Football Daily - 72+ EFL Pod: Cov 10 points clear & Eckert excels

Episode Date: November 26, 2025

Aaron Paul, Jobi McAnuff & Lyle Taylor react to Coventry going 10 points clear. They also have their say on Middlesbrough appointing Kim Hellberg. Should Tonda Eckert be given the Southampton job permanently? Stevenage top League One, Bromley are up into the League Two automatics and Christian Fuchs is in at bottom club Newport. Plus, we’re now looking for your top EFL ‘hard men’ - send your suggestions to us on WhatsApp to 08000 289 369.01:20 Coventry go 10 points clear 09:10 Middlesbrough appoint Kim Hellberg 12:10 Southampton interim Tonda Eckert wins again 16:50 Peterborough win first four under Luke Williams 18:05 Charlton suddenly shipping goals 21:30 The search for EFL hard men begins 26:35 Bromley up into League Two automatics 30:45 Christian Fuchs in at bottom club Newport 33:40 Fearing for Bristol Rovers after seven league defeats 34:50 72PLUS 72MINUS5 Live / BBC Sounds commentaries: Wed 2000 Arsenal v Bayern Munich, Wed 2000 PSG v Tottenham on Sports Extra, Thu 1745 Feyenoord v Celtic on Sports Extra, Thu 2000 Rangers v Sporting Braga on Sports Extra, Thu 2000 Aberdeen v Noah on Sports Extra 2.

72 Plus, the EFL podcast with Aaron Paul and Jobie McEnough. Welcome to 72 Plus, the EFL pod from Five Lives Sport. Great to be with you this week. Back once again, like the Renegade Master is Jobie Mackenough, fresh off his trip to Jamaica. How are you, Jobes? I am very well. They say absence makes the heart grow fonder. I didn't think I could get any fonder of you, but I've missed you, mate.

I've got to say, we've had a couple of weeks apart, haven't we? you were away than I was away one thing I'm getting a little bit worried about I get back and Lyle's on again so it's the sort of the loan turned into a permanent here or what's going on what's the dynamics here I don't know no one's no one's

offered me a contract he's just a lovely guy just helping out basically I got absolutely nothing better to do with my day off and spend it with you too I'll go one better than that and say you've done an absolutely sterling job in both of our absences so there is no

better man to do the one when we're both back all together. We're kind of like a little boy band if you think about it. Like a little group JLS reimagined. Oh yeah, don't mind that. Won't go that. Or damage for the older listeners. We could be JLA instead. We could be JLA.

Very good. Love that. Very, very good. Right, let's push on and talk football Tuesday was a big night in the championship Coventry. Ten points clear at the summit, beating Middlesbrough 4-2 in a battle of the top two at the Riverside. 17 games, Joby, 47 goals scored, my word.

Unbelievable. I actually watched the game in the studio last night. And first and foremost, we had a little chat earlier this season about maybe the quality or the standard across the championship. This was by far and away the best 90 minutes of football that I've watched. It was a genuine joy to sit there and just taking two really good teams. I think Middlesbrough, again, I know the new managers only just come in and he didn't take the game.

seem to have a little bit more of an attacking intent. They've been really good defensively so far this season, but they've played with so much freedom. Great rotation through midfield. Morgan Whitaker looked really bright. And then, as the best teams do, I mean, literally their first attack, commentary go down the other end of the pitch,

and Ellis Sims with an absolutely audacious finish, just finessed it into the far top corner. And the fact that he's got going after what's been, a difficult spell for him, I think, is a huge warning sign to the rest of the league, because everyone's spoken about Hadji Wright, Brandon Thomas Asante, you know, Victor Torp, but now you've got Ellis Sims popping up, starting to score goals. And actually, they just couldn't handle him. So they get themselves 2-0.

And then Middlesbrough, who weren't ever out of it, because they actually played quite well. You know, they get themselves back into it, score just after half-time, 2-2, and it literally could go any way possible. And then I've got to say, I've got to give Frank Lampard huge credit. Middlesbrough went to a bat three, went with wingbacks and just started to get a little hold of the game midway through the second half and Frank realised this within a few minutes

he made a substitution, went wing backs, matched up and then they started to get a little bit of control. So it was a real masterclass I've got to say from a coaching perspective and just the firepower, they've got absolutely brilliant but a top top game and I cannot see anyone else really

get anywhere near them at the moment. You know how in the Premier League people are talking about how the title race is basically over Arsenal, was it six points clear at the top? Yeah. If you translate it, obviously we have 42 games. Sorry, 46. 46 games in the championship in comparison to the 38 in the Premier League.

Is it over with Coventry? 10 points clear? Is it done? Looking at it and saying 10 points clear, you'd say yes. But knowing the championship and the EFO in general, as we do, you can have a really, really bad game week where you play Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday or Saturday, Wednesday, Saturday. lose three games through no real fault of your own because that's what the championship can do to you

and the next thing your gap's one point so no I don't want to say it's over but what Coventry are showing is fantastic and they look like a team that is ready to go the season but every team has a wobble and I don't see that Coventry will get through to the end of this season without having a wobble

I remember a really good Leeds team. I'm not sure how many years ago, it might have been six or seven years ago now, who were absolutely flying. And then the next thing you know, they have a little bit of a wobble and it becomes a little bit closer. Even the very best teams, even those who absolutely storm the league, have a wobble. It just depends how they cope with that wobble and how long that wobble lasts for. What's different this season? It's incredible, isn't it?

Because when you look through that squad, that is very much the squad. that was really struggling under Mark Robbins. It's not been massive investment and change of personnel. Matt Grimes, I think,'s been absolutely key since he came in the back end of last year, just in terms of the way they play and he's the one who's going to get on the ball

and dictate the pace of the game. You're getting more out of the players that were there. I mean, Thomas Assange was probably going to be out of the door, you know, and then you've turned him into the top striker or top forward in terms of goals in the league. There just seems a real energy about the way that they play. they commit bodies forward, you know, they have a ability to find goals at just the right timing games. And I think if you look at some of the underlying numbers when Mark Robbins,

they weren't playing terribly, but it's amazing that little bit of confidence. I think that's fresh ideas. Fresh ideas and maybe a fresh voice. And I say this with the greatest respect. We've all been in dressing rooms when you've had a manager for a considerable amount of time. And it maybe just loses that little bit of impact. But I see the sort of aura around Frank Lampard, when he speaks to a player and this is based on what he's done as a coach at Coventry City of course there's a bit of extra yardage in it

because of what he did as a player and his achievements there and what he's done previously at a couple of clubs but I just think there is just something about him that these players have really, really responded to and now there's a togetherness and a belief in that squad that maybe wasn't quite there previously

in terms of we can be a decent championship team and maybe get in the playoffs But now this season, I think that mentality is shifted to we feel we can get automatically promoted and that's been the big shift there and they're certainly delivering on that. Jobes, do you think it's about delivery of tactics and message from the manager?

Because let's face it, Frank Lampard, exceptional player and seems to be a good coach as well. I've obviously not worked under him so I wouldn't be able to say. But if you look at the likes of Ewan Rooney's, arguably the greatest player this country's ever produced doesn't necessarily have the same in terms of the coaching side of things Stephen Gerrard may be similarly

as good as Lampard ever was but maybe doesn't have the same way of delivering do you think it's delivery of message as well as I suppose can I bolt onto that and say got to remember who Frank Lampard's dad is and Frank Lampard's uncle is you've got two fantastic people to lean on

and Frank Lampardt senior and Harry Rednapp unbelievable mental and his other dad Jose Marino, who's potentially one of the best managers that we've seen. I'm sure you can lean on Uncle Carlo Ancelotti as well. There's a fabulous sort of network there. And while Stephen Gerrador will have his network and Wayne Rooney will no doubt have his network,

Frank Lampard's always been a student at the game, would you say? He's always been a really a thinker and an intelligent guy. He was an intelligent footballer as well. There's something about him. There's just something about him that's a little bit different. I always thought it worked for him at Everton. obviously it didn't he's taking time out and that's a really important thing taking time out come back I'm not going to lie I didn't think Coventry was a good fit

hey who gets it right on what do we know what do we know I think it was a really big job for him because if it didn't go well I think he probably starts getting the same questions as a Gerard or Rooney what is next and I think his hunger to do the job because we have to remember the playing careers that these guys had the money they've earned, the other opportunities they've got, you know, to go and be a pundit, maybe. They don't have to do it. But I think when you are a player of his calibre, and I'm in the dressing room, and he really wants to be here, and he really wants to drive the group forward, you know, that must be just

absolutely gold for those players, and he's got a real desire to want to succeed as a coach. You know, Joe Edwards coming in, I think's a big, big key factor in this in terms of a lot of the work that he does on the training ground as well. And they just seem a club at the moment that is just, you know, you've got to factor in all the off-field stuff that seems to be in a really good place. Buying the stadium, you know, the owner that came in, Doug King's done a fantastic job there as well. But, yeah, in terms of the playing side, there's just a real freedom to the way that they play and they go about their business.

And it's been a real breath of fresh air this season, I've got to say. Let's talk Middlesbrough. They've confirmed the appointment of Kim Helberg, 37 years old as their new head coach. He arrived on Monday. He's replaced Rob Edwards, who's, of course, gone to walls. Eddie Vivas, still in charge for the Coventry game. on Tuesday, Helberg is Borough's second ever

foreign manager. It's going to be interesting to see how he settles in. Does anyone know anything about him? No, but I've seen a few of the sort of sound bites that you hear from most of these new coaches. You know, he wants to be positive,

forward thinking, get on the front foot, win the ball high. It's kind of like, you know, the coach's starter pack, isn't it? Of quotes, really. So I think what would be interesting is if he does change, I felt there was a show

last night in how they approached the game, Middlesbrough, how much of that would have been him? He's only been in there five minutes, and he didn't take the game. But a lot of what they have done, as I say, has been that real defensive structure. But they've got really good players. I mean, Alan Brown, Morris and Hattney

were the three in there last night. Riley McGree's bat fit now. So they've got some real good options in there. So I think how quickly you can translate that message and that style and identity is going to be the big part. Is it a risk? I think it is, you know, given not much of a tall track record of him.

a couple of seasons over at Hammerby, I believe it is. So listen, they're in a good place to move forward, but I do feel there's an element of risk with the appointment. I wouldn't say we're really in a position to critique him. Obviously, Hammerby finished second two years in a row under his stewardship. But as we know, the EFL, the championship in this case, is very different to anything else. It's very different to the Premier League.

And it's very different to continental Europe. So I think we have to just hold stations and see how it plays out over the next probably 10, 15 games before we have an idea because there's not going to be very much time spent on the training field at this part of the year because everyone's Saturday, Tuesday until probably in middle of January. Is this the toughest time to take over a club?

Yeah, for sure. And I think that was the interesting thing for me about the timing of the decision or the appointment because, listen, I know everything that happened with Rob Edwards probably came out of the blue, but you've had effectively a couple of weeks. I would have liked to have seen someone at least get in there, you know, for a week leading into a game. Because, like Liles, just hit the nail on the head. I mean, it is hectic now.

This is the crunch time of the season, finishing the first half well, giving yourself a platform to go and kick on in the new year. But it's game after game, Christmas period, we know, is absolutely crazy. So it's going to be a real intense time for him to come. in and that is the hardest thing. I think with these young coaches, they're so focused on the training ground and trying to get these principles across that you need the time to be able to do that and they haven't got that. So, yeah, I'm keeping a real close eye on how this develops over the next few weeks. Yeah, one winning six for Borough. Let's talk Southampton. It was 16th against 10th. The Saints playing Leicester, Southampton running out three-nil winners. That's four

wins from four for interim boss Tonsa Eckert. Does he now deserve this job, Lauer? Why not? Why not? Oh, you're going early, Lyle. You're going early. No, but, but, but, but, but, but why not? Because what has he, the small sample size we have, even if it was a case of, okay, what we'll do is we'll give you an 18 month contract or we'll give you seven, eight months to, to, to, to show us what you can do.

Why not? If, if, if we're in a position where somebody's taken over the team as has galvanized a group, which he evidently has. Yeah. I know yesterday, obviously, they go 2-0 up and Lester have a man sent off. It makes the job a lot easier. But still, we're still talking about a team

that seems to have turned its fortunes on a 180. Okay, but is that proof that they weren't playing for the old manager? Possibly, but how do you know then whoever gets brought in, let's say they're bringing a new manager, it's Joe Bloggs? How do you know that within two, three weeks,

the players go, yeah, not having you. makes a few decisions that senior boys in that dress room don't like and the place gets turned on its head again, then what? So if you have a manager that's doing the job currently, why would you not allow that manager time and space to work even if it was until the end of the season? Prove to us, you hit these targets, call it points, call it points per game, call it a position in the league

and you get a three-year extension on your contract. If the manager, if he wanted that, Why not give him the chance? I think you're absolutely right in terms of that time frame. I think they need to make a decision. I think we're getting to that period now of all the questions. Every time he goes and does an interview, do you want the job full time? He's sort of doing his job and saying, look, you know, I'm just here to manage the team in a short term.

The players are going to be in there going give the guy the job. He cannot have done any more than what they have done. It has been a complete turnaround in fortunes, particularly the attacking side. It's got two against QPR, three against Sheff for Wednesday, five. against Charlton, who had only conceded five all season at home, and then three against Leicester City as well. So that was the big issue under Willstill. For whatever reason, he wasn't getting the best out of that attacking unit

that we all know has got goals in there. Tonda Eckhart has done that. I think I would be reluctant to go for a long-term deal. We've seen these interim periods tail off, but I think there needs to be some certainty, whether it is a deal to the end of the season. I think you're spot on. everyone can just settle down

know what the objective is which is to get promoted for Southampton of course it is and then if he does achieve that you build your stuff into your contracts to say right you're either going to take over or that's the point we go and look for maybe a higher profile manager

and you stay on as an assistant or whatever the situation may be but you're definitely in that window now where I think everyone at that football club just needs to know what is going to be the direction of travel the same swing of Leah Sienza has said to Sky

we're happy with him he's doing a great job so why not it can get a lot better than four wins and four games so give the man the job done there you go that's from inside the camp yeah and you can't ignore that what's changed what has changed from from will still coming and doing his thing and obviously leaving to ton the ecker generating four wins from four is it as simple as saying that the shackles have been taken off possibly but but that's a that's a blanket statement it's a generic nothing isn't it let's be honest we don't know and we don't know And we will not know exactly what was going on inside that dressing room. We do not know what is going on in that dressing room right now.

But if the players are coming out and saying, we're happy, we like this guy, this guy is doing this, this guy is doing that. You'd be silly not to listen to that. It's going to be interesting to see what happens with Ton de Rekka. He's a stern-looking guy, isn't he? He doesn't give him much away, is he? He doesn't give him much away. Nothing. Yeah.

But is he in a position where he can give much away? He's being asked about his future. He will know personally what he wants to do, but he can't give much away because if he says, no, I want the job and the club going in a different direction, that almost makes it that he can't work under whoever comes in next because they know ultimately that that guy is coming for my job.

So he has to play his cards close to his chest. I mean, he said I'm happy to go on to go into another game on Saturday. It's going to be a big challenge coming up and we need to make sure that we carry on the momentum. I want to go to Millal and win another game elsewhere in League 1. Peterborough also went four wins from four after Luke Williams replaced Darren Ferguson. Very, very good from Luke Williams. They've completely changed things around.

They just look again, another side that looks free. Yeah, until last night when they come up against a very hard and organized, resolute Stevenage side. But yeah, in terms of you couldn't have asked for a better start up until that part, I mean, the way that we associate football with Peterbury United, free-flowing and with Luke Williams. You know, it isn't easy no matter what anyone thinks out there to go and click your fingers all of a sudden and then start playing this brilliant attacking football scoring goals for fun. So huge credit to him.

I think he has got a group that would be receptive. They've obviously recruited for a certain style of play and unfortunately for them, you know, those weren't getting results earlier in the season. But I think marrying up the right profile manager with the squad is so, so important and it's amazing sometimes you get these appointments where it just doesn't seem to add up. up and then people wonder why it doesn't work, whereas clearly Darrow McAntony knows his stuff.

He's been interested in Luke Williams previously, understands that he will have a good idea of how to get the best out of that squad, and clearly it has worked. Yeah, Stephen Hedge now, top of league one. I just want a side note, what's going on with Charlton? Well, again, for a team that had been so, so hard to break down and good defensive, they got absolutely torn apart against Southampton. I mean, ridiculously. I mean, as good as Southampton were Chartamward,

just not themselves. And then again, you know, maybe a little blip in terms of a bit of lack of confidence. I know they've got some defensive issues at the moment. So I think I'd put it down to that, but certainly trust Nathan Jones to get it back on track sooner rather than later. With Nathan, I love him to bit. He called Rex and a circus.

They beat him. He then goes to two of his former clubs and gets beaten as well. It's not been a good few weeks for him. No, he would have hated that as well, wouldn't he laugh? Yeah, 100%. He's a very, very proud man. But the problem you've got is you step out onto the football pitch and find yourself 2-0 down in five minutes.

You've lost that game, especially when you conceded five in one half of football, what, three days previously. It's not ideal, is it? Not good at all. So, yeah, the players will know that, and they'll know that when they play this weekend, they need a solid start, as in a solid 20 minutes of,

no big chance is given up and the manager will know that as well so they'll look to go back to basic strip it back and go okay 20 minutes we're going to keep a clean sheet we're going to turn you we're going to get down the sides and then they'll build themselves back from there that's just how football work

I mean I would say it gets easy for chart and they only go to Coventry at the weekend so hey you know they'll need to keep that 20 minute clean sheet they've only scored 47 goals this season I was looking for it last night as the game was finishing right who's the next highest you know what the next highest

goals is, Lyle. I'm going to go 28. Bang on the money. You have done your research today. Well done. Do you know what teams it was? I could tell you. Ipswich.

Yeah. And one more. Hull. Oh, do you know what? Actually, met the whole boss the other day. Sergei, he is a cool, cool, cool customer. Very, very cool. They played their QPR, went over, interviewed him afterwards.

And like, you know, when you interview a manager, and it's supposed to be quite, So if you ride the wave with it, if they've lost, you know, you're, you commiserate them and whatnot. Sergei Akiravich walks in, slaps him around the back and goes, hey man, I'm just like, whoa, he's huge. He's about six, four, six, five, this guy. Big, big man. And just very jolly, very, like, jovial guy. What a lovely guy. And, you know, he's got a good side.

Ryan Giles, by the way, he knows how to whip in a football. Hull, haven't obviously been on the best run. but yeah, I really like the manager. My name's Steve Bradnell, a sister manager of Royal Oak FC. You may have seen me online with Vinyl. Vinyl sensation. And now the BBC

have given me the chance to set the footballing world banter eyes. This could be a great opportunity for us, lads, a podcast for the BBC. Can I just say, what's the podcast? Brilliant. Great start. Well done, Bob.

Brilliant. We could completely show utter transparency to Royal Oak fans. I'll use my charm, gift it gab. Games gone. The Steve Bracknell podcast. Watch on YouTube. Listen on BBC Sounds.

72 plus the EFL podcast with Aaron Paul and Joby McEnough. Now Lyle suggested we build an opposite 11 to come up against our ultimate all-time EFL 11, which we've assembled over the course of the season so far. So in our ultimate team we have, Casper Schmichael, Graham Alexander, Sol Bambor, Wes Morgan, George Friend, Johnny Howson, Wes Hulahan, Peter Whittingham, Jamie Vardy, Billy Sharp and Ricky Lambert. Tommy from Southport says, hello. Some suggestions for the opposite 11 that Lars suggested.

To play the Ultimate 11 as a Wiggin fan, I'd go for Nathan the Duke Ellington. 3.25 million pounds signing for Watford. Unplayable on his day. Other suggestions would be Robbie Blake, legend. Aaron Huckabee, legend, Lamana Loa Loire, Loire, legend, all quality EFL players each with their own unique flair

and quality. Gentlemen, any of those? Ellington, Blake, Huckabee, Loire, Loire. I played with Nathan Eton, actually, in terms of ability, and I mean, the guy had everything, hold up a ball, his touch was fantastic, brilliant finisher,

free kicks, didn't quite do it at Watford, I've got to say, but neither did I, so nothing against him for that. but, you know, incredibly talented player and a great lad as well. And again, I remember him and Jason Roberts in the Wigan days. I mean, what a partnership that was,

you know, just banging goals all the way through the EFL right up into the Premier League. We need to decide on a style for the opposite 11. I don't want to go Route 1 FC. Yeah, we can do that, but that could be sort of like a hard man.

It would be so hard man slash root 1FC. Yeah, fun. I think that's a good shout. Play him up. with John Akindy and Bayo. You wouldn't want to play against that, would you? A fun three of Akinday, Bayo, who else? Who else?

I've got to throw Darius Henderson in terms of the toughest players that I've made with, mate, and like a little bit naughty as well. Morrison was a baller. I don't care what anyone says. Steve Morrison was a very good footballer. He was. Duky? Yeah, tough.

Yeah, Juky's a player. So I think we're getting somewhere. Keep has got to Paddy Kenny in that one. We can't call him hard. after he Curtis has mulled him, can we? Barry Fuller, right, right, man. I think, yeah, I think this is going to be on. Kevin McDonald would play in the midfield.

If I don't care, I'd put Kevin McDonald that's not root well. Fuller. No, no, no, no, hard man, hard man, hard man. Hard man, 11, Kevin McDonald in midfield. He's tough. A midfield of Kevin McDonald, Michael Tongue, Sheffield United and Michael Brown, the Neil Warnock special.

Tongue, he was a very, very good player, mate, criminally underrated. technically superb, mate, he was... If you go back and one of the first of a football documentaries following late in Orient, Orient for a Fiver was a Sheffield United documentary of season 2004, 2005

where they just missed out on the playoffs. And Neil Warnock, all it is is him basically like buttering up Michael Tong. A lot, Tongue, lad. My mate Graham literally will tweet me, A-up Tongue lad, like every season just like, you know, times a season

and like he'd just go he'll just go out to Michael Tongue Lab which bulls you're wearing today's son

red one oh you look they look dead good then what a legend what a legend man

Chris Morgan sent off Chris Morgan I was gonna say if you're talking that era I remember Morg's being a coach

at Chef Hugh when I was there and we played a small side of game and he played in the small side of game now this ball

comes across the box and I'm thinking there's no way I'm gonna try and score here because if I try and score I'm going to get hurt. Morgs flies in, clears the ball smashes the post

and I go, oh that one's sore, he gets straight back up and I was like, oh my God what is going on here? He's just absolutely nailed the post got back up, carried on. Neither's to say Morg's team won that small side of game.

Lyle, did he still do the thing? Because when I played against him, the handshape before a game where we'd literally try and break your fingers by squeezing it as hard as he could. Like, you'd go and sort of shake hands and it was like, you know, he's trying to get that psychological edge just even before the games even started. Yeah, but he didn't

the thing is, he didn't even need to do that because you knew if there was any sort of even a 10% chance of him winning a tackle, you were going to get absolutely levered. Kevin must have, you know, he was a really good guy though. Yeah, he was, Sam. Really good guy. There are so many players over the years

I can sit and think of where I'm like, hard man. Paul Robinson. When were the middle? the thing is he looked about seven stone wet through but he was tough yeah horrible man I love him he's a lovely man

in training horrible man I bet he's horrible man as a teammate lovely man he's just a lovely guy send us your suggestions for our opposite 11 a hard man 11 just get involved go route one into our WhatsApp

08000 289 3669 we mentioned Stephen Hitch going top of league 1 in lead 2 Bromley up into the automatic promotion places after winning four in a row their manager and the Woodman said

We're not a bad little outfit. There's a long way to go, but we're professional, organized and efficient. Why shouldn't we believe? If you don't reach for the stars, you don't hit them. Emotional, Andy Woodman.

Absolutely love it. They could go top of League 2 this weekend. They're away at League Leaders Warsaw. Brom, we've never actually played in the top three divisions. I don't know about you guys. I'd love to see them next season doing it. It'd be great.

It'd be great. It's one of those stories where you want the smaller club, underdog the never thought about club to do something miraculous and why not get them to the pream it's um i've got to say a story that i absolutely love i watch so much football and i see so many teams that in this day and age want to be i call it reinvent the will and i mean this across the club whether it's recruitment whether it's style of play sometimes the lever you're at is quite straightforward and what i love about bromley and andy woodman he doesn't make any

excuses for what they are. When you talk about identity, you talk about understanding your strengths and playing to them, this is Bromley, right? You know, they've organized, they get the ball in the box, set pieces have been massive for them. But people sort of sometimes misinterpret at that as like, oh, they just smash it or, you know, they're not working enough on the training ground to be a really good football team. That takes just as much work. They scored a couple of set pieces the other day. They were throwings. And they load up the box with the big boys, you So when he's been fantastic in terms of nicking a few goals in his presence. But they didn't just launch it into the box.

They actually worked a short one. Then they go and deliver. You know, that is coaching. That is getting a team set up to go and be effective. And I just feel at times, you know, there's so many coaches out there that are almost embarrassed or ashamed to play that way because they feel it's going to reflect badly on them. Whereas I think he's owning it. I think everybody in that squad knows exactly how they win football matches.

and again for me Michael Cheeks are prime an example of that never played in the league comes into it scores goals then goes and backs it up again you know you've got Cabamba

coming off the bench perfect option not a change of style very similar ease-knicking goals as well so yeah man I love it I love everything they've done and I wish them continued success

and the work that's gone on off the pitch as well upgrading the stadium I remember going there with Leighton Orient one of the worst nights of my life as a professional football are getting absolutely trashed and I was literally whatever age

I was 38, 309. I'm thinking, oh my gosh time to hang the boots up. So to see their progression and where they are now is magnificent. So massive credit to everyone there. I'll tell you what. I just watch, when I watch them, I always think they look dangerous going forward. They always, it

looks like something could happen. Every move they make going forward and they know how to find the back of the net. It's something different in football that there's not, in my opinion, enough of at the moment. At this particular time in football, everything is kind of pushed towards the academy style of play. And you go up to the championship, everybody's playing that sort of we want to get to the Premier League brand of football.

When it's nice to see a team mixing it up and doing something different and not apologising for the fact that they are what they are. And also, that's not to say. And I really, really don't want to be sort of on here, making out there is sort of just long ball and just that. Because it isn't. There's so much more about their game. They've scored some really, really good goals. You know, what they do is they go and play in areas that are effective. And then those attacking players have got that freedom to go and express themselves if you're a winger, taking people on, delivering balls into the box.

And, you know, there's just a clarity about what they do. And I just, as I say, for me, I think, you know, Andy Woodman, probably one of the most underrated managers in terms of the job that he's done there. And I think there might be a few sort of having a little look around now because after that first, He's like, oh, can they go and do it again? They've gone and done it again, even better. You know, so it's, yeah, brilliant, brilliant story. Elsewhere, bottom of the league to Newport County who appointed Premier League in FA Cup

when a Christian Fuchs as manager. It's his first senior management role. He previously worked as an assistant for Charlotte FC in the MLS. Okay, Joby, is this the time for an experiment? No. And it's, again, nothing against Christian Fuchs, but we've just sung the praise of a club that knows exactly what they are

and now we're going to talk about one that I generally don't think they know. I think ever since, obviously, Hugh Jenkins came in and all the talk was basically a Swansea region, wasn't it, in terms of, you know, style of football, playing in a certain way, even some of their recruitment. And when I talk about reinventing the wheel

and lacking an understanding of what it is, you know, league two is league two. You need players that have been there, done it, and understand what it takes to win games at that level, and they've gone and bought players from you know non-league which again listen I'm all for you know they've gone down to the Welsh leagues but when it's too much

of that I think that's when it makes it really difficult and you lose your identity and at the moment they're just not good enough to play the way that I think the owner wants them to play obviously Jardine's come in and tried to do it and that practically nearly failed they just about stayed up last season

again they go with an academy coach who might be the best coach on the day but management is different in terms of dealing with the players who you're not playing and finding a way to win a football game. Obviously, that didn't work with David Hughes. So I think there's a lot of factors into why, I'll put it this way. If I was Christian Fuchs, I would not be taking this as my first step into senior management.

Lyle, if you are Newport County, bottom of the football league and Christian Fuchs, yes, Premier League winner, 78 caps for Austria, big character, big presence turns up. Are you checking in and switching on for him? Absolutely. I think what we have to realise, is that regardless of whether you look up to a manager and can respect him for what he's achieved as a player or as a manager, ultimately, if you are bottom of the football league

and you are either not playing or not performing, there's no success for you from that point. So the players at the very worst case have to do it for themselves because if you want to continue your career or have a career for the younger players, then you're going to need to pull your finger out and do all you can to drag the team up the league because it doesn't look great if you get relegated out of the football league.

And I don't know where an individual, unless you're a striker who, let's say you scored 25, 30 goals. I don't see where you go from that point if you are part of such failure, as it were. The National League is a cruel mistress. It won't respect you. Well, as we spoke about previously, it's very, very difficult to get out.

of, especially with the current one-up and one through the playoff system. Do you know who I'm worried about? I'll make Darrell at Bristol Rovers. Yeah, man. Seven defeats on the bounce, and it's miserable. Yeah, listen, we talk a lot about giving managers time. I think with the greatest respect to Bristol Rovers, they are doing their absolute best to try and get that situation to improve.

But again, I think when you lose into Cheltenham, the teams around you. Newport are a little bit similar to that recently in terms of some of the games that they've lost, then you know you're in real danger of really getting dragged into a relegation which I'm sure for everyone

at Bristol Rovers was the furthest thing away from everyone's mind when he went in there. I'm surprised I thought he would be the man to sort of kickstart it again and understanding of the football club and what's required but yeah to say it hasn't quite gone the way we thought it would is an understatement

and you know he'll know he's not silly, you know, he needs a result ASAP, otherwise, you know, tough one coming up, though, you know, in a couple of games time. So, listen, it's tough, but fair play to him to give him an opportunity to turn it around. Absolutely. Let's finish

with this. 72 plus, 72 minus on the football daily. Yeah, it's time for Jobie's best and worst moments the week from across the EFL. Jobes, where are we starting? Well, I'm going to say, it would have been Tommy Conway, but I think he's still going to be

head in hands he missed an absolute sitter at two two in the game i watched last night um they went on to lose the game in the end so i'm going to go for northampton towns Ethan wheatley a real hero to zero story scored the equalizer against cardiff to make it one one then he goes and gives a little bit a stick to the traveling fans where he's celebrating unfortunately for him three minutes later he scores an absolutely crazy own goal and they go on to lose the game free one given the cardiff city a chance to give him a bit of step back. Corner to Cardiff into the near post it goes. Oh, Wheatley! Oh, it's an own goal!

Oh, Ethan Wheatley, having scored an absolute masterclass of a goal at one end, has now put into his own net just two minutes later. Joe, you're 72 plus. Well, it's going to come from Wigan, or Wimbledon against Wigan, Harrison Betoni. Now, for those of us who've gone to bed the night before your first ever game, game, you know, you dream of your debut, whether it's scoring a goal or being the hero. I don't think many would ever go as well as this. So, 18-year-old Harrison Bertone comes off the bench on 77 minutes at 1-0 down.

He steps up, his first ever touch in the EFL puts a free kick right into the top bin. And if that wasn't good enough, he then goes on to score the winner. Absolute fairytale stuff. let's hear it fall through bettony one and one with the goalkeeper can you betty can what a league debut this is turning into be for harrison bettony and wigg and athletic have come behind and look set for their first away league win of the season uh no harrison bethoney in our fantasy eFL teams though just just switching back remember your football league debut no i do uh afccc Bournemouth at home at

Dean Court against Knox County how did it go tell us I gave the ball away on we were three one up I gave the ball away on the halfway line and Notts County scored and I remember that being a really really rude awakening and I got hammered by

Eddie Howe yeah it wasn't great was not good I think I must have tried to do something really clever on the halfway line give the ball away they go and score and then they scored an equalizer going to the dressing room after the game and the manager emptied me in front of everyone

it was like. Did Jason Tindle give you a couple as well? I don't remember I don't remember Jason saying anything to be honest with you but I do remember giving it away and I remember being emptied by the manager. It wasn't a great day. Toby, debut memories against Norwich City for Wimbledon

at Seles Park we ended up losing the game but genuinely like just to get on the pitch after working you know as hard as you do through like the academy system and through the resies at the time, which it was, and then just being around the first team, it's a day genuinely that anyone who's had that experience

will never, ever forget. I think I went on to start one of the next few games for my first actual league start. But yeah, just a magical day despite the result. And luckily I didn't get emptied by the Gaffer at the time. So I think I did half decent in my little cameo. Let me add some substance and some weight to that emptying. Just going back to an article away from the Bournemouth Echo,

27th of August 2010. Headline, Cherries Taylor deal confirmed. Cherries have completed the signing of Stryker Lal Taylor. Boss Eddie Howe told the Echo earlier this week that he was hoping to recruit the front man who's been on trial at Dean Cawson to start preseason. And Cherries have now confirmed the Football League today gave the move the green light with a 20-year-old

receiving a two-year contract. For the full story and reaction, see Tomorrow's Echo. Wait for it. The next day, Lyle made his football league debut in a three all draw with Notts County so he come on at three one gave the ball away for three two and they drew three three

what weekend did you learn an important lesson though Lyle yeah don't be too clever on a halfway line he had his arm round you on the Friday on the Saturday it was absolutely going for you

yeah it's real life man that's what the young players need that is football but we're not allowed to do that anymore you can't shout at young players anymore. No. No, you're not allowed. We are midweek game week in Fantasy

FFL. Joby up to 45th Coventry's Victor Torp doing the business. Oh, would you look at this? Aaron outscoring Joby so far this week. Over 100 points chose Southampton and Coventry for the team picks. Well, what do you know, Jobes? It is about time you turned

up, mate. Let's be honest. Come on. How many points you got? I'm on 93 this week. Well, over 100. Okay, fine. To be fair, Jobes. You can have a good week. every now and again. We were in a lovely Afghani eating establishment on Friday,

and Aaron was messing around with his team, as it were. I was. Mid-mid-rice. Yeah. Very nice. Okay. So he's actually spent a bit of time on it. It's just goes to show what you can do as when you actually care about something.

Can you put a bit of time in? Put me in a cab-based establishment, and I will sort out that team. Don't worry about that. Did you actually get rid of Rodoney? You know, he's back now, don't you? I'm bringing him back. Don't worry. In his team for the last six weeks and he's not even been fit.

Well, I was hoping he'd pass a fitness test every week. You could have just messaged him. I could have messaged it. In our 72-plus league, KFC Wimbledon, which is the best name. Love that. Currently with the highest score of the game week, Sorba Thomas for two goals and an assist in Stokes 3-0 win over Charlton. Our fantasy EFL league code is 72 EFL pod.

Joby, Lyle, thank you so much. Where is everyone going this weekend? Who are we watching? Studio, Stoke against Hull City. Obviously, Stoke, going very, very well. Hull, not so much at the moment. So it's been interesting watch. Lyle.

We've got Torky at home, so I get to see an old teammate in mine, Matt Jay, at the weekend. Oh, that'd be fun. Yeah. Nice one. I'm going Millwall tonight. Oh, love you. I've got Tristan Kramer.

Are we going Kramer? Kramer. I've got him in, so hopefully he gets some points and I can get above you in fantasy, mate. But he scored an own goalie other day and killed me. If there's anything you want to, to talk about, or if you have any players throughout Ultimate All-Time Hardman

11, drop us a message or voice note on WhatsApp. 08,000 289-3-669. That is it for this episode of Football Daily. The next one will be the Champions League debrief. And as for us here on 72 plus the EFL pod, we'll be back next week. Catch you then.

Jabby Alonzo. Has he been given the tin tack? No, he hasn't yet, but there's a group of heavyweights who have turned on the head coach. Give it to rest. That's mad, isn't it? That'd be mental if they sack him. What's Zizu doing, mate?

He'd probably roll that round for another spin, wouldn't he? Oh. There you go. Oh, Perez already has a secret plan to bring back Zinadan. Oh, there you go. Dream replacement. Just roll in, win the champs league and then go again. Basically, Real Madrid are like a really big Peter, aren't they?

You compare in Darren Ferguson to Zinadine Zadadad? Really big peer, bro. This winter, cricket's oldest rivalry is reignited. England and Australia do battle to compete for the ashes. That is extraordinary. Hear live ball-by-ball commentary on Fife Sports Extra. And get analysis and reaction of every day's play with the Test Match special podcast. Out of the ground.

Test match special at the Ashes. Listen on BBC Sounds.