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The Game

The Game

Written by: The Times
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About this listen

The thinking fan's football podcast, providing previews and reviews of all the action - every Monday and Thursday.


Listen to the best of The Times and The Sunday Times journalists as they cover the biggest sport on the planet; from winners to losers, who's in and out on the transfer roundabout, tactical developments, data analysis and the dreaded VAR.


Hosted by Tom Clarke and Gregor Robertson alongside special guest appearances, the team bring you the latest on the Premier League and the EFL, as well as a front-row seat to international tournaments including the Champions League, European Championships and World Cups.


We know football isn't life and death. It's much more serious than that.

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Episodes
  • EFL Extra: Big changes in the Championship

    EFL Extra: Big changes in the Championship
    Jan 23 2026

    Nothing stays the same for long in the Championship.

    Coventry were having a wobble but two wins a signing some injury returns have put that to bed. Likewise, Middlesborough have got back to winning ways after a Christmas stumble. Hull are on fire and Norwich have turned things around at the bottom. West Brom though are in freefall.

    Five points separate sixth and fourteenth…so who will be aiming for the play off’s?

    In League One, are teams having their seasons written off by loanee’s being recalled to their parent clubs?

    Plus, Liam Manning is in at Huddersfield, and a top of the table clash in League Two.

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    28 mins
  • Pep’s last season? And will Palmer make the World Cup?

    Pep’s last season? And will Palmer make the World Cup?
    Jan 22 2026

    Artificial pitch and injuries aside Man City lost to Bode Glimt, a team who haven’t won in the Champions League all season. After the match Pep Guardiola said, ‘everything was wrong.’ Could this be his final season in charge? Is he tired or ready for a rebuild?

    Chelsea won, but Cole Palmer was missing again…is his England place no in doubt?

    Elsewhere another memorable goal for Dominic Szoboszlai…is he a captain in the making, relief for Thomas Frank and unrest at Crystal Palace.

    Tom Clarke joins Martin Samuel, Jonathan Northcroft and Gregor Robertson

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    51 mins
  • Managerial magic at Old Trafford but misery for Frank and Glasner

    Managerial magic at Old Trafford but misery for Frank and Glasner
    Jan 19 2026

    Michael Carrick brought back a touch of the glory days for Manchester United fans on Saturday. his team were on the front foot as they beat a lack lustre Manchester City. Was it a one off or is he finally the man to bring back some cheer to Old Trafford?

    With City losing it was time for other to capitalise. no one did. Arsenal eeked out an extra point, but the top four look a little tame. Is it a poor season or is the rest of the league just getting better?

    At the AFCON bizarre scenes saw Sengal leave the pitch in protest at a refereeing decision. Can that ever be justified...?

    and shoudl anyone be feeling sorry for Thomas Frank or Oliver glasner?

    Tom Clarke is joined by Gregor robertson, alyson rudd, Paul Hirst and Ian Hawkey

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    58 mins
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