Football Daily - 72+ EFL Pod: Wimbledon, FA Cup & New Championship Managers

Episode Date: January 14, 2026

Wimbledon manager Johnnie Jackson joins Aaron & Jobi to chat the week’s EFL headlines. Johnnie talks about Wimbledon’s start to the season, and the challenges of being a fan owned club in League 1. They discuss the aftermath of Exeter City’s 10-1 loss to Manchester City, and whether Macclesfield’s FA Cup success is the greatest FA Cup upset ever. They discuss the new managers in the championship – how good a fit is Eric Ramsay at West Brom, or Matt Bloomfield at Oxford United? And does it really matter if they are the manager or the head coach? Plus they discuss struggling Shrewsbury Town.TIME CODES:03:05 – Wimbledon 10:30 – FA Cup 3rd Round 20:55 – Eric Ramsay in at West Brom & Matt Bloomfield in at Oxford United 33:40 – Shrewsbury Town 37:15 – EFL ‘Hard Men’ Squad 41:30 – 72Plus/72Minus

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I feel like we're in an atmosphere steeped in history. It has that smell of history about it as well. And we have a prop. It's the fighting talk bell. I don't know what it's doing in here, Joe's, but I'm going to be utilising it throughout the show. I quite like it. It reminds me if anyone out there's watch Breaking Bad,

the old boy in it, some really interesting scenes where he's just drilling the bell, getting no response. So I'm not sure if I'm the old boy today, actually, Aaron. I think it might be. For once, you've actually made the trip in to London to come and see us, and I really am grateful, because I don't really see you that often.

Well, we've got a special. Kind of like having a long-distance relationship with someone, you know. But, Job, it's really good to have you with us. I've put the bell in between us. So whenever you feel like you want to ring the bell, you ring the bell. You're always welcome. It's also a warm welcome.

And I mean, look, Jobbs, it's the January transfer window. We've made a signing. This guy is an industrious midfielder, plenty of games across the football league, promotions, you name it. And he sings a good song. Gold? Don't know about that. If you won the striped.

75 for midfield. It's not bad, Joe, is it? Did I not bill your... I add one to that every time I put that stat. That's big enough. It's in the 70s. It was a good enough intro. Welcome to Winborder manager, Johnny Jackson,

debut on 72 plus. Thanks for having me, thank you. Is this actually his debut? On this year? Hope presenting debut, yeah. Wow. Yeah, I'm pretty sure it is. We've been trying to get him for a very long time.

Very hard, man. He's busy with his extra. It's my paddle day, isn't it? Yeah, he played by that. He cancelled a big game for this, so. Yeah. I keep losing anyway, so it don't matter. Who do you play paddle against?

I was meant to play Bentie today. Darren Bent. I haven't beat him in probably seven or eight now. Interest, I went and played with Henry Lansbury, actually. we go to the same gym and a few of our mates play and he was around one day. He's like, yeah, I'm going to come. I've been watching a few YouTube videos.

I'm like, what do you mean? He's been watching YouTube videos to play paddle? Surely you just go out there, pick up a racket and have a little bit of fun. Can I tell you, absolutely unbelievable? He is? Oh, the angles this guy. That's what it's about.

You go and I'm a bit of a tennis player, so I'm still going with my sort of four-round down the line. No, no, no, no. I'm just sitting the backboard all the time, mate. And he's just coming to the net, and he's actually like angling it down and putting you in the corner, you know, the serves, right, tuck you up right in the corner.

A bit of feel as well, isn't it, Eli? We should have a 72 plus paddle-like sort of tournament in the summer. Definitely. I'm all over it, mate. Yeah, we could do that. Definitely. Everyone's getting into it. I don't know who I'd pick because you guys, obviously,

you know, you'd be the ex-pros or the pros, and I'd have to pick someone from some sort of like the broadcasting sphere. Me, Mark Chapman, Ian Dennis, John Murray, A, B, B, would be handy. Chris starting to be very handy on the old paddle. I reckon. But... Good size.

The thing about Sutton is he'd sledge you. That's what he does. Gaffa, what's going on? Tell us about Wimbledon. Life in League 1. How's it going? Yeah, good. Good.

Up and down, obviously, as we expected. Started really, really well. Yeah, probably better than any of us expected. And then hit a bit of a tough run of late. But got a good win on New Year's Day. Monday night, we got through to the quarterfinal of the Virtue trophy. So, sort of pretty much at a halfway stay. halfway up the league

and in a quarter-final of a cup I think we'd have all sort of been quite happy with that and taking it but yeah we always want to want more and we started so well and you want that to continue but probably naturally we knew that it wouldn't be able to last but we're competing all the time

really enjoying the games and the league and some of the teams you're coming up against and the stadiums that we're getting to play at so it's yes it's all fun just that victory over my old team later in Orrin just how much big was that because it was a tough run

and it has been a tough run particularly in the league game so you know in terms of the group and that little bit of belief probably and confidence it definitely it was a tough run and it was difficult because we was coming out on one game really Peterborough where we got a bit of an eye in but every

other game I felt like it's competitive in it and you know you look back and you go call nothing in that one and might have nick something there but we wasn't we wasn't getting beat every week was picking up some drawers and stuff but we just wasn't getting them wins and it was just important, I think, for the group, for the players, for the staff, just to get that one, especially New Year.

You know, every team's doing it, but you frame it as a, you know, a new opportunity, if you like. So New Year's Day to go to Orient, which can be difficult and get the win and play the way that we did was really pleasing. Because I felt like it was coming, but you keep waiting and waiting and waiting and hoping, but we produced on the day, played really well, and I thought we deserved the win. Is it always difficult with that football club as well? because they can be streaky. When you came in, what, 27, 28 games without a win, you win against Gillingham on that opening day

and it feels like everything sort of dissipates. But with the football club, again, it goes and runs, doesn't it? It'll be like, right, great, eight unbeaten, happy days, and then, oh, eight without a win. Yeah, it is, I think before me and probably in my time as well, it's been quite streaky going some really good runs and then some go a while without picking anything up. And that's the way it's been this season. And if you had strung out all our results up till now

and sort of split up the wins and the losses and things like that, everyone would go, cool, they're pretty consistent. And to this point, it's gone really, really well for where probably we was expected to be. But obviously, loads of wins at the start, and then not so many of late can give it a different complexion. But to get to this point where we are, I think it's credit to all the lads and what they've done.

You are one of two fan-owned football clubs in League one, ex-to-being the other, Exeter being very open about their financial issues. I spoke to Gary Caldwell last week on Friday the day before. His side went to Manchester City and you're playing it up. You want to go and enjoy it and it's a great feeling. X, Y, Z, blah, blah, blah, blah. Look, I know that you have to cut the cloth very, very lean when you're fan.

You've got a smile on your face now as well. Every decision, there's no, there's no room for error. So when you go to Manchester City and you get beat 10-1, how counterproductive is that for you, you've got no budget to make any changes. You have to go and lift that squad for a battle in League 1 next week. Yeah, it's a tough one. You know, when they drew them, we looked at that and go,

what would we do? How would we approach that if that was us? And we'd probably enjoy the warm up and maybe the first 10 minutes. And then after that, it becomes a long day. And sort of that's how it panned out for them. They wanted to try and stay in the game as long as they can buff it. There was cut the goals behind pretty early. And then, I mean, as a manager, I think,

you start looking at the clock and wanting it to go a little bit quicker and just hoping that your team can sort of hang in there and have some moments. But obviously there was never had any expectation to get anything from the tyre, of course, but no one wants to go and concede 10 goals, do they? And I suppose time will tell how detrimental

that's going to be what I would say. And in fairness, and they went there, that game in the middle of a pretty good run of form in the league. They've been picking up points. They've been playing well. I mean, they beat us twice. So certainly, you're not going to get

any sort of stick from me at all. I think they're a decent side. And Gary will just be putting that down. As a one-off, it's going to have no bearing on whether, you know, whether they have a successful season or what's deemed success. It's a one-off game of football. And, of course, no one wants to concede 10 goals. Is that true, though?

Is it a one-off game football? Yes, it's the FA Cup. Yeah, we're up for it. And we love the Cup. And we love seeing Giant Killings, Macclesford. I mean, come on, like, the greatest cups of all time. It's incredible. In terms of that, Exeter's...

squad. You were telling me that the players will go to bed on the Saturday night and on the Sunday and on the Monday and they were hard reset and they'll forget all about it. No, they won. 10-1 is chastening. They'll be gutted. It's his job now to pick them up. What he'll have to do is just remind them of how well they've done in the games previous.

I'm sure they won't be, well, I'm not sure because I don't know, I don't know Gary that well, but I doubt they'll be debriefing that one too much. They'll probably go back to the game before that and the game before that where He picked up points, had wins and go, look, lads, that was a bad day for us, obviously, but he'll reel off the names of the players that scored the goals and what they earn and how much they cost and stuff like that and remind that, you know, Exeter have got the lowest budget in league one. We've got the second lowest, so there you go. That shows you the problem with, not the problem, but the fan-owned issue, if you like,

that clubs like that are going to face. And then they'll show them where they are in the league and what they're doing. and both of us are competing sort of beyond our means, if you like, at the minute. So that's what he'll be reminding the lads of. I don't think they'll be dwelling on it. But to concede 10 goals is obviously a bit of a killer in it. That's not what you want in any game. No, it's tough.

And I think from his perspective and probably the coaches, I think that's where you can almost frame it to the group as it is just a game. Whereas when it's in the league, it's obviously a lot more difficult to do that. And I think, listen, you shouldn't be losing 10-1. I don't care what level you're at. You know, I'm sure those players will come off and there's nothing to take out of that whatsoever. So that's what you're hoping for.

When you're playing against one of the big hitters and you are a lower league club, you just want to come out with it. You know, with Barnsley, I think, were a prime example against Liverpool the other night. You know, I thought they acquitted themselves so well. It's a bit of quality that you're going to get at time. Someone sticks one in the top corner or a bit of intricate play

that you don't see at your level. I mean, the sob is like, oh, for me, it's probably one that their level, they're going, actually, all right, we'll let him shoot from 25, 30 yards out because not many are going to fly in the top corner. It's just not going to happen. You know, his level and the Premier League level, that is what can happen. So, listen, I don't think it will be overly detrimental between now and the end of the season for Exeter

that one result, but it is important to get over it as quick as possible. Just to cap off this bit about the FA Cup in Exeter, Salford last year were beaten 8-0 and then only won one game before March of 15. That's off the back of six wins. in a row. So be careful what you wish for in the FA Cup with regards to big draws. Let's sit on the FA Cup. Loads of upsets and shocks in the third round. We'll talk about the draw in a minute.

So much already said about Macclesfield, Jobes, but what an incredible story from the journey that they've been on as a football club. Yeah, brilliant, wasn't it? And for me, you know, if you wanted one game to sum up the FA Cup, it was exactly that, you know, a sixth-tier club and not just any sixth-tier club. like you've just referenced their, you know, one that had gone out of business. It's been reformed and they've worked their way up. You know, it's a brilliant job just to get where they are in their own right.

And then this tie comes along against the Premier League team. Again, not just any Premier League team, the FA Cup holders. And we see results every now and again like this. And I think they are getting rarer and fewer and far between. I think with the discrepancy and finance in the game now, unfortunately. But they were great value for it as, you know, it wasn't a case of smashing grab or you know a team that's been absolutely up against it the whole game and just manages to nick a win you know they were brilliant from start to finish made it uncomfortable gave crystal

palli exactly what they would not have wanted on the day and an incredible story obviously off the back of some tragedy as well you know the young player mcclough who so so sadly was involved in a car accident four weeks ago or whatever so players having to go through that again from someone who's been through, you know, losing a gaffer and actually having a little bit of time in the off-season before coming back in. I don't know how that group have even managed to get by. So, yeah, all around a real fairy tale, good news story,

one that we all need, I think, for the FA Cup to keep what is a wonderful competition going. Johnny, I mean, it's got to be the biggest cup upset of all time, no? I think so, yeah. I think up there, yeah, it's probably the biggest. They talk a lot about Rexham when they beat Arsenal, I think it was 90, was it 92? I think Arsenal were the league

league champions at the time and Wrexham were in league two or probably Division III at what it was called at the time. But since that, I think it's got to be the biggest and what they, step two team,

like you say, with all the history, well, the problems that they've had recently, the tragedy they've had recently, and I think the big one, and Joby said it, is they're the FA Cup holders. And we know how serious

Glasner has taken Cup competitions over the last few seasons and there have been desperate, to have a good run and try and defend their trophy. I just thought there was lovely stories throughout, obviously Rooney managing and, you know,

seeing Wayne get really emotional, someone who's had such massive achievements in his career and, you know, to see his brother, you know, managing and his reaction after I thought was lovely. And then Sam Heathcote, I thought was brilliant. He's actually a teacher. And he had a lovely video going around on the social about him going back in after the Crystal Palace.

But I did see a piece previously. to that, say, in the last round, although they got through, he gave a penalty away. And one of the first things one of the kids said when he went back in after was like, what are you up to giving penalties away, do you know what I mean? So I think just the realness of it, you know, a guy who is a teacher by trade,

goes and plays an FA Cup game against Premier League players. And then on the next Monday, he's back in at school. And yeah, just wonderful, wonderful stuff. Some of the other shocks, Mansfield beating championship, Sheffield United. job Nigel Clough has done at that football club. Mega, mega performance on them. Rexham knocking out Nottingham

Forest and Wigan beating Championship Preston just on Exxham. They haven't had a cup run have they? In terms of their welcome to Rexham series. The only thing missed it. It was time for a cup run. What a Gaffa? Yeah, it was and I think they'd have been going into that. Oh, fancying

themselves, you know, with Forrest. Obviously, guys had some really good results at the start, but I think they was going into it, having lost three or four on the bounce and Wrexham, the story where they've got to now. And obviously they're competing really well now at a very good level in the championship. I don't think they'd have been iron that one up, thinking that they might cause the upset.

And it was a, yeah, it was like a bit of a dingon game, wouldn't it? It sort of ebbed and flowed a bit. But I think what they've done there, the story behind it, obviously with the Hollywood people and all the money and stuff like that. And like you say, the only thing missing is a bit of a cup run now. And you saw their reactions at the end there, Phil Parkinson and what, the whole stadium. Like that gaff can get bouncing when they fill it

and the way they get behind the team now. And I fancy that would be a tricky one for Forrest going there. And that might have been an upset that you could call. Are you here for it, the Exum story? Honestly, being in football, you know, you call it a fairy tale and the Hollywood and all that. But like, they've thrown. Oh, Johnny, come on.

They've thrown. Come on. They have, right? And there's no denying. that, right, at every level. Okay, I'm on board with that part of it. But that money has to be spent well.

There's got to be a strategy. There's got to be a structure. I've been around football clubs. Yes, it's cool. Do you own a veteran striker? Yes, we'll have him. I agree. He totally did.

Yeah, but I think there's still, listen, I've been at, I mean, late in Orient, you know, Francesco Piquet, he comes in and throws a few quid around there more than a few quid. And that was an absolute disaster. He took a league one team

that just missed out on getting promotion in the finals. and got it relegated out the league for the first time in its history. Jobes, I think you're very right on the point that you've got to spend the money well and I think they've been very smart in the way they do things.

Infrastructure-wise, the exposure, the sponsors, incredible. It's not a fairy tale though. Aaron, to come from the National League. It's not romantic is a job. And I went to Wrexham and played against Wrexham and to see Johnny's just touched on here, the atmosphere there.

And this is without a stand at the moment, by the way. So once that goes up, Oh no. No, but it's like just the turnaround of not just a football club, but, you know, a town as well. They're not getting a point for not having a stand. No, but I'm just... Oxford have never had a stand. Yeah, fair enough, yeah. But is there an atmosphere ever been as good as that, though, that is it at Wrexham at the moment. So anyway, back to my original point. I just feel we have to be careful that we don't dismiss what has been an incredible job by everyone at the football club. It's a good ownership story. It's Phil Parkinson. He's the best bit of the story for me. for sure.

He's the best bit this time for me. Because I spoke on this other night, actually. And I think there's a tendency to almost feel like, oh, is he the one who's going to be holding them back? And that was a question mark this season, earlier on in the season. But what they've done, the one of four games on the bounce,

they've then gone and got this result in the FA Cup. And listen, I take my heart off to everyone at that football club for getting them where they are. And I'm all for the welcome to Rex. I'm here for Holden, their owner. He doesn't even go out of the game. games. He goes and plays with trains and watches steam engines and stuff. I'm here for Oldham. Back in the football league, that's romance, Joby. That's romance, Johnny. It's what we're

here for. Just looking at the fourth round draw, obviously the standout is Macclesfield at home against Brentford. They're a bit disappointed with that draw. Yeah, and I get it. They've had a little bit of stick for some of the reaction to it. And listen, it's still a Premier League club. And I say this with the greatest of respects to it. And I think even from the point of view of a Brentford turning up, they're not really the team you want because they're not going to be sort of turning up thinking that it's an easy game. Keith Andrews will have them absolutely right. But listen, when you're a play at that level and you are a teacher, yes, you do want to play against the Man Cities and the arsenals and, you know, at that massive stadium away. You know,

that might be the only opportunity you have in your whole career to do that. So I don't think it was disrespectful from anyone at the football club. I think it was just a natural reaction of maybe not getting one of had a real big, big hit. Elsewhere, Salford or Swindon get a trip to Manchester City, Ian Holloway versus Pep Guardiola potentially, Johnny. Or Cole going there trying to revenge the 8-0 from last season. So great draws like Jobby just said that. I think that's what, they're the draws that you want,

especially if you don't get one in the third round and you manage to get through, which Mcclesfield have done. They'll be the holders, that's when you want the big prize of the away one, you know. But obviously they can turn out to be, I mean, if McElwield went there and lost 10, one. I don't think they're going to be that they've conceded 10, but it won't be like as big a story

as a league team. So, but an opportunity for Swindon. The tie I'm looking at though is Burton Albuyan at home to West Ham, you know, and you know what Gary Bowie is like. He will, his teams will be dogged and they will hit hard where they

need to. He's done a great job there considering where they've been and where they were. They're a decent side. Then they're no mugs, there no falls. And West Ham could go there. And West Ham's eyes are very much on the survival, on the Premier League goals at their game against QPR. If QPR, bless them, like, I feel really bad for QPR, like the amount of injuries, Julian and Stefan is going through, losing Ramar and Borrell, not having Mickey Frey either. Like, there's so many injuries running

through that squad. But QPR with a full cohort, surely beat West Ham United at the London Stadium. And it doesn't go to extra time. Yeah, I think it's not a game that those West Ham play. will be looking forward to. I can tell you that much today. So again, it's just a mentality question. Of course, if they turn up and they're at it, whoever they put out, yes, they should win. But we know it's not as easy as that.

And I think you're right in terms of picking this as a potential banana skin for them. They've got to go and they've got to make it really difficult for West Ham. Again, give them a bit of an encounter they're probably not used to and test them. And let's see where they're at from a mentality perspective. The Dakar rally is the ultimate off-road challenge,

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72 plus, the EFL podcast with Aaron Paul and Joby McEnuff. Two new managers in the championship since last week, Eric Ramsey and a West Bromijabi and Matt Bloomfield in through the door at Oxford United. We spoke about both clubs last week, so we'll focus more on

how both managers are going to fit in, starting with Eric Ramsey. The only EFL experience he has is as a coach or player at Shrewsbury's Academy. Of course, he's coming from the MLS. Joby. A fascinating appointment from West Bromwich, Abbey, but it kind of shows where they want to go. Obviously, he was part of Oligona Solshar's coaching staff at Manchester United for a couple of years. But yeah, manager or head coach at Minnesota United. How do you translate from the MLS to the EFL?

I think that's going to be the big question, isn't it? And I think that's where there probably are a lot of West Brom fans sitting there going, actually, what's the real big difference between a Ryan Mason and him in terms of you look at their age profile? But I think it is that he actually has managed. And yes, it's over in the MLS. But, you know, Johnny would be great to get his take shortly. But there is a difference between coaching and actually managing

and being the one who's got a deal with, not just tactics. and formations, but you're dealing with personalities, you're dealing with players. You know, you're the one who's got to come up of a way to win a game of football. And he certainly did do that at Minnesota. It was a bit of a jump for him, I think, to leave English football and go over there and be the main man. Apparently, he was on their list prior to Ryan Mason getting appointed. So clearly he's been on the radar, someone that they're aware of, and they've obviously been impressed.

It's really interesting hearing some of the comments coming out of it. You know, he almost overachieved at Minnesota. so they had a low budget, but, you know, competed with some of the bigger teams that they were up against and got probably more out of that group than maybe another manager would have done. So I think in terms of Westrom and where they're at now, with the financial restraints that they've got, I think that's where they feel that he would fit in,

obviously, with a really good knowledge and background when it comes to the English game. It's obviously someone that they've been keeping their eye on, like you say, was on their radar before went to Minnesota and he's gone out there. obviously gone and done a great job and they would have been keeping their eye on that. They took a little bit of a punt with Ryan Mason. Obviously, someone who had a good reputation as a coach but hadn't managed.

This is another man in Eric Ramsey who's got a really good reputation as a coach and now has gone and managed. So he has got that little bit more of experience. But obviously the leagues are very, very different. It still feels to me that it's a punt. I suppose every managerial appointment is, right, to some extent. But when I saw they took a chance on a first-time manager in Mason and, obviously, obviously they've deemed it it hasn't worked out that they might go with sort of a tried and tested a little bit more experience and they haven't they gone with you know his 30 34

but he's obviously got some experience and some real good coaching experience at good clubs so Johnny what's the first thing you know you walk into a job and that first day or you know the first impressions that you're trying to get across to that group of players because it can be quite a daunting I did it as interim charge and I knew all the lads that I'd been with but you know trying to nail that first meeting or you know getting you your tactics spot on for that first game. It's so important in terms of getting that buying if you're not necessarily a household name

or someone that all the players would be, you know, super aware of. Surely, Gaff, the first thing you do is get your initials printed on a track suit, no? That shouldn't be the kit for his job. If he messes that one up, then, you know many people that have done that do that. I think the first thing, the first meeting that you're going to have, you're not going to talk about tactics. You probably talk about non-negoti-I mean, just keep it short and sweet, non-negotiables, what you know, what you expect for them

every day on the training pit, stuff like that, and just try and exude confidence. I think there's 20, 25 fellas sat in front of you and they're waiting for you to, like, say something wrong or slip up, you know what footballers are like, Joe, or, yeah, like you mispronounce, they'll be jumping on anything. So go in there with your shoulders back

and exude confidence and say, look, and he's here to help. Just get that across the lads, look, I'm not necessarily going to rip everything up straight away and, you know, like, try and reinvent I'm here to help you and just I've been brought in for a reason. These are the reasons. These are what I expected you are.

And just let them know with your body language and the words that you use in a short and sweet way that you mean business. Can I ask your question? Go on your contract. Are you a manager or a head coach? Manager. What's difference? Well, what is the difference? Well, some clubs make it a point of being a head coach.

And I think you're literally there. Obviously it sounds you're literally there to coach the team. You're given the players. you probably, some head coaches don't have any say in recruitment and who they want to bring in, they probably, sometimes maybe not even a formation. You know, at some clubs that would be decided and you see continuation plans

and they never deviate away from that and they actually recruit the coach and the players around the clubby Foss, whereas a manager, I think, comes in with his own idea and it sort of can be given carte blanche, if you like to go, well, this is what I want, this is who I want, and this is how I want it to work. You're never going to have the say,

on all facets, but I think a manager has input in a lot of different things around the club, not just who you pick and what the team looks like. Do you think it gives you a little bit more say in to let's talk about recruitment, for example, because I've been in with managers, experienced managers, by the way, that have managed hundreds of games and some of the feedback I've been getting is getting to a point at some clubs where they're not even asked about a player coming into the building. So it's not as if you're saying, right, we need a left back and then they go, right, This is how I would think it probably would work in a lot of environments.

Now they go off and source them and maybe come back of a list. Who's your top choice, Gaffa? Who would you like to have in? If we can get that done, we'll go and do it. If it fits in the financial and character and all that sort of stuff. And then if we can't get him, then maybe we'll actually, there's managers out there now that are not even getting a saying that. It's just a body through the door.

Your job as a coach, because that's what your role is, is just to coach what we give you. Do you think in your role and as a manager? That causes problems. I think a hundred percent. Of course it does. and I don't think that it can work when it's that sort of total in terms of, but if you know that is the remit,

it's really interesting coming back to Johnny's point about knowing what the club's about when you go in there. I think we've got a little bit of that with the Moreska thing, you know, and he knew what that job description was when he walked in the door. Yes, he's done well. Does he feel he probably earns a little bit more leeway because of the success he's had? Probably so.

But I think the club, if they're really strict on how they want to do it. Which is what Chelsea have done. We don't know all the facts right, But it seems very much that that's what's happened, Job, that he knew the structure and what his role was when he went in there. Then he goes and wins the Club World Cup. And he wants more clout. He wants more say.

And they're like, no, no, you knew what the script was. Is it a trend? Is this a trend that's going to die out? Because I look at it, and I look at that West Palm and Championship, do you know who I'd love to see back in the NFL as a manager? Dean Smith. I really would love to see Dean Smith. He's been over in America, isn't it?

He's at Charlotte. I'd love to see him because he's what I feel, not an old school manager, but he's one of those managers where you're like, yeah, he feels like a proper manager. You have head coaches now. Every single owner is going for the head coach, director of football, head coach, type of football, technical director, head of recruitment, X, Y, Z blah, blah, blah, blah. How long until people go actually, yeah, owners go, yeah, we're wasting a lot of money because we're buying players according to a technical director who has nothing to do with the head coach or the head coach, they're not aligned. and we need to try and align people and we're hemorrhaging money.

I look at it like this. West Bromwich, I've been going to a mega summer at that football club. They got a mega wage bill. They need to trim that wage bill. The squad is thin as it is. Are they going to get the playoffs? I think, I don't know.

But then what happens in the summer? If Eric Ramsey's still there, touchwood, good luck to him, I hope he is. He's going to be dealing with someone and they have to rebuild a squad on a cut budget and it's going to be a case of, right, well, I want him, him, him and him, and you're going to get me him, him and her, and then it's going to be like, well, how do I do it?

What do I do? And then they're going to butt heads. Yeah, I think what you're seeing is a lot of clubs seeing maybe one or two that do it really well, and I have to throw Brentford, I have to throw Brighton into that in terms of, you know, their journeys where they've come from and, you know, they recruit for a specific philosophy, a model for their football club. So actually that manager or head coach, and I mean it's respectfully to the guys who've done the jobs, it's probably even less important because everything around it is so

secure, you know, and you're coming in understanding what that club's about. Not everyone can do it, though, and I think West Brom's a prime example. So you go and get a Ryan Mason who wants to control the game, play possession-based football, a little bit too slow at times, by all accounts from West Brom fans. And now you go and get a guy who, this is, again, only me reading the bits I have about him at Minnesota, who is a low possession guy, low block. You'll get teams nice and set up and then counterattack. So once again, It's a different philosophy from the manager to what you're asking the players to do

and I think that's where you get the disconnect and ultimately for me if I have a manager I do want to have a say in those players that are coming in the building because ultimately it's my head on the block. On to Matt Bloomfield, Oxygenated. Who is this a bigger risk for? It's not a risk for Blooms because he's out of work and he's looking to get back in

and he's obviously he's left Luton Town in league one and you know he's got a championship job. So for me, if you want to be a career manager and you want to stay in the game when opportunities come up, especially, you know, it's a championship job. Yeah.

There's 24 of them and not many of them available. And it's not like their bottom of the league and dead and buried. Like they've still got an opportunity to stay in that league. So for him, you know, when he probably got sat by Lute, he's probably wondering what his next one looks like. There'll be an opportunity, but what does that look like? Maybe further down league one. And then an opportunity to go straight back into the championship comes up.

It's a no brain. it for him, absolutely. So I don't think any risk from his point of view, obviously a bit of a risk from Oxford's point of view because they brought in a manager who's obviously just left the club in League one. He obviously went into Luton when they was in the championship and didn't manage to keep them up.

And obviously that's going to be Oxford's remit now about just staying in the league and trying to survive and stabilise. So obviously it's a little bit of a gamble from their point of view, but he's managed some big clubs. He's obviously been culture stirred and back back to Wickham and done well and I managed Luton town so he's got some pedigree as far as the clubs that he's been involved in.

But obviously having gone down with Luton in a similar situation to what Oxford did when he went in there, that to me obviously looks a little bit of a gamble. Job's the names linked with Oxford, I mean, and they've taken their time, have been incredible. Liam Manning, who didn't want the job for one reason or another. That would have gone down well, though, him going back there, the way that he left.

Honestly, I think he needs a break. Yeah. He needs a break. Will still, link with Oxygen I did. Is Matt Bloomfield a good fit? Is he, is, is the football going to be right? I think for me, and we spoke about this, the context of, is it a gamble? We spoke about Will Steele last week.

And for me, I didn't feel for the way that he wants to play. And for him needing to get this next job right was probably a good fit for him. I think for Matt Bloomfield, completely opposite. I do feel that, you know, you just name the team. teams he's been involved in. I think there's a similar trait there of clubs that are trying to punch above their weight to some extent. And I think Oxford is exactly that in this division.

If they survive, that is a successful season for Oxford in the championship. It is, I think there's a little bit of full storm because they did so well under Gary Rower at the back end of last year. And again, that does raise expectation for the following season, which they haven't been able to replicate. And I think he's someone who will go in and find a way to try and make them hard to beat. it's not going to be any frills and I say that respectfully

and I think there's a place in that at certain clubs that are trying to achieve survival which certainly Oxford United are so I do think it ticks a lot of boxes he's experienced enough now you know he's a calm calm head and actually going back to his time at Luton

which is complete opposite of being one of a club obviously couldn't survive in the championship and then now that expectation is we need to get promoted full stop and they weren't able to get where the club wanted them to be so yeah for me I think it fits both And like, you know, we've said they've been in games.

It haven't been a million miles off. Obviously, it's had some issues, goal score in. But I think it will go and make them a real hard proposition to beat. And who knows, there may be some conversations. And is he the man, if they aren't to survive this year, the best fit to then try and get them up next year. Let's push on and talk about a league two team. Because I saw a piece in the paper about Shrewsbury Town being the most miserable club to follow in England.

12 wins in 77 games. and there's been a real inability of sort of experience managers you've come through who have not been able to extract anything beyond relegation form from the squad. Do you think of the names, Paul House, Gareth, Ainsworth and Michael Appleton now, or with win-race shares between 16 and 23%. Joby, what's your take on them? I think this is an example of a club that is obviously having issues off the field that have spiraled down and spilled onto the football pitch.

You know, we did a bit on Gareth leaving, probably without all the information at the time and he certainly was made some promises and assurances about the club being taken over and giving some funds to try and move things forward that never materialised. And obviously from his own personal perspective went to a better opportunity

that would give him a chance of really going to do what he wanted to do. Obviously for Michael Appleton, it hasn't happened but it's a tough, tough gig Aaron and I think we've seen clubs that have had this where the slide is just almost impossible to turn around. And I think we're witnessing that, unfortunately, with Shrewsbury, where, you know,

you start losing some of those teams in and around you. That's the real worry for me, you know, when you look at some of those losses recently, Bristol Rovers, Cheltenham and the amount of goals they're conceding, I think it's going to be a real tough task. I genuinely feel this is whoever is on that touchline. This is just a really, really hard job. And I feel that sometimes managers come out of situations, maybe a bit unfairly sort of looked at based on what they've done.

But ultimately, you're only as good as that group of players. and unfortunately because of the situation the club's in, it's a real tough gig down there. Johnny, when you look at them on the slide, I don't know how you change something like that. Apart from, I mean, Roland Wichley is desperate to sell the football club, but we know that. He's going to keep trying to bring players in

and, you know, they were able to bring in Chuck Seneke, Josh Ruffles. They brought Nick Freeman in this week and alone in from Sunderland as well. How do you arrest such a slump? Especially when the mentality is that we're going to lose a game. very, very difficult to turn around. It's not just a, it's been ongoing, hasn't it, over a period of time now?

And you just reeled off the managers, some good experienced EFL managers have gone in there and haven't managed to do it. So very hard. The obvious thing is try and stop shipping the goals that they are and just make yourselves harder to beat, try and pick up nil-neals, clean sheets, nick points, can you nick one nil's? But obviously at the moment, far too open, conceding far too many goals. and if you're not getting noughts and ones in that against column, then it's going to make it so hard to win games,

especially when you're not scoring many either. You know, they're not in high scoring games either. So which can tend to go either way, it's conceding a lot not scoring many. So I think work on the defensive shape would be the obvious thing to me going in there. Sounds really easy. It's not, it's not.

But I think for me, in my experience, as a coach, coaching that side of the game is easier than coaching attacking play and everyone says scoring goals is the hardest thing. So trying to get shutouts that end and just making yourselves harder to be it. The table's still tight. It's not like they're set of drift.

So they need to keep picking up points, even if it's not wins, nicking points here and there. And by being defensively solid, I think that gives you more of a chance. I mean, I can't say more than that. Fair pleasure. Johnny, we are going to push on

and talk about our ultimate EFL Hard Man 11. We started off with an ultimate EFL team, but now we're assembling a hard man team to play against them. You can get your suggestions in on WhatsApp, about 8,000, 289, 3, 69. I'll run you through our squad. This is a squad, by the way.

How long we got? Are you going to do all the day? I have to. Paddy Kenny is the only goalkeeper in our squad. If he's injured, we are in trouble. Barry Fuller, Chris Morgan, Paul Robinson, Carbier-Jarney, Sol Bambor, Kevin Muskat, Guy Branson, Gary Brabbing,

and Danny Shittu make up the back. or the defenders in our arsenal. No left back in there, if you know. It's got one right back in Barry Fuller. In midfield, Kevin McDonald, Jonathan Hogg, Michael Tong and Michael Brown. Up top, John Akindey, Bejak and Fenway, Lucas Yukovitz, Darius, David, Stephen Morrison, and Nicola Ziggich. You have played with some absolute animals in your time, Johnny Jackson.

You've also coached some as well. Who would you stick in your Hard Man 11? Are we all right for another forward? I mean, yeah, we've only got 400 of them. You would have a place. So you're going to drop because just say, you know, you know. Well, drop this is the squad?

Yeah, no, but is he going to want to go and tell Darris Henderson that he's not playing? No, I think this one would be a good fight. Go on him. And you played with him, Joe. I'm sure you did. Nicest man you'll ever meet off the pitch, but, like, I'll print the strongest fellow

I've ever come across on a football pitch. People used it to bounce off him. Ricardo Fuller. Oh, okay. Yeah, yeah. I just missed him for Jamaica. Did you? Yeah, yeah.

I thought you might have played with him. No. He come in, I mean, what a fella. He coming at Charter. The most laid back, used to come in just like 10 minutes before we're training, chilled out, get out there, do his thing. But then you put him on the pitch and absolute animal.

But just like with that brute strength as well, you know, that pure brute strength, people used to bat. He was a good player, really good player. But it would all go into him and it just smashed people out of the way. And I think it wasn't like a huge guy. Like, big, big, big man, 6-1, strong as an ox. And just in training, like if he got, if you think you were just going to try and nick it

and then bang you'd just get that arm across you like in your ribs, jabby you in your ribs. But we loved him. We used to try and wind him up because he was the most chilled out man. But if he went, then he was in trouble. We had a good change room at the time. He'd come into it and he just got right involved.

We used to like to mess with his clobber and leave things. Just trying to get a reaction out of him. And he was chill. But every now and again, we'd get him to lose his temper and then you had to get out of his way. But top man, top man, but absolute animal. We're a bit light in midfield. Anyone that sticks out to you playing against that comes to mind.

There's always like that one or two players. I had, for me, at right back, Kevin Muskett, just as a young kid coming through that you just knew every time you went out onto that pitch, you can have to be absolutely at it. And he's coming to top your first thing that happens in the game. Anyone like that in midfield where you just had to have the extra long studs on and sharpen them up before he went out there?

Yeah, once you got, you got Brownie in there. I played with Branney. He was like that in training. He was horrible. He'd pinch you, step on your toe. He still does that now in race. But someone, I mean, from my experience, I used to have some real battles with on the pitch.

And he was not a hard man, not a big man, but he was nasty and spiteful. Again, I played with him, lovely fella. Michael Doyle, midfield player, left. Oh, good shot. You were to play against him, right? Yeah, yeah, yeah. Anything to get an edge.

I mean, grab your way, you don't want to be grabbed, like, first opportunity in the game. He was leaving a bit on you. And I'd look at him and say, like, come on, I played with you. Like, and didn't care. Yeah.

None of that. And then obviously you'd start doing it back. And we had similar careers, clubs. So we played against each other a lot. And it was always like, right, I'm going to have to like, I'm going to try and get him before he gets me. And he was tough. He wasn't big, but like a tough little Irishman who just, like desperate to win,

like real, real good mentality as far as a winner. And yeah, he's not big either, but made the most of his size. But spiteful, spiteful on the pitch. Absolutely. Let's start trimming this squad down too many cents. to halves. Who can we relegate to the bench? Send us your suggestions for our EFL Hardman 11. Dive two-footed into our WhatsApp. O 8,000, 289, 369. Of course, that's where you put your complaints in for Joby McEnough as well. Let's finish with this.

72 plus, 72 minus on the football daily. Jobes, it's time for your best and worst moments of the week. I mean, in all the time we've been doing this, have you ever had two easier picks? Well, I've got to say the 72 plus. is never going to be any easier than this. I mean, we've touched on it already. Macclesfield, FC. What an incredible achievement knocking out the holders and Premier League team Crystal Palace,

fully deserving of that victory with a brilliant, brilliant performance. Let's hear it. Tough one for the Eagles at Moss Rose. Joby, your minus. Yeah, sticking with the FA Cup theme. after the weekend and unfortunately it's going to be Exeter City always a tough assignment going to Manchester City but certainly doesn't help yourself when you score not one but two on goals

and end up losing 10-1. Tough, let's have it. And that is the full-time whistle here at the Ickyad Stadium. The Manchester City fans rise. The Exeter City fans rise. It's been a great afternoon's football. But it's definitely not the result that Exeter City we're looking for.

Manchester City 10, Exeter City 1. I mean, if they could put 10 and then in brackets T-E-N. Yeah. It was a good strike the one, though. A little consolation to take away. It was a good strike.

There you go. You know what we haven't touched on ages? Fantasy. I knew you're going to say that. But you know what it is? I think it's the Christmas. Everyone got a little bit confused. Loads of different games.

I did Aaron Paul and didn't change my team. around so I only had a couple of players in for last week. I did have a little check this morning. Seleck got me some decent points, but you've actually got no one. Well, no, what happened was I changed my phone and I haven't logged back in. Right, okay. Another excuse. The list of excuses this guy's got a fantasy is outrageous.

But, mate. I was there. A goal. I'm all gone. Very good. I didn't mean my team. He was my captain. So, look, if you are going to pick one or two players, which is all had in my squad,

then fair enough. But yeah, New Year, we're going to get back on it. So make sure new year, new us, Joby. Well, say me for fantasy, maybe it needs a new you because you're absolutely stinking up the place as usual. Look, I'll be back.

Where are we this weekend, Johnny? Donnie at home. Donnie at home. Big game, obviously. A team, similar sort of position in the league to us in and around us. So, yeah, they had a good result last night. We had a good result Monday night.

So we'll be a bit of confidence behind that, but so will they. So, yeah, big game for us Saturday. Jobes. I am studio for a big one actually, commentary against Lester. So obviously had a little bit of a wobble of playing for commentary. M69. Not far, not far.

But yeah, obviously a huge game. They need to get themselves going after a really poor Christmas. Coventry and Lestow have been nowhere near what they should have been this season. So a big game for both clubs. And again, now the FA Cups done out of the way for the weekend. It's full steam ahead in the EFL. Absolutely. I can't wait.

I'm going to Stoke on Saturday. That's a big coat. It's that time of year, mate. It's always that time of year. True. Up at Stoke. Thank you to Joby. Thank you to Johnny as well.

And thank one. Yeah, all right. Once is enough. Thank you to you for joining us on 72 plus the home with the NFL from Five Live Sport. Up next on the Football Daily. Steve Crosman will be here with reaction to the first leg of the league cup semi-final between Arsenal and Chelsea. as for us here on the Big Bad 72 plus

will be back next week Catcher there 5 live sports You have to go out there and be the best of you can be We're going to go out there and lay it all in the live 12 yard touchdown And skill collide Bulls are beating the cheese convincingly in Super Bowl 59

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