The Totally Football Show with James Richardson Totally Extra: Boxing Day '63, Phil Brown and all things festive football...
Dec 27, 2025
Duncan Alexander, a football researcher renowned for his stats and historical insights, joins journalist Daniel Storey, known for his engaging anecdotes, and writer Charlie Eccleshare, a familiar face in football banter. They dive into the festive tradition of Boxing Day matches, recalling the iconic 66-goal bonanza of 1963. The panel also discusses memorable Christmas managerial sackings and the cheeky tactics players use to secure time off. A festive quiz caps off their light-hearted yet informative exploration of football's holiday spirit.
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When Football Played On Christmas Day
- The podcast recounts the vanished tradition of Christmas Day football that lasted until 1965, including Jimmy Greaves scoring four in 1957.
- They note the last Christmas Day league game occurred in 1965 at Bloomfield Road with Blackpool beating Blackburn 4-2.
1963 Created The Boxing Day Myth
- Boxing Day 1963 produced 66 goals across 10 matches and created a lasting nostalgic myth about festive football mayhem.
- The panel argue the day is an outlier rather than proof that Boxing Day consistently yields higher scoring.
Busby's Fury Led To George Best Call-Up
- Duncan and the panel highlight Manchester United's 6-1 Boxing Day defeat to Burnley in 1963 and Sir Matt Busby's furious reaction.
- Busby called up 17-year-old George Best days later, effectively accelerating his first-team debut.