Category: Podcast

A Conversation With…Ben Hayward

The world awaits another dazzling La Liga season. Despite the financial woes of the league and the distance between Real Madrid, Barcelona and every other team, La Liga still provides some of the best football and showcases some of the planet’s best players every single week.

As we anticipate the Spanish league’s kick-off, the biggest question “Who is Tito Vilanova?” In A Conversation With Ben Hayward, Sportswriter for Goal.com, he unearths a little mystery about the man succeeding Pep Guardiola in the Barcelona hot seat. We also chat Real Madrid and if they are on the crest of building a new dynasty under the watchful eye of Jose Mourinho. There’s even time to talk Luka Modric and we delve into some of the younger players coming through at Real Madrid. Ben also breaks down the current financial plight of Malaga and the potential transfer of Santi Cazorla to Arsenal.

Sit back in your sun lounger and enjoy the conversation.

A Conversation With…Andre Villas Boas

There’s no doubt Brendan Rodgers will be under intense scrutiny and pressure when the new season starts. Taking over the managerial reigns at Liverpool and following in the footsteps of legend Kenny Dalglish will definitely be a tough task for the ex-Swansea coach.

However, if there is one man who easily wins the gold medal for “Manager Under the Most Pressure” it has to be Andre Villas Boas. Will we see the man who dazzled the football universe at Porto? Or will we see the AVB who failed miserably at Chelsea? As mentioned earlier this month on this site, I don’t believe lightning will strike twice for Villas Boas, who lived in the shadow of the Special One during his time at Stamford Bridge.

During Spurs tour of the U.S., the new Tottenham coach looked exceptionally relaxed and happy, and so did his team. I was lucky enough to spend some time with him. Enjoy A Conversation With Andre Villas Boas.

A Conversation With…Michelle Lissel

Football in the United States continues to grow. Last year MLS had the best attendance records, more investment is being made into soccer specific stadiums and TV viewing figures were also up. The game is attracting high profile players and despite the fact most of these players are coming here in the twilight of their career, it’s definitely paved the way for great marketing, promotions and sponsorship opportunities. The next steps would be to bring a player in who is still in the absolute prime of his career, and many believe that’s coming.

Michelle Lissel is in the living room of North American football fans every single night as she brings the top stories and news of the day on Fox Soccer Report. She joins me on A Conversation With to chat about the game from an American and Canadian perspective. From the summer tours, to the MLS All-Stars v Chelsea, player salaries, DP’s and dodgy refereeing decisions, we align the football universe in our conversation. There’s even time to talk Clint Dempsey to Liverpool and how this would potentially help the game in the United States. Put your feet up and enjoy!

A Conversation With…Janusz Michallik

Talking Italian in A Conversation with Janusz Michallik from ESPN. AC Milan are going through a huge change in personnel having lost some legends together with Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Thiago Silva. How will the Rossoneri cope? Is Allegri the manager under the most pressure in Europe before the season starts?

And what of the Old Lady? Can Juventus repeat their magical season? How will they perform in the Champions League? We even dabble in a little Michael Bradley, Clint Dempsey and Robin van Persie, plus Janusz shares his thoughts on the players he’s most excited to see as the new season approaches. You won’t want to miss this conversation. Pour a glass of fine Italian wine and enjoy!

A Conversation With…Will Tidey

The Queen celebrated her Diamond Jubilee this year and 60 years of magnificent reign over England. This last season, Sir Alex Ferguson celebrated 25 years of reign at Manchester United and has clearly been the King of English football with his unprecedented success! The game has never quite seen anything like him and his legacy is solidified in football eternity.

Joining me on A Conversation With is Will Tidey, Editor and Lead Writer for the Bleacher Report, and author of “Life With Sir Alex.” With the recent 20 year anniversary of the Premier League and Sir Alex Ferguson’s dominance and milestone in the game, seems appropriate to have a conversation about the great man, with the man who wrote about him!

From the struggle chapters in the 80’s to the Manchester United revolution in the 90’s, we talk about it all. If you love nostalgia, you’ll enjoy this conversation. Grab a pint and enjoy.

A Conversation With…Martin Rogers

London is unquestionably a fantastic city to host any major world sporting event. The capital of England first hosted the Olympic Games in 1908 and then again in 1948.

The 2012 London Olympics are just around the corner and joining me on A Conversation With is Martin Rogers from Yahoo! Sports. We talk Olympic football, Team GB, Ryan Giggs, David Beckham, Spain, Mexico, Neymar and the USWNT. We even chat Michael Phelps, LeBron James and Usain Bolt. Martin gives his insights into the security and ticketing issues being reported and how excited he is to cover the Games in his hometown of London!

The world prepares to be inspired by the Games once again so be sure to check out Martin’s articles on Yahoo! for some great stories and all the latest news.

A Conversation With…Phil Schoen

Phil Schoen and Ray Hudson have thrilled U.S. audiences with their La Liga commentary for many years. As a team, they have been prolific in their art and undoubtedly have become the voices of La Liga Stateside. Whether you are being dazzled by the brilliance of Barcelona or wooed by the tenacity and strength of Real Madrid, Phil and Ray paint a picture so beautiful, you wished every single game lasted longer than 90 minutes plus injury time!

In A Conversation With Phil Schoen, we talk about the current financial state of La Liga and also discuss the emergence of Jordi Alba, the talent of the Spanish national team, Ronaldo, Messi, Tito Vilanova and we even manage to squeeze in a little Guti and Ibracadabra. Phil also comes with some exciting news about where his voice will be heard next season! Grab a sangria and enjoy the conversation.

A Conversation With…Followtonians

When I was a wee lass growing up in the 80’s, there was nothing more fun than watching Everton and Liverpool battle it out for supremacy in the old First Division and F.A. Cup. What a team Everton had at that time. From Gary Steven, to Trevor Stevens, Peter Reid, Kevin Sheedy, Andy Gray and Graeme Sharp, the Toffees undoubtedly had one of the most entertaining teams in the land. They were creative, they were built strong in midfield and they were technically gifted upfront. Simply put, they dazzled the Goodison crowd with their magic.

Co-host of the Followtonians podcast Peter Mcpartland joins me on A Conversation With to talk all things Toffees. We chat Moyes, Baines, Jelavic, Donovan, Rodwell, Naismith, and even the old training ground and new home kit. Peter also looks into his crystal football to predict Everton’s league position next season! Plus I always find a way to mention the Gunners!

A Conversation With…Arseblog

Since joining Arsenal, Robin van Persie hasn’t put prolific back-to-back seasons together for the North London club. Is it fair to say he will not have the same success next season and that now is the time for Arsenal to cash in on the Dutchman? How would Arsenal shape up tactically without him? And what is the scoop with Theo Walcott and his unrest? Could Arsenal afford to lose either or both of these players? What has become of the Gunners? What is the identity of this team? Why does everyone always want to leave?

Andrew Mangan joins us in A Conversation With sharing his insights like no other Arsenal blogger out there. Fans trust his opinion and thousands follow him on Twitter and Facebook. He is undoubtedly one of the most influential voices in the Arsenal community today. He doesn’t hold back as we dissect the team on and off the pitch. Put your slippers on and enjoy the conversation.

A Conversation With…Kristan Heneage

Just a few months ago, Harry Redknapp was the soup de jour in English football. Fast forward a few months and not only did he lose out to Roy Hodgson for the England job, but he was also replaced by Andre Villas Boas as manager of Tottenham. This hasn’t been the only major change of manager in the Premier League. Aston Villa, West Brom, Liverpool and Norwich City have also chosen to move forward with a new coach. Kristan Heneage from ESPN and FourFourTwo joins us for “A Conversation With” where we dig a little deeper and dissect the managerial changes. First up, Andre Villas Boas and Spurs. Will it be another disastrous season for AVB in the Premier League, or will he deliver glory down White Hart Lane? Kick back and enjoy the conversation.