Best Zonal Marking Podcasts (2025)

1
Zonal Marking (ReUpload) 1:28:37

5d ago1:28:37

1:28:37

We rank all of the levels from Sonic 1, 2, 3 'n' Knuckles to find the ultimate zone Reuploaded for copyright reasons.

1
Which teams deserve Champions League football next season? 50:18

8h ago50:18

50:18

This week we’re looking at an incredibly tight race in the Premier League to seal European football for next season. And we’ll discuss which of those teams are best set-up for success. Host: Michael Bailey With: Mark Carey and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Champions League final four 1:00:33

9d ago1:00:33

1:00:33

In this episode, we look back at the Champions League quarter finals. We also look ahead to the semi-finals and discuss the merits of Arsenal, Paris St Germain, Internazionale and Barcelona. If you want more on Inter, listen here - https://pod.fo/e/2296a4 For our bonus PSG episode, listen here - https://pod.fo/e/2c3d48 Or watch here - https://www.y…

1
A Sea Of Weavings 1:22:53

10d ago1:22:53

1:22:53

We've got a wee listicle episode to tide you over - Mick and super-sub Leo Glaister discuss their tap 5 secret characters in video gaming.

1
Where have all the French managers gone? 48:43

16d ago48:43

48:43

This week we’re focusing on French footballing identity. And we’ll attempt to discover why there is a lack of French managers across Europe’s top leagues. Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey, Tom Williams Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
How PSG became Champions League favourites 41:12

20d ago41:12

41:12

In this bonus edition of The Athletic FC Tactics podcast - Alex Barker and Liam Tharme tell you all you need to know about Luis Enrique’s PSG. They’ve just wrapped up Ligue 1 and could become the first side to win the title unbeaten. They’re also in the final of the Coupe de France and face Aston Villa in the quarter-finals of the Champions League …

1
How Forest have outsmarted the Premier League’s elite 47:14

23d ago47:14

47:14

This week… we’re talking about Nuno Espirito Santo’s Champions League-chasing Nottingham Forest. We’ll break down how a team who flirted with relegation last season have become one of the most difficult sides to play against in the division. Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about y…

1
How to win a football match 48:57

1M ago48:57

48:57

This week we’re focusing our attention on the metrics which win you football matches - other than goals and assists. We’ll talk second balls, duels and explain what coaches are actually watching on those tiny screens on the touchline. Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou We want to hear about you…

1
The Diabetes Mechanic 1:12:25

1M ago1:12:25

1:12:25

Classic Dynamite Neddy action, including the beloved segment "Andy's Curry Hoose Reviews". Mick has a 90s nostalgia moment with "X-Men" (1993) on the Sega Mega Drive, McCormick ponders sci-fi feudalism with "Phantasy Star III" (1990) also on the Mega Drive, and Andy Mac schools the ancient Greeks on "Hercules" (1997) on the PS1.…

1
Foreign International Managers 53:01

1M ago53:01

53:01

In this episode, we’re focusing our attention on international football. German head coach Thomas Tuchel takes charge of his first games as England manager this week. So we’re going to reflect on some of the great, and not so great, examples of foreign international managers and ask whether the impact they had in the past still applies today? Host:…

1
Who are the Champions League favourites now? 51:12

1M ago51:12

51:12

We’re focusing our attention on the Champions League. This season’s competition is at the quarter-final stages — giving us the perfect moment to look back on what’s happened and what the rest of the Champions League has in store for us. Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your a…

1
Are set pieces more important than ever? 50:48

2M ago50:48

50:48

This week we are breaking down the mechanics of set pieces. Are they a reliable and consistent source of goals, how do you stop them, and which teams are the best or worst at them? Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Mescaline Infused Laid Back Vibey Cloud Simulator 1:23:38

2M ago1:23:38

1:23:38

Mick saves some souls in SS Lucifer, McCormick confronts Mecha Hawk in Pilotwings 64 and Andy meets up with his sleep paralysis demon in Final Fantasy IX

1
How every position has evolved 53:28

2M ago53:28

53:28

This week we are looking at how positions and roles on the pitch have changed over the past five years. For example, what do No.8s do differently now and how have the No.9s responsibilities changed? Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Building the ideal modern day centre-back: https://pod.fo/e/2…

1
How data and AI is shaping football 51:22

2M ago51:22

51:22

We have a special guest with us - Paul Power from sports data company, SkillCorner, joins us to chat about how clubs really use data in recruitment and analysis Plus… what the future could hold in terms of football’s relationship with AI? Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Paul Power Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your …

1
Building the ideal modern day centre-back 50:23

2M ago50:23

50:23

This week we’re diving into the world of centre-backs! What traits do they need in today’s game, what does a good partnership now look like… and how has the role changed? Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Break Glass For Emergency Listicle 1:08:05

2M ago1:08:05

1:08:05

This week we're shining a light on the support acts of computer games and your Auld Das are bringing you oor tap 5 first bosses. There's discussions of frogs, pterodactyls, cowboys, barmen and of course, the Greenock Abu.

1
Which January signing will have the biggest impact? 45:15

3M ago45:15

45:15

This week we are analysing the winter transfer window signings who could have a big, tactical impact on their clubs over the rest of this season and beyond. We go for some obvious ones — but we’ll also talk about moves you may have missed! Host: Michael Bailey With: Mark Carey, Liam Tharme, Thom Harris and Michael Cox Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn m…

1
Premier League analysed: A stat for every club 49:14

3M ago49:14

49:14

This week we are bringing you a Tactics staple - a key statistic for every team in the Premier League. From Liverpool’s direct attacks to Crystal Palace’s runs in behind - we have you covered. Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
The Computer World 1:07:40

3M ago1:07:40

1:07:40

McCormick takes a wholesome golfing trip with Kirby in "Kirby's Dream Course" (1994), Mick investigates the crimes of Doctor Yoshiyama in "Pulseman" (1994) and Andy finds a new hero in Mayor Mike Haggar in "Final Fight" (1989).

1
Tactically interesting teams to watch in 2025 47:19

3M ago47:19

47:19

This week we are all about the tactically interesting teams you should be looking out for throughout the rest of 2025. What is it about them that has intrigued us; is there an up and coming manager doing something different, and who are the hidden gems in their squad? Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox,Thom Harris and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike…

1
Groomed by a Cyber Spirit 1:31:18

3M ago1:31:18

1:31:18

Mick gets involved in some bloodsport with Universal Soldier (Turrican 2), Andy has a happy happy joy joy time and McCormick has a psychedelic experience with LSD: Dream Emulator

1
Myth-busting pundit cliches 49:24

3M ago49:24

49:24

This week… we’re dipping our toes into the world of pundit cliches. Should you always shoot across goal, should goalkeepers always save a shot at their near post… and is Zonal Marking any good - the defensive corner tactic, that is. Not the Tactics podcast legend that is Mr Michael Cox. Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Th…

1
Mailbag: PL experience in January and left-footed centre-mids 42:44

4M ago42:44

42:44

This week… we’ve had SO MANY brilliant, insightful messages that it was about time to got stuck into our second Tactics Mailbag of the season. So today we’re talking… The importance of “Premier League experience” for January signings, when do new managers get “found out”, left-footed central-midfielders and much more! Host: Michael Bailey With: Mic…

1
Festive Football Tactical Notebook 49:45

4M ago49:45

49:45

In this episode, we navigate through the feast of festive football. With so many games played in such a short space of time, we pore over the tactical tidbits that have emerged. From Fulham in a back five to Chelsea leaking goals to yet another weakness in Manchester United. We also look at Arsenal’s Saka-shaped hole, which type of passes Mancheste…

1
Auld Bert's Heid (Christmas Special 2024) 1:06:10

4M ago1:06:10

1:06:10

Working Christmas Eve? Ya poor soul, we've got ye covered - it's time for the end of year round-up. As per, yer three intrepid hosts are giving ye their tap 3 games of the year (roast totties) and their least favourite of the year (the brussel sprout) on a theoretical Dynamite Neddy Christmas dinner plate. Also featuring - Andy Mac reviews Jim Carr…

1
2024 tactical trends 53:50

4M ago53:50

53:50

This is the last show of the year, so the perfect time to look back on the tactical highlights of 2024. We’re talking trends, teams, players, standout moments and of course, our tweak of the YEAR! Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Thom Harris Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
The Fitba Special 2024 1:36:23

4M ago1:36:23

1:36:23

It's your favourite, it's oor favourite, it's the fitba special. After a match report from Linlithgow Rose vs. Clachnacuddin in a Scottish Cup tie a million years ago, we dive into four fitba adjacent games. Mick gets sent off for dissent in Red Card, McCormick suffers existential angst in Football Drama, Andy takes a trip down memory lane in ISS 6…

1
The Premier League’s overachievers 44:07

5M ago44:07

44:07

This week we’re looking at the Premier League teams who are punching above their weight… we’re talking Nottingham Forest, Brighton, Bournemouth, Brentford, Fulham and maybe a few others. How do these clubs build their status in the English top flight and climb the table in the years after promotion? Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Care…

1
How to manage leads and dangerous scorelines 45:15

5M ago45:15

45:15

This week we’re delving into the world of game state, and how tactics change whether a team is winning, losing or drawing. And… can we come up with what the most dangerous scoreline really is? Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Proto Man and Waifus 1:23:19

5M ago1:23:19

1:23:19

McCormick finds God in the meditative world of Japanese farming simulator "Harvest Moon" (1996), Mick C pontificates about Proto Man in "Mega Man: The Wily Wars" (1995) and a brief appearance from Andy Mac has him getting lost in the weeds of "Secret of Evermore" (1995).

1
Liverpool vs Man City: Where the game will be won 44:33

5M ago44:33

44:33

It’s Liverpool against Manchester City at Anfield in the Premier League this weekend — and given what these two clubs have been up to recently, there’s plenty to dissect, on the present and what we may get down the road. Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Thom Harris Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit…

1
How do teams cope without their star players? 44:12

5M ago44:12

44:12

In light of Manchester City’s attempts to cope without Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, and Arsenal’s struggles without their captain Martin Odegaard, we’re asking — how do teams cope without their star players? Host: Michael Bailey With: Liam Tharme, Thom Harris, Art de Roché Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adc…

1
Call of Shatulu - The Cry of the Catman (Part 2) 1:08:44

6M ago1:08:44

1:08:44

In the thrilling conclusion to our tabletop adventure, Crawford Lyle (McCormick) and Knuckles McGraw (Andy) learn the dark plans of the mysterious Hugh Scott. Will they foil his infernal plot or will they succumb to madness?

1
Back Three Formations 47:56

6M ago47:56

47:56

In this episode, we talk about back three formations. Ruben Amorim loves them, and he’ll be the boss at Manchester United from next week. And Simone Inzaghi’s Internazionale, also featuring a back three, beat Arsenal this week, had already drawn with Man City; and are yet to concede a Champions League goal. So are back threes back? Or is this just …

1
Hansi Flick’s brave Barcelona 40:32

6M ago40:32

40:32

This week, we’re focusing on Barcelona after an incredible pair of results for Hansi Flick’s side. Barcelona’s 4-0 win over Real Madrid in El Clasico came just three days after their 4-1 victory over Bayern Munich in the Champions League. Not bad! So, how has Hansi Flick done it? Let’s find out! Host: Matt Davies-Adams With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey…

1
Call of Shatulu - The Cry of the Catman (Part 1) 1:02:31

6M ago1:02:31

1:02:31

We're doing something a bit different this Galoshans - we're playing spooky tabletop RPG Call of Cthulhu. Join eccentric dandy Crawford Lyle and battle-scarred hardman Knuckles McGraw in 1920s Greenock as they solve the mystery of the disappearing dock workers

1
Have Liverpool evolved under Arne Slot? 44:48

6M ago44:48

44:48

This week, we’re focusing on Liverpool and their almost perfect start under new manager Arne Slot. It’s been a record-busting beginning for Liverpool… so how has the transition from legendary manager Jurgen Klopp gone so smoothly at Anfield, and what are the challenges that now lie ahead for Slot? Host: Michael Bailey With: Mark Carey, Liam Tharme …

1
The Ballad of Robert Culliford 1:31:28

6M ago1:31:28

1:31:28

McCormick finds out what it's like to truly hate Mondays in "Garfield: Caught in the Act" (1995), Clocherty becomes a 1660s French maritime monster in "Pirates! Gold" (1993) and MacArthur hates ladders but loves Xenomorphs in "Alien 3" (1992). All three games are on the Sega Mega Drive, just how we like it. Also featuring: a discussion of the obscu…

1
Assessing the promoted teams' survival chances 42:11

7M ago42:11

42:11

This week, we’re focusing on the promoted sides in the Premier League. Where are their structural shortcomings, what is the plan that secures survival and is it now harder than ever to achieve it? Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Can managers succeed without a team of stars? 47:40

7M ago47:40

47:40

This week, we’re focusing on Bundesliga title rivals Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich. The evolution of these two sides under the coaching of Xabi Alonso and Vincent Kompany respectively, got us thinking… do some managers require a team of elite players in order to succeed? Host: Michael Bailey With: Seb Stafford-Bloor, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme…

1
Mailbag: Angeball 2.0, the new No.10s & tactical revolutions 41:50

7M ago41:50

41:50

This week, we bring you our first, long-awaited listener mailbag! You’ve been sending in some excellent questions and ideas since we came back for the new season — and now is the time for us to discuss them! So, the topics on today’s agenda include: Angeball 2.0, the new No.10 role and tactical revolutions at smaller clubs. Host: Michael Bailey Wit…

1
Has data’s impact on football been overstated? 48:42

7M ago48:42

48:42

This week, we’re focusing on the world of football data and whether it’s had the profound impact on the game — on and off the pitch — that everyone thinks it has. So, has data actually changed football? Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5756088/2024/09/11/how-h…

1
Siegfried Rice 1:30:45

7M ago1:30:45

1:30:45

Nae Mick today unfortunately but we've got special guest Aero experiencing daddy issues in Final Fantasy Legend 2, McCormick doing religious studies in Soul Edge and Andy having no moral compass in Beatdown: Fists of Vengeance

1
Salah the elite creator: how players evolve over time 45:58

8M ago45:58

45:58

This week, Michael Cox’s excellent article on the evolution of Mohamed Salah into a creative force got our minds whirring. How do elite players alter their style and approach, as they reach the latter stages of their careers? Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Ahmed Walid Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. …

1
How to build a Premier League squad 47:40

8M ago47:40

47:40

Chelsea’s somewhat chaotic attempt at squad building got us thinking about how best to actually go about assembling a Premier League squad. Matt Davies-Adams and the panel try to find some answers. Host: Matt Davies-Adams With: Michael Cox, Mark Carey and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoi…

1
President Dreamcast 1:00:38

8M ago1:00:38

1:00:38

We've got a Michael-centric episode as Mr Andy Mac is busy doing reconnaissance work at "The Biscuit", with the return of an indie games recommendations episode. McCormick charts the history of a cursed object in "The Case of the Golden Idol" (2022) and Mick attempts to survive an Eastern European battle royale in "Fear and Hunger 2 Termina" (2022)…

1
What the Premier League's opening weekend didn't tell us 48:55

8M ago48:55

48:55

One week into 2024/25, we’re attempting to circumnavigate the knee-jerk and catch the tactical teething problems. We look at how the top teams fared and what transfers are still needed, plus various Premier League strikers. Host: Michael Bailey With: Michael Cox, Thom Harris and Liam Tharme Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. V…

1
Ouija Boards and Mega Zords 1:03:44

8M ago1:03:44

1:03:44

Andy Mac ponders what it is to be sexy in "Sexy Parodius" (1996), McCormick imagines life as a Victorian gentleman fighting the occult in "Master of Darkness" (1992) and Mick pilots his Mega Zord through some admittedly poor cultural sensitivity in "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers" (1994).

1
Tactical Premier League preview - part two 46:17

8M ago46:17

46:17

It’s part two of our own Premier League preview ahead of the 2024-25 season — where we look at the tactical conundrums facing each team in the English top flight. Last week, our groupings were… title contenders, dark horses and surprise packages. If you don’t know who we shoehorned into each of those, then go have a listen back. This week we have… …

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Zonal Marking Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen