Game's Gone: The Steve Bracknall Podcast

Steve Bracknall, Paul Sampson and Bob the Bucket host a live stream reacting to the 2026 FIFA World Cup group stages. They reacted to all the action from the final round of the groups, as England confirm their Round of 32 vs DR Congo, but will Tuchel's right back problems continue to haunt them? Scotland's run comes to an end with Steve Clarke resigning as manager. And as Cape Verde continue to surprise (much to the delight of our Nikki who has them in the Royal Oak Sweepstake) just how far can they go? Plus the lads stick their neck out on who will win the Golden Boot - Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe or Ousmane DembéléGame’s Gone: The Steve Bracknall Podcast is written and performed by Chris McClure and is a Persephonica production for BBC Sounds.tournament, and you can also tune into a BONUS live stream reacting to the group stages via the Game’s Gone YouTube channel this Sunday 28th June at 2PM.Send your questions and voice notes to steve@bbc.co.uk or via whatsapp 0800 7831997Game’s Gone: The Steve Bracknall Podcast is written and performed by Chris McClure and is a Persephonica production for BBC SoundsCreditsSeries Producer: Ad Ahmed Technical Producer: Jasper Fell-Clark Assistant Producer: Harriet Webster Photography: Rob Nicholson Executive Producer: Dino Sofos Commissioning Executive for the BBC: Stevie Middleton Assistant Commissioner for the BBC: Steve Trenchard

Steve Bracknall's landed in Dallas - brisket in one hand, cowboy hat in the other - and seen winning starts from both England and Scotland. He brings us post match reaction to England vs Croatia, and his fans eye view of all of the World Cup action.Back home and joining remotely, Bob refuses to stay up for the late kick-offs and Paul's plotting his move from Sampson Electrics into sports broadcasting. Our Nikki gives her verdict on Steve's new Cowboy look and plans are made for bin day...On the footballing agenda this week: water breaks in air-conditioned stadiums, England's kit drama, James Corden and Steve's unfiltered verdict on American sports coverage.Pelé, Lionel Messi, Harry Kane, Diego Maradona and Michael Portillo all turn up in another packed edition of Game's Gone.Join us every Thursday throughout the summer for World Cup-themed episodes and keep an eye out for bonus livestreams taking you right to the heart of the tournament.VAR. XG. Inverted wing backs. The game has well and truly gone. Via his very own podcast, Steve Bracknall, Sunday league assistant manager and viral sensation will bring it back.Send your questions and voice notes to steve@bbc.co.uk or via whatsapp 0800 7831997 Marching on, together as one. Steve. Game’s Gone: The Steve Bracknall Podcast is written and performed by Chris McClure and is a Persephonica production for BBC SoundsCreditsSeries Producer: Ad Ahmed Video Producer/Editor: Janathan Portelli Additional Editing and Artwork: Joe Whittaker and Lottie Steele Assistant Producer: Harriet Webster Photography: Rob Nicholson Executive Producer: Dino Sofos Commissioning Executive for the BBC: Stevie Middleton Assistant Commissioner for the BBC: Steve Trenchard

Steve has a bombshell revelation - he's throwing caution (and his little remaining annual leave) to the wind and travelling to this summer's World Cup!After some initial shock, Paul and Bob start to make plans for some very special episodes and livestreams which will take you to the heart of the action.We also discuss Paul's return from Paris, how the Nags Head got on in their cup final, request a new club anthem and note all of the positive reaction to Tommy's video on social media this week.To whet our appetites for the World Cup, we also took a trip to Manchester where we managed to talk to BBC Sport's Alan Shearer, Wayne Rooney, Steph Houghton and Kelly Cates.Managerial changes at Liverpool, the fallout from Arsenal's loss in the Champions League, and Mick Jagger all feature in another packed edition of the podcast.VAR. XG. Inverted wing backs. The game has well and truly gone. Via his very own podcast, Steve Bracknall, Sunday league assistant manager and viral sensation will bring it back.Direct from the dressing room of his team, Royal Oak FC, Steve is joined by gaffer Paul Sampson and physio Bob the Bucket. Every episode, they’ll make sense of all the week’s footballing news and bring you updates from the Oak…Send your questions and voice notes to steve@bbc.co.uk or via whatsapp 0800 7831997Marching on, together as one. Steve.Game’s Gone: The Steve Bracknall Podcast is written and performed by Chris McClure and is a Persephonica production for BBC SoundsCreditsSeries Producer: Ad Ahmed Video Producer/Editor/Artwork: Matt Exton Additional Editing: Janathan Portelli, Joe Whittaker and Jack Whiteside Photography: Rob Nicholson Executive Producer: Dino Sofos Commissioning Executive for the BBC: Stevie Middleton Assistant Commissioner for the BBC: Steve Trenchard

There's a positive twist in the Oak's relegation crisis as Paul shares the good news that the club's points deduction has been reduced. They're now only one point away from safety, thanks to a successful call with the Imperial League's Mick Merchant.You know what this means... Presentation Night is back on! Spoiler alert if you're an Oak player, as they reveal the winners of the illustrious trophies Paul has sourced - it's practically the Ballon d'Or.And there's further good news, Wynney looks poised to make a full recovery after a recent accident. Could this be the beginning of a long road back for him and Steve?In a bumper week for the Premier League, two thirds of the Royal Oak management congratulate Arsenal on their title win and with Pep Guardiola set to leave Manchester City, Steve admits that maybe Pep's actually quite good at what he does...They also cover Celtic's dramatic victory over Hearts as Martin O'Neill's side secured the Scottish Premiership title, Man City's FA Cup triumph over Chelsea at Wembley and Ian Beale look-a-like Bob the Bucket shares his favourite soaps.Tune in to a live Premier League watchalong of the final day of the season, exclusively on the Game's Gone: The Steve Bracknall Podcast YouTube channel - Join Steve, Paul and Bob from 4pm BST on the 24th May as they react to all the action as it unfolds.VAR. XG. Inverted wing backs. The game has well and truly gone. Via his very own podcast, Steve Bracknall, Sunday league assistant manager and viral sensation will bring it back.Direct from the dressing room of his team, Royal Oak FC, Steve is joined by gaffer Paul Sampson and physio Bob the Bucket. Every episode, they’ll make sense of all the week’s footballing news and bring you updates from the Oak…Send your questions and voice notes to steve@bbc.co.uk or via whatsapp 0800 7831997Marching on, together as one. Steve.Game’s Gone: The Steve Bracknall Podcast is written and performed by Chris McClure and is a Persephonica production for BBC SoundsCreditsProducer: Ad Ahmed Video Producer/Editor/Artwork: Matt Exton Additional Editing: Joe Whittaker and Jack Whiteside Photography: Rob Nicholson Executive Producer: Dino Sofos Commissioning Executive for the BBC: Stevie Middleton Assistant Commissioner for the BBC: Steve Trenchard

After Steve's administrative foul-up last week, The Royal Oak are in the middle of a full-blown relegation crisis. How will they fare against local rivals "Medics & Dentals" in another vital six-pointer? The team also checks in on the wellbeing of captain Tommy and takes a trip to the Snooker World Championship final.In a piping hot new feature, Bob The Bucket shows off his pie-eating talents - will Paul and Steve catch him out with some surprise fillings?We bid a happy birthday to Sir David Attenborough, show off some tattoos and hear from a very unwelcome visitor in another packed edition of Game's Gone.VAR. XG. Inverted wing backs. The game has well and truly gone. Via his very own podcast, Steve Bracknall, Sunday league assistant manager and viral sensation will bring it back.Direct from the dressing room of his team, Royal Oak FC, Steve is joined by gaffer Paul Sampson and physio Bob the Bucket. Every episode, they’ll make sense of all the week’s footballing news and bring you updates from the Oak…Send your questions and voice notes to steve@bbc.co.uk or via whatsapp 0800 7831997Marching on, together as one. Steve.Game’s Gone: The Steve Bracknall Podcast is written and performed by Chris McClure and is a Persephonica production for BBC SoundsCreditsSeries Producer: Ad Ahmed Video Producer/Editor/Artwork: Matt Exton Additional Editing: Joe Whittaker and Jack Whiteside Photography: Rob Nicholson Executive Producer: Dino Sofos Commissioning Executive for the BBC: Stevie Middleton Assistant Commissioner for the BBC: Steve Trenchard

The prodigal manager Paul Sampson returns to the Royal Oak FC hot seat with some demands. In this episode they discuss plans to turn around the club's fortunes and listen to Paul's demands for change; which mainly involves Bob The Bucket going on a physio course. Someone's also got to break the news to Parksey that his interim reign is over. In the wider football world, the lads dig into the clash between Gabriel and Erling Haaland, raise a glass to Coventry City on their promotion, and cast an eye over the increasingly frantic non-league promotion race. There's also the small matter of Vincent Kompany apparently raiding Bracknall's wardrobe and Paolo Di Canio headbutting a table during Italian Champions League coverage.VAR. XG. Inverted wing backs. The game has well and truly gone. Via his very own podcast, Steve Bracknall, Sunday league assistant manager and viral sensation will bring it back.Direct from the dressing room of his team, Royal Oak FC, Steve is joined by gaffer Paul Sampson and physio Bob the Bucket. Every episode, they’ll make sense of all the week’s footballing news and bring you updates from the Oak…Send your questions and voice notes to steve@bbc.co.uk or via whatsapp 0800 7831997Marching on, together as one. Steve.Game’s Gone: The Steve Bracknall Podcast is written and performed by Chris McClure and is a Persephonica production for BBC SoundsCreditsProducer: Ad Ahmed Video Producer/Editor/Artwork: Matt Exton Additional Editing: Joe Whittaker and Jack Whiteside Photography: Rob Nicholson Executive Producer: Dino Sofos Commissioning Executive for the BBC: Stevie Middleton Assistant Commissioner for the BBC: Steve Trenchard

In a very special episode, we go behind the scenes of the Easter Sunday clash between the Royal Oak and Nags Head. From the team bus to the sidelines, we follow Steve, Paul and Bob across the fixture with exclusive access.Following their heroic 2-1 defeat, we have all the analysis and fallout from Tommy's penalty heartbreak, ringers playing like Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland plus Wylie's injury time miss. Join us for all the intel on the biggest clash in Sunday league history...VAR. XG. Inverted wing backs. The game has well and truly gone. Via his very own podcast, Steve Bracknall, Sunday league assistant manager and viral sensation will bring it back.Direct from the dressing room of his team, Royal Oak FC, Steve is joined by gaffer Paul Sampson and physio Bob the Bucket. Every episode, they’ll make sense of all the week’s footballing news and bring you updates from the Oak…Send your questions, chants and voice notes to steve@bbc.co.uk or via whatsapp 0800 7831997Marching on, together as one. Steve.Game’s Gone: The Steve Bracknall Podcast is written and performed by Chris McClure and is a Persephonica production for BBC SoundsCreditsProducer: Ad Ahmed Video Producer/Editor/Artwork: Matt Exton Additional Editing: Joe Whittaker and Jack Whiteside Commentary: Adam Oxley and Lee Turnbull Photography: Rob Nicholson Executive Producer: Dino Sofos Commissioning Executive for the BBC: Stevie Middleton Assistant Commissioner for the BBC: Steve Trenchard

Momentous news this week - as the powers that be confirm that the Easter Sunday clash between the Royal Oak and Nags Head WILL be live streamed on the Game’s Gone YouTube Channel! With live commentary also available on BBC Sounds.We have all the reaction and info you’ll need as the fanbase mobilises ahead of the biggest game in Sunday League history.Steve, Paul and Bob also go Full Bielsa as they spy on the Nags Head, float the idea of a performance bonus and we get a fitness update from Bob The Bucket on injury doubt Tommy.In footballing news the team review the League Cup Final, talk about the fallout around Morocco being belatedly crowned AFCON Champions, and discuss the woes of Newcastle and Spurs.Mikel Arteta, Gazza, Frank Lampard and Sly Stallone all feature in another packed edition, as the lads continue their mission to save our beautiful game.Don't miss the Royal Oak vs Nags Head, 2pm on Easter Sunday, April 5th, Live and Exclusive on the Games Gone YouTube Channel...VAR. XG. Inverted wing backs. The game has well and truly gone. Via his very own podcast, Steve Bracknall, Sunday league assistant manager and viral sensation will bring it back.Direct from the dressing room of his team, Royal Oak FC, Steve is joined by gaffer Paul Sampson and physio Bob the Bucket. Every episode, they’ll make sense of all the week’s footballing news and bring you updates from the Oak…Send your questions, chants and voice notes to steve@bbc.co.uk or via whatsapp 0800 7831997Marching on, together as one. Steve.Game’s Gone: The Steve Bracknall Podcast is written and performed by Chris McClure and is a Persephonica production for BBC SoundsCreditsProducer: Ad Ahmed Video Producer/Editor/Artwork: Matt Exton Additional Editing: Joe Whittaker and Jack Whiteside Photography: Rob Nicholson Executive Producer: Dino Sofos Commissioning Executive for the BBC: Stevie Middleton Assistant Commissioner for the BBC: Steve Trenchard

This week, Steve turns detective as we discover the real reason behind striker Tommy's recent injury. Ahead of the big Easter Sunday clash with the Nags Head, we talk tactics, Paul Sampson's plans to sponsor the big game and substitute Housey drops in...Steve and Bob also send out a heartfelt appeal to the fanbase - can YOU subscribe and show your support to the powers that be? A live stream of the big game may well depend on it.In footballing news, the lads look at the rise of teenage prodigy Max Dowman, have a pop at celebrity owners, and dissect the pre-match routine of Liam Rosenior's Chelsea - plus the chants you've sent in are sung loud and proud...Declan Rice, Ryan Giggs, and Snoop Dogg all feature in another packed edition, as the lads continue their mission to save our beautiful game...VAR. XG. Inverted wing backs. The game has well and truly gone. Via his very own podcast, Steve Bracknall, Sunday league assistant manager and viral sensation will bring it back.Direct from the dressing room of his team, Royal Oak FC, Steve is joined by gaffer Paul Sampson and physio Bob the Bucket. Every episode, they’ll make sense of all the week’s footballing news and bring you updates from the Oak…Send your questions, chants and voice notes to steve@bbc.co.uk or via whatsapp 0800 7831997Marching on, together as one. Steve.Game’s Gone: The Steve Bracknall Podcast is written and performed by Chris McClure and is a Persephonica production for BBC SoundsCreditsProducer: Ad Ahmed Video Producer/Editor/Artwork: Matt Exton Additional Editing: Joe Whittaker and Jack Whiteside Photography: Rob Nicholson Executive Producer: Dino Sofos Commissioning Executive for the BBC: Stevie Middleton Assistant Commissioner for the BBC: Steve Trenchard

This week we finally hear the other side of the story from Wynney, after his deadline day defection to bitter rivals The Nags Head. Steve looks into the streaming rights for the cup game and gets some good news from his striker Tommy.In footballing news, the lads explore the latest VAR developments, cover Lionel Messi’s potential visit to the White House and give some advice to Eddie Hearn on betrayal.VAR. XG. Inverted wing backs. The game has well and truly gone. Via his very own podcast, Steve Bracknall, Sunday league assistant manager and viral sensation will bring it back.Direct from the dressing room of his team, Royal Oak FC, Steve is joined by gaffer Paul Sampson and physio Bob the Bucket. Every episode, they’ll make sense of all the week’s footballing news and bring you updates from the Oak…Send your questions and voice notes to steve@bbc.co.uk or via whatsapp 0800 7831997Marching on, together as one. Steve.Game’s Gone: The Steve Bracknall Podcast is written and performed by Chris McClure and is a Persephonica production for BBC SoundsCreditsProducer: Ad Ahmed Video Producer/Editor/Artwork: Matt Exton Additional Editing: Joe Whittaker and Jack Whiteside Photography: Rob Nicholson Executive Producer: Dino Sofos Commissioning Executive for the BBC: Stevie Middleton Assistant Commissioner for the BBC: Steve Trenchard

This week we take a trip to the draw of the Imperial League Cup as the Royal Oak will play bitter rivals The Nags Head. Steve breaks down his tactical approach and how he plans on creating a cauldron of intimidation...In sporting news, the lads chat EFL playoff expansion, Thomas Tuchel's England contract, the Winter Olympics and Forest's managerial merry go round...Harry Kane, Carlos Tevez and Wayne Rooney are all discussed in another packed edition; as the lads continue their mission to save our beautiful game...VAR. XG. Inverted wing backs. The game has well and truly gone. Via his very own podcast, Steve Bracknall, Sunday league assistant manager and viral sensation will bring it back.Direct from the dressing room of his team, Royal Oak FC, Steve is joined by gaffer Paul Sampson and physio Bob the Bucket. Every episode, they’ll make sense of all the week’s footballing news and bring you updates from the Oak…Send your questions and voice notes to steve@bbc.co.uk or via whatsapp 0800 7831997Marching on, together as one. Steve.Game’s Gone: The Steve Bracknall Podcast is written and performed by Chris McClure and is a Persephonica production for BBC SoundsCreditsProducer: Ad Ahmed Video Producer/Editor/Artwork: Matt Exton Additional Editing: Joe Whittaker and Jack Whiteside Photography: Rob Nicholson Executive Producer: Dino Sofos Commissioning Executive for the BBC: Stevie Middleton Assistant Commissioner for the BBC: Steve Trenchard

The fallout from Wynney’s defection to Nags Head continues, with Steve filing a complaint to the Imperial League and imposing firestick sanctions.In football news, the lads share their Champions League predictions, debate whether Wrexham’s playoff push is truly a fairytale, and react to Ian Holloway’s latest rant — asking the question: has he gone Full Metal Bracknall?Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane and Maradona all feature in another packed edition as the lads continue their mission to save our beautiful game...VAR. XG. Inverted wing backs. The game has well and truly gone. Via his very own podcast, Steve Bracknall, Sunday league assistant manager and viral sensation will bring it back.Direct from the dressing room of his team, Royal Oak FC, Steve is joined by gaffer Paul Sampson and physio Bob the Bucket. Every episode, they’ll make sense of all the week’s footballing news and bring you updates from the Oak…Send your questions and voice notes to steve@bbc.co.uk or via whatsapp 0800 7831997Marching on, together as one. Steve.Game’s Gone: The Steve Bracknall Podcast is written and performed by Chris McClure and is a Persephonica production for BBC SoundsCreditsProducer: Ad Ahmed Video Producer/Editor/Artwork: Matt Exton Additional Editing: Joe Whittaker and Jack Whiteside Photography: Rob Nicholson Executive Producer: Dino Sofos Commissioning Executive for the BBC: Stevie Middleton Assistant Commissioner for the BBC: Steve TrenchardBackground: Royal Oak FC was founded in 1997 in the back room of the Royal Oak pub by Steve Bracknall and Paul Sampson. Despite decades of effort, the team still fights for survival in the fifth tier of the Sheffield Sunday Imperial League. When a viral clip catapulted Steve to fame in 2024, the BBC came calling - and Game’s Gone was born.Hosts of the podcast:Steve Bracknall Assistant manager at Royal Oak FC, Steve Bracknall is to many the lifeblood of the club. Having agreed to front the club in terms of marketing and PR, Steve is the link between the fans and the club. No one cares about the Oak like Steve. Loving husband to Our Nikki and doting father to Our Olivia, come Sunday Steve is transformed into a passionate assistant who would literally die for the cause. He cites man management as his strong point.Paul Sampson First team manager and lifelong friend of Steve Bracknall. Paul originally formed the club with Steve. In recent years his commitment to the club has come under scrutiny especially after buying a timeshare in Tenerife and going on multiple golfing trips mid-season leaving Steve to hold the fort. He still has the final say over any tactical decisions that are made much to the annoyance of Steve.Bob the Bucket Club physio and general caretaker Bob the Bucket has been with the club for over ten years. No one really knows why and when he joined but he did. General job roles include putting up nets, filling water bottles alongside prevention and rehab of all Oak players.

In this week's episode Steve, Paul and Bob are in crisis management mode as it all kicks off at the Oak, discuss the fallout from the Afcon final and polish their boots...They also touch on Mo Salah, Erling Haaland, Sadio Mane and Pep Guardiola.VAR. XG. Inverted wing backs. The game has well and truly gone.Via his very own podcast, Steve Bracknall, Sunday league assistant manager and viral sensation, is on a mission to save the beautiful game...Direct from the dressing room of his team, Royal Oak FC, Steve is joined by gaffer Paul Sampson and physio Bob the Bucket. Every episode, they’ll make sense of all the week’s footballing news and bring you updates from the Oak…Send your questions and voice notes to steve@bbc.co.uk or via whatsapp 0800 7831997Marching on, together as one. Steve.Game’s Gone: The Steve Bracknall Podcast is written and performed by Chris McClure and is a Persephonica production for BBC SoundsCreditsProducer: Ad AhmedVideo Producer/Editor/Artwork: Matt ExtonAdditional Editing: Joe Whittaker and Jack WhitesidePhotography: Rob NicholsonExecutive Producer: Dino SofosCommissioning Executive for the BBC: Stevie MiddletonAssistant Commissioner for the BBC: Steve TrenchardBackground: Royal Oak FC was founded in 1997 in the back room of the Royal Oak pub by Steve Bracknall and Paul Sampson. Despite decades of effort, the team still fights for survival in the fifth tier of the Sheffield Sunday Imperial League. When a viral clip catapulted Steve to fame in 2024, the BBC came calling - and Game’s Gone was born.Hosts of the podcast:Steve Bracknall Assistant manager at Royal Oak FC, Steve Bracknall is to many the lifeblood of the club. Having agreed to front the club in terms of marketing and PR, Steve is the link between the fans and the club. No one cares about the Oak like Steve. Loving husband to Our Nikki and doting father to Our Olivia, come Sunday Steve is transformed into a passionate assistant who would literally die for the cause. He cites man management as his strong point.Paul Sampson First team manager and lifelong friend of Steve Bracknall. Paul originally formed the club with Steve. In recent years his commitment to the club has come under scrutiny especially after buying a timeshare in Tenerife and going on multiple golfing trips mid-season leaving Steve to hold the fort. He still has the final say over any tactical decisions that are made much to the annoyance of Steve.Bob the Bucket Club physio and general caretaker Bob the Bucket has been with the club for over ten years. No one really knows why and when he joined but he did. General job roles include putting up nets, filling water bottles alongside prevention and rehab of all Oak players.