The Second Captains Podcast

The first week of the new European cup featured some hardy perennials - including a last-minute Munster drop goal, a patchy early-season Leinster win, and yet another game between Ulster and Leicester. Gerry Thornley and Shane Horgan examine the three Irish recoveries and deeper issues at play.The best game of the weekend was between Australia and New Zealand, with the Wallabies losing first the game, and then their coach, who resigned immediately afterwards. Former Leinster and Scotland coach Matt Williams joins us from Sydney to discuss how the wallabies are set ahead of their trip to Europe.Cillian O'Connor won his third Mayo county final this weekend - he talks to us about getting a box off your brother, the All-stars, and playing football in October. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Todays' show features one of the heroes of Ireland's draw with Germany - David Forde talks to us about being too knackered to sprint the length of the field to celebrate with John O'Shea, the return of Shay Given and looking ahead to a momentous night in Glasgow next month.With the start of the European Rugby Champions Cup this weekend, Stephen Ferris joins us to discuss retirement, his Ulster pals and where they're at this season, and Simon Hick uncorked a bottle of red and talked rugby with Sky Sports' Stuart Barnes.And there are pointless mentions of Gabriela Szabo, the emasculation of Will Genia, and our favourite Nigerian pitchside reporter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin, Ken and Murph talk about John O'Shea's moment of glory, why it is that coaches often seem to prefer less talented players for more difficult games, and the new book on Pep Guardiola. Emmet Malone and Dion Fanning were in Gelsenkirchen for Ireland's 1-1 draw and they join us with their reaction and what O'Neill should do now that its raining Irish midfielders.And we hear from Jonathan Wilson on the drone-scuppered Serbia-Albania game. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ken and Eoin discuss the Robbie Keane/Wes Hoolahan/Shane Long dilemma, the shrinking home advantage, Roy Keane's expectations of telepath, and Roy Hodgson stepping on another rake.Emmet Malone takes the pulse of the Irish squad before they take on the world champs.German analyst Stephan Uersfeld tells us they remain super confident in spite of shaky recent form. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ken, Eoin and Murph discuss monkey attacks, the pebble of Cashel, short kick outs, memorable goalies and if life would be better with a name like Jordan Perez.We welcome Gerry Thornley and Denis Hickie into studio to discuss the start of the European season, which Irish team will go furthest and if 'Toulon the unstoppable money machine' are bad for the game. On Saturday Poland secured their first win ever against hated rivals Germany, who hadn't lost a qualifier since 2007. We talk to Maciej Iwanski, football commentator with TVP Poland about the historical and sporting significance of this win. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin and Ken talk about Roy Keane's new book and wonder do we know the man any better after reading this latest autobiography.Emmet Malone was at today's launch of Roy's book and we hear his reaction to what has been a bizarre week overall.And Sid Lowe joins us to talk about FC Barcelona's part in the Catalan independence debate. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ken has been speed reading the Roy Keane book and finds within those pages a man deeply unsure of himself, a comic genius and one who still enjoys confrontation as much as ever.We talk to Gabriele Marcotti about Keane, the Kevin Pietersen farce, bullying in elite sport and what its like to write Paolo Di Canio's autobiography.We also have Christy O'Connor on Cork legend Ger Cunningham replacing Anthony Daly, a Mt Kiliminjaro PBESO special, Mr Football Wally Downes, and lots of insight into the mind of Roy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin and Ken discuss various managers' views on the proper response for injured or semi-injured footballers: do you grit your teeth and play through the pain, or burst into tears and let everyone down?John Brewin was at Stamford Bridge to see Chelsea rolling over the top of Arsenal.And Manuel Veth talks to us about the cost of Russia 2018. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin Ken and Murph implore Leinster and Munster to start fighting again, dismiss Carlow football, have a cunning plan for Joe Schmidt and explain how to out sprint Jim McGuinness.Denis Hickie and Gerry Thornley worry for Leinster, Munster and also Ireland after a sub standard derby on saturday night.Oisin McConville explains why Donegal's All Ireland win in 2012 was the greatest coaching achievement in the history of the GAA and why there's good news for, Meath, Galway and Longford. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Eoin and Ken discuss whether the best way to stop conceding goals at set pieces is to practise not conceding goals from set pieces, and wonder whether Arsene Wenger has finally found his Caleb Folan.Richie Sadlier joins us to talk about Liverpool's abject showing in Basel.And Tim Vickery on the huge impact FIFA's ban on third-party ownership will have on Brazilian football's chaotic economy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.