Football Daily - 72+ EFL Pod: Liam Walsh’s story & Lincoln to Vegas?

Episode Date: April 8, 2026

This episode of the 72+ EFL Pod discusses baby loss. If you or someone you know is in need of help, you can find links to organisations who can provide help and support at www.bbc.co.uk/actionline.Aaron Paul, Jobi McAnuff & Lyle Taylor discuss the top stories from the EFL. Lincoln captain Tendayi Darikwa reveals plans for a promotion vacation, and Luton Town’s Liam Walsh tells his story of baby loss during pregnancy. Messages and voicenotes always welcome on WhatsApp to 08000 289 369.00:50 Lyle in recovery after Easter weekend, 02:00 Lincoln City promoted! 08:20 Are Lincoln Vegas-bound? 13:05 What do Lincoln need in the Championship? 14:30 Musical chairs for second in the Championship, 17:30 ‘Worrying’ Leicester held at Hillsborough, 24:00 Luton’s Liam Walsh tells his baby loss story, 34:45 League Two promotion race hots up, 37:45 72PLUS 72MINUS.5 Live / BBC Sounds commentaries: Wed 2000 PSG v Liverpool, Thu 2000 Bologna v Aston Villa, Sat 1500 Brentford v Everton, Sat 1500 Burnley v Brighton & Hove on Sports Extra, Sat 1730 Liverpool v Fulham, Sun 1400 Sunderland v Spurs, Sun 1400 Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa on Sports Extra, Sun 1400 Crystal Palace v Newcastle on Sports Extra 2, Sun 1630 Chelsea v Man City.

72 plus the EFL podcast with Aaron Paul and Joby McEnough. Hello and welcome to 72 plus the EFL podcast from Five Life Sport after a bumper Easter weekend of football. We've had our first promotion confirmed and loads of drama twists and turns up and down the football league with us to pick out the best fits. Joby McEnough and Chelmswood Ford, Lyle Taylor, gents recovered after the weekend. I've actually managed to nick a few days away in Spain But obviously, as much of having a lovely time,

Sod's law, when I'm here, we get the hottest day of the year back home, don't we? So, yeah, could have just stayed there and got my feet up And had a little bit of a chill, a little bit more than Lyle's had, I think, because a couple of games in a short space of time at his ripe old age Must be a little bit sore today, Lyle. I'm actually okay today. Yesterday, I wasn't so good. No, when you play Friday, Monday,

not ideal. But to be honest, most of the season I've played Saturday Monday, so Friday Monday's a piece of cake. Can't stop school, that, Lyle. I'm enjoying, I'm enjoying, Aaron, is all I'll say to that. I'm enjoying. That's all I can do. I can try and have fun with it. I've got quite a decent catalogue of goals this season now, so I'm having fun, and that's the most important thing, I think. Are you guys still thinking of the playoffs? Yeah, we've got to play three teams who are above us and obviously those games are massive because it's a big swing either way. So we if we take care of our job and beat the teams that are just above us in the playoff race, then we will get there. If we don't, then we won't. It's pretty cut

and dry. We've got four games left. If we get 12 points, we'll be in the playoffs. If we get any less than nine, I don't think we'll make the playoffs. So that's where we've we've got to go from this point forward. Well, only one place to start, and that is with Lincoln City. They will be playing second-tier football next season for the first time since 1961, promoted from League One with Jack Moylin, scoring a 96-minute winner at Reading. What an achievement it is for the EMPs. Delighted to say, Captain, Tendai Dorek is with us.

Tendai, congratulations. What a feeling? Firstly, forget the football. What's this weekend been like? Yeah, I'm struggling today, a little bit at rugby, but I'm, As you said, obviously 65 years for the football club to get back in the second tier. A long time coming and a couple beers out. We had a long journey back on the coach up to Lincoln.

So obviously had a good time on the bus. And then we had a couple of jumps back in town on arrival as well. What a season. What an incredible group led by Michael Scabala? What's the secret? Yeah, I think for myself and the rest of the players, we've obviously found a way to create a culture at the football club, be relentless, no fear.

we just got that belief going into every game that we can win. I think that's obviously shown in so many big moments this season. As I said, we're just so confident and there's a real togetherness that we've got. Just on that, you talk about finding a way to win and winning those big games. What part of the season did that belief become a bit more of a we can definitely do that? Because again, coming down the stretch, well, I'll go back to sort of January time, really. You've had some big games recently. but before that, you know, beating Cardiff, beating Stockport back to back, sort of around just before Christmas,

were they the types of games that you come out of and you start going, hang on a minute. You know, why can't we maintain this and even go above those teams that are running around us? Yeah, exactly like you said then, I think over the Christmas period, we had a runner games where we had Cardiff, Stockport, Huddersfield. And we sort of managed to find the results in those games. And that probably gave us a real platform to go into the new year. with so much belief and confidence that we can go to toe to everybody. So you know yourself with yours, our big moments throughout the season,

but certainly over the Christmas period for us was probably the main time. We started to really feel like we could do something special. How have you found it? Obviously, we played together at Forest and you left the country and tried something new. And then you came back. And from what it looks like from the outside is you've had a complete new lease of life. and you just look like you're loving it. How have you found it since that, I suppose, career reset of leaving Forrest?

Yeah, I think, obviously, like you said, there, I said, I went abroad. I wanted to try something new and had a couple of options when I returned to the country and Lincoln sort of stood out to me. It was a club that after looking into detail how they operated, they were really wanting to make the next step. and after speaking to a lot of lads who would play for the club, I just sort of got a really good feeling.

The conversations I had with the manager and jazz and people behind the scenes, it was something that I wanted to be a part of. It's a very experienced group, isn't it? I mean, look, you're 34, Adam reached 33 on the other side of the defence. Adam Jackson, 31. The warrior like Sonny Bradley,

who I feel is really sort of rejuvenated his career at 34 and then you go into midfield, Connemarrandals, James Collins, 35. This is an experience group and where most clubs out there are looking for, you know, younger players with

values on their head that will grow and assets to potentially sell. Your sales, you're showing that experience is everything. I don't know if it's everything. I think we've got a really good mix now at Lincoln. We've got lads who have obviously been there and done it, but there's still so many

young sellable assets that the club have. A lot of the lads are getting promoted now for the first time, but I think certainly this season, having the lights of myself, Sonny and the other players you mentioned there, I think it's really helped the group and we feel like we've got that mix of obviously youth and experience and I think it's helped. Absolutely, Tendan. I think it's a real testament. I think what you've just said there, there's a balance to the makeup of the squad. I think we see so many clubs going too much in one direction with the recruitment and the desire, I suppose, to get that younger talent, but they need

that experience around it. I'm always one to bang the drum for them. And does that sort of cross over to your style of play? I know, you know, the manager and director of football have been really big in terms of not playing football that maybe brings a risk in defensive areas of the pitch, you know, but you look at your defensive record, which obviously has been great, but offensively as well, most goals in the league, you've really been able to be effective and on the front foot without taking undue risk at the back. Just like you said there, we don't, we don't, we don't don't take unnecessary risks. From my perspective, we just want to win games and there's no point of trying to be something what we're not or, you know, having 67% of the ball and not

doing anything with it. So we'd have to play a high tempo, front-footed, aggressive style of football, get balls in the box because we feel like we're the best team in the division when we do that. So, as you said, going forward, we've scored a lot of goals. Defensively, we keep a lot of clean sheets and in between that, we just, running and fight for every single board. And as I said, in this division, certainly, we've got our rewards. Tell us about the boss, because he's won so many plaudits for doing what he's done, the style of football, being sort of, you know, refreshingly him as well is the way to come through the game.

What can you tell us about Michael Scabala, the man, and day-to-day, what things are like with him? It's been great with myself since the first day I signed for the football club. I'd be lying if I said I knew too much of his background before I signed for the football club but certainly when I've joined he's opened my eyes again to a different way to work

he's really calm as you see in all the media and things like that and he has a clear way of playing he gives us the right principles to go out and execute and we've done that so hopefully you can stay with the football club moving forward for a long period of time because I feel like he can

keep this club in the momentum we've got moving upwards. I know you've had a little celebration so far, but being captain and obviously going back to my own days a couple of times, one of the most important jobs you've got between now and the end of the season is sorting that promotion party. So come on, where you're going? Is it Ibiza, is it Vegas?

You know, how much pull have you got in there with the purse strings of the club to really go and celebrate once the job's done, and you go and win the league, of course? Yeah, looks, I think for myself and certainly the club behind the scenes, to get the promotion promotion sorted first was the main target so I'm locked in a few discussions now Joe as you know it can be a bit stressful

but hopefully I can get us on a flight to Vegas but as I said look in between now and then we've still got five big games we want to go up with champions we feel like we've earned that right and put ourselves in the right position to go and execute that

so you know I'll have a few more talks over the next few weeks and hopefully I can get it on that flight as quickly as possible as soon as the final ball kicked. Good man. Tendaya, Joyce speaking to you on 72 plus the home of the NFL from Five Live Sport again, congratulations on what's

being a magnificent achievement from your Lincoln City. Thanks guys, thanks for having me. Appreciate it. Ten Dai Dariqa, the Lincoln City captain with us on 72 plus, the home of the NFL from Five Live Sport. LARP, they deserve that trip to Vegas, don't they? I don't know. I think Cleet thoughts might be

a better bet for him. lovely caravan parks, a bit of Mr. Whippy ice cream. Who wants to go Vegas anyway? No. Vegas all the way, please. Listen, when you achieve what they have, they would deserve wherever they go.

I think that is the real key factor here. It's finishing the season. Well, they're going to want to go and win the league. But, you know, these things so rarely come around in your careers. And I think particularly for Lincoln City, you know, what an incredible achievement. When you look at what they're up against in the league, because so much has come out recently about where their budget is,

you know, best estimates are sort of, let's say, mid-table, you know, for being conservative, I suppose, and, you know, to go and take on some of those teams and not just compete, but be far and away the best team over the course of the season so far. I'll only be fitting for them to go and win the league and then definitely not Cleeforps-Lyle, get them to Vegas. Honestly, Joby, you are such a snob.

You're a snob now. Not at all. I just think it's worthy of you. the big trip. Come on, come on. They're unbeaten in 24 games, and that obviously shows where the promotion has come from. Joby, in terms of them, and you look at Cardiff City, I'm surprised Cardiff have fallen off,

just quite how they have in terms of dropping points. I'm not going to say they've fallen off completely, but obviously it looks like they'll be finishing second and getting themselves automatic promotion, but Lincoln's consistency since November has been remarkable. incredible. I mean, sometimes you have to sit down and really take stock of those numbers, 24 games in a league that is so up and down that can be so inconsistent. And to do it in a while, and again, I'll just come back to Tendai's points about knowing what they were, you know, being the best at what they can be. You know, and that is a real super strength. You know, I was in a Redding team that perhaps wasn't one of the most fancied, you know, maybe not the best individuals.

but, you know, we got to a point in the season that we felt we were the best team. You know, whoever that 11 was that was going out there, we would out run, we would out work, we had a spirit, a determination that still, in this day and age, can carry you so far, but that isn't to downplay, the quality that Lincoln City have got, you know, and again, for me, every time they go on that pitch,

they are dogged, they're determined, they've come back at times when they really need to pull out a result to keep that run going and keep that momentum. I just can't speak highly enough of what an incredible season that they've put together. It's been a real joy to watch, actually. And I think it goes to show a lot of clubs out there that maybe don't have the budget of some of the top-end clubs in whatever league. You can still go and achieve incredible things if you have alignment through the club and a group of players and a staff that believes in a way of playing and really buys into that. I think budget is a really, really important conversation to have.

Ron Fowler's come in. He's bought, you know, Clive next to his shares and he's become, I think, I think the majority shareholder of the football club. I certainly know he's going to be taken over and running the day to day of the football club, which is incredible to think of what Clive and Act has done for that football club. Ten years ago they were playing National League football. Didn't have a training ground. Central Banks had a, you know, a facelift.

They're doing little projects around it. They have a training ground. They have an infrastructure, a real football infrastructure right now. Going and doing League 1 on 3.5 grand a week max is great. How much more do they need for the championship? And how do you recruit from the championship? How do you make this side better and ensure they don't get dragged into a relegation battle almost instantly? I think with recruitment, they have to do very similar to what they've done.

I think they have to keep a group together that has almost that band of brothers kind of mentality. I think you go a lot further that way than you would by just simply throwing money at it. I think if you look at the difference between them and Cardiff, it's that experience. Cardiff have got a lot of young players and they've seemingly fallen off. I haven't fallen off. That would be disrespectful to say so. But when you've got senior players and experienced players, they know how to just grind out those results. So I think they've got that core of senior players.

They'll be looking for a little bit more youthful exuberance, I suppose, in the championship, maybe a few younger players who have got a point to prove on loan from maybe the big hitters in the Premier League. But you have to have players that buy into exactly what the manager is and exactly what the group have built over the course of this season. That's not necessarily the easiest thing to do. But I'd say it's a lot easier to do that and to go and find the next 50 million pound player who's 18 years old and has scored 200 goals. And now we told you last week how pivotal the Easter weekend could be in the championship promotion race and we got twists and turns. Middlesbril went into it in the top two, but Millwall took second place with their win at the Riverside on Good Friday. But then they were beaten by Norwich at the

Den on Monday, opening the door for Ipswich to go second. So here is what it looks like now. Coventry top on 84. Then Ipswich, Middlesbrough, Millwall, all 12 points by 172. However, Ipswich Town have two games in hand on the rest. Is this where they start to put their foot down, Joby? Well, first of all, I mean, it could not be any tighter, could it? And it's that sort of age old question, what would you rather have

sort of points on the board or game in hand? I think I've always had a hunch. Any of our regular listeners will know that for Ipswich Town, given the depth and the quality they've got when it is, you know, such a tight turnaround of games and having players to be able to come on and have an impact.

You know, I think you look at, you know, digging out that result against Birmingham was a huge one. But it's a very congested running for them more so than anybody else. You know, Norwich, I mean, what a big game. That is now, given what a run there on, obviously, local rivalry. I'm sure they would love to throw a spanner in the works and a real outside chance, given the run they've been on. And actually the fact that five of their remaining games are away from home,

I think it's going to be tricky. They've got Saints. They've got Millsborough, which again looks really tasty. But yes, I would think now is their time to put that run together and ensure that they get into that second place. I do believe that they will be able to do that. Yeah, Farmageddon, as Ipswich go to Norwich at the weekend, that's going to be a big one. But for Coventry City, it's only a matter of time, isn't it?

Their next game is Sheffield, Wednesday, at home, Saturday, lunchtime. They could be promoted there if other results go their way, and they get the job done. Yeah, and again, been fantastic in terms of just getting results at the right time. And a couple of real notable ones, you know, going away to Swansea was a really big one, a team that had been in really good form. And then that absolute ding-dong against Derby on Friday, I think their attacking prowess really has come to the fore

at a real key point of the season when you look at the amount of goals scored and then obviously just getting a point and a good point, you know, given the circumstance. So inching closer, nearly there, not quite. I've got Sheffield Wednesday next, which again, you believe, given the situation, both clubs face them in, that they're going to go and win that.

And then they are literally, and it obviously could do it, but then within real touching distance now of capping off a real memorable season for them. Yeah, absolutely. Frank Lampard's side motoring, although they were treated to a nil-0. We were treated to a nil-0 in their game

against Hull City. Easter Monday. Looking at the scrap for survival, all the bottom seven picking up draws on Easter Monday. Lester held one o'er at Hillsborough. That was the shock. No, Joby. I think everyone would have had a sort of a banker

on them to beat Wednesday, but they just could not get over the line. No. And a real worrying one, actually, that was, and you look at sort of the winners and losers over Easter, and I have to put Lester City

in the loser category, even though they didn't lose the game, effectively, but, you know, to draw against Preston, first and foremost, you know, and then you think, right, you have to go and get a win against Sheffield Wednesday. And you sort of then say in four points, you know, given what everyone else is doing, they're just still searching for that real performance and result that would kickstart them.

You know, you go back to that Bristol City game, thought that was going to be the case. But since then, you know, I just haven't found the wins that they've desperately needed. And, you know, to come against the Sheffel Wednesday team against the situation they find themselves, in and not be able to win that. I think real worrying signs there for Leicester City, as we've said for a very long time now. Someone said to me the other day, you can get

whoever you want in there, you can get Jose Marini and they're Pepo and the players just don't fancy it and that's the feeling from the supporters. Yeah, and listen, you have to agree with that given the situation they still continually find themselves in and

you know, I think when you look at that squad and we've said it numerous time before, it shouldn't matter who the manager is on the sideline because the quality is out there on the pitch, but there isn't that fight, there isn't that real desire. And that's been the big question mark over them. Once they were, deducted those points and found themselves in the situation that they're in, not any of those players will be gearing up for the start of this season facing a relegation battle, whereas, you know, I'm sure Portsmouths were, oxfords were, yes, Westpromv had a poor season from their standards. But that is a big difference

in these camps and actually a lot of the time what it does come down to the quality goes out of the window is who is going to be together who's going to be able to dig out a result when it really, really matters and that could be the last game of the season

given how tight it is now and that's where I would just question and have a big worry over Leicester City of that togetherness and that fight which clearly isn't there. Law, look at the senior players in that squad because there still are senior players and there Ricardo Pereira, Yannick Vestegaard,

Jamal LaSells is obviously coming after leaving Newcast United Harry Winks. These are players all sort of like, you know, 30 and above who should be doing bits. Sean and I, you, Stephanie Madh Vodidi's played a lot of football. Bobby Decoldover Reed. These are big names to be marooned in the championship relegation battle and they are marooned because they can't get themselves out of it.

It's not a case of, well, they're 10 points behind or anything like that. They're one or two points behind. They still cannot get their heads above water. I will never understand this one. Are you telling me that the dressing room is that bad that they can't seem to fight for each other? Or is it a case of luck? What is it in your opinion? I can't see with that level of quality.

I mean, just those names you've said. We're talking about the lights of Stephanie Mabedidi, who almost single-handedly dragged Lester back to the Premier League. But he was incredible in that season. So what's happened, it can't be a case of willingness. because the whole reason these boys are professional footballs at the level that they are is because they have a willingness to win and succeed. So I can't put my finger on it.

It just does not make any sense to me. The only thing I could possibly say would be, has the place become that poisonous and that toxic between the board, the management, the fans and the players that nobody knows how to get their head above water? Nobody knows how to try and gain a little bit of momentum and win a game or win two games. I don't know. It just seems like such a strange circumstance to me. And I can't work out how Lester have fallen in 10 years from the team that won the Premier League to this.

Jobes, I mean, a lot of people talk about clubs going down and having resets, not in the Forest went to League One. Birmingham City have been to League One. Reading are in League One. Sheffield Wednesday on their way to League One. club, Southampton, League one, went to the Premier League. But with Leicester City, relegation feels a bit more sinister. And financially, I wonder what it means for this football club.

How devastating would relegation be? Well, I think when you think about the financial picture around the club and the bits and bobs that you read, and obviously the troubles they've had, you would think it would be nothing short of catastrophic. And this whole, you know, get relegated, have a reset. No, I think you ask the majority. of teams that go down. It is a real slog to get back up. I think Birmingham City were a slightly different example in terms of the level investment that they had to get themselves straight back up.

That clearly isn't going to be the case for Leicester City. You know, players there that are on huge, huge wages, Premier League wages. Again, how good those contracts are in terms of is their cuts there, but judging by how much players have reported to be on now, I don't think that is the case. This will be an embarrassment, and it should be an embarrassment to those players. Each and every one of those players throughout the squad needs to have a long, hard look at themselves. You know, I'm never one to say people don't care and all that sort of stuff. I've had that leveled up me, and they do, I'm very sure, care. But their performance levels are nowhere near good enough.

I think it reeks of a lack of leadership, you know, in that dressing room to try and galvanise the group and just say, listen, even if, you know, our futures aren't here, we cannot have a relegation on our CV. You know, with the squad that we've got, it's unthinkable, Aaron. Teams, new rules, and we race live on BBC sounds. It's all right to the lights.

On five live spots. 72 plus, the EFL podcast with Aaron Paul and Joby McEnough. It's a big weekend for Luton Town. They go to Wembley. to play the EFL trophy final against Stockport County. But while supporters and players have been getting excited about a trip to the capital, you never quite know what some may be going through.

And some things we discuss in this part of the bod, you may find upsetting. Liam Walsh of Luton Town has only just returned to playing after suffering a close family bereavement. Him and his partner, the England international Missy Bo Kern, sadly lost their baby during a pregnancy. And Liam has kindly given up some of his time to be with us here on 72 Plus,

the home of the NFL from Five Life Sport. And Liam, it's, this is always going to be a tough conversation. I really appreciate you firstly coming on and sharing your story with us. It means a lot to us. And it's great to raise that awareness of what people are going through.

Firstly, how are you? Yeah, I'm not too bad, to be honest. I've had the best support that I could possibly have off people in football and out of football. And I think that's the beauty of the sport. I've had people that I've never spoke to, people online.

giving me the most support and the most backing that I could have asked for. And I think personally for me, I like to try and stay busy. So I think that's the reason of why I try to get back in as quick as I possibly could. Well, yeah, it has been tough outside of football as well. Obviously, when I'm outside of the environment with the lads and my coworkers and whatever, you know, I'm back to reality, which is the sad of football that people don't see. And there's some tough days still, obviously, I'm not expecting that to go away soon or not on And yeah, we're taking these days of come, surely.

How difficult is it to be a footballer, effectively, to be expected to entertain, to be expected to be a performer? Because fundamentally, you are there performing to people who pay every week to come and watch you. But also to have everything that's going on in your personal life. Yeah, I personally myself, I think with football, it's 75% mentally tough. I think that's how I see it because like I said the other day with the game that I missed the first thing I've seen on Twitter

was fans saying, or why isn't Walshian the squad, why is the Gaffa left them out and it's just negative stuff straight away and it's not as if to say that's the fans because obviously that's just them just thinking about the game or whatever but it's stuff that people don't see behind the scene what's going on

and I think how the Gaffer handled it was obviously I couldn't ask for more he spoke to me every single day at the hour and the support that he's showing me was the best I could have got and he put himself out there to obviously get a little bit of backlash for me and then obviously coming back into football as well talking about the fans like I said I couldn't have asked for anything better so that's just like the ups and downs of it where one week it's like something's happening and then the week after but then again I'm in the

middle of it and obviously people don't know what I'm going through at that time so Liam just on that it's a really really important point in terms of going public with it obviously, do you think in terms of one, obviously, to give the fans who sometimes don't quite know and, you know, their love, I suppose, their passion for their football club, they want their best players out there, you know, just to make sure that they understand exactly what's going on. But also for fans and wider fans of football to understand that yes, you know, on a Saturday and a Tuesday, you put your shirt out on and you try and go win three points. But we are going through a lot of things that they're still going through. that sometimes maybe get glossed over or you don't have the time to be able to deal with in your personal lives. And ultimately, you have to, in this situation in particular, be able to support your partner first and foremost

and deal with what has been a really difficult situation for you personally as well. Yeah, I think you said it, I think it just comes down to passion more than anything. I think especially like at this moment on in the season when it gets it towards the end of the season and people are pushing

that passion just picks up another 10% and you know if you're not delivering as players then obviously you're going to know about it type of thing

and I think someone like me as well where I've played most of the season and I've like to say that I've been putting in good performances for the team if I am missing a game

or whatever obviously they're going to be questioning that but then like you said the other side too like I've got a normal life as well where I've got to be there for my partner

no matter what. And it's just trying to get that balance without overdoing one or over the other, which is obviously tough. Liam, I mean, the first thing I want to say is condolences and I can only imagine the heartache you're going through.

Do you find, as a footballer that it's the escape. The escape is being back. That hour and a half just allows you to forget about, I suppose, the normality of and the realism of life and kind of just bury yourself in something that is all-encompassing, I suppose. Yeah, I think for me as well, because I'm such a strong personality, I think in front of the lads.

I think, obviously, even when I'm coming in, you know, like you said, you've got that hour and a half, two hours where you had all your team meets and obviously for them it's like oh well she's back in now like let's get around and try and like get him back to himself whatever and obviously while I'm here I'm trying to do that and you know like you said you're on the football pitch

and you're not thinking about anything else apart from football and I think that's why I wanted to come in more than anything obviously trying to keep myself busy but just to bury myself away from it for them couple of hours and then obviously when I go back home obviously it comes back and back and back and

and obviously I'm back in football the next day where, you know, not forget about it, obviously, but just take my mind off of it and that's what the hard part is. And like I said, just being back for that game the other day at home, like, burying myself on that pitch with the fans of the army. Even like within the first 10 minutes, I went and took a corner and they'd obviously sing with my name, whatever. And I think, like you said, it just goes completely unnoticed

how people are to how they are in football. And then to what they're dealing with outside football, because obviously in football, you're a complete different character. They're here inside the football environment and, you know, people don't see the other things. Liam, I just want to pick up, sorry, just to say your bravery, you know, being able to show your vulnerability is such a powerful thing in terms of what you're going through at the moment.

And I know first and foremost for you and your partner and your family, you know, it's a real difficult time, but I think by coming out and speaking publicly, you know, you'll be helping a lot of people because I think growing up in my era and probably playing in my time, I certainly wouldn't have felt able to come out and speak about something like this or other issues in my career.

So I just feel in terms of what you're able to do, it's incredible. And I'm glad that you've got a club and a manager where you feel you can come out and yeah, just speak about what's actually going through your minds and what's happening in your life right now, mate. So, yeah, from everybody here, just, you know, keep going, mate, and yeah, we're all with you.

Thank you very much. Liam, that football club you're at, it's a family, isn't it? It feels like a real family. It must be such a beautiful thing to look around and look at how the club comes together. And I hope you've felt that as well because from an outsider's perspective, that's one word I used to describe Luton Town

when you think about everything that that club's been through and the human stories as well, you know, Mick with his cancer battle, Tom Lockyer going through what he's gone through and now, you know, you yourself are going through something I really hope they've rallied around you. Definitely, I've said this since when a fair has come in last year. Like I've had every single thing I could possibly think of

to help me, and it's not even just for me. It's for Missy as well. we've had everything. Even people in the building that you don't see every single day. You know, you've got the kitchen staff and everyone, everyone's just literally together at this club

and anything that you need to get sorted for it as much as they can. What about Wembley Sunday for yourself? I mean, naturally you have got other things on your mind, but this is huge, you know, for this football club that's been on a real downward slope for a bit of time.

Yeah, definitely. You know, we're saying it. take each game as it comes which is the same but we've had our eye on it for quite a bit, obviously since we've got here and we know how much this game means to us whether it's a big Sophie or not, it's massive

to us and we definitely all the fans are this season and obviously after this game on Sunday we want to sign kick on there for the rest of the season. Are you looking after yourself then? Yeah, definitely every day. You know, I'm with people every day. As much as I can be

speaking to people every day, as I can't be that are close to me, friends and family. Because I just said before, I'm not one for coming out and speaking for stuff. I never have done. It's more the fact that the position that we're in, especially with my missus, being out there with football and it being out there. You know, I want them to be the one to try and make it okay for us more than anything by speaking on behalf of us.

I think you've been incredibly brave doing that because there's a lot of people out there. that won't have thought of coming out and telling their story. And so we really appreciate the fact that you've come on today and you've come and spoken to us. And please look after yourself. There's always a home for you here on Five Life Sport as well on 72 plus. You know, we absolutely love you to bit. So yeah, best of luck and best of luck for the game going forward.

Love to yourself, love to your partner, Missy Bocahans as well. Thank you very much, guys. Take care, mate. Look after yourself. Thank you. Thank you to Liam, to Liam Walsh for talking. to us just there. A Luton Town versus Stockport in the EFL

trophy final is Sunday at 3 o'clock. There'll be commentary on BBC 3 counties and BBC Radio Manchester. We'll have updates into 5 live sports Premier League Sunday. And if you have been affected by the issues raised, organisations that can offer help and support are available on the BBC's Actionline website. The Football Daily podcast on BBC sounds.

Before we do 72 plus, 72 minus, we should touch on the League 2 promotion race. Bromley with a country. comeback win on Tuesday night. Now seven points clear with four games to go. And Joby McEnough, they could seal promotion on Saturday. What a season it has been for Andy Woodman's Ravens. Yeah, incredible. You know, when you look at, we talk about clubs and budgets and probably where they should be versus where they actually are. And I think particularly more so for Bromley having been in non-league for so long. And again, of late being without Michael Cheat, which has been a huge blow for

them. And it hasn't been easy. They've had to overcome a tricky result against Barrow, but got themselves back from that, draw against Barnett, and then, you know, go and get a win to just, I think, reinvigorate and re-energise at the perfect time for them with what they've got coming up in terms of MK Don's, doesn't get any bigger than that, Cambridge as well, and Salford. So a real tough run of games. And I think this win just comes at the perfect time. because if that didn't quite go their way going into those games then there's a slightly different complexion on it

but yeah I mean again you know a manager and a group of players who have a clear identity a way of doing things that has proven to be incredibly successful this season no Michael Cheek for the rest of the season Ben Thompson had out as well and they're being two key players for Bromley

but nonetheless going in there yesterday Cameron with a fabulous finish just after the break as Bromley come from behind to beat Shrewsbury. Very impressed with Shrewsbury as well, by the way. What Gavin Cowan has done in there has been absolutely incredible, and I'm sure we'll touch on them

going forward, no doubt, because they look like a side who are rejuvenated, and I'm sure with a positive summer, they will be fine next season. Just on the balance of League 2, Larl, your former club, Cambridge, dropping out the top three, shipping a 91st minute equaliser at Cheltenham,

Knox County jumping into the automatic promotion places, Saltford City lurking on 73 points, just a point behind Cambridge and Swindon. So it's going to be a really, really exciting end to the season. It is, and it's suffice to say that Bromley will have a massive bearing on who else makes it with them, with their remaining fixtures. So it's going to be really interesting. And this is why we love the EFL. The EFL is, it's a roller coaster. Cambridge are expected.

to be up there and get themselves back into league one. And I'm pretty sure Neil will do that because he's a great manager. He's a great coach. But, yeah, we're in for a really exciting, what we three weeks left. And who knows, it could go anyway. And there's so many clubs that are still in with a shout. And this is the excitement towards the end of the EFL season. Absolutely.

Let's finish with this. 2 plus, 72 minus on the football daily. Yeah, it's that time of the week where Joby gives us his best and worst moments of the week from across the EFL, a busy Easter weekend to plot through Job's. Over to you. Yeah, I'm going to kick off with my 72 minus and an own goal about as comical as you can get from Preston, North End, Tieri Small. Coming in a very on-the-beach game, Preston with a one-goal lead over QPR at Deepdale until an absolute swing and a miss

sees the ball loop up into the air and then deflects into the back of the net. And here's what is manager Paul Hackingbott and made of it. Yeah, this game yeah, I've said to everyone down there get round tierie, no one wants to be that player, you know, he's had a big swipe,

which took a horrific bubble, come off his shin and gone in and yeah, can't legislate for that, so yeah, it's not intended, its mistakes today was just a purely freak goal. Paul Heckenbott. He doesn't ever mince his words. I don't think he chewed him there either. Fair play to him. He just cracked on with it, didn't he? I think he was in a bit of disbelief jokes. Yeah, there's nowhere really to go with that for anyone, whether you're the manager, whether you're Thierry Small.

I mean, it was one of those you will see on football bloopers. I mean, to try and do that again, I tell you now, as a professional player, he would not even be able to do that if he tried a hundred times. it was just a pure freak. Ongoth. Lyle Taylor's football bloopers coming Christmas, 2026. It would be great. It would be great because he'd slate everyone after every clear. He just absolutely got through him. We used to get those, didn't we?

We used to get those DVDs at Christmas. Where have they gone? They were great. They were great. Jobes, let's have you, 72 plus. Well, it's got to be the best story in town. Lincoln City promoted to the championship. They could be playing the lights of walls, West Ham, maybe even top of the next season. And what a way to seal it.

Jack Moyland, who's been brilliant for them this season, popping up with a 96-minute winner at Redding. Let's hear it. McGrandles with three players around him. Sees Moyland. Moyland's running through. Moyland into the penalty area. Can he finish it?

You bitch he can. Jack Moyland, you beauty, you beauty. City two-one winners. City going up. What a moment. What a moment. I mean, fair play, fair play to the BBC Radio Lincoln commentator there. Because, yeah, that was an incredible moment.

The commentary matches it long. It absolutely does. I think that in terms of historically, I think that will go up there with Guerrero. So I think the Lincoln fans are going to be partying for a little while still. Absolutely. Thank you to Joe being loud. Where are we this weekend? Who's doing what?

I've got to get myself back from Spain, unfortunately. And then crack on with what we've got in the running, which is going to be incredible all throughout the league. So, yeah, happily trade a bit of sun for the EFL running. Lyle, who you got? Maidenhead at home. Got to reel them in. I think they're four points above us.

Beat them and let's see how we go. That is a nice part of this season, that you just go for it. you've got no other option. You know, like, at the time of the season, you're like, could we take a,

you're like, we've just got to go out and win it. That's the beauty of football. Points, make prizes, boys. It's what it's all about. I'll be West Ham Friday, double barrel relegation. Do for me.

West Ham Friday, Oxford Watford Saturday. So very much looking forward to them. That is it for this episode of the Football Daily. Thank you very much to Lyle, to Joby, to Tende de Ricqua and to Liamh as well. And thank you to you.

for joining us. As for us here on 702 plus, we will be back next week. Catch you there. Hello, I'm Tyler West. And I'm Alfie Watts. And this is the Detour, the official companion podcast to race across the world. This is the post episode checkpoint where you'll hear the latest chat around each episode from us and our race superfan special guests. Plus, I'll be joined each week by a resident travel expert, Alfie. That's you, ma'am. I'll be revealing my optimal way to travel through each leg, including visits to all of those. missable detours along the way. And we'll also have some not seen anywhere else exclusive content at the end of every episode.

I cannot wait. The detour will land straight after each episode of Race Across the World. You can watch on iPlayer or listen on Sounds, where you'll also find extra bonus content. We'll see you then.