Episode 3389: Football Hauntology, Roman Nightmare, Irish Kids Against The World, Bradley Inhabits Giles Dublin Dream
A spectre is haunting football – the spectre of Stoke City 2008-2013.
With several leading Premier League clubs having apparently converted to the gospel of Tony Pulis, the manager turned podcaster has emerged as a thought leader in the football information space.
We consider Pulis’ new BBC column which centres on Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal FC. Is Arteta a true protégé – or are there still some heretical deviations?
Liverpool suffered a sixth defeat in seven after posting a team sheet that doubled as a white flag for their home game against Crystal Palace. We talk about why Arne Slot did what he did and the bigger picture he seems to have missed.
In our feature interview today we talk to Colin O’Brien, the Ireland under-17 men’s head coach who flies out tomorrow with his team to Qatar, where they will compete in Ireland’s first ever U17 World Cup.
In tribute to Shamrock Rovers’ confirmation of their 22nd league title last night, Branno shares memories of a recent time when he walked aimlessly through the streets of Dublin while his mind journeyed deep into the past.
Click the player at the top of the page to play the show. Monday’s shows are free to all. To listen to our programming throughout the rest of the week, join the Second Captains World Service. There’s no contracts, no hidden fees and shows can be listened to on all good podcast apps, on Spotify or through our website. It’s independent, commercial-free and member-led with feature interviews, breaking news, Ken’s Football Show, The Politics Podcast, and lots of added extras. You’ll also be supporting the development of our longer-form work, such as our international series’ ‘Where Is George Gibney?’ and Stakeknife.
Go to PatreonTy to the Second Captains people for having me on to talk about gambling ? https://t.co/59eoNpW3Km
— patrick (@redford) October 29, 2025