Category Archives: James Richardson

Messi saves Barça; reigning champ Chelsea off to stuttering start


“Another astonishing night of Champions League action rounded off Matchday One in dramatic style. Lionel Messi lit up the night as only the world’s best player can, while elsewhere there were jitters for holders Chelsea, penalty drama at Old Trafford, shocks in France and Portugal and more new stars bursting onto the scene.” SI

Football Weekly Extra: Close but no cigars for Chelsea and City in the Champions League
“In today’s Football Weekly Extraaaaaah, AC Jimbo has Rob Smyth, Paul MacInnes and Jonathan Wilson in the pod to marvel at some truly liquid football. Ronaldo’s last-gasp winner against City – woof! Oscar’s screamer against Juventus – double woof! PSG’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic becoming the first player to score for six teams in the competition – legend woof!” Guardian – Jonathan Wilson – James Richardson

Euro 2012: France – an animated history – video


“James Richardson rounds off our series of potted animated international football histories with France, all the way from early humblings at home to old rivals England and through to their three truly great teams, via dominance in their own back jardin. You can watch the Germany, Italy, Republic of Ireland, Spain and England animated histories too” Guardian – James Richardson (Video)

James Richardson’s European football papers review – video

“With a festive flourish, James rounds off the year in continental football with yet another match-fixing scandal in Italy ruining the recently optimistic mood of their press with regard to the Champions League; Dutch demolition on the pitch as a fan has an altercation with the AZ Alkmaar keeper; David Beckham rekindling Franco-British relations with his proposed move to PSG and shock in Spain as the Madrid press hails Barcelona as they get an early Christmas present from Santos in the Club World Cup” Guardian – James Richardson

The Reducer: Premier League Preview

“Welcome to The Reducer, Grantland’s weekly soccer column focusing on the English Premier League. A Reducer is a particularly nasty sliding tackle, one often aimed at something other than the ball (like, say, the knee or thigh). To pick one of hundreds over the years as an example, please watch Manchester United’s Paul Scholes commit midair assault with a deadly Puma boot on Barcelona’s (not particularly lovable, himself) Sergio Busquets in the 2009 Champions League final.” Grantland

Football Weekly: Premier League 2011-2012 preview
“James Richardson Check! Barry Glendenning? Check! Gags, predictions, stats and more puns than you could shake a stick at? Check-checkity-check-check! Yes, Football Weekly is back to preview the new Premier League season, with Sean Ingle and Gregg Roughley joining James and Barry to shoot the breeze over each team’s chances. Predictions abound, so keep this edition safe to beat us with later in the year.” Guardian – James Richardson

Football Weekly: Taxi for Wenger?

“Our topics for rumination and mastication include showing a bit of love to Arsène Wenger after yet another late collapse by the Gunners; celebrating the end of Fernando Torres’s goal drought; and wondering whether Liverpool can pip Tottenham into fifth place and squeak into Europe. Plus, we look ahead to the Champions League semi-finals and catch up with the goings on in Serie A, the Bundseliga and La Liga (where Lionel Messi has scored his 50th goal of the season, and Real Madrid’s reserve side tonked third-place Valencia 6-3).” Guardian – James Richardson

Football Weekly: Stan Kroenke gunning for full control at Arsenal

“It’s Arsenal who dominate the agenda with their activities both on the field and off it. While Jens Lehmann made his return to see the Gunners through to victory against Blackpool, we wonder what the ownership of Stan Kroenke means for the club (apart from replica moustaches for fans). Next, it’s the second legs of the Champions League quarter-finals. Spurs look to have an impossible task overturning their 4-0 drubbing in Madrid, but there’s still everything to play for between Chelsea and Manchester United, while can defending champions Inter come back from their 5-2 deficit in Germany?” Guardian – James Richardson

Football Weekly: Rooney lets it all out

“James Richardson has Sean Ingle, Barry Glendenning and James Horncastle on board for 46 minutes of Football Weekly aural pleasure. We start with all the action from the Premier League, including Wayne Rooney’s hat-trick and general sweariness, Sunderland’s slide towards the relegation zone, and the unveiling of the highly tasteful Michael Jackson statue at Craven Cottage. Next up, Sid Lowe tells us about the mood in Madrid ahead of Tottenham’s visit to the Bernabéu in the Champions League just days after Real all but surrendered La Liga by losing 1-0 at home to Sporting Gijón (which was, remarkably, José Mourinho’s first home defeat in nine years).” Guardian – James Richardson

Football Weekly Extra: Fabio Capello’s phoning it in, and Fifa’s battling it out

“Despite a tumbleweed week of football, the pod find plenty to chew on in this week’s Football Weekly Extra-a-a-a-a-a-a … James is joined by ZonalMarking.net editor Michael Cox, Owen Gibson, Barry Glendenning and Paul MacInnes. And thank heavens for your posts, as the team discuss why there are so many games at Christmas and so few in March, now that the sun has come out.” Guardian, James Richardson

Football Weekly: Birmingham’s Carling Cup joy

“We begin by hearing from Tom Lutz about Birmingham City’s victory in the Carling Cup final. Blues will be competing in Europe next season – lucky Europeans get to savour the delights of Mr Egg as a result – but what now for Arsenal: just how badly will this defeat destabilise the rest of Arsenal’s season? Also in the podcast, we discuss Wayne Rooney’s elbow, Ashley Cole’s misadventures with an air rifle, the malaise at Plymouth and various battles on and off the pitch involving Port Vale, Wycombe and Macclesfield. Finally, we get up to speed on all the action in Ligue 1; James Horncastle brings us his inaugural Serie A round-up; and we hear all about Uli Hoeness’s magnificent sausages.” Guardian – James Richardson

Football Weekly Extra: international friendlies – and things get Messi again

“With friends like these … James Richardson is joined by Gregg Roughley, Paul MacInnes, Raphael Honigstein and Jacob Steinberg – plus, on the line we have Ewan Murray and Marcela Mora y Araujo. The pod exercises cautious optimism after England’s 2-1 victory over Denmark and tours the rest of the international friendlies, including Germany v Italy and the big Messi-Ronaldo tussle in Geneva. There’s the midweek action – featuring Scotland’s win over Northern Ireland, and we look forward to the weekend’s matches, especially the Manchester derby. And what about that stadium victory for West Ham? Will a running track be perfect for a team used to going round in circles?” Guardian

Football Weekly podcast: A nightmare debut for Fernando Torres

“It’s an all-star line-up for your brand new edition of Football Weekly, with AC Jimbo joined by Sean Ingle, Barry Glendenning, Barney Ronay and Gregg Roughley in a packed pod. We start by dissecting Fernando Torres’s miserble debut for Chelsea as the Blues went down to resurgent Liverpool. Is the Spaniard the new Chris Sutton? Wiser people than us seem to think so.” Guardian – James Richardson

Torres, Carroll, Suarez, Adam: Transfer Chaos.


Adoration of the Golden Calf, Jacopo Robusti
“For the first couple of seasons at Liverpool, Fernando Torres was the most complete striker I’d ever seen at the club; Ian Rush’s pace and finishing prowess, but with the ability to also beat defenders with skill and hit a wider variety of strikes. He seemed humble, hard-working and devoted to the club. He was perfect. While his goalscoring remained impressive last season, in spite of injuries and the team’s struggles, his attitude had changed from that of someone grateful to be at the club to that of someone who often looked moody and disinterested, and far too concerned with getting into verbal spats with opposition players. He’d explode into life, but also descend into sulks, as was noted many times. Being managed by Roy Hodgson only deepened his visible depression.” Tomkins Times

Football Weekly podcast: The Torres transfer and a bad romance
“Barry Glendenning makes his return to the Football Weekly pod as AC Jimbo and co look back on the all the action from the FA Cup and speculate wildly on the future of Fernando Torres and various other comings and goings on the last day of the transfer window.” Guardian – James Richardson

On the third day of Christmas – The best journalist


Jonathan Wilson
“We love Twitter. It is like visiting a Roman Forum back in 50BC, stopping to chat to all and sundry about everything under the sun. Want some chat about the wrong tactics used by Inter Milan at the weekend, then touch base with Jonathan Wilson or Zonal Marking. Fancy trying to understand what on earth is going on at Upton Park then have a chat with Jacob Steinberg, Mark Segal from ITV Sport, Matt Law from the Express or Dan Silver from the Daily Mirror. And want to get a Pro’s view on life now or as it was a few years ago then have a chat with Martin Allen, Garry Nelson or Bolton Wanderers Kevin Davies.”
On the first day of Christmas – The best website, On the second day of Christmas – The best game, On the third day of Christmas – The best journalist

Football Weekly Extra: World shrugs as Pardew takes the reins at Newcastle

“Welcome to a stereophonic, supercharged edition of Football Weekly Extra, with James Richardson, Barry Glendenning, Sean Ingle and Jonathan Wilson’s huge floating brain beaming down from near-earth orbit. We start our Premier League discussions with another fine mess at Newcastle United. The Geordies love a messiah – but really, Alan Pardew? Also in the podcast, we take in all the dead rubber action from the Champions League, while Sid Lowe tells us about the Barcelona-tinged Ballon d’Or.” Guardian – James Richardson

James Richardson


“Cast your eyes skywards on a clear night and, if you’re lucky, you might just catch a glimpse of a small pod circulating in near earth orbit. Contained within that small capsule is a group of people who – twice weekly – produce a master-class in football punditry, namely, The Football Weekly. Rallying those troops together in an attempt to reawaken Blighty with some European footie news interspersed with the odd welcoming pun is James Richardson, AC Jimbo to his mates.” (European Football Weekends)

French make toast of woeful England

“James Richardson has Kevin McCarra, Owen Gibson and Barry Glendenning on board for this edition of Football Weekly Extra to look back on England’s soufflé-like collapse against Laurent Blanc’s France. We wrap up the best (and worst) of the rest of the international friendlies – including Sid Lowe’s account of Spain’s 4-0 defeat to Portugal, Italy’s controversial draw with Romania, and Scotland’s demolition of, er, the Faroe Islands – and get up to speed with the latest shenanigans at Fifa.” (Guardian – James Richardson)

Football Weekly: Mancini on the ropes as City fall to Wolves

“We start with the Premier League, and, with talk of a player revolt, we ask: is it all over for Roberto Mancini after Manchester City slumped to another defeat at Wolverhampton Wanderers? Just what was going on with the officials for Manchester United’s controversial second goal against Tottenham Hotspur? And how come Kevin Nolan can’t stop scoring now that Newcastle United team-mate Andy Carroll has come to stay? Next, Paolo Bandini joins us to marvel at Lazio, who are setting the pace in Serie A, and we look forward to Internazionale’s visit to White Hart Lane in the Champions League. Finally, Sid Lowe tells us that it’s now officially a two-horse-race between Barcelona and Real Madrid in La Liga (and it might even come down to a shoot-out between Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo), and we wonder whether Cardiff City and Swansea will grace England’s top division next season.” (Guardian – James Richardson)

Football Weekly Extra: Premier League season preview

“Football Weekly returns with a director’s-cut length Premier League preview show with host James Richardson and an old-school line-up of John Ashdown, Barry Glendenning and Sean Ingle. First up we discuss the contenders for the title: Will Man City be hampered by having too many holding midfielders? Will Man Utd’s ageing squad be a problem? Are Chelsea on the way down? Who comes out best in the Cole/Benayoun swap? What the hell is going on at Aston Villa? And has Barry really bet Sean £20 that Liverpool won’t finish in the top six?” (Guardian – James Richardson)

Football Weekly: Treble top for Inter and José Mourinho

“It’s the final Football Weekly of the season, and James Richardson’s got Fernando Duarte, Paolo Bandini and Barry Glendenning in the pod to celebrate and commiserate in equal measure. We start of of course with the Champions League final. Internazionale claimed an historical Treble after the beat Bayern Munich 2-0 at the Santiago Bernabéu. And with José Mourinho now all but certain to join Real Madrid – can the galácticos rightly claim to be managed by the greatest coach around?” (Guardian – James Richardson)

Heartache for Fulham and Blackpool’s superstar DJ

“Raphael Honigstein, Barry Glendenning and John Ashdown help James dissect the week’s football action. As Fulham narrowly lose in the Europa Cup final, the pod ponder why they are patronised so much, and what the future holds for Roy Hodgson’s men. There were amazing scenes in Madrid where 40,000 Atlético fans danced the night away and Sid Lowe explains just why it means so much to the people’s club of Spain’s capital city.” (Guardian – James Richardson)

Football Weekly: Guts and goals galore in the fight for the title

“With just two weeks left of the Premier League season, it’s still all to play for at the top. Chelsea went goal crazy (again) to stay in control, but Manchester United put in a gut-wrenching performance – at least for Patrice Evra and Nani – to beat Tottenham Hotspur to stay in the hunt. James Richardson and his Football Weekly chums are here to analyse it all.” (Guardian – James Richardson)

Football Weekly Extra: Joy for José Mourinho as Inter beat Barcelona

“Paolo Bandini, Sean Ingle and Owen Gibson join James to debate the week’s football news. As Barcelona lose away to Inter, the pod ponder where it went wrong for the European Champions. They also discuss Zlatan Ibrahimović’s shocking match stats and the latest in the Mario Balotelli saga. Sid Lowe is on hand to give reaction from the Spanish press.” (Guardian – James Richardson)

Football Weekly Extra: Arsenal back from brink in Barça clash

“After a fantastic midweek of Champions League action, Sean Ingle, Barry Glendenning and Raphael Honigstein join James Richardson to look back at the key moments. First up, the pod assess how Arsenal were able to get back into their thunderously exciting first-leg against Barcelona and assess what chance their injury-hit squad have in the second leg.” (Guardian – James Richardson)

Football Weekly: Manchester United in pole position

“Manchester United sit on top of the Premier League today after beating Liverpool, while Chelsea dropped more points against Blackburn Rovers. On your brand new Football Weekly, James Richardson, Sean Ingle, Paolo Bandini and Fernando Duarte analyse the various machinations of the title race. Can the Blues regain their confidence? Are the Red Devils utterly unstoppable? And will Arsenal still have a say, or will the Champions League prove too much of a distraction?” (Guardian – James Richardson)

Football Weekly: Beckham’s World Cup over

“It’s a sad day in podland, and not just because Phil Brown has been relieved of his duties at Hull City. On your brand new Football Weekly, we sing an ode to David Beckham, whose World Cup dream is over in the wake of a potentially career-ending achilles injury (although that cut under his eye looks fairly nasty too). James Richardson and a dangerously sleep-deprived Rob Smyth shed a tear.” (Guardian – James Richardson)

Football Weekly: Terry strong arms Chelsea into the FA Cup semi-finals

“The pod squad is suited and booted for your brand new Football Weekly. We start with the FA Cup, where Harry Redknapp could be set for another encounter with Portsmouth, and Aston Villa came from behind against Reading to set up a semi-final with Chelsea – for whom John Terry was the perfect gentleman in his victory celebration and post-match interview. Barry Glendenning gives his thoughts.” (Guardian – James Richardson)

Football Weekly Extra: Bridge waves World Cup goodbye

“Sean Ingle, Paul Doyle and Raphael Honigstein join James Richardson to talk about the midweek’s action. As Wayne Bridge calls time on his England career, the pod ponder his reasons and consider how missing Ashley Cole and Wayne Bridge will affect England in South Africa. Could the excellent form of Leighton Baines ease Fabio Capello’s pain?” (BBC – James Richardson)

Football Weekly: Everton turn on the style and the race for fourth

“The little big man is back! Yes, James Richardson returns to lead the Football Weekly team – that’s Messrs Ashdown, Ronay, and Duarte to you – in its latest battle with mediocrity (aka 6-0-6). This week, having shown Manchester United a thing or two about free-flowing football, we’re asking whether Everton have the best midfield in the Premier League? Plus, after Manchester City and Liverpool played out the dullest game of the season, we assess the chances of Aston Villa or Tottenham Hotspur clinching that final Champions League spot.” (Guardian – James Richardson)

Football Weekly Extra: Arsenal and Real Madrid on the back foot

“Kicked out of the near-earth-orbit studio by overrated Indie rockers Vampire Weekend and with a presenter still somewhere in the alpine wilderness, Football Weekly makes do with a broom cupboard and whoever Producer Pete could find five minutes before recording was due to commence. Luckily he found Paul MacInnes, Rob Smyth, Kevin McCarra and Paul Doyle at a loose end and they all agreed to do him a turn. The hastily assembled bunch waste no time getting stuck into the week’s Champions League action, including Lukasz Fabianski’s night to forget, a Rooney-inspired comeback at the San Siro and Bayern Munich’s ludicrously offside goal to beat Fiorintina.” (Guardian – James Richardson)

Football Weekly: Robinho packs his bags and Rooney runs riot

“Another Football Weekly, and it’s a show as packed as Cristiano Ronaldo’s Armani underpants (more on him later). James Richardson is joined in the pod by Sean Ingle, Barry Glendenning and Barney Ronay,and they begin by analysing a mixed weekend for Manchester United and Manchester City ahead of the second leg of their Carling Cup semi-final. City’s Robinho appears to be heading back to Brazil, and – with a little help from Fernando Duarte – we discuss whether this is a case of good riddance to bad rubbish, or has British football’s most expensive import just been badly managed?” (BBC – James Richardson)