S2E38 | The Secret World Of Football Comms

On today’s episode of The Lab, I’m joined by Ian Taylor, a seasoned communications expert who’s held senior roles at Queens Park Rangers and West Ham United. We dive into the realities of football communications — from dealing with leaks and managing crises to working with managers, players, and fans. Ian shares his insights on how clubs handle breaking scandals, why fan-led media is changing the landscape, and what it’s really like behind the scenes when chaos hits. Whether you’re inside the game or looking in from the outside, this is a rare look into football’s hidden conversations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tottenham’s academy has produced talent for generations, but is it still delivering? In this episode of The Lab, we’re joined by John from Lilywhite Rose to dissect the current state of Spurs’ youth setup. We cover recent successes, the rise and stall of Mikey Moore, Jamie Donley’s first-team prospects, and the impact of big-name arrivals like Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray. Has the club lost faith in its own pipeline? And what about exciting prospects like Luca Williams-Barnett? With deep insight and no holding back, this is your inside look at whether the future of Tottenham is truly homegrown. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of The Lab, we’re joined by Dan Kilpatrick, Chief Football Correspondent at The Standard, for an in-depth discussion on the current state of Tottenham Hotspur. We explore the pressures facing Ange Postecoglou, the growing scrutiny on Daniel Levy, and the wider structural issues impacting the club’s direction. Dan shares his perspective on covering Spurs through a turbulent season, the challenges of press room dynamics, and the implications of potential change behind the scenes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, I’m joined by journalist and author David Hillier, whose brilliant Men’s Health article explores the emotional chaos of football fandom – something every Tottenham fan knows all too well. We get into why we follow this club, what it costs us, and why walking away – even when it might be good for us – is never an option. From childhood loyalty to group chats and post-match meltdowns, this is a conversation about identity, obsession, community and belonging. Why Spurs? Why any team? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We sit down with Andy Brassell to figure out how Tottenham win the Europa League despite having the worst season in decades. Andy Brassell is a European football expert, broadcaster, and writer known for his insightful analysis across BBC, talkSPORT, and The Guardian. Fluent in multiple languages, he brings deep knowledge of continental football, offering sharp commentary on tactics, culture, and players, with a particular passion for Portuguese, French, and German leagues. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kieran Maguire is the go-to voice when it comes to football finance — whether it’s untangling FFP, breaking down club accounts, or explaining how teams like Chelsea can keep spending without (apparently) breaking the rules. He’s a lecturer in football finance at the University of Liverpool, co-host of the Price of Football podcast, and author of the book by the same name. If you’ve ever seen a financial headline in football and thought, “What does that actually mean?”, chances are Kieran’s already explained it better than anyone else. With Daniel Levy recently publishing Tottenham’s latest financial results — including a dip in revenue, a collapse in UEFA prize money, and ongoing commercial growth — we thought it was the perfect time to dig into the numbers and ask what it all means for Spurs moving forward. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apologies for the clipping on Billie's audio Change for Tottenham's first protest was a success, garnering attention from media outlets across the globe. What follows next is important. Billie explains... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Will Ange Postecoglou last the season? Is Pochettino being lined up? And what does Daniel Levy do to protect his position? Chief Football Correspondent for the Standard, Dan Kilpatrick, is back on The Lab. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is Tottenham Hotspur on the verge of a Qatari takeover? Reports suggest that Qatari investors are eyeing a stake in the club, raising big questions about what this could mean for Spurs' future. But why Tottenham? What makes the club an attractive investment compared to other Premier League teams? And how does this potential deal fit into Qatar’s wider strategy of expanding its influence in global sports? In this episode, we’ll explore the motivations behind Middle Eastern investment in football, how a Qatari takeover would compare to Saudi and Abu Dhabi ownership, and whether Daniel Levy would remain in control. Crucially, we’ll also consider the concerns—should fans be excited or worried? Will this transform Tottenham into genuine title contenders, or does it pose ethical and financial dilemmas? Join us as we break down the facts, the speculation, and the potential impact of Qatari ownership on the future of Tottenham Hotspur. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What does a Qatari owned Tottenham look like? Do they buy the debt owed by the club? Does Daniel Levy remain at the at Spurs? How much money will be available for transfers? We discuss all with Ben White - a financial consultant who regularly takes a deep dive into the club's books. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices