Football Daily - 72+ EFL Pod: Ipswich’s Premier League return on hold & Luton’s playoff push

Episode Date: April 28, 2026

Aaron Paul & Jobi McAnuff are joined by Bristol Rovers boss Steve Evans & Chelmsford striker Lyle Taylor ahead of the final weekend of the EFL season. Luton manager Jack Wilshere joins the pod to discuss their pursuit of the League One playoffs. And hear from Kieran McKenna after his Ipswich side drew at Southampton and missed the chance to effectively seal an automatic return to the Premier League ahead of their final game. Messages and voice notes always welcome on WhatsApp to 08000 289 369.01:10 – a three-horse race for the last automatic Championship promotion place 02:05 – Coventry City’s promotion party 07:15 – A final appearance on the cards for FA Cup top scorer Lyle Taylor? 10:00 – York City promoted from the National League 10:53 – Southampton book their playoff place as Ipswich miss the chance to all but secure an automatic return to the Premier League 19:23 – Kieran McKenna reaction to 2-2 draw with Southampton 21:06 – Jack Wilshere on Luton’s push for the League One playoffs 34:54 – The race between Cambridge United, Salford City and Notts County for automatic promotion from League Two 40:21 – Five teams at risk of dropping out of the Football League on the final day of the season.

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Join 15 million customers internationally. smart, get wise. Download the Wise app today or visit wise.com. T's and Cs Apply. Hey there, this is Thomas Jermaine co-host of The Interface, the show that decodes how technology is rewiring your week and your world. On this week's episode, Apple CEO is resigning, and we'll look at what that means for the future of smartphones. We'll talk about whether your latest favorite band is actually a secret marketing ploy and how the AI Data Center boom has finally met its match, public backlash. Listen on BBC.com or wherever you get your podcasts. 72 Plus, the EFL podcast with Aaron Paul and Joby McEnough. Welcome along to 72 plus. This is the home

of the EFL from Five Live Sport. It's the final day of the season in the EFL this Saturday and thoroughly across all the permutations. We have Joby McAuff, my right arm on the calculator, former championship. Now Chelmsford Stryker, Larl Taylor, and Bristol Rovers manager turned fan, Steve Evans. Gentlemen, how are we? Steve, I'll come to you first. You said it was a sellout. You had 800 locked out of the men at the weekend, but you had a ticket.

I had a ticket, yeah, to get in with a fan. On 85, I'm going in if the game was not on a knife edge and obviously 4-0 up, 3-0 at a time and I'm only in there a couple of minutes and of course we make it 4. Incredible day. Did you enjoy the singing? Yeah, I tried to get a second about my sister-manager, putting some weight on, but not to join them.

Great to have you with us, Steve. Joby McEnough, wow, what a game we've just seen at St Mary's. Unbelievable, we go to a three-way tussle on the final day in the championship for the race for the Premier League. Yeah, I think it's one of the results that the neutrals were hoping for tonight. Clearly not if you're Ipswich and you want to get the job done in Southampton. and obviously a point isn't enough to keep their automatic hopes alive, but a brilliant, brilliant game.

We spoke in all season about how open the championship has been. Coventry, yes, been by far on the way the best team, worthy winners. That's all boxed off. But to go into the last Saturday, Millwall, the team that just will not go away. They are still hanging in there. Middlesbrough, off the back of a really poor form. But a couple of good results of late, anything can happen. I mean, it is going to be absolutely brilliant on.

Saturday. I've booked my ticket for the den. You did the den. Cannot wait to be there. Saturday, lunchtime. As mentioned, Five Life Sport on air from midday. It's going to be special. Joby, you and I, twice in a week, I've seen you. Now, twice in three days I've seen you. We were both at the Coventry City title celebrations on Sunday. Special day at the CBS, wasn't it? Yeah, incredible. It is, again, one of those, and I call it a privilege to be able to be there and really experience the emotion in the stadium, a club that's been through so much off the pitch

and the turnaround, you know, since Frank Lampard's gone in there. Listen, Mark Robbins has to take a huge amount of credit for the job that he did and really getting the club and building it and putting the foundations in place to go and really kick on. And Frank Lampard's gone on and done that, you know, with absolute bells, whistles and the whole lot. And, you know, they've been a joy to watch this season as a team. And, yeah, just great for a set of fans who have been through the ringer to have that day at their stadium. Perfect way to finish the season. Larl Taylor's alongside us as well. I'll say hello to you in a minute, but I want to just go back to you, Steve, because we look at Frank Lampart, the job he's done at Coffantry City, and the emphasis I put on it is love. It feels like the club has love pouring through it again. I mean, it's been 25 long years since they're relegated from the Premier League, left Highfield Road, obviously, what, 20 or so, 20, 21 years ago now, they've been out of their stadium at the CBS, they've been to St Andrews, they've been to Northampton, they've been to League 2, they've been to administer,

Wow, it's been one heck of a journey. But you know all about sort of pushing that love back into a football club. I feel you did it at Stevenage and I think you're doing it again at Bristol Rovers, just bringing people together. How important is the role of a manager in doing that, in being that orchestrator to just, you know, link up the board, the fans and all the supporters and all the players together? Yeah, I think first and foremost it helps if you win football matches.

That brings a unity together and it helps if you get support from a board. of you I've certainly had tremendous support from from our chairman and our board and I think Frank's had that I spoke to him on yesterday Frank gang me and with a good 25 minutes on the phone I'll tell you what I'm a humble humble man he is you know to achieve what he's going in there we spoke about everything you know Chelsea Coventry everything but for the Coventry people the Coventry supporters who have been through the Meyer in recent years and I think Frank had you guys witnessed these he's long speech and he spoke quite deeply about how that's affected everyone in the

in the city. I think his speech when they won promotion was one of the most emotional I've seen from a manager in a long time. And certainly he come across that had to me on the telephone. I don't profess to have known Frank too well apart from the odd meeting or whatever,

but he certainly is a real humble man. I think he'll do really well. I think they'll have to recruit, and they have to recruit wisely because that squad wouldn't survive in the Premier League, but Frank knows that more than I do. That relationship between chairman and manager as well

is hugely integral. And Joby, we've talked about it. Doug King when he came into Coventry City, save the football club. They were in the clutches of C-Soo, this hedge fund who the fans believe did not care about the football club. They saw some real tumultuous times under Joyce Apala and C-Soo.

Doug King comes in and one of his first things to do is to part ways of Mark Robbins, who's idolized in that city. They could have built a statute. And I remember it was an international break and sitting and watching this press conference. Doug King held the chairman holds a press conference to

justify his decision to sack a manager and you're thinking this is either going to go horribly right or horribly wrong and a lot of people thought it was going to go horribly wrong but he's reinforced it they've strengthened fundamentally Joby they've bought the stadium yeah what he's done

and again we talk about promotions of course that is a huge achievement but actually owning their own stadium again for the fans is I'm sure for them given everything they've been through such a massive and that's just been one step at a timer and yes, big decision, Mark Robbins, but then it's been, you know, little incremental steps,

you know, adding little pieces to the puzzle as they've gone along. It's not been wholesale, but he's been really transparent about that. I think he's been careful not to try and raise expectations too much, but he's delivered. Everything he has said, he has delivered. He's shrewd. He wouldn't have made that decision lately. You know, that would have come after days, you know, hours,

sleep with snakes, everything, because he knows he has to make the right decision if he's going to part we rob. One thing I'll give him, he's not shy of talking as well. He's not shy of talking to the media. He'll give you his time and he speaks really honestly. I think there's a balance to that though, Aaron. And I think I see a lot of other owners who are a little bit too... But there's no PR.

It's not PR. No, no, no. But what he does, he comes out and he tells it as it is. And sometimes actually fans do want to hear a little bit more. How much are we going to spend? What's the budget going to be like? Rather than, listen, I'm going to try and improve. the squad and almost leave it there.

So he's clearly stating we are going to make moves, but it's not promising everything and delivering nothing. It's probably the other way around, you know, and I think that's why certainly the fans from the moment he's got in there, you know, and the decisions he's made that have paid off time and time after again. You've just got to go

with what he says and back him and he certainly has delivers. And it's very much, Sharon, because you talked about Mr Rovers. I've got into a football club where our chairman and board do talk daily, weekly about improving the football club. They never make false promise. and they'll do what they can afford and that's what Dog King's done.

Someone who loves a conversation as well as Lyle Taylor who's alongside as the challenge for the striker, top scoring the FA Cup. Have the FA been in contact with you about potentially leading out with the match ball on FA Cup Day?

They have been in contact. Good evening anyway. They have been... Suit ready? Full kit? I am unsure as to the dress code. I'll be raiding Joby's wardrobe.

That's a good call. On my way there. No, they have been in in contact. I can't wear my hug. No, he's in a full, comfy get-up. He's tired. He's turned up in his slippers tonight. Let me tell me he's looking dapper. Always is. Always is.

Lyle, top scorer in the FA Cup, didn't quite make the playoffs with Chelmswood, but the hunger to carry on and to find the back of the neck, because you've had a great season. I have. I've really enjoyed this season. It's been slightly different, but ultimately the aim was for me to go and put 40 games together. and score as many goals as I could and I end up scoring 28 so I'm happy with that and

it's now time to sit down take stock and figure out what the immediate future holds I think it'd be very remiss not to say that you know you you didn't fall out of love with the game but you didn't have a great year last year you haven't had a great sort of 18 months

have you fallen back in love with playing football with scoring goals again because a Lyle Taylor that scores goals is a happy L'LLLah Taylor do you know what I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Colchester under Danny and Nikki Cowley they're great people two of the two of the best people I've met in

football and the end was not so great I literally blew my calf to shreds and I faced I think it was four months out in in the end and things went

a little bit left for me because the the owner decided to do things that against what he'd what we'd discussed and what had been had been promised. But that's football and luckily somebody else said, we'll take you in and we'll put you under our roof. And that's been an interesting journey. It's been different with the level. But I have enjoyed scoring goals again.

and the dressing room at Chelmsford is fantastic, was fantastic. Obviously, that dressing room will be disbanded now. We've finished our season and there'll be comings and goings. And I don't know quite what the future holds for me. I'll sit down with the manager in the coming days and we'll try and figure that out. Great to have you with us this evening, Lyle. Joby, just a quick mention, the National League, huge congratulations to York City promoted to the EFL after 10 years away

in dramatic fashion at Rochdale. If you haven't heard the commentary from Chris Coles, I recommend you scroll back to Saturday's Five Live Sport. Go back and enjoy it on BBC Sounds. Alternatively, it's plastered across social media. Lyle's smiling and nodding. Joby's smiling and nodding as well. Some moment.

Oh, incredible end to another incredible season in the National League. And also I've got to throw chappas in there because, I mean, some of the facials of the visuals on him when he was sort of trying to, It was literally like that. You could not believe. Look like obviously one team's won it, and then within a few minutes,

you know, when everyone's thinking it's done, go up and score a win. I mean, what a brilliant, brilliant game and an incredible way to finish a season. Let's hone in on tonight's game, though, Southampton playing Ipswich and what could have been a promotion decider for the tractor.

Boys, it finished two all in the end. We're just watching Karen McHen for fuller's post-match media duties, no doubt we'll hear from him throughout the program, but both Southampton Ipswich, which came into tonight with hopes of finishing second in the championship, and earning automatic promotion back to the Premier League. But right now, this is how things stand. Ipswich Town are second. They've played 45. They have 81 points and a goal difference of plus 30. Millwall are in third. They have played 45, 80 points with a goal difference of plus 13. Middlesbrough played 45. They have 79 points with a goal difference of plus 25.

Southampton, their automatic promotion hopes have ended this evening. Magnificent run, 18 games unbeaten now to Fott under Eckhartside, but it will be the playoffs for the Saints, 77 points from 45. Just firstly, Herculean effort from them to get themselves back in the picture, Steve. Yeah, I think it's been a fantastic run. And everyone from a from afar was hoping they would just get in there that's Roy the Rover stuff, isn't it? And so you think you could do it. But in fairness, probably the teams

that have been more consistent and better over the season, the other ones that's going to fight the final day shootout. Joby, let's talk Ipswich Town. They had all those games in hand. It's not been the greatest running for them. One defeat in 13, yes. But more draws than wins over the past 10 games. There's been criticisms of Kieran McKenna's side this season.

They're not their swashbuckling self that we saw a couple of years ago. And yes, they've evolved. It's a very different looking squad as well with so many options, but they just haven't been able to get over the line. No, I think if they do eventually, and I expect them to go and finish the job now at home. They've got through what, it was a tricky run-of-away games, which has really been their Achilles Hill this season.

But, you know, big win against Charlton, West Brom. and then follow that up now tonight, which again, come into a team that's been the form team and getting a point. I think Kieran McKenna would have taken that before tonight and make sure they're going into the last game of the season, you know, very much in control. Clearly, they still would have had a big goal difference over Mill

even if they'd lost tonight. But I just think that, you know, from Ipswich's perspective, it is a different team, Aaron. I think we do associate Kieran McKenna and Ipswich with that all-out attacking, free-flowing football. They just haven't found that rhythm this season. and I've seen them on numerous occasions, particularly of late.

And they've been a bit underwhelming, I've got to say that. For the quality they've got in the squad, you know, we talk about it all the time. I mean, you're talking about a Philhargyne or a Jack Clark. Jack Clark comes on today and gets a goal, you know, gets a penalty the other day against Middlesbrough, massive, massive player who is probably sitting there going, how am I not playing every week knowing and respecting he's got a great player in Jayden, Philogeen as well, but you want to play week in week out. And I just feel they don't have that.

Has the chubbing and changing? I think so. Has that affected them? Because there's no consistency in selection. He's changed the goalkeeper this season. Bruch Christian Walton back in. Alex Palmer's been relegated to the bench. I think the only consistent thing really has been the back four.

Well, I think it's a really good one to pick Steve's brains about that lack of consistency week in, week out. I mean, when you've got a squad like that, you know, it is hard, isn't it? Yeah, I think you're trying to keep a freshness about your team, aren't you? the pressure, every game they're under enormous pressure. But let's not forget that they're a home performance against QPR to go to the Premier League. And the goalkeeper for Southampton

to an absolutely magnificent save with seconds left, I've added time to write from Jack Clark. What QPR are going to turn up? Is it going to be the QPR that beat 6-1 or the QPR that win 6-1? I think it's what I'm sure which team turn up. I think if they turn up and play as Ipswich can at Portman Road, they'll be in the Premier League.

And I got Friday to mine, Alex Neal, of course, at Millwall will be listening to me saying it's the devil shut up you know he's at his end of season due to that

it's the Millware Ender Season award tonight he may be still be listening tomorrow but no listen I think they've they've come through as Jobby says a real tough run of away games

but I have a slight disagreement with Jobby has and what Keenan McKenna would have accepted tonight because they've got a massive goal difference I think he would have said

let's go and do it tonight we don't do it tonight we've been QPR to go at the Premier League would they have accepted that in August last year No, I mean going into the game tonight, I think, in terms of knowing if they'd have lost the game, you're now bringing another team into the mix for the weekend.

And it doesn't really change anything from their perspective. They still have to go and win the game on Saturday. But I just feel Southampton have been that team that you're thinking if anyone could do it with the run that they're on. And if they'd turn Ipswich over, I just think psychologically it would have been a big blow to Ipswich. I just feel there the team coming out of tonight going actually a point's all right. are we understating the job that Kieran McKen has done this season to have a really tough season in the Premier League last year where effectively you're being beaten every week

and you're being ground down and ground down and you would have a defensive mentality, let's say, to then go back into the championship as a team that is expected to go and absolutely walk the league and to then be stuttering, I suppose. Are we understating how good a job he might have done? Listen, I'm a huge fan of Kira McKenna. I think he's a fantastic young coach, already proven and achieved incredible things.

But with the squad they've got, you know, and I know we talk about money and resource and it does come into it, you know, with what they've spent. And I think I get it, Premier League was a hard season, but what they did was went and recruited a lot of championship ready players to try and step up, weren't quite good enough across the board. I think everyone at the club would admit that. So for me, I was just expecting a bit more, given that experience. You know, the O'Shea's talked about Jack Clark, Jacob Greaves. That players that have been there, done it, they go and get Tube a Rack-on. Joby, I think just backing up your point, with the ambition they show in the window, you're not going there to just get into the automatics.

You're going there to blitz the league. And I think they've been underwhelming. I think there's a factor as well. Kieran will lead, in my opinion, you'll lead up to back into the Premier League. If he doesn't lead them into the Premier League and they drop to the playoffs and losing the playoffs, you may not lead them anywhere. that's just how Ruthless football is and there'll be big demands on Kearing

and listen I got on great with him and I wish I'm an Alexander the lads up at Borough I think to sum it up Joby the three centre forwards they have have not scored enough goals George Hurst has 10 he's a leader on that 42 games

10 goals Ivan has on 38 5 goals Cindra Wala Eagli's a winger slash forward he's got four goals Tube Rackbonds be the biggest disappointment of a lot. Two goals from 30 appearances. Alice Mametti,

two goals from 30 appearances. The goals have all come from the wings. Fifteen from Jack Clark, 12 from Jade and Philaging. So you know where the goals are coming. You know what the problem's been. They're just not being clinical enough. Whereas they were, with a lesser quality squad two seasons ago. I don't know the answer to that, Aaron, but

Joby will because you'll watch them a lot more. Are they making the chances? Oh, they are. Yeah. They are. So the answer is then the strikers are. There's been a big imbalance to the team this year. You talk about the two wide left players, and there's been a big issue on the right. See, Wes Burns comes in, so they play that obviously knows very well,

ends up getting a goal. He's been out a lot through injury. He's a general, though, you can rely on him. Yeah, but there's not many of them left either. And I think that's the other thing. You know, the Conor Chaplains leave the football club. The two midfielders have been a huge, huge miss. You know, Massimo Luongo and Morsi, I think that was, you know,

because they would dictate the tempo of the play, but also give them that cover when they would. turnover all over as well. So listen, it's been a lot of moving parts. I'm certainly not saying it was an easy job. Ultimately, I believe he will get over the line. But with this squad, that is the bare minimum they should be doing this season. So Saturday, this is how it goes. Ipswich Town and second play Queen's Park Rangers. Millwall entertain Oxford at the Den and Southampton go away to Preston North End. It's going to be interesting. Let's hear from the which boss Kerr McKenna.

There's no doubt it's took a lot of time to get this group together, to, you know, with the loss of some big, big players, some big characters that we had at the summer to build this team. But I think you see today it's the team that have improved and grown so much over the course of the year. And again, to deliver a performance like that at this age of the season against the team as good as them, I think, is a great sign for the growth of the group. So, yeah, let's see it's going to go to the last game.

I think we definitely all would have took that at the start of the season, being in our hands going to our home game on the last day. So, you know, we look forward to that. You're in the driving seat, really. It's QPR next early kickoff. Do you fancy your chances? You have to respect every game in the championship is tough. And, you know, we've not had an easy game this year.

And I don't think we're going to have one on Saturday. So we'll respect the opponent. We'll prepare the game as well as we can. But we, you know, we believe in ourselves. And we know that we can make Portman Road a formidable place. And we're able to deliver a good performance. and, you know, if you do that, you've got a good chance to win the game. Hey there, this is Thomas Jermaine co-host of The Interface,

the show that decodes how technology is rewiring your week and your world. On this week's episode, Apple CEO is resigning, and we'll look at what that means for the future of smartphones. We'll talk about whether your latest favorite band is actually a secret marketing ploy and how the AI Data Center boom has finally met its match. public backlash. Listen on BBC.com or wherever you get your podcasts. Five-Ly sports. So here's the first ball of this series.

All the cricket you laugh lives on BBC sounds. Smash straight back down the ground. This girl. Here ball-by-ball coverage of the biggest competitions on the domestic and international circuits. It's a ball cricket and it's the huge run. Trees, horse. Shuttle down to song, right? Cricket on Five Live Sport.

Listen on BBC Sounds. 72 plus the EFL podcast with Aaron Paul and Joby McEnough. We're going to hone in on League 1 now. Lincoln City have hit 100 points. They are up. Cardiff City are also promoted. Bolton have a playoff play secured. The other three spots are up for grabs between Stockport County,

Bradford City, Steve's old club, Stevenage, Luton Town and Plymouth, Argar. delighted to say that the Luton Town boss, Jack Wilshit, is with us on Five Live Sport this Tuesday evening. Jack, evening. Aaron, how are you, mate? Yeah, very well, thank you. Great to have you on with us. I mean, look, Jack, what a run of form it's been to surge you guys into the playoffs. Eleven unbeaten now. What's changed at Luton? I must say credit to the players, because as you guys know in the studio, like, they're the ones who have to, they have to deliver it. they have to execute it, they have to go through some tough times this season

and tough moments where we haven't been good enough. And, yeah, but that's, you know, when you're underperforming, it's difficult to get out of and the players have to stand up and they have done, they've show resilience, they've, their mentality has changed, they've stuck to everything that I've asked them, I'm really, really grateful to them for that

because I've always felt like they were all in. And we're definitely not where we want to be, but we've made big steps and we've given ourselves for an outside chance of getting in. You've got to forgive me for this, Jack, because I was at your game against Reading. And the unfortunate thing for you, the unfortunate thing for you

is that our interview position is directly outside the home dressing room. I heard every word of your post-match talk. And you were emotional, you were emotional in the interview afterwards, and you could see how much it hurt and you told the players how much it hurt. But you fast forward five, six weeks,

And the biggest point coming out of that Luton dressing room now is that they're together and there's belief. What a turn around. And the mentality of the group has to be given some credit. But also yourself, your backroom staff, Chris Powell, an experience campaigner. What's happened over the past five weeks? Yeah, I think the Reading game was an important moment for us. You know, I don't necessarily, you know, there's a time and a place, and I'm sure Steve knows this, that way you have to let the players know if it's not acceptable.

And that was one of them times. But I also felt from the moment I came in here, the players needed love. And I believe in that a lot, you know, from my experience as a player, and I had different types of coaches who, you know, I think about my youth team coach, Steve Bold, who was screaming shout us. And I responded well to that. But I also was in the dressing with people throughout my career who didn't respond well to that.

And I feel like, you know, as I said, the players have been all in from the start. So I would never ever question their character or their personality or their commitment to what we're trying to do. But that game in particular, you know, we, and if anything, it was, it was because it hurt me for the players, you know, they were, they were outstanding in that game for 84 minutes. But the most important thing is that we win that game. And there was too many times where that has happened and we hadn't been consistent enough. So, yeah, we've been through a lot with that. And that's probably the biggest thing that's changed is, is the players, being consistent with everything and staying in games and understanding that it's not always going to be how we want it to look or how we want it to be,

but you have to make sure that you find a way in certain games. And, yeah, of course, people like Chris Powell and their experience, his experience, sorry, really, really helps with that. And, you know, sometimes, you know, me as a coach, you know, I want the game to be a certain way, but then you also have to understand that it's not always going to look like that. And that's the ideal. And Chris helps with that for sure. all the staff to be honest have been really good and the club as well

you know the club took a risk on hiring a young coach like myself and I needed a club to take that risk if I was going to get an opportunity and they gave me that so yeah really really grateful to them but also really hungry to pay them back for that trust they showed Jack I think what you what you hope is when you

lose your trolley so to speak in the rest of the room and I've been known to do that myself Joe being Lila are now laughing at me but when you when you do that what you hope for as an impact. And you lose in your trolley, I call it what you like. A few home truths at Reading has created a real impact in your players because they've gone and delivered performances after

performance now. And arguably you've got the hardest of any of the teams fighting to get in there with a way match at Bolton. But if anyone can do it, mate, you can get those players up for it. Look after yourselves. Yeah, thanks, Steve. I think, yeah, I agree. But I think, like, when you be the same as me, like,

because you care so much and you're emotionally, you're in, it, like you live it every moment. Like, when you react like that and you want a response from the players, if they generally see it's because you care so much and you're holding them accountable, you're being respectful and you're not challenging their character or saying that they don't care. But, yeah, there's standards that you have to reach. And that's, I was frustrated as well because the players every day, like, they're brilliant, they're top.

And that's important to make sure that you're good at the weekend. But the most important thing is the weekend is Saturday at 3 o'clock. and we were falling short a little bit. Jack, first of all, brilliant stuff in terms of turning things round. It was a difficult start, I think, to life there. But, you know, surely have certainly got a tune out of him. I don't know if it was that Reading game

that Aaron was actually there because we had a chat about you guys, potentially sneaking in the playoffs. Not long after that, I think he was six points, and he wasn't having it. I'm going to just expose him now. I thought you and Plymouth could have made a late shout for it. One man who's been instrumental, though,

Casey Palmer. I mean, how good has he been? you probably don't want to single individuals, but you talk about what's improved, you know, what is better. I mean, he is. His performances have been massive for you, right? Yeah, he's been top, Joby.

And, like, listen, of course, he doesn't do that without the players around him, especially in midfield, you know, like finding him in the pockets, finding him in dangerous positions. But also, you know, you played the game. Everyone knows if you've got good players on the pitch, they can help you a lot.

And then it's about putting them in the right position and making sure the players around him keep giving them the ball. And yeah, we've done that really well. And, yeah, Casey's been really important. Like, he's, you know, of course, you can see what he can do with the ball and his ability to either dribble through midfield or we'll find a pass. But what I love about him is how he's committed to the defending in this league

because you know this league and there's so much chaos. And if you're not committed to landing on second balls or winning jewels, then you don't get the chance to show what you can do with the ball. So, yeah, as good as he's been in possession, really happy about how he's been out. possession as well. Jack, do you have to give players as good as Casey is? I mean, I've known him since he was a six-year-old, but do you have to give players like him a certain level of autonomy to go and find moments to win games? Or are you trying to be a little bit more rigid with these boys? No, no, I think, listen, I think we are trying to set him up in a position where I think it will

help him and get him on the ball more and maximise his abilities that we all want to see. and then when, you know, it's about then convincing someone like Casey he's a strong personality, he's a great personality, a good character and that, you know, he's a leader in his own way, he's not the type who's going to drive standards and push people, all right, at least by example, with how he plays and what he brings to the team. But yeah, there has to be someone like Casey. He's an intelligent footballer who's had a really good career, you know,

higher than this level, so you have to let him be free. You know, we try and put him in a position where he will get on the ball, and I think also when you do that and he then has success which he has done he scored, I think he scored eight goals now which is the most in his career

in a single season albeit at a lower level but he still has to be in the right place and score goals and once he starts seeing a little bit of success he gets a little bit more intrigued and you can then give him a little bit more but the beauty about Casey as well

is the freedom and how he can open up a defence and you definitely don't want to take that away from him I think for me 100% with Casey I think if you get on walking off the ball because on the ball and being creative and finding pockets he's fantastic at but what you've got is you've got on walking against

the ball and that allows them to get on the ball if that makes sense a lot quicker and a lot sharper so yeah it does and you know what as well there was a there was a time earlier on the season when he came he came in he played a couple of games took a few games to settle then he was excellent

for a couple of games and then we played Cardiff away and we weren't happy with him and I told him that And he came out of the team, as crazy as it sounds now, we came out of the team for three games. And I think that just made him as well think, you know what? Like, yeah, I know that I've stepped down a level, but I'm going to have to make sure that I'm doing everything right.

And off the ball, you're right, Steve. The most important thing for me is because we like to play them a little bit higher, is that as soon as you know what it's like in this division, once you make one or two pressing actions, they tend to go long and put it in the channel. And then you have to make sure you win that jewel. but also then the ball normally lands in the middle of the pitch and Casey has to run back and land on that second ball

and he's got excellent ability in them tight spaces to deal with that and that's where he's really helped us. Jack, looking ahead to this weekend, it's Bolton Wanderers away, a tough game. And this could be a playoff. You could be about to play them three times in the next couple of weeks. How do you approach a game like that? Yeah, I think we just have to, like I think back to the final

and how we approach that because there's no getting away from it this is a cup final it's a must win for us so I think that's the first thing is embracing that people used to say to me when I was younger and playing in finals

you know don't play the occasion and I hated it because it's impossible it's a different occasion it's a different context to the game and you don't want players going into the game fearing that like no let's embrace that let's understand we've got

3,000 plus fans go into the game let's use that and let's try and turn that pressure into energy. And that's the only way you can approach it. You can't go into it thinking we need to win, win, win, because you won't win. It's about what we need to do in the game to make sure that we give ourselves the best chance of winning.

And the players have been really good at that last 10, 11 game, really, really good at that. And 100%, Jack, you're sitting on the team coach, coming out of Bolton, thinking your team's played really well. You'll settle for that now, because if you play really well, you're capable of winning. Yeah. that's all we can do.

You know, I know, I was it an event tonight with the fans and everyone really happy that Stockport lost and Port Vell won. But I said it still doesn't change what we need to do. And that's the most important thing. We need to take care of our business. And then, you know, what we'll be, we'll be. Good luck, Paul. Jack, fantastic talk.

Can you really appreciate your time as well? Cheers, guys. Good luck, mate. Jack Wilshire, Luton Town Boss with us on 5 Live Sports 72 plus. Just a quick note on him. again he talks about it was a risk huge risk parting ways with matt bloomfield they've been wholly wholly just unspectacular this season lute and bill being a real bump down to earth but they've taken a risk on a young coach and they like doing that and it's paying off yeah i think

it's really important for them regardless of what happens and of course you know they're outsiders but they still got a chance i think if you just said that to luton town fans you know a few months ago I'm not quite sure they would have believed that they could have been in this situation. So positivity around the club, fantastic. What I got from that, and I think what's really important for young coaches, particularly have played at the level that he has,

is there are different ways to win football matches when you come into League 1, when you play in League 2, and you have to have an understanding and acceptance of that. Yes, you have an identity and a philosophy. We all do. Everyone, I'm sure, wants to play like his teams, you know, under Ars and Vengar and Pekwai. But it isn't always possible.

and I think he had to learn that. And I think having a Chris Powell there and the understanding, you know, to get that buying from the crowd. And especially for Luton Town, because they are a team that has an identity. That had an identity. Had, right. And I think went away from that,

whether it's the players or, you know, not when I watched them play after coming down. I didn't see the same intensity, the same energy that gets Kennelworth Road really rocking. They were tough. Really. And you always knew what it was when you went there. And once you lose that,

that, you know. So I think from that perspective, it's great to hear him talking about his experiences. And actually, you only really get that from a bit of a bad run. And everything's great and you're flying. So I think that overall for him moving forward, this was going to be a great period of time. I think when he came into the football club, Joby, I think everyone would have accepted if you're a looking at Wembley, you just won at Wembley and win the virtue. And then you're playing on the last days to be in the playoffs or have a chance of the players. They'd have accepted it when Jack took over. You need that old school Kenny smell of bacon and hard work.

Just worth tidying up the bottom of League 1. Northampton, Rotherham and Port Vail all relegated. Wimbled and secured their survival at the weekend. Peterborough United have secured theirs this evening. So one relegation place. It comes down to Exeter City. Currently in the bottom four. 49 points from 45 games.

Exeter played Bradford at St. James's Park on Saturday. That one's a 3 o'clock kickoff. Late in Orient. Welcome Burton Albu. who are safe already to Brisbane Road, Orient 51 from 45. They're two points above the drop zone, but it's between those two. Let's drop into League 2. The title race will go down to the wire between MK and Bromley.

Milton Keynes went top and secure promotion to League 1 at the weekend. Paul Warren said the club's fans turned out like the white wall at Rail Madrid. MK Don's chief exec, Neal Hart says they're ultimately aiming for a place in the championship. The third automatic spot will be between Cambridge, Salford and Knott's County. all of whom won their games at the weekend. I don't know about you guys. I'm more interested in that than the actual title race. It's interesting to see where the title will go naturally.

But a three-way shooter between Cambridge, Salford and Knox County, Salford for me, have been unbelievable since the turn of the year under Carl Robinson. Saw him at the EFL Awards. He was in great form, was Big Carlos. But what a tussle that is going to be between those three teams. You've got, you know, Salford in form. Notts County you like to score goals in Cambridge with the tightest defence in the football league, Yeah, it's going to be one hell of a scrap.

And I think you're looking at this quite closely because I did pick Knox County. You're going to get one back on me for the Luton and Jack Wiltshire one there, aren't you? Do you know what, Liley, he always loves a one-up month. Ever since I made that prediction of Wimbledon getting the playoffs before they lost eight players to injury. I haven't even touched on that. What a horrendous shot that was. We do need to talk about that. No, we don't.

We'll save it for an end-season show. I always say, like, picking the winners or the top three, it's like I've got a better chance of winning the lottery. and picking the right numbers. And that's what makes the leagues. I mean, League two, to have so much on the line, title on the line, relegation, playoff teams, relegation, up and down. That is going to be an incredible watch

after the championship's done to see how that all sorts itself out. But like you say, Cambridge has been absolutely brilliant. So it's looking like the team that, you know, in terms of therefore, might just get the job done and creeping if there's any slip-ups. But yeah, brilliant. But I hope it's not Nats County because we go there.

So I hope it's one of the other. That's the hardest game in the league at the minute, the way you boys are going. It's incredible. If they miss out, that would be a very awkward drink afterwards in the office, weren't it, with Martin Panx.

We'll still have one with Patu. He's a good guy. And, you know, I'll certainly wish him every six hours, but try and beat him on the day. Lyle, you know what it's like, being a team in League 2, being the team that motors at the last minute,

when your Wimbledon side did it 10 years ago. They got into the playoffs finishing 7th. For Saltford City, potentially to NAB third, having lurked outside the automatics all season, could be mega. And this story that they've had, the class of 92, everything that's gone on, they are desperate to get out of league too. This could be huge. It could be huge, but for me, I wouldn't bet against Neil Harris finding a way.

Chopper has got an incredible way with the men in his dressing room, and I don't see beyond him finding a way to do. drag Cambridge over the line if he has to put a shirt on and go and do it himself. Just in the title race, I mean, Bromley has stuttered over the past couple of weeks. It's one win in their last six. The loss of Michael Cheek is huge, really huge, isn't it? And they felt it, Chobes? Yeah, they have, and it was probably going to catch up with them.

I remember, you know, when it first sort of happened, they were very reluctant to say how long it was going to be. And then the news finally came out. And, you know, listen, that is a absolutely wonderful story, whether they win the league or come second. Like for Bromley to go up, you know, and Andy Woodman, I think he summed it up the other day. There was a question about, you know, is there disappointment because of, and he was like, Bromley, whatever happens, we're getting promoted, you know,

and that is the story for me, one of these stories in the whole EFL this season, an incredible achievement. I remember going there in the National League for Leight and Orient, we've got absolutely spanked, actually. again, you know, to see the progress off the pitch as well, incredible, incredible story. And they'll definitely go and ruffle a few feathers next year.

So, Mkow top, they go away to Fleetwood. Bromley are second. They're home to Walsall, who are fully fallen off a cliff for the second time in the season. Lyle's faces, I mean, I don't know if we've got time to talk about it, Lard because we've got to look at the picture at the bottom. Just those fixtures involving the teams fighting for third and in the playoffs.

Cambridge away to crew, saw for the way to Crawley, not to County home to Steve's Bristol Rovers. Then you have the teams in the playoffs. Grimsby, Chesterfield and Swindon, two will go into those three, well, three places, or three will go into two. Sorry, I'm lost already.

It's just what it is. Grimsby go away to Tramette, who aren't yet safe. We'll come on to them in a minute. Swindon and Chesterfield play each other in a cut final. That's got to be the game of the afternoon down the county ground. I mean, hopefully we see Peeke in Holloway. Well, look, that's going to see.

It'll be interested in the cookie, isn't it? And that'll be how much we did having on the sideline. Have you come up against him this season here in Holloway? Because obviously you came into Bristol Rovers. Yeah, I come in on the back of, they just sacked Darrell Clark. After Swindy came to Rovers and win three no, doing handstands 3-1, I think it would finish doing handstands. We went there recently and drew one each.

Who's doing handstands? Well, Swindon players in Ian Holloway because it was so comfortable on the day. But it was they comfortable when we went there a few weeks. Has he still got that fire? Oh yeah. He got sent off that day we played him. And yeah, he's got the fight. But so it's Paul Cook.

That's a wonderful game. If you're a neutral in that area, go and watch that game. It's a classic. There's a great space at the county ground between the two dugouts as well. I worry for the fourth official that pay. We have to talk about the bottom of league too. We haven't got long to do it. We're saving the best till last for the neutral.

The battle for football league survival, five teams at risk going into the final day. Only two will four through the trap door. Barrow Rock Bottom, 36 from 45. Harrogut, 39 from 45. Crawley 39. Newport 40, tramare 40 I'm going to ask you simply who goes down

who's your two to go down anyone want to go first? Barrow and Harrogate Barrow down already really aren't they Barrow and Harrogate Steve? I think well Barrow's at home

to Newport aren't they it's a massive game but you would think where is the fight in the Barrow squad so it could be Harrogate and I think that's unfortunate because I think

they've had some really good results against some really good teams at times I think it's yeah I think it's gonna stay as it is, I'm actually going to say they're all going to lose and it's going to

stay as it is. I worry about Trammy. You think so? That's the one I've worried about for a while. They've got an absolutely magnificent result Aaron, didn't they, chow? I know. But Steve, they're home to Grimsby. They are home to Grimsby. So Trammy home to Grimby. Newport go to Bottom Club Barrow. Crawley home to Salford, who obviously

want to play in the Autematics. Harrog got home to Barnett who just missed out on a playoff player, so they're on the beach. That's the one thing. I like Simon Weaver. Good guy. Good guy, had terrible injuries. Obviously, we know about the budget and all that. It's going to be fascinating. Five Live Sport takes you there, 3 o'clock Saturday after me.

Did you give us an answer there? I don't need to. I have to stay impartial. Fence it. Thank you to Lyle. Thank you to Stephen and thank you to Joby. That's it for this episode of the Football Daily. The next one will be the Champions League debrief with reaction

to our Wednesday night commentary on Five Live, Atletico versus Arsenal. As for us here on 72 Plus, remember our WhatsApp number If you want to drop Jobia message or a voice note, 08,000, 289, 369. 08,000, 289, 369, you can have a go at him for his dodgy predictions. And we'll be back next week with another episode. We will catch you then. Five Live Sports.

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