Manx Footy Pod - 2024-25 episode 1
The Manx Footy Pod is back.
To kickstart to the 2024-25 season is a Football Writers' Awards special after the ceremony took place at Peel AFC earlier this week.
Lee Gale and Nick Hurt react to their Player and Manager of the Year accolades, while Galer gives the lowdown on his move to boyhood club Foxdale AFC.
Plus Andy, Tom and Dave deliver their usual amateur ramblings about the new season, previewing all of this weekend's games from the salubrious surroundings of Andy's car!
To kickstart to the 2024-25 season is a Football Writers' Awards special after the ceremony took place at Peel AFC earlier this week.
Lee Gale and Nick Hurt react to their Player and Manager of the Year accolades, while Galer gives the lowdown on his move to boyhood club Foxdale AFC.
Plus Andy, Tom and Dave deliver their usual amateur ramblings about the new season, previewing all of this weekend's games from the salubrious surroundings of Andy's car!
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SportsTranscript
00:00Hello and welcome to the first Manx Footy part of the 24-25 season.
00:05Today we'll be reflecting on Tuesday evening's Football Writers Awards, where Lee Gale and Nick Hurt were among the winners.
00:11We've got interviews with both of them, so stay tuned to them shortly.
00:15After that we'll be looking ahead to the new Manx Football season.
00:19We've got a quick interview with up-front footies Dean Turton, that's easy for me to say.
00:23Plus we have a look ahead to all this week's fixtures, in a slightly strange setting it has to be said.
00:31Right, stay tuned for all that, coming your way.
00:34So Gale, we're here at the Football Writers Awards and you've won the Gordon Clegg Award for Player of the Season.
00:39First of all, how much of an honour is that?
00:41Yeah, it's brilliant. Second time I've won the trophy and yeah, fantastic.
00:45As Andy said earlier, it's a bit of an interesting one because it's so close to the new season
00:51and we're talking about last season now and it feels like ages ago, doesn't it?
00:54Yeah, it does. It almost feels a bit weird, the fact that I'm sat here in my new club kit.
00:59I was just going to say, the biggest thing here is, Gale has arrived and he's in a full Foxdale tracksuit.
01:04You're here and my main question is, I think everyone kind of knew it was written in the stars, your return to Foxdale, but why now?
01:11Well, obviously I promised I might go back, but obviously I've got a couple of things on this year.
01:16I am going to miss a good chunk of the season and might never get the chance to do it again.
01:20I had 16, 17 amazing years at Peel and yeah, you can't play footy forever and I'm not going to go back on that word.
01:27Was them coming up to Div 1 a big factor in that?
01:29Yeah, massively. As I say, I said to them when I left when I was 14, I was like, if you come up, I'll definitely come back.
01:34And how many of the lads that were there at Foxdale when you were 14 are still there now?
01:38Betty, Liam, Craig, Scotty, Tawana's obviously the gaffer.
01:50You don't want to forget anyone?
01:51No, there are a few, you put me on the spot there.
01:54But you must be excited to play with them again. How much are you relishing the season ahead?
01:57Foxdale, it's the first time, I don't even know in how long, it's ages since they've been back in Div 1.
02:02They must be buzzing to go back up, it's been a while coming, they've gone close before.
02:06What's pre-season been like and how hopeful are you of this season?
02:09Yeah, pre-season's been really good. I've only played two games, obviously we played Laxey at the weekend and won 3-1.
02:14We played UT the week before that and won 8-1 and already there's little partnerships that have already started.
02:20I definitely think there's enough for the boys to stay up and definitely challenge and cause a few upsets.
02:28We know who's going to be at the top of the league, I fully anticipate Peel to be up there, I anticipate Ayr to be up there.
02:34And I think Ramsey will probably knock on the door. But I'm really looking forward to Saturday against Russian.
02:39I honestly think we can, after how we performed against Laxey at the weekend, I think we can put a good account of ourselves.
02:47Were you almost surprised going back to Foxdale? I know you've played for Peel, you've gone for titles year after year and now you've gone to a club that's newly promoted.
02:55Were you almost surprised at the standard of the boys at Foxdale or did you know you were going to come back in and it was going to be great?
03:00No, they can all play football. The big thing is, and they won't mind me saying it, is fitness. Fitness is key.
03:06If you look at teams over the years in Manx football, the fittest team wins. Not necessarily the best team, the fittest team.
03:12And you boys will have seen that in years when you've had to dig deep and stay up, even when you're in Division 2.
03:17There are some really good footballers at Foxdale, but ultimately it comes down to fitness.
03:22And if you can outrun a team nine times out of ten in Manx football, you'll beat them.
03:26And the big question is, how many times are you going to make an appearance in the Baltic?
03:29Because Barton tells me there won't be that many often, you won't be going back after a game.
03:32I'll be there every week.
03:34And will you miss this part of it though? I know it must have been a big decision to leave Peel.
03:37Yeah, it was massive. Even now you get nervous coming back because they're your mates, you know what I mean?
03:42And I want them to do well. I want Peel to win the league. That's the club that I've always...
03:48With Foxdale, you go to school, you aspire to play for Peel, do you know what I mean?
03:54There was no, on my terms, there was no bad blood.
03:56And I'd like to think not on the way out, yes, there's obviously a little bit of banter and stuff like that when you first go,
04:01but the boys are all pretty new straight away.
04:04There probably wasn't bad blood until you wore the full track suit tonight, Gaelis.
04:08I just say, that's not my fault, that's your boys for leaving it too late.
04:12Yeah, fair enough, fair enough.
04:14So you're going travelling, aren't you? When is that? That's the big question.
04:18How long are you going to have? How many games for Foxdale are you going to have?
04:20I think I've worked it out. I play the first nine, go away, come back,
04:23and then depending on how many games Foxdale have called off...
04:27Fair, fair comment.
04:29Yeah, I might get the last six or so in. I think it's something like that, anyway.
04:34Well, best of luck for the season and enjoy your travelling. Cheers, Gaelis.
04:41Alright, Nick, great night, evening. You've picked up the Manager of the Year.
04:44It seems odd talking about it with only a few days to go to the start of the season,
04:47but you must be delighted with that, reflecting on what you've achieved last season.
04:50Yeah, it's good. Individual award of Manager of the Year is amazing, again, with Ayr United.
04:58I think I've got to say that you don't get these sorts of awards without the lads.
05:03The lads as a committee, everyone's put a lot of effort into achieving what we've achieved,
05:09so it's more of a club award, I would say.
05:13It's fantastic that Ayr United are on the map and doing so well.
05:17And how are things looking ahead of the big kick-off on Saturday?
05:20You always have a bit of a target at your back because they're reigning champions, don't you?
05:23But you guys relish that?
05:25I don't think we're used to that. I don't think the players are used to that.
05:29It gets harder to go again, refocus, push on.
05:34We've had probably three friendlies. We've done okay.
05:39We've had a couple of good signings this season.
05:43We've had Luis Moran from Peel, who's a great signing.
05:47And then we've had Leo from Russia, Leo Segura.
05:52He's a good young kid. I think he's trained with FCI Le Mans.
05:56We'll have to see what his priorities are because, obviously, we're not having both.
06:02He's either playing for us or he's playing for them.
06:05He's a good young prospect.
06:07Apart from that, we've kept everybody else.
06:10We should be pushing on and trying to be in that top four again.
06:14I've often wondered, with the transfers in the close season over here,
06:17is it the case that they approach you or are you going out and thinking,
06:21maybe we need to strengthen in that area?
06:23I think it works both ways, really.
06:26There's a bit of both going on.
06:30The problem is, when you're successful,
06:33certain lads don't really think that they're needed at your club.
06:37We struggle for numbers at times because, like I say,
06:40you don't exactly get six, seven, eight new players walking into Air United
06:45because they think, well, you're league champions, you've won things
06:49and you maybe don't need any more players.
06:52It couldn't be further from the truth.
06:54We do struggle for numbers at times.
06:58Obviously, you guys are going to be up there again this season.
07:00Who else do you think will be there or thereabouts?
07:03Difficult question.
07:05Particularly tonight, it's quite funny.
07:08Well, it's not funny in terms of Peel's perspective,
07:11but Lee Gale's gone to Foxdale,
07:15Lewis Moran's gone to Air, obviously.
07:19I think Peel will maybe struggle to score as many goals as he did last season,
07:24but I think they'll still be up there, as they always are.
07:28I was really impressed with Russian in the Charity Shield the other week.
07:33If they play like that week in, week out,
07:35then they're certainly going to be pushing.
07:38Laxey are the unknown, in my eyes.
07:41You just don't know what Laxey team you're going to get,
07:45but when they're on it, they're as good as anybody.
07:48And then finally, I think Ramsey.
07:52Ramsey have seemed to be getting better and better
07:56over the last three seasons,
07:58and I think this season they could maybe push on
08:01and be a real pain in everybody's backside.
08:04So, yes, I would tip Ramsey as a very good outsider.
08:09Well, thanks very much for your time, Nick,
08:11and good luck for the rest of the season.
08:12Yes, no problem.
08:16So, we've just had the Football Writers Awards,
08:18and I'm here with Upfront Footage's Dean Turton.
08:20Dean, good to see you.
08:21Good to see you as well, Tom.
08:22So, I just want to, first of all, mention this trophy that you've got.
08:25Tell us a bit about the initiative this season.
08:27Every month there's going to be a Player of the Year.
08:29Player of the Month, Tom.
08:30He's only had two pints, and he's Player of the Year.
08:33That's how it goes.
08:34This is how much he's got already.
08:36And show us the trophy, Dean.
08:38I'll let you hold it, Tom,
08:39because it's the closest you're going to get to one.
08:42Fair, fair.
08:43But, yes, that's the trophy.
08:44It's quite heavy.
08:45Yes, it's a Premier League replica.
08:47Yes.
08:48It's sponsored by H&H Motorcycles, who've come on board,
08:50so big thanks to the Harrison family for sorting that out for me.
08:52Absolutely.
08:53And there's going to be one in the Premier League, Div 2,
08:56and the Women's League as well.
08:58No comedy for me?
08:59No comment.
09:01Fair enough, fair enough.
09:02But, yes, so that's what it's going to be.
09:04That's why I let you hold it tonight,
09:05because, you know, it is the prototype one,
09:07so I might let you take that home one day, Tom.
09:10If I'm lucky.
09:11Mellea, maybe?
09:12Oh, that would sell for a lot.
09:14How much would you buy it for, Tom?
09:16£20, probably, if I've got it in my bank account.
09:18But, no, more importantly, Dean,
09:19let's get down to the seriousness of it.
09:20Up from foot, he's now flying.
09:21He's doing very well.
09:22People love it.
09:23People are in on it.
09:24Tell us where it all came about, why it started,
09:26and this type of thing.
09:27Is this always what you wanted to do,
09:28this maybe getting all involved?
09:29Well, not really.
09:30I was into it.
09:31I played for a little bit.
09:32I was crap.
09:33Coached for a little bit.
09:34Won a few trophies in the Combi League
09:36when we were coaching and stuff like that.
09:37Went on to first team.
09:39And then got a ban for calling Willie Cowley a name
09:41I probably shouldn't have.
09:44After that, it was a bit like,
09:47I can't be doing this every week.
09:49Calling Willie Cowley names and getting fined hundreds of pounds
09:52is not what you want to be doing.
09:54I think I got a ban from all football and activity as well
09:57for about 100 days.
09:58So I couldn't really do much, to be honest, Tom.
10:01That's hard to do, can I just add.
10:03But you wanted to stay involved in the local game.
10:05Yes, I wanted to stay involved in the local game.
10:07And now I've just gone out and, as everyone's seen,
10:10I'm a little bit honest about football.
10:12I don't hold back.
10:13If someone's had a good game, they've had a good game.
10:15If they've been crap, I'm going to tell them they're crap.
10:16Absolutely.
10:17And I've seen the response on the comments of people loving it.
10:19But how does it feel for you when you get all these nice praise
10:21and stuff like that?
10:22I'm not in it for the praise, mate.
10:23I'm just in it to stay involved in the game.
10:25And that's the God's honest truth.
10:26If I wanted to be involved in it even more,
10:28then I probably could get a bit more involved.
10:30But I do this in my free time, mate.
10:31It's not something I get paid to do.
10:33Do you know what I mean?
10:34It's just my way of staying involved in the game.
10:35Absolutely.
10:36And I think I speak on behalf of everyone in Manx football
10:37when I say it's great stuff.
10:39I know we do a fair bit, but no one here as much as you.
10:41And I think it's working really well,
10:42especially this type of stuff that I won't get my hands on.
10:44But it's very good.
10:45You probably won't get your hands on that, Tom.
10:46But honestly, I think it's very good for the game
10:48that we get more and more media involved in it.
10:50I know you haven't done your predictions yet, Dean.
10:52I'm not going to ask you about that.
10:53But how do you think the season's going to go?
10:54Can you give us any rough ideas?
10:56Some people will win games.
10:58Some people will lose games, Tom.
11:00I think there may be a draw now and then.
11:02I don't know if Manx football is rough.
11:03There'll be no nil-nils.
11:04Can we add that?
11:05I think there will be a nil-nil this season.
11:07I think there was last year, you know, a couple.
11:09And it still staggers me when that happens.
11:12So Conby 2 throws up some weird results.
11:14It could be 14 nil to one team next week.
11:16They're going to draw nil-nil next.
11:17Yeah, exactly.
11:18It's possible, Tom.
11:19It is possible.
11:20You mentioned earlier you're going to try and cover every game.
11:22Every team, sorry.
11:23Every club again.
11:24So last year, I covered every club.
11:2527, including FC Al-Aman.
11:27I'll do the same this year.
11:28I've already covered FC Al-Aman this year.
11:30I've done Aaron Rushing and the thing.
11:32But yeah, every club.
11:33That's it.
11:34Perfect.
11:35And just finally, I know you've got your first six games
11:36planned out and all that.
11:37But just finally, is there any one game that two teams,
11:39one game that stands out to you every season?
11:41Is there one game you really want to go to?
11:43One ideal fixture?
11:44You know what?
11:45I don't really have one.
11:46I like the meaty ones.
11:47So something maybe in like 5-2, maybe a DAF,
11:51something like that.
11:53Springfield Derby.
11:54Yeah, a proper game of football on a bog.
11:57You know, there's cabbages growing out the field.
11:59There's potholes in it.
12:01That's Manx football to me, mate.
12:03It's not, you know, these lush pitches and things.
12:05I mean, we're in a lovely place here.
12:06And this to me is Manx football has gone up, hasn't it?
12:08Look at Peel's ground now.
12:09People won't see it yet.
12:10But you'll probably get a video of it.
12:11Mate, it's quality.
12:12Yeah, yeah.
12:13Get out there and have a look at it.
12:14The work they've done in, fair play to Peel.
12:15Yeah, yeah.
12:16You know, I know it takes a lot of time and a lot of investment,
12:18but they've done it.
12:19But just down the road, there's a nice pitch on the...
12:21What?
12:22No, that's off to The Hope, isn't it?
12:24Moran Football Club, I should add.
12:26Old Church Road.
12:27But no, thank you very much, Dean.
12:28And I'm sure you'll have a great season.
12:30But cheers for all the work you do.
12:31Cheers, Tom.
12:32Top man.
12:33Thank you very much.
12:34Don't lose the trophy.
12:35I'll keep that.
12:36Thanks.
12:38Right, we're on the way back from the Football Writers Awards tonight at Peel.
12:44There's a tremendous Kelvin Dawson hub.
12:46And we all had a good night tonight, didn't we, lads?
12:49We've had a very good night.
12:50The pints were flowing, as I say.
12:51Andy's not out of pints, like I can clarify to the audience.
12:54So we're driving back into the bright lights of Douglas via the God's Own Parish, are we?
12:59Yes, of course we are.
13:00So we thought, while we've got a few minutes to kill,
13:02we'd do a look ahead to this weekend's fixtures, Dave.
13:05Starting in the Cadillac Premier League with?
13:08We've got the Western Derby.
13:10Peel versus St. John's to kick off.
13:12So actually, the pitch we've just been looking at looked in good nick.
13:15Did you see the lads out painting it?
13:17The surrounding paint?
13:18It's always nice to see, I think, players helping out.
13:22Do you know what I mean?
13:23There's committees there for that.
13:24But it's always nice to see a few of the players.
13:26There's a few youngsters there, and they're all painting.
13:28Because they know that that's the type of stuff that goes unnoticed at Manx football clubs, isn't it, I think?
13:33Yes.
13:34So we're painting what you call the surrounding walls?
13:38Yes, so it used to have some signage on it, but now they're just painting it.
13:42I would say a red shape, but I think it's more maroon,
13:44probably because they want to be us.
13:46They want to be maroon, I get that.
13:47Not that you could ever see anything other than maroon, Tom.
13:50Yes, I don't know what red is.
13:52Sorry, I just want to point out, my driving isn't this bad.
13:56It's just that we're having problems stabilising the phone on the dashboard.
14:00Anyway, this seemed like a good idea when I thought about it.
14:03Let's talk about the football.
14:04And also, this podcast is brought to you by motion sickness tablets.
14:08Yes, maybe don't watch this one.
14:10Anyway, Weston derby, cracking game to start the season with.
14:15I think this looks like a Peel win to me.
14:18Obviously, they'll be wanting to put a marker down early doors if they're going to maybe title challenge.
14:23Dave, St John's though, you're always up your game for a derby,
14:26especially as we're driving between the two as we speak, aren't we?
14:29Yes, well we'd better be nice to St John's because otherwise Sam Brown will come after us.
14:33It's been a bit quiet on the transfer front in terms of St John's.
14:38Peel we know have lost a couple of players, but they've still got a good squad there.
14:44I think you're right, they're going to be favourites for this game,
14:47but I think it's going to be closer than some people think.
14:49One of those players that has left was crowned as Football Writers Player of the Year at the Gordon Clegg Memorial.
14:56So if we leave Gale, he's gone to just up the road to Foxtail.
14:59That'll be a big loss for them, Tom, won't it?
15:01Absolutely, yes.
15:02I think Peel have not brought many in and they've lost a fair few.
15:08But saying that, they've still got a young, very good squad.
15:10One of the other winners tonight was Thomas Brown, of course, the Under-21s Player of the Year.
15:14He's only 20 years old, he could still win it again next year.
15:17He's always going to be a threat, the likes of Taylor Andrews, him.
15:20Peel are always going to be strong.
15:23There'll never be a season where Peel aren't strong.
15:25And I think this one, between Peel and St John's, it'll just be Peel,
15:29but it'll be closer than you think.
15:30Because I think teams like St John's, the Western Derbys,
15:33no matter if you're a weaker side, you get up for it, don't you?
15:36You do.
15:37A player that's played for both teams, Rhys Oates, it'll be good to see him training again tonight.
15:41Dave, he's obviously had his injury problems in the past,
15:44but he was looking in good nick and he'll be a massive player for them this season.
15:48Yes, if he can stay fit for a full season, you know you're going to get a Golden Boot contender.
15:53And also, he's good at set-pieces and things like that.
15:56And he's just the sort of player that, not to put a cliche out there,
16:01but strikes fear in the heart of defences, doesn't he?
16:03And I think he'll be a massive plus for them.
16:05So, yes, he's definitely one to watch. Are you right, Andy?
16:08Yes.
16:09Any one for St John's to look forward to?
16:12Well, Joe Savage got injured in the game against us.
16:14He had a bad concussion injury, but he's always the one that I'll always say,
16:17yes, he's my friend, but I'm not just promoting him for that
16:21because I'd love to tell you he's a bit awful.
16:23But he's always a problem for the defenders.
16:26Key and Brock, if he's fit as well, good striker up top as well.
16:29I don't really know much about their transfer activity.
16:32We'll know a lot more when 4-5-1...
16:34Well, 4-5-1 will be out, actually, when this comes out, probably.
16:37Yes, there were rumours that Paul Whitehead was going to head back.
16:41It looks like he might be staying at Peel this year.
16:43Oh, really?
16:44Yes, the fact that there's transfer activity between these two clubs is remarkable.
16:47You wouldn't see an effort in Liverpool transfer, would you, anymore?
16:49Not since Nicky Barnby or Abel Xavier.
16:52Was he the last one?
16:53Potentially.
16:54Oh, wow.
16:56What we haven't heard, though, is that one of Andy's sons
16:59might be switching allegiances from Everton to Liverpool.
17:01Oh, we're not talking about that.
17:03What's next game, Dave?
17:05OK.
17:06So, let's just clear it up there.
17:09So, I've said Peel win, you two?
17:11Yes, Peel win, but close.
17:13Yes, exactly. Peel win.
17:15Next game, Dave?
17:16Well, we'll go to the home of the Champions, we'll go up north to Andres.
17:19So, there's a bit of a tough game on the cards for United.
17:22They're at home to Laxey.
17:23Oof.
17:24Well, we've just been spending quite a lot of time with the manager of the year,
17:27who's Nick Hurt, who helped the Tangerines to get some silverware last season.
17:33He seemed, I'd say, quite bullish about his chances this season on the sly.
17:39Would you agree?
17:40I'd agree with that, yes.
17:42I think this will be a good early test for them,
17:45but you can't know that they haven't really lost anyone.
17:48They've brought in Lewis Moran from Peel.
17:50He's got goals in him, if he doesn't get sent off.
17:53But, yeah, they look like they've kept most of the big players
17:59that got them that league title last season, Dave.
18:01So, I think you can't really look past them for me.
18:05No, you're probably right.
18:07Hurt, you were saying before, they've had a couple of injuries in pre-season matches
18:11and I know there's some fractured ribs that Tom can relate to.
18:15Yeah, so they've had a couple of injuries.
18:17It's not all been plain sailing, but I think you're right.
18:20Bullish is the right word, but I think they're still positive
18:22that they're going to have a good season here.
18:24Laxey, again, we don't really know much.
18:27Not to sound clueless, but we don't really know who they've signed.
18:32I think the problem with Laxey is we all tipped them to do really well last season.
18:36Yeah, and they didn't.
18:38It didn't really happen, did it?
18:40No.
18:41Maybe this year, going under the radar a little bit,
18:43I know when we had Johnny Palmer and Tom in on the podcast early last season,
18:47maybe that flying under the radar will suit them a little bit.
18:51But if they get a result this Saturday, they'll be back on that radar, won't they?
18:56No, absolutely, and I think Laxey are one of them.
18:58They brought that many players in last year that everyone kind of had to tip them to do well,
19:01where this year maybe their transfer activity has been a bit more quieter.
19:04Maybe they've lost a few.
19:05I don't think they actually have lost a few.
19:08Not lost to another club.
19:09I just think maybe Laxey have maybe a few going travelling, I've heard, and stuff like that.
19:13But I think Laxey will always be strong-ish.
19:15They've got a fair few players.
19:17Obviously, the likes of Meehan and Cam, Judas.
19:21Let it go, Tom.
19:23It's a new season. It's a new podcast.
19:25I'm still writing the same record.
19:27This is what he's saying on the podcast.
19:28Behind closed doors, he's been picking up Cam all pre-season.
19:32He's tipping them for Player of the Year, I think.
19:34Yeah, I am.
19:35It's just a laugh, really.
19:37But no, I think it'll be a closer game than people think.
19:40I think Ayre, this season.
19:42Because so many people...
19:43Oh, and there's the camera gone, Dave.
19:45And there we go.
19:46I'm back.
19:49We're professional here, guys.
19:50You wouldn't see that in...
19:51What is it? James Corden does the drive-alongs, doesn't he?
19:54And we're getting close to Glenfinder.
19:55We've done two games here.
19:56Yeah, I might have to drive around the block.
19:58Just popping across.
19:59Quickly, we'll go...
20:00Well, the season's right here.
20:01We'll go with Moran's game.
20:03We've not confirmed that Laxey...
20:04Ayre.
20:05Are you saying Ayre?
20:06Sorry, Dave.
20:07I'm saying Ayre.
20:08I'm saying Ayre, but I wouldn't be surprised if...
20:12Well, actually, you were at the start of this very...
20:1530 seconds ago, I said that I thought it'd be Ayre.
20:17But having thought about it, I wouldn't be surprised
20:19if the Dave North Memorial fence comes out
20:21for the first draw of the season.
20:24Well, as scared as I am of Johnny Palmer,
20:26I'm sorry, but I am going to have to go for an Ayre win.
20:28But it's going to be close.
20:29I think Laxey will be one of the teams to watch this season.
20:31Now let's head to the game of the day.
20:32Well, OK.
20:33So, D&D?
20:34No, sorry.
20:35So, yeah, Bala Fletcher.
20:36Matt's going to be fuming.
20:38Bala Fletcher.
20:39So it's the game that you're going to be at, Tom?
20:41Yeah, doubleheader.
20:42Yeah, so just talk us through that.
20:44That's because Crosby are still using...
20:45Yeah, it's the last day of Crosby Cricket having the pitch,
20:48so we're doing a doubleheader up at Bala Fletcher
20:50for the opening day.
20:51Kick-off?
20:52Half one kick-off for the first team,
20:53four o'clock for the combi.
20:54And I think this will be tight.
20:56I've got a feeling, and feel free to correct me
20:58if Corinthians might have brought a few players in,
21:01but I've got a feeling Corinthians will be down in this season.
21:03They've got a young squad.
21:04They're always going to have good players.
21:05The likes of Chester Bale and players like that
21:07will still be about.
21:08But I think Corinthians,
21:09until their FC Allemagne players come back in,
21:11they might not have the strongest squad this season.
21:13So I've got a feeling this will be a close game.
21:16Marouane are missing a few, I can tell you that.
21:18So I'm going to go for a Marouane win, but just.
21:25I want to say that so much, Tom.
21:27You're not going to go with that?
21:29No, I feel this could be a high-scored draw.
21:32Oh, I'd take a draw on the opening day.
21:34A three-goal, something like that.
21:35I'm trying to think last year.
21:36Maybe a two-all.
21:38Any new signs at the Memorial Place?
21:41No, not really.
21:42Dino's come back from Kastan,
21:43which is always nice to see a player return.
21:47He's not going to bag you 30 goals a season, is he?
21:49He's not, he's not.
21:50But the thing is, he's come back
21:51and he's understood where his...
21:52I'm going to turn left here.
21:53Oh, across the back road, one of my favourite spots.
21:54There's a rule about this road,
21:55you can only drive it drunk.
21:56No, I'm joking, I'm joking.
21:58I think we should just clarify
22:01that we don't endorse drunk driving in any way.
22:04No, me and the other man do not endorse.
22:06We don't endorse Tom in any way, either.
22:10So, yes, a scored draw for me.
22:12Dave?
22:15Close.
22:16I'm going to go with Corinthians, I'm sorry.
22:17Sorry, Tom.
22:19Just watch the camera, we're going over to Speedball.
22:21Oh, God.
22:22It's quite a big one as well,
22:23it's probably the biggest team around.
22:24You would know, Tom, you would know.
22:26Absolute knowledge.
22:29The second one in Balagary Road is quite big as well,
22:31can I just add.
22:32I'll bear that in mind.
22:35Right, so we've cleared that game up, right, next Dave.
22:39Do you know what, we'll go...
22:40Because we're circling now
22:41and we've got a whole division to go through yet.
22:43Yeah, we do.
22:44Okay, so we'll go to Glencuttree Road,
22:45we've got St George's versus Ramsey.
22:47I'm not driving to Glencuttree Road.
22:50If we're going that way, it's Mackie's job.
22:51Right, so we're hearing on the Glenvine
22:56that St George's have had a bit of a strong summer
22:58and they're going to get two teams out this season,
23:01I think that's the indication we've got,
23:03that they're going to have a combination side,
23:05which they obviously didn't have last season.
23:08Johnny is, I think, trying to get the band back together.
23:11You know, obviously he's going to have some,
23:13the Quays, the Bastards and stuff as well,
23:15although I do remember having a conversation with Sean recently
23:18where he said that last season might have been his last,
23:21so we'll see.
23:22No, we're not,
23:23I don't think Manx football is ready for the end of that era yet.
23:25Yeah, the Rolls-Royce retiring.
23:27But, yeah, they're going to be strong.
23:29Who did, sorry, David, did you say the band?
23:31Ramsey.
23:32Ramsey, though.
23:33What a season they had last year.
23:35Anthony Cooper was quite rightly in the mix
23:37for the Manager of the Year title,
23:39the Football Writers, which we've just been to.
23:42Yeah, they just keep kicking on, don't they?
23:45They'll want to start with a win
23:47and winning away at St George's
23:49would be a good way to start your season, wouldn't it?
23:51Yeah, it would.
23:52I think this is going to be a tough one to call.
23:55I think, as you put it out, Andy,
23:57all the signs coming out at Glencanthry Road
23:59are very positive at the moment.
24:00They did well second half of the season last year.
24:03I know it was tight at the end.
24:05I know Tom was beside himself with grief
24:08when St George's beat St John's.
24:10Yeah, it didn't matter in the end
24:12because we're the Unrelegatables.
24:14But, yeah, like you say, Ramsey, very good side.
24:16They just keep going from strength to strength.
24:18I wouldn't be surprised if this is the season
24:20where they're challenging right at the top.
24:22Yeah, I completely agree with that.
24:24Ramsey, I think, will be up there
24:25and I think it's going to be...
24:28From what I've heard,
24:29George's have bolstered their squad
24:30and I think they'll be stronger this year.
24:31But I think Ramsey are right in the mix this year
24:33to win the league.
24:34I'm going to go with a comfortable 3-0 Ramsey win.
24:37Yeah, I think it's going to be closer than that.
24:39I think George's are going to give them a good game
24:41but I think Ramsey will edge this one 2-1.
24:43I think the early season enthusiasm
24:47actually depends if everyone's back from holidays.
24:50We're in this August, September,
24:52there's always people on holiday.
24:54If everyone's back for St George's,
24:56I can see this being a draw,
24:57which is not a bad result for either team.
24:59No.
25:00But, yeah, I just feel Johnny will have them
25:03fired up first game of the season.
25:05Yeah, I think you're right.
25:07So, obviously, one of the award winners tonight
25:10was Lee Gale.
25:11Yes.
25:12Peel legend, but has now made the switch to Foxdale.
25:15So, they start their maiden Premier League campaign
25:18for many a year.
25:19Oh, it's their maiden Premier League campaign.
25:21Sorry, yeah, it is.
25:22At home to Russian, Billy Goh Park.
25:24Now, Russian seem to have hit a bit of form in pre-season.
25:28The big question for me is if they can turn that
25:30into actual season.
25:31I think they can.
25:32They played well in the Charity Shield, by all accounts.
25:34Yeah, sounds like it was controversial.
25:36Gave them a good praise when we were having a chat before.
25:41Moody initially left the role.
25:44But his love for the Spaniards shone through
25:47and he's actually taken it on again this season.
25:49So, fair play to him.
25:50They seem to have got a good core of players again.
25:54Is it the year, Dave, that...
25:56We go back to the glory days of 2010.
25:58Oh, the Gareth Jones era.
26:00Yeah, and Burnsy and that.
26:03Am I going left here?
26:04Left here, yeah.
26:05Left here, yeah.
26:07I'd be a terrible sack to join.
26:09Yeah, is this the year that they maybe get some more silverware?
26:12Because, obviously, they won the FA Cup last year.
26:14Yeah, I think so.
26:15I think there was a lot of speculation pre-season
26:18about who would be their manager next season.
26:20Right here, Andy.
26:21Yeah, we are taking a whistle-stop tour around Glenmine.
26:24Yeah, there was a lot of speculation as to who would be the manager.
26:27But it's remained the same.
26:29Moody is still in charge.
26:31Had a good season last year and I think they've got a good squad.
26:34It's quite a nice blend of youth and experience.
26:36So, I think you're right.
26:37I think they're going to go far this season.
26:39They're definitely a team to watch.
26:41Left here.
26:42It's going to be a tough Premier League debut, I think, for Foxdale.
26:46But, I know we say this perennially,
26:49but I think the question mark is going to be over the pitch at Bilyeu Park.
26:53The weather has not been kind, as we all know.
26:55Right here, Andy.
26:56And so, who knows?
26:57But they're going to be so confident at Foxdale.
26:59They've come up from Division 2.
27:01They've got Gael there.
27:02They've got a good squad there.
27:03So, I mean, who knows?
27:05There's a question mark whether this game will be played, though.
27:08As in, we've heard rumours that Billy Goat may be already showing a bit of November form.
27:15So, whether this game is switched to Croyd Lowey.
27:18Or even Colby.
27:19Colby.
27:20The inside man himself, Dean Turner, seems to suggest that Colby could be hosting this game.
27:26Which does make sense, because it's the Governor's Athletic About Move to Nobles Park full-time.
27:31So, that could be a thing.
27:34But, as you say, they'll just want this game played now while they have Gael services.
27:37Which, I believe, is nine games, Tom?
27:39Yeah, nine games.
27:40Then he goes travelling.
27:41Then he reckons he's back for seven.
27:42So, I think he'll be an integral part of Foxdale when he's there.
27:47But the problem is...
27:4816 games out of 20.
27:49Yeah.
27:50You're not going to blame him.
27:51That's my house on the right, Andy.
27:52And you've driven past it.
27:53That's fun.
27:54We'll keep driving round.
27:55Yeah, exactly.
27:56It's Belgaire.
27:57It's a beautiful estate.
27:58We'll just put this mileage on the card.
27:59Yeah, exactly.
28:00It's not us paying, is it?
28:01Yeah, all expenses paid.
28:02He's a man with a dog.
28:03I haven't run him over, just to clarify.
28:05I think not.
28:06He's a ground fan.
28:07Which way do I go?
28:08Right here, yeah.
28:09This is podcast gold, people.
28:11It is.
28:12If this doesn't get this award, nothing will.
28:13But, yes, so...
28:15Do you know what?
28:17I do think it's crucial where this game is played as to what the bearing outcome of the result.
28:22No, I completely agree.
28:23Because I think if it's at Foxdale, it's a lot closer result than it is if it's at Russian.
28:26But, either way, I do think it'll be a Russian win.
28:29You know what?
28:30I think people are kind of sleeping on Russian, almost.
28:33I think Danny Lane's signing is brilliant.
28:35I think he's, as much as I'd like to tell Danny Lane right now on the podcast...
28:39Is this the big Steve one?
28:41No, this one's not too bad.
28:42That one's pretty big.
28:43I know that's probably about fourth biggest in the parish.
28:47But, no, I think Danny Lane, a couple of others...
28:49I've got a feeling, and I'm going to call it now...
28:52I don't know how to pronounce his second name.
28:53I'm going to give it a go.
28:54Jamie Cadwallader?
28:55Cadwallader, yeah.
28:56I think he's going to possibly be my Player of the Year for the...
29:02That's a big shout.
29:03It's a big shout, but we've played them in pre-season.
29:06He's a good lad, good player, and if he stays the whole season...
29:10I know there's talk of him going travelling.
29:12He's a strong player, and I think Russian have made...
29:15Danny Lane's signing is huge.
29:17A strike up top, right here if you want to.
29:19But you can go straight on if you fancy it.
29:21Let's go up Taylor's Hill.
29:23This isn't Taylor Andrews Hill, by the way.
29:25It used to be Taylor Andrews Hill.
29:26When he lived here, and then he decided to move elsewhere.
29:29Abscond.
29:30Yeah, yeah, when he realised his roots and he was the Moran boy.
29:33Moving on.
29:34So, the last game in the Premier League, it's the Luke Booth derby.
29:38It's St. Mary's versus Union Mills.
29:40Luke, who was on the bench for FC Online on Saturday.
29:42Yeah.
29:43Monday, sorry.
29:44Yeah, and so...
29:46Sorry, I said St. Mary's-Union Mills.
29:47It's actually Union Mills-St. Mary's.
29:49Can't get the stuff.
29:50Yeah.
29:51Union Mills look like they've bolstered the squad.
29:53Don McHarry-Brennan, the key sign in there.
29:55He was a really good player for us.
29:56And I noticed his name on the Under-21s trophy a couple of seasons ago before.
30:00Yes.
30:01He's a good player, him.
30:03And he's a great sign for Mills.
30:05I think Mills might be dark horse.
30:07So, we go back in recent history of Mills.
30:10Yeah.
30:11If my memory serves me correct, so feel free to correct me.
30:13I feel like the season before last, they had a really good season under the radar.
30:18Was it even in the top four mix at one point?
30:21They were challenging for the relegation cup, definitely, yeah.
30:23And then last season, they sort of had the second season syndrome
30:27where it didn't really go right and they were down the bottom
30:31and they couldn't replicate the season before's form.
30:35I think this season, as you said, recruited well, got a good squad there.
30:39I feel like they'll be, I think, top six, top four challenges.
30:45I agree, I agree.
30:46And there's talk of them, a lot of people I speak to seem to think they'll be in the relegation.
30:50In the relegation battle, but I think they'll be well clear of that.
30:53And I think they'll win, win on Saturday.
30:55Andy, you spoke to Al Harrison, didn't you?
30:57Yes.
30:58My Chinese offence tonight.
30:59What a legend.
31:00What were his thoughts?
31:01I had bought it.
31:03Not a freebie based on his podcast appearances.
31:05Tom, I have no idea where I am.
31:07This, Balagueri's massive.
31:08It is huge and it's probably the nicest estate on the island, I'd say.
31:11Unbiased opinion there.
31:13I feel like I might be in Port Erin now.
31:15Yeah, you've driven that much.
31:16Travelling for ages.
31:17Yeah, it's all in the media element.
31:20So, Al Harrison, what was he saying?
31:22So, Al Harrison, he's confident.
31:24They've got Frank Jones back full-time, obviously, after...
31:27Yeah, what a player he is to have back.
31:33I don't know what to say about this.
31:35Because, obviously, I think Frank would have still been in that FC Allemagne squad.
31:38But decisions were made.
31:39He's not anymore.
31:41I don't think anything Frank did.
31:43It's just I feel like there was a conversation about his age.
31:49He's still one of the best central midfielders on the island for me.
31:53Have I just gone past your house again?
31:55No, no, no, you've not.
31:56So, anyway, he's going to be there.
31:59His influence is massive.
32:00Carl Clarke, again.
32:02I think Al suggested they'd also sign the Harry Kellen.
32:08Oh, the goalkeeper from Bradford?
32:09Yeah.
32:10Very good goalkeeper.
32:12I think if they get it right on the day, they'll be right up there.
32:17I don't just mean Saturday.
32:18I mean consistently.
32:19You can turn right here, Andy.
32:20I'll take you in a little loop.
32:21It's Grieber Avenue, this one.
32:22Oh, there's a notice board.
32:24Oh, there is.
32:25It should have the Miran Melia poster on it.
32:26Oh, we've not put it in yet.
32:27Oh, no.
32:28We've put it on a few.
32:29Dave, can you see what's happening in Miran this week?
32:32Two pieces of paper.
32:33That's all that's happening.
32:34Two pieces of paper.
32:35That's what's happening.
32:36Yeah, so, no, I think, obviously, we've got Bergquist, a great player.
32:41They've got some really good young players.
32:43If they can get them consistently playing and playing well, obviously, Owen Canepa,
32:48there's rumours about him going to Pulley, but we'll see.
32:52There's always rumours at this time of year, isn't there?
32:54Especially between Mary's and Pulley, isn't there?
32:56They love to flirt with each other, don't they?
32:58Yeah, if they keep them together, I just do think potentially a little bit of squad depth
33:04may be not there yet with St Mary's, but I think this will be a great game on Saturday.
33:08A good marker for both teams.
33:10I think you're right.
33:11If you turn right here, Andy, I can show you the new estate.
33:13Oh, lovely.
33:14It's a nice new estate.
33:15Is this Palladine Drive?
33:16No, this is a brand new estate with all big houses.
33:18So, when, have a look at this.
33:22Tom and Andy are available to hire for driving tours of the Isle of Man, by the way.
33:25Yeah, we certainly are.
33:26Football, St Mary's.
33:27Yeah.
33:28Whoa!
33:29Whoa, that's a bump.
33:30That was a bump.
33:31That's the second biggest speed bump in the world.
33:33Anyway.
33:34It's a jacuzzi.
33:35Yeah, this is going to be a tough one.
33:37This one's a big one as well.
33:39I thought people would carry on because you've got nothing on us boys.
33:42People are going to be feeling sick.
33:44Oh, there's another one here.
33:45Yeah, we're in the middle of them.
33:46It's all kicking off.
33:47Anyway, so St Mary's flew out the traps last season.
33:50I was there for their first game of the season away at St John's.
33:52They won that 6-0.
33:53They laid down a marker and they sort of built on that for the first half of the season.
33:57Yeah.
33:58Oh, that's my mate's house.
33:59Where is?
34:00Hi, Brendan.
34:01He hit new bills.
34:02Bloody hell, what does Brendan do?
34:04As Andy said, it was a tough game.
34:06But I think I'm going to have to sit on the Dave Norton or more offence.
34:10It is your offence.
34:11I'm going to call it a draw.
34:12I'm sorry, guys.
34:13I feel that's definitely a draw.
34:15Yeah, it'll be tight.
34:17I might go for a Mary's win just.
34:19Right, anyone top fight, Dave?
34:20No, that's it.
34:21So we're going to move on to the Arden and Kevin Druggan Limited Division 2.
34:24Arden and Kevin Snapper Druggan Div 2 now.
34:27Division 2.
34:28How brilliant is that?
34:29What a guy.
34:30To be fair, if you started sponsoring that before...
34:32That's interesting, isn't it?
34:33I've got a feeling he probably thought, oh, Moran will be down there.
34:35I'll sponsor that.
34:36Sponsor the trophy, win the trophy.
34:38Exactly, but it turns out, no.
34:39Moran are the only other game he pulled the slide against.
34:42One of my first ever games covering men's football
34:44was Douglas Royal versus Moran at Nobles Park
34:47and Snapper literally snapped us on.
34:50Oh, gosh.
34:51That's a happy memory for me.
34:52It was, yeah.
34:53You're listening, Snapper.
34:54I bet he's not.
34:55So Arden and Kevin Div 2, the second tier,
34:58World's Best League.
34:59Sorry, Europe's Best League, not World's Best League.
35:01There are a lot of tasty-looking games here,
35:03but I'm going to have to start Blackberry Lane
35:04because we've got Douglas High School Old Boys
35:06versus Douglas Royal.
35:07Ooh.
35:08I think that's an interesting game.
35:10Well, it's interesting for a variety of reasons
35:12because, obviously, Douglas Royal,
35:14for those of you who've been living under a rock
35:16the last six weeks,
35:17elected to take relegation, take the knee.
35:20AKA accepted a bribe from Tom Griffith.
35:23So you've come back down into Div 2.
35:26We don't know what sort of shape their squad's going to be in.
35:29Tom, you've been trying to speak to them this week, haven't you?
35:30Yeah, I have been, and I still don't know.
35:32They've lost a lot of players to Onken.
35:34They have.
35:35I think they might just have a first team this year,
35:37which is not nice to see,
35:38especially for a club who, in reality, are very big.
35:41Obviously, Pop Black used to be.
35:43They've got a lot of history there.
35:45I think it's always a shame,
35:46especially with a club like that,
35:47who've got the facilities that they have.
35:50A lot of them have made the move to Nivision
35:52to play Onken.
35:53Nivison!
35:54Oh, yeah, same thing.
35:55Yeah, I always get that wrong.
35:56I always call it Nivision.
35:57At least once this season.
35:58We hope Tom will pronounce it.
35:59Oh, there's the...
36:00Hang on.
36:01There's the notice board we were just at.
36:02Is that the same one?
36:03It's the same one.
36:04There's only one notice board.
36:05Have you got a house?
36:06Keep going straight and I can take you back round.
36:08But, yeah, I think this one will be tight.
36:11But I've got a feeling
36:13Old Boys could be very much up there this season.
36:15I think it's one of the...
36:17A bit similar to last year,
36:18and this might be controversial,
36:19but I think Division Two,
36:21it's no longer as competitive and as...
36:23Sorry, not as competitive is the wrong word.
36:25It's not as strong as it once was
36:27to get out of that league.
36:28Now, I think there's a lot of teams like Old Boys
36:31that have been licking their lips
36:32thinking we could go and win this comfortably.
36:35Well, there's a new man in charge.
36:37So, Johnny Gartland stepped down.
36:38Demolite!
36:40So, it's actually Karl Gartland
36:42that's in charge this season.
36:44It wouldn't be right having an Old Boys team
36:46without a Gartland.
36:47That's true.
36:48It's true.
36:49Is it right here?
36:50Right here, yes.
36:52So, yeah, difficult game to call this.
36:56Royal, I just hope that they can regularly field aside.
36:59I just hope that they can sort of find their feet.
37:01We've seen it before.
37:02When teams have gone down,
37:03they've needed that season just to sort of regroup.
37:06And then they can push on
37:08and sort of regain that winning mentality,
37:11come back up to the Premier League
37:12and consolidate themselves.
37:13And I hope that's the case for them.
37:15I think in this game, though,
37:16I think it's going to be an Old Boys win.
37:18Yes, say the word.
37:20I'm going to go Old Boys win
37:22because I think what we're essentially
37:24what we've heard and what we think
37:26it's going to be Royal's Columbia squad from last year.
37:29Yes, it's going to be a tough old season,
37:30but I don't think they'll be as low as people think.
37:32I think they'll still keep a few of their players.
37:34The loyal, hardcore Royals ones will stay
37:37and I think Royals could end up being around mid-table.
37:41Next game, it's a Stones throw
37:44if you're pretty good at throwing.
37:45Is that Tom's car?
37:46It's not my car.
37:47If you keep going around the corner, you'll see my car.
37:49Oh, it's got an L plate.
37:50We're not allowed to say what Tom's registration plate is
37:54Yes, a Stones throw from back row lane.
37:57We're going to go to Victoria Road.
37:59Oh, there's Tom's car.
38:00There's Tom's car, there we go.
38:01We can pull in and we can do the rest of the division too.
38:03Yes, we've got Braddon versus Uthie.
38:07Braddon versus Uthie is the next game.
38:09Braddon versus Uthie, ooh.
38:11These two will be up there as well.
38:13These two will be up there.
38:14You think?
38:15Yes, I think Uthie will be,
38:17they'll keep their core bunch as well
38:19and Braddon, the young team that went down last year,
38:22I know they think they only got nine points or something like that in Div 1,
38:25but I still think that Braddon will be,
38:28I think Braddon are favourites to go back up this year.
38:30I've parked on a street lamp.
38:32It's worked out.
38:33Did you do that tactically?
38:34What it does, it brings out the AD on your t-shirt, Andy.
38:36Oh, yeah.
38:38You wouldn't see me.
38:39Can you even see me in the back there yet?
38:41No one wants to.
38:43Sorry, ladies.
38:45Right, so yes, Braddon versus Uthie.
38:47I think this will be a draw,
38:50but I'm going to slightly err on the side of caution with both these teams.
38:53I think they'll be top half,
38:56but I don't think they'll be in that top four mix, Paul-Henry.
39:00Yeah, I think it's hard to disagree with you, really.
39:02I think both clubs are pretty positive going into the season.
39:04I know it's difficult to say that when you've been relegated,
39:07but I think Braddon seem to be...
39:08To be fair, if they can bring on the successful under-16s team,
39:12that'll do well.
39:14I think they bloated quite a lot of them towards the tail end of last year.
39:18Yeah, we've seen that conveyor belt in recent seasons, haven't we?
39:21And if they've kept them together, I feel like they'll do well in Division 2.
39:25Tom talked about it before.
39:26I do think there's a big step between the two leagues
39:30and potentially bigger than there's been for a long time.
39:32So, yeah, they'll definitely have a...
39:34How should I put this?
39:36Less of a learning curve in Division 2.
39:39What do you think, Tom?
39:40I think it'll be a Braddon win, but it'll be tight.
39:44OK, we'll head south now.
39:47We'll go for Castletown versus Douglas Athletic at the stadium.
39:50Now, what's Stafford doing?
39:53Well, there are rumours that they might only be able to field one team this season.
39:57But will that be a first team?
39:59Well, again, it's undecided at the moment.
40:01I think, for the purpose of this podcast, professionals ever,
40:04we'll just have to assume that they're going to be in Division 2.
40:06Yeah, because that's what we know of, isn't it?
40:07Because the fixture list came out and that's what they had them as.
40:10So, yeah, it's difficult to know.
40:12But, yeah, I think at this point, we'll just assume.
40:16But this is an interesting one, isn't it?
40:17Because I saw a result in pre-season that shocked me.
40:20It was the only result I've seen in pre-season.
40:22It was Peel 15, Castletown 1.
40:24No, that shocked me as well.
40:25And it threw me completely off.
40:27Because I'm thinking, I'm not sure.
40:29Oh, I'm just trying to see if I know.
40:31Is that Crabo?
40:32It could be.
40:33Is he in a dry robe?
40:34I was going to say, that's like an Arsene Wenger coat there.
40:38Have you seen that page on Facebook?
40:40People that wear dry robes not to go swimming.
40:44I'm like, they're specifically designed for people to go swimming in the beach or whatever.
40:51That's fine.
40:52Don't wear them in the co-op.
40:54Do you know what I mean?
40:55Yeah, I completely agree.
40:56All the convenience stores are available.
40:58You must be sweating your thingamabobs off.
41:03It really annoys me.
41:04Well, Crabtree, there's a nice breeze, so he might be alright tonight.
41:07Well, hang on.
41:08Let me see.
41:09I don't know what the temperature is.
41:10It must be 13, 14.
41:11Dave, how are your lungs?
41:12Well, I'm inside, so I'm okay.
41:14It's 40 degrees in the club.
41:15I can put the window down.
41:16I'm next to the warmth of you two, so I'm okay.
41:18It was certainly hot in the Kelvin door.
41:19I'll tell you what, the screen's misted up here.
41:22People don't get the wrong idea.
41:26Football.
41:27We got distracted once again.
41:28Castletown.
41:29Yes, that result shocked me.
41:30Castletown, I think last season was their chance and the season before that.
41:34I don't feel...
41:35They've lost Danny and Adam Lane as well.
41:37They're not going to go up.
41:38Is Kinvig still there?
41:39Kinvig's gone.
41:40Apparently not.
41:42They're on the search, I think, for a first-team goalkeeper.
41:44I think they'll struggle.
41:45So, Andy, this is your time to shine.
41:46Get those transfer papers in.
41:47Still signed on it round.
41:48Yes, you could.
41:49So, I feel like the problem, yes, they've missed their boat.
41:53I still think they'll be in the top four.
41:54Yes, so do I.
41:55Only because of how weak Division 2 is, I think.
41:57And I think they'll win on Saturday.
41:59So do I.
42:00Especially DAFKA, yes.
42:01Okay, a couple of miles up the road, we've got a clack vein.
42:04We've got Malou versus Pulley.
42:07This will be tasty.
42:09This will be tasty.
42:10Certainly will.
42:11McGinn back at Pulley as well.
42:13That's the big thing.
42:14Is that the thing?
42:15Yes, James McGinn back at Pulley.
42:16I can imagine he's not gone alone.
42:18Has he brought a few pasties with him?
42:21Well, they've got Girls' Fair now as well,
42:23so they've ventured into Peel to attract a few more players.
42:26But I've got a feeling this will be tight,
42:29but I think it'll be Pulley win.
42:31I think they'll be stronger this year.
42:33James McGinn's not come alone.
42:34I reckon he's brought a few of them.
42:35Yes, you're right.
42:36You get when you get free, don't you?
42:38Malou, though, Dean Kinley, Factor, at home.
42:43Yes, maybe.
42:44I think this will be a draw,
42:46and both teams will finish with less than 11 men.
42:49You took the words out of my mouth, Andy.
42:51I'm going to go with that as well.
42:52Yes.
42:53Sorry, guys.
42:54Okay, so, well, I guess we'll head up the coast now.
42:56We'll go to Blair Road.
42:57We've got Michael versus Colby.
42:59Oh, good game, this.
43:00Yes.
43:01Both will be licking their lips in the season.
43:03Michael perhaps kicking themselves.
43:05They didn't go up last season.
43:06They've got the player of the division for me, Liam Kane.
43:10Yes.
43:11He seems to score for fun.
43:13I think they've got to start well and build from that.
43:17They started strongly last season, in my faithful memory.
43:19Yes, they did, yes.
43:20And they just sort of lost their way a little bit
43:22in the middle of the season,
43:23and I think I spoke to a few guys tonight,
43:25and they said November to February is a key part
43:27for the season for me.
43:28When the weather starts turning,
43:30well, turning, it's been terrible all year,
43:32but when the weather gets bad,
43:34when cancellations start racking up,
43:36that's when you see a side's metal, really,
43:38and I think Michael perhaps will find slightly wanting less
43:41in that regard last season.
43:43I think they'll beat Colby on Saturday.
43:46Sorry, Adam, but I think they will.
43:48I think Colby, though, potentially will be in that mix as well.
43:53Is now a good time to start a petition for Adam Morton
43:55to play a game for Colby this season?
43:57Oh, yes, I'd love that.
43:58I'd love that.
43:59Yes, we'd all go down, wouldn't we?
44:00Cancel my round game that week.
44:02Mic him up for it.
44:03Yes.
44:04Now we've got a suspensive new mic.
44:05But I'm actually going to go the opposite way.
44:08I think Michael.
44:09I saw a post yesterday before saying they're on the hunt
44:12for a first-team goalkeeper,
44:14and that makes me think that they've not got anyone to go in the sticks.
44:18Yes, but then there'll probably be someone like Rob Farragher
44:20or someone like that.
44:21Yes, I get that.
44:22They'll find someone.
44:23But I don't think Michael will be.
44:24I think Colby will be up this year.
44:26Tom, if you've got Liam Kane,
44:28you're going to score more than the opposition.
44:30Yes.
44:31Exactly, yes.
44:32It could be an 8-7 or something like this, this game.
44:34I get that.
44:35But these two teams will be right in the mix to go up this year,
44:38I think, both of them.
44:39So this is a really juicy game.
44:41Although, I believe Colby have lost Whitley.
44:43Paul Whitley's moved away.
44:44Not moved off Ireland, but I think he's moved out of the UK.
44:46Well, Adam was telling me today that they've lost Sarnon,
44:49but he didn't even know who the manager was about a week ago,
44:51so little does he know.
44:52Yes, he's a good club man.
44:53Yes, exactly.
44:54Well, just, Tom, you've mentioned that there's a Miran Melio coming up,
44:58and we've identified two clubs there that need a goalkeeper.
45:00Can we auction Andy off?
45:02Auction Andy off?
45:03To raise some much-needed funds for him.
45:05How many clubs would turn up if Andy was auctioned off?
45:07Oh, can you imagine?
45:08Yes.
45:09I've got a highlights reel.
45:10I could put that together, and then we'll see.
45:12We could do it.
45:13We could sell it at the mill, yes.
45:14To be fair, I don't know,
45:15there's probably a bit of a bollock doing the paperwork on that,
45:18wouldn't it?
45:19I don't think you can do loans in Manx football.
45:20No, I don't think you can.
45:21It would be brilliant if you could, wouldn't it?
45:22Imagine a little loan spell for two months, see how you get on.
45:24Put you down to a Div 2 club.
45:25I feel like we should get this in rules revision.
45:28Let's hear Gilly Gilly's round name.
45:30Well, Michael United love a little rules revision, don't they?
45:32So they could be the ones to suggest it.
45:34OK, next.
45:35Right, so last game in the Arden-Kevin Duggan Division 2.
45:39It's down at Tremode,
45:41it's where one of Adam Morton's favourite teams reside.
45:43We've got Gyms, and they take on the mighty D&D.
45:46It's going to be interesting, Gyms, this year, isn't it?
45:48Yes, well, what's happening with Gyms?
45:49We don't know.
45:50Dave has a bit of insight.
45:51Well, speaking to Tony Mepham, the Mepster,
45:53the legend that is, last week,
45:54he said that they are also one of the teams that we're not sure of.
45:57They're probably going to only field one team,
45:59but it's unconfirmed,
46:00and we don't know whether it's going to be first team or combi.
46:02So, again, like we always are on the podcast,
46:05we're a bit vague at the moment,
46:06so we'll just have to assume that they are.
46:08I think we should put that on the top.
46:10Vague as always.
46:12Maybe this week's podcast title.
46:15Anyway, yes, the Gyms are playing.
46:17They've got D&D, the mighty D&D.
46:19D&D.
46:20I know he's on his holidays.
46:23He'll be glued to his phone, probably, on Saturday.
46:26And he'll definitely be listening, by the way.
46:28That's at least one listener we've got, other than my grandma.
46:30Well, your mum's listening now.
46:31She's trying to sleep, I think, actually.
46:34She's got a big shift tomorrow at the hospital,
46:36and she's going to hear us at the next FootyPod Live.
46:38We could sell tickets.
46:39Yeah, we could.
46:40We'd sell out like the Oasis.
46:44We're still doing this for 30 years, boys.
46:47I don't think we'll be getting 51 million.
46:49No, I don't think we will.
46:50Yeah, so, what we're saying, yeah, D&D win for me.
46:54And we'd better wrap this up.
46:55I've just seen a message on my phone
46:56saying that it was running out of battery.
46:57Well, you boys can finish on the way back if you want.
46:59This is the last game now, mate.
47:00Oh, sorry.
47:01Someone's walking past our steamed up car now.
47:03Oh, God.
47:04He's in the dry rope.
47:05Oh, it is Crabbo.
47:06Oh, it is Crabbo.
47:07Crabbo!
47:08Crabbo!
47:09Let's get a podcast exclusive here, boys.
47:10Crabbo, do you want to say anything to the podcast?
47:15They'll take it back.
47:16He wasn't in a dry rope.
47:17It was just a big coat.
47:18It was an awesome megastyle.
47:19I can't believe I got it right there.
47:20It was Crabbo.
47:21Crabtree there, just making a splash.
47:22He'll get on the podcast sometime this week.
47:23Legend.
47:24He's probably thinking,
47:25why the fuck are we doing a podcast?
47:26He's probably thinking,
47:27why are we doing a podcast from the car outside my house?
47:29He's thinking we've lost funding.
47:30It seemed like a good idea in time.
47:31It did.
47:32It did.
47:33It's very steamy.
47:34Yeah, so this game, Jim's D&D.
47:36I mean, we know that Adam Morton is going to say
47:40that Jim's going to lose
47:41because it's just what you think.
47:43So I'm going to have to sit on Jim's side,
47:45but I think D&D are going to be decent this season.
47:47I'll go D&D as well.
47:48They've made a few.
47:49They like to post their transfers, don't they?
47:50And they have made a few.
47:51So I think D&D.
47:52This is no disrespect to D&D or Dave Matheson,
47:55but they always make a few.
47:56They always do.
47:57Dave finds players.
47:58I don't know where.
47:59He's unbelievable.
48:00Yeah.
48:01He just finds them wherever.
48:02But yeah, they do always make a lot of sales.
48:07Dave reads the weather.
48:10Right, folks.
48:11Well, I guess you can say it's safe to say
48:13that the Max Grand Prix's finished.
48:14The good weather's arrived now.
48:16It's looking good for this weekend.
48:17Today, Friday, it's going to be dry and sunny,
48:19and the same can be said for Saturday.
48:21So fingers crossed we're going to get a full hit of fixtures.
48:27Dave reads the weather.
48:30Just to wrap it up,
48:31so all the games kick off at half two
48:33with the exception of Corinthians v. Moran at Palfletcher,
48:36which is a half one,
48:37which is part of a doubleheader, isn't it, Tom?
48:39Yes, absolutely.
48:40So the combi game kicks off at four o'clock.
48:42Other than that,
48:43they've got St. Mary's versus Union Mills at the ball,
48:45which is a 1.45.
48:46Everything else is 2.30.
48:47And that's your lot for the first game, isn't it?
48:49St. Mary's, first game.
48:50The combi.
48:52So it's back.
48:53The season's back.
48:54Get down, support your local clubs,
48:56is what my final message is.
48:58We're going to hand over to Dave to read the weather in a minute.
49:01Oh, yeah.
49:02I'm afraid it does mean Tom's going to be as annoying as ever this season.
49:05Yeah, absolutely.
49:06And, I mean, who'd have thought...
49:08Who'd have thought that we'd be recording the first podcast in my car?
49:11Well, I think we're going to go on the road a lot.
49:13I dreamt of this for years.
49:15That's quite sad.
49:17I like to think that, um...
49:19Not that much.
49:20To top it off.