We close on the matter of the versatility that Madrid now has in the squad, even though it seems the team will be smaller, so that Mourinho constantly has two quality players for every position who will compete for starting roles. Everything Madrid, a wonderful preseason review of one the biggest names in world football with Kay Murray, our truly favorite Madridista! Phil and Anto are joined by Kay Murray of Real Madrid TV to give us a review of the preseason for Los Blancos as well as where things reside in the lead into the second season under Jose Mourinho. The squad and the supporters are firmly behind The S Phil and Anto are joined by Kay Murray of Real Madrid TV to give us a review of the preseason for Los Blancos as well as where things reside in the lead into the second season under Jose Mourinho. The squad and the supporters are firmly behind The Special One is his second season - which historically has been when his teams have finally been best placed to break out for silverware - along with a breakdown of many of the new arrivals at the club this season including Coentrao, Varane, Sahin and what seems to be a revitalized Karim Benzema who seems even more fit and prepared than he was just a year ago. We also get into many of the key roles being filled by players like Xabi Alonso as a senior player amongst what is one of the youngest teams at the highest rung of the elite clubs in Europe. Kay gives us the view from inside the club on the recent Champions League draw that has delivered Ajax, Lyon and Dinamo Zagreb, which starts for Real Madrid on 14 September as well as some behind the scenes observations on Cristiano Ronaldo, Jose Mourinho, the new players and even recently departed Jerzy Dudek who moved on this past season. Kay also gives us a preview on the new goalkeepers who will fall in behind Iker Casillas and how Mourinho seems to have structured the squad and organization for a long term plan as many of the key pieces are considered young players in comparison to past Madrid teams. We close on the matter of the versatility that Madrid now has in the squad, even though it seems the team will be smaller, so that Mourinho constantly has two quality players for every position who will compete for starting roles. Everything Madrid, a wonderful preseason review of one the biggest names in world football with Kay Murray, our truly favorite Madridista! Fri, 26 Aug 2011 11:30:00 GMT 28:30 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP08272011.murray.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/08/26/kay-murray/ Beyond The Pitch Anto is joined by Bobby McMahon of Fox Soccer Report and Soccer Report Extra to have a look at the Champions League draw to break down some of the key matchups, the top groups, the ones that are up for a grabs and the clubs who would be happiest over their selected competitors. We spend particular time in analyzing some of the first time introductions into this level of European competition like Manchester City, Borussia Dortmund and Napoli to get a feel if supporters can use domestic performance as a true leading indicator to continental success. The same goes for clubs who have pedigree in Europe like Marseille and Internazionale who may struggle in their domestic competitions, but may just have enough savvy to see themselves through to the knockout rounds. Some of the clubs such as Lille and CSKA Moscow might just not be the same today as they are when the transfer window closes and one must also wonder if Arsenal makes the required moves to give the Gunners real hope in Europe as well. Then we look at Barcelona, Manchester United and AC Milan as finding themselves great draws given that each of their respective groups have two minnows which might just be banana skins but should find themselves rather untested except for two matches in the group stage. Then we turn our attention to the favorites in the Premier League to gauge what seems to be a rather revealing transfer window and whether these changes can help these clubs be successful in the coming year. Particular emphasis here is paid to Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool. In the end we take a stroll into history to give us an indication of the battle raging between Real Madrid and Barcelona and if other historical rivals pushing Barcelona might just serve them in the face of a serious Real Madrid challenge and whether one or both of these legendary clubs might have to pick their poison for trophies. Anto is joined by Bobby McMahon of Fox Soccer Report and Soccer Report Extra to have a look at the Champions League draw to break down some of the key matchups, the top groups, the ones that are up for a grabs and the clubs who would be happiest over Anto is joined by Bobby McMahon of Fox Soccer Report and Soccer Report Extra to have a look at the Champions League draw to break down some of the key matchups, the top groups, the ones that are up for a grabs and the clubs who would be happiest over their selected competitors. We spend particular time in analyzing some of the first time introductions into this level of European competition like Manchester City, Borussia Dortmund and Napoli to get a feel if supporters can use domestic performance as a true leading indicator to continental success. The same goes for clubs who have pedigree in Europe like Marseille and Internazionale who may struggle in their domestic competitions, but may just have enough savvy to see themselves through to the knockout rounds. Some of the clubs such as Lille and CSKA Moscow might just not be the same today as they are when the transfer window closes and one must also wonder if Arsenal makes the required moves to give the Gunners real hope in Europe as well. Then we look at Barcelona, Manchester United and AC Milan as finding themselves great draws given that each of their respective groups have two minnows which might just be banana skins but should find themselves rather untested except for two matches in the group stage. Then we turn our attention to the favorites in the Premier League to gauge what seems to be a rather revealing transfer window and whether these changes can help these clubs be successful in the coming year. Particular emphasis here is paid to Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool. In the end we take a stroll into history to give us an indication of the battle raging between Real Madrid and Barcelona and if other historical rivals pushing Barcelona might just serve them in the face of a serious Real Madrid challenge and whether one or both of these legendary clubs might have to pick their poison for trophies. Thu, 25 Aug 2011 16:50:00 GMT 41:00 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/audio/BTP08242011.bobby.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/08/25/bobby-mcmahon/ Beyond The Pitch Anto is joined by FIFA Licensed Agent Carrie Baird who contributes regularly to Sports Illustrated to take a closer look at a rather bizarre transfer window to determine what seemed obvious and who made the right and/or wrong deals for a few of the big clubs. We also examine some of the names who were expected moves that did not happen and many of those which did to put a real barometer to the proceedings. We spent particular attention on the David De Gea move given the availability of Maarten Stekelenburg, his age and accomplishments and relative market value. Then we look at the on again, off again tale of Wesley Sneijder with Manchester United as well and why this deal seemed probable and what keeps it from actually happening from a Dutch perspective. Then we turn our attention to the matter of Arsenal to establish whether Arsene Wenger is responsible for throwing away the first three games of the season knowing he was set to lose both Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas and not having suitable replacements for this inevitable series of events. In this regard we look at the case of Eden Hazard and why he has not moved - particularly to Arsenal which is where the player wants to go - along with the curious case of Keisuke Honda who is considered a world class talent but cannot get a sniff from many of the top clubs in continental Europe. Carrie also gives us some insight into the scouting and acquisition process and how many clubs are collecting talent, but do not seem to be building teams given the extreme amount of money being spent in the Premier League. We examine the issues at Manchester City as it seems the club has an abundance of remarkable talent on paper but cannot seem to find a balance much less a best starting XI and the right formation. We also give high marks to both Manchester United and Liverpool who seemed to have approached this window with a plan rather than simply acquiring big names. Always interesting to look at the marketplace from the perspective of an agent and Carrie always provides clear and candid comments that cut through the white noise. Anto is joined by FIFA Licensed Agent Carrie Baird who contributes regularly to Sports Illustrated to take a closer look at a rather bizarre transfer window to determine what seemed obvious and who made the right and/or wrong deals for a few of the b Anto is joined by FIFA Licensed Agent Carrie Baird who contributes regularly to Sports Illustrated to take a closer look at a rather bizarre transfer window to determine what seemed obvious and who made the right and/or wrong deals for a few of the big clubs. We also examine some of the names who were expected moves that did not happen and many of those which did to put a real barometer to the proceedings. We spent particular attention on the David De Gea move given the availability of Maarten Stekelenburg, his age and accomplishments and relative market value. Then we look at the on again, off again tale of Wesley Sneijder with Manchester United as well and why this deal seemed probable and what keeps it from actually happening from a Dutch perspective. Then we turn our attention to the matter of Arsenal to establish whether Arsene Wenger is responsible for throwing away the first three games of the season knowing he was set to lose both Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas and not having suitable replacements for this inevitable series of events. In this regard we look at the case of Eden Hazard and why he has not moved - particularly to Arsenal which is where the player wants to go - along with the curious case of Keisuke Honda who is considered a world class talent but cannot get a sniff from many of the top clubs in continental Europe. Carrie also gives us some insight into the scouting and acquisition process and how many clubs are collecting talent, but do not seem to be building teams given the extreme amount of money being spent in the Premier League. We examine the issues at Manchester City as it seems the club has an abundance of remarkable talent on paper but cannot seem to find a balance much less a best starting XI and the right formation. We also give high marks to both Manchester United and Liverpool who seemed to have approached this window with a plan rather than simply acquiring big names. Always interesting to look at the marketplace from the perspective of an agent and Carrie always provides clear and candid comments that cut through the white noise. Wed, 24 Aug 2011 17:25:00 GMT 64:30 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP08232011.carrie.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/08/24/carrie-baird/ Beyond The Pitch Join Anto and Vaishali Bhardwaj as they introduce the sixteenth episode of World Football Insider which takes you into the biggest stories in each of the biggest leagues in the World. We cover all the key stories in each of these leagues in the world, review the results and talk transfers, club, national team and player issues with quotes and the most important information. Premier League, Serie A, La Liga, Bundesliga, Ligue 1 along with the major Asian and football in the Americas all available in one broadcast. Let us know what you think as this will be the ongoing format for the most complete review show of its kind. Join Anto and Vaishali Bhardwaj as they introduce the sixteenth episode of World Football Insider which takes you into the biggest stories in each of the biggest leagues in the World. We cover all the key stories in each of these leagues in the world Join Anto and Vaishali Bhardwaj as they introduce the sixteenth episode of World Football Insider which takes you into the biggest stories in each of the biggest leagues in the World. We cover all the key stories in each of these leagues in the world, review the results and talk transfers, club, national team and player issues with quotes and the most important information. Premier League, Serie A, La Liga, Bundesliga, Ligue 1 along with the major Asian and football in the Americas all available in one broadcast. Let us know what you think as this will be the ongoing format for the most complete review show of its kind. Tue, 23 Aug 2011 22:05:00 GMT 41:00 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/audio/BTP08232011.world.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/08/23/world-football-insider/ Beyond The Pitch Anto is joined by world-recognized investigative journalist Andrew Jennings to have a chat on new revelations involving CONCACAF and Chuck Blazer now left by the vacuum of Jack Warner and ongoing investigations into the Caribbean Football Union. In the UK, Andrew Jennings has written for the Financial Times, The Sunday Times, The Times, The Guardian, The Observer, The Daily Telegraph and the Independent. You can also find much of his investigative work today on his website as well at Transparancy In Sport (www.transparencyinsport.org). He has also contributed to BBC television and World In Action for many years, both producing and presenting the kinds of stories that have earned him widespread recognition and a global reach as his reports on sport and corruption have discovered meteoric interest cast against a new wave of scandal that has crashed on FIFA shores in recent years. His most prominent program - FIFAs Dirty Secrets - was a 30-minute exposé that investigated even further corruption allegations against some of the FIFA executive committee members who voted on the 2018 and 2022 World Cup bids. Andrew has alleged through his investigation that Ricardo Teixeira, President of the Brazil Football Federation (CBF) and of the 2014 World Cup Organising Committee, Nicolas Leoz of Paraguay, President of the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL), and Issa Hayatou from Cameroon, President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) all accepted bribes from a television marketing firm. Andrew helps us unravel some of the key facts involving recent allegations regarding CONCACAF, its unstable leadership with Warner in exile, new documents revealing sponsorship commissions and Warner loans to Chuck Blazer and his comments on the odd silence of US Soccer in all of these matters. Andrew believes there is a land grab going on in CONCACAF and that this has very little to do with a failed 2022 World Cup bid won by Qatar - a World Cup destination Andrew believes will never happen once the facts are brought to light. Anto is joined by world-recognized investigative journalist Andrew Jennings to have a chat on new revelations involving CONCACAF and Chuck Blazer now left by the vacuum of Jack Warner and ongoing investigations into the Caribbean Football Union. In t Anto is joined by world-recognized investigative journalist Andrew Jennings to have a chat on new revelations involving CONCACAF and Chuck Blazer now left by the vacuum of Jack Warner and ongoing investigations into the Caribbean Football Union. In the UK, Andrew Jennings has written for the Financial Times, The Sunday Times, The Times, The Guardian, The Observer, The Daily Telegraph and the Independent. You can also find much of his investigative work today on his website as well at Transparancy In Sport (www.transparencyinsport.org). He has also contributed to BBC television and World In Action for many years, both producing and presenting the kinds of stories that have earned him widespread recognition and a global reach as his reports on sport and corruption have discovered meteoric interest cast against a new wave of scandal that has crashed on FIFA shores in recent years. His most prominent program - FIFAs Dirty Secrets - was a 30-minute exposé that investigated even further corruption allegations against some of the FIFA executive committee members who voted on the 2018 and 2022 World Cup bids. Andrew has alleged through his investigation that Ricardo Teixeira, President of the Brazil Football Federation (CBF) and of the 2014 World Cup Organising Committee, Nicolas Leoz of Paraguay, President of the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL), and Issa Hayatou from Cameroon, President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) all accepted bribes from a television marketing firm. Andrew helps us unravel some of the key facts involving recent allegations regarding CONCACAF, its unstable leadership with Warner in exile, new documents revealing sponsorship commissions and Warner loans to Chuck Blazer and his comments on the odd silence of US Soccer in all of these matters. Andrew believes there is a land grab going on in CONCACAF and that this has very little to do with a failed 2022 World Cup bid won by Qatar - a World Cup destination Andrew believes will never happen once the facts are brought to light. Sat, 20 Aug 2011 16:01:00 GMT 35:30 http://traffic.libsyn.com/btpmedia/BTP08202011.jennings.mp3 http://www.beyondthepitch.net/podcasts/edition/index.cfm/beyond-the-pitch/2011/08/20/andrew-jennings/ Beyond The Pitch