The Good, The Bad & The Football

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Welcome to The Good, The Bad & The Football – the new show from Manchester United legends Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt and comedic superfan Paddy McGuinness. Every week, they dive into the conversations fans are really having - on WhatsApp groups, building sites and in barbershops across the country - served up with the humour and honesty only real Northern lads can deliver. Across the season, they’ll be joined by some of football’s biggest names, sharing stories, debates and behind-the-scenes insights from years at the heart of one of the game’s most successful teams. No executive boxes. No croissant-laden tables. Just real football, real talk, and real laughs. Straight from the heart of the game. New episodes every Monday.

  1. 6 DAYS AGO

    Max Dowman Wins Arsenal The Title! The Problem With Liverpool & Bruno To Break Assists Record?

    Paul, Nicky and Paddy are joined by former Leicester, Liverpool and England striker Emile Heskey. The lads start with Arsenal’s win over Everton and the impact of teenage sensation Max Dowman. Nicky recalls first seeing Dowman play when he was just 14, while Scholesy asks whether the youngster might be the type of player Arsenal have been missing this season. They also discuss the fearless confidence Dowman showed on such a big stage and debate how important the senior players around him will be in shaping his development.Emile reflects on his own breakthrough at Leicester, explaining how Martin O’Neill helped guide him as a young player, while he and Nicky also share how they approach their own sons’ football journeys and why sometimes the best thing parents can do is stay out of the way.Elsewhere, the panel try to make sense of Manchester City’s recent dip after their draw with West Ham. Why have the results gone south? Has Erling Haaland stopped scoring for a reason? And why might Phil Foden be struggling for minutes - could it even affect his World Cup hopes?There’s also debate around Liverpool’s frustrating 1–1 draw with Tottenham, with Scholesy sharing a theory on what might have gone wrong this season. Meanwhile, the lads praise the form of Bruno Fernandes at Manchester United and the resurgence of Casemiro in midfield. Does Bruno get into United’s all-time XI, and is he a genuine Player of the Season contender?The show also tackles some of the stranger moments in football this week, including that bizarre Chelsea huddle that somehow involved the referee, and Liam Rosenior’s claim that his players wanted to “respect the ball” — something Scholesy and Nicky aren’t buying. They also ask whether referees are starting to enjoy the spotlight a little too much, with Paddy offering a theory on why refs should probably go back to being geography teachers.Emile also shares some brilliant stories from his career, from struggling with homesickness after joining Liverpool to the moment he finally felt settled on Merseyside. He looks back on his partnership with Michael Owen, explaining why it was the best strike partnership he played in, how it started with England’s youth teams and why Owen winning the Ballon d’Or didn’t feel like a huge deal inside the dressing room.There are some classic football tales too: Scholesy remembers sharing a room with his hero Mark Hughes, while Nicky reveals why rooming with Les Sealey wasn’t quite as enjoyable. Emile also relives the unforgettable night England beat Germany 5–1 in 2001, explaining the story behind his putting celebration. He opens up about playing under Sven-Göran Eriksson, how he managed to annoy Fabio Capello, the half-time scrap during Turkey v England, and the European giant he nearly signed for… before ending up at Birmingham instead.If you want to ask the guys anything about football email them at: questions@goodbadfootball.co.uk.Follow The Good, The Bad & The Football:YouTube: www.youtube.com/@goodbadfootballpodInstagram: @goodbadfootballpodX/Twitter: @goodbadftblpodTikTok: goodbadfootballpodFacebook: www.facebook.com/goodbadfootballpodEnter for the chance to win £500k for just 19p  www.thatprizeguy.co.uk 00:00 - Intro 01:15 - Emile's FIGHTS In The Tunnel! 04:10 - Max Dowman Is INSANE! 16:45 - Emile's Sons At Man City 27:05 - What's Happened To Haaland & Foden? 33:15 - The Problem With Liverpool 37:40 - Bruno Fernandes & Casemiro ON FIRE! 42:10 - Chelsea's Weird Tradition 47:55 - Do Footballers Get Homesick? 51:10 - Playing Up Front With Michael Owen 01:00:15 - Germany 1-5 England, Sven & Capello 01:04:25 - Quickfire Questions 01:08:15 - Emile's new app Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 16m

  2. 9 MAR

    Wes Brown: The Truth About The Treble, Incredible Sir Alex Stories & Marking Lionel Messi!

    Wes Brown joins Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and Paddy McGuinness on The Good, The Bad & The Football for a brilliant trip through his time at Manchester United. Wes explains how one teammate being sick unexpectedly changed his career path and saw him move into defence at United, before reliving his early battles with a teenage Michael Owen and the moment Gary Pallister accidentally revealed he’d be making his debut. The lads debate whether Wes really deserved his reputation for being nasty in training and hear the unbelievable story of how a bust-up on a bus led to him being banned from public transport and asking Sir Alex for a pay rise. There are brilliant insights into contract negotiations at United, with Roy Keane stepping in to negotiate Wes’s deals, while Paul and Nicky recall how Fergie used Gary Neville and David Beckham as benchmarks to keep the dressing room in line. They also remember their first club cars, how Becks pimped his ride and Nev’s classicly sensible choice. Ahead of a huge week in the UEFA Champions League, the conversation turns to European nights, from the hostility of Galatasaray to the pressure of playing at the Bernabéu Stadium against Real Madrid. Wes relives marking legends like Ronaldo and Zinedine Zidane, facing a teenage Ronaldinho as a schoolboy and later going 1v1 with Lionel Messi. He also opens up about the incredible competition at centre-back for England during his era, why he eventually stepped away from international football, and how the gamers at United — including Wayne Rooney, Rio Ferdinand and Darren Fletcher — helped team morale. Elsewhere, Wes reveals how he ended up interviewing Cristiano Ronaldo during his return to United in 2021, shares a hilarious first conversation with Steve Bruce after joining Sunderland, and reflects on battling back from two devastating ACL injuries. Today’s episode is sponsored by Surfshark! Go to https://surfshark.com/gbf or use code GBF at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN! If you want to ask the guys anything about football email them at: questions@goodbadfootball.co.uk. Follow The Good, The Bad & The Football: YouTube: www.youtube.com/@goodbadfootballpod Instagram: @goodbadfootballpod X/Twitter: @goodbadftblpod TikTok: goodbadfootballpod Facebook: www.facebook.com/goodbadfootballpod 00:00 - Intro 00:45 - Man United’s Academy 14:30 - Wes’ debut 21:30 - Incredible Sir Alex Story! 35:00 - Dressing Room Stories! 44:50 - Toughest Stadiums To Play In 49:00 - Playing With Ronaldo 54:00 - England defenders 01:00:50 - Quickfire Questions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 21m

  3. 3 MAR

    Scholes & Butt Debate Carrick's Future, The Title Race & How Van Gaal Used FIFA To Sign Players!

    Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt & Paddy McGuinness discuss Michael Carrick's long-term future at Manchester United after he equalled the record for best opening nine games as a Premier League. They also discuss what being the Manchester United manager requires. After a weekend where Manchester City & Arsenal both won, attention turns to the title race, with Paddy changing his mind on who he think will come out on top! Paul & Nicky debate the importance of set-pieces in the modern game and give their thoughts on Arsenal set-piece coach Nico Jover having a bonus in his contract for every set piece scored. The boys then answer some incredible audience questions, including who would survive the longest on a desert island and ranking Eden Hazard, Gareth Bale & Mohamed Salah. If you want to ask the guys anything about football email them at: questions@goodbadfootball.co.uk. Follow The Good, The Bad & The Football: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@goodbadfootballpod Instagram: @goodbadfootballpod X/Twitter: @goodbadftblpod TikTok: goodbadfootballpod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goodbadfootballpod 00:00 - Intro 02:05 - Michael Carrick's Future 22:55 - How much do professional footballers train? 29:00 - Harry Maguire's insane dive 32:15 - Nicky's Corner RANT 34:45 - Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea 41:30 - Nico Jover's Set Piece BONUS! 43:55 - The Title Race Debate 49:15 - Audience Q&A Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 11m

  4. 23 FEB

    Why Scholesy LOVES Gyokeres, Can Tottenham ACTUALLY Get Relegated? & Sir Alex's Warning To G Nev!

    Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt & Paddy McGuinness discuss the fallout from the North London derby, which saw Arsenal restore their five-point lead at the top of the Premier League table with statement performances from Eberechi Eze & Viktor Gyokeres. Nicky describes the feeling in the dressing room of a team in a relegation battle and they debate whether Declan Rice is captain material before chaos ensues with a conversation about the top 5 most difficult sports to play. If you want to ask the guys anything about football email them at: questions@goodbadfootball.co.uk. Follow The Good, The Bad & The Football: YouTube:    / @goodbadfootballpod   Instagram: @goodbadfootballpod X/Twitter: @goodbadftblpod TikTok: goodbadfootballpod Facebook:   / goodbadfootballpod   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 12m

  5. 16 FEB

    Steve McClaren on England Regrets, Class Of 92 Secrets & The Truth About Ronaldo vs Ten Hag!

    Paddy McGuinness and Paul Scholes are joined by stand-in co-host, former England manager and Manchester United assistant Steve McClaren. He lifts the lid on working with Cristiano Ronaldo during his return to Old Trafford, explaining how the CR7's relationship with Erik ten Hag deteriorated behind the scenes, how everyone tried to manage the situation, and the shockwaves felt inside the club after that explosive Piers Morgan interview.Steve reflects on his ill-fated spell as England manager too: how he landed the job, leaving out David Beckham, the realities of managing the country, and why the role proved so difficult, from club rivalries spilling into the dressing room to the relentless media pressure that followed the Croatia defeat and the infamous umbrella.He also reflects on his first spell at United and the surreal moment he first thought Sir Alex Ferguson’s call offering him a job was a wind-up, how his first game with the club left him wondering what on Earth could he coach into the players, Fergie's greatest strengths as a manager and the best advice he ever received from the gaffer.He also takes us inside the Manchester United training-ground too, including the time he tore into the squad’s performances starting with Roy Keane, why practice matches were the hardest games of all, how Scholesy used to wind Gary Neville up, and why nobody wanted Fergie joining in possession boxes.Beyond England and United, McClaren also shares how he persuaded Juninho to rejoin Middlesbrough at the 2002 World Cup and how he discovered United had beaten him to sign Diego Forlán after Boro had already flown him over from Uruguay. He also relives winning the Eredivisie title with FC Twente, revealing the emotional team talk that reduced his players to tears before their title-clinching match.If you want to ask the guys anything about football email them at: questions@goodbadfootball.co.uk.Follow The Good, The Bad & The Football:YouTube: www.youtube.com/@goodbadfootballpodInstagram: @goodbadfootballpodX/Twitter: @goodbadftblpodTikTok: goodbadfootballpodFacebook: www.facebook.com/goodbadfootballpod  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 24m

  6. 9 FEB

    Paul Scholes & Nicky Butt On Arne Slot’s Future, VAR Controversy & Man United To Win The Title?

    Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and Paddy McGuinness are back with another episode of The Good, The Bad & The Football.  The lads relive the chaos at Anfield as Manchester City snatched it late to beat Liverpool, with Scholesy and Butty full of praise for the champions’ comeback mentality. Nicky also gives his verdict on the goalkeeping for Dominik Szoboszlai’s free-kick - insisting Gianluigi Donnarumma should have done better - while the panel discuss why the result will have felt like a punch in the stomach for Arsenal players watching on. There’s a deeper dive into the title race too: does this City squad’s number of non-title winners matter? Do Arsenal have the fear factor of the great Premier League sides? And do Gunners fans head to games expecting victory yet?Attention then turns to Liverpool, where pressure is beginning to mount on Arne Slot, before the focus shifts to Manchester United. The team debate the dilemma facing the United hierarchy over whether to give Michael Carrick the head coach job permanently, praise the form of Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo and there's even a mention of United possibly being involved in a title bid in the coming seasons. Meanwhile, they also have some words for some of the pundits now rowing back on their earlier takes about Ruben Amorim's suitability for managing the club. There’s also a message for the United Strand over a potential haircut, a heated discussion on Cristian Romero’s latest red card and his Spurs future - Scholesy says he would love him at Old Trafford — and questions over how safe Thomas Frank’s job really is.The lads also tackle a big football debate: what’s the greater achievement: the Treble, 100 Premier League points, four titles in a row, or conceding just 15 goals in a season? Later, the football chat gives way to chaos…again. Paddy is stunned by Scholesy’s lack of film knowledge, the boys pick their dream dinner guests (dead or alive), prompting Nicky to share stories of a meal with Diego Maradona and a game of pool with Nelson Mandela, and Paddy reveals why he’s covered in fake tan… and just how far the spray went.If you want to ask the guys anything about football email them at: questions@goodbadfootball.co.uk.Follow The Good, The Bad & The Football:YouTube: www.youtube.com/@goodbadfootballpodInstagram: @goodbadfootballpodX/Twitter: @goodbadftblpodTikTok: goodbadfootballpodFacebook: www.facebook.com/goodbadfootballpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 15m

  7. 2 FEB

    Can Anybody Stop Arsenal? The Return Of Man United’s DNA & Receiving Fergie’s Hairdryer!

    Paddy, Scholesy and Nicky are joined by former WBC cruiserweight world champion — and proud Evertonian — Tony Bellew for a new episode of The Good, The Bad & The Football.Tony opens up on the most nervous ring walk of his life, revealing why fighting for a world title at Goodison Park felt more daunting than stepping into any other arena. He shares the unbelievable story of how Ross Barkley played a part in landing him a role in Creed, why he thought the call was a wind-up, and the mind games he used to get under David Haye’s skin before their first fight. The conversation also turns to boxing’s biggest debates: who Tony thinks is the greatest British fighter ever, whether he has respect for Jake Paul, and why a boxer’s mindset matters far more than their physique. Plus, Tony reveals the extreme lengths he went to in order to make weight for his first world title shot.On the football side, the lads react to Manchester United’s dramatic 3-2 win over Fulham and discuss whether Michael Carrick’s low managerial profile could prevent him landing the job full-time. They debate if Manchester City’s draw with Tottenham has handed the Premier League title to Arsenal, and what Thomas Frank may have said at half-time to spark Spurs’ second-half resurgence. They also weigh up whether Mikel Arteta would walk away from Arsenal this summer if he fails to win the league from here. Scholesy and Nicky also reminisce about one of Sir Alex Ferguson’s most legendary half-time team talks, when United came from 3-0 down to beat Tottenham 5-3. And with Tony praising David Moyes’ work at Everton and West Ham, the panel discuss whether he deserved more time at Old Trafford and why modern managers need more power inside football clubs than they’re given today.If you want to ask the guys anything about football email them at: questions@goodbadfootball.co.uk.Follow The Good, The Bad & The Football:YouTube: www.youtube.com/@goodbadfootballpodInstagram: @goodbadfootballpodX/Twitter: @goodbadftblpodTikTok: goodbadfootballpodFacebook: www.facebook.com/goodbadfootballpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 30m

  8. 26 JAN

    Paul Scholes & Nicky Butt On Carrick MASTERCLASS, Arsenal COLLAPSE & Man United 2008 vs Arsenal 2026

    Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and Paddy McGuinness react to Manchester United’s comeback win over Arsenal at the Emirates, breaking down what it says about the team’s mentality and momentum. There’s praise for Harry Maguire, with Scholesy and Nicky explaining why his recent performances have made a real difference and why it’s good to finally see him getting his plaudits. They discuss how Dorgu helped Luke Shaw handle Bukayo Saka, why Matheus Cunha’s impact off the bench has been so important for Michael Carrick, and whether Carrick himself should be in the frame for the permanent job. Scholesy explains why he thinks it’s too soon, while Nicky suggests when United might identify their next manager. Attention then turns to Arsenal, with the lads giving their take on the Emirates crowd turning on their own players, whether Mikel Arteta is too cautious at home, and Scholesy floating the theory that Arsenal may have an excellent squad but not a great starting eleven. He even asks whether they could be the worst team ever to win the Premier League? A chat about Marc Guehi’s failed move to Liverpool spirals into a story about just how close Ronaldinho came to joining Manchester United in 2003, including the squad number he would’ve worn. There’s also a look at what’s gone wrong at Liverpool this season, and whether Thomas Frank deserves sympathy for his situation at Tottenham. Nicky recalls Joe Kinnear’s spell in charge at Newcastle, despite him not having attended a football match for 10 years, and opens up about his own experience of having to sack a manager at Salford. To finish, things get a bit tense in the studio as a debate about their five favourite sports to play and five favourites to watch quickly descends into anarchy, while Scholesy brings in some sprout juice for a taste test that goes about as well as you’d expect. If you want to ask the guys anything about football email them at: questions@goodbadfootball.co.uk. Follow The Good, The Bad & The Football: YouTube: www.youtube.com/@goodbadfootballpod Instagram: @goodbadfootballpod X/Twitter: @goodbadftblpod TikTok: goodbadfootballpod Facebook: www.facebook.com/goodbadfootballpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 11m
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Welcome to The Good, The Bad & The Football – the new show from Manchester United legends Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt and comedic superfan Paddy McGuinness. Every week, they dive into the conversations fans are really having - on WhatsApp groups, building sites and in barbershops across the country - served up with the humour and honesty only real Northern lads can deliver. Across the season, they’ll be joined by some of football’s biggest names, sharing stories, debates and behind-the-scenes insights from years at the heart of one of the game’s most successful teams. No executive boxes. No croissant-laden tables. Just real football, real talk, and real laughs. Straight from the heart of the game. New episodes every Monday.

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