Whistleblowers

Daily Mail

Whistleblowers is football’s most original new podcast - lifting the lid on the parts of the game no one else talks about. Hosted by Gordon Smart, with ex-elite referee Mark Clattenburg and veteran journalist Ian Ladyman, this isn’t another safe roundtable of punditry. It’s football told differently - with insight, authority, and plenty of laughs. From what really goes on in the referee’s room, to how clubs spin crises and who’s pulling the strings behind the scenes - Whistleblowers brings the inside stories only those at the heart of the game can tell. Players have had their say. Now, it’s time to hear from the people who actually know how football works.

Hosts: Gordon Smart, Mark Clattenburg and Ian Ladyman

Executive Producer: Jamie East

Producer: Henry Williams

Researcher: William Colledge

Booker: Ashley Whitt

Production Manager: Vittoria Cecchini

A Daily Mail Podcast. Seriously Popular.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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125 episodes
Updated July 20

Episodes125

Newest first

March 26 · 51 min
Are Newcastle Fans LOYAL to Eddie Howe?
Welcome back to Whistleblowers! This week, Ian Ladyman, Mark Clattenburg, and Gordon Smart take a trip up to Mark’s beloved North East to ask a question: should Newcastle fans count themselves lucky to have a manager like Eddie Howe? And moreover, how can he and the PIF stop the club falling behind? Meanwhile, the boys discuss whether Mo Salah truly is Liverpool’s best ever striker, and Ian shows off his own medal collection! Whistleblowers | Football From The Inside Out Hosts: Gordon Smart, Mark Clattenburg, and Ian Ladyman Producer: William Colledge Executive Producer: Jamie East Booker: Ashley Whitt Video Editor: Luke Shelley Content Editor: Joseph Palmer Production Manager: Vittoria Cecchini Social Handles: X: @blowerspod Instagram: whistleblowerspod TikTok: whistleblowerspodcast Email: whistleblowers@dailymail.com A Daily Mail Podcast. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
March 24 · 20 min
How fit are Referees REALLY?
Welcome back to Whistleblowers! In this week’s Bonus Ball, Mark Clattenburg tells Gordon Smart and Ian Ladyman just what it took for him to stay fit as a top flight referee, and gives the others some advice! Meanwhile, Ian updates us on his half-marathon aspirations and Gordon chats about going in front of the cameras in the buff! Whistleblowers | Football From The Inside Out Hosts: Gordon Smart, Mark Clattenburg, and Ian Ladyman Producer: William Colledge Executive Producer: Jamie East Booker: Ashley Whitt Video Editor: Luke Shelley Content Editor: Joseph Palmer Production Manager: Vittoria Cecchini Social Handles: X: @blowerspod Instagram: whistleblowerspod TikTok: whistleblowerspodcast Email: whistleblowers@dailymail.com A Daily Mail Podcast. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
March 19 · 56 min
Is this the END for Pep Guardiola?
Welcome back to Whistleblowers! This week, Gordon Smart, Ian Ladyman and Mark Clattenburg discuss Pep’s future after a lacklustre Premier League season and an ignominious exit from the Champions League before asking the question…is this the time for Pep to hang up his boots? Plus, find out what ‘garbage’ incensed Mark over the weekend and the boys’ thoughts on the football regulator’s proposed changes. Whistleblowers | Football From The Inside Out Hosts: Gordon Smart, Mark Clattenburg, and Ian Ladyman Producer: William Colledge Executive Producer: Jamie East Booker: Ashley Whitt Video Editor: Luke Shelley Content Editor: Joseph Palmer Production Manager: Vittoria Cecchini Social Handles: X: @blowerspod Instagram: whistleblowerspod TikTok: whistleblowerspodcast Email: whistleblowers@dailymail.com A Daily Mail Podcast. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
March 17 · 19 min
Guard of Honour? Performative Nonsense!
Welcome back to Whistleblowers! Fresh off their conversation with the one and only Lee Dixon, Mark Clattenburg, Ian Ladyman, and Gordon Smart look towards the end of the season and the infamous guard of honour to ask the question…is it a valid celebration, or is it just performative nonsense?? Ian doesn’t hold back, and Gordon can’t face the idea of his Hibs having to perform one for Hearts in a few months! Whistleblowers | Football From The Inside Out Hosts: Gordon Smart, Mark Clattenburg, and Ian Ladyman Producer: William Colledge Executive Producer: Jamie East Booker: Ashley Whitt Video Editor: Luke Shelley Content Editor: Joseph Palmer Production Manager: Vittoria Cecchini Social Handles: X: @blowerspod Instagram: whistleblowerspod TikTok: whistleblowerspodcast Email: whistleblowers@dailymail.com A Daily Mail Podcast. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
March 12 · 1 hr 8 min
Lee Dixon talks Arsenal and the Greatest Era of Football
Welcome back to Whistleblowers! In this very special episode, Mark Clattenburg, Ian Ladyman, and Gordon Smart are joined by Mr Lee Dixon to reminisce about football’s Golden Years - find out how Lee got the best of David Ginola, how George Graham got them fired up that time Arsenal missed kick-off, and just what Arsene Wenger whispered in his ear that night… Plus, the boys ask whether any of the current crop of Arsenal stars would be good enough to get into Lee’s team, and they discover just how hard being a Fifa commentator really is! Whistleblowers | Football From The Inside Out Hosts: Gordon Smart, Mark Clattenburg, and Ian Ladyman Special Guest: Lee Dixon Producer: William Colledge Executive Producer: Jamie East Booker: Ashley Whitt Video Editor: Luke Shelley Content Editor: Joseph Palmer Production Manager: Vittoria Cecchini Social Handles: X: @blowerspod Instagram: whistleblowerspod TikTok: whistleblowerspodcast Email: whistleblowers@dailymail.com A Daily Mail Podcast. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
March 10 · 33 min
Clattenburg: "I just bounced off him!"
Welcome back to Whistleblowers! In this week’s bonus ball, Mark Clattenburg, Ian Ladyman, and Gordon Smart chat about how Mark found his career transition away from football, and how other players and managers have managed the shift - before Mark reveals the ex-pros who've still got it on the pitch... Plus, find out which manager Ian had to manage in the buff! (The manager, not Ian!) Whistleblowers | Football From The Inside Out Hosts: Gordon Smart, Mark Clattenburg, and Ian Ladyman Producer: William Colledge Executive Producer: Jamie East Booker: Ashley Whitt Video Editor: Luke Shelley Content Editor: Joseph Palmer Production Manager: Vittoria Cecchini Social Handles: X: @blowerspod Instagram: whistleblowerspod TikTok: whistleblowerspodcast Email: whistleblowers@dailymail.com A Daily Mail Podcast. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
March 5 · 49 min
Is IFAB just 'P***ING around the edges'?
Welcome back to Whistleblowers! This week, the boys are back together, and Mark Clattenburg, Ian Ladyman and Gordon Smart break down the IFAB’s new rules and the impact (or LACK of impact) it will have on football, before before asking a ver simple question; with all these changes, is football even enjoyable anymore? Meanwhile, Mark tells us just why Pierluigi Colina said he was one of the best in the world, and Ian reveals what Nigel Clough thinks has the biggest impact on player focus, and it’s not what you think! Whistleblowers | Football From The Inside Out Hosts: Gordon Smart, Mark Clattenburg, and Ian Ladyman Producer: William Colledge Executive Producer: Jamie East Booker: Ashley Whitt Video Editor: Luke Shelley Content Editor: Joseph Palmer Production Manager: Vittoria Cecchini Social Handles: X: @blowerspod Instagram: whistleblowerspod TikTok: whistleblowerspodcast Email: whistleblowers@dailymail.com A Daily Mail Podcast. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
March 3 · 18 min
Who was Dean Windass’ HARDEST Opponent?
Welcome back to Whistleblowers! In this very special bonus ball, Mark Clattenburg, Gordon Smart, and Ian’s best mate Andy Dillon are once again joined by the one and only, Hull City legend Dean Windass! They talk hard-men opponents and how the dressing room culture has changed in football since Dean’s days at the top of the game. Meanwhile, Dean chats about the biggest run-ins he had with football journos, and reveals the headline mistake that almost made him lose it! Whistleblowers | Football From The Inside Out Hosts: Gordon Smart, Mark Clattenburg, and Andy Dillon Guests: Dean Windass Producer: William Colledge Executive Producer: Jamie East Booker: Ashley Whitt Video Editor: Luke Shelley Content Editor: Joseph Palmer Production Manager: Vittoria Cecchini Social Handles: X: @blowerspod Instagram: whistleblowerspod TikTok: whistleblowerspodcast Email: whistleblowers@dailymail.com A Daily Mail Podcast. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
February 26 · 1 hr 1 min
Dean Windass: “That Goal changed my life for good…and for bad”
Welcome back to Whistleblowers! In this very special episode, Mark Clattenburg, Gordon Smart, and Ian’s best mate Andy Dillon are joined by the one and only, Hull City legend Dean Windass - the boys reminisce about that playoff final goal, Dean’s record breaking THREE red cards in one game for Aberdeen, and the manager he had the biggest falling out with. Plus, Dean opens up about his struggles after leaving the professional game, his dementia diagnosis, and his personal journey with his family. Whistleblowers | Football From The Inside Out Hosts: Gordon Smart, Mark Clattenburg, and Andy Dillon Guests: Dean Windass Producer: William Colledge Executive Producer: Jamie East Booker: Ashley Whitt Video Editor: Luke Shelley Content Editor: Joseph Palmer Production Manager: Vittoria Cecchini Social Handles: X: @blowerspod Instagram: whistleblowerspod TikTok: whistleblowerspodcast Email: whistleblowers@dailymail.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
February 24 · 28 min
“BIASED!” - How do we put OUR allegiances aside?
Welcome back to Whistleblowers! In this week’s bonus ball, Mark Clattenburg and Gordon Smart are once again joined by the Mail’s Jack Gaughan as they discuss how they put their personal affiliations aside to stay professional in the heat of the game…and Mark tells us which Premier League manager accused him of failing to do so! Plus, Mark and Jack get down and dirty about the Premier League’s VAR nightmares and Gordon asks how recognisable the game will be in half a century… Whistleblowers | Football From The Inside Out Hosts: Gordon Smart and Mark Clattenburg Guests: Jack Gaughan Producer: William Colledge Executive Producer: Jamie East Booker: Ashley Whitt Video Editor: Luke Shelley Content Editor: Joseph Palmer Production Manager: Vittoria Cecchini Social Handles: X: @blowerspod Instagram: whistleblowerspod TikTok: whistleblowerspodcast Email: whistleblowers@dailymail.com A Daily Mail Podcast. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
February 19 · 45 min
Is this a TURNING POINT for Scottish Football?
Welcome back to Whistleblowers! This week, Gordon Smart and Mark Clattenburg are joined by the Mail’s Scottish football correspondent John McGarry and staff writer Jack Gaughan to find out just why the Scottish Premiership is turning out to be one of Europe’s best leagues, and which of the three (or four?) teams have a real shot at the title. Meanwhile, Jack enlightens us on the current state of the England squad as the countdown to the World Cup begins in earnest - Where does James Trafford stand? And how to deal with a problem like Phil Foden? Whistleblowers | Football From The Inside Out Hosts: Gordon Smart and Mark Clattenburg Guests: John McGarry and Jack Gaughan Producer: William Colledge Executive Producer: Jamie East Booker: Ashley Whitt Video Editor: Luke Shelley Content Editor: Joseph Palmer Production Manager: Vittoria Cecchini Social Handles: X: @blowerspod Instagram: whistleblowerspod TikTok: whistleblowerspodcast Email: whistleblowers@dailymail.com A Daily Mail Podcast. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
February 17 · 27 min
What's Going WRONG with Punditry?
Welcome back to Whistleblowers! In this bonus ball, Ian, Mark, and Gordon ask what's going wrong with punditry nowadays, and what makes a good pundit - turns out, it's not as complicated as you might think! Plus, the boys reminisce on their personal best footballing memories and Ian tells us about his best ever (nearly) goal... Whistleblowers | Football From The Inside Out Hosts: Gordon Smart, Mark Clattenburg and Ian Ladyman Producer: William Colledge Executive Producer: Jamie East Booker: Ashley Whitt Video Editor: Luke Shelley Content Editor: Joseph Palmer Production Manager: Vittoria Cecchini Social Handles: X: @blowerspod Instagram: whistleblowerspod TikTok: whistleblowerspodcast Email: whistleblowers@dailymail.com A Daily Mail Podcast. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
February 12 · 54 min
Frank OUT...Poch IN??
Welcome back to Whistleblowers! In this jam-packed episode, Mark Clattenburg, Ian Ladyman, and Gordon Smart react to the news of Thomas Frank's sacking from Spurs, the chances that Mauricio Pochettino might make a surprise north London return, and which manager is next on the chopping block... Plus, Mark breaks down the weekend's refereeing madness, Danny Baker has a pop at Ian, and the boys talk Liam Rosenior's memeable management! Whistleblowers | Football From The Inside Out Hosts: Gordon Smart, Mark Clattenburg and Ian Ladyman Producer: William Colledge Executive Producer: Jamie East Booker: Ashley Whitt Video Editor: Luke Shelley Content Editor: Joseph Palmer Production Manager: Vittoria Cecchini Social Handles: X: @blowerspod Instagram: whistleblowerspod TikTok: whistleblowerspodcast Email: whistleblowers@dailymail.com A Daily Mail Podcast. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
February 10 · 19 min
Should We Have More Sympathy For Players?
Welcome back to Whistleblowers! In this week's bonus ball, Mark Clattenburg, Ian Ladyman, and Gordon Smart talk about the impacts the football industry has on those that make it what it is; the players. After the debacle with Dwight McNeil, they ask whether we should have more sympathy for players in the face of uncertainty and instability... Meanwhile, Mark opens up about the difficulties he had while adjusting to life abroad away from his family and friends. Whistleblowers | Football From The Inside Out Hosts: Gordon Smart, Mark Clattenburg and Ian Ladyman Producer: William Colledge Executive Producer: Jamie East Booker: Ashley Whitt Video Editor: Luke Shelley Content Editor: Joseph Palmer Production Manager: Vittoria Cecchini Social Handles: X: @blowerspod Instagram: whistleblowerspod TikTok: whistleblowerspodcast Email: whistleblowers@dailymail.com A Daily Mail Podcast. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
February 5 · 52 min
Ladyman: "I don't know what it is...but it's NOT Sport"
Welcome back to Whistleblowers! This week, Mark Clattenburg, Ian Ladyman, and Gordon Smart tackle some of the week's biggest talking points; Should Rodri be banned by the FA for calling Premier League refs corrupt? With the government owning 75% of each of the top four clubs, should the Saudi league even be considered sport? Plus, Mark tells the lads some of his craziest stories from the Middle East, with refs being accused of match fixing and an unfortunate incident with a VAR system and a phone charger! Whistleblowers | Football From The Inside Out Hosts: Gordon Smart, Mark Clattenburg and Ian Ladyman Producer: William Colledge Executive Producer: Jamie East Booker: Ashley Whitt Video Editor: Luke Shelley Content Editor: Joseph Palmer Production Manager: Vittoria Cecchini Social Handles: X: @blowerspod Instagram: whistleblowerspod TikTok: whistleblowerspodcast Email: whistleblowers@dailymail.com A Daily Mail Podcast. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
February 3 · 17 min
Our BEST Deadline Day Stories
Welcome back to Whistleblowers! In this week's bonus episode, Ian Ladyman, Mark Clattenburg, and Gordon Smart bring you their best deadline day dramas and the inside scoop on the inner workings of football's busiest days! Find out who's career was derailed by a dodgy fax, and just how much say some players have in their big moves... Whistleblowers | Football From The Inside Out Hosts: Gordon Smart, Mark Clattenburg and Ian Ladyman Producer: William Colledge Executive Producer: Jamie East Booker: Ashley Whitt Video Editor: Luke Shelley Content Editor: Joseph Palmer Production Manager: Vittoria Cecchini Social Handles: X: @blowerspod Instagram: whistleblowerspod TikTok: whistleblowerspodcast Email: whistleblowers@dailymail.com A Daily Mail Podcast. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
January 29 · 54 min
Why do Managers just keep going?
Welcome back to Whistleblowers! This week, Mark Clattenburg, Ian Ladyman, and Gordon Smart discuss those managers that just don't quit - from Mark Hughes at Carlisle United, all the way to Owen Coyle at Jamshedpur in India and Phil Brown at Peterborough Sports, some coaches just keep going and the boys want to know why... Plus, find out exactly what Mark thinks about Pep's recent outburst, and what Roy Keane said to Ian when he asked him about his music taste! Whistleblowers | Football From The Inside Out Hosts: Ian Ladyman, Mark Clattenburg, and Andy Dillon Producer: William Colledge Executive Producer: Jamie East Booker: Ashley Whitt Video Editor: Luke Shelley Content Editor: Joseph Palmer Production Manager: Vittoria Cecchini Social Handles: X: @blowerspod Instagram: whistleblowerspod TikTok: whistleblowerspodcast Email: whistleblowers@dailymail.com A Daily Mail Podcast. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
January 27 · 32 min
Which Players Never Fulfilled their Potential?
Welcome back to Whistleblowers! This week, Mark Clattenburg, Ian Ladyman, and Gordon Smart try to answer one of football's most interesting questions: which players come to mind when you hear unfulfilled potential? Struck by an injury? Poor transfers? Plain old bad luck? Whatever the reason, the boys take an in-depth look at those players lost to the annals of footballing history. Meanwhile, the lads chat Wayne Rooney and how he overcame a unique challenge in his career... Whistleblowers | Football From The Inside Out Hosts: Gordon Smart, Mark Clattenburg and Ian Ladyman Producer: William Colledge Executive Producer: Jamie East Booker: Ashley Whitt Video Editor: Luke Shelley Content Editor: Joseph Palmer Production Manager: Vittoria Cecchini Social Handles: X: @blowerspod Instagram: whistleblowerspod TikTok: whistleblowerspodcast Email: whistleblowers@dailymail.com A Daily Mail Podcast. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
January 22 · 56 min
Beckham, The Class of '92, and a Question of Pressure
Welcome back to Whistleblowers! This week, Mark Clattenburg, Ian Ladyman, and Gordon Smart take an in-depth look at David Beckham and the legacy of the Class of '92 both within Manchester United and further afield. All three have had rare glimpses behind the curtain of 'Brand Beckham' and their stories need to be heard to be believed! Plus, the impact of the Class of '92 on Manchester United and the punditry noise of the past weeks is assessed, while the boys discuss the parenting in the spotlight and the difficulties with having both a family life and a public life. Whistleblowers | Football From The Inside Out Hosts: Gordon Smart, Mark Clattenburg and Ian Ladyman Producer: William Colledge Executive Producer: Jamie East Booker: Ashley Whitt Video Editor: Luke Shelley Content Editor: Joseph Palmer Production Manager: Vittoria Cecchini Social Handles: X: @blowerspod Instagram: whistleblowerspod TikTok: whistleblowerspodcast Email: whistleblowers@dailymail.com A Daily Mail Podcast. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
January 20 · 22 min
Does Football Journalism have a Jealousy Problem?
This week in the Whistleblowers Bonus Ball, Mark Clattenburg asks Ian Ladyman and his good friend Andy Dillon how they as journalists managed relationships - personal and professional - while working as on-the-beat reporters, and the two Fleet Street veterans reveal just how cut-throat a world it can be… Meanwhile, Mark tells us why tournament refereeing can be so toxic, and which referee he was pitted against during the 2016 Euros! Don’t forget to send us your questions at whistleblowers@dailymail.com, or via our socials! Whistleblowers | Football From The Inside Out Hosts: Ian Ladyman, Mark Clattenburg, and Andy Dillon Producer: William Colledge Executive Producer: Jamie East Booker: Ashley Whitt Video Editor: Luke Shelley Content Editor: Joseph Palmer Production Manager: Vittoria Cecchini Social Handles: X: @blowerspod Instagram: whistleblowerspod TikTok: whistleblowerspodcast Email: whistleblowers@dailymail.com A Daily Mail Podcast. Seriously Popular. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.