Football Daily - 72+ EFL Pod: Watford, Luton & Blackpool wield the axe

Episode Date: October 8, 2025

Aaron Paul, Jobi McAnuff & Lyle Taylor jump on the managerial merry-go-round. Watford sack Paolo Pezzolano and reappoint Javi Gracia, Luton say bye to Matt Bloomfield and Blackpool bid farewell to Steve Bruce. Also, what about Birmingham chairman Tom Wagner going in the away end at Wrexham? And will Richard Wood find his way into our Ultimate All-Time EFL XI? Suggestions welcome on WhatsApp to 08000 289 369.01:45 Birmingham chairman goes in the away end 06:30 Naming teams on the day of a game 12:50 Watford sack Pezzolano & reappoint Gracia 20:25 Luton sack Matt Bloomfield 34:50 Blackpool sack Steve Bruce 36:20 Will Richard Wood make our All-Time EFL XI? 39:00 72PLUS 72MINUS5 Live / BBC Sounds commentaries: Thu 9 Oct 1945 England v Wales in friendly, Sun 12 Oct 1200 Chelsea v Tottenham in WSL, Sun 12 Oct 1430 Arsenal v Brighton & Hove in WSL, Sun 12 Oct 1700 Scotland v Belarus in WCQ, Mon 13 Oct 1945 Wales v Belgium in WCQ, Tue 14 Oct 1945 Latvia v England in WCQ, Wed 15 Oct 2000 Chelsea v Paris in UWCL.

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Your idea of banking that's personal happens here. RBC, ideas happen here. 72 Plus, the EFL podcast with Aaron Paul and Joby McEnough. Welcome to 72 Plus, the EFL pod from Five Lives for, as ever, alongside me, my co-pilot, the navigator of this program. Joelle, Joshua, Frederick, Melvin McEnough. How are you, pal? Yeah, I'm very well. A little bit tired. I had a bit of a late night on a Monday of all nights. Went out to The Legends of Football. Got a little invite from the EFL crew. So thank you to them for that. But yeah, really good do. I was literally ready to leave as it finished about quarter past, 20 past 11, sort of got to get up the next day, school run and all that. And then I bump into a couple of former teammates in Marlon Harewood and Wes Morgan. And then before I knew it, it was a lot later than it should have been. And I'm now thinking how many hours I've got to.

alarm goes off. So still recovering from that, but a great night. That's the thing. Lyle Taylor's anxiety as well. When you're hobnobbing, when you're a socialite, a football socialite like Joby,

you have to make allowances for certain things. And like, you know, he's coming in, he's saying he's still feeling it a couple of days. And I mean, that's age kicking in, isn't it? But unlike us, two men in our 30s who,

we go to bed early, we get up early, we rise early. We live in a very holistic way, a natural way. We do. Good afternoon, good morning, good evening dependent on where you are in the world

But no, we are, we epitomized professionalism We do. We do, and Joby could take a leaf out of our book A chapter, correct, and go to bed at 9 o'clock I don't know who he thinks he is anymore Coming on this part, lost myself, I did lose myself. Game's gone. He is mystery afl, so, you know, it is what it is. Something like that.

Any reflections on Rex and Birmingham, Joby? That's if you still remember. probably my takeaways from that it was very wet and very windy i mean it was in the midst of the storm but we got out there got it done pitch side tom wagner was with us before and um very very ambitious certainly not accepting consolidation this season and really wants to push on and and get themselves promoted um but again you know really good in terms of how open is how transparent is got a little bit of stick didn't he has half time sort of getting the uh the crowd going they were behind and I think you take it two ways you know is it a bit over the top

or actually I'd look at it the other way you know we always talk about these sort of distant owners do they really care about the club he is there he was in the mix in the away end this is the owner of the football club and he actually was jeering him up in the second half and we were right by the Birmingham city fans actually and they were a lot of grumbles first half weren't too happy and second half they were a lot better I'm not saying it's all down to him I'm sure Chris Davis has something to do with that, but I'm all for an owner getting stuck in and getting in with the away fans on a pretty windy

and wet night in Wrexham, fair play. I really wanted him to give it a fight and win. You know like that, a fella from Seattle? It's just very Americanised, isn't it? That kind of thing. We're very high-browed and... Reserve. Yeah, we are in this country,

especially where our sport and ownership of sports teams is involved. but do you know what it's just nice to see an owner who cares they put they put a lot of money in as is evidenced across the football leagues at all levels and it's nice to see them in the mix and somewhere that they actually care enough to go no I'm in this with you I might not be one of you but I would really like to be one of you

was it season two of the documentary potentially being filmed whilst that was going on that thought hey there's always a director's cut the editor saying hey get in the fans give them a bit of a jean up because that's very very on point with the way football documentaries are going now yeah there's always an extra camera crew following them around that's for sure but again

I think that's just another sort of way the game has gone and I'm sure there will be that going into the new series and that's the only question how much of it is actually meaningful how much of it is done for effect and positive PR but ultimately you've got to be there to do it and again for me

I'd much rather see an owner committed to the cause as he very much is and whatever you do say he was there in his Birmingham City bubble hat and jumper very on brand but no listen man fair enough to him he was very very much involved and in the mix

if he got his jumper off there would have been a full kit underneath him yeah it'd have been an Aston Villa one Joby more importantly you sat through Storm Amy, what kind of soul glow you're using because that hair did not move? I went for the ultra hold

gel on this occasion actually and it just keeps everything in place. Poor Emma Saunders wasn't quite as fortunate but obviously she's got a lot more hair than I have so that was sort of blowing a gal a little bit but no yeah it's the it's the wet look but firm hold that's the one you've got to go for anyone out there.

Nice, nice nice taking us back to what 1997 with that nice Joe you know that big tub of just like blue gloop that's exactly what it is I'm sorry it's just terrible whoa whoa whoa whoa from the person who gets called

spaghetti bolognays because the state of your barnet mate I don't really think you are in the position to come for my hair mate I remember being in the barbers when I was a lot younger and it's it's always blue as well that gel it's always blue it's massive and it's sticky as well so yeah no very very very good at some gel yeah it gets in it's up

Disgusting. Phil Brown picked up a big win for Peterborough Sports over his old club, Kidder Minster in the National League North. He said naming his team on the day appears to be a recipe for success. Any preference for you guys? Any managers you work with that I've just named the team on the day? Yeah, but I don't really like it because I think it leaves a lot open to interpretation

and players can be quite frustrated if they're taken out of the team for what they would deem to be no reason and I think the best thing is just to let players know because ultimately they have to be in the right headspace to play football and I can't see Joby disagreeing with me on this but I'd like to know his personal experience on it. Yeah, I'm a certainly give the players a bit of advance warning

on both sides I think one if you are because it is a different mindset. People will say, oh you know you prepare for the game the same way but you don't, you know, once you know you're starting, you know, that extra little bit of right, make sure who thinks right, you know, your prep's done. And also, I think even more so on the other side, I think if you're expecting to play a game and you work up on a match day and you're not playing, you've got that disappointment. And it's quite hard at times to hide that and actually then take on the role, which you should do of, you know, be a good team player, you know,

support the people that are playing. I think you give the players a respect and the time to deal with that, then when you get in that dresser room on a Saturday, if you're not playing and you know that, you've still got to come in and be a part of it and understand the role that you play on that particular day. I go back to my time at West Ham, actually an example of this, Alan Pardieu, and it was actually one of the biggest games of my life at that point at the time, playoff final.

And we'd gone up to, it was at Cardiff at the time. And I wasn't expecting to start because I hadn't started many games at all, but I'd been on the bench, a bit of an impact player, you know, last 15, 20 minutes of the game. We'd gone up two, three days before. So we're all up there, getting ready for, you know, what was a massive game, playoff final.

West Down Palace get a knock on the door morning of the game and I'm there I've got my robe on you know chilling sort of looking forward to the match and stuff and then it's pards at the door and as soon as I saw his face I'm thinking hmm not sure this is going to be a good message he's like you know you got two minutes I said yeah he goes really tough one but you're not going to be on the bench today and I was absolutely gutted because what it didn't allow me to do was have that time to process the disappointment again for me as a young player, you know, driving to the stadium, thousands of people outside had all my family coming up to support me. And, you know, I didn't really feel I could then contribute and be around the

group and, you know, just take my role on for the day. As a young lad, I would have probably accepted that a bit easier. As much I would have been disappointed I weren't on the bench. And it kind of just, yeah, soured what we ended up being a really bad day anyway because we lost. But listen, I think it's one of those situations that I look back on and certainly went into my coaching and even when I was a manager for that short spell, that was something that stuck in my mind. You have to allow players the opportunity to prepare and get in the right mindset to take that job on whatever it is. You're asking them to deal on the Saturday because people do deal with it differently and, you know, I've seen people, you know, being told they're not starting

and they lose their heads. And then you've got that to deal with on the day of a game and you've got negative negativity in the dressing room. And so yeah, for me, massive distance. appointment and one that lives with me to this day, to be honest, as. I've known some managers say it like quarter to two. You go up to warm up at 2 o'clock, 2.15. Two o'clock they'll name the team. And you're like, hang on, what is going on here? Because I've been in positions where the manager said to me, like, you're not playing.

I remember that Nottingham Forest going away to Bristol City. And I came off the bench for the last 10 minutes and scored twice in injury time to win that game. And then we played Fullum. and that was on a Tuesday or Wednesday night. And we played Fulham at the weekend. And I'm going into that game thinking, surely I'm starting. I've just come off the bench and scored twice.

I'm going to be given an opportunity here. I didn't even get off the bench. Is this under Chris? No, this was under Steve Cooper. I didn't even get off the bench that weekend. And the manager's response afterwards when I asked him why I was, I didn't, it was something along the lines of, I didn't want to disrespect you by bringing you on

when we're 4-0 down. something like I'm like hang on what right so it's really difficult when you find yourself in that position to deal with the emotion put that to one side and then actually if you do manage to get on the pitch to actually do that in a positive mindset because invariably that that player that is dropped or not playing in in in their own mind in an unwarranted fashion will be really angry the only time it's applicable and right to do it is when you have leaks in camps.

And they are so common nowadays with the advent of social media and everyone talking to each other. I mean, I know a club who had a leak for over a year and all they're doing is pressure testing a system to see where it's coming out and they found out and the person got removed out from the club because you can't divulge that information.

It's just counterproductive. By the way, that worked for Phil Brown. Congratulations to Peterborough Sports, being kiddie 2-1. Messages to us on WhatsApp of 8,000, 289-369. Reminder, please leave your name with your message so we know it's from. Otherwise, your messages won't be read out, will it, law? They will not be read out.

No, that's it. We're clamping down on this. Further text from Gareth, by the way, guys, I messaged him yesterday, checked in on him. He was a big op. He's still in recovery. He said he's feeling good. He's stable. He's happy.

He's been in hospital, hopefully, home by the end of the week. Really good news to hear that. Obviously, it's all gone well. and it looks like at the moment they are missing him, to be fair. Well, Joby, I volunteered us to go around and sort of, you know, do a bit of the old care in the community, maybe a sponge bath or two, so we won't mind that. He's a handsome man.

Anyway, all aboard, the managerial merry go round. The clocks haven't even gone back yet, but sacking season is well underway. Watford have sacked head coach Paulo Petzelano after just 10 games in charge and replaced him with former boss, Havi Gratia. Toby, it's Groundhog Day again. Watford, hiring an old manager. Just find the clip of me from the show for the past three or four years as and just roll that in, mate, because it's bonkers, genuinely.

I mean, why do they even bother a point in, man? It's just crazy. You know, they go these sort of left-wing managers that we've not heard about, give them no time at all. And again, last time I checked, you know, in terms of looking at the table, they've done okay. I mean, where should Watford be with the greatest respect with all the turnover, with the recruitment structure that is all over? the place let's be honest um and then you're going to turn around and say you know we're nowhere near where we think we should be they're 11th at the moment you know it's like they're three points off the playoffs i mean make it make sense to me whatford football club what is going on there and not

even getting rid of someone who's done okay and i will only say okay where we talk about whatford we talk about inconsistent they've played nine they've won three they've lost three they've drawn free and that is whatford in a nutshell for me over the last couple of years so mate honestly it's they must be tearing their hair out Troy Dini has talked to another outlet this week and said that the players have all fallen out with him

there's no relationship there between the head coach and the squad I mean that is a quick sort of quick quick he's known for that Aaron I spoke to Colin Kazin Richards actually who worked with him and he said look he's quite a hard line he will go in you've got to get on the page

otherwise you're not and I think that's issue we talk about recruitment you know the type of manager you're getting in there that is not a club and a group of players that we've seen that take well to that and there are obviously clearly relationships that go above player to manager are they going above his head to the board and the board listen so why do you go and appoint him in the first place you know are you trying to appease the players you know are you trying to put a team out there that you've got you're going to back the manager to go and win regardless of what his style is I just think they get people in the door and there's clearly no real back in there is there let's be honest

And then, you know, we get to this stage and then they sat the manager. It just is crazy, crazy. Chobes, can we just go back to last season when Todd Cleverley was the manager? Again, why sack him? He seemed to have a really good rapport with the fans, a really, really good rapport with the dressing room

because it was a dressing room that he'd been part of. So he can speak to them and lean on them in ways that other managers can't necessarily do that. And then they go, basket case Watford go there he's gone yeah and don't back him either when you look at what they spend it's mental you know and then they're expecting you know miracles i think that's genuinely the thing and then he has a disappointing second half of the season yes but again when you're hearing all the rumors i mean he was apparently out the door you know they were talking to have

managers while he was still the manager and that has a real negative we've been in dressing rooms like that though do you know what you know the manager's on borrowed time so maybe that little bit of effort maybe that little bit of buying just starts getting eroded and And, yeah, going around in circles and I don't see any way out of it, really. I really don't, with the ownership there at the moment. He fell out with Aaron Kundar, didn't he, during the Portsmouth game,

hooking, I think it was half an hour into the game. And then they made up for the Oxford game. I was at the Oxford game. It was really interesting. I was on the gantry there, and I was watching Gino Potsso to my left. When, you know, the goal went in, you should have seen his face.

He was, like, fuming. And then, like, he was shaking his head every time they'd miss a chance. Then they scored two really fortuitous goals. Jeremy and Gakia firing in. from a corner and he was happy

Gino and then they brought out sweets at half time and he was really happy Gino so it's just an absolute

basket cares of a club do you know what's really weird Joby as well is the squad I feel there's no there's no

characters in there it's like an amalgamation of people and it's like throw them in there hope for the best if not

we'll ship them off to Houdanasi and there's no real star superstar quality in there there's no

two or three players who will drag a team and go, right, let's go, you know, let's move. It's just, it's a very, very strange place. I watched, I got a player from Keremgard, the forward, six foot six, absolute unit of a player that just looks so off it, so, so off it. And it's kind of like the story with Watford, isn't it?

You look at some of the players that have played there of the past few years. Tom Delabashiri, who I thought was actually turning into a half decent player, you know, moved on and sent out on loan, Daniel Batman, who was there. captain sent to Deportivo Lackaruna, Sierra Delta, gone to Augsair, Ryan Porteous, gone to LA, Ryan Andrews, gone to young boys. And I know, look, Ryan Porteus didn't have the best of ends to his career at Watford, but still, like, where's the consistency, where's the loyalty? It feels that everyone's sort of at the mercy of the chairman and the sporting director.

But then that's what the culture is of that football club, because it's been created. It's a revolving door of managers and players, you know, people just kind of. coming in. As a player, do you see that as somewhere I'm going to really go down and put some roots down and make it my club, you know, or is it just somewhere you're just passing through at this stage of your career? And I think that comes from the top because the way that they treat managers. So again, as a player, you come in and you go, right, well, we down tools or we go to tell the owner that we don't like the managers tone with us or what he's doing in training. That manager is going to be out the door. I mean, their last three results, mate. They've beaten Oxford.

they drew with Pompey after being a goal down and they've beaten whole and I'm like is that form to sack a manager it's just like you know there's clearly something else to it whether it is how he is with the players whether they've fallen out of him or not I don't know but they can't keep reacting

to these situations well club statement Watford FC had delighted to confirm the return of Habi Gratia the club are confident that he'll bring the qualities we believe are vital for this young squad consistency in team selection harmony within the dressing room and a strong connection with our supporters.

His vision and approach align closely with our objectives. Havi will take charge immediately and begin preparations for our next fixture against Sheffield United. So Havi Gratziah backing through the door. Some strong words in that statement, though, harmony with the dressing room, consistency in team section. So basically they've just told us there, Joby, why they sacked Palo Petzelaya.

So yeah, listen, I mean, is this his second off time, Grasio? I'm getting confused with all the managers that come and go and come back again and go and then come back again. But clearly someone who will have a well-regarded at the football club given one of his 10 years before. It just is like, is there no other managers out there that unless you've managed Watford,

you're not coming back through the door. I don't know where I am with it all as I've got to be honest. Don't get comfy, Havie. That's what we say here. Don't get comfy, pal. Best way to sum it up. From the start of your day To the moment you head home

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From the headlines To the details that matter Wake up with 5 Live breakfast from 6 And go home with 5 Live Drive from 4 weekdays on BBC Radio 5 live 72 plus the EFL podcast with Aaron Paul and Joby McEnough Elsewhere Lutum, Bloomfield leaves them 11th in league won nine months in charge, are relegated from the championship

on goal difference. Joby, we talked about this extensively throughout the summer and into the early weeks of the season. We talked about the pressure Matt Bloomfield was under and the pressure has seen him lose his job. they've caved looting and they've opted to make a change. Are you surprised? Not surprised.

I messaged you the other day, didn't I? And, you know, I know that was your response as well. I think mainly to do with the fan sentiment or certainly the feeling within that group of supporters, the tide has certainly turned. I think they were definitely expecting a better start. As we all were, I'm a bit split on this one. You know, listen, I know they're not where they want to be, but you're not a million miles off it.

I think it's more to do with the performances. than anything else. I mean, they actually started the season relatively well. I think four of those five wins they've had this season came in August, but they weren't playing great, but they did look defensively really solid. I felt it's just a matter of time

before the attacking side sort of started clicking, but since then, obviously, results haven't been good, performances haven't improved. They're now conceding, you know, way too many goals. So I think on the whole, he had to have a really fast start,

and I think when you look at that table and some of the teams above them, the likes of Lincoln, Stephenage, I mean, we were talking about this, Lauer, weren't we, where you look at that. And I think Wimbledon have had a brilliant start to the season as well. As a Luton-Tam fan, if you're looking at that table and seeing some of them teams up there, I think from your perspective, I can understand why they felt that they needed to make a decision, now. Yeah, you're right.

I also think that the style of football comes into it. I think if you go back to Luton over the last, I think probably since I was at Wimbledon, so we're looking at 10 years, 11 years, they've always. played a real crash-bang wallop but also in the attacking third really pretty on the eye and it's not being necessarily

the most pragmatic of styles of football and I think what Matt Bloomfield brings is a more pragmatic style of football that maybe isn't wanted by the fans, maybe he isn't respected in the same way and if you look at Luton over

that period they've gone from that under Nathan and Jones where they scored a lot of goals and they were quite exciting to watch through League 1 and League 2 got themselves into the championship, kind of consolidated. And then Rob Edwards takes over and they get to the Premier League playing what, in my opinion, what's a really good to watch brand of football, they're defensively sound, they've got leaders at the back, they've got players at the top end of the pitch that can really make a difference in Elijah Adebao at that point to, they've gone to this kind of.

of in between, not really offensive, not really defensive, kind of, can we find our way kind of style of football? And I just don't see that there's much place for that in the world at the moment. Lyle, is this a bigger thing? Is the root cause of this issue bigger than just the first team manager? What I'm trying to say is there's been reshuffles in the back room staff. There's been, I mean, there's a real focus on the stadium, isn't there from Gary Sweeten Coe? to deliver a new stadium. And understandably, and any time a club is trying to build a new stadium, I mean, I watch Yassan Venga documentary where he talked about Highbury being his pride and joy,

but the Emirates was his pain. And for Luton, there's going to be pain now. There will be pain because they are so desperate to get power caught off the ground, because for the long run, if the greater good, it will be huge of them. But that's not just it. For me, and Jobie, I don't know what your take is on this. I think the biggest mistake is Mick Harford stepping away and then going with a different sort of recruitment model. They've got two or three different people working on recruitment for them. But for me, Mick Harford is the best recruiter in the game. If you're on a budget, there's no one better than him.

And I don't know. I just don't think they're buying loot and players. These aren't loot and crash bang wallet players who leave everything on the line. You look at during Nathan's era, Chobes, they had no money. They never had money. But you know what? He built a unit.

Mick built a unit. and the players everyone was well thought of and every signing was well thought out, sorry, and they really maximised everything. And yes, everyone has to evolve, but when you've got a weapon like that in your armour, in Mick Harford, who knows everyone, who's so well respected and can spot a player,

you don't let them go like that. You don't just go, yeah, sorry, we're going to change things up. And it may have been mixed decision. We don't know. It may have been. But that's a crucial for me. Yeah, of course, because again, you've got someone who is incredibly experienced. I think the thing with Mick is, you know, when he was a part of those recruitment discussions,

he's the type of person that will look across the table into the whites of their eyes and be like, is this the type of person we want at Luton Town? And again, I'm not for a second saying that some of the signings they've bought are not. And actually, I think they've actually made some decent signings. I think they're just a bit core at the moment in terms of what they are. We talk a lot about that identity at Luton Town. I think we all understand it. I've played there, you know, I've covered games there

when they're in their pomp and you feel that. And I just don't quite get a sense that that's there anymore. And again, I think when you look at them as a club, they've always had to be very sensible because, you know, they're not going to go out and spend silly amounts of money because they've never really had it. And they're restricted at a moment maybe because of the stadium. But I think they had an opportunity.

And I'm not for a second saying, you know, I'm not an advocate at all for putting a club at risk from a financial point of view. but clearly they were in a position to go and make some real statement signings this year because of the parachute money that they've still got and I don't think that they did that a lot of their signings were freeze you know I think they would be paying obviously you know top wages for the level I'm sure with the likes of you know Saville and Yates you know knacky Wells but actually out of all of those do I look at them and go right he's the type of player that's going to go and get me automatically promoted like Birmingham City did last

season. I just don't think they've quite got to that level. And I think they're left with a group that at the moment, if I'm really being honest, not quite sure what they are, Aaron. Joby, you talk about money. They've made money this summer. Big Doe, Tello Asgard.

You know, they've made a profit on him. Alfie Doughty's gone to Millwall. Tath, Chong and Mark McGuinness both go to Sheffield United. Carlton Morris going to Derby. They've recouped money and we expected them to go out and do business. They haven't. However, I want to caveat this by saying that the manager that gets to play Ali al-Hammody and get him firing again

will have a really good player there who can go out and be the main man they want up top I don't think it's worked so far for Naki Wells I think there's been a lot of change as well through the core of that team it's not the luteon we recognize though this is the lutein that was a joy to go and watch under nathan and under robin the championship and even when they were slugging away in the championship, you felt you were going to go there and you're going to come back absolutely knacked because everyone else had left it on the pitch, you're leaving it in the stands as well. So joy to go and watch, there just seems to be, and I hate using the word, but identity. I think the biggest one they shouldn't have got rid of was Pelly Roddick.

Pelley Roddick had been there for the club. He knows what the club's all about. He's gone to Cambridge United. Yes, he's dropped into league too. I think, by the way, that is a mega signing for Cambridge. And he's proven it because he's a leader. But he knows the club. He can guide from the middle of the pitch and they've brought Sav in and Sav's great but Pellie knows the club it's just there's been

a lot of weird decisions made and a lot of decisions that are questionable and the fans are understandably absolutely fuming I think you can only liken it to plate spinning though because if you're trying to build

a new stadium you've got your lovely training facility that is very good even above that level and you've got a team that is functioning correctly as you would like to see it from board level on the on the

pitch so if you're spinning plates you're gonna drop some because it's very very difficult to keep four and five and six plates spin it this is why you need people like James Shea in your dressing room Peli Radican Panzu in your dressing room Tom Lockyer in your dressing room and this is why you need people like Mick Harford and like you say we don't know whose decision it was for him to to not be in that position but this why you need people like him who know the football club, who know what the values of the football club are, what the values

of the fans are, and what values need to be inside that dressing room. The values of the... 100%. This is a club, by the way. You cannot ever forget. 2008, dock 30 points by the EFL, rebuilding themselves from the National League. And, you know,

I look at that Nathan team, and it's not all Nathan. The core that was a John Still team. We can never ever forget the work John Still did. Incredible man. Lovely man. I think everyone wishes he was their granddad because he's just a lovely lovely human being. He took it so far, Nathan come in, they backed him, they got to the championship, Nathan goes, Graham Jones comes in, there's just such a beautiful story, a footballing story,

but it's hit its first buffer. But it's all under one owner. With the fans? That owner, the... Semi-fans. Semi-fans. Okay, so the owner, when the owner came in, they were deducted their points, they went, then drop into the National League.

He has helped that club from a directory point of... view to get to where it is and to be in the financial position that that club is clearly in because you don't get to the Premier League and don't make any money out of it. So is he doing what is right by that football club so that they may have a couple of lean years but they will have a lengthy period of success from the time that that new stadium is built? I would say yes, he probably is. The problem with football fans is we all want it yesterday and it's not always viable, but

But in the meantime, while you are trying to build a house, you need to have a roof on your caravan so that in your back garden so that you can live on it. You need to have running water so that you can have a shower and gas so that you can make your dinner. And the problem is, it seems like when the gas is on, the water's off. When the gas and the water's on, the roof's blown off because the stormy. It just seems to be, it's almost impossible to keep all of those plates spinning at once. And when you're taking people out of the equation like Mick Harford,

like Pelley Ruddock and Pansu, like Tom Lockyard, it makes it infinitely more difficult. The bad thing is, and I mean, I just sort of like had a brief glance over their accounts, Luton Town in the championship in 2023, turnover 18 and a half million pounds. Luton Town 2020 from the Premier League, turnover 132 million pounds.

This is a club that's never seen money like this. They are not where they should be. You know, when you look at still, whatever we think about recruitment strategy, you know whether they could have gone bigger there's still a group of players there that are not consistently performing I think that last week kind of sums it up really

one one drew one they were two nil down and then they lose one against Stephenage which is a big game for the football club again having played in that game you know for Stevenage it's a huge game for them and I think Luton Town fans would have come away from thinking about that going you know how is that group of players

with respect you know running all over us and coming out comfortable winners really and I think that's the type of result unfortunately that really does make ownership groups have to make these decisions but certainly it's not all on Matt Bloomfield it's not all on Gary Sweet and those players have to start taking some accountability

because of course we know the buck slots with the manager yes but you know they've got to be better because it is still wide open there's still a big opportunity I think going back to Rob just briefly I think that's a big part of this decision I think the general consensus they probably let that go too long with Rob Edwards and it drifted and if things didn't get better I think that's one of the reasons this early in the season

they've tried to be decisive because there is so much to play for still and still an opportunity for them to get where they want to be which is clearly up in those playoff places at the very least and getting promoted. If I was Gary Sweet I'd be going to Danny Roll straight away from Sheffield Wednesday and go right

come on this is a project you buy into the ethos of the club like you did with Sheffield Wednesday you'll do well here and Johannes Hoff Thorup who was at Norwich last year who I'm still baffled they sacked him but hey it is what it is does he believe he's better than league one I don't know does

Danny Role believe he's better than league one league one's not easy it's a tough place to play in and the manager who goes down there has to go right I'm willing to take a bit of pain I'm willing to slum it in league one for a bit and then get to the championship and build and push and

and hope the club reinforce my plan to go to the Premier League and to the top because it's tough and you've got to You've got to do a whole thing where you're changing the mood and the vibe of the club as well. Yeah, I think there's a lot of upside to this. If I'm a coach out of work at the moment and I'm looking at the league table and I'm looking at the group of players and I'm going, you know what, I can turn this around. I do believe that. I think the style and type of manager is going to be really important.

Luton is a now job that is a go-in. I don't think it's a project. I don't think it's going to have time for people to go in and, you know, implement some. No, the project comes next season. No, but I'm saying this is an immediate impact. and I think the style of play and being on the front foot and energy, that is what Luton Town is for me

when they're at their pump. So a Danny Roll, whether he would consider that a good opportunity for him, I think is a great shout as I think that's sort of, yeah, just forward thinking, you know, aggressive, out of possession,

get the team up the pitch is the right type of manager, young, enthusiastic, you know, will drive things on. I think that for me feels like a Luton Town appointment. And I think someone with experience, as well because that is a it's a tough job make no bones about it with what everyone that's that football club expects for that team at this moment in time that is a it's a tough

tough job how much is Nathan Jones is by out a Gara Fainsworth somebody who of that ilk for me a Neil Harris somebody of that ilk that is the kind of of manager that I can see stepping into that job Steve Bruce also sat by Blackpool two no defeat at home to Wimbledon was the final straw for Bruce here at He said it was his poorest performance in his year at the club. I watched it. It wasn't great. Finished ninth last season. This season, seven, defeats and 11, they sit second bottom. Joe B, recruitment was always going to be a big thing.

And in the summer, I know he was desperate to get more players in. It just hasn't worked. And it feels like this one's been a while coming. Yeah, I've got to say, probably my biggest surprise this season. Certainly at the wrong end of the table, I actually had Blackpool down to do really well. And I thought, you know, you talk about recruitment, particularly defensively. Hickway and Horsfall coming in I thought would really help because they did concede a lot of goals last year.

I think he changed the mentality from Critchley which was a little bit safe at times and they were a good footballing team last year and he really got the attacking side going but didn't quite get that balance. I just felt this year with a couple of those defensive additions that they'd go a lot better than they have so far and again you look at a couple of players that they lost.

Rob Apta, Sunny Carey, obviously to Cholten who were big influences on that team last year and they just haven't got going at all you know I think when you're losing again to a team with the greatest respect we're saying it's a lot about Wimbled and his credit to them and how well they've been doing but as Blackpool fans thinking we should be

at the top end of this table we've got a newly promoted team coming to us and rolling us over with some ease I think it was only going to be a matter of time before Steve Bruce paid the price let's push on Lala want your thoughts on our all-time ultimate EFL 11

in which we've assembled here on 72 plus over the opening weeks of the season. Our keeper is Casper Schmeichael. From right to left, Graham Alexander, Sol Bamba, where's Morgan and George Friend? In midfield, Adam Lalana, Peter Whittingham and the lesser spotted Ian Ashby, and up top, Jamie Vardy, Alexander Mitrovich,

and Ricky Lambert. Where would this side finish in the championship? I can't see them not being in the automatic spots. I think you'd be hard-pressed. maybe the only team that would possibly put them to the championship spot would be the Fulham team

with Mitrovich scoring 45 pounds but if we've nicked him off of them then I don't see Fulham winning in that league in the same way they did that year so I think I'm going to go with not relegation fodder LAR Taylor would do well in that team he wouldn't get into it

we're always open to your suggestion to upgrade to the team or just an excuse on me NFL Nostalgia, get in touch, message or voice note, us on WhatsApp 08,000, 289-39-369. That's what Danny the solid hole owl has done. He said 72 plus podcast legends of the EFL, sending warm regards to the Steve Evans and Paul Rainer of podcasting. I'll let you decide which is which. Which one are you? Well, I've probably got to go now with Steve Evo the way that he's looking, mate.

It's looking a million dollars, isn't it? I'll be the yappy one. I'll go with Evo. I have a defensive upgrade for your EFL 11 Richard Wood proper no-nonsense centre-back Not afraid of a tackle And will not mess around

And getting the ball cleared Nearly 600 EFL appearances Across the three tiers Five promotions, one EFL trophy And quite likely to give you a near aerial threat A set piece Keep up the good work Aaron and Joby Danny from South Birmingham

I like that suggestion I'm very open to that suggestion But who does he go in for No listen I don't think he's going to get in the starting 11 But this is what it should be about for me as if you're talking about an EFL legends you know 600 games

like bona fide pedigree in the leagues and with success leadership all the things that I want from my players in this 11 so he certainly for me will make the squad I'll say we go three at the back wood Bamber and Morgan

wouldn't want to play against that back three can you imagine you get smashed up by that back three that'd be a nightmare I think I'd be concussed after five minutes Richard Wood. Bang! There you go. Just getting headed in the back of your head. Exactly. Exactly. It'd be great. Message or voice note, ask on WhatsApp.

08,000, 289, 369. Let's finish with this. 72 plus, 72 minus. On the Football Daily. It's time for Jobie's best and worst moments of the week in the NFL. Jobes, let's mix it up and start with your 72 minus. Well, for my 72 minus this week, it's going to be my old club ready. and Paddy Lane who I still having looking back on it now do not know how he's missed an open goal Ashgar Ahmed does brilliantly

rolls it across the box he's literally six yards out an empty net all he has to do is hit the target but he misses them completely let's hear it Armid inside the penalty box right hand side knocks in the cross should be oh it's gone wide from Paddy Lane how did he miss from there Skaramid rolled it into his path. He was five yards out. The goal was gaping and Lane froze on the chance and has knocked it wide and that's a shocking miss.

Lyle Taylor, that was a shocking miss. What's been your worst miss? What's the worst miss of your career? There must be a few, but I can't, off the top of my head, I can't think of any. Yeah, of course. Joby, you 702 plus, please. Well, talk about big games and big moments in them. They don't come much bigger than the East Angley and Daly and.

Harvey and Jane and Philogeen with a strike that you will not get bored of watching. Brilliant little pirourette wins the ball, does a little 360, onto his left foot. You're thinking, is he going to hit it? He's fully 30 yards out. Absolute arrow into the top corner. A goal that will be remembered for years to come. Their first win in 16 years, just a moment of absolute brilliant. To quote Delia Smith and alienate our entire Norwich City fan base,

Let's be having you Can fillething get their first Jesse can lovely spin from Philogene 30 yards out has a go Oh my word One of the great Derby goals What a strike

From Jaden Filigine An absolute pearler Right into the top of the net As you were actually there weren't you And I think one of the best things About this goal I saw a picture of your reaction

You're sat there by the dugout literally disbelief, shock or everything on your face. It's an absolute picture. You know that shocked emoji? You know, like where the mouth is just runny, like that was me. That was literally me. I looked like the shock dog, like just standing there just like, wow. What is what is going on there?

But yeah, it was an unbelievable. It must have been some moment to be there. Oh, unbelievable. Unbelievable. Great atmosphere, proper. They got it. Marcellina giving it at the end as well. Lyle Taylor, you must have been proud of his hausory there.

The Housery is the best part of the Derby game, the Derby fixture. The game is back, Jobes, the game is back. He was giving it as well. But the club, the club were offering that element of Housery. They had a portrait done of him, and they put it on the front of the program. It's a great program cover, and it's just him, like, holding the budge and you're like, oh, great. Remember send us your upgrade suggestions for our all-time EFL 11, or just nostalgic throwback players. you want us to talk about

or any old rubbish for Jobi, really. WhatsApp, 08,000, 289, 3,669. That is it for this episode of the Football Daily. Thank you, Lyle Taylor. The next one, oh, thank you, Joby as well. Sorry. Oh, cheers. Remember it's our pod.

Yeah, it's not just yours. The next one of the destination, New Jersey, is Mark Chapman looks ahead to next year's FIFA World Cup. For us here on 72 plus, the EFL pod, we'll be back next week. We'll catch you then. Fantasy FFL. I'm 7th from bottom.

Coventry's Jack Rodoney hasn't played for three weeks for the carf injury. Yeah, but do you know what it is? I keep hoping he'll make the fitness test jokes. I'm thinking if Rudy will be back after the international break and I'll be fine. This team's been chugging along all right.

You're a one-man team. You're just waiting for Rodoney and that's it. Joby, let me manage my team. You do yours, yeah? And let's be fair. When it comes to football management, please. You've been given an opportunity.

How did that get on? Yeah, you don't even want to do it anymore. I did all right, mate. Wait till I get an opportunity. Yeah, wait till I get an opportunity. Okay. Well, you're not going to at this rate, are you? Because you're absolutely honking year in, year out.

Where are you? I'm just, sorry, all the listeners are out of the way. I'm scrolling down the league as I speak. I'm down past 100. Joby, it's a marathon, not a sprint. How many teams are in there? Of 127 teams. I mean, come on.

Come on, that's brutal. Oh, I don't think that's too bad. Look, you're not getting relegated. No, thank you very much. Well, he will if he carries on this. Thank you very much. I'm Maisie Adam. And I'm Susie Ruffle.

And we host the women's football podcast, Big Kick Energy. Each week we bring you the latest from the WSL and beyond. Whether you're a lifelong fan like me or a newer fan like me and have recently got swept up in the lioness's excitement. We've got everything you need to know about the women's game. And chance. We've got chance. Oh, yes, we love a chance.

and finding ways to shoehorn in some truly obscure pop culture references. It's actually quite a silly podcast. Yeah, listen now on BBC Sounds. Yeah, you should. Okay, cool.