Jed Wallace, a West Bromwich Albion footballer, shares his experiences in the intense Championship play-off race. He reveals the lighthearted side of football with tales of the dressing room shower gel rota and his attempt to bring birthday cake into training. The conversation dives into the pressures faced by teams like Leeds United, especially concerning goalkeeper Meslier, and the urgent issues at Sheffield Wednesday and Reading FC. Plus, Wallace discusses the exciting late-season surge from Port Vale in League Two.
Jed Wallace humorously shares insights on team camaraderie, including the unique dressing room traditions like the shower gel rota.
The pressure on Leeds United's goalkeeper Meslier is discussed, highlighting the psychological impact of performance expectations in football.
Financial struggles at clubs like Sheffield Wednesday illustrate the ongoing administrative challenges facing teams in the EFL, affecting morale and performance.
Deep dives
Traffic Troubles Before the Show
A conversation highlights the challenges of getting to central London, with one speaker sharing his nightmare experience of navigating through heavy traffic. He usually takes the tube but opted to drive on this occasion, which resulted in a stressful journey with entrance shutdowns. Despite the chaotic circumstances, he finds humor in the situation, lightening the mood even as he recalls past late arrivals on his co-host's part. The banter showcases a camaraderie that adds a lively context to their discussion.
Birthday Celebrations Amidst Chaos
During the talk, one host mentions celebrating his birthday, but due to family events, it was overshadowed, particularly by his child's birthday and Mother's Day. He humorously downplays his own special day, admitting that he prefers Christmas instead of birthdays. The light-hearted remarks lead to a playful exchange about age, gifts, and how some friends feel too busy for birthdays. This creates a relatable moment as the hosts candidly share their thoughts on celebrating milestones.
The Nuances of Football Jargon
The conversation transitions into the curious terminologies used in football, like 'fit as a fiddle' and 'great area.' They discuss how some phrases may sound nonsensical or peculiar, yet they are integral to the sport's culture. The debate extends to innovative coaching shouts heard during matches, illustrating how different coaches have their unique expressions. This examination of jargon highlights the rich language and traditions within football while providing comic relief.
Football Players Dealing with Pressure
A discussion surfaces around the pressure players face when it comes to performance and expectations, particularly involving the goalkeeper at Leeds United. The goalkeeper's confidence issues are addressed, with speculation about whether a managerial decision might be needed to relieve his stress. The conversations bring to light the emotional and psychological impacts of performance anxiety on athletes, as well as how it affects team dynamics. Ultimately, this moment reflects the fragile balance between individual performance and collective team success.
Insights into Club Management Dynamics
The podcast dives into the recent pressures faced by clubs, emphasizing the financial implications and internal communication breakdowns. The case of one club's owner failing to deliver on payments highlights the ongoing struggles within football administration. A player contributes insight into the camaraderie formed between management and players, despite external challenges. This leads to a broader discussion on how these dynamics influence not only performances on the pitch but also the overall morale within the club.
Aaron Paul and Jobi McAnuff are joined by West Brom’s Jed Wallace. He reveals the dressing room shower gel rota and whether he brought birthday cake into training. Plus the important stuff as Leeds are knocked off the top of the Championship – what do they do about their goalkeeper Meslier? Jed is ‘frustrated’ in the play-off race. Wage problems at Sheffield Wednesday and the clock is ticking at Reading. Plus, could Port Vale be making a late charge in League Two? All that and some interesting half-time entertainment in 72plus 72minus.
02:25 Jed Wallace feels ‘fit as a fiddle’
03:00 Football sayings that don’t make sense
05:55 Did Jed bring birthday cake into training?
06:15 Jed reveals the West Brom shower gel rota
07:30 April Fools takes the EFL by storm
12:40 Leeds United knocked off the top
13:40 What do Leeds do about Meslier?
23:55 Jed frustrated in Championship play-offs
30:30 Wage payment problems at Sheff Wed
32:55 Clock ticking for Reading FC
37:15 Port Vale finding form at the right time
BBC Sounds / 5 Live midweek Premier League commentaries:
Wed 2 Apr 2000 Liverpool v Everton on 5 Live,
Wed 2 Apr 1945 Newcastle v Brentford on 5 Sports Extra,
Wed 2 Apr 1945 Bournemouth v Ipswich on BBC Sport website.
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