The Athletic FC Podcast Liverpool: The title they never saw
May 25, 2025
Paul Machen, a Liverpool fan and content creator for Redmen TV, shares his emotional struggles after contracting COVID-19, missing the chance to fully celebrate the title win. Jamie Mawson, a Hillsborough survivor, recalls touching memories of his father and their shared passion for Liverpool. Megan Smith honors her late father, a former Anfield steward, recounting heartwarming moments of his love for the club, which were overshadowed by his COVID-19 death. Together, they explore the bittersweet experience of a long-awaited title amidst personal loss and remembrance.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Lifetime Liverpool Fan's Dream
- Paul Machen had never seen Liverpool win the league despite decades of support.
- His passion grew from childhood, attending games with family and dreaming of a title.
Hillsborough Survivor's Trauma
- Jamie Mawson witnessed the Hillsborough disaster first-hand at 16 years old.
- He survived by his father's intervention but was traumatized by the deaths he saw.
Atletico Match Before Lockdown
- The last English football match before pandemic lockdown was Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid in March 2020.
- Attendees feared the match would spark COVID spread, which it likely did, impacting the city heavily.