Player Likenesses, Scraps with Fans and Top Stadiums | EP 34

What got Micah hot under the collar at Kidderminster Harriers? Who is the best English player never to get an international call up? And who called for the subs’ bench after a torrid time against Bayern Munich?
Plus, Gary tells Alan and Micah how Terry Venables helped him through one of his darkest times after his son George was diagnosed with leukaemia.
00:00 - Intro
00:13 - Dark arts of football
02:48 - 3 Way race
03:58 - Biggest obstacle in life and in football
09:09 - Similar playing styles
10:37 - Favourite international football ground
13:23 - Altercation with fans
19:24 - Would you perform better with todays nutrition and wellbeing
23:06 - Favourite era in football history

[@xscvrrr]

uploaded 43 seconds ago, I burst on to the scene quicker than Micah here

[@benjamincompton9767]

😂👏

[@Jonontoast-ym1zg]

Did they update the thumbnail, or am I trippin

[@Question3verything]

@@Jonontoast-ym1zgdefinitely hired someone to do thumbnails

[@koketsokrm6651]

Hilarious 😂

[@Jonontoast-ym1zg]

@@Question3verything nah as in did this thumbnail change 😅 80% sure I saw it as just Haaland lol

[@kcjones89]

Can't spell Haaland without Alan

[@adammicheal3662]

Goat comment

[@AshtonPillay1981]

God tier

[@mrkennedy2062]

Best comment I've seen for a minute

[@K3vo010]

That's brilliant

[@chrisknight2631]

You win!

[@fresalilm7706]

I do like Micah's mix of confidence and self-deprecation at the same time 😂

[@s.corrigan1586]

Good point. It's a hard balance and he comes across brilliantly.

[@nate_wil]

Holy hell! Gary's story about his son having cancer. That's 💔💔💔 Thanks for sharing Gary! Amazing he made it through! Great ending!!!

[@andrewt836]

Great Ormond St is fantastic, I can’t speak highly enough of the place.

[@hughtube5154]

I remember the Give Blood advert where Gary appeared next to some guy and said, "This man's blood donation helped save my son from leukemia" (or words to that effect). Puts into perspective how important it is to donate blood.

[@davexilly]

My son is currently fighting the same condition as Gary's. Respect.

[@gavinhirst3136]

@@davexilly I hope everything works out for you pal ❤️

[@davexilly]

@@gavinhirst3136 Thankyou! He is 2 years into a 3.5 year treatment plan and things are looking up :)

[@ATRumz]

As a Father who’s son got diagnosed with cancer at 10 months old, had chemo, non stop MRI’s at Great Ormond Street! Fair play to you Gary! Nothing but respect as I’ve been there too👍🏻

[@user-wd7uk6jp9d]

Best podcast in the world, no other 3 pundits show off their personalities so naturally, keep it up lads. World class ⚽️

[@gavinhirst3136]

Gary, I love you so much for the strength you showed to tell the story about your boy ❤ My daughter was born with brain damage due to a traumatic birth and luckily now, 3 years later she's doing great, but it was a similar situation and we were told minimal chance of survival/recovery. Just wanted to say I admire your strength, I still can't really think or talk about it still, it was terrifying ❤

[@84Victorious]

Gary got me in my feelings with that story. So glad his son is alive and kicking

[@StevenWiebe]

We had a similar situation with brain, heart and lung problems with our son. It really does shatter your life in the moment, and then cruelly takes you up and down the rollercoaster for quite a few years. He is fully healed and an electrical engineer now, but many of his fellow patients in Children's did not make it -- I see those faces still. Thanks to Gary for sharing such a personal thing, it really hit home with me.

[@gavinhirst3136]

@@StevenWiebe Glad to hear things worked out for you and your family, mate ❤️

[@jacklowe3037]

That thumbnail of Al as Haaland is so cursed imo. But I’m here for it.

[@barnaclefelching4079]

Horrifying stuff

[@bercey07]

Micah's laugh after Alan says ''Haaland'' is just a tiny glimpse of how amazing this podcast is. I think I speak for most of the fans of this show when I say One of the reasons we love this podcast so much is because it genuinely feels like a chat that you are having with your friends while having a couple of pints. Although it is only you three talking somehow you make us feel like we are a part of it too. You guys are amazing. Best trio ever! Great representatives of each generation! Thank you for this! I wish you all the best!

[@DynamiteKid21]

Summed it up perfectly

[@TheRobotsWillEatYou]

As a father of a young lad myself, that story from Gary really resonated with me, i’m not sure how i’d cope myself and i doubt i would’ve done as well as you did Gary.

[@roody59]

Best podcast EVER. Always watch while I work :)

[@kinkertdemingoy8852]

GARY LINEKER IS ALWAYS HONEST AND SINCERE WITH HIS ANSWERS, A GENUINE PERSON

[@euanroberts9264]

What an emotional story from Gary 💔. Never forget football players are still humans

[@chrismiller6317]

These Pods lads simply brilliant,when the BIG MEEKS gets that laugh going it rattles my windows 💥💥😂😂👍👍🥊🥊

[@themikepage23]

On Micah's point about that era in specific, I think it's the fact they were all world-class or at least had something magical about them: R9, Ronaldinho, Rooney, Gazza, Shearer, Rio, Rivaldo, Zidane, Henry, Eto'o, Terry, Scholes, Gerrard, Lampard, Giggs, Beckham, Figo and the list goes on. Genuinely exciting players. I think the overall standard of football is no doubt higher today than it was 10-15 years ago, because it's built off the back of those players, much like they built off the back of players before them, but there aren't as many of those types of genuine star players as there used to be in my opinion.

[@holtybwfc0073]

I think the chemistry between these three is just perfect,it’s as good imho as the three of Clarkson ,May and Hammond of grand tour and top gear,the conversation is just free flowing,honesty and superb humour

[@chrismiller6317]

Gary,Glad to hear your son George is doing well,I remember my late father-in-law (God Bless Him)was in hospital with cancer and when I visited him in hospital and I could see he had been crying he said to me he had just gone for a short walk and it took him through a ward that had children in there suffering from cancer,he said that brought him crashing down to earth about feeling sorry for himself when he saw those kids it was reminder there is always someone worse off than me 🙏🙏❤

[@cameronfinn1]

Never had a child but that was horrifying to hear by Gary what they went through. So glad Football was his relief but well done for getting through!

[@JeremyCouderc]

That was incredible to listen to, thanks for sharing Gary

[@trevorchapman9050]

Let’s celebrate Gary’s story! Life succeeds! ❤❤❤

[@Syndromev10]

Man, that thumbnail is nightmare fuel 🤣

[@mikeryan4055]

Gary tells a story on this episode that puts football so far down the important list that it doesnt even come close. Any parent can feel your helplessness as you tell your story. I found myself holding my breath in parts and with a thumping heart in others.such a scary time for you and your family and i feel for any parent going through anything like this ❤

[@Taufik411]

why this pod has not more subs is beyond me as this pod is a gem ... great job guys .... keep em running !!

[@Wilkse1]

I absolutely love this pod cast. Listening to players from 3 different eras makes this so special. Big Meks and his brilliant take on his time in football,the legend that is Alan Shearer who made Euro 96 one of the best tournaments Ive seen and of course Gary Lineker who played in the first World Cup I watched as a kid and made me some amazing memories. Superb lads , keep em coming

[@abdiali56]

It is a bit bungalow, Alan moved to the old people’s home 😂 Love the podcast, keep up the great work.

[@bryanmorrison2396]

This podcasts has to be the best most realv down to earthm loving u guys be at hundreds EPs in few year n we all be here with yous 💙

[@s.corrigan1586]

Good thing about this podcast is as great as it already, it will get better the more these guys friendships grow. Keep it up and long may it last!

[@HLDN1989]

Had to go look it up. Micah did play at the Allianz Arena in 2013! City won 3-2 but Micah was injured and subbed off in the 16th minute. Bayern (playing 4-1-4-1) that day had World Cup winners Neuer, Lahm and Boateng in defence - a midfield of Muller (RW), Goetze (CM), Madzukic (CM) and Tony Kroos (LW) - and Ribery up front. Absolute joke of a team (managed by Pep).

[@WrightyFPL]

Big Meeks doesn't tell fibs

[@vaitalv9361]

Funny story about that game, it was deemed a dead rubber for Bayern as they were already through the group. Pellegrini had a put out a relatively rotated side. Bayern went 2-0 up, but City somehow came back to win 3-2 (James Milner was the best player on the pitch that night btw). City didn’t know that they could’ve topped the group had they scored one more goal, which I found funny at that time after the game.

[@TouchlineLive]

Petition to have Alan's famous celebration as the thumbnail while still morphed with Haaland

[@philmorel9861]

starting to wonder how Gary makes it through match of the day without touching his nose!

[@ricky69692]

Can’t unsee it now 😂

[@PJR29787]

The honesty out of these fellas is truly remarkable! This id why it's already the best football podcast out there! Somehow over took the overlap when the budget is so much less! Get mark crossley on for some cloughy stories!!!

[@steve3780]

The chemistry between you guys is fantastic, I can imagine how rest is football Xmas party will be ! How did you all personally handle playing with fellow pro’s that you disliked or simply didn’t get on with ?

[@xGibbo1]

It's quite easy to half forget some of the experiences these have had in football, especially micah talking about him against that top bayern side. I give credit to how good they are at their current media work that you start to see them as Micah the presenter rather than footballer, top job as always

[@Rob-nr4bo]

So sorry to hear Garys story. That must have been horrific. So happy to hear your son survived.

[@C4rL72]

Im SOOOO addicted to this podcast, amazing.

[@lewis5275]

Lots of respect to Gary for being able to talk about such a close subject, you can tell that you three have the greatest respect and admiration for each other amazing pod

[@druthenberg01]

Wow what a moving story about your boy Gaz 😢 told so well thank you

[@PJR29787]

Jesus gaz! Put a lump in me throat there! So happy for you and your family that your son made it! Turned into a nice story in the end 🥲

[@alanjones3318]

absolutely brilliant keep it up lads. Im feckin crying with you 3 especially when Alan has had a few sherberts after Newcastle games. Proper proper centre forward.

[@christopherbailey3257]

Best podcast so far loving all three of you.great to see all your personality come out

[@alexeyov]

That story. Brutal. Gut wrenching.

[@DJHarrisonJ]

Been watching this podcast since the first episode! Fantastic podcast! Listen to it on the way to work and then re watch it when I get home 😂 perfect!

[@user-zh7xx7tr6l]

10/10 episode as always gents. Thoroughly enjoying watching and listening to this podcast either by listening on the drive to work or watching an episode while on the treadmill at the Gym. Big Meeks infectious laugh always cracks me up, Shearer's savage Banta and Gary's stories and amazing hosting skills really makes this podcast a joy to be subscribed to. May this podcast continue for a long time!! The Thierry Henry episode was a personal highlight, may the guest appearances continue! Thanks Guys, Jamie.

[@janetgosling8070]

Brilliant can't get enough of you 3 keep going

[@jackbarker6157]

Definitely set that race up id love to see it! Loving the podcasts lads keep it up and what a f**king laugh it is 👍🏻

[@dash7148]

Gary is brilliant on these, his memories and dories are fantastic to listen to. I’d bloody love the chance to interview him over his footy memories.

[@j5nnyt]

Great episode . I'm not used to hearing men being open ,honest , humorous and reflective. Thanks for sharing your stories.

[@craigheath8591]

Brilliant as usual...love the banter lads quality pod

[@kieranheneghan4132]

Fair play to you George!! 🎉

[@rockalex1970]

First time reaching out, but have been following along on youtube and spotify ever since the start, sadly had no knowledge of an older podcast, but I will get to that as well as I am really loving the vibe you all have and atmosphere you create. I am sorry Micah, but Alan has now become my favourite after the awesome hosting job he did on the previous episode :D The point I am trying to make is I am a West Ham Fan and would love it if you could get David Moyes on an episode. I am sure I dont need to explain how much stories he would have and am hoping there is a good relationship with Garry from their Everton pasts. Thank you and keep up the great, I will be watching along!!!

[@tvgcmma9215]

Bill Nicholson at spurs was the first manager to get players to use weight after watching Russian ballet and asking them how they were so strong - team win the double win in Europe and everyone wondered how were so fit and then followed suit - but crazy how much improved not just since then but in last 10 or so years that now able play so many games and for so many more years

[@BrickSteiner]

wish these were longer. could listen to them all day

[@elliotthilmer3764]

best episode yet!

[@MrBenjarniSherwin]

Day off work means I've been able to catch the podcast early. My favourite podcast at the minute easily.

[@janetgosling8070]

Thanks for sharing about your son

[@darrenhardman9383]

The problem with the modern game is too many teams want to park the bus and counter and are afraid to go toe to toe. When you watch games in the past, they were far more open which leads to better excitement. I suppose the monetary side of the game is to blame for that as there is too much to lose at times.

[@anthonyscott4885]

The best Podcast

[@michaelkneale3825]

Best footy podcast on youtube!

[@mrc8985]

That thumbnail will give me nightmares for many years to come and I'm happy with that. As a big fan of David Lynch I can only thank you guys for such quality surrealism.

[@robsally5225]

Love this show ❤😂

[@xsirdavidianx]

Get in lads!! Let's have another one!!

[@dancarey7204]

great show, ta very much.

[@kumarayush9950]

"I'd say Barcelona but it's kinda home..." Thanks for that Gary🙌

[@Kugann]

Lionel Messi has shaken hands with paradise.

[@robwest75]

Took me 7 mins to burst on the scene

[@chrisknight2631]

When they were talking about eras at the end, football is always getting better, and it’s better than it has always been. The difference, as Micah was mentioning stand-out players from eras gone by, is that all players are so much better now that there are fewer of those stand-out superstar players. The least important position on a football field has generally always been fullback (specifically right as left footed fullbacks were rare), so to get a decent one back in the day was difficult. The best I remember growing up was Gary Neville, and that was mainly for his support of Beckham, as they were brilliant together. These days, fullbacks are assist machines and a great fullback (now really a wingback) can be the difference when it comes to titles, even if inverted. Every position is just better than it was. When judging eras against each other, the more recent one is always likely to be better, but you have to judge them relatively against all the other teams in their respective eras.

[@hartshaped]

Alan if you’ve got any more shirts you plan to bin, please send them my way instead 🙏🏻

[@richiesimons4403]

As a West Brom fan, Micah is a Villa legend. Played in one the greatest Villa era's ever 😂

[@philippepalmer2968]

what Alan's son should do is sell the Simone shirt and with the money,pay for a carer to visit his dad once a week in the bungalow 😄

[@josephmukoko674]

I felt Micah when talking about Bayern Munich, that team was crazy with Mario Gomez, Ribéry, Robben, ouhhh

[@Camtaro]

I love this damn podcast

[@mattk5020]

Can you get Arsene Wenger on the show and Robert Pires, Dennis Bergkamp and Freddie Lyungberg. Cheers 🥂

[@abhaswanchu]

Thumbnail is legendary

[@cameronfinn1]

My career was getting exposed 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 what a man Micah is

[@colinuk1984]

That went to laugh & fun to dark and grim real fast.

[@joeroberts4895]

Get the shirts back and auction them off for your charity Alan! Or give them to a museum? Big fan 🙋🏻‍♂️

[@braderley]

Hearing you three do a bit of a chant is surreal 😂

[@michaeljarman5356]

Haaland still got a way to go to be considered better than both Shearer and lineker

[@Rayhhh]

Gary’s a national treasure

[@AriesAdams-rb5lh]

Athletico Madrid.. love watching them ..

[@user-jk6vx5zn6p]

You don’t know where I’m from dawg vibes from Micah 😂😂

[@realife1542]

Schweinsteiger was my favourite player as a kid, he was a beast for Bayern and Germany

[@NinpoUK]

Mid to late 90s had the best football for my money and yet to be topped. Outside of Ronaldo and Messi being just ridiculous, football just doesn't have the array of top TOP quality players as it did then. Cantona, Batistuta, Del Piero, Giggs, Beckham, Owen, Ferdinand, Ginola, the list for mid to late 90s top top class footballers is absolutely endless and it goes unmentioned quite often as a golden era of global talent.

[@philip244]

Messi, C.Ronaldo, Rooney, Neuer, Suarez, zlatan, alves, iniesta, xavi, busquets, modric, di Maria, bale, Neymar, kroos, lewandowski, Kane, de bruyne, hazard, Benzema, aguero, ribery, robben, chiellini, salah, yaya toure, muller 2010 era

[@redstar612]

Oh yes baby ❤❤

[@mikewilson3628]

Great show guys, can i ask a question? , I recently watched your "Team of the premier league" from 6 years ago for BBC.... how many changes would you make now? , if any of course.

[@Chinmay_Wagh]

Love that thumbnail 😂😂

[@davidfuters7152]

Bobby Moore’s team against Pele’s Brazil in the World Cup Teams don’t get much better than that

[@neilmc1842]

Regarding the quality of players at international level the amount for each country has certainly dropped, watching from the late 80's through the 90's and 00's - compare the Germany,Italy,Brazil etc squads to nowadays plus the players who used to not make it into the call ups back then,

[@drumcrow]

There are so many examples, like watching England play Italy in a World Cup semifinal and the English commentator getting totally frustrated with the Italians (doing horizontal pirouettes on the ground in supposed agony ) and saying "We have another Italian crying for his Mamma"

[@theshiftybloke4672]

I loved the Bayern team with Ribery, Robben, Lahm and Schweinsteiger

[@kirstenhutchison2381]

Micah is 🔥

[@philipcollins3849]

Yep Gary I remember the England v Germany game 1970 I was 10 and like you I was gutted and been like that ever since 😢😢😂😂😂😂

[@terence1635]

The question on "dark arts" reflect a certain mentality or even blind spot... The English mentality of roughing players up, kicking someone else etc, all these have the same effect, to get an advantage over another player. In fact, arguably, it's less damaging (to the opposing players) compared to the English mentality of being physical, where injuries can end someone's career.

[@mediacenterman8583]

Non sequitur. The irony is that your definition of the 'English' mentality is a global one and all the aspects which were discussed in that section can be found all over the world. Shearer was a total diver and so was Lineker. Time wasting won the English women the Euros and England have historically won the Fairlplay award by FIFA.

[@DYL2020]

That would be a good question, what players have yous swap shirts with?

[@tvgcmma9215]

For sports relief you should all do a 50m or indoors 60m as 100m prob take competitiveness away as to far

[@craig1669]

@ Alan Shearer. How good was Ruel Fox? I always think of him when the question is asked about under rated players. I really liked him at the time even as a man united fan. What was he like and what happened to him after Newcastle?

[@stretchystretch269]

Remember Micah had a chat with fans at Wycombe

[@chriswatson8102]

Question for next one: what’s the best training goal you ever saw? Chris Watson in Australia

[@F.MNZ.91]

Micah is a GOAT

[@Naurik]

Imagine Micah with Haalands hair