BBC Sounds are lacing up their boots for a trip down the touchline with a brand-new podcast celebrating the beautiful game in its purest, muddiest and most gloriously unpolished form.
Game’s Gone: The Steve Bracknall Podcast launched on November 20 and is already bringing the chaos, comedy and camaraderie of Sunday League football directly to its listeners’ ears.
Led by grassroots football icon Steve Bracknall, who has gained over one million followers on social media fame as a result of his viral clips while working as Royal Oak FC assistant manager, the podcast aims to provide an unfiltered view on the latest talking points in football, while also juggling the drama of the battle for survival in the Sheffield Sunday Imperial League.
Joining Steve on the podcast are two key members of Royal Oak folklore.
Firstly, there’s Paul Sampson. The first-team manager and fellow founder of the club in the back room of the Royal Oak pub in 1997, whose commitment to the team is frequently questioned due to several well-timed golf trips and a timeshare in Tenerife. Expect that drama to boil over into the podcast.
Then there’s Bob the Bucket, the long-serving club physio and caretaker, who sees his day-to-day responsibilities range from clearing dog mess off the pitch to the injury prevention and rehabilitation of the players. A specific date for his arrival at the club is unknown.
Each episode will see the trio tackle key talking points in the beautiful game, with the unpredictable but oddly beautiful twists of Sunday League football woven in throughout.
Expect sharp humour, chaotic honesty and countless stories that feel too good to be true. As if that mayhem wasn’t enough, key figures will also be joining the Royal Oak crew, including Wayne Rooney, Noel Gallagher and Robbie Williams, just to name a few.
Performed and written by comedian Chris McClure, Game’s Gone: The Steve Bracknall Podcast isn’t just a football show - it’s a love letter to the grassroots game.
Join the trio on the Royal Oak rollercoaster, with shows airing on BBC Sounds and YouTube, thanks to production from Persephonica, now.
Tom Green