Podcasts have been around since the start of the 21st century, although it could be argued their roots go back much further, to the 1960s and sales-training cassette tapes that were designed to be listened to by salespeople travelling in cars. The word itself, a portmanteau of iPod and broadcast, is believed to date to 2004, and that is when podcasts as we know them now really began to take shape.
The growth in podcasts was slow at first, but over the last 10 years it has sped up year on year, and now it seems that there is a podcast on just about every subject imaginable. As the world’s most popular sport, football has attracted more than its fair share of podcasts. Journalists, media outlets, ex-players and even just groups of friends have started football-based pods.
On the one hand, this is great, because there really is something for everyone – and we do mean absolutely everyone! On the other hand, there is almost too much choice, and separating the wheat from the chaff can be a time-consuming process. But that’s where we can help…
Popular Mainstream Football Podcasts
In Apple’s podcast platform, Apple Podcasts, under the sport category, the first three “Top Shows” (based on regional popularity charts) are all football pods. There are so many football podcasts that attract huge numbers of listeners. For those at the top of the pile, football podcasting can be extremely lucrative. Here are some of the most popular, general/mainstream shows you might want to check out if you are new to the world of football podcasting.
The Totally Football Show
The Totally Football Show is owned by The Athletic, so listeners can expect a polished, professional and insightful podcast. It is less about banter and laughs and more about analysis and thoughtful discussion. That said, it is informal, relaxed and not overly serious. It provides a good balance, in other words, and is especially good on European football.
Football Weekly
Football Weekly is backed by a rather more longstanding media company, The Guardian newspaper. It is also one of the most established football podcasts and has been going for over 20 years, making it the daddy of the genre. Unlike many rivals, it has professional journalists at its core and is also less Premier League-centric than most podcasts too.
The Rest Is Football
Part of the Gary Lineker media company Goalhanger, and one of several “The Rest is” pods, The Rest is Football claims to be the number one sports podcast in the UK, boasting over seven million full-episode streams a month. Lineker is joined by Alan Shearer and Micah Richards in this banter-heavy pod that relies largely on its trio of hosts.
That Peter Crouch Podcast
Launched in 2018, Peter Crouch is the star of this informative and humorous pod. Chris Stark has been alongside Crouchy from the start too, in a pod that is generally light-hearted but occasionally touches on some more serious topics. It often has guests, with Crouch able to attract some big names, as well as giving his own inside take on what a pro footballer’s work and life are like.
Undr the Cosh
This podcast has carved out a bit of a niche for itself by focussing less on the upper echelons of football and more on those that plied their trade a little further down the pyramid. It has stood the test of time, having been founded in 2018, and gives an alternative take on the game, away from the glamour and riches of the Premier League.
Stick to Football
While Gary Lineker has Goalhanger, Gary Neville has The Overlap. Does every footballing Gary have a podcast company based on their playing position or role? Perhaps not, but The Overlap’s Stick to Football is certainly up there with the best footy pods. Neville himself, plus Roy Keane, Jill Scott, Paul Scholes, Ian Wright and Jamie Carragher provide the banter and laughs.
How do I Listen?
Podcasts are now so mainstream that most people have probably listened to one at some stage. However, if you are new to the delights of the genre or just unsure what the best option is, this is what you need to know.
Most podcasts are available on a range of platforms, and most average smartphone users will probably have access to several of them. Podcasts are typically free, which is part of their appeal. Some are funded and monetised through in-show ads and corporate tie-ins, while others offer extra paid content which funds the main, free pod. Some podcasts are entirely free and are used as drivers of traffic to other related sites or programmes.
In other words, listening to most football podcasts is free and easy. Apple users will automatically have the Apple Podcasts app/platform on their phones. This is displayed simply as “Podcasts”.
Those not part of the Apple ecosystem can listen via Spotify, Pocket Casts, Amazon Music and even YouTube. You can listen to a pod through your phone, which is probably the most popular option, or also using a computer or tablet. Some podcasts are hosted directly on a website too, while most smart speakers can also play podcasts through one of the apps already mentioned.
Useful Hints & Tips
If you find a particular show that you really like, choosing to follow or subscribe (usually for free) will make sure you never miss a pod. It saves you time and effort, and all new episodes will be added automatically.
It is also worth noting that many podcasts now have video footage too. This can make for a fuller experience, though many fans prefer audio-only. Equally, you can adjust the playback speed of episodes on most platforms. Playing at 1.5 or even double speed still sounds surprisingly normal but lets you crack through shows much quicker.
Downloading episodes is also a great idea if you do not have a big data plan, or intend to travel or visit somewhere with limited wi-fi or reception. This adds the show to your device, meaning you can listen even in aeroplane mode.