The Lob Podcast

Liverpool, with a rich, unique and storied history, to go alongside their hypnotic contemporary resurgence, meant that gravity was always going to lead These Football Times to a magazine in their honour. Featuring exclusive audio from our interview with Jamie Carragher, join Stuart Horsfield, Steven Scragg, Gary Thacker and Jeff Goulding as they discuss our upcoming release.

Sarah Starkey talks to us about Liverpool's 2005 Champions League campaign, culminating in that epic comeback in Istanbul against AC Milan. From an inauspicious start that almost ended in elimination at the group stage to what is arguably the greatest European Cup final of all, this is the story of how a Steven Gerrard-inspired side cemented a young girl's love of Liverpool.

The European Championship is a constant shape-shifting entity, though first five finals were only four-nation events. From forgotten legends of yesteryear to coin-toss triumphs and Antonin Panenka's genius, this is the story of the tournament from 1960 to 1976 - part one of a new series discussing dissecting all finals ahead of Euro 2020.

As well as having a volatile political history, Mexico is one of the world's most passionate football countries, so there's little surprise that these two components of the North American nation combine. In this episode, we draw a focus on Club Tijuana as Edd Norval gives us a guided tour of the side, its colourful owner, and it's rapid rise through the league structure. We discuss its history, relations with other clubs and fans, and how a location near the border with the US has created unique opportunities for development.

Hungary's Magical Magyars of the 1950s are one of the iconic sides in the history of world football. Their scintillating play took them to a World Cup final and a long unbeaten run, plus that infamous demolition of English superiority in 1953. Back at home, though, Hungary was anything but a happy place. Author and long-time Hungarian resident David Bailey guides us through the backdrop to those cherry-shirted magicians, looking at the various political powers of the time and how they influenced the development of Hungary's greatest generation.

We talk to Justin Walley, the president of CONIFA Africa and member of the organisation's Executive Committee, about the work they carry out and how the inevitable and often compromising tentacles of politics is something they seek to avoid. Following discussions about FIFA and some of their confederations in recent months, how is CONIFA different and what can they do to shape football's future?

For many of us, football is more than a sport. It can act as an anchor, in as pronounced a manner as our loved ones. More important than work, food and sleep, there is a generation of football watchers who straddle two different eras of the game - and they sometimes struggle to quantify their love. They cling to an era when the game hooked them, yet despair where it is today. It is within this spirit that we speak to the author of the wonderful book I Can't Help Falling In Love With You: Growing up as a Football Addict, Greg Whitaker.

Across the world, populist politics - the idea that society is separated into two groups at odds with one another: the "pure people" and the "corrupt elite" - is often centred on placing the blame on what is perceived to be outside influence, and it's becoming increasingly ubiquitous. Unsurprisingly, this is having an effect on football and how the game is both perceived and being used. What are the implications for football and can it lead to a return to the darker days of the game?

Football in America has been eclectic and polarising from the very start. From the pre-Wall Street Crash boom to Major League Soccer, via the incorrigible NASL, it has a marvellous story to tell, which so much of the world is unaware of. The Lob speaks to Tom Scholes who tells that story in his book Stateside Soccer.

CONMEBOL is one of FIFA's six continental confederations and, as they cover the South American region, it's also one of the most important, having World Cup winners Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay, amongst other countries, plus the Copa Libertadores, within its remit. However, a never-ending mist of controversy, corruption and maladministration swirls around its activities. South American football expert Frederick Clayton guides us through the oft-tangled web of the organisation's activities and discusses its past, present and possible future.

When Arrigo Sacchi stepped through the San Siro doors in 1987, AC Milan would never be the same again. Through his glorious revolution, Capello's evolution, the doldrums of the late 1990s, and the 2000s rebuild under Carlo Ancelotti, the Rossoneri blessed football with some of its finest moments for 20 years. To celebrate the launch of the AC Milan magazine, we caught up with expert Matt Santangelo.

The team that humbled Wembley and taught England that there was an entirely different footballing world out there, The Lob talks to David Bailey, author of the excellent book Magical Magyars, all about the indelible Hungary side that was so brilliant led by Ferenc Puskás yet inexplicably failed to win the 1954 World Cup.

The 1934 World Cup is considered one of the most controversial in the history of the tournament. Held in Italy as Benito Mussolini's fascists were looking to cement control over the country and drive forward their idea of nationalism, it was used as a unique propaganda tool. Dubious refereeing, an influx of non-Italians to the national team, and dodgy organisation were just a few of the incidents. And away from the pitch, things were even more extreme.

Nat Lofthouse is a legendary figure in English football. In this episode, we chat with Matt Clough about his biography of the talismanic striker. We look at the environment that made "Lofty" the man and player he was, his success, trials and tragedy at Bolton, and his career wearing the white of England.

ITV and BT Sport commentator Seb Hutchinson recalls how a team boasting Phil Foden, Jadon Sancho, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Rhian Brewster went to India and inspired a nation by lifting the Under-17 World Cup. Playing with a confidence and freedom seldom seen by any England side, it was a team and a tournament which restored the belief in the domestic game's ability to produce outstanding talent.

Internationally-acclaimed comedian Ashley Blaker recalls a season of epic gluttony as Liverpool lifted the League Cup, FA Cup and UEFA Cup, the latter two after thrilling finals against Arsenal and Alavés. With derby glory aplenty thanks to Gary McAllister's legendary winner and a squad that was as gifted as it was maverick, it remains one of Liverpool's most iconic campaigns.

Out on the southern tip of Spain, Andalusia is an outpost for football in the country, and while other clubs from the region may rise and fall, Sevilla and Real Betis - both based in Seville - remain giants. Indeed, when they play each other, El Gran Derbi is a game like no other. In this podcast, Colin Millar joins us to discusses his book The Frying Pan of Spain, which details the rivalry that both divides and unites the city, going back to the formation of the clubs, their histories, successes and failures.

Chris Weir talks to us about Arsenal's historic Invincibles campaign, which saw them match Preston North End's record of going an entire league season unbeaten. From a ridiculed statement of intent by Arsène Wenger to a nerve-wracking final day victory at Highbury, this is the story of the most historic Premier League campaign.

A season which started with fear and trepidation would become one of West Ham's most successful in recent times. While 2015/16 was dominated by Leicester's title win, Danny Lewis recalls West Ham's emotional final campaign at the Boleyn Ground. Losing just three home games all season, it all culminated in a momentous night under the lights as the Irons beat Manchester United in the final match at Upton Park - before the lights went out for good.

Dan Williamson joins us to discuss Manchester United's iconic treble. A season which started on the back of Arsenal winning the double, signalling a potential shift in power, and David Beckham being vilified for his sending off in the 1998 World Cup would see Alex Ferguson guided his side past the best in Europe to record British football's greatest triumph - and leave a generation with unforgettable memories.