The Managers

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The Managers is your new go-to podcast for straight-talking football insight, hosted by former Premier League bosses Mick McCarthy and Tony Pulis. Each week, the experienced duo break down the biggest talking points from across the English game — no fluff, no filters. They’ll also sit down with managers from all levels of the game to dig into the real-life challenges of life in the dugout, exploring the highs, lows, and everything in between. Can podcasting get any better? It can…

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24 episodes
weekly
Avg 58 min
English

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Tuesday · 58 min
Brian Little: Why I Left Aston Villa, Doug Ellis Antics & Defeating Man Utd's Class Of '92
In the latest episode of The Managers, Mick McCarthy and Tony Pulis are joined by former Aston Villa and Leicester City manager Brian Little. To get the best discount off your NordVPN plan, go to nordvpn.com/managersvpn — our link also gives you 4 extra months on the 2-year plan. Brian reflects on his early career and reveals how the premature end of his playing days at just 26 led to an unexpected role working in the Aston Villa club shop. He looks back on his transition into management, including his time at Leicester City, where despite guiding the club to three successive play-off finals, he found himself fearing for his job. The conversation then turns to Aston Villa, where Brian recalls leading the club to League Cup glory at Wembley in 1996 and the journey that culminated in that memorable triumph. Finally, Brian opens up about his departure from Villa, discussing the circumstances surrounding his decision to resign and the reasons behind one of the most difficult decisions of his managerial career. Twitter: themanagerspod Instagram: themanagerspodcast TikTok: themanagerspodcast For sales and advertising enquiries you can email: hello@itspoppop.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
September 8 · 43 min
Can Anyone Catch Arsenal? Do Spurs Have Bad Vibes & Have Everton Let Moyes Down?
In the latest episode of The Managers, Mick McCarthy and Tony Pulis assess Arsenal’s perfect start to their Premier League title defence. The pair discuss whether Mikel Arteta’s side are now unstoppable and consider which of their potential challengers have what it takes to knock them off the top. They also turn their attention to Tottenham’s difficult start to the season and Everton’s disappointing transfer deadline day, before discussing Hull City’s sensational return to the top flight. Mick and Tony then offer their advice to Frank Lampard and his Coventry City side, while Leicester City’s struggles in League One under Russell Martin also come under the spotlight. Twitter: themanagerspod Instagram: themanagerspodcast TikTok: themanagerspodcast For sales and advertising enquiries you can email: hello@itspoppop.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
September 1 · 1 hr 4 min
Les Ferdinand: PASSIONATE Debate On DOF Role! England Anger & My Newcastle Theory
In the latest episode of The Managers, Mick McCarthy and Tony Pulis are joined by former England international Les Ferdinand. Brought to you by LiveScore. Les reflects on his early days in non-league football, his footballing family and the mentors who helped shape the opening stages of his career. He reveals how a proposed move to Manchester United fell through before discussing his eventual move to Newcastle United, where he worked under Kevin Keegan. The conversation then turns to Les’ England career, including his frustration at being part of the squads for both Euro 96 and the 1998 World Cup without making an appearance. Les also looks back on his time at Tottenham under Harry Redknapp and recalls seeing the remarkable development of Gareth Bale and Harry Kane first-hand. And finally, Mick, Tony and Les go head-to-head in a passionate debate about the purpose and role of a director of football. Twitter: themanagerspod Instagram: themanagerspodcast TikTok: themanagerspodcast For sales and advertising enquiries you can email: hello@itspoppop.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
August 25 · 1 hr 14 min
Paul Lambert: My Celtic Regret, Dortmund Love, Villa Passed Up Lukaku And De Bruyne, Norwich Glory
In the latest episode of The Managers, Mick McCarthy and Tony Pulis are joined by former Norwich City and Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert. Brought to you by LiveScore. Paul discusses his early career and his move to Borussia Dortmund in the mid-90s, including his man-of-the-match performance against Juventus and Zinedine Zidane in the 1997 Champions League final. He also explains why it was so difficult to leave the club. He looks back on his time at Celtic and working under Martin O’Neill, including the club’s run to the UEFA Cup final in 2003. Paul also talks about his managerial career, from leading Norwich to successive promotions and keeping them in the Premier League, to his difficult spell at Aston Villa. He also reveals which players he wanted to sign at Villa but was prevented from bringing to the club. Twitter: themanagerspod Instagram: themanagerspodcast TikTok: themanagerspodcast For sales and advertising enquiries you can email: hello@itspoppop.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
August 18 · 1 hr 5 min
Big Sam: Why Didn’t England Protect Me? Man City & Newcastle Takeovers, Truth Behind Bolton Signings
In the latest episode of The Managers, Mick McCarthy and Tony Pulis are joined by the one and only Sam Allardyce. Sam reflects on his journey into management before delving into his career-defining spell at Bolton Wanderers, revealing the stories behind some of his biggest signings. He explains how he brought stars such as Youri Djorkaeff and Nicolas Anelka to the club - and why he ultimately decided against signing Brazil legend Rivaldo. Sam also opens up on the impact of takeovers at Manchester City, Newcastle United and Blackburn Rovers, and how they affected his career. Plus, he reveals why West Ham’s promotion to the Premier League in 2012 remains his greatest achievement, before giving his side of the story on his departure from England. Twitter: themanagerspod Instagram: themanagerspodcast TikTok: themanagerspodcast For sales and advertising enquiries you can email: hello@itspoppop.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
July 21 · 48 min
Delight In Argentina Defeat, Merse On England Exit, Tuchel Tension And Saka, Plus Arsenal Stories
In the latest episode of The Managers, Mick McCarthy and Tony Pulis are joined by former England international Paul Merson to discuss all the fallout from the World Cup. Brought to you by LiveScore. They discuss the dreadful final between Spain and Argentina – and the antics of the Argentina players following the 1-0 defeat in New Jersey. The conversation delves into England’s exit at the semi-final stage, the tension between Thomas Tuchel and the players as well as Bukayo Saka’s absence from the team. Plus, Merse talks about some of the managers he played under during his career and why he never made it as a manager himself. Twitter: themanagerspod Instagram: themanagerspodcast TikTok: themanagerspodcast For sales and advertising enquiries you can email: hello@itspoppop.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
July 8 · 55 min
Can England Stop Haaland?! Trump, Infantino DISGRACE & King On Spurs Transfers
In the latest episode of The Managers, Mick McCarthy and Tony Pulis are joined by former England defender Ledley King to relive England’s dramatic last-16 victory over Mexico at the Azteca Stadium. Brought to you by LiveScore. The trio break down the key talking points from an unforgettable encounter before turning their attention to England’s quarter-final clash with Norway, including the challenge of stopping Erling Haaland. Former England manager Sam Allardyce also joins the podcast to discuss the extraordinary intervention by US President Donald Trump that led to Folarin Balogun’s red card being overturned. Plus, Ledley shares his thoughts on Tottenham’s summer transfer business and what it means for the club ahead of the new season. Twitter: themanagerspod Instagram: themanagerspodcast TikTok: themanagerspodcast For sales and advertising enquiries you can email: hello@itspoppop.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
June 26 · 56 min
England's Lack Of Creativity A Concern? Scotland - Don’t Play It Out! Plus, Jose's Real Return
In the latest episode of The Managers, Mick McCarthy and Tony Pulis are joined by former Ghana manager Chris Hughton to review the latest from the World Cup. Powered by LiveScore. Download the LiveScore app: https://livescoremedia.onelink.me/5KrT/the-managers They discuss England’s stuttering goalless draw with Ghana, and if the lack of creativity is a concern for Thomas Tuchel and his side. Scotland’s hopes of qualification hang by a thread after an error-prone 3-0 defeat to Brazil. The guys talk about those errors and the criticism levelled at Steve Clarke for his post-match interview. Plus, the latest managerial moves are examined, including Wolves’ decision to replace Rob Edwards, Ipswich’s appointment of Gary O’Neil and the return of Jose Mourinho to Real Madrid. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
June 16 · 44 min
Fans Deserve Better, Lambert On Scotland & Can Tuchel’s England Secure Winning Start?
In the latest episode of The Managers, Mick McCarthy and Tony Pulis review the early stages of the tournament. Powered by LiveScore. Win tickets to the final: https://livescoremedia.onelink.me/5KrT/it-can Download the app: https://livescoremedia.onelink.me/5KrT/the-managers Mick and Tony are joined by Paul Lambert to discuss Scotland after Steve Clarke’s side enjoyed a 1-0 opening group game win over Haiti. The conversation turns to England as Thomas Tuchel’s side prepare for their opening match against Croatia, with Mick sharing insight into the intensity of managing at a World Cup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
June 9 · 40 min
Dyche On Clough, Hodgson Liverpool Exit, Redknapp Talks Spurs Shock & Crouch On Pulis Stoke Antics
In this episode of The Managers, we take a look back at some of the best moments from Series 1. Sean Dyche explains what it was like working under the legendary Brian Clough, while Alan Curbishley shares stories of teaming up with Paolo Di Canio at Charlton. Harry Redknapp shares his experience of losing the Tottenham job just months after being the favourite to become the England manager. Peter Crouch brings the players' perspective, talking about his time working under Tony Pulis at Stoke, before Roy Hodgson discusses his exit from Liverpool. Plus, Chris Hughton chats about the successful recruitment structure that has underpinned Brighton's success in recent years. 00:00 - AO.com 00:49 - Intro 00:56 - Sean Dyche on Brian Clough and John Duncan 06:41 - Alan Curbishley on Paolo Di Canio 14:18 - Harry Redknapp on Tottenham and England jobs 19:35 - Peter Crouch on Tony Pulis’ Stoke team 25:42 - AO.com 26:31 - Roy Hodgson on Liverpool exit 31:56 - Chris Hughton on Brighton’s recruitment structure Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
June 2 · 43 min
Can England Win It? Mick’s Ireland Stories & Inside Ancelotti’s Management
In the latest episode of The Managers, Mick McCarthy and Tony Pulis preview the summer’s biggest football competition, taking place in the USA, Canada and Mexico. Brought to you by BOYLE Sports. They discuss the newly expanded 48-team format and what it means for the overall standard of the competition, as well as the expected hot and humid conditions. Mick talks about preparing a squad and what he did with the Republic of Ireland team in 2002 ahead of the tournament in Japan and South Korea. The conversation delves into the squad selections made by England and Scotland, as well as the management of the legendary Carlo Ancelotti as he prepares to lead Brazil. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 27 · 50 min
Will Arsenal Dominate For Years? What Next For West Ham? Plus, De Zerbi’s Spurs Mission
In the latest episode of The Managers, Mick McCarthy and Tony Pulis discuss the fallout from the final day of the Premier League season. Brought to you by BOYLE Sports. They chat about the newly crowned champions, Arsenal, and whether it will usher in a new era of dominance for the Gunners. West Ham joined Burnley and Wolves in being relegated from the top flight - so what next for their star players and Nuno Espírito Santo? That’s on the agenda, as well as the likely summer of change at Tottenham under Roberto De Zerbi after he saved them from the drop. Plus, Mick and Tony discuss European qualification for Bournemouth, Sunderland and Brighton, as well as the EFL play-off finals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 19 · 53 min
Alonso In At Chelsea, Carrick Gets Man Utd job, Spygate & West Ham For The Drop
In the latest episode of The Managers, Mick McCarthy and Tony Pulis break down Chelsea’s decision to appoint Xabi Alonso as their new manager. Brought to you by BOYLE Sports. They discuss the challenges facing the former Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid boss, as well as what success could look like for both Alonso and Chelsea next season. Michael Carrick has secured the permanent role as manager of Manchester United, and Mick and Tony give their verdict on whether the club’s hierarchy made the right call. The conversation also explores the growing problems at West Ham, with the Hammers facing the prospect of relegation to the Championship. Plus, Mick and Tony discuss the ‘Spygate’ controversy involving Southampton and Middlesbrough before reviewing the dramatic finale to the Scottish Premiership season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 12 · 1 hr 9 min
Darren Moore: How I Left West Brom, Sheffield Wednesday Comeback & Battle Of Bramall Lane
In the latest episode of The Managers, Mick McCarthy and Tony Pulis are joined by former West Bromwich Albion and Sheffield Wednesday boss Darren Moore. Brought to you by BOYLE Sports. Darren reflects on his early years and his playing career, including the infamous Battle of Bramall Lane clash between Sheffield United and West Brom. He also discusses his transition into coaching, the impact Tony Pulis had on his development, and how those experiences helped shape his managerial career. The episode also covers Darren’s time at West Brom, his impressive start in management, and the shock circumstances surrounding his exit from the club. Plus, Darren looks back on his spell at Sheffield Wednesday, including the unforgettable play-off comeback victory that became one of the club’s most memorable nights. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 5 · 1 hr 14 min
David Pleat: My Tottenham Exit, Dealing With Di Canio At Sheff Weds & Luton Glory Days
In the latest episode of The Managers, Mick McCarthy and Tony Pulis are joined by former Luton Town, Tottenham and Sheffield Wednesday boss David Pleat. Brought to you by BOYLE Sports. David discusses his early beginnings and how Brian Clough’s assistant, Peter Taylor, played a role in him becoming a manager. He talks about the glory days at Luton Town, including taking them up as second division champions and keeping them in the top-flight. The discussion also explores his spell at Tottenham during the mid-1980s, including his abrupt departure shortly after achieving a third-place finish and reaching an FA Cup final. David goes on to share insights from his time at Sheffield Wednesday, notably bringing the mercurial Paolo Di Canio to the Premier League. He also speaks openly about his later role as director of football at Tottenham and offers his perspective on the club’s current situation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
April 28 · 51 min
Chelsea Special: Why Rosenior Got Sacked, Ownership Issues & Who’s Next In?
In the latest episode of The Managers, Mick McCarthy and Tony Pulis delve into the current situation at managerless Chelsea. Brought to you by BOYLE Sports. They discuss what went wrong for Liam Rosenior at Stamford Bridge and their advice for him on how to bounce back. The conversation turns to the ownership issues at the club as the fans continue their protests. Finally, Mick and Tony talk about the contenders to come in at Chelsea ahead of next season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
April 21 · 1 hr 17 min
Gus Poyet: Building Brighton, Saving Sunderland And Chelsea Memories
In the latest episode of The Managers, Mick McCarthy and Tony Pulis are joined by former Brighton & Hove Albion and Sunderland boss Gus Poyet. Brought to you by BOYLE Sports. Gus talks about his early days in football and what it was like working under the likes of Ruud Gullit and Gianluca Vialli at Chelsea. He discusses his first moves into coaching, including his time as an assistant at Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur. Gus then talks about taking on his first managerial role at Brighton and how he turned the club from League One strugglers into Championship contenders. The conversation delves into his bizarre dismissal from Brighton before moving on to the great escape he achieved at Sunderland in the Premier League. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
April 14 · 48 min
Are Arsenal Crumbling? Can De Zerbi Save Spurs & What Next For Newcastle & Howe?
In the latest episode of The Managers, Mick McCarthy and Tony Pulis discuss whether Arsenal’s title bid is collapsing. Brought to you by BOYLE Sports. They chat about the Gunners’ recent patchy form and this weekend’s almighty clash with title rivals, Manchester City, at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday. The conversation delves into Roberto De Zerbi’s tough start as Tottenham boss, with a defeat at Sunderland sending Spurs into the bottom three. Plus, Mick and Tony talk Newcastle United and the scrutiny facing their manager Eddie Howe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
April 7 · 1 hr 14 min
Chris Coleman: My Euro 2016 Tears, Becoming Fulham Gaffer At 32, Craven Cottage Clashes
In the latest episode of The Managers, Mick McCarthy and Tony Pulis are joined by former Fulham and Wales boss Chris Coleman. Brought to you by BOYLE Sports. Chris chats about his early days in football, including his playing career and the car crash that unexpectedly pushed him into becoming a Premier League manager at just 32. He looks back on his time at Fulham and what it was like stepping into management so young. The conversation then shifts to his Wales spell, where he opens up about the tough first 18 months and the friction he had to deal with. He explains how he changed the mood around the squad and helped drive them on to that incredible run to the semi-finals of Euro 2016. Chris also talks about his time at Sunderland and shares some of his experiences managing abroad. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
March 31 · 54 min
Run In Predictions: Will Arsenal Hold Their Nerve? Spurs Or West Ham To Drop? Who's Coming Up?
In the latest episode of The Managers, Mick McCarthy and Tony Pulis share their predictions for the season’s run-in. Brought to you by BOYLE Sports. They assess the Premier League title race, including whether Arsenal’s League Cup final defeat to Manchester City could impact the Gunners’ push for the title. The discussion also explores the battle for Champions League qualification and predictions for who might claim Europe’s biggest honours this season. At the other end of the table, Leeds United, Nottingham Forest, Tottenham and West Ham are locked in a relegation fight - but who will survive? Mick and Tony give their verdict. Plus, there’s a look at the race for promotion to the Premier League, as well as the Scottish Premiership title contest. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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