Episodes

  • Roddy Collins Pt.2: They Tried To Sack Me… Then I Won The Double | The Football Historian Podcast #57

    Roddy Collins Pt.2: They Tried To Sack Me… Then I Won The Double | The Football Historian Podcast #57
    May 6 2026
    Welcome to The Football Historian Podcast, hosted by Peter Kenny Jones. In episode 57, Roddy Collins returns for Part Two of one of the most chaotic, honest and entertaining interviews we’ve ever recorded. After covering his playing career in Part One, this episode focuses on Roddy’s life in management — from accidentally becoming a player-manager at 23 to rebuilding clubs, fighting boardrooms, surviving pressure from supporters and creating some unforgettable stories along the way. Roddy talks about managing in Ireland, his time at Bohemians, winning the double, dealing with boards who didn’t want him, and the incredible comeback that helped save his job when he was 4-1 down at half-time. We also discuss his time at Carlisle United, how he tried to bring standards into the club, getting help from names like Sir Alex Ferguson, Bobby Robson and Sam Allardyce, and why Leon Osman immediately stood out as a Premier League talent. There’s also a more serious side to the conversation, as Roddy opens up on coaching licences, football politics, the career he feels was taken from him, and why keeping his dignity mattered more than staying quiet. Thanks so much for the continued support, and I hope this instalment of your soon-to-be favourite football podcast continues to impress. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 58 mins
  • Neil Mellor: Rafa Benitez, Istanbul & Liverpool’s Hidden Truths | The Football Historian Podcast #56

    Neil Mellor: Rafa Benitez, Istanbul & Liverpool’s Hidden Truths | The Football Historian Podcast #56
    Apr 22 2026
    Neil Mellor joins The Football Historian Podcast to tell the real story behind his career at Liverpool. From scoring 56 goals in a season to THAT moment against Arsenal, Neil opens up on life inside one of the biggest clubs in the world — including his relationships with Rafael Benítez and Gérard Houllier. He also shares incredible behind-the-scenes stories from the 2005 UEFA Champions League Final, including how he ended up with a medal… and why it wasn’t quite what he expected. We also discuss: • Being told to support Liverpool by Steve Heighway • Training with Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher • Life in the reserves and breaking scoring records • The reality of going out on loan as a young player • Dressing room stories with Dietmar Hamann Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    48 mins
  • Roddy Collins: “I Met George Best…” | The Football Historian Podcast #55

    Roddy Collins: “I Met George Best…” | The Football Historian Podcast #55
    Apr 21 2026
    Welcome to The Football Historian Podcast, hosted by Peter Kenny Jones. In this episode I’m joined by former footballer and manager Roddy Collins. From meeting George Best during a trial at Fulham to his experiences in English and Irish football, Roddy shares incredible stories from his career — both on and off the pitch. We also discuss: • His early career and trials in England • The reality of football in the lower leagues • Dressing room culture and management • Differences between Irish and English football • Life as a player and manager This is one of the most story-driven episodes we’ve recorded. Want more from The Football Historian Podcast? Watch exclusive extra content via Patreon for just £1 per month:https://www.patreon.com/TheFootballHistorianPodcast Follow on socials: Instagram: https://instagram.com/thefootballhistorianpod/ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@thefootballhistorianpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    58 mins
  • Nathan Ellington: The Transfer That Changed Everything | The Football Historian Podcast #54

    Nathan Ellington: The Transfer That Changed Everything | The Football Historian Podcast #54
    Mar 25 2026
    Welcome to The Football Historian Podcast, hosted by Peter Kenny Jones. This is Part Two of our interview with former Premier League striker Nathan Ellington. After leaving Wigan, Nathan opens up on the decisions that shaped the rest of his career — including the transfer he wishes he could take back, the reality of life at West Brom, and how quickly football careers can change. We also discuss: • Why one bad transfer can change everything • The biggest mistake of his career • Playing in the Premier League and not playing enough • Life abroad in Greece, Thailand and beyond • The politics behind football decisions • His experience of Ramadan as a professional footballer • The Association of Muslim Footballers and changing perceptions in the game • The toughest opponent he ever faced • Gerrard vs Lampard vs Scholes, Messi vs Ronaldo and more This is an honest and fascinating insight into the highs and lows of a professional football career. Want more from The Football Historian Podcast? Watch the exclusive EXTRA section of this interview via our Patreon. It’s just £1 per month, giving you access to bonus episodes, monthly specials and the full back catalogue:https://www.patreon.com/TheFootballHistorianPodcast Keep up to date with all our latest clips: Instagram: https://instagram.com/thefootballhistorianpod/ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@thefootballhistorianpod X: https://twitter.com/TheFHPod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 17 mins
  • Jim Daly: The Truth About Football Fans | The Football Historian Podcast #53

    Jim Daly: The Truth About Football Fans | The Football Historian Podcast #53
    Mar 11 2026
    Comedian and football creator Jim Daly joins The Football Historian Podcast to talk about the madness of football fandom. Jim discusses growing up supporting Crystal Palace, the emotional moment Palace finally won the FA Cup, and why football fans secretly love suffering. We also talk about parody songs, football comedy, fantasy football addiction, meeting footballers and the strange psychology of supporting a club. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 38 mins
  • Nathan Ellington | The Football Historian Podcast | #52 (Part One)

    Nathan Ellington | The Football Historian Podcast | #52 (Part One)
    Feb 25 2026
    Welcome to The Football Historian Podcast, hosted by Peter Kenny Jones. In episode 52 (Part One), I’m joined by former Premier League striker Nathan Ellington for the first of a two-part interview covering his journey through football — from non-league beginnings to the top flight. Nathan explains how his career started at Tooting & Mitcham United before moving to Walton & Hersham, earning a Football League chance at Bristol Rovers and eventually making his name at Wigan Athletic. We talk about the key people who shaped his career, including playing under Ian Holloway, and his famous strike partnership with Jason Roberts. Nathan also reflects on playing alongside talents such as Leighton Baines and Jimmy Bullard at Wigan, and gives a very honest account of his departure from the club — including how contract negotiations with chairman Dave Whelan unfolded and why leaving Wigan for West Bromwich Albion remains the biggest regret of his career. This is Part One of a two-part conversation, with Part Two released in four weeks’ time. We also filmed some bonus content during Nathan’s visit: • Playing With Myself — Nathan and I play FIFA 05 on the PS2 and attempt to recreate the Ellington & Roberts partnership • A Show & Tell episode featuring boots from his Watford days • A Patreon Q&A where Nathan answers your questions Subscribe on Patreon now for early access and bonus content. Thanks so much for the continued support, and I hope this instalment of your soon-to-be favourite football podcast continues to impress. CHAPTERING 00:01:43 – Rising from Non-League 00:21:44 – Signing for Bristol Rovers 00:23:54 – Meeting Jason Roberts 00:28:09 – The Importance of Gary Penrice 00:50:11 – Moving to Wigan 01:01:04 - Reuniting with Jason Roberts 01:09:18 - Playing with Leighton Baines 01:10:53 - Playing with Jimmy Bullard 01:14:28 - Why I Left Wigan PATREON Want more from The Football Historian Podcast? Watch the exclusive EXTRA section of this interview via our Patreon. It’s just £1 per month for the first 100 patrons, giving you access to bonus episodes, monthly specials and the full back catalogue. https://www.patreon.com/TheFootballHistorianPodcast Keep up to date with all our latest clips on our socials: Instagram: https://instagram.com/thefootballhistorianpod/ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@thefootballhistorianpod X: https://twitter.com/TheFHPod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    1 hr and 29 mins
  • Tyler Smith (The Traitors) | The Football Historian Podcast | #51

    Tyler Smith (The Traitors) | The Football Historian Podcast | #51
    Feb 11 2026
    Welcome to The Football Historian Podcast, hosted by Peter Kenny Jones. In this episode, I’m joined by Tyler Smith — best known for appearing on The Traitors UK — for a wide-ranging football chat covering Liverpool, modern football debates and his experience inside one of the toughest game shows on TV. Tyler explains why he became a Liverpool fan growing up in Leicester, shares his all-time top fives, and gives honest answers in our regular Debate section on Messi vs Ronaldo, managers, goalkeepers, VAR and more. We also talk in detail about The Traitors: what it’s really like inside the castle, how hard it is to spot a Traitor when you’re living it, and what happens after you’re banished. (This episode was recorded in April 2025 — released February 2026.) Thanks so much for the continued support, and I hope this instalment of your soon-to-be favourite football podcast continues to impress. CHAPTERING 00:00:39 – Why I’m a Liverpool fan 00:02:24 – Top 5 Liverpool players 00:05:48 – Top 5 non-Liverpool players 00:09:44 – The Debate (Messi, Ronaldo, managers & more) 00:25:43 – Life on The Traitors PATREON Want more from The Football Historian Podcast? Watch the exclusive EXTRA section of this interview via our Patreon. It’s just £1 per month for the first 100 patrons, giving you access to bonus episodes, monthly specials and the full back catalogue. https://www.patreon.com/TheFootballHistorianPodcast Keep up to date with all our latest clips on our socials: Instagram: https://instagram.com/thefootballhistorianpod/ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@thefootballhistorianpod X: https://twitter.com/TheFHPod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    44 mins
  • Sonny Pike | The Football Historian Podcast | #50

    Sonny Pike | The Football Historian Podcast | #50
    Jan 28 2026
    Welcome to The Football Historian Podcast, hosted by Peter Kenny Jones. In episode 50, I’m joined by Sonny Pike — one of the most talked-about young football talents of the 1990s — for an honest, reflective conversation about football, pressure, and finding love for the game again. Rather than retelling the same old story, Sonny speaks openly about growing up in the spotlight, how those experiences now shape the way he supports his own son, and why football needs to do more to protect young players. There’s also plenty of proper football chat along the way, including Sonny’s Liverpool fandom from growing up in London, his all-time five-a-side and XI, and settling some of the biggest debates in football history. We also discuss Trent Alexander-Arnold’s move from Liverpool to Real Madrid, with Sonny offering a rare player-first perspective on ambition, loyalty and legacy. (This episode was recorded in April 2025 — context notes are added where needed.) Thanks so much for the continued support, and I hope this instalment of your soon-to-be favourite football podcast continues to impress. CHAPTERING 00:00:00 – Introduction 00:00:30 – Growing up famous & pressure on kids 00:10:22 – Being a Liverpool fan in London 00:15:34 – All-time five-a-side team 00:16:42 – The Debate (Messi, Ronaldo, managers & more) 00:37:58 – Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid 00:42:58 – Traitors, red cards & what Sonny would change Want more from The Football Historian Podcast? Watch the exclusive EXTRA section of this interview via our Patreon. It’s just £1 per month for the first 100 patrons, giving you access to bonus episodes, monthly specials and the full back catalogue. https://www.patreon.com/TheFootballHistorianPodcast Keep up to date with all our latest clips on our socials: Instagram: https://instagram.com/thefootballhistorianpod/ TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@thefootballhistorianpod X: https://twitter.com/TheFHPod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    55 mins