The Joy of Football

On this week’s episode of The Joy of Football, Martin Tyler and Neil Barnett are joined by former Wales international striker Hal Robson-Kanu for a fascinating conversation spanning football, mentality, and life beyond the pitch.

Best known for his iconic goal against Belgium at Euro 2016 and his Premier League career with West Bromwich Albion and Reading, Robson-Kanu reflects on the mindset required to perform at the highest level, the moments that shape a career, and the resilience needed to navigate professional football.

The discussion also explores his transition from elite sport into entrepreneurship. As founder of The Turmeric Co., he explains how recovery, nutrition, and holistic health became central to his philosophy — and how lessons learned in football helped shape a business now used by athletes and professionals worldwide.

Along the way, Martin and Neil draw on their own experiences to discuss performance, preparation, and the evolving demands of the modern game, making for a thoughtful and wide-ranging episode.

A compelling conversation about elite performance, life after football, and applying sporting discipline to success beyond the game.



Find The Turmeric Co. here: https://theturmeric.co

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Join Neil Barnett (former Chelsea touch-liner announcer and football journalist) alongside the voice of the Premier League, Martin Tyler in celebrating the greatest addiction in the World! 

Hosted by The Revive Lounge Ltd 

UCsdye1hUxP4xhgBx9zvuSjg Subscribe to https://youtube.com/@TheReviveLounge?si=L5ddzrJrtSmErtJ5 

Support the Pod https://patreon.com/TheJoysofFootballPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink Read us on 

Substack https://martintylerandneilbarnett.substack.com/ 

Follow our Twitter https://x.com/TheJOF 

Follow our Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@joy_of_football_pod?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc 

Follow our Instagram https://https://www.instagram.com/joy_of_football_pod/ 

Contact us via: [email protected] 

Music by Arron Clague - https://www.instagram.com/arronclague?igsh=aHg1bjQ3OHpmaXIz 

Intro Sequence by Wellong Sadewo (wells.illustration): https://www.instagram.com/wells.illustration/ 

For incredible football artwork, check out: https://linktr.ee/marclobodaart 

A massive thank you to our Patreon Supporters: 

Nick Parmenter 

Hillary Abbott 

Daniel Butigan 

Tommy Mck 

Katie Watson 

Benjamin Fairclough 

Nathan A
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On this week’s episode of The Joy of Football, Martin Tyler and Neil Barnett take on some of the game’s biggest current talking points, with a particular focus on form, trends, and how football is evolving in front of our eyes.

The conversation begins with “We Need To Talk About”, as the guys dig into the modern Brazilian centre-forward. From Richarlison and Gabriel Jesus to João Pedro and Igor Jesus, the guys discuss why Brazil’s production line of number nines, and who could get a shot at the World Cup.

In Three of the Best, Martin and Neil each pick their standout players across generations. There’s praise for emerging talents like Dango Ouattara and Mateus Mané, reflection on influential figures such as Steve Holland and Siniša Mihajlović, and appreciation for current players including Ismaïla Sarr and Angel Gomes.

Martin then delivers another Letter From The Gantry, this week centred on hat-tricks (and a time when Martin saw 3 in one go) - what makes them special, how they feel from the commentary box, and why certain moments stay with you long after the final whistle.

And the episode closes with Voice of Passion, where the discussion turns to whether changes in the game are really for the good of football. From Manchester City’s disallowed goal to extended drinks breaks, Martin and Neil question where the balance lies between tradition, fairness, and entertainment.

As ever, it’s a thoughtful, experience-led look at football — past, present, and where it might be heading next.

#ad Find out more about St James Place here! https://www.sjp.co.uk

Join Neil Barnett (former Chelsea touch-liner announcer and football journalist) alongside the voice of the Premier League, Martin Tyler in celebrating the greatest addiction in the World! 

Hosted by The Revive Lounge Ltd 

UCsdye1hUxP4xhgBx9zvuSjg Subscribe to https://youtube.com/@TheReviveLounge?si=L5ddzrJrtSmErtJ5 

Support the Pod https://patreon.com/TheJoysofFootballPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink Read us on 

Substack https://martintylerandneilbarnett.substack.com/ 

Follow our Twitter https://x.com/TheJOF 

Follow our Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@joy_of_football_pod?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc 

Follow our Instagram https://https://www.instagram.com/joy_of_football_pod/ 

Contact us via: [email protected] 

Music by Arron Clague - https://www.instagram.com/arronclague?igsh=aHg1bjQ3OHpmaXIz 

Intro Sequence by Wellong Sadewo (wells.illustration): https://www.instagram.com/wells.illustration/ 

For incredible football artwork, check out: https://linktr.ee/marclobodaart 

A massive thank you to our Patreon Supporters: 

Nick Parmenter 

Hillary Abbott 

Daniel Butigan 

Tommy Mck 

Katie Watson 

Benjamin Fairclough 

Nathan A

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this week’s episode of The Joy of Football, Martin Tyler and Neil Barnett bring you the shortest podcast we’ve ever recorded (perhaps), but one absolutely packed with ideas, stories and footballing intrigue.

We begin with We Need To Talk About, focusing on a topic close to the hearts of Liverpool fans, as Martin reflects on one of the standout summer signings in the Premier League and how it could shape both Liverpool’s season and France’s plans heading towards the next World Cup.

In Letter From The Gantry, Martin takes us inside one of the most extraordinary nights of European football in recent memory — Champions League Matchday 8, with 18 games played simultaneously across the continent. Commentating on Manchester City vs Galatasaray, Martin explains the unique challenge of calling a game while tracking a live, constantly shifting league table, late goals elsewhere, and qualification places changing by the minute. A night that perfectly captured the chaos, tension and storytelling that defines elite football.

Comparisons stays with the Champions League theme, as the guys assess how English clubs have fared compared to the rest of Europe, discuss goalkeepers scoring crucial goals, and weigh up some of the game’s most fascinating contrasts — including Arsenal’s left-wing options and iconic Welsh players Ryan Giggs and Gareth Bale.

In Voice of Passion, Neil makes his case against the modern use of substitutes, questioning whether five subs and multiple tactical changes favour the richest clubs and alter the competitive balance of the game. Drawing on recent matches — including Chelsea’s dramatic wins — the discussion explores how substitutions are reshaping football tactically and emotionally.

A shorter episode than usual, but one filled with insight, debate and behind-the-scenes perspectives.

Join Neil Barnett (former Chelsea touch-liner announcer and football journalist) alongside the voice of the Premier League, Martin Tyler in celebrating the greatest addiction in the World! 

Hosted by The Revive Lounge Ltd 

UCsdye1hUxP4xhgBx9zvuSjg Subscribe to https://youtube.com/@TheReviveLounge?si=L5ddzrJrtSmErtJ5 

Support the Pod https://patreon.com/TheJoysofFootballPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink Read us on 

Substack https://martintylerandneilbarnett.substack.com/ 

Follow our Twitter https://x.com/TheJOF 

Follow our Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@joy_of_football_pod?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc 

Follow our Instagram https://https://www.instagram.com/joy_of_football_pod/ 

Contact us via: [email protected] 

Music by Arron Clague - https://www.instagram.com/arronclague?igsh=aHg1bjQ3OHpmaXIz 

Intro Sequence by Wellong Sadewo (wells.illustration): https://www.instagram.com/wells.illustration/ 

For incredible football artwork, check out: https://linktr.ee/marclobodaart 

A massive thank you to our Patreon Supporters: 

Nick Parmenter 

Hillary Abbott 

Daniel Butigan 

Tommy Mck 

Katie Watson 

Benjamin Fairclough 

Nathan A
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this week’s episode of The Joy of Football, Martin Tyler and Neil Barnett begin with a deep dive into one of the games of the season - Arsenal 2–3 Manchester United - a dramatic Premier League clash that delivered late twists, big moments, and plenty to debate.

In Explain That, the guys break down the key incidents from the match, including decisions, officiating, and the role of a brand-new referee in one of the toughest fixtures imaginable. Martin reflects on how games like this feel from the gantry, and why momentum, timing, and emotion can shift so quickly at the highest level.

Elsewhere in the episode, Three of the Best features players from Manchester United, Austria and Portugal, with discussion spanning clubs including Celtic, Middlesbrough, Aston Villa and Fulham.

Neil’s Voice of Passion focuses on exactly that — what passion means in football, how it shows itself, and why it still matters so much to players, supporters and those watching from the stands.

And in Letter From The Gantry, Martin delivers one of his most memorable reflections yet — looking back on the final January England fixture, and why certain matches stay with you long after the final whistle.

A wide-ranging episode built around a classic Premier League encounter, full of insight, debate and storytelling from the gantry.

#Ad Find out more about St James Place here! https://www.sjp.co.uk

Join Neil Barnett (former Chelsea touch-liner announcer and football journalist) alongside the voice of the Premier League, Martin Tyler in celebrating the greatest addiction in the World! 

Hosted by The Revive Lounge Ltd 

UCsdye1hUxP4xhgBx9zvuSjg Subscribe to https://youtube.com/@TheReviveLounge?si=L5ddzrJrtSmErtJ5 

Support the Pod https://patreon.com/TheJoysofFootballPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink Read us on 

Substack https://martintylerandneilbarnett.substack.com/ 

Follow our Twitter https://x.com/TheJOF 

Follow our Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@joy_of_football_pod?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc 

Follow our Instagram https://https://www.instagram.com/joy_of_football_pod/ 

Contact us via: [email protected] 

Music by Arron Clague - https://www.instagram.com/arronclague?igsh=aHg1bjQ3OHpmaXIz 

Intro Sequence by Wellong Sadewo (wells.illustration): https://www.instagram.com/wells.illustration/ 

For incredible football artwork, check out: https://linktr.ee/marclobodaart 

A massive thank you to our Patreon Supporters: 

Nick Parmenter 

Hillary Abbott 

Daniel Butigan 

Tommy Mck 

Katie Watson 

Benjamin Fairclough 

Nathan A

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this week’s episode of The Joy of Football, Martin Tyler and Neil Barnett react to one of the most talked-about nights in recent international football — the controversial AFCON 2026 Final.

The discussion centres on the dramatic scenes that followed the match, including Senegal walking off, a decisive penalty moment, and the fallout surrounding Brahim Díaz’s missed spot-kick, which drew huge attention for his attempted Panenka. The guys also reflect on the wider controversy that followed — from the suspension of the Senegal head coach, to the extraordinary touchline scenes involving Morocco’s ball boys and Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, whose towels kept being stolen by Moroccan ball-boys.

Martin offers a perspective on how finals can unravel under pressure, why emotions run highest on the biggest stages, and how moments like these quickly become part of football folklore.

Elsewhere in the episode, Neil names his All-Time African Premier League XI, celebrating the enormous impact African players have had on the English game, while there’s also reaction to Real Madrid’s shock Copa del Rey exit at the hands of much smaller opposition — a reminder of why knockout football continues to deliver the unexpected.

A wide-ranging episode covering controversy, heritage, pressure, and the moments that make football impossible to look away from.

Join Neil Barnett (former Chelsea touch-liner announcer and football journalist) alongside the voice of the Premier League, Martin Tyler in celebrating the greatest addiction in the World! 

Hosted by The Revive Lounge Ltd 

UCsdye1hUxP4xhgBx9zvuSjg Subscribe to https://youtube.com/@TheReviveLounge?si=L5ddzrJrtSmErtJ5 

Support the Pod https://patreon.com/TheJoysofFootballPodcast?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink Read us on 

Substack https://martintylerandneilbarnett.substack.com/ 

Follow our Twitter https://x.com/TheJOF 

Follow our Tik Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@joy_of_football_pod?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc 

Follow our Instagram https://https://www.instagram.com/joy_of_football_pod/ 

Contact us via: [email protected] 

Music by Arron Clague - https://www.instagram.com/arronclague?igsh=aHg1bjQ3OHpmaXIz 

Intro Sequence by Wellong Sadewo (wells.illustration): https://www.instagram.com/wells.illustration/ 

For incredible football artwork, check out: https://linktr.ee/marclobodaart 

A massive thank you to our Patreon Supporters: 

Nick Parmenter 

Hillary Abbott 

Daniel Butigan 

Tommy Mck 

Katie Watson 

Benjamin Fairclough 

Nathan A

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices