Show notes

The Underdog Football Show dives into a packed international break, major developments across European football and a growing crisis at one of England’s historic lower-league clubs. Chris Horwedel begins with the UEFA Nations League , where Spain extend their unbeaten run to 39 matches after coming from behind to beat England at Wembley. Jürgen Klopp’s difficult start with Germany continues after a draw with the Netherlands and a historic home defeat to Greece, while Portugal win in Norway without Cristiano Ronaldo and Belgium, France, Northern Ireland, Kosovo and Finland highlight the rest of the international action. The episode also examines Jarrad Branthwaite’s unusual injury-recovery story , including neurological testing in Germany designed to identify why recurring hamstring and groin problems kept returning, along with the broader debate over evidence, pseudoscience and marginal gains in elite football. Then it’s down to the National League for a deep look at Hartlepool United’s disastrous start . New American ownership, a competitive budget, 14 new signings and promotion ambitions quickly gave way to Lee Clark resigning after nine league matches, another heavy defeat and Hartlepool searching for yet another permanent manager. Transfer stories include Matt Miazga joining NYCFC , Colorado Rapids investing in 17-year-old Akol Akon and David Alaba’s reported move toward Udinese, before the focus shifts to the Women’s Champions League and early tests for Chelsea, Manchester City and Bayern Munich. Finally, the show addresses the enormous Manchester City-Premier League financial case , following reports that the independent commission found City guilty on 114 of 115 charges. With City continuing to deny wrongdoing, no final publicly confirmed sanction and an appeal expected, the case remains one of the biggest unresolved stories in English football.