The Hard Truth - Inside the Football Industry with Darragh MacAnthony S6 EP22: Should The EFL expand the play-offs?
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Feb 12, 2026 Pre-match nerves and excuses as two fans preview a big derby. A CEO celebrates a 6-0 win, youth players stepping up and squad depth. Debate over expanding Championship play-offs to six teams and objections to relegation playoffs. Critique of recent managerial sackings, recruitment woes and tactical stubbornness at top clubs.
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Big Win Despite Missing Stars
- Darragh celebrates Peterborough's big 6-0 win and Lisby's hat-trick as signs the squad can perform despite injuries.
- He stresses trusting available players rather than obsessing over absentees to build momentum.
Back Your Existing Players
- Prioritise developing players on hand rather than chasing replacements, says Darragh about long-term squad health.
- Use academy loans and smart coaching to bring young players through instead of panicking in transfer windows.
Nervy Finish At Mansfield
- Darragh recounts Mansfield's late pressure and a disputed extra-time goal that made the win nervy.
- He criticises the referee for overshooting six minutes of added time during heavy pitch conditions.