Sonny Pike | The Greatest Footballer That Never Was

Sonny Pike is with us this week discussing his time thrust into the limelight, hailed as the next Maradona, talking, trials with Ajax, million-pound legs, McDonald's ads, Paul Smith suits, and the strain it put on his family and his 14-year-old self.
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The official KZbin channel of the Undr The Cosh Podcast where ex and current professional footballers meet Comedy writer Chris Brown along with ex -Sunderland, Cardiff, Doncaster and Stoke strikers Chris Brown and Jon Parkin.
#UnderTheCosh #Podcast #FootballPodcast

[@undrthecosh]

Two extra episodes every month available on patreon, the link is posted in the description. Any suggestions for future guests on the show,drop them in the comments. As always, thanks for your continued support 🤝

[@SAFC-zk2sc]

Julio Arca

[@greggsmith6327]

McCoist.

[@niallwilliams8833]

Graham stack, John oster, guy branston , Deon Burton, Kazim-richards

[@russdavies2268]

Richard Dunne

[@joeljordison4536]

Stephen Ireland would be a good shout

[@rossprocter-learnenglishes1077]

What a really solid guy, and what a really sad story. Im happy he is doing well, i wish him nothing but even more success in the future

[@stephenmead7416]

It's not a sad story. It's a story of hope to all these young lads, that there is happiness away from football. What a top bloke

[@chsssify]

This is why you guys are moving up so fast… great guest always heard about Sonny Pike on any failed wonderkid.. great to hear his perspective and the many reasons why he wasn’t able to live up to the hype. Happy his story was used to help future kids In similar positions. Seems a top guy with a good outlook on life.

[@old_seadog]

38:38 That is one of the saddest things I've ever heard - how can any man say something so terrible to his son & then actually never speak to him again? I couldn't even begin to think of ever saying that to my sons. Sonny may not have become the footballer he should've been, but he has been a success in life & what a great bloke he is.

[@richardkelbie7726]

What did he say. I must have missed it

[@AnobleEnglishman]

When he said that and paused, it looked like he was going to well up

[@ploneuk]

Being more of a rugby fan I did not think I would like these interviews as much as I have. The lads taking the interview and allowing the guest to get across what they have to say without interupting them is refreshing. Unlike most other podcasters who only listen long enough to know when to start talking again. Glad to say I have hours more to listen to in the future. Well done!!!

[@kadechilds201]

tuneing in now lads... have you asked Phil stamp Boro lad to come on ? if you can't contact him etc I'm happy to contact him for you imagine his story's be great podcast on . hammy Ricard 🇨🇴 . emmerson 🇧🇷. ravanelli 🇮🇹 . juninho 🇧🇷 belta stories 💯

[@benjackson9586]

Played for my home town darlo aswell would be a good listen

[@JackManEveryday]

Hearts legend as well

[@laurenweeks9337]

Gotta be some proper stories there surely

[@barryburbridge4885]

@DW 😂

[@VillaBoys123]

Love the intros lad. Actually really like the series enders and the 3 of you on your own more than a lot of the guest ones.

[@kevinbeck6785]

A fascinating pod -cast from Sonny, so many ups and downs from him, well done again boys 👍

[@willgodsell5817]

as a 21 year old I receive much criticism from people for liking the 'old school' or 'back in the day' types of football in which browney or parky played in 'the dark arts' type of football is also my favourite but nowadays I will never be able to watch the type of football I love due to new styles and players who drive to the floor like wet paper towels Love all your podcasts guys and although I may not know every guest the all seem like genuine men who stuggled throughout there football careers on and off the pitch #bestpodabout

[@Grizz99]

Great podcast, really sad it didn't work out for Sonny as he sounds like a decent bloke but great what he's doing with himself now. Another fantastic pod guys

[@christopherwilde6247]

Unreal. Such a fascinating story. And such a humble guy.

[@nufc6952]

Brilliant bloke wish him all the best 👏

[@Benji-io9zh]

Nufc we are going to take over next season 😉👍

[@nufc6952]

@@Benji-io9zh Newcastle united will never be defeated!!

[@dunnyzed6953]

Wow this was a blast from the past. I remember Sonny being on TV when I was a kid. Sad story but thanks for sharing.

[@markdavis8430]

What he's been tho to where he is Huge respect It's to easy to give up

[@connorjackson6400]

You already know this is gonna be a banger !!

[@leenash1649]

Keep doing what you're doing boys, you're fucking magic. Can we expect to see any video footage of the charity game ?

[@neilchilds1225]

Really enjoyed this one. What a top lad.

[@adam160908]

T'other one try and get fellow Boltonian Phil Stant on he must have some interesting stories having quit the army to start his footballing journey at Reading before numerous other clubs

[@danwilkinson9001]

I get this guys struggle, I could of been a pro if I was better at football

[@seanb3204]

I was going to be a model but I'm really ugly

[@yfoog]

I was going to be a professional rock climber, but I’m scared of heights

[@markbannister8480]

Thank You for sharing this story. A cautionary tale.

[@lewisriley2015]

Don't know why people are taking the piss for watching in the bath.... i fill mine up with red, muscle soak, radox. As hot as i can get it. Get the imperial leather, purple unicorn, shower gel out and jump in. Keep my phone on the sink and let the hot bubbles lap over me. Get a little shiver when Parky pops up unexpectedly

[@davidelder3370]

This is up there not quite Opengoal 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿😂

[@Jaaskelainen1993]

I think Alan Smith (ex leeds) would be a good one to do lads.

[@92Relton]

Incredible story lads!

[@robhackwell4162]

Great watch .. only thing I found strange was as far as I’m aware his uncle is mark falco ?? So definitely had football in the family

[@nitrousharley]

Mark is his mum's cousin so mark is he's cousin once removed

[@desodea1656]

Seen him on fantasy football with baddiel and skinner, I often wondered what happened to that kid!

[@johnbridge6572]

Yay, I think I'm the arsehole who moaned about the intro, nice one parky 🤣

[@davedave5541]

When is the Cillian Sheridan episode out?

[@wawawswfc4957]

Enjoyed that ....

[@stevedavies5615]

I Fucking Love the Intros 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@3coldcapricorn227]

Sounds like we’re on for an interesting one here!

[@daveboon5992]

Very Lucky Man 😳😳

[@robboriff]

Great insite Son 👌 What with the book now this 👏 fascinating stuff m8

[@ticktock5108]

What you think of Barnet lol?. 🤣 Cockney gazza would remember first time of everything 🤣

[@skiltonjackmusic8274]

12:00 skiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiip

[@itiswhatitis3583]

Great honest interview.. cannot believe that teams are training 5/6 year old efn disgusting.. suppose shouldnt really be surprissed by this kind of behaviour of the ultra rich clubs🤢

[@Jamb1967]

Destiny did not give this guy the right father , very sad for football and Sonny

[@jimmyjones95]

Half way through. Sounds like his old man had a nice little cash cow.

[@gazzy5303]

I’m out of Enfield and all them kids from Tottenham, Edmonton etc are absolute wrongens.

[@burtlangoustine1]

I left as soon as he didn't choose Batty.

[@docca123]

Yes i gave like number 69 !!!!! happy days!!!!

[@genaoterent5223]

who da heck is he??

[@peterlpool1387]

Comes across a proper sound lad him.

[@macster1878]

This is like an interview with that mate everyone's got who had trials with everyone but this time it's a true story 😂

[@avedawg90]

I wonder if he was on trial at same time as Jay from Inbetweeners

[@marcuslavaggi-bowen6539]

I remember him on Fantasy Football League back in 1996 talking about his trials with Ajax. Really thought he was going to be a star in the making. Still, what a great guy he is no matter what 🙂.

[@bargingbull8656]

Seen a couple of interviews with Sonny recently. Seems really down to earth given his younger years. I like the way he doesn't embellish the money side of things. Would be easy for him to have a massive chip on his shoulder, claim he should have been a multi-millionaire and throw more blame at his old man but he's just really factual and says it how he remembers it rather than revising it based on the stories about him. Good luck the the boy and a really good interview.

[@bjw509]

F**k me, that line from his old man. Could see on Sonny's face it still hurt.

[@johnharrison3671]

11:58 for the actual start

[@Tricky181]

No need for that, part of the episode is the intro! Jog on

[@TokyoJoe703]

John Bostock, Matthew Wicks, Jermaine Pennant, Freddy adu. I remember sonny appearing on fantasy football with baddiel & skinner taking the piss out of him. I never heard from him again

[@vincenzococotti]

Yeah get rid of the introduction...waste of time and feels like we are part of waiting in a room to the dentist or something...making conversation for the sake of it

[@SirKnobofCheese]

His dad has a lot to answer for.

[@Commentssectionbingo]

What a great bloke he seems best of luck to him seems remarkably together considering everything

[@raycassim9435]

Absolutely fascinating that. It’s a shame Sonny didn’t have the career but there’s definitely a future for him. So many talented kids never make it. No one better than Sonny to give them advice

[@richardraisin4640]

Under the cosh do it again, fabulous stuff lads, keep them coming, was looking forward to bywater episode as I'm a Rams fan but heard it got pulled?!?

[@TheFourSatoshis]

Skip to 10mins

[@glenworrell4902]

The bit about his dad is heart wrenching. Poor kid

[@mrf9524]

Really love the intros lads... Great addition to your recent ones!

[@Tricky181]

Excellent

[@Stepea-vg4zk]

Great story, poor guy as a kid clearly exploited by everyone in his then circle. With his experience He’d be a great agent/advisor to any young up n coming player.

[@davidlynn5294]

I bet Jon was dying to ask about a piss up. "Yeah but while on trial with ajax did you ever have a piss up" Tbh it was a great interview.

[@DB-fx1qr]

Another cracking pod lads aced it again👏seems like a proper bloke glad he’s found himself again. Would love to hear from Ben Greenhalgh who got a pro contract from being on a sky tv show could be interesting!

[@Samboy666]

what a sad story. poor lad. glad hes overcome all the crap

[@tommcneill]

A truly exceptional podcast lads 👏 a sad story full of exploitation.

[@ryanjones5946]

Cant stop seeing Gundogan when I'm watching, class story 👌💪

[@bradhart2482]

the intros are class, just somet about yous waffling shit Is enjoyable🤣

[@simonwright3060]

Don't remember this bloke but what a sad story

[@paulbuck9535]

Another great show guys! Very different to the norm. I'm still trying to decide if it was a great story or a horror story. Excellent guest and good to see he is so well grounded despite everything.

[@sjewitt22]

Him, Adu, Ravel.

[@seanb3204]

Lovely guy, seems happy too which is good to see

[@willgodsell5817]

miss screaming browny and parkys name from the Alan Kelly stand as a child

[@eddyswinney244]

Same story of my life .I liked drink .drugs ,shaggin,and the boys who could not lace my boots ,got a chance

[@blockney2333]

I feel sad for him more over his relationship with his dad, then him not going pro.

[@simonnewbound6225]

Wasn't he supposed to be the next George Best ????

[@briandoherty245]

Seems happy! Best of luck!

[@lukecope6085]

By far the best podcast what a bloke!

[@pbplauralfilms]

The time Sonny became tabloid-worthy (personally I first seen him on The Big Breakfast circa '95) the likes of Joe Cole, Gerrard, Owen, Terry, Carrick, Rio etc would have been coming through and on the fringes of their respective first team. That's how much of a big deal this boy was at the time though - putting these Premier League legends (all of whom are older) in the shade. Crazy to think what could have been. Made up he's come out the other side normal, healthy and happy. Great pod the boys.

[@tomwilson6359]

Another great show lads Hit home a little I should have made it myself but I let other things get in my way going out with mates to much Then before you know it, it’s gone that is what hits hard the most

[@tonyantoniou9271]

Terrible that due to avarice from his father and jealousy from other boys we have been denied the oppertunity to admire the talents of Sonny

[@kupus6622]

Holy crap I remember him on fantasy football as a kid. Fair play to sonny for getting through a crazy early life as a seemingly down to earth guy. He's got an interesting story out of football if nothing else and made a mark , despite not kicking a ball professionally. That takes abit of doing.

[@raygrimes9203]

Can remember that documentary, have always wondered what happened to that kid. Now i know!

[@timwightman4473]

What a great interview. Best you've ever done. With my kids my first question will be are you enjoying it, the rest will look after itself.

[@phillyjones7861]

Incredible story. Kudos to the mackem also, talking so much sense re young footballers. Professional clubs should employ him to help the development of their young kids. Well done lads

[@terracetalklives1832]

Love the chat at the start lads, because the podcasts are filmed weeks ago and the chats are in the present it enables you to update us with anything that is up and coming

[@joeyeleven8997]

Fascinating as always

[@sethno1ram1]

I remember him of fantasy football with baddiel and skinner

[@joshuacullen3217]

Such a sad story of a lad who loved football but never actually got to play.

[@niallwilliams8833]

Will bywater be out soon??🤷‍♂️

[@junglistdon]

Fascinating. Great show Guys. Top Man Sonny.

[@TheJimmyblue]

This is so tragic

[@adoresleep2541]

This was class (but also super sad)! Keep it up lads.

[@edwardharris1796]

What a top guy!!

[@EwanHibs]

Fantastic

[@hardingryan42]

Every episode are a few have been great especially Kevin Campbell and Keith Tracey

[@Thailandfc24]

Keith Tracey was probably the best pod I’ve ever listened to , what was the problem with it ??

[@TORRES999ify]

@@Thailandfc24 he said it was great

[@kmotch]

Seen him at an Easter tournament in Bognor when we were teenagers musta been after the blue Peter Ajax as we recognised him… this kid had that cockney swag for sure. Shame we never played against his team but probably for the best as I would have emptied him. Awful about his dad.

[@TokyoJoe703]

You would have emptied him? Ok …

[@kmotch]

@@TokyoJoe703 thanks for the comment little man, I was built like a 16 year old at 12 so yeah I probably would’ve done.

[@TokyoJoe703]

@@kmotch by the sound of it you would have enjoyed emptying him

[@seanb3204]

You were built like a 6 year old

[@someguyfromengland5036]

@@kmotch your life must really have hit the heights for that to be the highlight, spaka

[@TORRES999ify]

Maybe he was just never really as good as was thought. Another over hyped kid, not excited about this one but going to watch now maybe I'll be surprised

[@ryansummerfield146]

Was 4/5 years ahead of everyone at 8-12 problem is at 14 they never developed him. Could have been anything.

[@TORRES999ify]

@@ryansummerfield146 yeah unfortunately doesn't matter how good you at 12 and 14. Easy to say he could of been Messi but even struggled at stevenage and Barnet so I'm not so sure. We will never know though, he didn't play for England schoolboys at 14 and 15 didn't go to Lilleshall , didnt do nothing of note at any club,never heard of him doing anything in the youth cup, maybe he wasn't really the best In the country at that age just hyped as it

[@dfnffc]

I don't think you understand the struggles he had mentally with his dad and the pressures of being exploited commercially and then being banned. All of that in his formative years prevented him from reaching his potential, absolutely nothing to do with his talent.

[@TORRES999ify]

@@dfnffc as i I said we will never know

[@gerryadamsmla4446]

Any chance of any proper players? To many nobodies appearing on here at the bottom

[@benjibradshaw69]

No ones forcing you to watch. The flip side is, what are you providing for entertainment for the masses?

[@greggsmith6327]

Have a badgers at his username. He's a c*nt mate.

[@greggsmith6327]

How's your boyfrien Bobby Storie? Still burning in hell is he???

[@TORRES999ify]

Apart from Sonny, the rest are all proper players . We don't want to hear the stories of top players who are like robots. Most of us want to hear from the old skool players and players that have played lower league, players with a personality,, its a journey man podcast mainly. You won't get top players opening up and telling you about the time they turned-up to training with a hangover

[@jjthompson4752]

Personally i love these guests. Characters with good stories. Every one