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The Football Boardroom

1071 Media

You've watched the games. You've lived every kick, every decision, every trophy won and lost. But have you ever wondered what really happens in the rooms where football's future is decided?


The Football Boardroom is where football fans finally get the answers they've been searching for.


For too long, we've been kept on the outside looking in- left to speculate about the deals, the decisions and the power plays that shape the clubs we love. Not anymore.


Our hosts have lived and breathed football at the very highest level.


Christian Purslow has run three of the biggest clubs in the country: CEO at Liverpool and Aston Villa, managing director at Chelsea. He's been in the room when the biggest calls were made.


Henry Winter is a pillar of British football journalism, who has been named the country's Football Writer of the Year seven times. He has spent decades chasing the stories that matter- the ones whispered in corridors and hidden behind boardroom doors. Now, he doesn't need to knock. He's got an access-all-areas pass.


Together, Christian and Henry are pulling back the curtain on football's corridors of power, and they're pulling no punches.


This isn't commentary from the stands- this is insight from the seats that matter. About the deals that transform your club. It's about the strategies that win titles and cost managers their jobs. It's a window into the egos, the personalities and the billions that flow through the beautiful game.


For the deepest football analysis about how football's powerbrokers think, act, and plan, take your seat in The Football Boardroom. This is the podcast for you.


A 1071 Media production

  • 21 episodes
  • Updated Thursday

Episodes21

  • Thursday · 45 min

    Q&A: Infantino, Gambling, England’s DNA and more | The Football Boardroom

    We've finally got round to diving into the TFB mailbag for this week's Q&A! Christian and Henry take on a host of your questions, from forcing Infantino out of FIFA to the flawed thinking around front-of-shirt sponsorship for gambling brands in the Premier League. Much more, too - is the Vinícius to Arsenal deal even real, and ten years after winning the Premier League, whatever next for Leicester City? Email in via: getintouch@thefootballboardroom.co.uk Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFootballBoardroom Follow us on Instagram: @footballboardroompod Follow us on TikTok: @footballboardroompod Follow us on X: @FootyBoardroom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • August 3 · 37 min

    Inside the West Ham deal | The Football Boardroom

    Amanda Staveley wants in at West Ham United. This bonus episode tells you everything you need to know about what’s happening at the club. Email in via: getintouch@thefootballboardroom.co.uk Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFootballBoardroom Follow us on Instagram: @footballboardroompod Follow us on TikTok: @footballboardroompod Follow us on X: @FootyBoardroom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • July 30 · 24 min

    Howe leaves Newcastle | The Football Boardroom

    Eddie Howe has left Newcastle United, walking away from St James’ Park after almost five years. He won the club’s first trophy in 70 years and brought back Champions League football. But exactly what is Howe leaving behind? In this bonus episode, Christian Purslow and Henry Winter look at the foundations on which the Saudi project is built. Email in via: getintouch@thefootballboardroom.co.uk Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFootballBoardroom Follow us on Instagram: @footballboardroompod Follow us on TikTok: @footballboardroompod Follow us on X: @FootyBoardroom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • July 29 · 36 min

    What does the FIFA private investment plan mean for football? | The Football Boardroom

    As the dust settles on a revenue-busting World Cup, a new plan to generate even more money emerges from FIFA HQ: selling off stakes of its competitions to private investors. The proposal has sparked uproar. But what’s behind it? Where will it end? And can it be stopped? Christian and Henry follow the money and unpick the power plays and political dimensions of a deal that could change the game forever. Email in via: getintouch@thefootballboardroom.co.uk Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFootballBoardroom Follow us on Instagram: @footballboardroompod Follow us on TikTok: @footballboardroompod Follow us on X: @FootyBoardroom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • July 24 · 52 min

    What does the Morgan Rogers deal mean for Villa, Chelsea and Arsenal? | The Football Boardroom

    The British transfer record has been broken again. This time the player is Morgan Rogers and the buying club is Chelsea. What are the domino effects of the deal, not just for the Blues, but for the selling club Aston Villa and Arsenal, who missed out? Christian and Henry take a deep dive into the dynamics of an intriguing transfer and assess what it says about the clubs involved and how they do business, debunking a few myths along the way. Plus, we do talk about Bruno- specifically, does the Rogers move make Bruno Guimaraes’s possible Newcastle exit even more likely? Email in via: getintouch@thefootballboardroom.co.uk Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFootballBoardroom Follow us on Instagram: @footballboardroompod Follow us on TikTok: @footballboardroompod Follow us on X: @FootyBoardroom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • July 16 · 30 min

    Did the FA make a mistake with Tuchel? | The Football Boardroom

    England are out of the World Cup and the footballing post-mortem is well underway. Amidst the debate around substitutions, squad selection and man-management, Henry and Christian hone in on a key decision- the contract extension of Thomas Tuchel back in February. Was it flawed from the start? What are the consequences now? And what next for both the FA and Tuchel? Email in via: getintouch@thefootballboardroom.co.uk Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFootballBoardroom Follow us on Instagram: @footballboardroompod Follow us on TikTok: @footballboardroompod Follow us on X: @FootyBoardroom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • July 7 · 34 min

    Will FIFA’s red card gamble backfire? | The Football Boardroom

    The decision to suspend Folarin Balogun’s red card will go down as one of the most controversial in the history of the World Cup. But what does the rabbit-in-a-hat moment say about the current balance of money, power and politics in the international game? What are the long-term ramifications? Will it prove to be the ultimate FIFA own goal or can Gianni Infantino ride out the global backlash? Christian and Henry run the rule over FIFA’s high-stakes card trick and examine whether the outcry could seriously jeopardise Infantino’s future. Email in via: getintouch@thefootballboardroom.co.uk Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFootballBoardroom Follow us on Instagram: @footballboardroompod Follow us on TikTok: @footballboardroompod Follow us on X: @FootyBoardroom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • July 2 · 47 min

    Why Premier League boardrooms have become so ruthless | The Football Boardroom

    It’s only early July and yet the big transfer deals are flowing. And it’s not just players on the move, with new faces in numerous dugouts. These moves are increasingly being characterised by a ruthlessness in the dealings between clubs as they look to exploit the positions of others and maximise their own hand. What is behind this cutthroat cultural change? How are clubs adapting? And who are the winners and losers? Henry and Christian analyse the latest goings on at Newcastle, Forest, Spurs, Chelsea and Man City. Email in via: getintouch@thefootballboardroom.co.uk Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFootballBoardroom Follow us on Instagram: @footballboardroompod Follow us on TikTok: @footballboardroompod Follow us on X: @FootyBoardroom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • June 25 · 39 min

    Will this World Cup change the way we watch football? | The Football Boardroom

    Hydration breaks have become a much-maligned talking point of this World Cup, it’s very own ‘water cooler’ moment if you like. But what are the factors at play driving these changes? How will such ‘innovations’ evolve? And will we see a knock-on impact in how the Premier League is broadcast and watched going forward? Henry and Christian talk money, power and politics in the realm of sports broadcasting and ask whether this particular revolution will indeed be televised or not. Email in via: getintouch@thefootballboardroom.co.uk Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFootballBoardroom Follow us on Instagram: @footballboardroompod Follow us on TikTok: @footballboardroompod Follow us on X: @FootyBoardroom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • June 19 · 21 min

    What does the Burnley v Everton legal verdict mean for football? | The Football Boardroom

    Christian and Henry unpick the details of the Burnley v Everton legal case in the wake of an initial verdict in Burnley’s favour. How was the decision arrived at? What next? And what are the wide-ranging implications? The guys also cast their eyes over Spurs’ new transfer strategy and take a look at the other potential movers and shakers in the market. Email in via: getintouch@thefootballboardroom.co.uk Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFootballBoardroom Follow us on Instagram: @footballboardroompod Follow us on TikTok: @footballboardroompod Follow us on X: @FootyBoardroom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • June 15 · 36 min

    Tom Heaton | The Football Boardroom

    The World Cup is underway and one man who knows what life’s like at a major tournament camp is Tom Heaton. The Manchester United goalkeeper joins Henry and Christian to take us inside an international squad on the road, as well as giving the lowdown on what it requires to be a leader at Old Trafford and how more former players can build successful careers in the boardroom. Email in via: getintouch@thefootballboardroom.co.uk Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFootballBoardroom Follow us on Instagram: @footballboardroompod Follow us on TikTok: @footballboardroompod Follow us on X: @FootyBoardroom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • June 10 · 21 min

    What does Sullivan’s resignation mean for West Ham? | The Football Boardroom

    Christian and Henry examine the boardroom ramifications of David Sullivan stepping down from his position as co-chair and director at West Ham. What next for the club? Will Daniel Kretinsky be looking to making his move? And what are the potential implications for West Ham’s stadium situation? Email in via: getintouch@thefootballboardroom.co.uk Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFootballBoardroom Follow us on Instagram: @footballboardroompod Follow us on TikTok: @footballboardroompod Follow us on X: @FootyBoardroom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • June 9 · 25 min

    Football in America: where is it at? | The Football Boardroom

    On the eve of the 2026 World Cup, Christian and Henry take a look at the challenges and opportunities presented by a tournament co-hosted by the USA. They’re joined by the only current MLS coach to have managed in the Premier League, Dean Smith, who gives his unique perspective on a range of issues, including the salary cap, why more and more Americans are investing in English football and whether this World Cup can be transformational for the sport stateside. Email in via: getintouch@thefootballboardroom.co.uk Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFootballBoardroom Follow us on Instagram: @footballboardroompod Follow us on TikTok: @footballboardroompod Follow us on X: @FootyBoardroom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • June 3 · 30 min

    Which England players will move this summer and where will they go? | The Football Boardroom

    England’s World Cup training camp has begun out in Florida, but it’s not just the players who are busy. Owners, managers and club executives are already making their moves in the transfer market. Who from Thomas Tuchel’s squad is likely to follow Anthony Gordon to pastures new? Where will they go and why? Henry, our man in America for the course of the tournament, joins Christian from hot and humid West Palm beach as they work up a sweat poring over the potential deals. First, they take a look at Liverpool’s imminent managerial appointment in the wake of Arne Slot’s exit. Email in via: getintouch@thefootballboardroom.co.uk Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFootballBoardroom Follow us on Instagram: @footballboardroompod Follow us on TikTok: @footballboardroompod Follow us on X: @FootyBoardroom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • May 28 · 44 min

    What next for West Ham and Spurs? | The Football Boardroom

    The relegation trapdoor separated Tottenham and West Ham as the Premier League season finally drew to a breathless halt. But what now for two of London’s most storied clubs? In different ways and with distinct challenges, they both face a summer of radical restructure and change. Henry and Christian survey the scene at two crossroads clubs, assessing the pivotal decisions that loom and identifying the potential bumps in the road that lie ahead on their respective journeys. Email in via: getintouch@thefootballboardroom.co.uk Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFootballBoardroom Follow us on Instagram: @footballboardroompod Follow us on TikTok: @footballboardroompod Follow us on X: @FootyBoardroom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • May 22 · 56 min

    Money, power & politics: Inside the world of a Premier League CEO | The Football Boardroom

    Brighton’s Paul Barber is one of football’s most experienced chief executives. But what makes a top CEO in today’s game? Paul joins Christian and Henry to talk crisis management in the midst of the Southampton spygate scandal, managerial succession, player recruitment and how the Premier League can maintain the competitive edge that makes it such compelling global viewing. Email in via: getintouch@thefootballboardroom.co.uk Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFootballBoardroom Follow us on Instagram: @footballboardroompod Follow us on TikTok: @footballboardroompod Follow us on X: @FootyBoardroom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • May 14 · 33 min

    Could Hearts become European football’s biggest success story? | The Football Boardroom

    Hearts have radically shaken up Scottish football this season, challenging the 40-year dominance of the Old Firm in fearsome fashion. How have they done it? How crucial has Tony Bloom’s involvement been? What about the cutting edge role of Jamestown Analytics? And if we are only at the foothills of a multi-year project, what does the summit look like? Henry and Christian dig into a footballing revolution which has origins and reverberations far beyond the Scottish border. Email in via: getintouch@thefootballboardroom.co.uk Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFootballBoardroom Follow us on Instagram: @footballboardroompod Follow us on TikTok: @footballboardroompod Follow us on X: @FootyBoardroom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • May 7 · 44 min

    What would relegation mean for West Ham? | The Football Boardroom

    This week it’s Hammer time. After the defeat at Brentford, West Ham have three games left to save their season…but what happens if the Premier League bubble bursts? Christian and Henry take a deep dive into the dynamics, dilemmas and doomsday scenarios facing the Irons as the pressure furnace heats up. Who’s calling the shots? What are the far-reaching implications of relegation? And are football’s rainmakers forecasting a summer of discontent in the East End even if West Ham stay up? Email in via: getintouch@thefootballboardroom.co.uk Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFootballBoardroom Follow us on Instagram: @footballboardroompod Follow us on TikTok: @footballboardroompod Follow us on X: @FootyBoardroom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • April 30 · 1 hr 3 min

    Coventry owner Doug King on promotion and Premier League survival | The Football Boardroom

    Coventry City are back in the Premier League after a 25-year absence. What were the principal factors that propelled the club’s return to football’s Promised Land? And how do they stay there? City owner Doug King breaks off from the much-deserved festivities around Coventry to join Christian and Henry and discuss the club’s remarkable odyssey, his experiences as a football owner and the plan for what comes next. He also shares his thoughts on the football pyramid and the need for a financial deal between the PL and EFL to be done sooner rather than later. Email in via: getintouch@thefootballboardroom.co.uk Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFootballBoardroom Follow us on Instagram: @footballboardroompod Follow us on TikTok: @footballboardroompod Follow us on X: @FootyBoardroom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

  • April 23 · 43 min

    Should Arsenal fans be careful what they wish for? | The Football Boardroom

    Arsenal fans may be licking their wounds after another defeat to Man City, but do the reasons to be cheerful still eclipse any sense of gloom over the Emirates? Christian and Henry put the business into the business end of the season as they assess the Gunners’ financial firepower and overall strategy and look at the profiles of the people pulling the strings behind the scenes. They also discuss the boardroom exit of one of football’s most high-profile executives after Karren Brady announced her departure from West Ham. Email in via: getintouch@thefootballboardroom.co.uk Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFootballBoardroom Follow us on Instagram: @footballboardroompod Follow us on TikTok: @footballboardroompod Follow us on X: @FootyBoardroom Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices