The Managers

In the latest episode of The Managers, Mick McCarthy and Tony Pulis are joined by former Crystal Palace and Reading boss Steve Coppell. Steve reflects on his early beginnings, watching Liverpool from The Boys’ Pen, and his determination to make it as a young player. He recalls balancing a promising career at Tranmere Rovers with studying for an economics degree, before revealing what happened when Manchester United came calling. Steve also discusses his transition into management after injury brought his playing career to an early end, and how a chance meeting with Ron Noades led to his appointment at Crystal Palace. The conversation revisits his time at Selhurst Park, where he discovered Ian Wright and partnered him with Mark Bright to form one of English football’s most prolific strike partnerships. Plus, Steve looks back on his record-breaking Reading side, who stormed to the Championship title in 2006 with a staggering 106 points. Twitter: themanagerspod Instagram: themanagerspodcast TikTok: themanagerspodcast For sales and advertising enquiries you can email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the latest episode of The Managers, Mick McCarthy and Tony Pulis are joined by former Leeds United and Sunderland boss Simon Grayson. To get the best discount off your NordVPN plan, go to nordvpn.com/managersvpn — our link also gives you 4 extra months on the 2-year plan. Simon reflects on his early life and playing career before revealing how he unexpectedly found himself stepping into management at Blackpool. He looks back on his dream move to boyhood club Leeds United, his time working with Ken Bates, and the dramatic final-day victory that secured promotion to the Championship. Simon also opens up about his departure from Elland Road and explains why he later decided against returning to the club. Plus, he discusses his time at Sunderland, his involvement in the Netflix documentary series, and why he believes his portrayal in the programme was unfair. Twitter: themanagerspod Instagram: themanagerspodcast TikTok: themanagerspodcast For sales and advertising enquiries you can email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the latest episode of The Managers, Mick McCarthy and Tony Pulis are joined by former Aston Villa and Leicester City manager Brian Little. To get the best discount off your NordVPN plan, go to nordvpn.com/managersvpn — our link also gives you 4 extra months on the 2-year plan. Brian reflects on his early career and reveals how the premature end of his playing days at just 26 led to an unexpected role working in the Aston Villa club shop. He looks back on his transition into management, including his time at Leicester City, where despite guiding the club to three successive play-off finals, he found himself fearing for his job. The conversation then turns to Aston Villa, where Brian recalls leading the club to League Cup glory at Wembley in 1996 and the journey that culminated in that memorable triumph. Finally, Brian opens up about his departure from Villa, discussing the circumstances surrounding his decision to resign and the reasons behind one of the most difficult decisions of his managerial career. Twitter: themanagerspod Instagram: themanagerspodcast TikTok: themanagerspodcast For sales and advertising enquiries you can email: [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the latest episode of The Managers, Mick McCarthy and Tony Pulis break down Chelsea’s decision to appoint Xabi Alonso as their new manager. Brought to you by BOYLE Sports. They discuss the challenges facing the former Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid boss, as well as what success could look like for both Alonso and Chelsea next season. Michael Carrick has secured the permanent role as manager of Manchester United, and Mick and Tony give their verdict on whether the club’s hierarchy made the right call. The conversation also explores the growing problems at West Ham, with the Hammers facing the prospect of relegation to the Championship. Plus, Mick and Tony discuss the ‘Spygate’ controversy involving Southampton and Middlesbrough before reviewing the dramatic finale to the Scottish Premiership season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the latest episode of The Managers, Mick McCarthy and Tony Pulis are joined by former Luton Town, Tottenham and Sheffield Wednesday boss David Pleat. Brought to you by BOYLE Sports. David discusses his early beginnings and how Brian Clough’s assistant, Peter Taylor, played a role in him becoming a manager. He talks about the glory days at Luton Town, including taking them up as second division champions and keeping them in the top-flight. The discussion also explores his spell at Tottenham during the mid-1980s, including his abrupt departure shortly after achieving a third-place finish and reaching an FA Cup final. David goes on to share insights from his time at Sheffield Wednesday, notably bringing the mercurial Paolo Di Canio to the Premier League. He also speaks openly about his later role as director of football at Tottenham and offers his perspective on the club’s current situation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the latest episode of The Managers, Mick McCarthy and Tony Pulis are joined by former Brighton & Hove Albion and Sunderland boss Gus Poyet. Brought to you by BOYLE Sports. Gus talks about his early days in football and what it was like working under the likes of Ruud Gullit and Gianluca Vialli at Chelsea. He discusses his first moves into coaching, including his time as an assistant at Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur. Gus then talks about taking on his first managerial role at Brighton and how he turned the club from League One strugglers into Championship contenders. The conversation delves into his bizarre dismissal from Brighton before moving on to the great escape he achieved at Sunderland in the Premier League. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the latest episode of The Managers, Mick McCarthy and Tony Pulis are joined by former Fulham and Wales boss Chris Coleman. Brought to you by BOYLE Sports. Chris chats about his early days in football, including his playing career and the car crash that unexpectedly pushed him into becoming a Premier League manager at just 32. He looks back on his time at Fulham and what it was like stepping into management so young. The conversation then shifts to his Wales spell, where he opens up about the tough first 18 months and the friction he had to deal with. He explains how he changed the mood around the squad and helped drive them on to that incredible run to the semi-finals of Euro 2016. Chris also talks about his time at Sunderland and shares some of his experiences managing abroad. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the latest episode of The Managers, Mick McCarthy and Tony Pulis sit down with one of Tony’s favourite goalkeepers, Ben Foster. Brought to you by BOYLE Sports. Ben reflects on his early career, including being signed by Manchester United at just 22. He opens up about the nerves he experienced at Old Trafford and what it was really like to be on the receiving end of Sir Alex Ferguson’s infamous hairdryer. The conversation also explores his time playing under Tony at West Brom, his spell with England during Fabio Capello’s tenure, and his memorable career finale at ‘Hollywood’ Wrexham. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices