Football Daily - 72+ EFL Pod: Outfield players in goal & problems for Leicester

Episode Date: August 26, 2026

Aaron Paul and Jobi McAnuff are joined by Tranmere boss Darrell Clarke to discuss the big stories in the EFL.Darrell explains how his defender Bobby Faulkner ended up in goal and the panel discuss Bobby Kamwa's Adebayor-esque celebration against his former club Newport.Millwall, Charlton and West Brom are the early pace-setters in the Championship - while Leicester are already struggling in League One, but will Russell Martin be given the time to turn it around?And in 72PLUS 72MINUS, there's a Puskas contender in the Championship and a pantomime moment in League Two.This season we now have our very own 72+ feed on BBC Sounds - where you can listen to episodes every week.We'll continue to bring you all the same content you've been enjoying here, with the biggest stories from the EFL, exclusive guests and the moments everyone is talking about.TIMECODES: 01:21 - Darrell Clare on putting a defender in goal and Tranmere's busy summer 09:56 - Bristol Rovers striker Bobby Kamwa goes full Adebayor  17:29 - Could Charlton be a surprise package? 22:05 - Millwall setting the early Championship pace 25:42 - West Brom impressing after a summer of change 32:15 - Can Russell Martin get Leicester moving?

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for 72 plus on BBC Sounds and hit subscribe if you haven't done so already. Have you heard subscribe yet, Jobes? Of course. So have I. It's a little bit like a football club. moving ground, isn't it, really? So he's still going to get the same quality,

the history, the love for your team, but we're just going to a nice shiny new location, aren't we? Yeah, I guess so. Yeah? The new ground is nice.

The old ground memories, you know, it's been good to us, but yeah, the new ground is nice. Think of it like Kenil were thrown to Power Corps. Although our Power Court

is built. Anyway, we'll continue to bring you all of the same content you've been enjoying here with the biggest stories from the EFL, exclusive guests

and the moment everyone is talking about loads to get into this week, outfield players and goal, and added by your tribute in League 2, big club struggling across the board, and a Puskas contender in the championship. Alongside me, as ever, as you've heard already, is Joby McEnough.

Also with us this week, the Tramere Rovers Gaffer, Darrell Clarkie. Welcome back, mate. Thanks for having me back, gents. How we doing? Yeah, very well, thank you. Tell us about life on the Whirl. thoroughly enjoying it

Darren. Forrely enjoying it it's good the support of ads been brilliant from the board and whatnot and we've made

a lot of changes within the playing squad so we're just trying to connect it all as quickly as possible had a solid enough start four points two games

but no really enjoying it got the appetite thoroughly back and it's a bit more of how I like to manage at a football club if I'm honest fantastic to see you back in

Darren and a really positive start for you but it's been a really busy summer. 13 new players at last count obviously been really backed. Is there anyone in particular you want to mean? I see a bit of experience Tom Ince and Will Valks. How big are they going to be for you with that experience? And was it a bit of a job convincing them to come and play at this level.

You know what, Joe? He was massive getting obviously Will and Tom in. One of the big pulling things is that that's where they're from. That's home to them. So I'd like to say it was about me and they wanted him to play under me. We'll run with that bit, don't worry. We're wrong with that bit. No, to be fair, like Tom, Tom come and did a couple of days training with us,

really enjoyed the environment and what we were trying to do at the club and wanted to get near a home. So it just fitted well. And then Willow Vox came a little bit later in the day where, you know, things weren't happening for him at Oxford. And once I'd spoke so well, he was delighted to come and join because he wanted to move back to the area as well. And obviously what we're trying to do,

myself and the owner at the football club and, you know, try and get some positive times ahead. So getting two big name players like that's, that's been key. You know, when he went in, was there any talk of takeover of, you know, we're looking to maybe move on in terms of Mark and Nicola Pallios? What was the sort of the playing field like for you? Very transparent, you know, the owner is trying to sell the football club. I built a good relationship with himself and Nicola. And, you know, you always ask when you, when you, when you, when you, you, when you, you,

manager's transparency and he's been transparent as soon as I had a chat with him. We knew what we had to plan and move forward ahead. We knew we'd have to prepare. You know, the takeover for me is happening in the background, but for me, he's always the focus on the squad, the team and trying to bring some smiles to to Trammer's, Rovers, fans, faces because it's been a tough few years of a fault of nobody, really, to be honest, it's just the way football work. So that transparency helps.

And we just managed to build a squad that I think there's going to be a lot. going to be hopefully in for a good season with a lot of changes like you said. Darrell, obviously it's tough enough trying to win games week in, week out, but probably doesn't help when your goalkeeper gets injured. He's got to go off. You haven't got one on the bench. So first of all, I want to know why.

And then not only that, you've got Bobby Faulkner, the defender. You're 1-0 down in the game as well. And we've seen this before when an outfield player goes in. It always feels like a good idea at a time. And I think reality sets in and balls are coming flying in the box. and actually he did really well two or three times. He's come out. There's one comes flying out,

punches it two hands, clears the air in. You end up going to nick a point. So how interesting and crazy was that? We weren't a tactical decision, mate. We're on to something new. We're on to Zamban outfield players playing, pal. You'll rest to make me, mate.

Do you know what? I've done it before a couple of times in my career, but with regards, obviously, Saturday's game, it was, I've got Luke McGee who's just coming back on the grass. You know what it's like, you know, you don't have waste budgets,

certainly at my level. So, you know, hoping Luke McGee was, it'd only be a case for a few games that I'd only need to have the one goalie, but it didn't actually work in our favour Saturday, or did it work in our favour because Bobby coming and did a great job

and got a clean sheet. And like I said, it's happened once to me before in the 700 games. And a centreback went in, Mark McChrystal, I was at Bristol Rovers, and he kept a clean sheet as well. So is it the new era?

You know? Start a trend here, Joby. Yeah, well... Everyone's nervous. I was pretty calm, to be honest. I think Aaron will tell you, I'm probably regular listeners. We'll also tell you. Goldkeepers ain't my favourite player in the team.

So I think you could be on to something. I think get rid of them all. Get your centre-arves just to go and go. Like you say, extra player on the pitch. Then we really do need it. I mean, he made it look relatively quite straightforward. I think it's keepers that make it look more complicated than it is, mate. Clark, it's a full-on.

It's a full-on ism when it comes to Joby. He just does not like, I don't know what it is. I think it's something to do with the union. Like they just banned him from anything to do with it. So, you know, just don't come near us, Joby. So, like, he's stung, you know, and one's bitten twice shy as George Michael. Times to two, Aaron.

Time to do. I'll tell you what, my question is, obviously, you know, when you sign players and you bring them in, you've got, I mean, these days clubs are putting presentations together for other clubs as to why we want to develop your player. Have you had the Donnie Rovers manager Grant McCannon yet going, hey, why are you playing him out of position? To be fair, when I was looking for a centreback,

I got him well with Grant. And we were chatting away, he rang me in. And I think, you know, so very complimentary of Bobby. He's an old-school centre-back. And he needs exactly what Grant said he was. He, like, he heads everything. He's aggressive. You know, he needs to get better on the ball.

But he said, take him. And sometimes, you know, everybody goes on about recruiter data and all of that, which is obviously key for transfers. Sometimes it's about speaking manager to manage. There's something that I've done normal career because you find the most of our players, and if you're honest with other managers, which I am,

that's where you find the most information about him. And we chat with the coaching staff with Bobby after the, when we weren't going to have a number two goalie and said, Bob, did you fancy in goal if obviously the situation does happen? And he says, yeah, I'm a decent goalie. Gaffer, I'll be up for that. So we had it planned If there was a problem

Bobby was definitely the one going in gold It wasn't the old Who wants to go in goal It was a plan behind it And he had a good game blessing I presume you're alright for this weekend though Oh, I'll play Bobby in goal That's going to say

He's not his place You don't make you me nervous Exactly clean sheet we go again What's the remit this season What's the plan 20th and 21st And last couple of seasons What's your target?

And don't just come out and say, we want to go as hard as possible. No, come on. No, you know me well enough, Aaron. I want to get promoted. You know, I said it seemed to the fan base, but we're aware that obviously the last few seasons, which is all in the past,

so we moved on from that. So we start with a fresh start. So, you know, my way of always working is that my players have to show me the top seven league two players and to try and get out of the division. You know, I think it is a division. I think it is a division. I haven't got out of it a couple of times,

it's that you can get out of it. I mean, this sounds mad, but it's probably one of the easiest divisions to get out of out of the pyramid just because you've obviously got the seven places. But also, anybody in League 2 can actually get a decent squad together because I think the budgets make massive difference more so in League 1 and the championship,

whereas in League 2, everybody can be quite competitive, but also give you a chance to get out. Do you think that the big spenders of the division are kind of not gone now, but you haven't got, you know, side spending seismic amounts on players. You've got club spending. Don't get me wrong in there. But just not mega, mega,

blow everyone else out of the water money. Yeah, I think Solford are, Aaron, if I'm honest. The room run the street. You know, five figures. I've heard they're paying wages for some players. So I think Solford are the team that are the bigoters financially in the division.

But like you said there, and I think it's a little bit more even from them downwards to be on. honest, I think it's a bit more competitive and it's always been a very competitive league, hasn't it? You know, a very difficult league to predict the results. I think playing teams at the right time, you know, if teams in league two have got three, four of the key players missing, I think it makes a massive, massive difference just because it's your underbelly, it's the strength of your squad really that enables you to get success in league two.

But if you stay fit, you know, if I keep my top player, shall we say fit and in and around it, you know, we've got as much chance as anybody. Let's talk about one of the incidents of the weekend. Not only did we see a defender in Golden League 2. We also saw an Emmanuel Adabaial tribute act from Bristol Rovers, Bobby Camwa. He scored against his old club Newport in Rovers 5' 3 win and went on to sprint the length of the pitch to celebrate in front of the Newport fans. Now, Joby, you've had more clubs than McElroy.

You ever done anything like that? Not quite as severe as that. Do you give it the old hands? I definitely celebrated. No, I've celebrated after scoring. against a former team. And that in itself, I've got absolutely no issue with, again, I think unless you're, I don't know, a club legend or, you know,

have a real deep affinity with a football club, I don't get why you wouldn't. You're not there anymore. You know, you're doing a job now for your current employers and your current fan base. And again, my thing with it is, you know, and I know he's alluded to it, but if you're going to get stickle game from that set of supporters, why can't you give them a little bit back, you know, in the nicest possible way. I remember I had it at Cardiff.

I've had it at Palace, you know, stuck one against Cardiff, last minute of the game when I was at Watford after they were on me for the whole match. I'm not quite sure I'd do a U-turn. It was in the opposite end and run the whole length of the pitch to go and give them a bit. I've got to say that's probably the one piece of advice

I'd give to Bobby Cammer, that is not going to go down too well, maybe. But he's got better knees than you. Much better, and he scores much better goals. And again, I think what you have to sort of put into the account here, he pretty much, I know it was a team effort, but his goals were a large part of why Newport survived last season. So to go back and then get absolutely slated for the whole game,

which apparently he did and watching certainly bits of the game back, he was getting a load of stick, and he's just giving a little bit back. Go on, Daryl, you must have given some fans some needle once upon a time. Fans that once loved you. Do you know what, I try and try an old council, because I think, you know, like don't give anybody a reason to want to beat you more than they actually do.

That's the way my mantra sort of looks. Don't get me wrong. Sometimes the passion runs a little bit and you get show a few actions that you do. But I try not to. Nah, do you know what your biggest problem is? And I've said it to you last year. You get really emotionally attached to every club you work for. You love them.

You really buy into them. And it's not a bad thing because you buy into the ethos. You buy into the values of the football club and you really live and breathe them. And it's such an honorable thing to do. And I love it. But it means that you always have. love for that organisation. But you can still have love as and I think still be...

And be respectful. I think that's the bit for me. I would always, if a club when I've gone back, you know, you get a decent reception, you get a little ripple, then I'm not going to go out my way to stir anything up or create any... That's what I'm trying to find out. What have you stirred up in the past? Me personally.

Well, I didn't think anything. And then you go and play against the team that you've done well for, been sold for a few quid. The club's done a rat out of it. and say Cardiff for my case I was only there for a season, did really well, enjoyed it, wanted to stay, get a knock on the door. Dave Jones at the time, sorry, we've got a bit of money trouble,

we've got an offer for you to go back to London, right, fine, suits all the parties, I'm back down the road, play against them and I'm getting absolutely mullered. I'm thinking, hang on a minute, what is going on here? And I think that is just, you take it as a sign of respect and listen, you have a little laugh about it, and you can have that little back and forth. I love that in the game.

What it can't be is a one-way traffic. Fans cannot batter a player. 90 minutes and then that player scores or does something and then can't give anything back. You know, that's the bit where I think you can't have it all your own way. And clearly the reception he was getting, he wasn't happy with it. And he wanted to show him. So I don't think he'll be getting the warmest reception when he goes back there. And he's got a little bit careful if he crosses that seven bridge, that's for sure.

Go on, does. Don't get, hey, don't get me wrong. Listen, I want to smash every team that sack me. Yeah. You know, listen, listen, let's not, you know, I build, I build, I try. I give my heart to every club that I manage, but it soon goes once I've left, if that makes sense. Certainly when I've been sacked,

because I'm a proud man and I want to win football games. It's, you know, it is a business. It also is, you know, you appreciate the connections. You made other clubs, bandbators and the owners. But trust me, my pride, you know, I want to smash the teams where I've been sacked at. You know, and if anything, that's a motivation of mine as well. Your favourite celebration, Job?

Oh, good one. Probably a goal. Again, I keep talking about Cardiff, scored for Redding in the playoff semi-final. I think I might have already been booked, but I was going to go and whip the t-shirt off one of those ones, start swinging it around my head. And as I've gone to do it,

Sean Cummins, luckily, is dived on top of me, basically to stop me taking my top of, and all you just see is me just go absolutely head first into the turf, we're all on the floor, buzzing. You know, I did one day, yeah, it was Grand National Day. And me and Lee Peacock, who said if whoever scores, one of you get down on all fours,

and the other one get on top of you, you're like a jockey. But it didn't look like that as a, I'm not like... You know what, Dad? It didn't look like that at all. That must have been the thing. It went on the TV program, I think. They did a clip of it on the TV program

years and years ago, and yeah, it certainly wasn't a, it looked like a horse and a jockey. That must have been the thing, because again, going back to my time at Redding, Jim Carrajan and myself, we had a great group of lads and we must have stuck a few quid on... I don't know if it was a grand national...

Jay Tab, who actually had shares in a horse, so he'd come and give us these tips on... And normally didn't come in at all. But I remember one weekend, we've kind of lumped on a horse. And it had come in. And Doncaster away, I believe it was the game. And, yeah, I was up on Jim Carajan's back. He was actually trying to whip me.

Yeah. That was definitely one, actually. You just brought that back for me. Let's hear from Bobby Cammer's manager. Here is 72 plus favourite Steve Evans. And what he thought of that celebration? Yeah, I can't pronounce his name. but I can remember a very famous footballer who ran 90 yards to celebrate when he scored a fantastic goal.

Bobby's is a fantastic goal, but some of the comments aimed at Bobby on my left-hand side today, I've got no place in football. That's just where it is. And I have a lot of time for the ownership model at Newport County and people know. And the fans, they've always been fair with me and gave me a bit of banter, etc. But some of them, there'll be individuals possibly that overstep the line. So when Bobby sticks a goal at that in, Bobby's a little Yorkshire boy who's got character and a bit of fight, about spiriting.

I read his words in the Bristol Press very early this week when he said if they gave me some proper stick or celebrate. If they'll behave themselves, I wouldn't. You know, if they're not getting Bobby some outrageous chance,

then I don't think Bobby had been running 100 yards. He had to come off after this. He was very tired. Big Steve Evans, on Bobby Camwa there. I mean, look, Bobby Cammer has posted on Instagram following the whole incident

he's captioned it saying short memory from a few in brackets disappointing give it but also take it you know I thrive for an occasion he also added the swords out meme and the messy nodding gift no holding back from him there Jobes I quite like the messy one I think that's a great meme where it's just kind of like yeah okay fine and then Bosch you got to go and back it up which he did not surprised he came off after that by the way because that was some

I'd like to see his 100 metre time because he was rapid up the other end of that and obviously blew a gasket You know that Evo was saying around to me. If you run like that when you're actually playing, we're getting somewhere. What a game, by the way. Yeah. What's a game. One of the games of the weekend in general, weren't there?

It's been a great start. Let's hone in on two London clubs and championship. 100% records for both Millwall and Charlton. South London is doing the bizo right now. No shock to see Alex Neal's men set in the pace after reaching the playoffs last season. But could Charlton be a surprise package? Now, Darrell, with Nathan Jones side, they would tip not to be involved in the relegation race

but just to be in those lower echelons of the division there's a lot of talk about the future of the football club whether it's for sale if it's not for sale is it what's going on about the recruitment as well how do you level up and the changes he's made and he's had to make but what did you make of the summer for Charlton and what have you made of their start yeah listen fantastic start Nathan's the top manager his record shows you that

he's had a few unfortunate jobs that aren't quite work for him as we always do, but he's recruited well. He's very tactically good. He's got a good mix of experience there, good mix of youthful players as well, plenty of, plenty of experience, plenty of know-how. So it could be the surprise package, but I think, you know, realistically for Cho, and I think it'd be an unbelievable season if they're finishing the top off, you know, they're nowhere near the bigoters of that

division, but six points out of six, you get that bit of momentum, you never know. Jobbs, I'm going to say something, and again, opinions are funny thing. I think with the past two, three seasons, a weak link for both of his clubs has been Thomas Kaminsky. And Nathan Jones has come out and put a marker down and has brought in, he's brought in Arthur Conquo, and that's come up for him. I just think this could be the catalyst for change. Yeah, I think particularly with Nathan Jones and what he prides himself on and what he base his team on, being hard to beat, very organised.

they compete and sometimes if you've got a keeper or a defensive unit letting in goals where you're doing okay in games it really can you know break your spirit and you know damage you in that way so I think that was a big one getting after a quanko to come in who again I think it's one of those wrecks and players that it's almost like thanks you've done your job now see you later in terms of the ruthless side of the game but a great opportunity for him I really like their recruitment in the summer you know carlin grant I think will be a fantastic pickup Matt Namara, again, experience know-how of the level. And we talk about

how do you get better, how do you improve? And it is not necessarily wholesale changes. It's just adding that extra bit of quality and experience at the right times in the squad. And he's certainly done that. Chalabar coming in again as well. I need to keep him fit. But we all know, you know, what a good player he is.

And then Campbell, Tari's had a fantastic start to the season. He also, I think, will thrive, having that little bit more experience around him. So we can go and show everyone what he's capable of. brilliant start. You know, Colin, I can't believe he's 28. It feels like he's been around for so long.

No, mate. And he was electric. I watched him in their first game. I was at the valley for the first game. And he was electric. Everything good for Charlton in that first half come through him down the left downside, and he was great.

And you feel they needed someone with a little bit of a spark. And they've got those players. I think Tyrese is one of those. And he's just signed a new deal as well at the football club, which is really good news. I think for Nathan and Chantlein, it's about leveling up now.

How do you level up? Where do you level up to? And that is a question. So to see them two from two at the start of the season, it's great. Are they going to end it there? Probably not. Darrell?

Yeah, I think as well as he'd have learnt massively from his spells at Stoke and Southampton. You know, he's gone into Chol and got might of league one. And then he's also understanding of the divisions, helping him with the way he wants to go and the way he wants to recruit. So, you know, similar to Alex Neal,

there was plenty of championship experience. He's two managers that know, the division quite well and know what's needed. You know, Charlton, I think, I mean, Millwall, I mean, the season they had at Millwall last season was absolutely immense. You know, to replicate that, I had a good chat with Alex at the league managers meetings when we catch up in the summer,

you know, to replicate that. And I think with Charlton, if they can stay in the division, for me, still a massive success. Can I say props to Lloyd Jones for the finish? He's a monster for them in general. It really is. Big boy, 6-3, proper centre-half, gets on the end of everything.

He's a bit of a throwback of a player. But that finished, overhead kick, the absolute audacity to be there in the first place. Well, then the technique to execute it. Again, that's one of these at my age. I look at that and go, no, no, there's just no way.

But a fair play to him for a big dominant centre half to show that agility and technique was absolutely fantastic. I absolutely love it. To Millwall, very, very impressive start after a disappointing end to the season. And I mean, we will have, hopefully Alex Neal coming in on the show at some point over the next few weeks. What's interesting with them is how do you make those changes? How do you change your squad when you made some big decisions in January?

In terms of the goalkeeper Patterson, bringing him in, dropping Max Krookum, who had come in as a freebie and who looked excellent. But also someone like a Barry Bannon, you brought him in to be a catalyst in January. and it just did not work for you. Tom Watson as well from Brighton. I just feel that the January signings that maybe they wanted them to push them on just didn't quite work. And with respect to Alex Neer,

he was out-tacted in that game against Tom, particularly in the second leg. But again, you've got to respect the business, all driven by James Beres and the owner, but Steve Gallen, Tarrick-Cont already, great. You know, sign from the French second division. They've got a player called Mattias Savais,

who's going to coming to midfield. And I really hope he can be. Do you know that attacker that just offers more in the eight, in the ten? He's injured. Jensen Metcalf is another one from Bradford. Great. Cairo Lisby, one of the Lisbee twins, unbelievable. I mean, question marks over Lyndon Dikes,

but you know he's going to go then, he's going to do a job. You know what he is, though, Aaron? Yeah, he's going to do a job. It's a barring, man. I'm sure Darrell would tell us. just to have that, you know what you're going to get from a player. Pretty much nine times out of ten. It is gold dust.

It really is one of the biggest frustrations is super talented players that one week turn up and they're absolute well-beaters. And then the next one, particularly maybe away from home, Tuesday night, you're not quite sure. So again, to be able to bring that depth and that quality and profile, and there's been a nice variation to their transfer business. I've really liked it. Again, different profiles, age-wise, experience.

They haven't been emotional as well with decisions. Danny Mack and Mara and Billy Mitchell were two difficult ones. Homegrown players. They understand the club. You know what they're like. They weren't emotional with it. And I really like Billy Mitchell. I think he's a great player.

Real good player. Danny Mack is Danny Mack. But they are changing. They're evolving constantly. Question is, Darrell, can they go one further? And what's going to be in the mindset to go one further? What do they need? I won't be surprised if they do, if I'm honest with you.

I think like Millwall is a club, Alex has gone in there. and he's got the way the mill will want to see and the fans want to see. You know, he's got that right mixture of, you know, you've got the boy captain, Jake Cooper, Coburn up top.

They've got that right physicality. Like Joby says there, they haven't got players that are too flary that are only going to turn up one in four, one in five. They have a consistent way. He's tactically cute as well.

He's happy to sit in the mid-block if it's the right thing to do. Teams on the counter when you're coming up against more possession-based team. And it's a manager that's work, things out. You know, I always say this with managers and they say, because I'm bitter because I've been sat for my last two jobs, but if you give talented managers three windows, they work and work

along the way. There's a process you've got to go through where a couple of players didn't work in a January window, but then the process of working with players over a period of time to then be able to make the tweaks and the changes. You know, the pleasing thing from Alex is he's gone from a position that, you know, they made the playoffs last season to a position now where can he go that extra yard. I won't put it past them. I really wouldn't. They've got that consistency. Let's crack on in the championship, took West Bromwich, Yarbium. They're the other side who've won both their games

in the division. 3-1 winners over Burnley on Sunday. Great start for James Morrison and the summer was so integral for them in terms of cutting away that wage bill. Sort of, you know, loosening the shackles of the past because there were some players on big contracts and

they were signed when the club's in a different place but it's time for them to sort of, you know, to evolve again, Jobbs? Yeah, it seems like we've been saying this. How many seasons now? Certainly since the new ownership came in at West Brom and they've been very clear and very transparent

about the financial situation that the club were in and they've had to cut their cloth accordingly. I think in terms of James Morrison, what a fantastic job he's done. I think if you just said at the start of this season, first of all, there'd only be three teams that have won two games after two, which is crazy, but that they would be Millwall Chaltern and West Brom. I think you would have got some pretty long odds on West Brom

and Charlton being in that mix. So, you know, again, fantastic. The players clearly have responded to him during his stint last year. He's had a lot of time now preseason. I think that's what managers really want to try and mold the team and, you know, really had such a positive start. Isaac Price, again, fantastic ability, great talent. He's had a really, really good start.

And again, different utilising different markets. Jimmy J. Morgan from Chelsea looks like he's going to be a real handful this season as well. So, yeah, I mean, fantastic start. how far they can go I think will remain to be seen but they couldn't have asked to get off to a better start than this. I mean, you talk about sort of, you know,

being the same way. Don't forget they've carried players like Darrell Dekay. Carried him through injury. Josh Madra, he went back to the club and he was there for three seasons. Carlin was there. Jed was there. Alex Moert was there.

They've had players with big names, big personalities, if you like. And again, they've got to make changes. Jimmy J. Morgan is an interesting one because this guy comes with one heck of a reputation. We saw him at Peterborough last year. I really enjoyed watching him play. I think there's something about him. They've got that sort of bit of stardust.

And he's shown he can do it in the championship as well. Would you make of the Albion this year, Darrell? Because, again, I can't imagine the ambition for James Morrison's going to be more than sort of upper reaches and mid-table with the resources he's got. no and I think the fan base are accepting of that and that sometimes takes the pressure off and lets the players play a little bit more for you I think that the season

last season fighting relegation and a relief to stay in the division sometimes it's a good place to start from certainly when they're not really made many big name signings because they haven't got the financial clap to do that so the level of expectation goes down and then you get your proper fan base to get behind it and support the boys more so

because sometimes it can be a lot a lot heavier when you've spent an awful lot of money in it and West Brom aren't in that process of doing that so if they get a bit of momentum, the fans right behind them, they might surprise one or two but yet again I think if they're finishing the top half they'd have had another, what would have had a good season, not another season, they struggled last year.

Interesting thing regards to Orna Hegebo and his handball goal against Norwich on the opening day was then banned for two games by the FA for successfully deceiving a match official. Harsh, Darrell? I thought it was harsh because it took a deflection, didn't it? Do you know, like it did take a deflection and his arm? I thought he's very harsh. I'm not going to lie to you.

Obviously, the goal kills the opposition, but they were saying with the referee meetings and stuff, if it deflects off somebody, yes, his arms are in that position, but the ball has deflected, so I thought he could feel a little bit hard done by. Jobes for you? I totally agree. And you know what, there's almost two parts of this. The rule itself, which again, I don't think.

loads of people were overly aware of, seen this I think it's been going for two years. And that I'm absolutely in favour of, if it's clear and blatant deception and trying to cheat effectively, then yeah, you know, we don't want that anywhere near the game. I just didn't think this would have met that threshold.

Again, having seen it loads of times and spoken about it already, the actual incident, there was no premeditated, you know, it's just he was almost in that position, the ball's hit his arm, it's going in. I think as he's wheeling off, half expecting the referee to blow the whistle, you know, how do you then go from that to then banning him for two games? I think it sets a very risky precedent as well in terms of what

constitutes that level of deception to then go and re-band somebody and the referee should have seen it on the day. They didn't. We don't want VAR. I certainly don't want it. And you've got to live with those decisions in my opinion. I don't understand how did make the decision with the pace of the ball as well. Yeah. You know what I mean? Because obviously he's thinking I've got to dive in here, whatever way I can to make contact with the ball. Do you know what I mean? I don't, I just don't get the, I think a lot of decisions like that when they really slowed down can look a hell of a lot worse. Exactly. I'm not sure the people that are looking at these are taking into consideration the pace of the game and how quickly the ball's gone across like that. Well, again, I think when we come down to these disciplinary issues and it's a little bit like VR, I think sometimes with a subjective red cards, was it excessive? so that I think this is where we could really deal with

and have the benefit of having maybe some ex-pros around the table, at least to give that perspective of actually, no, this ball was coming really, really quickly. It gets a deflection. You know, his arms are already in that position because he's ready to try and sweep the ball into the back of the net. It almost comes at a bit of an awkward height. So, yeah, again, in terms of who's making those decisions,

maybe a little bit of lack of experience of just being in that specific situation. Five live sports. So here's the first ball of this series. All the cricket you laugh. Check for Lerbw. Ouch. 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 fourth cricket and it's the huge run. Right. Jeez. Wars.

Settle down. Cricket on five-life sport. Oh, I'm living every ball of this. Listen on BBC Sounds. 72 plus the EFL podcast with Aaron Paul and Joby McEnough. Let's head into League One. All is not well at Leicester City. A 3-1 defeat tip,

which town in the NFL Cup last night. And on Saturday, the team were booed off following a 2-1 at home defeat to Burton. Alby and Leicester were already two down when Oliver. Skip was set off after just 29 minutes. Let's hear from manager Russell Martin. Now, he was not a happy man following that loss. The first 25 minutes is you can't give teams a head start

and we did and we gave them two and then we have a man sent off so we can't afford to do that against any opponent anywhere we go and so I said to the players the level of humility and running and courage and fight we showed in the second half of 10 men we have to be there all the time and why you get hurt which we did today So I'm really, really disappointed at the goals we concede, because they're really poor from our perspective. And like as basic as it sounds, one team really wanted it in the first 25 minutes and we're hungry to fight. And we weren't, definitely not hungry enough.

And then after that we were, but when we're down to 10 men, there's nothing to lose mentality. I think they did great to be the players. We did great to be so dominant with 10 men because that's not easy. But it's so hard for us at that point. So, yeah, more aggression. or running more fight in the first 25 minutes and you set yourself up for a good performance. Without that, whatever you do, it's gonna be tough.

Well, I have to take responsibility for it as a manager. So if I haven't prepared the team psychologically well enough, then we have to look at why. So the fundamentals of the game are always gonna be the fundamentals, regardless of style of play. And we can't play in the way we want to about them. And they just weren't there in the first 25 minutes, and we've already watched the goals back as a group

and highlighted some bits that are not gonna be us, and definitely not gonna be us moving forward. so we have to make sure that's the worst 25 minutes we experience the season. Russell Martin, speaking after another defeat for his side. I don't know where you are on this, Job, and I don't know his standpoint. I think this is the first time we've touched on Lesser because you want to give him the benefit at that for a week or two. In my heart of hearts, I don't think this is right.

In terms of Russell Martin's style in terms of... Because he is so rigid on the style of play. And this is how we're going to do it, that when it does a... work, the supporters are going to get frustrated, and when they can see the goal, the heads are going to drop. Surely, to play his style of play, firstly, you need morale to be at a certain level. You need to be operating an optimum level. But also, you need the players to buy in. You need everyone to be unified at the club. It's not something you can go, right, we're playing this, this is it, job done. No, and we've seen with Russell and his teams have been notoriously

slow starters because the amount of detail, like you said, it's not a simple way. of playing. But again, for me, I come back to sometimes, if I was the manager of Leicester City, looking at that group of players first and foremost, like, are they capable of playing that way? And I've got to be honest, I look through that team and I go, not quite sure. A Coley, you know, is he super comfortable on the ball? No, Oliver Skipper is your defensive midfielder. You know, again, he's industrious. He runs about. He wants to win tackles. But it's not someone who's going to go and dominate the ball and be comfortable taking it under the big, big pressure, which is what Russell Martin expects his players to be able to do.

So it's a fragile group. It's a fragile club, one that's been, you know, so much negativity around it. So my first job would be, let's get some positivity around. However, we have to do that. If that means I've got to just go away a little bit from my beliefs and my principles, and we will build and we will get there. But by starting off like this, it then makes it an awful lot harder to one play the way that he wants to do.

but then win football matches, which ultimately, Daryl will testify, that's your job. You've got to go and win matches. Darrell, is going for a style-based situation, a style-based appointment? Is that the right methodology for Lester City? A club that's been used to losing now for two, two-and-a-half seasons consistently? It might not be short-term, but I think medium and long-term it will be. Yeah. If I'm honest with it, the place is carnage, guys.

There's so many things. The owners have put the club up for sale. or these senior players that think there are miles better than the level. Russell's trying to manage all this why implementing a style of play that that's how he likes to play the game. So we can judge that

whether I'd go in and do it that way or the manager do it that way. That's what you've chose with Russell and he's very good at it. But his history will tell you that takes time. And sometimes it's short-term pain for long-term game. And that's tough because

you know, League 1s is tough division. Lester will, by their fan base, expecting to walk the league, doesn't happen. It doesn't happen like that, especially when you've got so much carnage in the building as well. So I think we've got to let things calm down.

Let's see where they are at 10, 12 games, and I won't be surprised if in the top 10, pushing in the top six after the first 10 games. Yes, it's been a good start. I think, you know, you've got to base this. You know, two games, two games is nothing, and obviously a tough tie as well. So let's judge it.

Another conversation after 10th. They can't afford to lose 6, 7, 8 at the next 10. And the problem they've got is they've got a target in their back. This is Burton Albion. Burton Albion, who last week, everyone's standing around going, well, what are we doing here? We've got no older players. It's got no senior players. But you're 1-0 down after, listen, you're 10 men after 29 minutes as well.

Whose fault is that? That's a lack of discipline from Oliver Skis. Discipline, and that's a player's lack of discipline. That's not a manager's lack of discipline, is it? Do you know what I mean? He's an experienced enough player to not make that ridiculous challenge. I'm with you.

I listen to BBC Radio Lester after the final whistle and they turn around. Their analysts, their pundits, everyone they spoke to turn around and goes, this is not on Russell Martin today. This is on the players. This is about a lack of commitment.

This is who they are. Fine, cool. But fundamentally, it all comes via the manager and the manager has to set a precedent and say, well, we're doing this, this and this. Do you think, and this is to both of you.

Do you think the sound bites he gives to the media, the way he speaks, and we know he's an eloquent man, he likes to speak in a certain way, he's very passionate about his philosophy. Is this beneficial right now, or should they get their nuts down, work hard, crack on with it, keep shun, and keep doing what they're doing?

Listen, they clearly are doing that, and Russell's got to come out after it. It's the hardest thing to do. I've had a little stint in interim charge, and when a game's gone against you, and you're the one having to come out and try and explain a result without probably saying

the reason we lost today was because Oliver Skip got sent off as much as everyone knows that and in your heart you really do want to say that because that's a massive factor. He's got such a big job and I make Darrell Wright on this in terms of trying to rebuild

a football club that is broken. Is it broken beyond repair? Is the question? I've had two relegations on the bounce. So how do you get from, my question would be how do you get from where it is to where do you want to get to? And I just feel at the moment, it's almost making it more difficult

because what he's asking the players to do. Have they got those capabilities? I don't think he helps himself in the media. But Aaron, he can't come out and say anything other than what he's saying because his thing is about belief. It is about buying. What he asks of the players is tough. I'm telling you now.

And I think the lower down you go, it's hard because not all those players have got the technical ability to do what he expects or what he would like them to do. Did that club need an old, school manager who's going to grab it fully rather than a head coach. And Russell Martin is a head coach and he's a good coach. Someone to have full autonomy. But they're not going to get that, Aaron. That's that.

Again, Darrell makes a good point. The whole club is a mess. This isn't just on a manager. And I think we have to be very careful about putting this all on Russell's door. Don't get me wrong. He would have absolutely known what that situation of that football club is before he walked in there. I'm sure he would have done. He's a very, very bright guy.

would have done his due diligence, you know, understand what he's got to work with. My point is, and, you know, what we've spoken about, his way of playing takes time. They don't have the time. Exactly. And that's where I'd be a little bit like, you've got to find a way of winning some games quicker than what you normally do. Because before you know it, that spirals out of control. Like last year, that team should not have been anywhere near the relegation zone. A lot of these players are on Premier League wages.

They're on EFL wages. call it what you want. You go to League One and I said it last year, Jobs, and it's in our trail for our new pod. You've got players in League One paying rent. Not paying mortgages, paying rent and looking at their contract at the end of the season

going, what am I doing beyond the end of the season? There are players out there who know, if I play well against Leicester, I'm sticking myself in somewhat of a shop window and you don't know what's going to happen to me. Again, you question, do the Lester players have the commitment to commit to what Russell?

Martin wants? Probably not. But on the flip side, if they sell those players and bring players in, Barr are Wes Burns, O'Connor, Chap, etc. Are you going to get the quality of players? You are damned if you do, damned if you don't right now. Yeah, you are, and

so he's got to implement it. Like, Lester now, Cat 1 Academy, they've got loads of technically gifted players. So you're like, to change tack and go a total different way, it might get your league won, but then it ain't going to grow again in the championship and you know hopefully Russell Martin's a long-term appointment

that can get the structure right and if you look at it and think to yourself you remember Sheffield United when Chris Wilder was in league one I think they lost their first three games three four games he takes a bit of time to adjust guys you know and I'm speaking manager to manager now

I think just people have got to be calm I think they'll be right up there I think they'll get out of the division if I'm honest with you but he's going to take a bit of time to sort out the baggage might need the January window. You know, because if, if Leicester are in the top, top six, top eight, by coming at the new window, they'll be going for it.

So just a bit of patience, Aaron, I think, I take your point. I do think he winds certain fans up a Pacific way. But, you know, if he gets his team firing, they can do some serious damages. And he's shown that how a few clubs is managed. When you're working with a new group as Russell's working with at Leicester, you're fine in the way, you're finding the players that can handle the occasion to play certain. and style away. And sometimes you fall on a formation, you know, obviously with knowledge like Chris did there.

And I think that'll happen at Leicester. Do you think he will, though? Do you think he'll go back to Aaron's point about he's got such a, he's wedded to how he wants to play. And I think that is, you're absolutely spot on, Darrell, adapt. I did Leeds last night, you know, Daniel Farker, who wants to be a heavy possession, ball dominant manager, gets to the Premier League. And listen, I know it's different levels here, but realises maybe that isn't the way to survive. So he has to tweak.

He has to change. You have to, again, the job is win football matches, not look the best doing it. And at this point in time, Leicester City need to get back. They're used to losing. That is what's happened. Two seasons in a row, two relegations. They need to find a way to win football matches. If that means just tweaking, I'm not saying abandon your principles and the way that you want

and what your reputation is, find a way to win football matches. At the moment, he isn't doing a good enough job unless the city players aren't doing enough. He can counter it. He can do that and he can adapt. But how can you trust the players who weren't good enough in the Premier League,

who weren't good enough in the championship, to do it in League 1? Well, that's his job of identifying that and making sure that with recruitment, which, listen, they've got rid of players in the summer, you know, particularly big wages and players who did let the football club down last year, and that is the time aspect

that he needs to come in, assess that. Things happen in a match, again, might be a bit of pressure if someone starts not showing for the ball or, you know, he has to have an opportunity to be able to recognise that. But again, at the same time, that is management in a nutshell.

While all that is going on, you've got to be able to put a team that can go and win a football match. Leicester City should still be able to win matches at League 1 level with that group of players that they've got and they're not doing it at a moment. The next week in the window is going to be absolutely huge of that football club.

they still lack and I think they still need to make signings and they need to pull players in and change things around. Players that want to be there. That's the bottom line. And he needs to ask that question to every single player at that football club and then if possible, I don't know it's not easy, Darren, I'll make you right there, but find a way to get rid of some of those because we saw a lot of.

Do you want to play for us in League One and be a catalyst for change? Do you want to do that? Yes, great. No, see you later about. Just one more. Basically managers and a chairman asked me this about a manager and said, why do you think he hasn't got a bigger move, a move somewhere? And I looked at it, I thought about it, and my biggest thing was, again, it was adaptability,

but also having a plan B, having a plan B when it's not quite going right. Daryl, how big is that, to have that in your wheelhouse as a manager? Yeah, and listen, you're speaking to an adaptable manager. I've played every system under the sun, different clubs, changed it, tweak it. I like to adapt as a manager. You know, some football clubs like a philosopher,

where we're doing this no matter what, we're sticking with this and we're staying with it. For me, adaptability is key. Because you get so much, you get so much evidence, so much analysts, so much data, you get all these things now on the opposition. So being able to change things up, having different formations to work with,

let's look at the hall manager last year. I mean, I thought it was tactically class. You know, mixing things up, plan B, every game, being a bit of a project, like I like to work myself, to be honest with you. So, yeah, I get that. And some managers don't. They want a structured way of working,

and I understand it, the right and wrongs of this. And they want to, you know, 4, 2, 3, 1. We want to play out from the back. We want to play this system. We're going to keep this system. If it's not working, we're going to stick with Plan A and get better and better and better. And his managers have success that way,

and his managers had success, there's adaptability. So it's all in the process of what the club wants. Right, let's move on to fantasy. Another strong fantasy week for Joby, 46 points, But not as strong as me. I wish I have a little jingo. Go on and tell everybody. What did you get me?

I got 47 points. Oh, really? I was expected a bit more than that. Game to average was 39. Did I, so I'm above average? Yeah. Did I get more than you? Did I get more than you?

Did I get more than you? By one point. Did I get more? Joe, you know that? One now. Toby, come on you. I'd rather win the league. I'd rather win the league with one point.

with one point more than finish second with a point less. West Ham, mate, let me down there with my team pick. I mean, come on, guys. Should have been. Just a point. Just a point. She'll stick, Ja. Bowen up there, mate.

I've got Bowen. Yeah, well, I captained him. I'd Vigs in goal, big Lawrence Vigrew, lovely guy in between sticks. Joby's fifth in the league. Where's that leave you? I was going to say. Hey, mate, Dunwin, I'm on my way out.

As that all says, with three games in, remember what happened to Sheffield, John? I don't think they won their first four that year there in League one. Was it four? Darrell, don't worry, man. We are going into game week three. Boys from up the hill, lead the way on 149 points from the first two weeks. The code to join our league is 72 EFL pod.

7-2 EFL pod. The first double game week of the season is on the way. Mark your cards, start your engines, check your socks. We can't wait for it. Let's finish with this. That's a new bed, isn't it? Nice. That's taken a bit of a change, that jingle.

I'm here for it, though. It's time for 72 plus 72 minors, the time where Joby reaches into his sack and fishes at the best EFL moments of the week that maybe you may have missed. Yeah, well, sometimes you've got to take a deep dive. I do find myself scouring through the EFL over the weekend for some funny moments, special moments.

Some weeks are harder than other. I'm going to start at my 72 plus with an absolute worldy of a goal from Don Ballard. Forget potential goal of the season. We are talking potential push gas territory here. An outrageous backhill volley. Wasn't even looking at the goal. Into the top corner, a moment of pure magic.

It's a chat. Oh, what a goal! What a goal from Ballard. Wow. We just talked about his physicality and maybe what he can't do, what he can do. We're going to see this.

Whipped in and he's flicked it. Facing away from goal, back healed it, into the near post. That is an absolute stunner. What a way to score your first goal for a club. Dominic Ballard, being embraced by the front row of those city fans. That is special. Did he mean it, Darrell? Yeah, he meant that.

Yeah, he'd get a good contact with it. There's pace on the ball, then just a bit of direction. It's nearly as good as my first touch at Old Trafford, to be honest. I'm going to go to look for that now. Oh, listen, you'll find it, Joby, you'll find it. Love that. And you've got it on VHS somewhere. You're 72 minus, please, James.

Oh, I mean, it's very early for pantomime season, isn't it? But the big shout of he's behind you was not heeded by Zach Gcock in goal for Northampton Town. He's got the ball in his hands. What he doesn't notice is a crew Alexander player waiting off the pitch, rolls the ball out. He comes, nits in front of him, taps it into an empty net. hands-on-head moment. Across the voice of the goal, big chance, well said, in the near, close by Cheekot.

The Cobb is just standing off the various crew attackers. In the end, the ball was whipped in by guys. Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. The Cobbler's keeper, Zach Jekot, cordy possession inside his six shell blocks, and Josh Miles takes full advantage. He nicks the wall away and sticks it home from close range. A Northampton Town Trail here across the road.

Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear. I'd love to hear. I'd love to hear. That commentary is sensational, by the way. I'd love to hear the Peter Andre remix that. Whoa, whoa, whoa. Oh, very, very good. 72 plus, 72 minors back next week.

Where are you going this week, Jopes? I am in the studio Friday. Rexham against Birmingham. So a big, big one. Oh, tasty. No, I don't know. All right. Good, good man.

Just a battle with. between two clubs that need to get in a playoff this season. Yep. Saturday? No. Sunday?

No, Carnival. It's Carnival weekend. Anyone in around London or travelling down get yourself there is a brilliant couple of days. Jobs will be there whining.

Are you a whiner? A little bit. Gal you ever done a wine? Jamaican hips. Yeah, I'd do a bit. I'd do a bit, Aaron. I'd be of everything to you guys.

Back in the day. What was that night club you're telling us about? Black of Martin, Aon Aon Apar. That's the one. Oyoi, aye. Aynapok.

Season ticket there. back in the leaving days. I'm going to league up Thursday night. Nice. Fulham versus the Super Dons. Nice. Then Saturday, going to Southampton Middle. Very much looking forward to that.

That would be interesting. Yeah, can't wait. And then Jobes, you, me, Lyle Taylor and Tommy Smith will go around the grounds in the EFL on Tuesday, the first of September. Good squad.

Cannot wait for it. Solid line up. We'll be keeping across your game. Dowell Tramere Rover's taking on Rod. Room United so we will be across one of those. Join us from 7 o'clock on 5 Live Sport. Don't forget 72 plus as its own podcast feed on BBC Sounds this season. This is the last one. That will be on the Football Daily. Farewell Football Daily. A fun farewell. We've loved it. We've loved it. We've loved it. But time to go, man. We're ready. Let's go. It's been emotional. It really, really has. And hopefully we'll be closing out with

the bed. You know, like they did a Gooderson with Zed cars. Hopefully we'll do that. And if you are listening on that, please follow us over. It's massive. importantly important. Do it. Yeah. Follow us. Follow the town. Up all down. If you haven't already subscribed, all you need to do is search 72 plus on BBC Sounds. And yeah, just press that subscribe button. Dowell, good luck. Job's nice one. We'll catch you next week. A sport today for all the goals as they go in up and down the league. This is five live sports. It's all right to the lights and fit in a floor.

To bowl him. It's not to stop out. Everyone standing around the 18th green. He serves to the centre. Oh, the right hand, and the former champion is down. Five live sports. The home of the world's greatest sporting events. Listen on BBC Sounds. Get more with BBC podcasts, wherever you listen. Be the first to listen to your favourite shows,

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