The Athletic FC Podcast

Following Nottingham Forest's four-point deduction for breaching the Premier League's Profitability and Sustainability Rules earlier this week, Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's senior football news reporter Matt Slater as well as Tim Spiers.The panel debate the sanction handed down to Forest, following on from Everton's own six-point deduction with the Goodison Park outfit set to receive a further punishment in due course.Plus, there's analysis of the impact of points deductions through the course of an ongoing season before assessing the impact the regulations could have on the summer's transfer window before getting to the role an independent regulator could have on the game.Produced by Guy ClarkeExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadRelated articles:The season of asterisks – PSR rulings have created a Premier League campaign like no other - The AthleticWhat is the independent football regulator? Why has it been brought in? What powers does it have? - The Athletic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Once again Newcastle United will finish the season trophyless, and currently sit 10th in the Premier League.There have been question marks over finances, transfers and team selection.But if the belief in manager Eddie Howe remains strong, how long will the faith remain?Producer: Jay BealeExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last week England boss Gareth Soutgate announced that Arsenal’s Ben White does not want to play for England.So, why doesn’t one of the best players in Europe, in his position, not want to represent his country?And why do some followers of the England national team find it so difficult to understand?Produced by Jay Beale.Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Following Manchester United's dramatic FA Cup Sixth Round win over Liverpool at Old Trafford The Athletic's David Ornstein and Mark Critchley join Ayo Akinwolere to discuss the significance of the result for Erik ten Hag.The Manchester United manager has been under increased scrutiny since the minority investment from Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who has taken over sporting control at Old Trafford.So, would possible success in the FA Cup be enough to convince the hierarchy Ten Hag is worth persisting with come the summer, or could United be set to beginning their next managerial hunt for a worthy successor to Sir Alex Ferguson?Produced by Guy ClarkeExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadRelated articles:Manchester United are chaotic but beat Liverpool at their own game - The AthleticThe story of Amad Diallo – and the man accused of trafficking him to Europe - The Athletic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s matchday 29 in the Premier League & the FA Cup quarter-finals this weekend. The big meeting of the weekend sees Manchester United take on Liverpool at Old Trafford in the FA Cup, while Man City host Newcastle.There’s also Premier League action to discuss & reaction to the latest England squad announcement.Host: Adam LeventhalGuests: Tim Spiers, Jon Mackenzie, Jacob WhiteheadProducer: Mike Stavrou Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester United face Liverpool on Sunday at their iconic home Old Trafford, but the ‘Theatre of Dreams’ isn’t what it once was.Last week the club announced plans for a “world-class” stadium, so why is it so important to have a state of the art arena and how will a shiny modern new stadium improve results on the pitch?Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Matt Slater and Andy Mitten, part of The Athletic's dedicated Man United podcast Talk Of The Devils, to discuss what options are opened to Manchester United when it comes to a stadium renovation or even rebuild.Produced by Guy ClarkeExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadRelated articles:Why Manchester United might need more debt to rebuild Old Trafford - The AthleticIf Manchester United want an elite stadium, Old Trafford must be knocked down - The Athletic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Tuesday night, Barcelona made it through to the quarter-finals of the Champions League.There was a time when that would have been very much routine.But after all the off-pitch issues, could this actually be a turning point?Or is it just a false dawn for a club gripped by crippling financial losses? The Athletic’s Adam Leventhal is joined by Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero and Barcelona writer Pol Ballus.Produced by Mike StavrouExecutive producer: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chelsea saw off Newcastle in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge, a win that eased pressure on Mauricio Pochettino…But the bigger picture is they remain 11th in the table which has led sections of the fanbase harking back to the days of Roman Abramovich.So what are the issues the owners need to address to turn things round? And will strategies like Chelsea’s multi-club model ever convince a sceptical fanbase? Producer: Jay BealeExecutive Producer: Adey Moorhead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Only one point separates the top three in the Premier League following Liverpool and Man City drawing 1-1 at Anfield on Sunday, while Arsenal beat Brentford 2-1 on Saturday night to move to the top of the table.Meanwhile, off the pitch for Liverpool the Reds are moving closer to bringing back former sporting director Michael Edwards to work within owners Fenway Sports Group's ownership structure with Bournemouth's departing technical director Richard Hughes looking set to take the sporting director role at Anfield.Join Ayo Akinwolere as well as The Athletic's Oli Kay and Simon Hughes as they analyse the draw with Man City on Sunday as well as discuss the latest within Liverpool's off-pitch infrastructure ahead of what could be a crucial summer with manager Jurgen Klopp leaving at the end of the season.Produced by Guy ClarkeExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadRelated articles:Liverpool vs Manchester City: This is what a Premier League classic looks like - The AthleticMichael Edwards close to FSG role with Richard Hughes as Liverpool sporting director - The Athletic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s another huge weekend in the Premier League, with a pivotal matchup in the title race as Liverpool host Manchester City at Anfield.Elsewhere, Aston Villa welcome Tottenham to Villa Park as both sides chase Champions League football, and Everton go to Old Trafford to face Manchester United.Host: Adam LeventhalGuests: Tim Spiers, Jon Mackenzie, Nick MillerProducer: Mike StavrouWe’re asking you to fill out a quick survey about you and your podcast habits by going to theathletic.com/survey24. Three lucky entries will win £/$100 worth of Amazon vouchers too. So whether you're a long-time listener or a new one, we want your feedback.***• With over 1,000 therapists in the UK already, BetterHelp can provide access to mental health professionals with a wide variety of expertise in mental health. Our listeners get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/ATHLETICFOOTBALL Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.