72+: The EFL Podcast

About 72+: The EFL Podcast

Aaron Paul and Jobi McAnuff dive into the biggest stories across the EFL, with expert analysis, exclusive guests and the moments everyone is talking about.

Publisher

BBC Radio 5 Live

Category

sports

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

10 Aug 2026

Latest episode

14 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

12 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   14 Oct 2026

   Tom Ince on Watford & the latest on Leicester

   Former Watford midfielder Tom Ince discusses what's happening at Vicarage Road. Aaron Paul, Jobi McAnuff and Tommy Smith are joined by Tom Ince to chat about Watford, with the club in the relegation zone after 10 games. What's it like amid the constant turnover of managers in the dugout? Will they buck the trend and stick with Alessio Dionisi? Plus, hear from Jon Rudkin, Leicester City's Chief Football Officer, on the situation that the club currently finds itself in. Will Leicester stick with Russell Martin, or do they need to make a change to ensure success? And Tommy gives his opinion on spygate after the FA handed Tonda Eckert a suspended six week ban. TIME CODES: 03:40 - Former Watford midfielder Tom Ince on Watford 29:45 - Jon Rudkin with BBC Radio Leicester 43:25 - Spygate 47:55 - 72Plus/72Minus 51:40 - Billy Sharp's retirement

2. 

   7 Oct 2026

   Spygate: Eckert free to continue as Southampton manager

   John Bennett and Jobi are joined by BBC Radio Solent's Adam Blackmore to react to the Spygate verdict. An FA regulatory commission has handed Southampton boss Tonda Eckert a suspended 6-week ban for his involvement in the Spygate scandal. What reasons were given for this verdict? And is it a fair outcome? With Middlesbrough the club to uncover the spying ahead of their Championship play-off semi-final, fan and editor of Fly Me To The Moon fanzine, Robert Nichols, offers what this decision is like from a Boro perspective. TIMECODES: 0'45 How did we get to this point? 2'05 Why is the ban suspended? 4'17 Jobi's thoughts 9'12 Has the length of time taken to get this verdict benefitted Eckert? 11'51 What do Southampton fans think of the decision? 15'00 Middlesbrough fan Robert Nichols 18'05 How much damage has this done to Southampton's reputation?

3. 

   7 Oct 2026

   Posh get Savage, Bradford appoint Duff & the Championship returns

   Jobi McAnuff, Luke Chambers and Tommy Smith chat all things EFL. We hear from 2 new managers in League One - Robbie Savage has his first crack at the EFL at Peterborough, and Michael Duff is in at Bradford less than a month after leaving Wycombe. With the Championship returning, the panel discuss the teams who've impressed and disappointed so far this season. And in 72 PLUS 72 MINUS, there's a long range belter in League Two - and a goalkeeper thinking he's Messi in League One. This season we now have our very own 72+ feed on BBC Sounds - where you can listen to episodes every week. We'll continue to bring you all the same content you've been enjoying here, with the biggest stories from the EFL, exclusive guests and the moments everyone is talking about. TIMECODES: 11:03 - How will Robbie Savage get on at Peterborough? 22:44 - New Bradford boss Michael Duff joins the pod 35:39 - Who's impressed/disappointed in the Championship so far?

4. 

   30 Sept 2026

   Managerial fireworks and Dean Brennan’s Irish breakfasts!

   Graham Alexander to Preston North End, Robbie Savage to Peterborough? It’s a big week for managerial movements in the EFL. Two high-flying managers in League Two join Aaron Paul & Jobi McAnuff to analyse and debate the latest talking points. Bristol Rovers’ Steve Evans is fresh from celebrating a new club record in the supporters’ bar, while table-topping Barnet’s Dean Brennan reveals all on his regular arguments with the owner, his love for Irish breakfasts and how the Bees have risen back up. Timecodes: 03:00 Graham Alexander joins Preston North End – is it the right appointment? 10:00 What does Alexander’s departure mean for Bradford City? 14:30 Robbie Savage to Peterborough – should we get the popcorn out? 21:30 Dean Brennan’s 5-year journey with Barnet to the top of League Two – and his new reality show! 38:13 Steve Evans breaking records at Bristol Rovers! 42:45 How did Steve rate struggling Exeter City? 45:21 Danny Ings scores on his Wycombe debut 48:30 72 PLUS/72 MINUS

5. 

   23 Sept 2026

   Spygate debate & Grimsby’s CEO on Jamestown Analytics

   How are Grimsby Town and Swansea City linked through their recruitment and analysis? Aaron Paul, Jobi McAnuff and Cambridge United boss Neil Harris find out in conversation with Grimsby CEO Polly Bancroft, who talks Jamestown Analytics, club growth, ambitions and what it’s like to be one of the few female Chief Executives in the EFL. That’s after the panel are joined by Adam Blackmore, BBC Radio Solent’s Sports Editor, to chat Spygate, the looming verdict over Tonda Eckert and how the club is feeling in this decisive week. There’s also discussion and debate on Championship table-toppers Swansea City and League One bottom-dwellers Peterborough United. And in 72PLUS 72MINUS, there’s a special late winner and a blues-inducing late blunder. This season we now have our very own 72+ feed on BBC Sounds - where you can listen to episodes every week. We'll continue to bring you all the same content you've been enjoying here, with the biggest stories from the EFL, exclusive guests and the moments everyone is talking about. TIMECODES: 01:20 The Dockers' Derby - Millwall 2-2 West Ham 04:38 Spygate - where are we up to? 09:55 Tonda Eckert talks to BBC Sport's Dan Roan 18:25 How well are Southampton doing on the pitch? 20:10 Wrexham's pre-match gags & victory 23:25 How solid are Swansea looking at the top of the Championship? 29:10 Grimsby Town CEO Polly Bancroft joins to talk recruitment, Jamestown Analytics and club growth 35:55 Polly Bancroft on her own journey and ambitions 43:00 Peterborough sack Luke Williams - how long has that been coming? 48:30 Fantasy EFL update 49:10 72PLUS 72MINUS 52:00 Neil's game at the weekend

6. 

   16 Sept 2026

   Preston sack Heckingbottom & Millwall face West Ham

   Aaron Paul, Jobi McAnuff and Luke Chambers chat all things EFL. What next for Preston after they sacked Paul Heckingbottom? How far can Lincoln go after a strong start to the season? Saturday sees Millwall face West Ham for the first time since 2012 – Millwall defender Caleb Taylor joins the pod. Shrewsbury look to be the latest EFL club with American owners, BBC Shropshire’s Nick Southall explains how Brad Friedel is involved. And in 72PLUS 72MINUS, there’s a miss of the century contender and an incredible interview from animal-lover Nathan Jones. This season we now have our very own 72+ feed on BBC Sounds - where you can listen to episodes every week. We'll continue to bring you all the same content you've been enjoying here, with the biggest stories from the EFL, exclusive guests and the moments everyone is talking about. TIMECODES: 03:10 - Ian Holloway gets his journal out 05:36 - Preston sack Paul Heckingbottom 16:33 - Lincoln into the playoffs 21:46 - Millwall’s Caleb Taylor looks ahead to West Ham game 27:41 - Have West Ham turned a corner under Nuno? 32:23 - Brad Friedel’s Shrewsbury Town?

7. 

   9 Sept 2026

   Vardy joins Burnley & Wycombe sack Duff

   Aaron Paul, Wimbledon boss Johnnie Jackson and Bristol City winger Jed Wallace discuss the biggest talking points in the EFL. Michael Duff is the first managerial casualty of the season after he was sacked by Wycombe after just 5 games – was it harsh? Burnley are struggling towards the bottom of the Championship – can the signing of 39 year old Jamie Vardy kickstart their season? What next for Russell Martin’s Leicester after they hit a new low at the weekend after losing 4-0 at home. And in 72PLUS 72MINUS – an embarrassing own goal and a stunning late winner from one of Jed’s favourite teammates. This season we now have our very own 72+ feed on BBC Sounds - where you can listen to episodes every week. We'll continue to bring you all the same content you've been enjoying here, with the biggest stories from the EFL, exclusive guests and the moments everyone is talking about. TIMECODES: 01:38 - - Wimbledon’s start to the season 09:10 - The importance of first loans for young players 13:48 - Wycombe sack Michael Duff 19:17 - Can Jamie Vardy fix Burnley’s problems? 31:56 - Jed’s start to life at Bristol City 40:29 - Things get worse for Russell Martin at Leicester

8. 

   2 Sept 2026

   Norwich sporting director & deadline day round up

   Aaron Paul and Jobi McAnuff are joined by Norwich City sporting director Ben Knapper. Knapper discusses how he spent deadline day in Stoke, juggling transfer business with a Championship matchday. He also reflects on the Canaries' start to their campaign and last season's decision to replace Liam Manning with current head coach Philippe Clement. There's also a round up of the biggest deals from deadline day and a look at a busy midweek EFL fixture list. Plus, Bristol Rovers manager Steve Evans joins the panel to discuss his side's strong start to the season. 02:40 Norwich City Sporting Director Ben Knapper 03:20 Knapper's deadline day. 08:00 Should the transfer window close before the season starts? 12:00 Round up of the big EFL deadline day deals. 14:40 Relief for West Ham. 17:10 Charlton still flying. 18:20 Swansea's great start. 22:05 Tribute to Alan Knight. 25:00 Bristol Rovers manager Steve Evans. 36:10 League One focus - Leicester finally get a win. 39:35 More on Norwich with Ben Knapper. 53:50 72 plus, 72 minus.

9. 

   26 Aug 2026

   Outfield players in goal & problems for Leicester

   Aaron Paul and Jobi McAnuff are joined by Tranmere boss Darrell Clarke to discuss the big stories in the EFL. Darrell explains how his defender Bobby Faulkner ended up in goal and the panel discuss Bobby Kamwa's Adebayor-esque celebration against his former club Newport. Millwall, Charlton and West Brom are the early pace-setters in the Championship - while Leicester are already struggling in League One, but will Russell Martin be given the time to turn it around? And in 72PLUS 72MINUS, there's a Puskas contender in the Championship and a pantomime moment in League Two. This season we now have our very own 72+ feed on BBC Sounds - where you can listen to episodes every week. We'll continue to bring you all the same content you've been enjoying here, with the biggest stories from the EFL, exclusive guests and the moments everyone is talking about. TIMECODES: 01:21 - Darrell Clare on putting a defender in goal and Tranmere's busy summer 09:56 - Bristol Rovers striker Bobby Kamwa goes full Adebayor 17:29 - Could Charlton be a surprise package? 22:05 - Millwall setting the early Championship pace 25:42 - West Brom impressing after a summer of change 32:15 - Can Russell Martin get Leicester moving?

10. 

    19 Aug 2026

    Luton's dramatic comeback & VAR in the Championship?

    Aaron Paul and Jobi McAnuff are joined by Bolton manager Steven Schumacher to break down the opening weekend of league fixtures in the EFL - and we hear from Luton boss Jack Wilshere. Bolton won on their return to the Championship, but how can they compete with their big-spending rivals. The panel also discuss Will Lankshear's dream start at Middlesbrough, how Southampton will deal with being pantomime villains after Spygate and whether VAR is needed in the Championship after a blatant handball helped West Brom beat Norwich. Jack Wilshere joins the pod after his Luton side came from 3-1 down to beat Reading in their opener, and talks about his first pre-season as a first team manager. Aaron's EFL Fantasy skills haven't improved over the summer - the code to join our league if 72EFLPOD. And in 72PLUS 72MINUS, there's a moment to forget for an EFL legend and Welsh limbs after a late goal. This season we now have our very own 72+ feed on BBC Sounds - where you can listen to episodes every week. We'll continue to bring you all the same content you've been enjoying here, with the biggest stories from the EFL, exclusive guests and the moments everyone is talking about. TIMECODES: 01:21 - Jobi's summer with Roy Keane 03:35 - Bolton off to a winning start 11:45 - Lankshear elevates Boro 19:35 - Southampton lose at Watford in first match post-Spygate 26:23 - Do we need VAR in the Championship? 30:27 - Luton boss Jack Wilshere joins the show 45:27 - 72PLUS 72MINUS

11. 

    11 Aug 2026

    2026/2027 EFL season preview

    The new EFL season is back with nine months of drama to come across the Championship, League One and League Two. Aaron Paul is joined by Andy Woodman, Luke Chambers and Lyle Taylor to preview all three divisions on our new 72+ feed, looking at promotion contenders, relegated giants and, dark horses. West Ham and Wolves return to the second tier, Southampton and Middlesbrough all have their eyes on promotion. Bromley manager Andy Woodman discusses the club's historic first season in the third tier, while Leicester City and Sheffield Wednesday look to bounce back after relegation. Salford City manager Peter Cklamovski joins us to discuss his journey from Australia and Asia to English football, working with Ange Postecoglou and the pressure of taking charge of one of the division's promotion favourites. And don't forget to join the official 72+ EFL Fantasy League using the code 72EFLPOD. TIME CODES 00:00 Intro 02:10 Championship preview 03:05 West Ham 09:40 Wolves 13:50 Burnley 17:30 Southampton 22:40 Middlesbrough 25:40 Championship dark horses 31:30 League One and Bromley 36:10 PFA open legal proceedings over the EFL 37:10 Leicester City, Sheffield Wednesday and Oxford United 39:40 Salford City boss Peter Cklamovski 46:30 York City 5Live commentaries this week: Wednesday 12th August: PSG v Aston Villa Sunday 16th August: Manchester City v Arsenal

12. 

    10 Aug 2026

    Welcome to… 72+

    Aaron Paul and Jobi McAnuff dive into the biggest stories across the EFL, with expert analysis, exclusive guests and the moments everyone is talking about.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Spotify

5.0 / 5

5 ratings