

Football Daily
BBC Radio 5 Live
The latest news, insight, analysis and big name guests from the Premier League and the Football League, plus Scottish, International and European football. Join us! Get in touch with us @5liveSport on social media and remember to leave us your ratings and reviews.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 30, 2025 • 57min
The Commentators’ View: BIG NEWS, UCL Final & biscuits vs cookies
John Murray, Ian Dennis & Ali Bruce-Ball talk football, travel & language. Ali reflects on his whirlwind trip to Wrocław to see Chelsea win the UEFA Conference League. John is in Munich for the Champions League Final between PSG and Inter Milan. Will John salvage some pride in Clash of the Commentators? And which terms will be added or removed from the Great Glossary of Football Commentary?WhatsApp voicenotes to 08000 289 369
Emails to TCV@bbc.co.uk00:45 Ali’s whistlestop visit to Wrocław,
07:10 Should English clubs be in the Conference League?
11:20 Ali emulates Alan Green
14:05 John in Munich for Champions League Final
15:10 BIG NEWS
27:00 Champions League Final preview
33:45 Clash of the Commentators
40:47 Great Glossary of Football CommentaryBBC Sounds / 5 Live commentaries next weekend:
Fri 1945 England v Portugal in the UEFA Women’s Nations League,
Sat 2000 PSG v Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League Final.

May 23, 2025 • 23min
BONUS - Arne Slot on PL title win, celebrating in Ibiza & next season's targets
Arne Slot, Liverpool's manager, reflects on his victorious first season after taking over from Jürgen Klopp. He discusses the emotional challenges of winning the Premier League, the strategic navigation of player contracts involving stars like Salah and Van Dijk, and the joy of celebrating with the team in Ibiza. Slot shares his insights on cultivating a competitive squad amid financial pressures and the importance of resilience and teamwork in achieving sustained success. His journey also highlights the unique cultural elements of trophy celebrations.

May 17, 2025 • 42min
Remember When… We Actually Won Something
Marc Jones, an AFC Wimbledon fan since the '80s, recounts the unforgettable 1988 FA Cup victory against Liverpool, capturing the spirit of the Crazy Gang. Jeff Harris, a Portsmouth supporter who returned from military service, shares the thrilling journey to Portsmouth's 2008 FA Cup win, featuring Kanu's dramatic moments. They delve into nostalgia, emotional highs and lows, and the vibrant community spirit that defines football fandom, highlighting the unique joys and heartbreaks that unite fans across clubs.

May 16, 2025 • 55min
The Commentators’ View: FA Cup fever & fox in the box
Join the lively discussion that dives into the thrill of commentating on the FA Cup Final, filled with personal anecdotes and professional insights. Experience Ali's adventurous Arctic expedition, and share the nostalgia of Goodison Park's future as it dodges demolition. Discover the emerging concept of the ‘commentator’s blessing’ and have a laugh with football idioms and humorous anecdotes. Engage in a friendly trivia challenge about football terminology, celebrating the rich language of the sport and what it means to fans everywhere.

May 14, 2025 • 1h 14min
Goodbye to Goodison
In this thought-provoking conversation, Everton legend Graham Sharp reflects on the deep emotional ties fans have with Goodison Park, where he thrived as the club’s leading goal scorer. He shares vivid memories of iconic matches, including a thrilling semi-final against Bayern Munich. Joined by notable figures like David Moyes and Wayne Rooney, they delve into the significance of the stadium and the nostalgia surrounding its farewell. As the club shifts to a new chapter, poignant stories from various speakers highlight a rich legacy intertwined with community spirit.

May 10, 2025 • 19min
In Focus with Jacob Murphy
Jacob Murphy, a key player for Newcastle United and lifelong fan of the club, shares his heartfelt journey from boyhood dreams to professional football. He delves into his exhilarating on-field chemistry with striker Alexander Isak, revealing how their partnership enhances team dynamics. Murphy also discusses the pride of representing his childhood club and his aspirations for an England call-up, reminding listeners of the emotional connections that fuel the beautiful game.

May 9, 2025 • 51min
The Commentators’ View: Arctic Ali & owls vs bats
Discover what life is like for a football fan in the Arctic as one commentator shares his experiences watching matches in Bodø. The team discusses Arsenal's recent Champions League exit and reflects on Arteta's management. Expect a playful exploration of quirky football commentary phrases, including some spirited banter on trivia about Norwegian players. Plus, listeners can engage by sending in their thoughts, rounding off a unique blend of travel tales and football insights.

May 2, 2025 • 52min
The Commentators’ View: Bowls drama, stanchions & worldies
Join lively conversations about the emotional highs of football commentary and the joy of lawn bowls drama. Reflect on Liverpool's triumphant season and the exciting Champions League semifinals. Hear anecdotes blending humor and nostalgia while debating football terminology. Learn about a potential adventure to the Arctic and the cultural weight of commentary language, including quirky phrases that fans love. Get ready for a trivia challenge that showcases memorable jersey numbers and highlights unique idioms from the beautiful game!

Apr 29, 2025 • 33min
Monday Night Club special: Premier League & World Cup final official Darren Cann
Recently retired assistant referee Darren Cann joins Mark Chapman, Steph Houghton, Chris Sutton and Rory Smith on the Monday Night Club to provide some amazing insight into life on the touchline.
Among other things, he discusses his career - explaining what a week in his life looked like.
He also explains how VAR has changed the role of an assistant referee and explains how officials block out hostility from players and fans.
And - the big question - is Chris Sutton or Darren Cann a better footballer?
Oh - and how many miles has he run sideways? The answer is really rather amazing.Timecodes:
00:31 Darren Cann's background.
07:46 How do referees analyse their performances?
12:20 Has VAR changed the role of an assistant referee? How do referees communicate?
18:36 Darren's best moments and the 2010 World Cup.
22:20 How do assistant referees train and what skills do they need?
25:28 What is a refereeing team like and why is a good relationship with that team so important?BBC Sounds / 5 Live commentaries this week:
Tue 20:00 - Arsenal v PSG in the UEFA Champions League.
Wed 20:15 - Man Utd v Chelsea in the Women’s Super League.
Thu 20:00 - Athletic Club v Man Utd in the UEFA Europa League.
Thu 20:00 - Tottenham v Bodø/Glimt in the UEFA Europa League.

Apr 26, 2025 • 52min
That Season When . . . Jose Mourinho & Chelsea became “The Special” Club
In June 2004, Jose Mourinho made headlines around the world by claiming ‘I think I’m a special one’ at his unveiling as Chelsea manager. Just under a year later, he lifted the Premier League trophy for the first time, delivering Chelsea their first league title in 50 years. Robert Huth was part of the Chelsea defence that conceded only 15 goals in the league that season – and he joins Mark Chapman, Chris Sutton and Rory Smith 20 years later to reflect on an incredible achievement. They look back on Jose Mourinho’s management style – what was it like to be coached by him? Can he be credited with bringing the 4-3-3 to English football? Hear from midfielder Claude Makelele on his role within the team and from Sir Alex Ferguson on his rivalry with Jose Mourinho. They also discuss what nearly became a domestic treble for Mourinho in his first year in English football, and remember one of the Premier League’s most memorable seasons.


