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

January 15 · 1 hr 3 min
Spurs and West Ham - Football's WORST Managed Derby?
Welcome back to Whistleblowers! This week, Ian Ladyman takes the reins alongside Mark Clattenburg and friend of the show Andy Dillon to discuss exactly what is wrong with West Ham, whether the club could survive relegation, and what do you do with a problem like Paqueta... Meanwhile, the lads are joined by Spurs creator Ben Bowman to chat about Tottenham's sorry state of affairs before the two teams meet in the league this weekend, before assessing Michael Carrick's chances at Old Trafford. Whistleblowers | Football From The Inside Out Hosts: Ian Ladyman, Mark Clattenburg, and Andy Dillon Special Guest: Ben Bowman 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 13 · 18 min
Head Coach or Manager...What does it Matter?
Welcome back to Whistleblowers! This week, Mark Clattenburg, Ian Ladyman, and Gordon Smart debate an often overlooked topic; Head Coach or Manager - what's the difference, and does it even matter? Keep losing games and you get sacked either way... Meanwhile, Ian asks Mark who are the hardest personalities in football to referee, and Mr Clattenburg struggles to hide his true feelings! 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 8 · 1 hr 4 min
Culture Cams on WHO is to blame for Man United's Chaos
Welcome back to Whistleblowers! In this week's bumper episode, Mark, Ian, and Gordon have plenty to discuss after a chaotic week of manager sackings. They're joined by Culture Cams to take a deep dive into Amorim's sacking and whether he's solely to blame for United's crisis or the INEOS have dropped one too many balls... Meanwhile, the boys explore football's trend towards younger managers (spoilers - it's not as new a trend as you might think!) before asking that ever-present question - is the magic of the FA Cup still alive? And if not, why not? Whistleblowers | Football From The Inside Out Hosts: Gordon Smart, Mark Clattenburg and Ian Ladyman Special Guest: Culture Cams 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 1 · 53 min
Our Best Bits from 2025!
Happy New Year from Whistleblowers! We're taking a break this week, but thought we'd tide you over with a few of our favourite moments from the 2025 - from Mark letting loose, to Ian being called 'sad' by Terry Butcher, to Gordon destroying a priceless table, there's plenty to look back on fondly. So sit back, enjoy, and we'll see you in 2026! 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.
Dec 30, 2025 · 30 min
Our New Year's Predictions and Resolutions!
Happy New Year from Whistleblowers! In this bonus episode, Mark, Ian, and Gordon look back and tear apart their predictions from he start of the pod, and make some more just for good measure! Plus, the lads talk about what footballing resolutions they want to make going forward into 2026... 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.
Dec 25, 2025 · 50 min
A Frosty Christmas for Celtic and United!
Merry Christmas from Whistleblowers! In this festive Christmas cracker, Mark, Gordon, and Ian chat about all things Celtic and United as they struggle to get on top of their current predicaments… Meanwhile, the boys discuss their best footballing memories from Christmases past, and the best presents they ever got! 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.
Dec 23, 2025 · 23 min
Should the Playoffs be CHANGED?
This week on Whistleblowers, Mark Clattenburg and Gordon Smart are back with Mr Joel Beya, as the lads chat about the importance of the playoffs and whether anything around the current system should be changed - Mark’s views are very clear! Meanwhile, Joel explains how he got into the world of football media, and how important his personal relationships are to making sure he can produce the best content, day after day. Don’t forget to send us your questions at whistleblowers@dailymail.com, or on our socials! Whistleblowers | Football From The Inside Out Hosts: Gordon Smart, Mark Clattenburg and Joel Beya 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.
Dec 18, 2025 · 52 min
Joel Beya: The Table is FLATTERING United
Welcome back to Whistleblowers! Gordon Smart and Mark Clattenburg are once again joined by Mr Joel Beya - Back by popular demand! They lads discuss the fallout from Bruno Fernandes’ bombshell interview and whether Man United have even made any improvements since Ten Haag, before dissecting Enzo Maresca’s controversial words and what they mean for the modern football ‘soap opera’. Meanwhile, Mark tears another refereeing decision to shreds and Joel reveals his dream football match, before Gordon tells us about his pitch-invasion antics! Whistleblowers | Football From The Inside Out Hosts: Gordon Smart, Mark Clattenburg and Joel Beya 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.
Dec 16, 2025 · 32 min
Our BIGGEST Football Mistakes
This week on Whistleblowers, Mark Clattenburg, Ian Ladyman, and Gordon Smart are back with Mr Joel Beya, as the boys discuss their biggest football mistakes - from buying tickets to the wrong game, to accidentally getting stuck in the away end… Plus, Ian and Gordon reveal which venues they’re not allowed back to, and Joel asks Mark for the refereeing decision he regrets to this very day. Don’t forget to send us your questions at whistleblowers@dailymail.com, or on our socials! Whistleblowers | Football From The Inside Out Hosts: Gordon Smart, Mark Clattenburg and Ian Ladyman Special Guest: Joel Beya 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.
Dec 11, 2025 · 58 min
Has Punditry gone too far?
Welcome back to Whistleblowers! This week, Mark Clattenburg, Ian Ladyman, and Gordon Smart are joined by friend of the podcast Joel Beya to discuss the chaos currently surrounding Mo Salah, and what the whole debacle has shown us about the state of modern punditry. Plus, Ian lets rip on Spurs' 15,000 empty seats, Joel gives us his opinions on the new Champions League format, and Mark tears apart one of the game's most problematic rules. Don't forget to send us your questions at whistleblowers@dailymail.com, or on socials! Whistleblowers | Football From The Inside Out Hosts: Gordon Smart, Mark Clattenburg and Andy Dillon Special Guest: Joel Beya 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.
Dec 9, 2025 · 22 min
Are Wolves the WORST Prem team in history?
This week on Whistleblowers, Mark Clattenburg, Gordon Smart, and Ian Ladyman are joined by the one and only Troopz TV, as they try to work out just how bad this current Wolves team actually is. Plus, Troopz has the opportunity to pose Mark a question he’s always wanted to ask, and he doesn’t pull his punches! Send Mark, Ian, and Gordon your questions at whistleblowers@dailymail.com, or drop them in the comments wherever you get your podcasts! Whistleblowers | Football From The Inside Out Hosts: Gordon Smart, Mark Clattenburg and Ian Ladyman Special Guest: Troopz 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.
Dec 4, 2025 · 54 min
Troopz: Emery would have WON the league by now
Welcome back to Whistleblowers! Gordon Smart, Ian Ladyman and Mark Clattenburg are joined by Arsenal TV legend Troopz to talk all things Gunners, as he reveals his true thoughts on Mikel Arteta, goes in hard on Spurs’ dreadful record, and quizzes our resident ref on the latest VAR controversy. Meanwhile, Gordon tells us about the Scottish international who owns a chicken launcher, and Ian tears into Chelsea’s ‘embarrassing’ play acting. Send Mark, Ian, and Gordon your questions at whistleblowers@dailymail.com, or drop them in the comments wherever you get your podcasts! Whistleblowers | Football From The Inside Out Hosts: Gordon Smart, Mark Clattenburg and Ian Ladyman Special Guest: Troopz 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.
Dec 2, 2025 · 32 min
Should Danny Welbeck be TOP of Tuchel’s list?
This week on Whistleblowers, Mark Clattenburg, Gordon Smart and Ian Ladyman assess whether Danny Welbeck is the best backup for Harry Kane, and how likely Jack Grealish is to return to the England squad. Plus, the boys give us an unusual football travel guide and reveal some of their most insane post-match antics! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Nov 27, 2025 · 52 min
Clattenburg: Man United has LOST its Core Values
This week on Whistleblowers, Gordon Smart, Mark Clattenburg, and Ian Ladyman take a look at just what keeps going wrong at Manchester United, and why the Red Devils seem to have lost their soul. Meanwhile, Mark Clattenburg tells us the financial impact of a bad refereeing assessment, and the boys reveal their most unbelievable gambling stories. Whistleblowers | Football From The Inside Out Hosts: Gordon Smart, 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.
Nov 25, 2025 · 26 min
The Premier League’s MOST Unappreciated Players
This week on Whistleblowers, Mark Clattenburg, Gordon Smart and Ian Ladyman answer a simple question - who is the most under-rated player in the Premier League? Meanwhile, the boys discuss the moments in their sporting lives that they wish they could change, and Gordon’s is as Scottish as it gets… Whistleblowers | Football From The Inside Out Hosts: Gordon Smart, Mark Clattenburg and Ian Ladyman Producer: Henry Williams Assistant 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.
Nov 20, 2025 · 50 min
Is Jude Bellingham Becoming a Problem for England’s World Cup Hopes?
Welcome back to Whistleblowers! Craig Hope emerges from his “nuclear bunker” to break down the chaos surrounding Jude Bellingham, petulance, England’s camp culture and Thomas Tuchel’s handling of it all.Ian and Gordon dig into whether the media are being fair, how many times the line can be drawn with a superstar, and what this means for England heading into the World Cup. They also dive into Scotland’s dramatic World Cup qualification, including Scott McTominay’s overhead kick, Kenny McLean’s finish, fan anxiety, and the emotional reaction across the country. There’s debate about Steve Clarke’s tactics, squad selection, and whether Scotland are evolving as a footballing side. Whistleblowers | Football From The Inside Out Hosts: Gordon Smart, Mark Clattenburg and Ian Ladyman Producer: Henry Williams Assistant 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.
Nov 18, 2025 · 31 min
The moment Mark Clattenburg thought his career was OVER
This week on Whistleblowers, Mark Clattenburg reveals the incident that almost ended his refereeing career, as well as the man who started it all. Meanwhile, Andy Dillon tells us why Muhammad Ali is his dream dinner party guest, and Gordon Smart shows us why football runs in his blood…literally! Whistleblowers | Football From The Inside Out Hosts: Gordon Smart, Mark Clattenburg and Andy Dillon Producer: Henry Williams Assistant 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.
Nov 13, 2025 · 47 min
Joey Barton Stories You’ll Never Forget
Welcome back to Whistleblowers! Gordon Smart is joined by Mark Clattenburg and Andy Dillon as they discuss: the state of refereeing, VAR controversies, and the madness of modern football culture. From Liverpool’s disallowed goal against Man City to American owners threatening legal action, nothing’s off limits. Clattenburg opens up on what really happens behind the whistle - the pressure, the politics, and the moments when control completely slips away. We then dive into the world of Joey Barton, and explain exactly what he’s like - on and off the pitch. Whistleblowers | Football From The Inside Out Hosts: Gordon Smart, Mark Clattenburg and Ian Ladyman Producer: Henry Williams Assistant 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.
Nov 11, 2025 · 29 min
Ian Ladyman: “It’s a cheat’s charter - three subs is ENOUGH!”
This week on Whistleblowers, Mark Clattenburg, Ian Ladyman, and Gordon Smart make their opinions on top-tier football’s moves to bring in a sixth substitute very clear. Meanwhile, Ian tells us which club made him report on a game from the top of a double-decker bus and Gordon reveals the shocking advice he was given when Vinnie Jones was his manager. Whistleblowers | Football From The Inside OutHosts: 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.
Nov 6, 2025 · 52 min
Is Virgil Van Dijk too ‘thin-skinned’ to wear the armband?
In this week’s episode of Whistleblowers, the boys are joined by Redmen TV’s Errol Smith to discuss all things Anfield following Liverpool’s takedown of Real Madrid and the return of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Merseyside. Ian Ladyman reveals the inside story on just how he ended up riding a horse through Moscow, before he and Mark go head to head on Ifab’s new VAR rulings. AND Gordon Smart takes us behind the scenes of his interview with Gareth Southgate as the lads discuss the true legacy of one of England’s most divisive managers. 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.