Les Ferdinand: The Demise of English Strikers & Sacking Managers | Stick to Football EP 24

Welcome back to Stick to Football, brought to you by SkyBet. On this week’s special episode we are delighted to be joined by Premier League legend Les Ferdinand.
Joined by former England team-mates Gary Neville and Ian Wright alongside Jill Scott and Roy Keane, ‘Sir Les’ kicks off the show talking about the competition for a starting spot in England’s stacked frontline in the 1990’s.
Despite being called up to Euro 96 and the World Cup in 1998, Les didn’t play a single minute and reveals which one incident meant he never made an appearance at a major tournament.
A legend for QPR, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur in his playing days with 149 Premier League goals, Les talks about his time as Spurs coach where he worked with record England goal scorer Harry Kane.
The former QPR man also talks about his role as Sporting Director at the R’s and why he left the club after eight years in June 2023.
Lastly Gary doesn’t let Les away without discussing the 1995/96 season that seen Manchester United pip Newcastle United to the Premier League title.
If you liked the episode don't forget to let us know in the comments and if you want to listen only you can catch Stick to Football on all major podcast platforms.
Chaptering
00:00 Promo
00:45 Behind the Scenes
05:50 Introduction
06:14 1990’s England strikers
19:24 England caps quiz
28:39 Harry Kane
41:32 Role of a sporting director
56:52 Why Les left QPR
01:20:39 Post match scenes
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[@kwamedman]

Jamie missing two weeks in a row. He's taking the Liverpool loss HARD😂

[@GhostJJJ]

Biggest moment in Man Utd’s recent history. Enjoy it

[@MH-vp7lf]

​@@GhostJJJMan utd in absolute free fall and still finished above Klopps super team (greatest in PL history apparently 😂) 3 times in past 5 years.

[@kwnana6057]

@@MH-vp7lftwice, only last year and 20/21

[@tonymorph3672]

@@GhostJJJstill crying I see. You lot haven’t stopped banging on about a meaningless result in the league a year later 😂

[@YTykh]

Do you think it's possible that since he's missed another week that he might actually have some other commitment and it's not really about the manc utd thing?

[@danmasterj272]

Football needs more Les Ferdinands, common sense, humility, intelligent and eloquent. Fantastic podcast.

[@lincolnwilson8124]

The world needs more people with some common sense let alone football 😂.

[@marccoote9106]

Sir Les one of the best

[@oye8211]

I agree...such a great interview

[@yearo77]

Fantastic interview.

[@realretaliation7683]

@@lincolnwilson8124that’s the thing sense isn’t common 😂

[@funkyrodent66]

ian wright barely said anything in this episode, listening and hanging on every one of Les' stories.. shows how much respect he has for Les being a director of football... this is why its important.

[@IxDOYLERxI]

I’m half hour in he talking a lot so far

[@user-ij3np7li2w]

He hasn’t shut up 😂😂😂 I’m glad as the chemistry on this podcast is brilliant.

[@user-rm6ps5pf7w]

What you on about 😂

[@d8ley]

A genius is only a expert in field, but is always willing to learn, and best way to learn is shut up and listen

[@k00095163]

He's quiet because his son was one of the leeches at QPR

[@KryptonitetoallBS]

Absolutely superb 1 hour and 20 mins. Not too much interrupting, just allowing Les to speak at his own pace, a few laughs and some insightful discussion. Great show everyone 👍

[@TheBosmanViewing]

Completely agree 👍

[@nasser.h9473]

100% agree, something I wish they did with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, felt like he got interrupted quite often

[@Taporeee]

THIS

[@milburn990]

Sir Les, Newcastle legend, great episode.

[@radjabovsteacup6517]

Ian Wright and Roy Keane need their own food n travel show. It will be a goldmine 😂

[@philiplaycock8944]

Agreed!👍

[@dkexpat2755]

Any show with Roy and writghty or Micha would be gold. So much synergy.

[@medees46]

*pogba, lingard and souness

[@fishstar2974]

This would slap

[@Markburton86]

Like an ‘idiot abroad’ type! Would be immense.

[@showtimehussam]

Did not expect this one to become one of my most favorite Stick-to-Football episode. Excellent and honest.

[@TheBosmanViewing]

Great episode 🙌

[@kaneblack5686]

so true

[@irGuilty]

Same here possibly the most insightful episode yet, wow

[@victoroneill7193]

The best one by far.

[@thecanberean]

Yes it was more than a pleasant surprise I have to say.

[@Krudley]

This is one of, if not, the best episode so far. Sir Les is everything you hope he'd be - insightful, intelligent, fair - what a gentleman, what an interview.

[@althain1988]

He was only with us at Newcastle for a couple of years and he's a legend up here.. 50 goals in 84 games.. was my favourite toon player growing up in the mid 90s, powerhouse in the air,, what an era for football

[@ReanimatorsMutilations]

Was savage at QPR too

[@michaelcarter983]

That's because any good player becomes a legend at Newcastle. They haven't been good since 1995

[@frankdux5693]

​​@@michaelcarter983not the case. Some good players can be here for years and not be regarded as a legend. Some can be here for 5 minutes. It depends on loads of factors. What they did for the club, how much they took the club and city to their heart etc. just different stuff.

[@dannyb763]

You can tell Roy and Wrighty have a true friendship from their banter. 21:55 Gary: "Wrighty got 9 goals for England" .... Roy to Wrighty: "5 of them against San Marino" 🤣

[@athuldas4959]

And another time he brought up tony adams saying wright was always late, knowing it would peeve him

[@TheBosmanViewing]

I laughed at that one 😅

[@martinbeeko3481]

😂😂😂

[@Portyhughti]

Roy: I can’t remember what I put on my instagram last week - my memory is shocking. Gary: Do you remember our defensive corner routine from one game in 1995?

[@Christopher_J]

😂😂😂

[@user-ds8yi2hf3h]

😂😂😂😂

[@collydub1987]

😂😂😂

[@damonreeves2629]

😂

[@RJ-666]

He can remember the important things 😂

[@thatstevegeezer]

I never usually comment on these, but I'm moved to this time... The discussions with Les Ferdinand gave me such an insight into football that I haven't experienced before, and I'm 63. Great episode, this one. Kudos! COYS

[@Oscar-mi7yi]

Les you are a QPR legend, always will be. My idol growing up. Thanks for coming back and doing your best for the club again

[@Barrettszippo]

Completely agree! COYRS!

[@johnward4978]

Les: I passed my helicopter 🚁 licence while at spurs. Keane: is that so you could get out the ground quicker 😆

[@PjMasks-qu6bb]

Keane never dissappoints

[@traceywilliams9879]

Keane always has those one burners. 😂

[@charliemartn]

Came for this comment ahahaha

[@michaelcarter983]

Thanks we heard it the first time

[@decotronq9054]

😂😂 Gold

[@mrb018538]

Sir Les. Unbelievable striker.

[@gerarddeery184]

Was he though?

[@mrb018538]

@@gerarddeery184 In his prime (QPR/Newcastle) he scored 140 goals in 268 appearances. Top class.

[@BongDiggidee]

Used to miss a lot of sitters tho

[@sidhanthmuralidhar8963]

​@@BongDiggideeno longevity too

[@andrewdinatale8207]

@gerarddeery184 Highlight of your day

[@boxingfan012]

One of the best episodes of theirs in my opinion. Ferdinand is such an engaging individual, so easy to listen to

[@mumzyi2951]

Guys get Andy Cole on! Would be super interesting to hear him.

[@Witheredzakidaddyegghead]

Great shout

[@BetsBestBits]

Get him on with Teddy Sheringham, great double act 🤔

[@kieranharriman7055]

Another great chat in a really friendly and fun environment. Les Ferdinand is a true gentleman.

[@markapostolou75]

That's why it works so well. No ego, just tons of respect and genuine interest in what each person has to say.

[@Simeon-the-Magnificent]

And Jill​@@markapostolou75

[@mjstones1984]

Sir Les

[@brodogoks2526]

Sir les

[@thomasfriis8106]

Les is a diamind geezer. Old school. Luv him

[@caolanlennon3684]

Love all the shots of Roy sneaking in a mini roll 😂

[@danmancmufc]

Very strange observations this youtube generation...

[@ben_angel]

Human eats.

[@salahuddin8335]

By chance do you know what the brand of these rolls are? Keano and Wrighty seem to love them.

[@harryhayes7057]

@@salahuddin8335they’re made by Cadbury called mini rolls

[@durkiosmurki0755]

I love reading the comments for ones like this.

[@eddiespence7799]

Sir Les of Ferdinand, what an amazing player. The goal he scored against Man Utd at Loftus road in 94 - an exocet missile!

[@lilanshings]

This has to be one of the most fascinating episodes yet and Les is a top bloke. Great insight.

[@NAVEENKUMAR-pu8yd]

What a gentleman Les is. forgot what a genuine character he is. Great show all. That insight about how difficult it is to discipline players today shows how whats wrong with a lot not all of modern footballers. Too much power

[@francishughes3422]

Who’s Lee

[@NAVEENKUMAR-pu8yd]

@@francishughes3422 thank you the typo highlighting cheers

[@steve0ization]

Wishlist for Guest: Cantona, Jose, Vieira, Ince, Phil Neville, Shearer

[@horuslupercal2385]

+ Denis Irwin. Keano wouldn't be able to control himself.

[@jrn2121]

Phil? Um, no.

[@lukepatterson5367]

Phil Neville please no

[@vacuumboots69]

Phil Neville?? Becks maybe

[@nathanrobertson819]

@@vacuumboots69Beck’s has been on already

[@doublehockeystix]

Roy & Ian resembling best friends poking each other and goofing off, in the back of the classroom lol

[@zipomangaliso7273]

Best episode yet- Sir Les comes across so well. People like him deserve the big positions in the game.

[@sallycinnamon15]

I still get can't over the lengths Roy went to to make Ole feel better after his sacking. That's proper leadership.

[@eXpressYourselfClips]

And at the time people were wondering why Gary and Roy weren't calling for Ole to be sacked. Leadership and Loyalty

[@mikeryan4055]

Not really leadership, That's just a decent guy, and a good friend

[@TheLastAngryMan01]

Great lad.

[@anthonydixon1282]

proper friendship not proper leadership

[@river2352]

Cringe

[@dasnutnock6408]

This is, without question, the best sports discussion show. Anywhere.

[@yearo77]

Without a shadow of a doubt.

[@simonhill2797]

I played against Cole at schoolboy level for Forest and Notts schoolboys . His finishing was unreal at 15 ,16 … could finish with both feet with ease and remember our manager coming in and saying young lad up front had just signed for Arsenal !!😮😮😮

[@nmarcus7233]

He was a proper striker. At Newcastle he was going crazy.

[@mowvu5380]

​@@nmarcus7233and don't forget razor broke his leg in two places and he was back playing 2 months later. it didn't affect him at all lol

[@anthonymcken6050]

Yeah he was special. Underrated dribbling skills as well for an English number 9 back then as well.

[@marcparatore2888]

Ian doesnt speak alot, but when he does the world needs to listen. This guy has pearls of wisdom

[@brynteelingtheriverthieves3266]

Huge respect for Les . Proper bloke , well spoken and great footballer.. good luck in the future

[@timothysunbi1656]

proper london geeza

[@shibby1897]

My childhood was watching les Ferdinanad scoring unbelievable goals. What a top bloke aswel

[@TheBosmanViewing]

Great player

[@johnmichaelson9173]

Brilliant show, brilliant guest. I can't believe Les isn't currently working in football, he's smart, intelligent, he's insightful, knows the game on the pitch, in the boardroom & has bags of charisma. And only the MLS have been in contact with him? It's unbelievable that he's not working.

[@SinaShakiba]

I never knew much about Les Ferdinand unfortunately but after watching this, what an amazing person. Comes across so well and tons of experience. Could listen to his stories all day. Excellent episode

[@alexgrayafc49]

Ferdinand does look like denzel i cant unsee it now 😂😂😂

[@cyberrecluse7024]

Omg so true.. I felt the same.

[@lucabu9838]

It’s when he’s smiling that’s it’s especially close.

[@ketokodr]

Need to get Eric Cantona and Patrick Vieira on

[@eXpressYourselfClips]

Eric the king would break the internet

[@TVsez]

Absolutely

[@Joker66623]

He wouldn't do it. Confirmed he won't talk about football and only his new music career

[@anthonychorlton6257]

@@Joker66623that sounds like something he’d say

[@SpumoniD]

When the seagulls follow the trawler, it is because they think sardines will be thrown into the sea

[@bagelidis]

One of the most insightful interviews I’ve watched offering some light on the realities of running a football club and dealing with the many and diverse challenges that entails. Superb and big thanks to Les.

[@dilligaf7486]

The insight into QPR behind the scenes was really interesting. Top man Les.

[@Tomtomjameson]

8:49 .... Brilliant to hear Les mention Christian Vieri, i thought he was VERY underrated in the game

[@Sidneyyoungblood75]

If my diminishing memory is correct. Vieri was the world record transfer at some time. Lazio???

[@Mattiemaurice90]

Thought the same 🤣

[@TheBosmanViewing]

Bobo was a brilliant striker 🇮🇹 he was phenomenal at Atletico Madrid

[@RobK32]

He was class

[@martinharvey3990]

Les Ferdinand must be the coolest footballer ever!

[@saved9834]

Prime Les was a powerhouse. I haven’t seen him in twenty years. He is a very good communicator.

[@Dc-lb7cl]

Les just has that bit of charisma. Hell of a centre forward as well.

[@derekjones2835]

Sir Les of bloody Ferdinand! An absolute ledge!

[@mcfly10146]

Ferdinandshire 😂

[@haddingtoniangcp2464]

I remember the papers going Les Birdinand when he got his copter license

[@clrs6576]

😂

[@jvgoddard4296]

Les Ferdinand comes across as articulate and sensible especially when talking about his role as a DoF for QPR. Some great insight and another great episode

[@niallnigeynige]

That was weird. Before Wrighty even mentioned Denzel, I thought he was a ringer for him when Les smiles. Glad I’m not the only one. Another great lad!

[@thedoc225ify]

Ferdinand and Grooverider must be twins

[@tomjenkins1989]

Sir Les, never been so devastated as when we sold him to spurs! Met him as a kid and couldn’t have been a nicer man! Legend!

[@scenefiend.]

Shoutout to the switcher for adding those cheeky shots of Roy getting his little chocolate roll 😂

[@propertyinvestingwithcleme3099]

Probably the best interview about what goes on behind the scenes at a football club - gold.

[@mosesoluwagbemigaolabodela3480]

This is the best overlap that I've ever watched where everyone was involved and Les was open as well. Tumb up to this segment/ episode.

[@malevellysian]

man les is a class act... almost like a young denzel washington!

[@solarmaru49]

Actually I see it too

[@geehumphreys7376]

“Has anyone ever told you you look just like Denzel Washington?”

[@heskeytime6333]

👍🏽

[@SimplyPZ]

@@geehumphreys7376if you know you know

[@mrc.p8423]

He could play wrighty in a movie😂

[@markapostolou75]

Les Ferdinand. Legend!

[@Arlokit2023]

Incredible insight into his recruiting process at QPR and not looking at the names and just the CV's and if it meets the job spec to eradicate any form of prejudice. I think a lot of businesses could take a leaf out of his book. Absolute top bloke Les, thanks for another belting episode boys x

[@stephenbarrosse831]

Was gunna go to sleep... but I guess it can wait an hour and 30 minutes. Just finished the episode and very glad I stayed up to watch it. Les Ferdinand is just pure class. He is so well spoken and thoughtful. Really enjoyed this episode.

[@RobinHood-us7sg]

C’mon let’s get Des Walker on - imagine the banter with Roy & Wrighty 👌🏻 And invite Nigel Clough on at some point, such an underrated player and the stories on Roy and Sir Brian Clough would be incredible 🙌🏻

[@rob1969in]

Brilliant shout would love to see Nigel on and Stuart Pearce too

[@buffalosowljah373]

oh id be worried about that one ..he probably wont stop talking once he started as ive heard LMAO..but it would be a good one with nigel clough as well 👍👍

[@AJP321]

Yes! Nigel please!

[@Brizzy-Devil-Down-Under]

Les Ferdinand.! What a guest, what a striker, and seems like a true gentleman 👌

[@GeorgeProwse]

That was an amazing episode. Possibly the best 'Stick To Football' so far! Les Ferdinand... What a legend!

[@ostamp90]

Fascinating insight. One of the best sit down interviews in a long time. Always liked Les and he's right he always gave his everything wherever he was. Fantastic again

[@Tomtomjameson]

89 games and 40 goals at international level for Owen isnt bad, hes so underrated man

[@williamkimathi2505]

I know, That guy was mpampe with injuries

[@kb5509]

​@@williamkimathi2505he was not Mbappe at any time

[@davey7164]

How many Ballon d'Ors does Mbappe have? Owen was a class player

[@kb5509]

@@davey7164 Ballon d'Or awards might be the single worst way to compare players. How many Messis and Ronaldos were active in 2001?

[@davey7164]

@@kb5509 you must be about 15 years old, the late 90s / early 2000s had way more world class players than we have today, with the exception of Ronaldo / Messi. It wasn’t easy to win a ballon d’or in back then..

[@MegaPedro1975]

That was class! One of my favourites I think. Could listen to Les for another hour. Thanks for that 🙌

[@Goonerc5011]

One of the nicest fellas I've met, met him as a 10-13 year old on several occasions. Great player to I rated him alot tbf.

[@PaulGilbert-hm1ie]

Love hearing Les talk, what a player and absolutely gutted he never moved to Manchester United.

[@Richie3264]

Les was a top-class player, he's just underrated as he was in an era with Wright, Sheringham, Sutton, Collymore, Cole and Alan Shearer - pretty tasty choices we had back then

[@aljenx829]

Dont forget Fowler 👌

[@grahamhill9499]

Sutton 😂

[@richardbare9911]

Add Fowler forger sutton

[@aidanmagill6769]

Sutton and Collymore just glad to be mentioned.

[@101stevieray]

Don’t forget Dion Dublin

[@notharryhindsight7746]

Loved this episode. Les Ferdinand's so straightforward. It is refreshing.

[@pcrich7062]

What an absolutely class act Les Ferdinand is. Great player too!

[@rowensamuel2979]

Beautiful Interview, much appreciated. Thank You Fellas

[@kash18141]

That denzel line came out of nowhere 😂😂

[@Heisenhag]

Mr McColl 😂

[@paulomoteso]

It was brilliant😂

[@jackoi9057]

Or from a Wrighty reference two weeks ago.

[@georgefoggin8934]

Yeah it’s a reference to wrighty’s answer the other week.

[@milans2477]

As many have said, this is possibly my favourite episode so far! Absolute class, honesty, humour, respect, and just general good vibes mixed with insight. Such a joy to watch that was!

[@darcy4143]

Great show and a brilliant insight, being a sporting director, it opened up my eyes. Les is a true gent and one of the best guests thats been on the show 🙂

[@FootballDrawn]

I used to have Les Ferdinand on Championship Manager 98

[@user-ls1mx3nb1p]

Ah same, great memories

[@kupus6622]

I signed him for juve...scored 45 in a season

[@user-pm5tu6qn4i]

O yesss

[@andrewdinatale8207]

@FootballDrawn I used to place a water bottle on the bedroom floor to kick when I was angry

[@FootballDrawn]

@@andrewdinatale8207 hahahahaaaa 😁😁

[@wildbill7289]

I hope Les knows all the joy he gave us Newcastle fans. The guy is adored.

[@omgblastbeatslol]

Best episode so far. Les is an absolute class act and I love how he vibes with everybody.

[@SilvoSurfer]

This is one of the best ones you’ve done yet. Some insightful stuff from Les

[@alextv293]

Lesley. What a bloke, top player!

[@GiggsWillTearYouApartAgain]

One of my favourite episodes yet! This show is so consistently brilliant ❤

[@helicoptergunship]

You can tell the way Les looks at Gary, Ian and Roy as he talks, and the way they listen to him, there is a mutual respect there

[@lukascalvert6484]

I think that’s the best one yet…. Very insightful…absolute gent and a great striker..criminally overlooked for England Along with Kevin Phillips …

[@pt4387]

Roy's phone looks like my son's phone 😂 I loved it when Les was at Newcastle. He was so good for us and his headers were insane.

[@shanginadildo]

Looks like my phone too, phones must like quite similar or sumfin

[@Arse-Crack]

​@@shanginadildo😂😂

[@russyJ20]

9 years old with a smashed screen. About sums mine up. Works fine though

[@stevengaitt2308]

Surprisingly, this has been one of my favourites. Loved it. Les is a proper gent.

[@FITSOZOLIFE]

Great chat. Met Sir Les when he came from Hayes. Top man, true gentleman. Well Done hosts for letting the guest speak. Great podcast.

[@j__o__k__e_r1280]

I love the banter at the start of the show., Stick to Football is my absolute favorite football show on KZbin.

[@ashleylewis8148]

fantastic show guys! so glad you've got some PL royalty on the show. its made me hungry for more. we need Stuart pierce !!!

[@RobinHood-us7sg]

Or Des Walker or Nigel Clough 🙌🏻

[@jackroberts7021]

Best episode so far. Could listen to Les talk about football all day, so insightful. Great stuff!

[@fms7118]

Absolute legend. Best episode so far. Very insightful.

[@tyronetalyor2645]

Living legend! My nephew was at QPR for a but met les what a gentleman!!

[@OskarSsssssssssssssss-ui8pt]

Brilliant episode. One of my favourite ones so far!

[@gv-can4718]

One of the best Overlaps ever made, nothing but pure insight throughout. Sent me off on a rabbit hole to find out about his time at Besiktas. And it was no wonder it was nearly an hour before Gary got a question in - it could’ve been a 3hr show.

[@cybermanne]

One of the better episodes this. Really interesting to hear Les talking about all this stuff..

[@jasoncrowhurst1684]

Another brilliant episode. Could listen to Les all day with those insights into what goes on behind the scenes.

[@WENGErBaLL04-06]

Amazing, Amazing show. He’s a great speaker, was hooked the whole time🔥🔥🔥👌🏾

[@dhp5789]

BEST episode so far. Insightful and lovely banter.

[@kalvin8046]

Best interview with a guest so far. Was fantastic listening to Les about the insight of running a football club. Could have listened for another hour easily.

[@CP-5L]

The TNT Overtime of England. Damn this show is good.

[@pricey6177]

Les was such a star, best era of EPL strikers.

[@adamc2579]

Really enjoyed that. More than expected. Sir Les is a proper legend.

[@karlm641]

The Harley Les talks about was built at Just Harleys in Newcastle, I was in with my dad looking at it as a kid, knew as soon as he started telling the story he’d mention Keenan’s bike, it was beautiful as well, great times at the club

[@waynehalliburton5030]

Les was in the year above me at school. He was the goalkeeper for the school team! Always a nice guy.

[@Tigga490]

Every one of these have been gold! Keep it up guys.

[@seanmcquillan8024]

Don’t hear/see much of les Ferdinand so this was refreshing,great episode

[@sharkymoon422]

Legends, played amazing, talk great, what an ambassador for English football.. Sir Les Ferdinand

[@Framebyframe181]

One of the very best,pace,power and an unbelievable finisher

[@user-mc4pt7xn1y]

By far, one of the best episodes.