

The Managers
Pop Pop Productions
The Managers is your new go-to podcast for straight-talking football insight, hosted by former Premier League bosses Mick McCarthy and Tony Pulis. Each week, the experienced duo break down the biggest talking points from across the English game — no fluff, no filters. They’ll also sit down with managers from all levels of the game to dig into the real-life challenges of life in the dugout, exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between. Can podcasting get any better? It can…
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 27, 2026 • 1h 20min
Steve McClaren: Behind Fergie's Man Utd, England pressure, Boro glory & crazy Jim Smith stories
In the latest episode of The Managers, Mick McCarthy and Tony Pulis are joined by Steve McClaren
Brought to you by BOYLE Sports.
Steve reflects on the early stages of his coaching career, sharing how Jim Smith played a pivotal role in shaping him at Derby County.
He then looks back on his time at Manchester United, including working under the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson and being part of the historic treble-winning side of 1999.
The conversation turns to his spell at Middlesbrough, where Steve guided the club to its first major trophy and an unforgettable European adventure.
He also opens up about his time as England manager and explains why the pressure of the role is unlike anything else in football. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 21, 2026 • 1h 21min
Lee Bowyer: Inside Leeds United plane crash, Dyer clash at Newcastle, Charlton & Birmingham years
In the latest episode of The Managers, Mick McCarthy and Tony Pulis are joined by Lee Bowyer.
Brought to you by BOYLE Sports.
Lee reflects on his early playing career, discussing how reserve-team football played a crucial role in shaping him as a teenager.
He then looks back on his time at Leeds United, including working under George Graham, undergoing surgery to save his eyesight, and surviving a plane crash involving the first-team squad.
The conversation moves on to his spell at Newcastle United, where he played under Sir Bobby Robson and Graeme Souness - and, of course, the infamous altercation with team-mate Kieron Dyer.
Lee also opens up about his managerial career, sharing the challenges he faced during his time in charge at Charlton Athletic and Birmingham City. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 13, 2026 • 1h 4min
Iain Dowie: Palace promotion, Simon Jordan fall out & Briatore square up at QPR
In the latest episode of The Managers, Mick McCarthy and Tony Pulis are joined by Iain Dowie.
Brought to you by BOYLE Sports.
Iain reflects on his early playing career and how his non-league beginnings helped shape him, before sharing stories from a notoriously wild West Ham dressing room.
He then looks back on his first managerial role at Oldham Athletic, including his influential meeting with fitness coach John Harbin.
The conversation moves on to his time at Crystal Palace, where he masterminded a remarkable promotion to the Premier League and experienced a high-profile falling out with owner Simon Jordan.
Plus, Iain discusses his spell at Queens Park Rangers under owner Flavio Briatore and opens up about his health scare in 2024. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 6, 2026 • 49min
United’s mess - why Amorim had to go, warning to Rosenior at Chelsea & what’s happened at Celtic
In the latest episode of The Managers, Mick McCarthy and Tony Pulis discuss the fallout from Ruben Amorim’s sacking at Manchester United.
Brought to you by BOYLE Sports.
The guys look at the breakdown in relationships at Old Trafford, why taking on the board rarely works, and who could be next in the head coach role.
They also discuss the possibility of Liam Rosenior becoming the next Chelsea boss - with Tony offering a word of warning.
West Ham’s poor form is examined, along with what needs to change to help them turn things around.
Plus, there’s time to talk about the issues at Celtic and the impressive form of Rangers, Brentford, and Sunderland. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 29, 2025 • 47min
The Managers Quiz: Mick McCarthy vs Tony Pulis - who will come out on top?
This week on The Managers, Mick McCarthy and Tony Pulis go head-to-head in the very first Managers Quiz.
Hosted by Quickly Kevin and Let’s Be Having You’s Chris Scull, the pair are put through five rounds of trivia designed to test their football knowledge.
From transfer fees and starting XIs to iconic quotes, the quiz covers it all.
But who takes the crown? Watch to find out! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 22, 2025 • 35min
Xmas day training, player parties & Boxing Day games - The Managers Christmas Special
In the latest episode of The Managers, Mick McCarthy and Tony Pulis discuss all things Christmas.
They take us inside what Christmas Day is like in the McCarthy and Pulis households and how they juggled those requirements during their playing days.
The conversation delves into how they handled player Christmas parties during their managerial careers and whether having the players in for training on Christmas Day was worth it.
They also talk about whether they ever suspected players purposefully getting themselves banned to get Christmas off, as well as the lack of Boxing Day fixtures in the Premier League this year. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 16, 2025 • 1h 9min
Alan Curbishley: Hilarious Paolo Di Canio stories, Inside West Ham chaos & Best Play-Off final ever
In the latest episode of The Managers, Mick McCarthy and Tony Pulis are joined by Alan Curbishley
Brought to you by BOYLE Sports.
Alan reflects on his early playing days and his first step into management at Charlton Athletic, where he took on a joint player-manager role alongside Steve Gritt.
He recounts leading Charlton to the Premier League, including what many consider to be the greatest play-off final of all time.
The discussion also covers his experience managing Paolo Di Canio, before Alan opens up about the circumstances surrounding his departure from The Valley.
Plus, Alan looks back on his spell as West Ham manager during a turbulent period - from attempting to reignite Carlos Tevez’s career to navigating the fallout of the Icelandic banking crash and discovering players had been sold without his knowledge. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 9, 2025 • 40min
Are Villa in title race as Arsenal stumble? | Is Frank right for Spurs? | Salah vs Slot at Liverpool
In the latest episode of The Managers, Mick McCarthy and Tony Pulis debate whether Aston Villa are genuine title contenders following their impressive win over Premier League leaders Arsenal.
Brought to you by BOYLE Sports.
The guys break down the outstanding form of Villa and England midfielder Morgan Rodgers, with Mick sharing insights from his time working with him at Blackpool.
They also examine Leeds United’s resurgence under Daniel Farke, highlighting how recent tactical tweaks have sparked a turnaround in performances.
The conversation delves into the tension between Thomas Frank and a certain section of the Tottenham support.
Talking of tension - Mick and Tony have their say on the rift between Arne Slot and Mo Salah at Liverpool.
Plus, there’s time for the guys to talk about the incredible form of Everton and the job being done by David Moyes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 2, 2025 • 1h 18min
Chris Hughton: Truth behind Newcastle exit | Inside Brighton transfer strategy | Life at Tottenham
Chris Hughton, a former professional footballer and manager known for his work with Newcastle and Brighton, reflects on his career journey. He shares insights into his early playing days at Tottenham and the key influence of Jack Charlton on Irish football. Hughton reveals the unexpected circumstances surrounding his dismissal from Newcastle and discusses Brighton's innovative transfer strategy, emphasizing character assessment in player recruitment. He also addresses the challenges of modern football and expresses a longing for a managerial role.

Nov 25, 2025 • 48min
How bad is Liverpool’s crisis? | Can Chelsea challenge Arsenal? | Should Leeds give Farke more time?
In the latest episode of The Managers, Mick McCarthy and Tony Pulis break down the growing crisis at Liverpool.
Brought to you by BOYLE Sports.
What exactly has gone wrong for Arne Slot’s side? The guys explore the possible causes, including the struggles of record signing Alexander Isak.
With so many rivals slipping up, are Arsenal now the only true title contenders or can Chelsea challenge?
Rob Edwards is the new man in at Wolves - but can he turn their season around?
And at Leeds, Daniel Farke is under mounting pressure, though should he be given more time?
Plus, Mick and Tony share their verdict on the World Cup play-offs after a dramatic international break. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices


