Episode 48: United London FC

We’re edging even closer to the big 50. Ed doesn’t know how to set up his new microphone, and for some reason there isn’t any music at the start of this episode.

This week we do have a guest, despite what George might have said. We’re joined by Mark North who reinvents a tradition that we’ve all definitely been missing. He’s the chairman of United London FC, the world’s first manager-less football club.

This week’s question is about either your searing memories of relegation, or watching your opponents “chuff it up” and take a strong team down.

Ed usually ends up getting sacked before he gets a chance to get relegated. He does remember getting Middlesborough relegated by losing 11 of the last 12 games of the season. He then fell on his sword.

Mark likes to start off with smaller teams. He’s taken Southend down at least once, but since there was never any glory on the horizon he’s not too upset. He’s a yo-yo manager. Or a “boingo boingo” according to George.

George didn’t technically get Oldham relegated, but he basically did. He also got Leeds relegated a lot. And I do mean a lot.

And then there’s all of these gems too –

  • George says that he loves the community but they’re all liars. He is a bit cranky though.
  • Mark sparks up some controversy. Well, first he sparks up some technical issues. He has two young children which limits his FM time, so his last game was FM14. But he also reverts back to CM08 because it’s his favourite version. Yup, his favourite game is post schism.
  • George’s Benfica save is going brilliantly. He’s only lost two league games in the whole season and won the league with five games to spare. He has “minced” the rest of the teams apparently. And he’s got PSG in the Champions League semi.
  • Ed has won the League for the fifth year running and has bagged his sixth Champions League. And he’s still enjoying himself, which is a turn up for the books. He’s talking about legacy now, which is maybe a bit worrying.
  • Then we have a chat about international management and how it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. And Mark talks us through the idea for United London FC. It’s basically Strictly Come Dancing for football.

Don’t fret though, there’s a lot more going on as well. And you can listen to it all in the SoundCloud player below. Or head to iTunes and search for Deep Lying Podcast.