In this episode, Ian and Chris begin by discussing the implications of Pep Guardiola's contract extension at Manchester City and examine why it should be seen as good news for the Premier League. What do you reckon? Is it boring with Pep at the helm or should the rest of the league be doing more to keep up with the Sky Blue juggernaut? The lads are then joined by Mail Sport's Manchester United Writer, Nathan Salt, to discuss the arrival of Ruben Amorim at Manchester United. Players are...

Welcome back to 'It's All Kicking Off!' after the final international break of 2024. In this conversation, Ian Ladyman and Chris Sutton delve into England's upcoming prospects, analysing whether Thomas Tuchel and the Three Lions would benefit from dropping captain, Harry Kane, as everyone's attention turns to the 2026 World Cup... The discussion also highlights Jordan Pickford's impressive goalkeeping and the broader influence of Pep Guardiola on English football tactics, particularly the...

Welcome back to your Weekend Preview edition of 'It's All Kicking Off!' Ian Ladyman and Chris Sutton begin by discussing the ongoing debate of club versus country in football, particularly in light of recent player withdrawals from the England squad. They analyse Harry Kane's comments on the importance of playing for England and the implications of player decisions influenced by club managers. The conversation shifts to the racial undertones in a comment made by Spurs midfielder Rodrigo...

Welcome back to 'It's All Kicking Off!' In this episode, Ian and Chris are joined by Mail Sport writer, Dominic King, as they begin by focusing on Liverpool's current form and the legacy of Jurgen Klopp. They delve into the struggles of Manchester City, Chelsea's transformation under Enzo Maresca, and Fulham's rise as a competitive team. They discuss Everton's managerial decisions and the enigmatic nature of Darwin Nunes. The conversation also touches on the interview attitude of Ange...

Welcome back to the Weekend Preview edition of 'It's All Kicking Off!' Ian and Chris begin by looking backwards at the recent Champions League handball controversies, Manchester City's current 'crisis', the importance of pre-season training, and the dynamics of the England national team. They also delve into Chelsea's title race prospects and Celtic's performance in the Champions League, and the Presenters: Ian Ladyman and Chris Sutton Producer: Henry Williams Featuried in this...

Welcome back to 'It's All Kicking Off!' In this episode, Ian and Chris discuss Sami Mokbel's exclusive story that Edu is set to leave his role as Sporting Director. They explore the implications for the club's management and recruitment strategies, before delving into the importance of the relationship between managers and sporting directors. The conversation shifts to Raheem Sterling's struggles at Arsenal and whether Enzo Maresca is now being proven correct over his decision to freeze the...

Welcome back to 'It's All Kicking Off!' for our Weekend Preview edition. Ian and Chris start off by discussing the rise of Aberdeen in Scottish football and praise the atmosphere during their historic win over Rangers at Pittodrie. They delve into Newcastle's current struggles under Eddie Howe, the impact of Financial Fair Play on the club, and Chelsea's unique approach to team management with a clear distinction between their Premier League and cup teams. The lads also touch on: Spurs'...

Welcome back to 'It's All Kicking Off!' This episode was recorded on Monday morning, before Erik ten Hag was sacked by Manchester United. While some dated aspects of the conversation have since been cut, we thought it was important to still cover the weekend's football as best we can. Ian and Chris delve into the struggles of Ipswich under Kieran McKenna, the defensive issues faced by teams at the bottom of the Premier League, and the controversial VAR decision that affected Manchester...

Erik ten Hag has been sacked from Manchester United, and 'It's All Kicking Off!' is on hand to tell you everything you need to know. Ian Ladyman is joined by Mail Sport's Manchester United Correspondent, Nathan Salt and Sports News Correspondent, Mike Keegan. The conversation delves into the reasons behind the Dutchman's dismissal, the club's ongoing recruitment issues, and the struggles with player performance, particularly in scoring goals. The discussion also highlights the need for a...

Welcome back to 'It's All Kicking Off!' for your Weekend Preview edition. Mike Keegan steps in once again with Ian still sunning himself up in Tenerife. He's joined by Chris Sutton, and Mail Sport writer, Dominic King. The chaps start by focusing on Nottingham Forest's owner Evangelos Marinakis and his controversial actions, with Dom going hard on the punishment he thinks the Greek should be handed. They also discuss: the dynamics of managerial changes at Liverpool, the challenges faced by...

Welcome back to 'It's All Kicking Off!" In this conversation, Mail Sport's News Correspondent, Mike Keegan, steps in for the Tenerife-holidaying, Ian Ladyman. He and Chris start by discussing Liverpool's win over Chelsea and the role Curtis Jones played in overcoming an improving Chelsea side. it is too soon to consider Arne Slot's men, Man City's closest title rivals? They analyse Arsenal's disciplinary issues, Manchester United's recent upturn in form under Ten Hag and Mike tells all...

Welcome back to 'It's All Kicking Off!' for our Weekend Preview edition Ian and Chris begin by analysing Thomas Tuchel's appointment as England manager, exploring the implications of his nationality, the challenges of transitioning from club to international management, and how he will fare during verbal jousts with the media. They also delve into the current state of Manchester United and the agreement reached between Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sir Alex Ferguson to row back on the Scot's Old...

Welcome back to 'It's All Kicking Off!' Fresh off the penultimate international break weekend of 2024, Ian and Chris begin by discussing various topics surrounding English football, including the current state of the national team, the future of manager Lee Carsley (while analysing a few candidates to replace him), and the Three Lions form of players like Cole Palmer Jude Bellingham, when compared to the performances they put in for their clubs. They also delve into the structure of...

Welcome back to 'It's All Kicking Off!" - for our Weekend Preview Edition. In this episode, Ian Ladyman and Chris Sutton discuss the news, as reported by Mail Sport's Chief Football Repoter, Sami Mokbel, that Jude Bellingham is set to play as a false 9 for Lee Carsley's England side when Greece travel to Wembley. The pair also consider the implications of international breaks on club football and the retirement of football legend Andres Iniesta. The conversation also touches on Jürgen...

Welcome back to 'It's All Kicking Off!' Ian and Chris discuss the latest happenings in the Premier League, including Tottenham's shocking defeat to Brighton and Manchester United's ongoing struggles - can you guess which refereeing decision Ian branded as 'one of the worst of the season so far?' Our Football Editor also suggests that Liverpool's strong performances and impressive points tally under new management may be a false dawn. They also touch on the impact of injuries on teams,...

Welcome back to 'It's All Kicking Off!' for our Weekend Preview edition. Ian Ladyman and Chris Sutton begin by discussing Aston Villa's historic victory over Bayern Munich, the implications of injuries on Villa's upcoming matches, and the claim John Duran has for a start when Unai Emery's side welcome Manchester United. They also delve into the FA's handling of Jack Stephen's punishment for dissent, whether Russell Martin can turn the tide at Southampton... and Ian quizzes Chris on the...

Welcome back to 'It's All Kicking Off!' In this episode, Ian Ladyman and Chris Sutton delve into the current state of Manchester United under Eric Ten Hag, discussing the team's identity crisis and the potential for a change in the dugout. They explore the implications of recent performances, the lack of a credible replacement for Ten Hag, and the contrasting progress being made by Tottenham and Chelsea. The lads also touch on the trend of playing out from the back and analyse Liverpool's...

Welcome back to 'It's All Kicking Off' - for your Weekend Preview edition. Ian Ladyman and Chris Sutton begin by focusing on Newcastle's uncertain atmosphere and hear from Mail Sport's North East Correspondent, Craig Hope, who shares his thoughts on the current state of the club and its management. They break down Arsenal's tactical approach and debate whether they're overstepping the line of legality with their corner routine. We also reflect on Manchester United's consistency issues and...

Welcome back to 'It's All Kicking Off!' - for an exclusive interview with Manchester City's iconic, treble-winning captain, Ilkay Gundogan. Our podcast host, and Mail Sport's Football Editor, Ian Ladyman, sat down with the returning star, as he reveals: Why Man City's rivalry with Arsenal is 'different' to Liverpool The surprise details of his return from Barcelona  The role he played in getting Oasis back together Presenter: Ian Ladyman Producer: Henry Williams With thanks to: Ilkay...

Welcome back to 'It's All Kicking Off!' In this episode, Ian and Chris delve into the thrilling rivalry between Manchester City and Arsenal... exploring the tactical fouls and 'dark arts' employed by teams, the controversies surrounding refereeing decisions, and the evolution of Arsenal's playing style.  The conversation shifts to West Ham's struggles post-David Moyes, the signs of crisis at Newcastle, and the quiet success of Fulham so far. All this, plus Ian and Chris debate the physics...

Welcome back to 'It's All Kicking Off!' - for the world famous Weekend Preview edition. Ian (wish him a Happy Birthday in the comments) and Chris cover a wide array of topics in this instalment. So stay tuned for the latest on: Brennan Johnson's redemption arc Rodri threatens player strike action Whether football fans are being treated 'as mugs' Mark Clattenburg's bizarre comments Celtic's Champions League triumph Presenters: Ian Ladyman and Chris Sutton Producer: Henry...

Welcome back to ‘It’s All Kicking Off!’ Where else go begin than with the North London Derby, where Arsenal recorded their third consecutive triumph in N17.  Ian and Chris praise Arsenal’s defence, not only across the back line, but to a man - as the Gunners limited Tottenham to few opportunities. We hear why this was ‘the worst of Tottenham’ on a day of huge opportunity for a side aiming to finish in the Champions League places.  ... but the lads do question the legitimacy of Gabriel’s...

Welcome back to your Weekend Preview edition of 'It's All Kicking Off!' In the latest instalment, Ian and Chris discuss Mikel Arteta's new contract and question whether it could install Arsenal as the dominant force in English football in the post-Pep era. They also question Tottenham's unusual start to a season and condemn the Premier League's 'nonsense' decision to ban Arsenal from wearing red in the North London Derby. Ian questions Russell Martin's quotes, where he suggested he faces...

Welcome back to 'It's All Kicking Off!' After England's win versus Ireland was overshadowed by Lee Carsley's admission that he wouldn't sing the national anthem, Ian and Chris analyse both sides of the argument and question whether the English players would feel aggrieved by the refusal. The pair also discuss Anthony Gordon's comments, after the Newcastle winger suggested that Gareth Southgate's style restricted freedom, and discuss whether Carsley's predecessor refused to give him minutes...