Rule The Roost - A Tottenham Hotspur Podcast

Jack sits down with James Maw from The Athletic for a Thursday catch-up and a huge listener mailbag. We kick things off with Mauricio Pochettino's latest comments, as the former boss claims he would return to manage Spurs in any division. We also unpack his explosive demand that Chelsea be stripped of their 2016-17 Premier League title for financial breaches and the trophy be handed to Tottenham. James shares exactly how he would feel about a retrospective title parade, before giving his verdict on Roberto De Zerbi's start to the season. The second half of the show is dedicated to your questions. Sean Leahy asks James to explain his tendency to self-edit his opinions on View From The Lane, Houston Reveaux flags Keith Hackett's bizarre social media meltdown over the Forest match, and THFC Podcast asks whether the media's double standards towards Spurs have reached breaking point. We also ask sidford20's question on whether Mykhailo Mudryk is already the worst loan signing in club history, and DM wants to know if James has heard from Danny regarding his thoughts on Tottenham's slow start. Finally, we look at the tactical dilemmas facing De Zerbi. MJBhotspur asks for Dejan Kulusevski's best position, Matt Cipolla wants to know the ideal front four to get the attack firing, and Jack C alongside James Reed address the collective fan PTSD by asking what run of results is acceptable against Everton, Liverpool, and Aston Villa before the international break. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is back behind the mic! After recovering from throat surgery, he joins Gavin to recount his viral away-day experience travelling from Tottenham to Nottingham ONLY using public buses. Attention then turns to the pitch, where Spurs finally stopped the rot against Nottingham Forest with a largely controlled performance. We break down Rodrigo Bentancur's standout display, exploring how an injury-free run and Sandro Tonali's combative presence helped him thrive in midfield. We also discuss Conor Gallagher's impressive outing, whether the online hate he receives is forced, and why the omission of Mateus Fernandes felt strange given De Zerbi's pre-match comments. Elsewhere, we examine Oliver Glasner's pre-game mind games and debate whether De Zerbi's emotional volatility is becoming a concern. Finally, we praise Savio for getting up to speed and ask where it is going wrong for Mathys Tel amidst unwarranted abuse. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack shares his thoughts on Tottenham’s first point of the season at a hostile City Ground. The scoreline doesn’t really convey what was a fairly good, tense affair. Plenty of positives for Tottenham to take from that, despite the lack of cutting edge. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With Jack taking a cautious approach to his recovery, Tom Foins is joined once again by long-time collaborator Dan Kilpatrick (The Athletic) for a special reunion to dissect a historic £400 million transfer window. The duo look back at the chaos of the summer and ask whether this unprecedented spending spree is a genuine statement of intent or simply a necessary correction to keep Spurs competitive in the modern Premier League. We discuss the early impressions of Jan Paul van Hecke following Daniel Levy's alleged comments on his fee, heap praise on the massive potential of Mateus Fernandes, and question whether Sandro Tonali's lack of fitness is a legitimate cause for concern. Attention then turns to the bizarre deadline day loan signing of Mykhailo Mudryk from Chelsea. Tom and Dan debate whether this is a Roberto De Zerbi vanity project that risks blocking the pathway for young homegrown talent. We also look at the notable departures, asking if the club bungled the Kevin Danso exit, before analysing the massive gamble of placing all our faith in Antonin Kinsky as the undisputed number one goalkeeper. Finally, we hand out our overall ratings out of ten for the window and discuss what a realistic and successful season looks like from here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack returns to the microphone following emergency throat surgery to deliver a raw, honest debrief on Tottenham's disappointing home defeat to Newcastle and the chaotic final days of the transfer window. We break down what went wrong against Newcastle, examining why teams still arrive in North London believing Spurs can be easily turned over. Jack questions whether Antonin Kinsky is ready to be a Premier League number one, raises fitness concerns around Sandro Tonali, and reflects on the frustrating injury to Savio alongside the bright spark of Omar Marmoush. Attention then turns to deadline week drama. We discuss the exhausting circus surrounding Richarlison, the potential arrival of Iliman Ndiaye, and Kevin Danso wanting out, which exposes a glaring lack of aerial dominance across the backline. Jack also shares his heartbreak over Pape Matar Sarr departing for Juventus. Finally, we address the lingering cultural scars of the past two seasons, explaining why Roberto De Zerbi's side must ditch the "Soft Touch FC" tag, embrace a nastier edge, and start laying down markers against the rest of the league. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With Jack sidelined recovering from throat surgery, Oly and Rosa of Hometown Glory take the reins to dissect a hectic week of Tottenham Hotspur action and transfer business. We kick off by reviewing the confidence-boosting 5-1 Carabao Cup victory over Charlton. We dish out heavy praise for Matheus Fernandes, ponder Mikey Moore's place after an impressive performance, marvel at Savio's instant goalscoring impact, and ask whether conceding a late goal highlights a lingering aerial vulnerability in the squad. Next, we look at the arrival of Omar Marmoush from Manchester City. We discuss whether his time stuck behind Erling Haaland has masked his true potential, and analyse De Zerbi's glowing praise for the Egyptian's tactical intelligence. We then unpack De Zerbi's latest press conference. With the boss hinting at one final signing, we ask if Cody Gakpo is the missing piece. We also read out De Zerbi's ruthless, no-nonsense quotes regarding player departures and squad discipline, debating whether this is exactly the culture shift fans have been begging for. Finally, we preview the crucial clash against Newcastle United, asking how Sandro Tonali will handle facing his former club and who should fill the third midfield spot alongside him and Fernandes with James Maddison out injured. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by Windy from The Extra Inch podcast to digest a miserable opening weekend for Tottenham Hotspur following a heavy defeat to Brentford. We dissect everything that went wrong. Are we simply watching a rebuilt team suffering teething problems under Roberto De Zerbi, or did the physical mismatch expose a deeper cultural rot that still lingers at the club? We look closely at Lucas Bergvall's struggles and ask whether De Zerbi deliberately threw him into the deep end to prove a point, before discussing the ongoing concern of Archie Gray having to fill in as a makeshift right-back. We also examine the worrying lack of dynamism in defence, as Jan Paul van Hecke endured a shocking debut alongside Marcos Senesi. With Micky van de Ven's injury record, how does De Zerbi fix this partnership going forward? Finally, we turn to the transfer market. With the Brentford game exposing a desperate need for attacking reinforcements, we react to Fabrizio Romano's "here we go" for a massive double swoop for Manchester City's Savinho and Omar Marmoush. Are they the right profiles to elevate our front line, and with Cody Gakpo still linked, do we need even more firepower before the window slams shut? Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is back to pick apart that opening day defeat to Brentford. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome back to a special bonus episode of Rule the Roost! Following our main chat with Spurs presenter and broadcaster Ben Haines, we open up the mailbag to put your questions directly to the man himself. Ben tackles a brilliant mix of the serious, the insightful, and the completely absurd from our listeners and patrons. We dive straight into the media's anti-Spurs bias, discussing how the club internally views narratives like last year's nonsense that Tottenham getting relegated would be good for the Premier League. On the footballing side, we look at Antonin Kinsky's incredible mental recovery since his early exit in Madrid, and explore the general mood heading into the new season, including who has shown the most behind-the-scenes resilience. We also probe whether the players treat media duties as an obligation or if they view Ben as a genuine part of the club fabric. Then, things get a little lighter. We try to extract exactly how much water cooler transfer gossip Ben actually overhears at Hotspur Way, ask the hard-hitting question of which player smells the best, and praise his unflappable professionalism during a near-drenching from the sprinklers alongside a smirking Chris Hughton. Oh, and we also need to know how long it would take him to realise he put his pants on backwards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by broadcaster and Spurs presenter Ben Haines for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the mood, standards, and cultural shifts taking place at Hotspur Way. Ben shares his unique perspective from behind the microphone, reflecting on what it was really like navigating post-match interviews during the toughest moments of last season and the stark turnaround in energy the moment Roberto De Zerbi walked through the door. We discuss De Zerbi's calm and laser-focused approach day-to-day, how the squad balances immense ambition with hard graft, and why it is time for everyone around the club to kill off the tired, self-deprecating tropes for good. We also dive into some brilliant behind-the-scenes stories from the summer, including Ben's impromptu gym session with Antonin Kinský, filming with Xavi Simons, and first impressions of new arrivals Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes, Andy Robertson, Jan Paul van Hecke, Marcos Senesi, and Martin Dúbravka. Finally, we explore the conscious effort to heal and strengthen the bond between the club and the stands, the recent first-team and legends lunch, and what it genuinely means for a lifelong fan to represent and tell the story of the club he grew up supporting. (Note: Our patron and listener Q&A with Ben will be released as a standalone bonus episode tomorrow!) Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by Rosa from the Hometown Glory podcast to dissect a massive week of Tottenham Hotspur news, transfers, and pre-season action. We kick things off with the confirmed departure of Cristian Romero to Atletico Madrid. Jack has been highly critical of the Argentine recently, but Rosa steps up to fiercely defend his legacy—expect a heated debate on how his time in North London will be remembered. Next, we review the weekend's pre-season double-header against Hoffenheim. We marvel at Sandro Tonali's brilliant performance and discuss what the midfield hierarchy looks like for the likes of Bentancur, Sarr, Bergvall, and Gray sitting behind Tonali and Mateus Fernandes. We also look at the attacking prospects, asking whether the club should still pursue moves for Savinho and Cody Gakpo if it means blocking the pathways of Mathys Tel and Mikey Moore. Defensively, with Andy Robertson tipped for a massive assist haul and Van Hecke and Senesi looking solid, are we comfortable with our depth after selling Djed Spence? Finally, we discuss the breakout potential of 17-year-old Lucá Williams-Barnett, before assessing the massive goalkeeper gamble: with Guglielmo Vicario loaned to Juventus, what happens if Antonin Kinsky fails to step up, and is Martin Dubravka a reliable enough safety net? Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by Phil to break down a mammoth week of outgoing and incoming transfer business at Tottenham Hotspur. We kick off with the massive news that Manchester City's Savinho is edging ever closer to a move to North London. While we are still waiting for the official confirmation, we discuss the excitement surrounding his seemingly imminent arrival and what he will bring to Roberto De Zerbi's frontline. We then turn to the headline exit: Cristian Romero sealing a move to Atletico Madrid. We reflect on his turbulent career at the club, weighing up the undeniable highs against the disciplinary lows, and discuss how his relationship with Spurs deteriorated so drastically towards the end. Attention then shifts to a more surprising departure, with Djed Spence heading to Inter Milan. We debate whether the fee represents a cut-price bargain or standard market value once World Cup recency bias is removed, and ask whether letting him leave without immediate cover is a massive risk. We also discuss Micky van de Ven’s lucrative new contract extension. Is making him one of the highest earners at the club a dangerous precedent, or is it simply essential business? Finally, we answer your listener questions, tackling Folarin Balogun's potential North London derby celebrations, phantom transfer targets of years past, and ranking Premier League era captains. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by Iain from Poddenham Podspur to dissect the latest online Spurs discourse, transfer rumours, and pre-season action. We start with a meta-look at the Tottenham podcasting landscape over the summer before diving straight into the shocking rumours linking Cristian Romero with a move to Arsenal. Is a deal across North London utterly unacceptable, or is there an uncomfortable, pragmatic "hear me out..." angle to be explored? Next, we reflect on a fiery pre-season clash against Getafe that laid bare Tottenham's current lack of dynamic options in the final third, gauging Iain's anxiety levels as the transfer deadline looms. We also discuss Conor Gallagher following his goal against Getafe, looking at whether his no-thrills, high-workrate style is turning out to be precisely what Roberto De Zerbi needs in the final third. Finally, we assess the fresh links to USMNT striker Folarin Balogun. Living in the States, Iain offers his perspective on whether Balogun would be a commercial shirt-selling exercise or a genuine solution to Spurs' attack. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack jumps on live to chat about Spurs' preseason fixture against Getafe. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by Billie T to break down all the latest Tottenham Hotspur transfer chaos, fitness updates, and media narratives. We open by weighing up the surprising transfer links surrounding Djed Spence and his reported interest from Liverpool. We dive into the pros and cons of letting him go, alongside Billie's general take on our summer window so far—including why he isn't sold on Cody Gakpo and whether it's time to start worrying about the Savinho deal. Next, we react to exciting training ground footage of Dejan Kulusevski and Mohammed Kudus putting in full-throttle sprints. With Deki back on the grass, can he be relied upon to hit the ground running in Roberto De Zerbi’s system? Then, we call out the persistent negative media agenda surrounding Spurs. From Darren Lewis claiming we overpaid for Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes to TalkSPORT's Van Hecke comments and Football Ramble questioning our use of non-football revenue—why is the narrative always framed against Tottenham, and are rival fans starting to get scared of our financial clout? Finally, we dive into the listener mailbag to answer your questions, tackling Richarlison vs Solanke, a full squad Battle Royale, ranking managers in a scrap, and whether you'd take a fully fit Maddison or Kulusevski for the entire season. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is back with Tom Hayward to break down all the key talking points following Tottenham's pre-season tour of Australia and New Zealand. We kick off with a dive into the true value of these far-flung summer tours. We call out the puritanical backlash against overseas pre-seasons, highlighting the hypocrisy of ignoring the global nature of modern squad compositions and the commercial realities that sustain top-flight clubs. We also celebrate Mathys Tel's standout pre-season displays, before assessing Antonin Kinsky's performances and debating Henry Winter’s claim that Spurs still desperately need a new number one. Next, we tackle the transfer rumour mill. We break down the Victor Osimhen links and explain why his post-tax wage demands make a move to the Premier League completely non-viable, before turning our attention to the intriguing reports linking Cody Gakpo with North London. Then, we dissect Roberto De Zerbi’s astonishingly open quotes regarding Richarlison’s future as the Brazilian enters the final year of his contract. Is it time to cash in, or can De Zerbi unlock his best form once again? Finally, we answer a listener request to rank Tottenham's Brazilians from best to worst, featuring everyone from Lucas Moura, Sandro, and Heurelho Gomes to Paulinho, Carlos Vinícius, and Gilberto. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack jumps on to discuss this games gone of a preseason fixture between Chelsea and Spurs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by Flav from The Fighting Cock to react to a massive week of pre-season news and breaking press conference quotes from Roberto De Zerbi out in Australia. We kick off with De Zerbi's wild "transfer shark" comments, breaking down his declaration that another transfer "bomba" is imminent and speculating on which marquee attacker could be heading to North London next. We then react to the huge news that Dejan Kulusevski is back in full training. Just how vital is a fully fit Kulusevski to Spurs' ambitions this season, and how does his unique creative profile fit into De Zerbi’s tactical setup? Plus, we dissect De Zerbi's astonishingly candid comments regarding Lucas Bergvall's positional demands. This sparks a broader discussion on the vibe shift under the new manager: why Spurs desperately needed a leader who isn't afraid to have uncomfortable conversations, make ruthless decisions, and set uncompromising standards for the squad. We also briefly touch on Mathys Tel’s wonder strike against Sydney FC and why the youth pathway is far from dead at Hotspur Way, before diving into the listener mailbag for your questions! Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tottenham's pre-season rolls on with a win over Sydney FC... on penalties, but a wins a win. It was a largely rotated side, giving a number of youngsters a chance to show their skills. Tel with a wonderful strike to open the scoring, and a frustrating second half with Andy Robertson showing what he's about, nearly creating two more goals. Luca Williams-Barnett also a highlight, as per usual. Ultimately, it's more minutes in the legs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by football writer Jack Gallagher to dive into the massive cultural and tactical shifts happening at Tottenham Hotspur under Roberto De Zerbi. We kick off by looking at the heavy Italian influence running through the club, from the dugout to the blockbuster signing of Sandro Tonali, and ask whether our guest finally has a soft spot for Spurs. Attention then turns to the transfer market and De Zerbi’s ruthless new streak. We discuss the manager's stark ultimatum regarding Lucas Bergvall's future and debate whether letting the highly-rated Swede leave would be a massive mistake or simply an inevitable consequence of Mateus Fernandes' arrival. We also dissect Micky van de Ven’s recent quotes, exploring what his comments reveal about the gloomy atmosphere under Thomas Frank last season and the much-needed injection of passion and offensive football De Zerbi has brought to the group. Finally, we look at the missing pieces of the puzzle. With De Zerbi wanting more attacking talent through the door, we assess our current forward line and discuss whether reported targets like Savinho and Eli Junior Kroupi are the players who can truly move the needle. We wrap up by getting Jack's ultimate predictions for Tottenham in the season ahead. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by Bardi to digest Tottenham Hotspur's return to action following their pre-season friendly against MK Dons. We discuss Mateus Fernandes' stunning debut goal and Sandro Tonali's brilliant performance in a double pivot, while looking ahead to how Conor Gallagher and James Maddison might fit into this new-look midfield. With Xavi Simons singing the club's praises and Spurs aiming for the league without the distraction of European football, we debate whether it is time to truly allow ourselves to dream under Roberto De Zerbi. We then weigh up the transfer dilemma: should Spurs push to sign attackers like Savinho, or prioritise minutes for academy standouts like Luca Williams-Barnett and Mikey Moore, especially given the youthful squad taken on the Australia and New Zealand tour? Finally, we dive into a bumper Thursday Q&A, answering listener questions on everything from Mikey Moore's physical transformation and De Zerbi's five-year vision to Colombian cuisine, Shakira, and the Christian Ziege of Steffen Freunds. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by Jon Bass to reflect on the climax of the World Cup and look ahead to Tottenham Hotspur's return to action. We open by celebrating Pedro Porro's World Cup triumph with Spain, looking at what it means to have a World Cup-winning player back in N17. We contrast Porro's high with Cristian Romero's tournament, debating whether Roberto De Zerbi will actively look to move Romero on or if he can get the defender fully on side for the campaign ahead. Plus, with Inter Milan reportedly circling for Djed Spence, we ask whether Spurs could realistically sanction a sale given his recent resurgence. Attention then turns to the fast-approaching pre-season friendlies. Is Jon mentally ready for Tottenham to be back, and what sort of side can we expect De Zerbi to field in these early fixtures? Finally, we break down the latest news surrounding Spurs' academy stars. Following Tynan Thompson's £4m move to Manchester United, we address growing fan anxieties over losing top young talent, while weighing it against reports that the club firmly rejected attempts to sign defensive prospect Jun'ai Byfield. We wrap up by assessing the club's overall direction of travel under the new hierarchy. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to the final episode of the Rule the Roost World Cup Digest! For one last time, I am wrapping up the 2026 World Cup, dissecting a tense and dramatic final, taking a look at England's chaotic bronze medal match, and reflecting on the tournament as a whole. On today's briefing: Spain the Rightful Kings: Spain beat Argentina 1-0 after extra time thanks to a 106th-minute winner from Ferran Torres. Ultimately, they are the rightful and unsurprising winners. They have now gone a record-breaking 38 matches unbeaten and conceded just one single goal all tournament. A genuinely superb defensive display. An Unpleasant Argentina: It has to be said, this Argentina side were a rather unpleasant bunch in the final. They were negative, cynical, and racked up the cards—culminating in Enzo Fernández being sent off deep into stoppage time and Leandro Paredes seeing red after the final whistle. End of an Era: Is this the end of Lionel Messi’s amazing legacy? It almost certainly is, and it is a real shame to see his World Cup journey conclude with such an ill-tempered, negative final performance from his team. England's 6-4 Alternate Reality: England beat France 6-4 in an absolutely wild third-place play-off. Frankly, the French probably couldn't be bothered, but for England fans, it was actually quite painful to watch. It offered a glimpse into an alternate reality where we played with far less fear than Thomas Tuchel seemingly instilled in the squad for that semi-final defeat to Argentina. Tournament Reflections: I offer some closing thoughts on the tournament as a whole. It was great, but it undeniably seemed to lose a bit of energy towards the end. Is this simply down to the sheer length and exhaustion of an expanded 48-team format? And if so, what on earth will a 64-team World Cup look like? The Bigger Picture: Finally, I ask a deeper question: what does the growing lack of excitement and joy from footballing success say about the current state of the sport, about us as fans, and perhaps even society as a whole? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by Baker to digest a dramatic few days of international heartbreak and Tottenham Hotspur transfer news. We open the show with a painful autopsy of England's 2-1 World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina, questioning Thomas Tuchel's in-game management and whether he is to blame for the team dropping too deep after Anthony Gordon's opener. We then switch our focus to Spurs, tackling the massive squad dilemmas facing the club regarding Cristian Romero and Djed Spence. With Luka Vuskovic officially heading to Brighton, did Romero's performance against England prove he is simply too good for the club to even consider selling? And with Spence in such incredible form on the international stage, would letting him leave this summer be a huge mistake? We also marvel at Pedro Porro's unbelievable Team of the Tournament-worthy form for Spain, reflecting on how inspired of a move it was to keep hold of him. Finally, we look at the breaking news regarding Nottingham Forest's rejected £38m bid for Lucas Bergvall. With Spurs reportedly holding out for closer to £50m, we debate whether the club should rinse Forest for every penny or just keep hold of the talented midfielder. We wrap up by briefly touching on our forward options, highlighting Will Lankshear and Mikey Moore as exciting prospects we are desperate to see feature under Roberto De Zerbi this season. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome back to the Rule the Roost World Cup Digest! We have reached the final four. Gavin joins me to unpack an incredibly strong set of quarter-final results, dissect the manufactured media narratives, and look ahead to a deeply personal and highly charged semi-final for England. France's Flaws: Morocco’s incredible World Cup run ends in a rather forgettable match. France get the job done and are brutally clinical, but do they actually look invincible? We're not so sure. Spain Squeeze Through: A hard-fought 2-1 win for Spain over Belgium. The Belgians showed up and gave a great account of themselves, but Spain’s relentless possession game sees them through—even if Lamine Yamal and the squad look to be lacking a little bit of magic right now. Surviving the Miami Heat: England beat a very handy Norway side in gruelling 34-degree heat. It is funny how quickly the media narrative shifts to downplay the opposition the absolute minute we get a result. Bellingham the Monster: Jude Bellingham is simply operating on another level. Gavin compares his swagger and low centre of gravity to Zinedine Zidane, and we look at how his immense maturity is actively lifting up teammates like Djed Spence. Manufactured Media Drama: Why are Gabriel Clarke and certain sections of the press so desperate to create friction between Thomas Tuchel and the squad? We call out the gutter journalism and offer a timely reminder of the massive foundation Gareth Southgate built to get us here. The Argentina Semi-Final: Argentina take Switzerland to extra time before finally putting them to bed. With my dual English and Argentinian heritage, I explain exactly why I utterly despise this fixture, the toxic historical narratives that always surround it, and why the Falklands chants from the Argentinian players are a total disgrace. A Spiritual Lift: Beyond the football, we discuss why this England team going all the way could provide the exact unifying, positive lift the country desperately needs right now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by lifelong Spurs fan and actor/puppeteer Chris Thatcher for a wide-ranging chat about finding the funny side of following Tottenham Hotspur. We kick off by discussing his brilliant Instagram series, "A day in the life of a Spurs fan," and he shares how creating those comedy videos during the absolute misery of last season's relegation battle actually helped him feel much more attached to the wider Spurs community. We look at the start of a massive new era at Tottenham. With Sandro Tonali officially unveiled and Mateus Fernandes already secured, we spend a good chunk of time discussing the massive potential signings still being linked to the club. From Rafa Leão and Savinho to Cody Gakpo and Antonio Nusa, we debate our dream additions as Spurs finally act like a big club in the market. We discuss whether it's time to truly trust the Lewis family's vision now that they are opening their wallets, and what the expectations should be for Roberto De Zerbi’s first full season in charge.Attention then turns to the World Cup, where we discuss the immaculate vibes coming out of the England camp. We chat about Djed Spence hilariously gatecrashing Morgan Rogers' press conference, before touching on a more serious point about how Spence has been unfairly vilified by the media throughout the tournament and what that says about certain press narratives. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome back to the Rule the Roost World Cup Digest! It is a massive Round of 16 bumper edition today, and I am thrilled to be joined by Phil to go through the thrills, spills, and the biggest talking points from an absolutely wild knockout stage. On today's 15-minute briefing: Morocco's Fear Factor: Canada gave it a valiant effort, but it is safe to say their race was run. Meanwhile, Morocco are officially announcing themselves at the top table—they are truly a team to be feared now. Are France the New Brazil?: France seem head and shoulders above the rest of the competition right now against Paraguay. But the South Americans showed that there might just be a glimmer of hope for the other nations. Trump's USMNT Intervention: The USA vs Belgium match was completely overshadowed by Trump intervening to have Balogun play. Has this set back the global perception of US football, and who are the real victims of that? On the other side, Belgium seem to be growing into this competition—perhaps leaving their so-called 'golden generation' behind is the best thing that has ever happened to them. Ronaldo's Embarrassing Exit: A total snorefest between Portugal and Spain. Did Portugal sacrifice their own tournament ambitions just to see Cristiano Ronaldo bow out in fairly embarrassing fashion? Honestly, it might be a good thing he's gone now for them. As for Spain, they've been underwhelming to watch, but they are quietly having a strong tournament and haven't conceded a single goal yet. Could they go all the way? Haaland's Majesty: Brazil were ruthlessly put to the sword by a majestic performance from Erling Haaland. After completely dismantling them, where does he now rank amongst the pantheon of world greats? The Swiss Wall: Another snorefest between Switzerland and Colombia, but the Swiss look organised and decent enough. The big question: could they be the team to stop a stuttering Argentina? Argentina Survive Egyptian Masterclass: A sublime performance from the Egyptians, who just couldn't quite get it over the line. But just how good are Argentina actually? Do they have what it takes to go all the way through sheer force of will alone? A Different England?: Are England genuinely a different beast now after getting past Mexico? Jude Bellingham at 23 is already one of the greats, and the chance to see Harry Kane lift the trophy and be immortalised is a joy to behold. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by Gavin for a jam-packed episode covering all the drama on the international stage and the latest movements at Hotspur Way. We kick things off with a deep dive into the World Cup, reacting to England's absolute heroics in their thrilling 3-2 victory over Mexico at the Estadio Azteca. We discuss the tantalising prospect of Harry Kane lifting the trophy and being immortalised as a World Cup-winning captain, and debate where this brilliant tournament ranks among the best in recent years. We also tackle the bizarre political backdrop of the competition, looking at the troubling reports of FIFA seemingly being coerced into allowing Folarin Balogun to play following pressure from Donald Trump. Attention then turns back to Tottenham Hotspur, as we share our sheer excitement over the impending arrival of Sandro Tonali from Newcastle. We break down how he will mesh with Mateus Fernandes in Roberto De Zerbi’s midfield, what this new-look engine room means for the season ahead, and the wider implications of the Lewis family finally embracing a free-spending approach. Are we finally witnessing the dawn of a massive new era for the club? Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Ornstein has dropped the bomba this evening that Spurs are spending around the £100m mark for Sandro Tonali from Newcastle... THEY SHOULD HAVE RELEGATED US!! Finally, we're acting like a big club... unreal times!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by football.london’s Alasdair Gold to escape the sweltering UK heatwave and take a welcome step back from the frantic transfer window. In a relaxed, wide-ranging discussion, we explore Alasdair's personal journey on the Tottenham beat, looking at what it really takes to cover the club through recent turbulent seasons and finding reasons to look forward to brighter days ahead. We chat about the shifting landscape at Hotspur Way following the confirmation of the Mateus Fernandes deal and the ongoing pursuit of Sandro Tonali. We also reflect on the broader strategy behind Roberto De Zerbi’s squad rebuild, touching on the breaking news of Luka Vuskovic’s move to Brighton and what it means when a manager is given the backing to shape a squad in his own image. From debating whether fans can place their long-term trust in the Lewis family’s ultimate vision for the club, to exploring Alasdair's deep love of cinema and his passion project YouTube channel Gold Goes To The Movies, this is a close-season conversation focused on the bigger picture. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by Ricky from Lads Anon and The Fighting Cock to digest the latest Tottenham Hotspur transfer news and international talking points. We kick things off with some England World Cup chatter, focusing on the frustrating media fallacy that Harry Kane is only now being recognised as a truly great player because he left Spurs, completely ignoring the world-class levels he consistently hit during his time in N17. We also discuss exactly what this England side needs to do to go all the way and win the competition. Attention then turns back to Tottenham, starting with the news that the club has turned down several serious bids for young striker Will Lankshear. Does this show a commendable faith in youth, or is it a worrying sign that we aren't in the market for a new number nine? We evaluate whether a striking rotation of Dominic Solanke, Richarlison, and Lankshear is enough firepower for the upcoming campaign. We also dive into our midfield hunt following the news that Manchester United have entered the race for Mateus Fernandes after Manuel Ugarte's injury at the World Cup. Does this signal game over for Spurs? We look at the wider strategy of putting all our eggs into the Sandro Tonali and Fernandes baskets, and debate whether a pivot to Bournemouth's Alex Scott—a boyhood Spurs fan—might be the smarter move. Finally, we wrap up the show as Ricky answers your listener questions. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On today's 15-minute briefing: The Pepe Mystery: Côte d'Ivoire secure a 2-0 win over Curaçao, lit up by a couple of absolute belters from Nicolas Pépé. Watching him strike them makes me wonder all over again: why on earth was he so poor during his time at Arsenal? Germany Stunned: Ecuador confirm their place in the Round of 32 with a thoroughly impressive 2-1 victory over Germany. This is exactly the kind of result that Scottish fans would have had a very keen eye on as the groups shake out. Dutch Dark Horses?: The Netherlands pick up a 3-1 win over Tunisia, featuring a lovely goal from Jan Paul van Hecke. It begs the question: are the Dutch quietly turning into genuine dark horses for this competition? Elanga's Math Blunder: A 1-1 draw sees both Japan and Sweden confirm their places in the next round. The funniest moment came from Anthony Elanga, who genuinely thought Sweden were knocked out at the whistle... spoiler alert, Anthony, they weren't! A Bump on the Nose for the USA: Turkey finally show the world what they are actually about, giving the USA a proper bump on the nose on their way out of the tournament with a 3-2 win. It's a timely reminder for Pochettino's men that they absolutely have to stay sharp if they want to go deep. Get In, Australia: A gritty 0-0 draw against Paraguay means the Aussies are officially through to the knockout stages! Well in. They’ve lined up a tie against Egypt next, which promises to be a cracking game. Norway’s Bizarre Rotation: Norway, with qualification already secured, decided to rotate their entire starting eleven against France and got soundly beaten 4-1. I have to ask: isn't the entire point of being at a World Cup having the opportunity to flex your best lineup against one of the greatest sides on the planet? Baffling decision. Senegal Smash Iraq: Pape Gueye hit a couple of eye-catching screamers as Senegal gave themselves every chance of a best third-place berth, dismantling Iraq 5-0. I can confirm their progress was officially locked in a few hours later following the conclusion of the Group G fixtures. Cape Verde’s Glamour Tie: A 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia means Cape Verde's absolute fairytale World Cup dream continues. They have lined up a massive glamour tie against Messi's Argentina in the Round of 32... and honestly, who knows? The way this tournament is going, maybe they could spring a monumental surprise. Bielsa in Meltdown: Spain navigate a tricky 1-0 match against Uruguay to top the group, a result that completely sent Marcelo Bielsa into absolute meltdown on the touchline. Belgium Finally Show Up: A comprehensive 5-1 routing of New Zealand sees the Belgians finally look like a football team, driven by an inspired, top-tier performance from Leandro Trossard. Injury Time Chaos for Iran: High, unadulterated drama between Egypt and Iran. Iran have more than likely secured their place in the Round of 32, but it was pure chaos at the death. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Phil and Jack brave the sweltering UK heatwave to bring you a comprehensive update on all things Tottenham Hotspur. We kick off by reflecting on England's stuttering World Cup campaign before diving into Jan Paul van Hecke's outrageous, record-breaking performance for the Netherlands. After smashing tournament statistics for touches and passes, did Spurs pull off a masterstroke by paying a premium to secure him before his value skyrocketed? We then unpack some defensive dilemmas, discussing reports that Cristian Romero is encouraged by Roberto De Zerbi and wants to stay, and what Micky van de Ven's awkward left-back appearances mean for his structural role at Spurs. We also look at the latest on the Sandro Tonali saga following Craig Hope's exclusive update, question whether Newcastle's stubbornness will ultimately break, and analyse the stats behind West Ham's Mateus Fernandes to see if he's the perfect technical engine for our midfield. Finally, we wrap up with thoughts on Martin Dubravka arriving as our new passing goalkeeper. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On today's 15-minute briefing: Hate Watchers in Disarray: Portugal completely dismantle Uzbekistan 5-0. The big talking point? Cristiano Ronaldo finally gets himself on the scoresheet, leaving the hate watchers in absolute disarray. England Frustrated by Ghana: A tricky, frustrating goalless draw for England as Ghana dug incredibly deep to earn a well-deserved point. It leaves me with one major question: should Ghana have actually had a penalty in this one? Croatia Keep the Dream Alive: Croatia did exactly what they needed to do against Panama. A narrow 1-0 win, but it puts three vital points on the board to keep their World Cup campaign alive. Colombia’s Goalkeeping Obstacle: Colombia spent the match rifling long shot after long shot against DR Congo, only to eventually settle it with a bit of a tap-in. We saw some more spectacular goalkeeping on display, and despite having three separate goals disallowed, Colombia get the win and march into the Round of 32. Host Nation Joy Continues: A fairly uneventful 2-1 win for Switzerland over Canada, but the big news is that both teams are safely through to the next round. Huge well done to Canada for keeping the host nation joy alive and kicking. Alajbegovic — Remember the Name: Bosnia and Herzegovina progress with a 3-1 win over Qatar, lit up by an absolute screamer from Kerim Alajbegović. Remember the name. At 2-1 Qatar were piling on some serious pressure, but ultimately it wasn't enough to stop the Bosnians going through. Goal of the Tournament?: Morocco were made to work hard for their 4-2 win over Haiti, but it was illuminated by a strike from Wilson Isidor. Is that the goal of the tournament thus far? No Joy for the Tartan Army: A harsh 3-0 defeat for Scotland against Brazil, which leaves them all but out of the competition. I don't feel the scoreline is an entirely fair reflection of how the game actually went, but Brazil were utterly clinical with the chances they created. Historic South African Shock: Surely one of the biggest shocks of the tournament so far. South Africa secure a famous 1-0 win to cruise into the Round of 32 for the first time in their history, dumping out a South Korea side who have looked largely underwhelming throughout this World Cup. Mexico’s Home Warning: Another massive 3-0 result for Mexico on home soil against Czechia. Luis Chávez’s first international goal was an absolute beauty. They are looking dangerous—I certainly wouldn't want England drawing them anytime soon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On today's 15-minute briefing: Spain Kick Into Gear: Spain are finally looking the part against Saudi Arabia. Dani Olmo is just such a wonderful player, and with Lamine Yamal in the side, they can probably pose a massive problem to absolutely anyone. Belgium Underwhelm: Belgium underwhelm yet again, but I have to give a massive shout out to Iran, who dug deep to pick up a huge point. The Story of the Tournament: Are Cape Verde the story of the World Cup? Going toe-to-toe with Spain and now Uruguay—it is incredible to watch. Egypt Get the Job Done: Egypt show up and get a result against New Zealand that was probably expected of them, but you have to give credit to NZ, who made them work incredibly hard for it. Messi Makes History: Lionel Messi becomes the outright World Cup leading scorer with two great finishes against Austria, surely solidifying himself as the GOAT. He did miss a penalty though, which makes me wonder: did he miss it on purpose because he didn't want to break the record with a pen? Either way, Argentina are safely through to the next round. France Battle the Elements: Despite a chaotic two-hour rain delay against Iraq, Kylian Mbappe just keeps the goals coming. But once again, Michael Olise is looking like one of the best players in the world right now. France also book their spot in the next round. Haaland vs Mbappe Awaits: Erling Haaland bags two against Senegal, who are genuinely a good side and managed to cut right through Norway's defence. That vulnerability is going to be fascinating to watch in their upcoming clash with France—it is officially Haaland vs Mbappe. Jordan Say Goodbye: Finally, Jordan officially exit the competition after their result against Algeria. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by touring stand-up comedian and Spurs fan Aidan Jones to talk all things Spurs and stand-up. We kick things off by talking to Aidan about his viral video where he stopped a live gig to celebrate Spurs surviving relegation, before diving into how his critically acclaimed show Chopin's Nocturne blends classical piano with raw comedy, and how an Aussie in London ended up adopting the club. The conversation then pivots to the massive news broken by David Ornstein over the weekend: Lucas Bergvall has reportedly asked to leave N17. We debate whether it was naive to think we could develop both him and Archie Gray at the same time, question if Roberto De Zerbi is simply acting as a brutal hand for course correction, and ask if we are cashing in just to fund moves for Sandro Tonali and Mattheus Fernandes. Finally, we look at the newly released fixtures—specifically that horrifying end-of-season run-in—before getting into a brilliant round of listener feedback. We pass on some high praise from Ben Haines, share our intrusive thoughts during Spurs matches, and tackle your questions, including which Chopin piece perfectly soundtracks Tottenham Hotspur. Find info for and buy tickets to Aidan's shows here: https://linktr.ee/aidanjonescomedy Follow his Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/aidanjonescomedy/ Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On today's 15-minute briefing: Pochettino's Magic: The battle of the jocks saw the USA come out on top against Australia. Mauricio Pochettino simply continues to work his magic, and the hosts are looking seriously impressive. Scottish Heartbreak: A really difficult one to swallow for the Scots against Morocco. Looking back at the crucial moments, I have to ask: should they have had at least one penalty in that game? Brazil Bounce Back: A good result for Brazil against Haiti, showing they can absolutely put the so-called lesser nations to the sword. But do they actually have enough quality for the real monsters of the tournament? I am not entirely convinced yet. Turkey Tumble & Almiron's Red: Miguel Almirón was sent off for covering his mouth against Paraguay—honestly, this is the sort of no-nonsense officiating I can get behind and something the authorities should have been doing for a while. As for the game itself, the result caps off a very disappointing World Cup for Turkey, whom many were expecting so much more from. Dutch Delight: A huge result in what many expected to be an evenly contested fixture between the Netherlands and Sweden. The Dutch played some scintillating football at times, which makes me wonder: perhaps they have been written off too soon? Heartbreak for Côte d'Ivoire: Absolute heartbreak for Côte d'Ivoire, who were genuinely brilliant against Germany. There is a lot of talk around Diomande at the moment, and he is definitely good value for it—a great player. But Deniz Undav was the hero for Germany, showing great composure to secure the winner. Wasteful Ecuador: Eloy Room continued the tournament's theme of standout goalkeeping performances for Curaçao, but you have to say Ecuador were incredibly wasteful in front of goal. Japan Show Up: Japan are showing more signs of being the team everyone said they were ahead of this tournament, putting in a great attacking performance to ruthlessly punish Tunisia. Tournament Update: Qualified Teams: Mexico, USA, and Germany. Eliminated Teams: Haiti, Tunisia, and Turkey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On today's 15-minute briefing: Ronaldo Holding Portugal Back: A brilliant result for DR Congo, and a massive well done to Yoane Wissa. But the main talking point has to be Cristiano Ronaldo—he is looking way off the pace right now and genuinely seems to be holding this Portuguese side back. Hope for the Three Lions: England getting it done against Croatia. It begs the question: are things finally different for the Three Lions? It really feels like they finally have the team to cause serious problems deep into this tournament. Ghana Make Hard Work of It: Ghana made things look far more difficult than they probably should have, but you have to give credit to Panama, who looked incredibly handy. Diaz Dazzles for Colombia: A historic moment for the Uzbeks, but the story of the game was an absolutely incredible opening goal for Colombia—definitely worth checking out if you haven't seen it. Luis Díaz was the undisputed star of the show, which really makes you wonder what on earth Liverpool were thinking getting rid of him to Bayern Munich. South Africa Grind It Out: A largely uneventful but quite open game between Czechia and South Africa. Well done to South Africa for grinding out a solid point against very tough opposition. Dying Stages Drama: Switzerland vs Bosnia & Herzegovina exploded into life in the dying stages with some great finishes. Honestly, I don't expect an awful lot from either of these teams going forward, but it is completely mad to see Edin Džeko still playing at this level. Host Nation Chaos: A big, big result for Canada against Qatar, which is great for the momentum of the tournament. However, it was a really feisty affair featuring what looked like a leg-breaking challenge. Qatar were pretty dirty throughout, and things properly kicked off at full-time. Mexico Progress: A very boring game between Mexico and South Korea, complete with boos ringing out at half-time. Still, Mexico get the job done and go through to the next round. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by Conor Mummery where the lads kick things off by checking in on England’s World Cup campaign, celebrating Harry Kane reaching 10 tournament goals as he puts Croatia to the sword, and reflecting on his legendary status. Attention then turns to young defender Luka Vuskovic’s recent performance, evaluating reports of friction between the youngster and Roberto De Zerbi, who reportedly feels the teenager is still a few years away from first-team readiness. We celebrate Jan Paul van Hecke officially getting the "Here We Go" confirmation, before breaking down an incredible bit of off-air drama on talkSPORT. With Ben Foster revealing that Daniel Levy texted Simon Jordan claiming Spurs "had their pants pulled down" on the financial terms, we question if this confirms years of suspicion that Levy’s obsession with "winning" negotiation squabbles has held the club back—and whether the hierarchy are finally moving differently. Finally, we talk about Sandro Tonali, sharing our honest ratings of him as a player, how he fits into the modern game, and what his addition would mean for our midfield. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On today's 15-minute briefing: Messi Makes History: The main event. Lionel Messi just does it again. He bagged a sensational hat-trick against Algeria and actually looks fitter now than he did during the 2022 run, even if he probably should have been sent off. He is now the joint-record World Cup goalscorer alongside Miroslav Klose with 16 goals. Can Argentina retain the trophy? Mbappe's Aura & the Olise Show: Senegal are a seriously great side, and Nicolas Jackson is definitely a much better player than he ever gets credit for. Up front for France, Kylian Mbappe is undeniably an incredible player, but he has that somewhat unpalatable aura reminiscent of Cristiano Ronaldo. Is it because he feels threatened by the quiet star of Michael Olise? Spain Stunned & Vozinha's Viral Boom: A completely mad result, and to be honest, I’m just not sure I'm having this Spanish side right now—they seem to completely lack a spark. Still, it's early days; Argentina lost their opener to Saudi Arabia in 2022 and went on to win the whole thing. The real story was Cape Verde keeper Vozinha. He was an absolute sensation and a total brick wall. His Instagram growth has been absolutely ridiculous, shooting up from around 50k to 7.6 million followers over the course of the game. Nice stuff. Egypt Grind with Belgium: Mohamed Salah is looking a bit washed to me, suffering from the exact same issue as Sonny—two remarkably similar, elite players who have simply been run into the ground. Egypt looked like a thoroughly competent side, and while there's nothing to suggest this post-'golden generation' Belgium team are anything special. Saudi Arabia's Minnow Myth: Another match completely defined by the shot-stoppers. Saudi keeper Mohammed Al-Owais was phenomenal, and I felt genuinely gutted for them when they finally conceded, though they at least held on for a well-deserved point against Uruguay. With the explosive growth of their domestic league and the financial focus from the PIF, you have to wonder how much longer we'll consider them a minnow nation. Haaland Terrifies & Iraq's Disallowed Screamer: Antonio Nusa looked lovely out there, and I can completely see why Spurs have been heavily linked with him. As for Erling Haaland, it’s become so routine and almost boring to see him bag goals in the Premier League that the impact has faded a bit. But watching him on a completely different stage, terrifying a fresh set of international defenders, just reaffirms exactly how terrifyingly good he is. Meanwhile, Iraq scored an absolute screamer that was somehow not actually a goal. Austria’s Vintage Bangers: Jordan and Austria treated us to a few absolute bangers, capped off by a great performance from Marko Arnautovic, who is still doing the business. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by Baker from the Above Average FPL podcast to break down a fascinating week of Tottenham transfer strategy as the summer rebuild begins to take shape. The lads dive straight into the sensational links bringing Sandro Tonali to N17, evaluating how his technical profile perfectly aligns with Roberto De Zerbi's tactical vision. We also look at the massive optics of the deal—after a gruelling relegation battle, does buying a star player directly from a near rival like Newcastle represent a massive show of dominance from the Spurs hierarchy? Attention then turns to a massive boardroom dilemma following Brighton's bid for teenage centre-back Luka Vuskovic. We debate whether using one of Europe's most sought-after young assets in an effective swap deal for Jan Paul van Hecke—who only has a year left on his current contract—makes long-term sense. Plus, we celebrate Pedro Porro's big new contract extension, explaining why his elite fitness and availability make him the ultimate weapon for De Zerbi, before questioning if a rumoured move to Brentford means the end of the road for Pape Matar Sarr. Finally, the show wraps up with some World Cup scouting as Baker highlights the players who have taken his fancy during the tournament so far. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An Ordinary Brazil: Morocco proved they are a genuinely good side, but Brazil looked decidedly ordinary. I take a moment to reflect on the legendary Brazilian teams of years gone by and ask where the magic has gone. Scottish Pride: Well done to Scotland on getting the job done! I loved the brilliant rendition of Flower of Scotland, which really shines a light on our rather dreary English anthem, God Save the King. Credit to Haiti as well—they looked very tidy in places and I think they're arguably quite unlucky to be stuck in such a tough group. Aussie Joy: A huge 2-0 result for the Aussies against Turkey, with the added element of Greek-Aussie joy making it an even sweeter victory down under. Water Break Controversy: Did the mandated water break ruin the flow of the Germany vs Curaçao game? Curaçao had just equalised and were aggressively pressing a genuinely rattled German side, only for Germany to recoup and reassert themselves after the pause. It begs the question: are FIFA fundamentally changing the landscape and rhythm of how the game is played? Underwhelming Oranje: Despite the late drama in the 2-2 draw, it was a fairly underwhelming game between the Netherlands and Japan. Japan were overly defensive for large spells, whilst the Dutch struggled to find that killer pass and ultimately switched off at the back. Plus, I look at Micky van de Ven, who really doesn't look well-suited to operating at left-back. Côte d'Ivoire Grind It Out: A massive three points on the board for Côte d'Ivoire against Ecuador. Picking up hard-fought wins against fairly evenly matched sides is exactly the name of the game in tournament football. Super Swedes: Sweden absolutely smash Tunisia to get their campaign underway. When I look through the Swedish squad, there is an abundance of quality. They might not be looked at as a classic favourite, but they are absolutely a team who could cause serious problems for anyone in this competition. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to the very first episode of the Rule the Roost World Cup Digest - your 15 minute morning wrap-up of the biggest talking points from across the tournament. On today's 15-minute briefing: Opening Day Reflections: Lovely opening ceremony—unapologetically LATAM and a massive spectacle to get us underway. It is just a shame the referee didn’t get the carnival brief, marring the Mexico vs South Africa clash with a terrible performance and red cards aplenty. South Africa looked a bit sluggish, but it was a great moment for Raúl Jiménez - a feel good World Cup story. Poch is Cooking: Mauricio Pochettino has the USA absolutely balling out. In their match against Paraguay (who are absolutely no pushover), they looked exactly like peak 2016/17 Spurs. Well done. Canada's Spursy Vibe: Canada played some brilliant stuff that felt incredibly familiar. Plenty of style but perhaps lacking those killer final balls and ruthless finishers. However, that Cyle Larin goal was undeniably great. South Korea & Sonny: South Korea are playing some fantastic football, but is Son Heung-min starting to look a bit washed? Plus, I lament the fact that Lee Kang-in doesn't want to follow in Son's footsteps and make the move to N17. Brazil vs Morocco Preview: Looking ahead to tonight's massive matchup. After revisiting some classic matches from the 90s and 00s and seeing just how brilliant they were, it begs the question: have the broader tactical changes in modern football been the main reason for Brazil's struggles of late? Scotland's Late Night: It is a shame that the World Cup kick-off times are so late here in Europe, but we are wishing Scotland all the best as they get underway. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by club insider Paul O'Keefe for a massive Thursday Q&A, kicking things off by looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup and asking if tournament fever has finally managed to wash away the exhaustion of the domestic campaign. With the dust settling on Tottenham Hotspur miraculously staying up, Paul shares his honest reflections on surviving the drop and what the mood is really like behind the scenes. We then dive into a huge selection of your listener questions, starting with the latest updates on the sporting director search and whether Dougie Freedman is heading to N17. We debate if any top-tier Director of Football will actually want to join the club given the amount of power Roberto De Zerbi has amassed after keeping us up, and question if the hierarchy are genuinely humbled by this disastrous season or if their recent apologies are just a PR-driven play. The conversation then turns to the transfer market, examining which big-money midfielder we should be putting our money on, getting the latest gossip on our striker targets, and looking at the massive list of players the club is desperately trying to shift ahead of a crucial summer clearout. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by friend of the show Tom Hayward to unpack a surprisingly busy start to the week of Tottenham news that spans from boardroom takeover rumours to various movements in the transfer window. The lads dive straight into the madness surrounding Matt Law's latest report on a potential "crypto bro" takeover at Spurs, debating what this ownership model could mean for the future of the club and whether ENIC are finally plotting an exit strategy. Turning to confirmed business, we break down the pros and cons of Andy Robertson’s official arrival on a free transfer, weighing up his elite mentality and experience against his age and fit for Roberto De Zerbi's system. We also get the latest on our ongoing pursuit of Brighton's Jan Paul van Hecke, highlighting a brilliant piece of public tapping-up from Micky van de Ven, who openly admitted he's been telling his international teammate that N17 is the place to be. Plus, we address the divisive Harry Wilson discourse taking over social media, react to some surprisingly glowing praise from Thomas Frank about the inner workings of the club, and finish up by shifting our focus to the rapidly approaching World Cup as tournament fever finally starts to kick in. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the domestic season officially at an end, Jack is joined by Jon Bass to celebrate a massive weekend of collective relief across North London following Arsenal’s defeat in the Champions League final. Drawing a definitive line under a chaotic campaign, the lads look ahead to a pivotal summer under Roberto De Zerbi. We dive straight into the breaking transfer news that dropped this morning regarding Tottenham's declined opening bid for Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke, contrasting it with highly positive updates on our moves for Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson. Jack and Jon closely analyse the tactical profiles of both Van Hecke and Senesi, questioning what their technically accomplished but less physically imposing styles tell us about De Zerbi's footballing vision for next season. We also tackle the growing transfer rumours linking Spurs with Bournemouth's Alex Scott, confronting the dilemma of whether bringing in the boyhood Tottenham fan makes sense given his overlapping profile with Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall. Finally, the show wraps up by looking ahead to the rapidly approaching World Cup, debating whether the international excitement is finally starting to build. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With Premier League survival officially secured, Jack sits down with Sean Connell, Editor of The Sponsor, to digest the sobering commercial reality facing the club hierarchy. Unpacking the data from the newly released Premier League Fair Market Sponsorship Values 2026 report, the pair discuss the massive 40% collapse in Tottenham’s front-of-shirt sponsorship value, which has dropped to £29.8m following consecutive 17th-place finishes and a total loss of European exposure. With the club entering the final year of its deals with AIA and Kraken, Sean explains the potential uphill battle the commercial team faces in a fiercely competitive post-gambling market - but it's not all doom and gloom. The conversation takes a "fork in the road" look at what a Championship relegation would have done to our sponsorship inventory, and evaluates how heavily our identities as a London heritage brand, our stadium assets, and our NFL partnership insulate us from on-pitch rot. Jack and Sean also dive into the fascinating concept of the "franchise player"—debating whether chasing a globally recognised name like Marcus Rashford is a viable commercial necessity to instantly claw back the brand value lost when Kane and Son departed. Finally, they look ahead to the summer priorities, evaluating recent statements from Peter Charrington and Vinai Venkatesham and where Tottenham's priorities should lie going forward. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the season finally behind us, Jack is joined by Baker from the Above Average FPL podcast for a comprehensive, no-holds-barred Tottenham Hotspur squad audit. Following the sheer relief of surviving a second consecutive 17th-place finish, the lads take the opportunity to ruthlessly analyse exactly where the club has gone wrong over the past couple of years. Going player-by-player through the Premier League first-team squad and factoring in the promising youngsters returning from loan spells, Jack and Baker make the tough, necessary calls on who to keep, who needs a loan, and who must be binned this summer. The conversation then turns to the rebuild, outlining exactly what the hierarchy needs to do in the upcoming transfer window to properly back Roberto De Zerbi and ensure Tottenham never find themselves in this perilous position again. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by Gavin for the Thursday Q&A, and the atmosphere is noticeably lighter now that Tottenham Hotspur have officially stayed up and this gruelling season is finally over. The pair kick things off by reacting to the incredible footage of Roberto De Zerbi looking towards the South Stand in full voice after Premier League survival was confirmed. We discuss the genuine glimmer in the manager's eye, debating whether he has truly realised the sheer size of the club and the great things he could achieve here if given the right platform. Attention then turns to the boardroom and the desperately needed cultural reset promised by CEO Vinai Venkatesham. Analysing his latest, brutally honest club interview—where he openly acknowledged the deep-rooted, "embarrassing" issues that caused this disastrous patch—Jack and Gavin question whether fans can actually believe his promises to fix the club, or if these are simply more hollow words from the hierarchy to pacify the fanbase. Finally, the lads dive into a massive selection of your listener questions. We evaluate the reported shrewd, zero-fee investments in Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson, asking if fans should be encouraged by the early business or deeply concerned that the recruitment targets feel remarkably similar to previous windows. With the same personnel who have overseen our recent recruitment failures seemingly still running the show, we debate what tangible actions this summer would actually convince the fanbase that ENIC have changed and that Tottenham are genuinely moving in the right direction. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by The Athletic's Jack Pitt-Brooke for a monumental episode of Rule the Roost, as we finally breathe a massive sigh of relief: Tottenham Hotspur have stayed up. We kick things off by discussing the bittersweet nature of our survival, admitting that while we shouldn't really be celebrating avoiding the drop, the sheer emotional release makes it impossible not to. The conversation quickly shifts to the magnificent job done by Roberto De Zerbi. Having spoken to him in recent press conferences, Jack Pitt-Brooke shares his firsthand reflections on the manager's immense emotional intelligence. We dissect how De Zerbi managed to take a squad that looked completely dead in the water and turn them into a combative, resilient unit for the final stretch, and ask the golden question: has this late surge inspired the likes of Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven to actually stay and fight next season? Attention then turns to the boardroom, as we unpack the open letter issued to fans today by non-executive chairman Peter Charrington. Reacting to his promises to address the deeply rooted issues that led to consecutive seventeenth-placed finishes, we debate whether his vow to compete at the very top once again provides genuine cause for optimism or if it is simply more cheap talk from the hierarchy. Finally, we look ahead to a pivotal summer, outlining exactly what the club needs to do to achieve that promised success and setting our realistic, grounded aims for next season. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

I LOVE THIS FOOTBALL CLUB Never in doubt.... Give Roberto De Zerbi whatever he wants Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

WARNING: This episode contains an unfiltered, emotional and deeply cathartic discussion about the state Tottenham Hotspur currently find themselves in. If you’re after a clean-cut rallying cry ahead of the weekend, this probably isn’t the energy you need right now. But if you’re feeling drained, furious, disconnected, bewildered, or simply need to hear a couple of Spurs fans say out loud what so many of us are thinking, then this one might hit home. Jack and Phil unpack absolutely everything as best they can: Arsenal’s title win, Tottenham’s long-term decline, the club’s failure to properly back Mauricio Pochettino, the obsession with commercial growth over football, fans increasingly being treated like “the problem”, the Everton game, the very real fears around where this all goes next, and how it’ll feel when the dust finally settles, whatever happens. It’s an honest attempt to make sense of a football club that currently feels completely broken. This one is angry. It’s emotional. It’s passionate. It’s raw. It pulls absolutely no punches. Proceed with caution. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by Billie T to dissect yet another miserable defeat at Stamford Bridge, kicking things off by trying to make sense of the latest refereeing controversy. With images clearly showing the ball was in play for the penalty that wasn't given, we vent our frustrations at the officials before confronting the harsh reality of our own underlying numbers. Spurs once again displayed a total lack of quality upfront and in the final delivery. This leads into a painful discussion about Randal Kolo Muani, debating whether he will go down as one of our worst ever signings and what his failure says about the utter lack of care in our recent scouting and transfer policy. Attention then turns to Sunday and the terrifying prospect of the biggest game of our lives against Everton. Knowing we only need a single point to secure survival, we discuss the sheer dread of relying on our rotten home form against a competent side. We examine the recent statement from Change for Tottenham calling for total support for 90 minutes followed by a clear message of discontent towards the owners, before asking whether executives like Johan Lange and Vinai Venkatesham should be sacked immediately if we stay up, or if that would set the rebuild back even further. Finally, Billie tackles a brilliant and bleak selection of the listener questions we managed to squeeze in. We explore coping strategies for a doomsday summer scenario, debate if the club's culture is genuinely beyond repair, ask whether keeping Johan Lange makes relegation inevitable next season, pitch an alternate reality television show where Tottenham are actually functional, and wonder which retired players could genuinely do a better job leading our line right now. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You didn't really think Tottenham would get something at Stamford Bridge did you? Spurs getting done by Chelsea, making our end of season even less comfortable, as Arsenal win the league - truly the nightmare timeline. It was a game that never really got going, and yet another example of why we're in the mess that we're in... quite simply, we're not very good. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by Gavin for a Thursday Q&A to dissect the frustrating fallout from Tottenham's clash with Leeds United. The pair kick things off by venting about the baffling VAR decision to deny James Maddison a clear foul, reacting to the midfielder's own frustrations posted on Instagram. We ask the broader question of whether the current implementation of VAR is fundamentally ruining the sport, before finding a much-needed silver lining in Maddison's return to the pitch. We discuss how, despite lacking full match fitness, his sheer step up in quality was glaringly obvious and ask if he is the missing piece required to secure safety. Attention then turns to the relegation battle and the absolutely monumental weekend clash between Newcastle United and West Ham. Jack asks Gavin just how heavily our survival hinges on that specific result, while trying to nail down exactly what Tottenham need to do to save themselves. Finally, Gavin tackles a massive selection of listener questions, covering everything from the Premier League's potential refereeing conspiracies to the depressing four-year anniversary of beating Arsenal 3-0, debating whether Roberto De Zerbi would actually stick around for a Championship rebuild, and guessing which underwhelming players we will inevitably be linked to if the worst happens. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Spurs missed the chance to open up a four point gap on West Ham this evening after one of the most shocking examples of officiating many of us will have ever seen took place. It felt like Spurs were in charge after Tel's wonder goal, but he went from hero to zero after his high boot in the box resulted in a penalty for Leeds and Spurs couldn't quite find a way back after that, despite James Maddison returning after more than a year away from the game. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You can listen to more preview pods, evergreen content and get all pods ad free at patreon.com/rtrpod West Ham denied a last minute equaliser to keep the pressure on Spurs means that we can now open up a gap at the bottom of the table... but we have to take it. Surely we have every faith in Roberto De Zerbi now to equip these players to do what's needed in this crunch game against Leeds. We'll also hear from Keir Starmer and Adam Curtis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by football writer Sean Walsh for the Thursday Q&A to dissect yet another stressful week in the life of a Tottenham Hotspur fan. The pair kick things off by finding a silver lining in poor old Harry's Champions League elimination, noting the relief of being spared the nightmare scenario of watching him lose a European final to Arsenal. Confronting the grim reality of Arsenal actually reaching that final, Jack asks Sean if the all-consuming dread of a relegation scrap has completely numbed his ability to care about our rivals' success. The lads then debate just how far off Spurs are from replicating that level of squad building, before issuing a stark reality check: Tottenham are still in a highly perilous position, and a must-win clash against Leeds United awaits. The conversation then pivots to Roberto De Zerbi's latest press conference. We unpack his demand to sign Joao Palhinha permanently, his glowing endorsement of Archie Gray as a future club captain, and his concerning updates on the fitness of both Guglielmo Vicario and James Maddison ahead of the Leeds game. Finally, Sean tackles a brilliant selection of your listener questions. We explore whether Tottenham Hotspur is simply an experiment in cosmic injustice and question if the mainstream media let ENIC entirely off the hook for this disastrous campaign. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by Baker to celebrate a genuinely massive, potentially season-altering victory as Tottenham Hotspur's win at Villa Park lifts them out of the Premier League relegation zone. Pushing back against the incredibly lazy outside narrative that a heavily rotated Villa side simply 'threw the game', the lads choose instead to focus on the undeniable tactical and mental improvements shown by Spurs. We explore the growing influence of Roberto De Zerbi, dissecting Conor Gallagher's revealing post-match comments about the manager's emotional intelligence and the one-on-one man-management that finally seems to be inspiring a broken dressing room. With the sheer terror of the drop slightly easing, Jack and Baker look ahead to the nerve-wracking final run-in. We compare Tottenham's remaining fixtures against Leeds, Chelsea, and Everton with West Ham's daunting schedule, asking when we can actually let ourselves believe that survival is secured. There's also time for debating whether the all-consuming, exhausting dread of a relegation dogfight has actually provided a strange silver lining by completely numbing us to the pain of Arsenal's pursuit of major trophies. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Spurs are out of the relegation zone thanks to an accomplished and incredibly encouraging performance away at Villa Park... we've looked down and out at points this season, and injuries to key players threatened to derail it all even further, but Roberto De Zerbi has found a way to get this lot going. Come on you Spurs! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by Lara for the Thursday Q&A to preview a genuinely daunting fixture against Aston Villa. With Unai Emery's side still battling deep in knockout cup action, we desperately ask if our only real tactical advantage right now is hoping for opposition rotation. The conversation then turns to the painful reality of the current Premier League hierarchy, as we lament how Villa have firmly occupied the exact space Tottenham used to own, and debate what fundamental cultural reset is required to win our identity back. The dread deepens as we pivot to The Athletic's recent terrifying deep dive into the club's finances. Confronted by monumental pre-tax losses and the prospect of carrying a £255 million wage bill into the Championship, we discuss whether relegation would be an extinction-level event for the current structure, or if the lucrative non-matchday stadium events can genuinely shield us from complete financial ruin. Finally, we tackle a massive selection of your listener questions. We explore a fascinating theory about our training ground pitches causing our endless injury woes, debate what actually constitutes 'smart business' for the likes of Romero and Van de Ven next season, and reflect on Mauricio Pochettino's recent transfer revelations to highlight Daniel Levy's role in our downfall. We also unpack a wild statistical anomaly regarding our complete lack of penalties this season compared to our rivals, before attempting to answer the ultimate doomsday question: is it genuinely time to fold the club if we get relegated at Stamford Bridge whilst Arsenal do the double? Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by Big Jon Bass from The Big Jon Bass Show to celebrate a genuine rarity this year: Tottenham Hotspur actually winning a football match. The pair dissect the massive, much-needed victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers to secure our first Premier League win of 2026. We discuss why, despite West Ham's gutting late winner against Everton keeping Spurs firmly in the relegation mire, this result genuinely feels like the squad is finally turning a crucial psychological corner under Roberto De Zerbi. However, in true Tottenham fashion, the joy is incredibly short-lived as we react to the absolutely devastating news that Xavi Simons has suffered an ACL injury. We discuss the brutal reality of the Dutchman missing the World Cup and potentially facing a season in the Championship, before questioning just how Spurs will cope without the main catalyst for our recent upturn in form. The injury woes continue as we examine Dominic Solanke's latest muscular setback, despite De Zerbi's reassurances. Jack asks Jon if our desperation for positives has led us to clutch at straws with the striker, debating whether he is ultimately a prime example of the unimaginative, unambitious transfer culture that dragged the club into this mess in the first place. Finally, we pull back to look at the terrifying bigger picture of the relegation scrap. We ask Jon for his honest feelings on the drop from this point in the season, exploring whether Tottenham's lucrative non-matchday stadium events genuinely provide a financial safety net, or if the sheer terror of losing the Premier League broadcasting revenue makes the prospect of the Championship an apocalyptic scenario for the club's future. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Spurs have won a game in 2026 - and what a time to win it!!! Keeping the hope of staying in the Premier League alive, João Palhinha's bundled stab at goal was the difference in an ugly game of football. Incredible effort from Tel to win the corner that resulted in the goal, and an overall solid, if at times slightly uninspiring game from Spurs. Truly matchwinning save from Kinsky at the end to deny Wolves the equaliser. Annoying that West Ham won. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by Phil to dive into another incredibly tense week for Tottenham Hotspur, kicking things off by examining the sheer chaos over at Chelsea. With Liam Rosenior sacked, we question whether a dreaded new manager bounce could derail our survival hopes, and ask if Spurs are now the canary in the coal mine for massive clubs completely losing their way. Staring down the barrel of the Championship, we also look at Leicester City's terrifying double drop down to League One as a something we shouldn't think we're too big for. Focus then shifts to the boardroom, unpacking the exclusive news that Sebastian Kehl is the leading candidate to become the new director at Tottenham. We ask why on earth he is supposedly being brought in to work alongside Johan Lange, rather than replacing him entirely, and what the mixed reaction from Borussia Dortmund fans means for our rebuild. The conversation then turns to the rumours surrounding Micky van de Ven. Following reports that the defender is actively making arrangements to leave the club, we debate whether our survival hopes demand dropping a player who clearly has one eye on the exit door. Looking ahead, we preview the absolute do-or-die fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers, stressing just how crucial it is to finally break our psychological hoodoo against them. Finally, we tackle a massive listener Q&A, covering everything from the club's desperate, belated search for a lead psychologist, to deciding whether Destiny Udogie is worth keeping, and facing a horrifying binary choice regarding Arsenal's trophy hopes versus our own Premier League survival. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by Gavin to unpack the sheer emotional rollercoaster of Tottenham's devastating 2-2 draw with Brighton. The pair start by dissecting that crushing 95th-minute equaliser, questioning whether the squad was simply too emotionally burned out to see the game out. We discuss the wild celebrations that followed Xavi Simons' brilliant strike to put Spurs ahead, and ask if the team desperately needs to learn how to manage the occasion rather than getting completely swept up in the moment. Despite the late heartbreak, Jack and Gavin try to find some perspective, debating whether this vast improvement in performance is the turning point we need or if dropping two points means we have officially run out of road in the relegation fight. The conversation then addresses the vile online racial abuse directed at Kevin Danso after his mistake led to the equaliser, while breaking down the tactical reality of the goal to show how a lack of urgency and being outnumbered in our own box made it a collective, systemic failure rather than just an individual error. Finally, taking Nottingham Forest's victory and West Ham's crucial fixture into account, we look ahead to a terrifying end of season run-in. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tottenham suffer yet another heartbreak in a season of heartbreaks as Brighton score an equaliser deep into stoppage time to deny them their first league win in 2026. It looked like Xavi Simons' screamer was going to be enough for Roberto De Zerbi's men, but alas, it wasn't to be. Can they avoid relegation? There are some positives to take from the game, but it feels as if hope is all but gone now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by James Maw from The Athletic to try and make sense of another incredibly turbulent week at Tottenham Hotspur. The pair kick things off by exploring Roberto De Zerbi’s comments post Sunderland. We ask whether the famously intense tactician taking the squad for a lavish dinner and claiming they need a 'father' rather than a coach could be the Hail Mary we need right now. The conversation then turns to the news that Cristian Romero will miss the remainder of the season. Jack and James reflect on what could very well be the Argentine's final game in a Spurs shirt, asking if the mainstream media narrative has unfairly influenced how sections of our own fanbase view our first cup-winning captain in 17 years. Frustrations then shift towards the boardroom, as we vent about the deeply tone-deaf Tottenham executives posting personal corporate achievements on LinkedIn while the club's top-flight status hangs by a thread. We question whether this perfectly illustrates the absolute disconnect between the suits and the terrifying reality on the pitch. Looking ahead to a monumental clash against Brighton, the lads discuss whether De Zerbi can actually pull off a desperate result against his former, highly in-form side. Finally, James dives into a massive selection of your listener questions. We explore the potential revisionist history surrounding Daniel Levy, debate whether we would actually dominate the Championship given our previous cup struggles against Tamworth, and question Tottenham's lack of progressive passers. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by Adam Michie to pick through the wreckage of a miserable defeat at the Stadium of Light. The pair discuss the perceived lack of fight on display against Sunderland, asking if this squad has already accepted its Championship fate without so much as a whimper. The loss further compounded by the opposition manager’s brutal post-match assessment that Tottenham simply weren't strong enough to worry him. We then turn our attention to Roberto De Zerbi’s first game in charge. We analyse how De Zerbi Ball translated to the pitch and question the massive, surprising decision to leave Xavi Simons out of the starting lineup. The conversation inevitably shifts to the consistently poor officiating we continue to endure. Jack and Adam ask if it is time to buy into the conspiracy theories after the referee completely ignored Brian Brobbey's blatant push that sent Cristian Romero crashing into Antonin Kinský. With Romero now potentially out for the rest of the season and maybe missing the World Cup, we ask the tough question: are we shedding tears for Tottenham losing our only competent defender, or for Argentina? Facing the very real prospect of the drop, we then dive into the terrifying financial realities of relegation. With over £831 million in net debt and a massive looming drop in revenue, Adam explores whether this is truly end-of-days stuff for the club, before we desperately try to find even the smallest glimmer of hope to cling to. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tottenham are getting relegated and all of our players are useless tbh - leave me alone, I'm angry Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by Rosa from the Hometown Glory podcast to process yet another devastating blow in this miserable season, as we react to the news that Mohammed Kudus has suffered a fresh injury setback. We discuss the club's grim update, and Tom Barclay's confirmation, that the winger may now require surgery, before turning our ire firmly towards Johan Lange. We dissect the sheer ineptitude of his January claims that Spurs did not need to panic buy because of returning players, and ask what on earth the medical department is doing behind the scenes. The conversation then tackles the terrifying reality of tonight's clash between West Ham and Wolves. With a West Ham win set to plunge Tottenham into the relegation zone for the first time in 18 years, the pair debate whether dropping into the bottom three adds a whole new layer of psychological pressure, or if the squad is already drowning in anxiety. Looking ahead to the weekend, Rosa shares her expectations for Roberto De Zerbi's highly anticipated debut against Sunderland, and we discuss how Antonin Kinsky will cope in goal under the Italian's high-risk system as well as debating actually how good (or bad) Guglielmo Vicario is. As always, we dedicate the second half of the show to your listener questions. We explore whether there is any morbid curiosity about what relegation would actually mean for ENIC and the squad, debate whether a committee of podcasters could genuinely run the club better, and try to remember what it actually feels like to celebrate a win. We also cast the key roles for the inevitable drama mini-series of this disastrous campaign, and craft our most fanciful, silly fanfic scenarios for survival. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by podcast royalty, Flav from The Fighting Cock, to process the goings on at Tottenham Hotspur over our extended break from the pitch. With Roberto De Zerbi officially through the door, the pair discuss whether the glowing reports from the training ground have genuinely changed our initial opinions of the volatile Italian. We explore the shifting power dynamic in the dressing room, arguing that while this squad infamously tuned on Thomas Frank, they simply will not be able to get away with ignoring De Zerbi's intense, demanding presence. The conversation then tackles the massive goalkeeper dilemma looming over the crucial trip to Sunderland. With Vicario out injured, we dive deep into the Antonin Kinsky debate. The pair ask if his disastrous Champions League debut can be quickly forgotten, and if his natural ability with the ball at his feet could kickstart a redemption arc under a manager who demands extreme bravery from his keepers. Finally, we wrap things up on a lighter, more desperate note as Jack puts Flav on the spot, asking exactly what he would say if he was suddenly tasked with delivering the ultimate, backs-against-the-wall Tottenham team talk ahead of this weekend's relegation six-pointer. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack welcomes Baker from the Above Average FPL podcast to make sense of the monumental news that Roberto De Zerbi is officially the new manager of Tottenham Hotspur. We explore our genuine surprise at the revelation that he has been handed a massive five-year contract completely devoid of a relegation release clause, and ask if he genuinely possesses the ability to hit the ground running to salvage this miserable campaign. Bringing his analytical expertise to the show, Baker adds a much-needed statistical dimension to the conversation. He walks us through the underlying numbers that paint an undeniably damning picture of the current Spurs side, highlighting the exact areas where De Zerbi will need to orchestrate rapid, drastic improvements if we are to survive the drop. As it is a Q&A episode, Baker also tackles a fantastic selection of your listener questions. We dive into the ever-present goalkeeping question, debating whether Antonin Kinsky, Guglielmo Vicario, or perhaps someone else entirely will emerge as the undisputed number one by the end of the season. Finally, looking at things from an FPL perspective, we ask the golden question: does the arrival of De Zerbi make any current Tottenham players viable targets for your FPL squads? Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Roberto De Zerbi has officially been appointed as the new manager of Tottenham Hotspur. We run through the details of his new long-term contract, focusing specifically on the incredible revelation that there is no relegation break clause included. We discuss his apparent commitment to completely rebuilding the club, regardless of whether we are playing Premier League or Championship football next season. However, the appointment is already completely dividing the fanbase. We address the immediate and very vocal displeasure from several Spurs fan groups regarding De Zerbi's previous comments and his support of Mason Greenwood during their time together at Marseille. We also explore the footballing concerns surrounding his notoriously erratic temper, questioning whether injecting that kind of volatility into a squad completely devoid of confidence is a recipe for total disaster. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack welcomes Conor back to the show to process the sudden departure of Igor Tudor. With only seven games left to save Tottenham from the drop, the pair ask if it was actually fair to sack the interim boss at such a critical juncture. The conversation quickly shifts to his seemingly imminent replacement, Roberto De Zerbi. We tackle the controversial appointment from all angles, starting with the very real off-pitch concerns that have left a significant section of the fanbase feeling uneasy about his arrival. From there, we explore our footballing reservations, questioning whether his notoriously fiery temperament and dogmatic style of play can actually work in a Spurs side that currently looks completely devoid of confidence and is lacking technical ability in key areas. Finally, we try our hardest to look for the silver linings. We explore what a De Zerbi appointment might actually mean for the long-term identity of the club, and discuss whether his chaotic, high-intensity energy is exactly the sort of shock therapy this squad needs to survive the final weeks of the season or if it's all too little too late. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Days after the passing of his father, it has been confirmed that Tottenham have parted ways with interim gaffer Igor Tudor in a Sunday afternoon announcement. Who is next in line for Spurs, which route can the club take? Roberto De Zerbi heavily linked... will Mauricio Pochettino bin off the World Cup? Adi Hutter, is he the guy? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack welcomes Big Jon Bass back to the show to discuss how we desperately need to brush ourselves off and go again after the Forest disaster. We start by addressing the deeply uncomfortable feelings directed towards the squad this week. Seeing the players post jubilant, smiling social media updates while away on the international break has struck a massive nerve with a fanbase still reeling from a relegation scrap. The conversation then turns to the people running the club. With the pressure mounting, we analyse the massive decision Vinai Venkatesham and Johan Lange have on their hands regarding Igor Tudor's future. If they pull the plug on the interim boss, who is actually brave or foolish enough to step into the dugout right now to save us from the drop? Finally, Jon answers your listener questions. We debate what it will actually take to spark full-scale protests against the owners, ask how Vinai and Lange are still in their jobs given the current mess, and end on a necessary lighter note by getting Jon’s favourite whiskies to help soothe the pain of yet another Tottenham defeat. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack welcomes Gavin back to the podcast to pick through the rubble of the absolute disaster against Nottingham Forest. After such an incredible show of support from the fans on the High Road before kick-off, the 3-0 collapse feels like a crushing blow. We discuss how it remains vital to keep the faith, even when the on-pitch performances make it increasingly difficult to do so week in, week out. The conversation then turns to a familiar frustration: the refereeing. We vent about the officiating Tottenham continually receive, asking why the tight decisions always seem to go against our favour, especially when we are fighting tooth and nail for our top-flight survival. Facing the grim reality of our situation, Jack and Gavin also look ahead to the unthinkable. We consider what life might actually look like for Spurs in the Championship, and debate the ultimate question: if the worst does happen and we drop down a division, would the owners actually see fit to sell the club? It is a tough, heavy discussion that isn't overly optimistic, but right now, as a severely struggling fanbase, we simply need a space to lick our wounds. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Despite the best efforts of the fans, Tottenham are battered at home by relegation rivals Nottingham Forest - an embarrassing and deeply alarming result, that begs the question - where do we go from here? With an international break now thrust upon us, there will be talk about Igor Tudor and his position at the club after some questionable decisions today. It's hard to fathom how we get back from this, but we have to keep believing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by Stu and Jay to try and harness some desperately needed positivity ahead of a monumentally important weekend for Tottenham Hotspur. We kick things off by reflecting on a surprisingly uplifting night in the Champions League. Despite crashing out on aggregate, the 3-2 victory over Atletico Madrid showcased a squad genuinely fighting for the shirt. We discuss Igor Tudor finally securing his first win, the brilliance of the Archie Gray and Xavi Simons. We also touch upon that controversial refereeing decision right before Julian Alvarez's equaliser. Attention then quickly turns to the grim reality of our domestic campaign and the prospect of a relegation six-pointer against Nottingham Forest this Sunday. Stu and Jay take us through the motivation behind their incredible fan-led movement, 'Show Up. Sing Up. Stay Up.' We explore the mental shift required to put our deep-seated anger towards the board to one side for 90 minutes, simply because the alternative of dropping into the Championship is completely unthinkable. The lads lay out the exact logistical plan for Sunday, urging everyone to gather at The Bricklayers from 11:30 AM. We talk about the sheer impact a massive, vocal crowd can have when the team coach arrives what it will do to both our players and the opposition before kick-off. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Spurs go out of the Champions League, but win on the night - restoring some pride and keeping their momentum going ahead of a crucial game against Nottingham Forest on the weekend. Once again, a performance full of promise, heart and desire... you have to ponder if Igor Tudor might actually be pretty good at his job after all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack welcomes Phil back to the pod to bask in the glory of a Tottenham win. Well, it wasn't actually a win, but it certainly felt like one. The pair discuss the sheer relief of taking a glorious, precious point away from Anfield, the scene of so many historic horrors for Spurs, after relegation Richarlison popped up at the back post to silence the Kop. We dissect just how vital this point, and more importantly the performance, is in the wider context of this miserable season. The players finally did exactly what we asked of them and showed some genuine fight on the pitch. Huge credit is also handed to Igor Tudor. After navigating a particularly unpleasant post-match interview with flying colours, we ask if the interim boss is finally starting to win the fanbase over. Attention then briefly turns to the Champions League return leg against Atletico Madrid. We debate whether the fixture holds any real importance anymore, and if Antonin Kinsky should be given the chance to avenge his disastrous away leg. Finally, Jack and Phil reflect on the massive part the fans have to play in keeping Tottenham in the top flight, with the crucial domestic clash against Nottingham Forest looming on the horizon. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One of Tottenham's best performances in months, of course, came at Anfield? Who could have expected that - a precious point picked up on the road against Liverpool, and a level of fight and courage that many of us thought these lads were incapable of. Come on you Spurs! Fight to the end! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack welcomes stand-up comic James Regal to the podcast to dissect the absolute humiliation we suffered in Madrid at the hands of Atletico. We start by discussing the bizarrely slippery pitch and the catastrophic impact it had on the game, before turning our attention to Antonin Kinsky. The pair express their deep sympathy for the young player, whose dream Champions League debut brutally morphed into a living nightmare on the European stage. The conversation then shifts to the manager's dugout. We ask if Igor Tudor is entirely to blame for the tactical mess, and debate whether he needs to be replaced immediately if we have any hope of saving Tottenham from the impending drop. Trying to find a sliver of dark comedy in the situation, Jack and James even discuss whether there are actually any hidden positives to Spurs going down to the Championship. As it is a Q&A day, James also dives into your listener questions. We explore the ultimate financial conundrum of what it would actually take to force ENIC to sell the club, and finish on a lighter, self-deprecating note by discussing which lower-league stadia James is most looking forward to visiting in the event of our relegation. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

An absolute farce of a match in the Champions League for Spurs that must surely signal the end of the Tudor era. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack welcomes Billie from the When The Whistle Blows podcast back to the show to reflect on the current doom spiralling at Tottenham Hotspur. With board neglect, mounting injuries, and a general feeling that the universe is conspiring against us, we try to find a reason to remain hopeful. We ask if the fans are now the last bastion keeping the club in the Premier League. The pair explore the heavy emotional toll of constantly rallying behind a team that has let the supporters down so often over the past couple of years, and discuss how we can possibly muster the energy to keep going when times are this tricky. Billie also touches on a fascinating conversation he recently had with renowned journalist Henry Winter on Last Word on Spurs alongside Ricky Sacks. We discuss how disarming, yet incredibly validating, it was to have somebody with such vast footballing knowledge from outside the Tottenham bubble notice the exact same structural failings that Spurs fans have been screaming about. Finally, attention turns to the Champions League and the upcoming clash with Atletico Madrid. Despite the sad reality that this could be the last game Spurs play in Europe's elite competition for quite some time, we debate whether the fixture simply feels like an unwelcome distraction from the terrifying and all-consuming threat of domestic relegation. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by Adam Michie to confront the terrifying emotions swirling around the ether after Spurs lost their absolute 'must-win' game to Crystal Palace, making the threat of relegation a harrowing reality. We dive straight into the criticisms of the current squad. While it has undoubtedly been a difficult season with plenty of mitigating circumstances, we ask why these players consistently fail to shoulder their share of the blame when things get tough. The ire then shifts firmly towards the ownership. We dissect how ENIC have managed to take their eye off the ball at nearly every opportunity, consistently choosing to prioritise the business side of the club over the actual product on the pitch. To help make sense of the growing disconnect between the club and the fanbase, we discuss Adam's brilliant book, Orientation. Adam shares his own fan odyssey, detailing his disillusionment with top-flight football and how swapping the Premier League corporate machine for a season ticket at Leyton Orient helped him rediscover the true soul of what it means to support a football club. Adam also tackles a great selection of listener questions, offering his best 'mental health playbook' for surviving our current existential crisis. We debate the provocative idea of whether winning trophies might actually be bad for Tottenham in the long run, before finishing with a definitive ranking of the biggest derelictions of duty from the owners this season. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Spurs lose to Crystal Palace. Micky Van de ven sent off. This is darkest hour stuff. Is there any saving us? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack welcomes Phil back to the microphone in the wake of yet another painful Tottenham defeat, this time a 2-1 loss at Craven Cottage. The pair unpack the frustrating Fulham performance, dissecting the problems that were entirely of our own making, whilst desperately trying to cling to the few positives we can take forward. However, there is an elephant in the room that simply cannot be ignored. Jack and Phil don their tinfoil hats to dive into the growing feeling of a conspiracy against Tottenham, sparked by the referee's refusal to penalise Raul Jimenez for a blatant push on Radu Dragusin in the build-up to Fulham's opener. The sense of victimhood goes into overdrive as the boys discuss the utterly bizarre decision by the Premier League's official social media accounts to post a video openly mocking Guglielmo Vicario. They indulge their frustrations at the disrespect before trying their hardest to bring some level-headed rationality back to the situation. Attention then turns to Thursday night under the lights against Crystal Palace. What is quickly turning into one of the most important games of our Premier League lives is analysed in depth. The pair discuss whether Spurs can finally turn the tide, exactly what needs to change on the pitch, and ask the terrifying question: would another loss spell certain death for Tottenham's top-flight survival? Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Despite a spirited end to the game, once again we were nowhere to be seen for large periods of this match. Tottenham and Igor Tudor need to shape up quickly. Don't overcomplicate things, get players in their correct positions and fight. Tel has to start. Richarlison has to start. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack welcomes Lara back to the show to try and make sense of the seemingly hopeless situation at Tottenham right now. We ask the big questions: what exactly is going wrong, who is ultimately to blame for this mess, and where on earth do the club go from here? Lara also tackles a selection of listener questions, diving into some fascinating debates. We discuss which of the 'best worst' players of yesteryear you would happily take back in the current side, and explore the paradox of whether Harry Kane and Son Heung-min are simultaneously the best and worst things to happen to the club in the last 10 years. The conversation then shifts to the media landscape, asking if Spurs podcasters and creators need to be less negative to help lift the club out of its current strife. Finally, we look at actionable steps and discuss how fans can get better organised to effectively protest the current state of affairs at the club. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack welcomes Con back to the show, and he is angry. After specifically requesting to come on purely to vent his frustrations, the pair pick through the rubble of another painful North London Derby defeat. With the dust having settled slightly on the 4-1 thrashing at the hands of Arsenal, we desperately try to see if there are any positives to take forward as Tottenham find themselves thoroughly entrenched in a relegation battle. We ask the big questions: do these players actually have the stomach for a scrap at the bottom of the table? Can this squad be trusted when the pressure is truly on? We also take a microscope to some of the individual performances on the day, and speculate on the uncomfortable truth: if the unthinkable happens and Spurs do go down, who will be the first players to jump ship? Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A bit later than usual, I try my best to break down what exactly went wrong yesterday... what bits did we get right? My fears for Spurs going forwards and just a general sense of trying to get my emotions in check after what was a miserable, miserable defeat. Just when you think the pain that club dishes out on us has maybe stopped, it always seems to find a way to make itself known. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by Sean Connell, Editor at The Sponsor, to dive deep into the business and commercial reality of Tottenham's current existential spiral. We start by looking at the elusive stadium naming rights. Following Sean's recent research on the fair market value of European stadiums, we ask if Daniel Levy and the current hierarchy missed the boat by holding out for unrealistic valuations while producing inconsistent results on the pitch. The conversation then tackles the recent bombshell report from Matt Law, suggesting that long-standing commercial partners are cutting ties due to the ongoing chaos and relegation fears. We get Sean's expert view on what actual power sponsors hold in these scenarios. Can they force the club into making better footballing decisions, and what can the likes of Vinai Venkatesham do to repair the toxic commercial environment? Finally, we discuss the front-of-shirt dilemma and the massive financial hit Spurs might take if they had to renegotiate their prime real estate in the current climate. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack welcomes Paul O Keefe back to the show to discuss the latest happenings at Tottenham and ask the ultimate question: is everything really as big a mess as it seems from the outside? We start by looking back at the decision to keep Thomas Frank in post for as long as the club did. Whose idea was it to delay the inevitable, and what does that hesitation say about the current power structure? Conversation then turns to Igor Tudor stepping into the hotseat. What does Paul make of the appointment? We discuss whether a strict disciplinarian can actually exert proper control over this group of players when everyone knows he is only a temporary fix. Finally, Paul answers your listener questions, including: Have the club already spoken to Mauricio Pochettino about a summer return? Will Johan Lange and Vinai Venkatesham be the next ones fired? What are our favourite North London Derby memories? Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack welcomes Tom Foins back to the pod to mull over the news that the majority of Thomas Frank's backroom staff have been given the chop. We discuss the brutal nature of the clearout, specifically Johnny Heitinga departing after just 33 days at the club, and the loss of highly-rated coach Justin Cochrane. Tom reflects on why this is probably for the best in the long run, but acknowledges that the saga is once again reflective of the chaotic decision-making plaguing the club. The futures of Vinai Venkatesham and Johan Lange are firmly in the spotlight. We ask if the club would be better off without them, and whether a total uprooting of the hierarchy is needed to put this miserable period behind us. Attention then turns to the appointment of Igor Tudor. We discuss what we can hope and expect from him during his time as Spurs boss, especially with such a depleted squad, will he be forced to tap into the youth team resources? Finally, we look ahead to the summer: Mauricio Pochettino seems to be the most obvious pick right now, but is he actually the right one? Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack jumps on an impromptu call with Gazzetta dello Sport's Tommy Milanese to react to the breaking news that Igor Tudor is all but confirmed as Tottenham's new interim manager. We dig into Tudor's reputation in Italy to find out exactly what we are getting. Tommy gives the lowdown on his mixed spells with Lazio and Juventus (including that recent 8-game winless run), and we discuss whether his abrasive, high-intensity tactical style can actually blend with this specific group of players, or if it's a disaster waiting to happen. We also ask the big questions: will he be willing to incorporate the youth players Spurs are so reliant on? And crucially, is he the man to save us from the drop? Tommy also shares some fascinating insight into Fabio Paratici’s reputation in Italy, and shares a brilliant anecdote about an impromptu lunch date with Jose Mourinho during his time working for the club. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jack is joined by Jon Bass to discuss the sacking of Thomas Frank. We look back on his time at the club and ask the burning question: why on earth did it take the board this long to remove a man who was clearly incompetent for the role? We reflect on the damage done and the "existential spiral" the club now finds itself in. Attention then turns to the future. We mull over potential alternative appointments, both on an interim basis to save our season, and the long-term vision required to fix the mess. Jon also answers your listener questions, including a deep dive into whether the injuries are actually being caused by the stadium's retractable surface, and a shout for a "left-field" appointment with a little-known coysy affiliation. Theme is Ghost Cat by Gillen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Thomas Frank is gone - official announcement. Tottenham's worst manager of the Premier League era and one of their worst managers of all time... but is it all his fault? Whatever the case, something had to change... but who now? Cochrane? Heitinga? Mason? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Say it again, Jack... Tottenham lose again. Surely the game that seals Thomas Frank's fate? Results around Spurs conspiring to give the league table a very concerning glow. Where are the wins coming from? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices