Feast of Football

Carl Roberts, Nathan Blake and Lee Trundle take a closer look at the impact made by new Newport County manager Hayden Mullins. County have taken 14 points from their first 11 games - nine more than at the same stage last season. Mullins arrived in the summer without any previous senior managerial experience - what has he got right in the first few months to give fresh hope at Rodney Parade? Swansea City lost at home for the first time since April on Saturday, but defeat to West Ham United - touted as the best team in the division - didn't mean they lost top spot in the Championship. Lee saw first hand the disappointment in the dressing room after the game, a dressing room that has fostered great team spirit as demonstrated by some enthusiastic singing and dancing. Swansea had Cardiff City to thanks for keeping them top by claiming a draw at Middlesbrough. It's been a decent week for Brian Barry-Murphy's men, with new singing Jack Moylan catching Nathan's eye in particular. Wrexham relieved some pressure off…

Carl Roberts, Lee Trundle and Nia Jones assess Swansea City's prospects of mounting a serious challenge to win the Championship, and consider manager Vitor Matos' role in transforming the club's fortunes. The smiles have quickly turned to frowns among Cardiff City fans, though, as the players continue to struggle to emulate last season's success in a higher division. Should the Bluebirds already be bracing themselves for a battle for survival? Wales' less than convincing performance in beating Albania has raised some concerns, making Tuesday's second leg World Cup play-off tie in Llanelli far from a foregone conclusion. And Lee shares an unexpected insight into his gardening attire.

Carl Roberts, Nia Jones and Katie Sherwood in conversation with Charlie Estcourt and Sophie Ingle as the Wales squad prepare to face Albania in a two-legged World Cup play-off.

Carl Roberts, Nathan Blake and Nia Jones look back at a tired - and consequently mistake-ridden - Wales performance that brought an end to a hectic period with a 1-0 home loss to Denmark in the Nations League.

Carl Roberts is joined by former strikers Nathan Blake, Iwan Roberts and Sam Vokes shortly after watching Wales deliver their best result under head coach Craig Bellamy by beating Norway 2-1 in the Nations League in Cardiff.

Wales coach Craig Bellamy and captain Ethan Ampadu join Carl Roberts, Nia Jones and Rob Earnshaw to discuss the two opening Nations League defeats against Portugal and Denmark, and to look ahead to the home double-header.

Simon Davies, Nathan Blake, Nia Jones and Iwan Roberts consider the questions facing Wales manager Craig Bellamy after seeing his side outplayed by Denmark in a 2-0 Nations League defeat in Copenhagen.

Simon Davies, Nathan Blake, Nia Jones and Iwan Roberts reflect on Wales' 1-0 loss to Portugal in the opening match of the Nations League campaign in Lisbon.

Carl Roberts, Nia Jones and Nathan Blake get the lowdown from the Wales squad preparing to face Portugal, Norway and Denmark in League A of the Nations League.

Carl Roberts, Nathan Blake and Lee Trundle step inside the mind of a struggling striker on this week's episode. Yousef Salech has had plenty of opportunities in from of goal this season, but a combination of factors means it's been a frustrating start for the Cardiff City front man. What can he do to end the goal drought? What can his team-mates and coaching staff do to help him? There's no such problem at Swansea City as front pair Adam Idah and Zan Vipotnik are finding the back in their continued strong start. Is the competition between the two one major factor in their success? And we couldn't let a discussion about strikers pass without asking Nathan and Lee for their favourite number nines, and getting them to build their perfect goalscorer. Is the pressure is mounting on Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson after a sobering defeat at West Ham, and how will Wales manager Craig Bellamy react to questions about his links with Burnley over the summer?

Lee Trundle and Nia Jones join Carl Roberts on the sofa this week to consider whether Swansea City or Wrexham would have been most satisfied with the goalless draw at the Swansea.com Stadium. It certainly wasn't a classic, and the lack of intensity went some way to justify pre-match comments that this shouldn't be classed as a derby. There was one hefty challenge, though. Was Ben Cabango lucky to escape a red card? Cardiff City remain winless after a defeat in Portsmouth, and an off the field altercation between centre back Krystian Bielik and a home supporter has given manager Brian Barry-Murphy another headache. With a police investigation ongoing, Bielik could be looking at a lengthy ban. And after some incredulous admissions from former referee Mike Dean, Lee's memory is tested when asked to remember when the former Premier League official left his mark in a Swansea game.

Carl Roberts, Nia Jones and Nathan Blake discuss Swansea's impressive win over Derby, ask is Phil Parkinson under pressure and what's a player's mindset when there's three goals in the opening seven minutes of a match.

Simon Davies, Nathan Blake and Lee Trundle react to Bobby Kamwa's exuberant celebration in front of the Newport fans after scoring for Bristol Rovers. After being targeted by the visiting County contingent on Saturday, Kamwa raced the length of the field to goad the fans who adored him last season for scoring crucial goals in the fight against relegation. Should fans learn to take it if they give it, or did Kamwa overstep the mark? And after Erling Haaland's new haircut caused a stir, Simon reminds Nathan and Lee of some of their own dubious styles a long time ago.

Carl Roberts, Nathan Blake and Lee Trundle react to Cardiff City's last second equaliser against Wrexham on the opening weekend of the Championship season. The Welsh derby certainly didn't disappoint as Rubin Colwill's free-kick sent the Bluebirds faithful into raptures, with manager Brian Barry-Murphy failing to contain is delight as he joined the wild celebrations with the players and fans in the stand. It also caused one member of the podcast to "lose my mind". Can you guess who? Swansea City manager Vitor Matos was also full of emotion as he celebrated his side's win at Stoke City. But how longer will he be able to call upon star striker Zan Vipotnik? The panel discuss the "derisory" bid from Hull City, saying the Swans should be looking for a minimum fee of £25m. And there's plenty of praise for Hayden Mullins after securing an opening win for Newport County in his first game in charge.

We are back for a 10th season, and we've assembled a new squad. Nathan Blake and Nia Jones, two former Wales internationals, will be joined by Swansea City cult hero Lee Trundle to discuss and dissect the major talking points in Welsh football each week. And to add a bit humour and tales from their varied past. After some getting to know you questions - where Nathan reveals a surprising choice as his favourite former team-mate - the panel discuss the fallout from Fifa's controversial plans to sell the World Cup and how the Football Association of Wales played a prominent role as vociferous opponents. We had some breaking news to discuss with Brennan Johnson's imminent move to Everton, Lee's childhood club. A new Wales shirt brought lukewarm reaction, and there was a general agreement on which club would finish highest by the end of the season.

Wales icon Jonny Williams is on the lookout for a new club after being released by Gillingham. To help his search, the 32-year-old has joined the PFA training camps alongside a host of other out-of-contract players. Could a move to Oxford United to be reunited with former Wales team-mates Aaron Ramsey and Chris Gunter be on the cards? And talking of international football, we couldn't let this opportunity pass without reminiscing about the magical summer of 2016, and how his camera skills upset Wayne Rooney. He also recalls the touching gift his international team mates bought him for his 18th birthday. One man not looking for a new club is Sam. He is very much retired, and reveals how his life now seems to be revolve around going to music festivals.

It's been a busy fortnight of international football for Wales. The women put their 2027 World Cup campaign back on track with convincing win over the Czech Republic to claim top spot in their group. But that's just the beginning of a long road to Brazil. Meanwhile, there was little to celebrate as far as the men are concerned, following a draw and a defeat in two friendly games. The mood was completely difference 10 year ago, of course. And on the anniversary of the 2-1 win over Slovakia in Euro 2016, Carl (fan), Iwan (commentator) and Sam (player) take a trip down memory lane to remember the momentous day in Bordeaux. And as the World Cup gets underway without Wales in North America, the team attempt to whip up some enthusiasm for the event - and pick a winner.

Carl Roberts is joined by internationals Josie Green and Katie Sherwood to get reaction from the Wales camp to the turbulent World Cup qualifying draw in Montenegro and to preview the group decider at home to the Czech Republic.

Carl Roberts and former Wales strikers Iwan Roberts and Sam Vokes name their team of the season from Wrexham, Swansea City, Cardiff City and Newport County. The team also weigh in on the Southampton "Spygate" drama and discuss the managerial vacancy at Burnley amid links to Wales boss Craig Bellamy and Cardiff City head coach Brian Barry-Murphy.

In the end they had a four-point cushion, but Newport County certainly put their fans through wringer in avoiding relegation from the Football League. Two consecutive wins - for the first time this season, and both coming from behind - ensured their survival. How's that for grit and determination? But how can the club avoid another fight for survival next season? And will manager Christian Fuchs be around to build on his early promise? One goal was all that separated Wrexham from the Championship play-offs. They had their chances to beat Middlesbrough in the final game of the season, but the unrelenting rise up the divisions has come to a stop... for now. Is it inevitable, given the ambitions of the owners, that the club will reach the Premier League within the next three seasons? And after Sam brought down the curtain on a 20-year playing career on Saturday, he talks us through the emotions of his final appearance as a professional footballer...and how a 92-year-old Burnley fan made sure he was at…

Carl, Iwan and Sam preview two huge games - with vastly difference consequences - for Wrexham and Newport on the final day of the season. And they reflect on Sam's decision to bring a 20-year career to an end.

Carl Roberts, Iwan Roberts and Sam Vokes react to Cardiff City's immediate return to the Championship, and consider which areas of the the squad need strengthening to compete next season. Two successive wins, both with clean sheets, puts Wrexham right back in the hunt for the play-offs, while Newport prepare for the first of two huge games that will determine whether or not they retain their Football League status. And there's cause for celebration for Sam as he reaches 750 not out.

Carl Roberts, Iwan Roberts and Sam Vokes discuss Wales' thumping with over Albania in the World Cup qualifiers, including a first clean sheet in 18 games. Cardiff City's League One promotion party remains on hold after a sluggish performance in Huddersfield, another disappointing display dents Wrexham's Championship play-offs hopes, while Swansea City's Zan Vipotnik earns yet more admirers after extending his lead as the league's top scorer.

Carl Roberts, Nia Jones and Katie Sherwood visit the Wales squad preparing to face Albania in a World Cup qualifying double header.

Carl Roberts and former Wales internationals Sam Vokes and Iwan Roberts discuss Wales captain Aaron Ramsey’s retirement and the weekend’s results. The team reflect on Ramsey's glittering career, a tough night at the office for Wrexham, Swansea's draws, Cardiff's stuttering promotion push and Newport's relegation battle.

Carl Roberts, Iwan Roberts and Sam Vokes reflect on how Wales can recover from their World Cup disappointment, and what lessons manager Craig Bellamy can take into a tough set of fixtures in the Nations League in the autumn.

Carl Roberts, Danny Gabbidon, Nia Jones, James Chester and Rob Earnshaw discuss the fallout following Wales' World Cup play-off defeat to Bosnia-Herzegovina on penalties.

Wales squad members Josh Sheehan and Rhys Norrington-Davies take time out of their training schedule at the team HQ to chat to Carl Roberts, Nia Jones, Joe Ledley and Rob Earnshaw before the World Cup semi-final play-off against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Simon Davies, Iwan Roberts and Sam Vokes assess Craig Bellamy's options for the upcoming World Cup play-off semi-final against Bosnia-Herzegovina, and consider the damage done to Wrexham, Cardiff City and Newport County after defeats in crucial midweek matches.

Are Swansea City suddenly in the Championship play-off picture? A rare away win means the Swans are now just five points adrift of the final play-off place - currently occupied by Wrexham. And with the two sides set to meet at the Cae Ras on Friday night, there is suddenly some extra significance on the match. Wrexham's injury list continues to grow - with Kieffer Moore's hamstring injury a cause for concern for Wales with the World Cup play-offs just a fortnight away. Having been top of League One since 22 November, Cardiff City were dethroned by Lincoln City on Saturday and are now four points adrift of the new leaders after a midweek draw in Barnsley. A blip, or something more concerning?

Carl Roberts, Iwan Roberts and Sam Vokes reflect on Wales' draw in their opening World Cup 2027 qualifier and look ahead to two huge games for Wrexham and Cardiff City on Saturday. And is there a real sense of hope at Rodney Parade after Newport County move out of League Two's relegation places for the first time in 152 days?

Carl Roberts and former Wales international Nia Jones preview Wales' World Cup Qualifying campaign with special guests Josie Green, Ceri Holland and Rhiannon Roberts. With a huge 12 months ahead of them, we’ll find out how Wales are preparing ahead of their first game in the 2027 World Cup qualifying campaign against the Czech Republic and we’ll also hear from Josie, who’s 20 weeks pregnant and juggling life on and off the training pitch.

Wales Under-19 coach Chris Gunter discusses his role developing the next generation, and the significance of hosting the Euro U19 finals in north Wales this summer. He shared his views on all the Welsh EFL clubs, with specific insight into the revival at Cardiff City, where he held a short-term coaching role alongside Aaron Ramsey at end of last season. Snoop Dogg's astonishing visit to Swansea obviously gets a mention, and so too does some goal Chris helped create for Sam at Euro 2016 (but they don't really like to talk about it).

Carl Roberts, Iwan Roberts and Sam Vokes discuss Wrexham's FA cup game against Chelsea, Snoop Dogg in Swansea, Cardiff's promotion charge, Newport's big win and this weekend's games. We also discuss the Winter Olympics and favourite post-match food.

Ten weeks ago, the general consensus was Swansea City were in a relegation battle. Thirteen games later, has new manager Vitor Matos transformed the team into Championship play-off contenders? A comfortable 4-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday leaves the Swans just five points adrift of the top six, but four games against team above them in the table await. Wrexham failed to give owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac a win to mark five years at the helm by slipping up at home to Millwall. Attention now turns to the fourth round of the FA Cup against Ipswich Town. No such problems for Cardiff City, who shrugged off the 20th-minute red card to Ryan Wintle to win 3-0 at Rotherham, a display described by Iwan as one of the best he can recall by a team with 10 men.

Did Elliot Lee tarnish his relationship with Wrexham by saying his is happy to join a manager who "values" him after moving to Doncaster Rovers on loan? After three successful consecutive promotions with the Reds, Lee has found himself surplus to requirements by Phil Parkinson. Should he feel aggrieved? Or is this purely the reality of professional football, especially when playing for an ambitions club like Wrexham? Lee is one of 10 players to leave Wrexham in January, allowing Parkinson to recruit three more new faces he feels will strengthen their promotion hopes. Swansea's only significant piece of business was signing Finland midfielder Leo Walta. Manager Vitor Matos has certainly steadied the ship - are there now realistic hopes of overcoming the eight-point gap to reach the play-off places? Cardiff's lead at the top of League is down to just two points, but remains a healthy eight-point cushion inside the automatic play-off places. Newport's heavy defeat to relegation rivals Bristol Rovers exposed yet…

Is Cardiff City's immediate return to the Championship an inevitability? The Bluebirds are now 10 points clear of the League One play-off places after a comfortable midweek win over Barnsley, prompting comparisons with Birmingham's march to the title last season. Life is far harder for Newport County, who failed to build on the feelgood factor of a rare win on Saturday by losing to fellow strugglers Accrington Stanley on Tuesday. Manager Christian Fuchs might insist his team are not in a relegation battle, but the coming games - starting with Bristol Rovers - could define their whole season. Wrexham showed their winning mentality with two added time goals to snatch a win at Queens Park Rangers that lifts them to the top six in the Championship for the first time this season. But an inexplicable handball and a missed open goal continued Swansea City's away woes. And Iwan and Sam share their Welsh Cup memories as the competition reaches the last eight - with several lower league clubs dreaming of lifting the…

Iwan Roberts and Sam Vokes know more than most about scoring goals. They also know a prolific scorer can be worth his weight in gold. Swansea City's Zan Vipotnik is the Championship's top scorer with 13 goals, while Kieffer's Moore's 10 goals for Wrexham ensures they are well in touch of a play-off place. And in League One, Yousef Salach has caught the eye in Cardiff City's rise to the top of the table. But if they had to choose, which one would they say is the best? But this week's podcast starts with the disappointing news of Ben Davies' likely absence from World Cup play-offs with a broken ankle, while Jordan James gives manager Craig Bellamy another potential scare with a hamstring injury.

Wrexham produced another memorable occasion at Y Cae Ras with a thrilling FA Cup win over Nottingham Forest on penalties, leading to a somewhat underwhelming fifth round tie against Ipswich Town. It was penalty pain for Swansea, though, despite showing more encouraging signs against struggling West Bromwich Albion. A superb solo effort from Yousef Salech secured a hard-earned point for Cardiff City, with a potentially pivotal period coming up against two promotion rivals. And Sam prepares for a "huge game" against Newport County after Iwan goes in "two footed" with the alarming decline in Gillingham's form.

Barry Horne and Iwan Roberts join Simon Davies to pay tribute to former Wales captain and manager Terry Yorath, who has died aged 75. Yorath made Horne his captain of the national side, which famously coming within a victory of qualifying for the 1994 World Cup, while Roberts won his first cap during his reign. Both remember him as an immensely talented footballer, with a humble and warm personality as a manager. "He was a father figure," they say. "Wales has lost a great man."

After a calamitous defeat to Swansea City before Christmas, Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson could not have asked for a better response from his players. Four consecutive wins has lifted the Reds to ninth in the Championship, but crucially, within six points of second place. Are they now genuine contenders for automatic promotion? Iwan and Sam certainly think so. Swansea's steady progress under Vitor Matos continues, although Iwan believes some are "getting carried" away with the improvement, given they've yet to beat anyone above them in the table. Cardiff City remain top of League One, but their lead at the top remains three points despite a fruitful festive period. And Newport County are off the bottom of League Two, giving themselves some welcomed hope into the new year.

From the unprecedented high of a first appearance at major tournament, to the disheartening 12-game winless streak, the past 12 months have been a period of polar contradictions for Wales manager Rhian Wilkinson. "It's by far my least successful year," she tells Carl Roberts and former Wales international Nia Jones, "but I'm so proud." In an in-depth interview, Wilkinson reflects on the harsh lessons learned at the European Championship and the relief of ending the year with a victory over Switzerland. She reveals how her parents' influence have shaped her career, how she sees herself as manager and not a coach with Wales, and what role she hopes the retired Jess Fishlock will soon have in her backroom team.

Carl Roberts and former Wales internationals Iwan Roberts and Sam Vokes reflect on the weekend’s results. Swansea came from behind to beat Wrexham 2-1 in their first league meeting for 22 years. Meanwhile, League One leaders Cardiff were beaten 2-1 away at promotion rivals Lincoln, and bottom-of-the-table Newport County suffered another League Two defeat after losing 4-1 away at Colchester.

Carl Roberts, Iwan Roberts and Sam Vokes reflect on a good week for Cardiff City, despite a League Cup defeat to Chelsea. Swansea City and Wrexham prepare for a first league meeting for 22 years, and Newport's financial reality is laid bare as chairman Huw Jenkins faces the disgruntled fans.

In a rare and fascinating insight, head coach Craig Bellamy gives a glimpse into the tactics and fundamental principles used by Wales in the recent World Cup qualifying campaign. Using a tactics board in the dressing room at the Wales training base near Cardiff, Bellamy reveals the flexibility of his approach and what he demands from each member of the squad. Carl, Iwan and Sam are engrossed... and barely manage to get a word in. Bellamy, who has won half of his 16 games in charge of Wales, also names his biggest coaching influences and explains the debt of gratitude he owes to Iwan for protecting him during their time together playing for Norwich City.

A big statement of intent - that's what Carl, Iwan and Sam made of the three late attacking substitutions made Cardiff City manager Brian Barry-Murphy that turned an acceptable away draw into a huge win at title rivals Stevenage. It increased their lead at the top of League One to four points, but also sent a clear message to their rivals on the manager's winning mentality. Swansea City had a super sub of their own as Liam Cullen struck to ensure a second successive home win that silenced talk of a relegation battle... for now. Newport County put a shocking FA Cup display behind them to earn a point at Crewe, giving Iwan new hope they can climb off the bottom of League Two as the hectic Christmas schedule arrives. And after Mo Salah's remarkable outburst against his treatment at Liverpool, Sam recalls his attempts to persuade Sean Dyche he was wrong to drop him to the Burnley bench.

It may only be early December, but the message is clear for Swansea City - this is now a relegation fight. And the next two games - at home to fellow strugglers Oxford United and Portsmouth - could define the whole season. Wrexham, meanwhile, are looking upwards after extending their unbeaten run to eight games. Manager Phil Parkinson has now reached 200 league games with The Reds, with a hugely impressive 59.5% win rate. With so many clubs now opting for a head coach rather than a more traditional manager, are the likes of Parkinson becoming a rare breed? Iwan and Sam share their experiences of working under some of the best in the business. Premier League scouts are flocking to Cardiff City to watch Dylan Lawlor, and Rhian Wilkinson can breathe a sigh of relief after claiming a first win for Wales in a tough, yet historically significant, 2025.

Special guest Dave Hughes joins Carl Roberts, Iwan Roberts and Sam Vokes to share his thoughts on his brief spell as Newport County manager, which ended with the sack after just 22 games in charge. The 37-year-old recalls his early days at Aston Villa that saw him break into the first team as a 19-year-old, and takes pride in the development of some of the rising stars he helped develop at Cardiff City. And how he's eager to put down the paint brush and get back on the training ground as soon as possible.

Carl Roberts, Iwan Roberts and Sam Vokes discuss Wales' World Cup play-off draw, that will potentially bring two home games in March, and the magnificent 7-1 win over North Macedonia that wrapped up second place in the group in style. Newport County's search for a new manager ended with the much-anticipated appointment of Christian Fuchs, but Swansea City's hopes of securing Vitor Matos has hit a potential stumbling block.

Carl Roberts is joined by Tom Lockyer, Joe Ledley and Rob Earnshaw to preview the crucial World Cup qualifier with North Macedonia, which will determine Wales' path in the play-offs.