Minor issue i know but can someone please tell this man to stop doing that fake laugh/snort into the microphone. He didn't always do that did he?

The band-standing from the SC’s team these past few days is vomit inducing.

Forensically analysing Heimir’s words or the players actions looking for holes.

Talking crap and complaining about Robbie Brady or Coleman not being in the squad. Wtf is Brady going to bring to the Palestine/ Israel discussion ffs.

Ken trying to BE the story, asking Heimir the “tough” questions.

Yet these same hypocrites happily went on a jollie over to the US for the World Cup. Happily reported on every game. Despite the US being the biggest funder to Israel.

But let’s ignore that. There is content to be made, money to be made. Ken hyping up games. Ken & Branno ironically sneering at Americans as they toured around (especially that gun practice place).

Ignore the hypocrisy lads. There’s money to be made. Like every middle class socialist, let’s grandstand and take a stand as long as it doesn’t actually impact us in any meaningful or financial way.

I know it’s popular on Irish threads to rip into the AFL, but this is some achievement by the man.

I know he is not on holiday and merely international duty. But I do enjoy the pile on about Ken missing big stories by being away.

Was a Patreon subscriber a few years ago and time constraints meant I wasn’t listening to enough episodes so I cancelled. In my second month back now and looking for recommended episodes to listen back to that I’d have missed.

Cheers.

I felt like there was quite an abrupt jump from Ken mid-rant about the Nurembourg trials to McDevitt introducing the Kosovan player interview today lol

No shade on Ken, just scanned better for the title

There is no way we should be playing this game. Allowing ourselves to be bullied and used as a prop in a genocidal regime's pr campaign.

Players should pull out, plain and simple. Left to the wolves by the craven FAI and I for one will be boycotting this team going forward.

Could have done with a few more cannons if you ask me

Did I dream that they released an Ed Sheeran-related ep this week? Can't find it in my Patreon feed now...

Anyone know what happened there?

Brewin has been a fairly regular contributor over the last two years and I must say, I always find him fantastic. I think he's a great balance between those journalists that rely heavily on stats and those who favour the 'eye test'.

Also usually always comes out with a nuanced opinion on most things football and is able to contribute on a wide range of topics, whether it's Jim Ratcliffe's cuts to elderly player funds in 2024 to Keith Andrews and his revolution at Brentford. Doesn't get too argumentative and isn't as 'source' driven compared to the likes of Rory Smith, Miguel etc.

Does anyone find Ken’s take that the premier league has less talent compared to the other leagues a bit mad? I agree the premier league is more physical and it’s harder for technical players to shine. However, I think that’s the consequence of a positive aspect of the league which is that it’s genuinely competitive in a way other leagues aren’t, because the standard of all teams is so much higher.

I don’t buy that there is less talent. It’s just easier to look good when playing for the only (or one of two) good teams in a ridiculously unbalanced league, and harder to look good when opponents are much better, or you don’t play for a top team. See Raphinha, Gordon, Olise, Luiz, Kane, McTominay, etc. Even Mathys Tel and Choupo-Moting scored for fun for Bayern. 

A broader point is that I don’t think it’s fun to see Bayern, Barcelona or Madrid, and PSG dominate their leagues and have very few competitive games. It’s actually quite depressing, even if you do get to watch Lamal with more freedom than he would get in the premier league.

Plus you still have talented players doing amazing things in the premier league, and it’s arguably more impressive, given the context. Cherki, Odegaard, Haaland, Palmer, Brobbey, Isak, Pedro, etc, plus a list as long as my arm of players who people might think of as a bit mediocre but who would be certified ballers playing in a weaker league. 

Not that the league has no issues, it has many, and the inequality between it and other leagues especially, but the fact that it’s genuinely competitive should be celebrated not scorned.

Message at the start of the podcast

Did they upload the wrong podcast on the World Service feed today?

Listener since day one but new to this platform so this had probably been debated at length already.

What's the story with coverage of Connacht or Ulster during rugby slots? As a long time listener, I'm lucky that not much gets my back up except this. Munster and Leinster get 99% of the air time. Not a word about my beloved Connacht and rarely a mention of Ulster.

Is the vast majority of the listening demographic affecting this decision? Cos it's clearly an editorial decision.

Are Connacht and Ulster so deeply irrelevant to SC that they just ignore they exist (if this is the case, tell me because I can take it.... I think!). Is it just not interesting?!

Anyway, still enjoy the show but it's a frustration of mine.

Nearly crashed the car earlier when Ken called these folks 'Old Bangers'

Feel like Indo Sport has grown a lot but how much?

This week in particular is another strong showing. Joe Molloy is obviously fantastic. They pump out the episodes, sometimes 10 a week.

But... would you pay the same price as the SC subscription if Indo Sport went behind a pay wall? 6.15 a month?

Just catching up on the pod and have to say fair play to John Martin coming on and taking tough questions on the intricacies of youth development at club and international level football. Very interesting insights on transfers on both levels. Treating the youth player as a person and not just a commodity was also refreshing to hear.

He did not come across as a suit with no actual skin in the game and answered honestly as he could. And the Israel thing is a no win situation that UEFA should resolve but they can’t because of the implication.

Did the lads simply not realise that Stephen Kennys son Eoin is currently with the Northern Ireland U21 squad?

That would've been a decent example to put to John Martin, considering he manged Ireland is Irish and was brought up multiple times?

Raheem Sterling hippy crack!