The Joy of Football

On this special Christmas edition of The Joy of Football, Martin Tyler and Neil Barnett are joined by a table full of broadcasting royalty to share stories from life in the commentary box during the festive period. Recorded over dinner, the guys sit down with Bill Leslie, Tony Gale, Gary Taphouse, Sky Sports producer Nigel Dean, and host Tony Jones, all reflecting on what it’s really like commentating on football at Christmas — the travel, the pressure, the mishaps, and the moments that still linger decades later. From missed flights, frantic dashes to kick-off, Boxing Day traffic nightmares and hotel Christmases, to the unique atmosphere of festive football and how the game — and crowds — have changed over the years, this is a rare behind-the-scenes look at football broadcasting during its most demanding time of year. There’s also a heartfelt Letter From The Gantry, as Martin reflects on a lifetime of Christmas football memories — from his first match as a boy, to his early days as a commentator, and an unforgettable act of kindness from legendary West Ham manager John Lyall that has stayed with him ever since. A warm, nostalgic, and deeply personal episode — perfect listening for the festive period. CHAPTERS 00:00 Coming up! ⏭️ 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

On this week’s episode of The Joy of Football, Martin Tyler and Neil Barnett are diving into some of the most talked-about clubs in the country - and why, right now, football is harder than it looks. First up in We Need To Talk About, the guys take a closer look at Aston Villa, Leeds, and Crystal Palace, and what’s really going on behind the headline results. Then it’s Letter From The Gantry, where Martin reflects on a prior trip to Italy - the football, the atmosphere, and the moments that caught his eye. Next is Over Land and Sea, with a deep dive into Italian football’s journey: from dominance, through Calciopoli, and into two decades of struggle and reinvention. After that, it’s time for Three of the Best, featuring: Kelly N’mai (and a mention for Thierno Barry), Adrien Truffert, Darren England, Marvin Hinton, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and Gabriel Gudmundsson. CHAPTERS 00:00 Coming up! ⏭️ 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

What We’ve Learned About the Title Race… so far & Farewell to Billy Bonds On this week’s episode of The Joy of Football, Martin Tyler and Neil Barnett are looking at the Premier League season so far - now officially one-third of a marathon - with clubs already around 13 games in, and European sides approaching 20. How is is all shaping up, and can we draw any conclusions yet? First up, the big questions: What’s the best game they’ve seen so far? Is there really a shortage of top centre-backs? And what’s going on with Brazil’s centre-forwards? Then we have a tribute in Farewell Legend, as we reflect on the incredible career and life of Billy Bonds. After that, it’s Letter From The Gantry, where Martin looks back on recent games he’s covered, the CRAZY moments that stood out and more. Next is Three of the Best, featuring; Lewis Miley, Reigan Heskey, Liam Rosenior, Danilo, Ivan Perišić, Marc Cucurella. And we finish with YOUR feedback — this week, all about Crystal Palace’s best player. 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

On this week's episode of The Joy of Football, Martin Tyler and Neil Barnett are making COMPARISONS. With names like; David Ginola, Jude Bellingham, Ebereche Eze and more, this is a segment not to be missed! Then it's Martin's Letter from the Gantry about once commentating on his namesake... kind of. And we finish with Three of the Best, where the guys dicuss players like Michael Olise, Wilfried Zaha, and of course Ebereche Eze... perhaps you're noticing a theme? #Ad Find out more about St James Place here! https://www.sjp.co.uk 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! #football #WorldCup #footballpodcast #football #eze #footballpodcast #soccer #arsenal 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 are talking international break, and the upcoming 2026 World Cup in the USA. First we have Martin's Letter from the Gantry, reflecting on how he's seen EVERY England World Cup game, in the flesh, since 1982. Then it's 'Over Land and Sea'. Martin looks back on his time in the US for a tournement, and how THREE different hotels threw away the fax from bis children wishing him a 'Happy Father's Day' - and Neil explain how, on one of his tours of the States, he end up having his fligh delyed and getting drunk with a stranger. Next is 'Explain That', where they guys dscuss new VAR Developments, why Refs should be able to give fouls when the ball isn't in play, and the structure of the 2026 World Cup. After that is Three of the Best, and no surprise, we feature Troy Parrott and THAT unbelievable moment. And we finish with Stoppage Time, which is all about the 3-UP National League Campaign. 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! #football #WorldCup #footballpodcast [Chapters] 00:00 ⏩ COMING UP! 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