Walk On: The Athletic FC's Liverpool show

"We need more players" Iraola spells out Liverpool transfer reality 16.07.2026 45мин

James Pearce, Simon Hughes and Andy Jones join Tony Evans to react to Iraola’s first press conference. As the new head coach openly admitted that Liverpool need more signings, there’s a debate over whether the club are already playing catch-up in the transfer window and what kind of backing he will receive.There’s also discussion around Michael Edwards’ confirmed exit and what it means for Liverpool’s long-term structure under FSG, with questions over whether the club are drifting from the model that once made them so effective in the transfer market.Plus the guys review how the club’s players have fared at the World Cup, and what it all means heading into the US tour and new season.Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: Andy Jones, Simon Hughes & James PearceProducers: Guy Clarke & Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is there a lack of leadership at Liverpool? 09.07.2026 48мин

Sporting Director Richard Hughes is expected to leave Liverpool and join Saudi club Al Hilal.Tony Evans is joined by Simon Hughes and James Pearce to discuss whether this leaves a void in leadership at the top of the club. What will it mean for Michael Edwards, and will it have any impact on this summer’s transfer window?The team also discuss the new coaching set up under Andoni Iraola. Who has the new boss brought with him and what are their roles?Plus, with Andy Robertson leaving this summer, who should be the next vice-captain? And are there enough leaders in the squad with Mo Salah also departing.Want to get in touch with your thoughts?Email: walkon@theathletic.comProduced by Guy Clarke and Xavi Bird. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What now after Diomande prefers PSG? 02.07.2026 44мин

The big transfer story we all thought would consume our summer has come to an abrupt and unpleasant end for Liverpool.Tony Evans is joined by James Pearce and Simon Hughes as Yan Diomande decides that he’d rather play for PSG over the Reds. What does this mean for the club’s pulling power?Andy Jones also joins the team to chat about who Liverpool should now be looking to bring in instead.And with only three Reds players still at the World Cup, we chat about how several big name early exits could actually benefit our pre-season.Produced by Guy Clarke and Xavi Bird. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Inter bid for Jones & Diomande makes more waves 24.06.2026 44мин

It’s the hottest day of the year so far in the UK and transfer talk is hotting up with the Walk On team.Tony Evans sits down with James Pearce and Andy Jones to discuss whether Curtis Jones still has a future at Liverpool after the Reds reject an approach from Inter Milan. Might the Italians come back for more though?There’s an expert’s look on Yan Diomande as Seb Stafford-Bloor tells the team what they can expect from the Ivorian if he joins from Leipzig.And how might Andoni Iraola get the most out of Cody Gakpo? The Dutchman continues to impress at the World Cup.All this plus an update from undercover operator Simon Hughes who’s up to more hijinks in North America.Want to get in touch with your thoughts?Email: walkon@theathletic.comProduced by Guy Clarke and Xavi Bird. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Munoz in, Isak impresses & Diomande mania! 18.06.2026 57мин

The first big arrival news of the summer has dropped! Liverpool are set to sign Spanish winger Victor Munoz from Osasuna.Tony Evans is joined by James Pearce and Andy Jones to discuss what we know about the 22-year-old. How might he fit into Andoni Iraola’s new system? And what does his signature mean for the pursuit of Yan Diomande? Alexander Isak looks good again: a goal and two assists on World Cup duty for Sweden. How important would a good tournament be for his confidence going into next season?All this, plus we hear about a fascinating chat between James and Academy Director Alex Inglethorpe - and there’s a voicenote from special agent Simon Hughes, who’s in an undisclosed location in North America.Want to get in touch with your thoughts?Email: walkon@theathletic.comProduced by Xavi Bird & Guy Clarke. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Iraola impressions & silly season begins! 11.06.2026 43мин

James Pearce and Andy Jones join Tony Evans as Liverpool begin life under new head coach Andoni Iraola.With the World Cup kicking off, the panel assess early impressions of Iraola following his first interview.There’s new insight into how Liverpool moved quickly to secure Iraola, what attracted him to the role, and the importance of his relationship with sporting director Richard Hughes.Finally attention turns to the latest transfer news and the panel pay tribute to Divock Origi following his retirement.Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: Andy Jones & James PearceProducers: Guy Clarke & Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Inside Slot’s sacking & why Iraola — right fit or risky gamble? 04.06.2026 40мин

We want to hear from you. After another dramatic season, we’re running a short survey to get your feedback on how we’ve podcasted for you over the last nine months. All feedback is welcome!https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Nd0mZ5gwgEgLo9Mv3FWuTZdbNWO594xsd7768ccgfDA/edit?ts=6a101cbcSimon Hughes and James Pearce join Tony Evans to debate the arrival of Iraola. Will his approach be the right fit for Liverpool and is he ready to handle the pressure and expectations that come with one of Europe’s biggest jobs?The panel also unpack the decision to sack Slot, exploring why the club’s faith ultimately disappeared and what went wrong behind the scenes during a turbulent second season. We take you inside the thinking that led Liverpool to act.Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: Simon Hughes & James PearceProducers: Guy Clarke & Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Emergency pod: Slot sacked - Iraola in? 30.05.2026 38мин

James Pearce and Simon Hughes are alongside Tony Evans for an emergency episode after Liverpool announced the sacking of head coach Arne Slot.The panel give their reaction to the announcement, discuss where things went wrong for the Dutchman at Anfield - before getting onto who could be his replacement, with outgoing Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola the clear frontrunner. But is he really the right fit for Liverpool? Should the Reds not be setting their sights a little higher?We want to hear from you. We’re running a short survey to get your feedback on how we’ve podcasted for you over the last nine months. All feedback is welcome!https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Nd0mZ5gwgEgLo9Mv3FWuTZdbNWO594xsd7768ccgfDA/edit?ts=6a101cbcEmail: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: James Pearce and Simon HughesProducers: Guy Clarke and Ben Green Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Inside Liverpool's woeful season & who stays or goes this summer 28.05.2026 42мин

We want to hear from you. After another dramatic season, we’re running a short survey to get your feedback on how we’ve podcasted for you over the last nine months. All feedback is welcome!https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Nd0mZ5gwgEgLo9Mv3FWuTZdbNWO594xsd7768ccgfDA/edit?ts=6a101cbcAndy Jones and James Pearce join Tony Evans to reflect on a difficult Liverpool season and ask the blunt question: where did it all go wrong?The panel begin by revisiting the off-field context that shaped the campaign before focus shifts to a full squad audit, starting with the defence and moving through midfield and attack. James and Andy debate who should stay, who should go, and where Liverpool need major reinforcements this summer.Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: Andy Jones & James PearceProducers: Guy Clarke & Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stick or twist: does Champions League save Slot? 25.05.2026 44мин

We want to hear from you. After another dramatic season, we’re running a short survey to get your feedback on how we’ve podcasted for you over the last nine months. All feedback is welcome!https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Nd0mZ5gwgEgLo9Mv3FWuTZdbNWO594xsd7768ccgfDA/edit?ts=6a101cbcAndy Jones and James Pearce join Tony Evans to reflect on an emotional final day at Anfield, as Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson say goodbye to Anfield. Did they get the send off they deserve and how was the mood inside Anfield?Attention then shifts to Arne Slot. Champions League football has been secured next season, but has he done enough to lead the club into the next campaign?There’s also discussion on emerging talent. The Athletic’s Felipe Cardenas provides us with information on Liverpool’s young Colombian prospect Samuel Martinez.Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: Andy Jones, James Pearce & Felipe CardenasProducers: Guy Clarke & Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Farewell Mo and Robbo 21.05.2026 41мин

Simon Hughes and James Pearce join Tony Evans ahead of Liverpool’s season finale, with Champions League football almost secured — but little sense of celebration around Anfield.Focus quickly turns to what will be the final Liverpool appearances for Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson. What kind of send-off can the two modern club greats expect?The Athletic’s Mark Carey also drops in to explain how Salah’s move from AS Roma helped reshape modern recruitment, before the panel preview the Brentford clash — a final-day fixture with plenty riding on it for both sides.Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: Simon Hughes, James Pearce & Mark CareyProducers: Guy Clarke & Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Salah v Slot? Inside Liverpool's collapse 18.05.2026 46мин

Simon Hughes and James Pearce join Tony Evans after another damaging defeat for Liverpool FC — their 19th of a miserable campaign.The focus turns to Mohamed Salah after his latest social media post. Is this a parting shot at Arne Slot and what should we make of teammates publicly backing it?Beyond Salah, the panel dig into where the blame lies for Liverpool’s collapse this season. Has Slot become an easy scapegoat and do questions need to be asked of the players, recruitment, ownership and the wider structure?Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: Simon Hughes & James PearceProducers: Guy Clarke & Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What Alonso to Chelsea would mean for Slot & Reds' summer shopping list 13.05.2026 41мин

James Pearce and Andy Jones are alongside Tony Evans to discuss the latest events around Liverpool including Chelsea exploring the possibility of hiring Xabi Alonso as their next head coach.With pressure mounting on Liverpool's Arne Slot, the panel reflect on how Chelsea's move for Alonso could impact the security of the Dutchman's position at Anfield.Gregg Evans also joins to discuss the upcoming summer transfer window to look at the attacking and midfield options the Reds may be looking at following on from the series Scouting for Liverpool running across The Athletic.Plus, with Friday night seeing a trip to Villa Park in-store for Liverpool we look ahead to what to expect!Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: James Pearce, Andy Jones and Gregg EvansProducer: Guy Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Breaking point for Slot? Anfield turns on Liverpool 11.05.2026 41мин

Simon Hughes and James Pearce join Tony Evans to reflect on a damaging draw with Chelsea — and a toxic atmosphere at Anfield.With fans audibly turning on the team, the panel ask whether this is breaking point for Arne Slot.The conversation also turns to the summer ahead. What does Slot mean when he says he knows exactly what the squad is missing?Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: Simon Hughes & James PearceProducers: Guy Clarke & Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Salah’s leadership warning — and ticket price breakthrough 07.05.2026 39мин

Simon Hughes and James Pearce join Tony Evans to unpack a big week at Liverpool FC — on and off the pitch.With Mohamed Salah raising concerns about dressing-room standards and leadership after his departure, the panel debate whether Liverpool are facing a cultural reset — and who, if anyone, is ready to step up.There’s also reaction to breaking news around ticket prices before the focus turns to a huge summer: is a holding midfielder the priority, and do Liverpool need more than just talent — but personality too?Finally, the Reds host Chelsea FC at Anfield, knowing a win would all but secure Champions League football. How big is this game and is anything less than victory simply not acceptable?Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: Simon Hughes & James PearceProducers: Guy Clarke & Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

18 defeats and a lack of identity — where are Liverpool heading? 04.05.2026 35мин

Simon Hughes and James Pearce join Tony Evans to dissect a damaging defeat for Liverpool FC at Manchester United.After a dismal first-half display at Old Trafford, the panel assess how concerning the performance was, whether Arne Slot got it wrong tactically, and what a mounting tally of 18 defeats says about the direction of this team.There is also an update on injuries to key players and a look at what needs to change this summer.Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: Simon Hughes & James PearceProducers: Guy Clarke & Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liverpool v Man United rivalry explained & shopping for Salah's replacement 30.04.2026 43мин

Simon Hughes and James Pearce join Tony Evans to preview one of football’s biggest occasions as Liverpool FC head to Manchester United with third place on the line.The panel dive into the history and intensity of the rivalry between England’s two most successful clubs — from its roots in industrial Britain to decades of dominance, with both sides now locked on 20 league titles.There’s also the latest on Mohamed Salah’s return from injury, and how Liverpool might begin to replace him this summer — with Alexander Isak emerging as a key figure in the club’s evolving attack.Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: Simon Hughes & James PearceProducers: Guy Clarke & Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

End of an era? Salah injury & Liverpool’s future attack 27.04.2026 39мин

Simon Hughes and James Pearce join Tony Evans to assess the latest on Salah’s injury. Could that be the last time we see him in a Liverpool shirt?There are signs of a new era emerging. Alexander Isak opened his Anfield account, while Florian Wirtz also got on the scoresheet — but are Liverpool starting to figure out how to get the best out of their big-money signings?The panel also reflect on Liverpool winning the Premier League exactly one year ago today. Does Arne Slot deserve some more slack and what does he need this summer to ease the pressure?Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: Simon Hughes & James PearceProducers: Guy Clarke & Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is the future bright for Slot's Liverpool? 23.04.2026 43мин

Simon Hughes and James Pearce join Tony Evans to assess the bigger picture at Anfield. With Arne Slot insisting the future looks promising, the panel ask whether that optimism is justified — or if major questions still need answering.A big focus is on the goalkeeping situation. With injuries to Alisson Becker and Giorgi Mamardashvili, and Freddie Woodman stepping in, what does Liverpool’s long-term plan look like between the posts?Plus, a preview of the weekend clash with Crystal Palace — a side that has caused Liverpool plenty of recent problems!Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: Simon Hughes & James PearceProducers: Guy Clarke & Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Konate contract, derby day delight & significance for Slot 20.04.2026 40мин

Simon Hughes and James Pearce join Tony Evans to react to a dramatic derby day victory over Everton, sealed by a towering late header from Virgil van Dijk. Was it Liverpool’s most significant win of the season — and does the performance even matter if the result is this big?There’s also fresh insight into Ibrahima Konaté’s contract situation, with positive signs emerging — and what that could mean for Liverpool’s summer plans.Plus, inspired by Simon’s latest piece, the conversation turns to a bigger question: what does it really mean to represent Liverpool? With many key figures living away from the city, does that disconnect matter — or is it simply part of the modern game?Want to get in touch with your thoughts? Email: walkon@theathletic.comHost: Tony EvansWith: Simon Hughes & James PearceProducers: Guy Clarke & Nick Thomson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.