Retro Football Network takes you on a nostalgic journey through the rich history and remarkable moments of the beautiful game with special guests sharing their memories and stories.
retrofootballnetwork.substack.com (https://retrofootballnetwork.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast)
Episode. 14: Brian Clough and More Ask Elton Welsby
Legendary TV presenter Elton Welsby joins Gary Cook on the Retro Football Network podcast. Elton talks about Brian Clough, a man who he got to know well. Elton also takes your questions and answers them as only he can.
Looking for books oozing football nostalgia?Game for a Laugh - the autobiography of Elton Welsby is available at www.eltonwelsby.com (http://www.eltonwelsby.com/)Gary Cook’s book The Retro Football Collection - Memories from the pitch, TV and terraces is available here: http://amzn.to/47M60W8 (http://amzn.to/47M60W8)
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit retrofootballnetwork.substack.com (https://retrofootballnetwork.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
18 Nov 2025
Episode 13: Escape to Victory
Author John Smith joins Gary Cook to discuss the 1981 classic film Escape to Victory and his book about it.
This podcast conversation is perfect for anyone who enjoys the movie and 80s football nostalgia.
John’s book “Escape” is available here:
Click here (https://amzn.to/4r6nh3X)
Gary Cook’s book The Retro Football Collection - Memories from the pitch, TV and terraces is also available here:
Click here (http://amzn.to/47M60W8)
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit retrofootballnetwork.substack.com (https://retrofootballnetwork.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
13 Nov 2025
Episode 12: Bill Shankly and Ask Elton Welsby
Iconic TV presenter Elton Welsby joins Gary Cook on the Retro Football Network podcast. Elton talks about the legendary Bill Shankly, a man who he knew better than most. Elton also takes your questions and answers them candidly and with his trademark humour.
Looking for books oozing football nostalgia? Game for a Laugh - the autobiography of Elton Welsby is available at www.eltonwelsby.com (http://www.eltonwelsby.com) Gary Cook's book The Retro Football Collection - Memories from the pitch, TV and terraces is available here: http://amzn.to/47M60W8 (http://amzn.to/47M60W8)
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit retrofootballnetwork.substack.com (https://retrofootballnetwork.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
13 Mar 2024
Episode 11: Alan Tonge
Gary Cook is joined by Alan Tonge, a man who was there as the rebuild of Manchester United began before his career path changed and he had to adapt to two heart wrenching moments in his life.
Alan’s book “From Red to Read: The Story of Fergie's First Fledgling” is out now.
Get full access to Retro Football Network Newsletter at retrofootballnetwork.substack.com/subscribe (https://retrofootballnetwork.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)
28 Feb 2024
Episode 10: Jon Champion
Gary Cook welcomes Jon Champion to the podcast
Jon talks about his love of York City F.C.
How he broke into commentary
Life at the BBC, ITV and beyond
The Premier League and Champions League
And much more…
Get full access to Retro Football Network Newsletter at retrofootballnetwork.substack.com/subscribe (https://retrofootballnetwork.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)
31 Jan 2024
Episode 9: Rod Studd
Rod Studd started commentating in the late 80s and is still active today. In this episode he joins Gary Cook to talk about Leeds United, Eric Cantona, Paddy Crerand, Sir Alex Ferguson, Sid Waddell and much more. Rod is an entertaining man and an excellent storyteller.
If you enjoy football nostalgia, don’t forget to subscribe to the Retro Football Network. Five times per week, you’ll find fresh content.
Click here for more:
Get full access to Retro Football Network Newsletter at retrofootballnetwork.substack.com/subscribe (https://retrofootballnetwork.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)
17 Dec 2023
Episode 8: Kevin Toms
Gary Cook is joined by Kevin Toms, the man who created and influenced a whole genre of football management games.
Listen to how Kevin had the idea, what happened next and how his legacy lives on today.
Please remember to subscribe to the podcast and if you can leave a five star review, it will help my podcast grow.
Here is the link to my articles:
Please visit my Retro Football store too here:
https://www.teepublic.com/user/retro-football-network
Get full access to Retro Football Network Newsletter at retrofootballnetwork.substack.com/subscribe (https://retrofootballnetwork.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)
15 Nov 2023
Episode 7: Brian Clough
Gary Cook welcomes Marcus Alton to the Retro Football Network Podcast. Marcus is a huge Brian Clough fan and has written about him, campaigned for a knighthood and helped with funding for a statue.
Learn new Brian Clough stories, as Marcus tells us about his hero and his dealings with the great man.
Don’t forget to visit the Retro Football Network store either. Click on the link below:
https://www.teepublic.com/user/retro-football-network
Get full access to Retro Football Network Newsletter at retrofootballnetwork.substack.com/subscribe (https://retrofootballnetwork.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)
11 Oct 2023
Episode 6: Duncan Edwards
Gary Cook is joined by Wayne Barton, the author of “Eternal”, a comprehensive biography on Duncan Edwards.
Get full access to Retro Football Network Newsletter at retrofootballnetwork.substack.com/subscribe (https://retrofootballnetwork.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)
27 Sept 2023
Episode 5: Rich Chamberlain
Author Rich Chamberlain is here with stories of Bobby Gould, Ron Atkinson, Dion Dublin and so much more as we revisit Coventry City in the Premier League.
Check out his book “When The Sky Was Blue”
Don’t forget to visit Viper Golf.
https://www.vipergolf.co.uk/
Get £5 off your order. Check out their retro football designs.
Also get 18 months for the price of 12 months when you become a full member of the Retro Football Network
https://retrofootballnetwork.substack.com/81a687bb
Get full access to Retro Football Network Newsletter at retrofootballnetwork.substack.com/subscribe (https://retrofootballnetwork.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)
13 Sept 2023
Episode 4: Garry Thompson
Garry Thompson was a proper centre-forward. With a career that spanned 20 years he played for some great clubs like Coventry City, West Brom, Sheffield Wednesday and his boyhood team Aston Villa.
Find out how he impressed Jimmy Hill.
What did Graham Taylor think of his dress sense?
Enjoy some great memories from this excellent guest.
Order his autobiography here (https://www.curtis-sport.com/online-store/Dont-Believe-A-Word-p261651726)
Don’t forget to subscribe and download my other episodes.
Take advantage of code RFN5 for a £5 discount at Viper Sports by clicking here (https://www.vipergolf.co.uk/)
And send in your retro football memories to retrofootballnetwork@gmail.com
Enjoy the podcast!
Get full access to Retro Football Network Newsletter at retrofootballnetwork.substack.com/subscribe (https://retrofootballnetwork.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)
23 Aug 2023
Episode 3: Elton Welsby
Get full access to Retro Football Network Newsletter at retrofootballnetwork.substack.com/subscribe (https://retrofootballnetwork.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)
9 Aug 2023
Episode 2: Ian Danter
In episode 2, host Gary Cook talks to radio presenter and commentator Ian Danter about his career, music and a passion for Birmingham City.
Subscribe to the Retro Football Network and don’t miss a thing.
You can join for free but there is a special offer available on paid content.
Just click below to join:
Subscribe here (https://retrofootballnetwork.substack.com/subscribe?coupon=81a687bb)
Get full access to Retro Football Network Newsletter at retrofootballnetwork.substack.com/subscribe (https://retrofootballnetwork.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)
26 Jul 2023
Episode 1: Elis James
The Retro Football Network Podcast is here!
In episode 1, host Gary Cook talks to comedian Elis James about the ups and downs of following Wales and Swansea City plus Elis shares other classic football memories.
Subscribe to the Retro Football Network and don’t miss a thing.
You can join for free but there is a special offer available on paid content.
Just click below to join:
OFFER (https://retrofootballnetwork.substack.com/81a687bb)
Get full access to Retro Football Network Newsletter at retrofootballnetwork.substack.com/subscribe (https://retrofootballnetwork.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Spotify
5.0 / 5
12 ratings
Contact Retro Football Network Podcast
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of Retro Football Network Podcast?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
