S2E35 | Football Fandom: Why We Follow Tottenham

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

The Standard's chief football correspondent Dan Kilpatrick joins The Lab once again. In this episode we look back at the protests from the weekend, ponder their impact, guess Levy's next move, and look forward to a more settled Tottenham Hotspur squad. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of The Lab we welcome some of the people behind Change For Tottenham - a movement aimed to promote a change in the running of the Club going forward. What does that mean in reality, and how are they going to achieve it? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tottenham Hotspur have secured the signing of highly-rated Irish youngster Mason Melia, one of the brightest talents to emerge from the League of Ireland. At just 16, the St Patrick’s Athletic forward has already made history as the club’s youngest-ever senior goal scorer, attracting attention from top European clubs before Spurs won the race for his signature. In this episode, I’m joined by Irish sports journalist David Sneyd to discuss what makes Melia such an exciting prospect, his rapid rise in Irish football, and what Tottenham fans can expect from their newest young signing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices