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Benni: Why I Turned Down Chiefs, Sundowns And PSG Soccer Laduma

Join Matthew Brennan, Ben Symes and David Wilson as they delve into the biggest stories this week in the world of Irish football. A full Irish EFL-focused transfer roundup, including moves for Johnny Kenny, Andrew Moran, Sammie Szmodics, Aidomo Emakhu, and Jacob Devaney Should Kenny have chosen Germany, or is League One his best bet of making March's squad? What these transfers say about the current market — and why so many Irish-linked players are heading to England and Scotland A quick “Green Scene” run-through, tying the transfer chatter into the wider Ireland picture A deep dive on James McClean after alleged abuse from Rovers fans — is this becoming a recurring issue? Ireland midfield check-in: Browne flying, Knight struggling, Molumby off the pace, Taylor steady What Moran’s move means, Cullen’s absence, Lawal’s role, and whether Azaz is heading deeper And as ever, we are looking for your inspiration to help us, fancy getting in touch? You can do so by emailing [email protected] Contact us on socials @offtheball across all our platforms. Or if you want to contact us directly message the @offtheball.football account on Instagram. And as ever, we are on WhatsApp on 087 9 180 180. Become a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

Ahead of the new 2026 League of Ireland season, Shelbourne head coach Joey O'Brien spoke to our own Stephen Doyle about the 2024 champions ambitions for the season ahead. Joey O’Brien looks ahead to the 2026 League of Ireland season and what to expect Assessing how standards across the league have evolved in recent years Key storylines, clubs and players to watch as the campaign gets underway The challenges facing players and coaches in a still somewhat a part-time league How the league fits into the wider Irish football pathway Why 2026 could be a defining season for the League of Ireland Become a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

An investigation into the paradoxical relationship between sport and creativity This piece was written by Alex Keble for issue 12. In the 11th minute of a match between Arsenal and Newcastle at St James’ Park in 2002, Robert Pires’s typically incisive pass to the feet of Dennis Bergkamp gave no indication that something extraordinary was […] The post Artist or Machine? appeared first on The Blizzard.

David Luiz on how Brazil would handle the pressure of being World Cup hosts in 2014 This piece was written by Rupert Fryer for issue 13. I was standing in a hallway at Soccer City in Johannesburg. Brazil had just finished training ahead of their March friendly with South Africa and I had agreed to […] The post Sideshow takes Centre Stage appeared first on The Blizzard.

For Pacific islands, football development can be a haphazard and fragile process. This piece was written by Paul Watson for issue 15. ‘Fifa develops football everywhere.’ If you watched even one game at this summer’s World Cup, you will have seen that slogan nestled among the world’s most costly advertising hoardings every time the ball […] The post Fifa’s Exiles appeared first on The Blizzard.

While most fans were focused on the 1974 World Cup, George Best was playing in South Africa. This piece was written by Luke Alfred for issue 14 Banned from international competition and unable to watch the 1974 World Cup on television, South African club owners devised a cunning plan. In a bid to boost home […] The post Best in Show appeared first on The Blizzard.

How tiny Eibar have taken their place in the Spanish top flight. This piece was written by Will Unwin for issue 15 Eibar’s home league meeting with Villarreal this September was a meeting of two tiny clubs. You could fit the population of both towns into the Nou Camp and still have room for another […] The post Defying the Odds appeared first on The Blizzard.

Sesko the latest Man Utd player redeemed since Amorim’s departure

Stephen Doyle caught up with Shelbourne Captain Pearl Slattery yesterday at the LOI 2026 Season Launch to look ahead at the new season as the Dublin club enter this edition of the Women's Premier Division with a new Manager in Sean Russell. Pearl also talks about the tough season they had last year, ultimately losing out on both FAI Cup and league title.

Ex-PSL coach backs Mbokazi & co: 'MLS similar to SA league' Kick Off

Arne Slot needs to spend again after Liverpool injury crisis deepens in Qarabag win

Kai Havertz is back and can now lead Arsenal’s title charge

Former Ireland and current St Patrick's Athletic manager Stephen Kenny joined Will O'Callaghan earlier on during the LOI Launch to discuss the upcoming Premier Division season as well as the current debate over Summer schedules and the race for European qualification.

Athlone Town Manager John Sullivan and Captain Hannah Waesch joined Will O'Callaghan earlier today at the LOI 2026 Season launch to look ahead at the 2025 Double winner's campaign to defend their status as the top team in Irish Women's Football.

Shamrock Rovers manager Stephen Bradley joined Stephen Doyle at the 2026 LOI Season launch earlier today to look ahead at the upcoming season as the Hoops look to defend both the Premier Division and the FAI Cup as well as qualify for the League Phase of a European Competition for the third year in a row.

Denise O'Sullivan joins Eoin this evening to talk about her huge move to WSL side Liverpool, what it means for the Irish Women's National Team, and her experiences so far at the club Football on Off The Ball with William Hill

Eoin Sheahan is joined this evening by Virgin Media's Tommy Martin to discuss what he has called the "ill-fated" FAI Pathways Plan, and the need to reevaluate the soccer calendar to ensure that kids are not going months without playing because of poor weather conditions impacting pitches. Football on Off The Ball with William Hill

Check out our new Stretford Paddock Merchandise: https://stretfordpaddock.store/ Follow David on X: https://x.com/DiscoMirror Former Chief Manchester United Correspondent for Daily Mirror, David McDonnell joins Joe and Jay for a look into the appointment of Michael Carrick and 25 years of following United, inside and out! Become a member! - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7w8GnTF2Sp3wldDMtCCtVw/join Stretford Paddock has content out EVERY DAY, make sure you’re subscribed for your Man United fix! - https://bit.ly/DEVILSsub 📱 Follow us over on Twitter: https://twitter.com/StretfordPaddck 📷 And on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fulltimedevils/ 🎙️ Listen to Our Podcast: https://podfollow.com/stretfordpaddock/ 👕 Merchandise: https://stretfordpaddock.store/ Go ahead and subscribe to get all of the latest Man United news, academy updates, transfer news, Manchester United fan reactions, podcasts, top 5’s on all things Man Utd, live watchalongs of Premier League, Champions League and Europa League, Highlights, Review and Analysis. Stretford Paddock began in 2019, but in July 2020 merged with Full Time Devils - the original and best Man United YouTube fan channel - which is why you may see old videos from FTD on this channel, but it’s still the same place to get all the MUFC content you know and love, from Howson, McKola, Jay Motty, Joe, and the gang! #ManUnited #ManchesterUnited #MUFC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jozy's session at the US Soccer Coaching Convention was a can't miss for me. I enjoyed hearing about his journey as the child of Haitian immigrants trying to make a name for themselves in our country. I had the chance to briefly chat with Jozy about the session the next day and am impressed of how genuine he is. Hope you enjoy this as much as I did.

Estevao’s brilliance has Chelsea gazing upwards while Palace’s woes continue

After learning from sister Alyssa Thompson, 20-year-old Gisele Thompson is pushing to consistently shine for Angel City FC and the U.S. national team.

Christen Press, honored by the U.S. women's soccer team before its win over Paraguay, is determined to be an advocate for women's sports in retirement.

Okafor or Nmecha? The BBC Radio Leeds commentator ponders the question of who plays alongside DCL versus Everton. And could a new name soon be joining them? EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/tsb · Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this issue This first issue of 2026 is a combination of reflecting and looking ahead. We take a look back on the stand- out players, managers and teams of 2025 in our annual awards – with the race for the men’s Player of the Year as close as ever – plus the Copa Libertadores […]

Marcus Rashford has been enjoying his football in Spain. Scoring goals and creating goals - as he did in Champions League on Wednesday night. So will Rashford be able to stay at Barcelona permanently? We’re asking you to fill out a quick survey about you and your podcast habits by going to theathletic.com/survey26. Three lucky entries will win $/£100 worth of Amazon vouchers too. So whether you’re a long-time listener or a new one, we want your feedback. Go to: theathletic.com/survey26 Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Pol Ballus and Andy Mitten Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We can beat them — Osimhen hungry for Man City clash after Champions League return Pulse Sports Nigeria

Caicedo spares Chelsea’s blushes as size of task facing Rosenior laid bare

Kalou after Downs game: Now I understand why Bafana are doing well Kick Off

Arsenal striker battle heats up as Gyokeres responds to Jesus double

Check out our new Stretford Paddock Merchandise: https://stretfordpaddock.store/ Kobbie Mainoo was amongst the stand outs against Manchester City, proving the doubters WRONG! Join Adam McKola and Joe Smith for Uncensored! Become a member! - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7w8GnTF2Sp3wldDMtCCtVw/join Stretford Paddock has content out EVERY DAY, make sure you’re subscribed for your Man United fix! - https://bit.ly/DEVILSsub 📱 Follow us over on Twitter: https://twitter.com/StretfordPaddck 📷 And on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fulltimedevils/ 🎙️ Listen to Our Podcast: https://podfollow.com/stretfordpaddock/ 👕 Merchandise: https://stretfordpaddock.store/ Go ahead and subscribe to get all of the latest Man United news, academy updates, transfer news, Manchester United fan reactions, podcasts, top 5’s on all things Man Utd, live watchalongs of Premier League, Champions League and Europa League, Highlights, Review and Analysis. Stretford Paddock began in 2019, but in July 2020 merged with Full Time Devils - the original and best Man United YouTube fan channel - which is why you may see old videos from FTD on this channel, but it’s still the same place to get all the MUFC content you know and love, from Howson, McKola, Jay Motty, Joe, and the gang! #ManUnited #ManchesterUnited #MUFC Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The AFCON 2025 final line-up is set: 2021 winners Senegal v hosts Morocco But what does defeat in the last four mean for both Nigeria and Mohamed Salah’s Egypt? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Jay Harris and Simon Hughes Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It may have made sense on paper but in the end, Xabi Alonso was just not the right fit at Real Madrid. How much of it was his fault and how much of it were just the pitfalls of trying to coach a squad loaded with massive egos? Then, we'll get into Manchester United's decision to hire Michael Carrick as their head coach for the remainder of the season. He may be a familiar face but is he the right face? We'll discuss. Plus, Semenyo and Cherki lead City to a first leg win over Newcastle while Arsenal manage to overcome the "Aging Men" of Liam Rosenior's Chelsea in their first leg. And finally, Timo Werner is coming to MLS, Conor Gallagher is headed to Spurs and the Africa Cup of Nations has a final that will hopefully be better than the two semis. For even more Caught Offside content, get on over to Caught Offside Plus right now! You can check out our 2nd annual Non-Top 8 Club Player Draft where we select squads consisting only of players who are not on Arsenal, City, Liverpool, United, Chelsea, Spurs, Villa and Newcastle. To sign up, just go to https://caughtoffside.supercast.com! Once you have access to the premium feed, be sure to go back and check out our special "welcome episode" from June 24th, 2024 (we don't think you'll be disappointed)! And for all the latest merch, get over to https://caughtoffsidepod.com/ - IT'S COLD OUT! GET A WINTER HAT! --- Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/CaughtOffsidePod/ X: https://twitter.com/COsoccerpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caughtoffsidepod/ Email: [email protected] Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@caughtoffsidepod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cork City's new man in charge Barry Robson spoke to Red FM's Ruairi O'Hagan ahead of the new season and what his plans are to take the club back to the Premier Division. Will Seani Maguire be staying? And how do you get the best out of this current group of players? League of Ireland on Off The Ball with Rockshore 0.0

As the man behind the 1984 L.A. Olympics soccer tournament and the 1994 World Cup, Alan Rothenberg arguably had more to do with writing the story of modern U.S. Soccer than anyone.

Last season Crystal Palace were the kings of the cup beating Man City at Wembley. On Saturday they suffered the biggest of all giant killings losing to sixth tier Macclesfield. Following that defeat and with uncertainty over manager Oliver Glasner and captain Marc Guehi, is Palace's season at risk of being derailed? Aside from Palace, we're also joined by Macclesfield FC owner Rob Smethurst after their historic win over the Eagles. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Matt Woosnam, Dom Fifield and Rob Smethurst Executive Producer: Abi Paterson Producers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After commentating on the FA Cup victory at Prode Park, LUTV commentator Bryn Law likes what he sees at Leeds United | EXCLUSIVE NordVPN Deal ➼ https://nordvpn.com/tsb · Try it risk-free now with a 30-day money-back guarantee Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On a very special Nollaig Na mBan edition of Off The Ball Sunday, Eve Conway is joined firstly by OTB's own Kathleen McNamee to bring you the latest from the FA Cup as there has already been shocks, great goals and classics so far in the 3rd round.~ The Football Hour on Off The Ball is presented by William Hill

On a very special Nollaig Na mBan edition of Off The Ball Sunday, Eve Conway and Kathleen McNamee are joined by former Republic of Ireland International Louise Quinn joins the show to talk all things football including a breakdown of the current landscape of the WSL since retiring from the game in the Summer. The Football Hour on Off The Ball is presented by William Hill

Eoin Sheahan is joined by Shamrock Rovers captain and Cape Verde International Robert 'Pico' Lopes to discuss his goals for the year between Shamrock Rovers defending their League & Cup double as well as going to the World Cup with Cape Verde in June. Football on Off The Ball

Riqui Puig is about the closest thing MLS has to an irreplaceable player. And with training camp starting in a couple of weeks, the Galaxy have precious little time to try to replace him.

Real Madrid academy graduate Gonzalo García steals the headlines with a perfect hat-trick as Madrid dismantle Real Betis. With García in red-hot form, can Xabi Alonso find a system that fits both him and Kylian Mbappé into the starting XI, and what does that mean for the increasingly out-of-favour Vinícius Jr? Over in Catalonia, Barcelona make it nine straight La Liga wins thanks to a stunning strike from Dani Olmo. Is anyone capable of stopping Barça’s charge to the title? Plus, Gary & Alex break down the sacking of Rúben Amorim, and debate whether his post-match comments at the weekend suggested he was already looking for the exit. Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod. It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at therestisfootball.com https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why Nottingham Forest rushed Ola Aina back as Super Eagles star starts against Aston Villa Pulse Sports Nigeria

Key Points Brazil’s clubs earned more than R$2 billion ($370m) in prize money in 2025, across FIFA, Conmebol and domestic tournaments, shared by 146 team

Man City’s Doku Take Down’s Madrid’s Rodrygo UEFA channel shared another exciting clip, showcasing exciting football skills, this time involving Manchester City’s winter, Jeremy Doku. The Belgium international was seen taking down Real Madrid star Rodrygo during both teams’ recent Champions League clash. Doku Turn Of Pace Beats Madrid’s Rodrygo Doku has been one of […] The post Man City’s Doku Take Down’s Madrid’s Rodrygo appeared first on 1000Goals.com: Football Betting, Highlights, and More - Your Ultimate Destination for Exciting Football Action.

Happy Christmas Eve Eve! 🎄 Looking forward to another exciting year of sport, Mick, Eoin, Ben, and Susanna have written their 2026 Christmas Sporting Wishlists. Some are realistic, some not so much... But they can dream all the same! From Ireland qualifying for the World Cup to Evan Ferguson finding his 'forever home', they outline the biggest achievements they would like to see for Irish athletes on the world stage in 2026.

Jamie Carragher joins Dave Jones in the Monday Night Football studio to pick his Premier League team of the season so far. We also select a stats team of the season, a Fananalysis team of the season and an alternative team of the season. You can view all the teams, and how the lineup, in this article: https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/13486760/jamie-carragher-picks-his-premier-league-tea… Listen to every episode of the Sky Sports Premier League Podcast here: skysports.com/sky-sports-premier-league-podcast You can listen to the Sky Sports Premier League Podcast on your smart speaker by saying "ask Global Player to play the Sky Sports Premier League Podcast". For all the latest football news, head to skysports.com/premier-league For advertising opportunities email: [email protected]

Ben Symes is joined by Martin Lawlor, Secretary of the Irish Professional Footballers Benevolent Association and Dr Alan Byrne the FAI’s Medical Director and former doctor for the Men’s National Team ahead of the Association’s first major health initiative taking place in Athlone in January 2026. The association have teamed up with Advanced Medical Services to provide free health screenings for 100 retired male and female footballers. You can find more details on the association at their website IPFBA.org

The Frenchman, who has been named the best male footballer in the world by the Guardian, has benefitted from PSG’s focus on the team rather than individuals What makes a good player great, and a great player the best? This question has been occupying me since 2014, when the Guardian first asked me to contribute to its inaugural Next Generation feature. My job was to look for a France-based talent born in 1997 who could go on to have a stellar career. After a great deal of research, I narrowed it down from my shortlist of five by asking questions not about the players’ football ability, but about other attributes: resilience, adaptability, decision-making, creativity, work ethic, response to feedback and willingness to learn. Qualities we cannot see, and are harder to measure.

Alexis Sanchez recalls iconic El Clásico chip Goal for Barcelona ahead of Sevilla vs Real Madrid Pulse Sports Nigeria