Nov. 3, 2021

Matchday 19 - Jim Piddock, actor, writer, Crystal Palace fan

Matchday 19 - Jim Piddock, actor, writer, Crystal Palace fan
I talk to actor, writer, producer and transatlantic football fan Jim Piddock.
Jim tells us about attending the first ever Galaxy game (with an actor on the bench), the first LAFC game and how much American soccer has moved on since those early days.
He talks about the impact of the Premier League, how clubs like Palace are now universally recognized and how Ted Lasso is strengthening the brand of football in this country. He even tells the story of his time performing a one-man show about a football goalkeeper in the 1980s in Northern California.
We discuss the joy of watching new clubs in America and how there is plenty of space for fans to watch and support both US and UK teams and how he dreams of a day when US fans pass on clubs to their children.
Commercialization of the game, cheerleaders and hockey-style penalties are also discussed.

New to America the Beautiful Game?

April 7, 2021

Matchday 5 - Warren Barton, Fox Sports and former Wimbledon and Newca…

We talk to ex-player and broadcaster Warren Barton. He talks about the importance of sport during the pandemic, how much the US game has improved in recent years on and off the field but how the college system needs to …

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May 6, 2021

Matchday 8 - Julian Stone, writer, producer and soccer tech

We talk to writer, producer and soccer tech Julian Stone. We talk about soccer in television and film, why Ted Lasso is so good and why overhead kicks aren't always the best things to film. Julian talks about working with …

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May 19, 2021

Matchday 10 - Jacqui Oatley MBE, groundbreaking broadcaster

We speak to Jacqui Oatley, the first female Match of the Day commentator and a leading advocate for women's football and women in broadcasting. We reminisce about sharing a press box at Bradford Park Avenue in 2003, discuss h...

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June 9, 2021

Matchday 12 - John Green, author, Liverpool fan, AFC Wimbledon owner

We talk to author and passionate football fan John Green. He explains why he detests greed in football, why MLS needs relegation and his disappointment in Liverpool’s participation in the European Super League. John describes...

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March 14, 2021

Matchday 2 - Thomas Gronnemark, Throw-In coach

We talk to the extraordinary Thomas Gronnemark. He's coached throw-ins for Ajax, FC Midtjylland, RB Leipzig, Atlanta United and, perhaps most famously, Liverpool. The former track and field and bobsled athlete talks about his...

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March 10, 2021

Matchday 1 - Gary Gibson, Head of Soccer Academies and International …

In our first episode we talk to Gary Gibson of Rangers FC. He explains why the Scottish champions have invested so heavily in their international programs, the importance of outreach and what can be learned from working with...

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