One of the biggest stories in English football. Tomorrow, we get into all of it. 🍿
David Ornstein and Paul Gilroy join us for a special Stick to Football, breaking down the Manchester City verdict and what happens next. 🎙️
It's official. The statement released today by the Premier League ultimately confirms, unequivocally, the truth of everything that was revealed through Football Leaks. The Independent Commission is also particularly harsh in the way it characterises the actions taken by Manchester City executives, who, without a shadow of a doubt, acted with complete impunity, challenging everyone and everything. From the very beginning, they have demonstrated a complete lack of respect for the rules, for the bodies responsible for overseeing and regulating the game, for the integrity of the competition, for the other clubs and, above all, for the fans.
Years and years of cheating, lying and manipulation will finally have consequences.
How beautiful is this version of YNWA from the Liverpool Philharmonic, dedicated to Diogo and André Jota last week. It’s so powerful and personal it deserves to be played at Anfield for the first game of the season. Whoever at @LFC needs to sort it — make it happen. ❤️🎻
🖤 Diogo Jota - The Whistle's Blown Far Too Soon
Finding it hard to write these words, fingers trembling as I type. Diogo Jota is gone. Just days after marrying the love of his life, standing proudly in a church with his new wife Rute and their three young children, he and his brother Andre are lost in a road accident in Spain. A family torn apart, futures stolen in silence.
Jota was 28. A player in his prime, a Premier League champion, a Nations League winner, an #LFC forward who played the game with bite and purpose. But that’s not why this hurts so much. It’s because he carried himself with quiet dignity, a humility rare in modern football. He didn’t shout for attention, he earned respect by how he played, how he worked, how he made you believe.
He scored goals that lifted stadiums, but he never chased the spotlight. His joy seemed rooted not in fame, but in the chance to play, to contribute, to belong. And so we embraced him. Because we saw something of ourselves in him. Not the talent, not the trophies, but the effort, the heart, the sense of duty.
This morning we wake up in a world that makes less sense. A young father gone, a brother gone, a family grieving beyond words. And we grieve too, from afar. Because somehow, through the screen and the songs and the match days, they became part of our lives.
You never knew us, Diogo, but we knew you. And we will never forget. #YNWA #RIPJota #DiogoJota
There should be an enquiry into the VAR on the Tarkowski tackle. It’s not just that it’s the clearest red you’ll see all season, it’s the main reason red cards exist - to prevent play so violent that it could cause serious injuries.
Kind and fun, generous with time and advice, a writer whose words danced across the page, Paddy Barclay was a joy to work with. I can’t believe Paddy’s gone. He was charisma personified as a writer, a human being and a friend. Paddy had great curiosity in people (a huge strength for a journalist). He loved people and people loved Paddy because of his humour, his charm, his ability to talk about anything. And, above all, his warmth of spirit.
Paddy could not have been more helpful to me at the Indy and then the Sunday Tel. Every football writer will tell you that. New faces in the press boxes would be greeted by Paddy. He’d welcome them, introduce them to other reporters, also to players and managers. He’d invite them to play in press games, especially if they could spot his languid movement down the right.
In one game when we had a useful ringer in midfield, a certain Trevor Brooking, Paddy kept screaming for the ball as the distinguished former England international shimmied through midfield with the ball. “Trevor, Trevor, pass the ball!” Paddy shouted as Brooking beat another man. “Trevor, Trevor, pass the ball, FFS, Trevor!” Paddy demanded as Brooking sidestepped another tackle and neared goal. “Trevor, Trevor…pass the…oh, great goal, Trevor!!” That summed up Paddy, loving the game, loving playing and loving the skills of those like Brooking he loved to write about.
Paddy was brilliant company, one of the reasons why players and managers opened up to him. They also trusted him. And loved his sense of mischief. We were having a coffee with his great friend Gerard Houllier shortly after Liverpool’s triumphant string of trophies in 2001 and Gerard was understandably perplexed why he hadn’t been voted Manager of the Year. Paddy began eulogising the size and beauty of the LMA trophy presented to George Burley, who’d taken promoted Ipswich Town to fifth. Gerard realised eventually that Paddy was winding him up and joined in the joke. It showed the strength of their friendship.
Paddy was also a brilliant match reporter because he possessed that rare gift of capturing the passion, chaos and intricacy of a game while keeping it all in perspective, putting goals, result and performance into context. To do that at length to deadline is a tough gig. Paddy did it to perfection.
I spent an enjoyable, educational year at the Indy subbing Paddy’s copy which really didn’t need it. He filed exquisite copy which he was so proud of that he defended every word. I unnecessarily took out an adjective once and got a prompt call from Paddy early the next day explaining why that adjective was “the engine that drove the whole piece”. He was annoyed by my mistake but Paddy was never annoyed for long. Too much fun and laughter to be had.
So we can talk about Paddy’s technical and linguistic accomplishments as a match reporter, and his shrewd reading of the game that made him such a respected columnist. We can talk about how so many of his conversations ended with a reference to his beloved Dundee. We can talk about his wonderful voice, authoritative and making compulsive listening, which has adorned recent pods and shows. His contribution to Radio 4’s tribute to Denis Law was moving and insightful. But as well as the journalist and broadcaster, a legend of our profession, we also have to remember the man and his kindness. We swapped messages a few days ago, and Paddy’s replies were typically reflective of his writing prowess and warmth.
I heard that Paddy had passed away as I was driving to another friend’s funeral today. A bleak day got even bleaker. I’m a mile from the church writing this on my phone, thinking of the joy Paddy brought into my life and into the life of so many, journalists, readers and listeners. But most of all, I’m thinking of Paddy’s nearest and dearest. My heart goes out to them. Rest In Peace, Paddy.
As a life long @LFC fan, It’s very touching to hear Walkaway being used in this tribute to Klopp leaving Liverpool. So many unbelievable memories experienced and shared with friends and family.
Thanks for the ride Jurgen. YNWA
JP