

Walk On: The Athletic FC's Liverpool show
The Athletic
The Athletic's James Pearce, Simon Hughes and Andy Jones join Tony Evans to bring you the very best insight into Liverpool Football Club twice a week, every weekFollow for expert knowledge of the club from breaking news to entertaining and informed discussion around the club. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 20, 2025 • 39min
Where is Liverpool's title-winning identity?
James Pearce and Simon Hughes are alongside Tony Evans after the bruising 2-1 defeat to Manchester United at Anfield.The panel ask if Liverpool are now in panic mode with four defeats on the spin, as they pick through a performance full of holes. System-wise, what can Slot change going forward to right the ship?Plus there's a look at the midweek game away to Frankfurt. Can Wirtz find some form on his return to Germany, and should Salah be dropped following his recent poor displays.Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: James Pearce and Simon HughesProducer: Guy Clarke and John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 16, 2025 • 38min
How do Liverpool get back on track against Man United?
James Pearce and Simon Hughes are alongside Tony Evans ahead of Liverpool returning to action with Manchester United coming to Anfield!Mohamed Salah, Alexis Mac Allister and Gody Gakpo are amongst the Liverpool players returning following strong showings whilst away on international duty who could be hoping to kickstart their campaigns with the Reds having gone into the break on a three-game losing streak.The panel also discuss the significance of the rivalry with Manchester United with Sunday's meeting set to be the 100th meeting at Anfield between the clubs.Plus there's a look at Arne Slot's selection headaches, whether the game can provide a breakout moment for either Florian Wirtz or Alexander Isak as well as a listener question on the current playing style.Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: James Pearce and Simon HughesProducer: Guy Clarke and John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 13, 2025 • 50min
15 years of FSG: the highs, the lows & the transformation of Liverpool
Simon Hughes and James Pearce are alongside Tony Evans for this episode as we take a look back on 15 years of FSG ownership ahead of their 15th anniversary in charge on Wednesday.The panel look back on the state of the club they inherited, how they've transformed the club - in part through the redevelopment of Anfield - as well as the significance of the appointment of Jurgen Klopp.The Athletic's football finance writer Chris Weatherspoon also joins to look at the financial health of the club under FSG as well as the commercial growth the club has gone through.Plus, Jen McCaffrey, The Athletic's Boston Red Sox beat reporter drops by to share the perceptions of the ownership in the US, the view of Liverpool in New England as well as discussing what the future may hold for the ownership group.Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: Simon Hughes, James Pearce, Chris Weatherspoon and Jen McCaffreyProducers: Guy Clarke and John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 9, 2025 • 47min
Why it's not time to panic & do Liverpool miss Diaz?
James Pearce and Andy Jones join Tony Evans as they settle into the long days of the international break.Now a few days removed from the ‘week of three losses’, the panel start with a more balanced reflection on the start of the season - as James puts it: “Don’t Panic!”.The Athletic’s German football writer Seb Stafford-Bloor also drops by to discuss the reception that Wirtz, Frimpong, and Ekitike are getting from within Germany having swapped the Bundesliga for Anfield - before touching on the impact Luis Diaz has made at Bayern Munich.Finally, the panel discuss former captains Jordan Henderson and Steven Gerrard with both having been in the news this week following interviews they've given, with Gerrard also looking set to return to management with Rangers.Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: James Pearce, Andy Jones and Seb Stafford-BloorProducers: Guy Clarke and John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 6, 2025 • 37min
Salah's slump & leaky defence - where is it all going wrong?
James Pearce and Andy Jones are alongside Tony Evans as Liverpool fell to a third successive loss, the worst run of Arne Slot's managerial career.Join the panel as they pick the bones out of the 2-1 loss to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, as the Reds once again fell to a stoppage time goal.As well as the team's defeat there is also a look at the form of Mohamed Salah, Alexis Mac Allister and number of last season's key performers.Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: James Pearce and Andy JonesProducers: Guy Clarke and John Rogers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 2, 2025 • 44min
From bad to Wirtz - how does Slot fix things?
James Pearce and Andy Jones are alongside Tony Evans as they get stuck into Liverpool suffering back-to-back defeats for just the second time under Arne Slot.Following on from the perfect start to the season, defeats away to both Crystal Palace and Galatasaray have raised questions over the Reds' cohesion and chemistry following a number of high-profile moves in the summer's transfer window.Florian Wirtz, eight games into his Liverpool career, is still waiting for a goal or assist so the panel analyse his start to life at Anfield and discuss the challenges he faces as well as asking what Arne Slot can do to get the Reds back to winning ways.Elsewhere, James looks back on his midweek trip to Istanbul, Ibrahima Konate's recent form is debated, Saturday's trip to Chelsea is previewed all before we finish by revealing our dog-themed Liverpool XI.Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: James Pearce and Andy JonesProducers: Guy Clarke and Abi Paterson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 29, 2025 • 42min
Has Liverpool's luck run out?
Liverpool’s unbeaten run is over — but was the defeat at Crystal Palace just a stumble, or something that’s been coming for a while?Simon Hughes and Mark Carey are with Tony Evans to pick apart what went wrong, from shaky defending to Ryan Gravenberch’s off day and Jeremie Frimpong’s costly mistake. With Virgil van Dijk calling for quick improvements and Arne Slot’s side facing Galatasaray and Chelsea next, the panel ask: have Liverpool’s luck and late goals finally run out, or is this the perfect wake-up call? Want to get in touch with your predictions or thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: Simon Hughes & Mark CareyProducer: Nick Thomson & Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 25, 2025 • 44min
Oh, Hugo! & what does Leoni injury mean for Liverpool?
James Pearce and Simon Hughes are alongside Tony Evans to get into Liverpool’s Carabao Cup win over Southampton which had plenty of talking points — from Giovanni Leoni’s cruel debut injury setback to Hugo Ekitike’s costly red card.The guys dig into what it all means for the Reds’ defensive options, transfer plans, and attacking line-up ahead of Saturday’s trip to Crystal Palace.Plus, we’ve been inundated with emails from you, for the latest instalment of our favourite off-pitch saga: Dogs in Prams.Want to get in touch with your predictions or thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: Simon Hughes & James PearceProducer: Nick Thomson & Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 22, 2025 • 41min
Gravenberch's midfield masterclass & mind the gap Mikel
James Pearce and Simon Hughes are with Tony Evans to bask in the glory of Liverpool being five points clear at the top of the Premier League win after derby delight over Everton at Anfield.The panel dish out praise for Ryan Gravenberch after another midfield masterclass whilst breaking down a brilliant weekend for the Reds. A derby win, another goal for Hugo Ekitike and Arsenal dropping points to City.Plus, attention turns to the Carabao Cup match against Southampton on Tuesday and we finish with a tribute to Liverpool Women’s former manager, the late Matt Beard.Want to get in touch with your predictions or thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: Simon Hughes & James PearceProducer: Nick Thomson & Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 18, 2025 • 45min
Van Dijk delivers, Simeone sulks & dogs of war or dogs in prams?
Liverpool do it the hard way again! James Pearce and Simon Hughes join Tony Evans to relive that last minute drama in Liverpool’s European clash against Atletico Madrid with Salah shining and Gravenberch impressing.The lads debate why 2–0 has become such a dangerous scoreline, touch on Isak’s debut, and react to Simeone’s antics.Away from the pitch, the guys talk about the significance of the Hillsborough Law’s introduction to UK Parliament before turning their attention to the first Merseyside derby of the season.Want to get in touch with your predictions or thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: Simon Hughes & James PearceProducer: Nick Thomson & Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.