The Joy of Football

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.

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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/ 

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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 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

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On this week’s episode of The Joy of Football, Martin Tyler and Neil Barnett are joined by special guest Mickey Thomas to discuss Wrexham’s remarkable rise — and what it means through the eyes of someone who has lived the club from the inside.

Mickey reflects on his time at Wrexham and Manchester United, offering perspective on what makes a club tick, how standards are set, and why belief plays such a crucial role in success. The conversation explores Wrexham’s momentum on the pitch, the connection between the team and the town, and why the club now feels full of confidence and purpose.

There’s also discussion around Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s ownership, the global attention they’ve brought to Wrexham, and how that exposure has changed expectations — both positively and challengingly. Martin adds perspective from the gantry on why Wrexham’s story has resonated so widely, and what sustaining success will require as the club continues its journey up the leagues.

A thoughtful, experience-led conversation covering Wrexham, Manchester United, ownership, belief, and modern football, seen through decades of insight and first-hand experience.

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 some of the biggest stories shaping the game right now — including major managerial changes at the top end of the Premier League.

The guys discuss Manchester United’s decision to part ways with Rúben Amorim, what it says about the modern game, and the pressures facing managers at the very highest level. There’s also reaction to Chelsea and Enzo Maresca’s departure, and what that episode tells us about expectation, patience, and direction at elite clubs.

Beyond the headlines, Martin and Neil zoom out to reflect on what these moments say about football in 2025 — the pace of change, the scrutiny on decision-makers, and how quickly narratives can turn. Drawing on decades of experience, Martin offers perspective from the gantry on how the role of the manager has evolved, and why context is often lost in the rush for results.

As ever, it’s a thoughtful, experience-led conversation — balancing the immediacy of the news with a longer view of where the game is heading.

#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 reflect on the changing landscape of the modern game — from how football is played and presented, to how it’s experienced by those inside the stadium and behind the microphone.

The conversation ranges across the pressures of the modern calendar, the demands placed on players and officials, and how the rhythm of football has evolved over time. Martin draws on decades of experience from the gantry, sharing observations on what’s been gained, what’s been lost, and why certain moments still cut through regardless of era.

There’s also a wider discussion about decision-making in the modern game, the balance between analysis and instinct, and how football continues to test everyone involved — from players and managers to commentators and supporters.

As ever, it’s a thoughtful, experience-led conversation shaped by stories, perspective, and a deep love for the game.

Join Neil Barnett (former Chelsea touch-liner announce 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