Football's Cult Heroes

By: Sky Sports
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  • Summary

  • This is Football's Cult Heroes.

    A podcast series exploring the stories of the players that carried their clubs on their backs - on and off the pitch.

    Told by the players, fans and journalists that were there - we delve into why these players created such a strong bond with their fans and how they are still remembered years on.

    Join us on this journey, and if you like what you are listening to, hit the subscribe button and suggest a player you would like us to cover in the future!
    Copyright Sky Sports
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Football (Soccer)
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Episodes
  • Episode six: Kelly Smith

    Episode six: Kelly Smith
    Sep 3 2021
    Kelly Smith is the woman English football wasn't ready for.

    Those that saw her describe her as a generational talent - an "Mbappe or Haaland" that burst onto the scene with Arsenal in the late 90s and took the game by storm.

    But as the Women’s Super League begins its record-breaking three-year broadcasting deal with Sky Sports and the BBC, Football’s Cult Heroes explores the under-reported story of arguably England’s best-ever female player and why she had to travel to the United States to realise her ambitions.

    She returned to win the quadruple with Arsenal, inspiring a new generation with a left foot “like a jackhammer and a paintbrush at the same time”. But beyond the sphere of women’s football, her achievements still go under the radar.

    Told by her team-mates, journalists and fans that were there, we hear how Smith overcame injuries, isolation and alcoholism to leave an everlasting mark on not just women’s football, but the future of the English game.

    Interviews conducted in 2020 and 2021 in accordance with UK coronavirus restrictions.

    Warning: This podcast contains sensitive issues that some listeners may find triggering.
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    30 mins
  • Episode five: Dimitri Payet

    Episode five: Dimitri Payet
    Aug 18 2021
    The 2015/16 season was West Ham's chance to give their famous Boleyn Ground the perfect send-off after 112 years.

    A special player was needed to help to do just that.

    Enter Dimitri Payet.

    Football’s Cult Heroes explores Payet’s journey from Reunion Island to France, how he transformed mid-table West Ham into Champions League contenders and his infamous exit.

    This is the story of one of the most talented players to grace West Ham and how his legacy still remains conflicted to this day - told by the team-mates, journalists and fans that were there.

    Contributions from Tom Williams, Chris Scull, Darren Randolph, Julian Dicks, Matty Lawless, Geo Mackie and Gonzo.

    Interviews conducted in 2020 and 2021 in accordance with UK coronavirus restrictions.
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    34 mins
  • Episode four: Jay-Jay Okocha

    Episode four: Jay-Jay Okocha
    Aug 11 2021
    In the summer of 2002, Bolton manager Sam Allardyce was once again scouring the market for new players.

    Without a big budget, being resourceful had become second nature to Big Sam, often using his powers of persuasion to lure players to the Reebok Stadium.

    Nigeria superstar Jay-Jay Okocha was available on a free transfer after dazzling in leagues across Europe, but surely out of Bolton’s reach?

    You tell that to Big Sam!

    Here, Football’s Cult Heroes tells the story of how the man that mentored Ronaldinho at PSG came to lead Bolton’s ‘galacticos’ to the brink of the Champions League, embarrassing defenders and upsetting the elite.

    Team-mates speak of the “humble” captain that led by example whether on the pitch or on nights out in Manchester, journalists reveal the “business-like” character behind the entertainer image, and fans tell of the man that made Bolton cool.

    This is the story of Jay-Jay Okocha, the greatest showman.

    Contributions from Colin Udoh, Ed Aarons, Nicky Hunt, Maggie Tetlow, Gordon Sharrock and Kevin Davies.

    Interviews conducted in 2020 and 2021 in accordance with UK coronavirus restrictions.
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    40 mins

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