Share
Outspoken with White & Jordan
Up Front With Simon Jordan: Gianfranco Zola
On today’s episode we are joined by one of the most iconic Italians to grace the Premier League. From humble beginnings in his hometown Sardinia, Gianfranco Zola was famed for playing the game in a beautiful way. He became one of the rising stars in his hometown which earned him a big money move to Napoli, who were led by the God-like figure Diego Maradona.
After impressing for Napoli, he moved to Parma and formed a deadly partnership with Faustino Asprilla, challenging Juventus for the Serie A title. However, he struggled for game time the following season under manager Carlo Ancelotti, which opened the door for Zola to make the move to Stamford Bridge. His audacious, entertaining style of play helped ignite Chelsea’s resurgence in the late 90’s and he became a firm favourite for the blues. He’s also widely seen as a trailblazer who formed English football’s early foreign revolution.
After finishing his playing career back home in Sardinia, Gianfranco moved into management, managing teams such as West Ham, Watford and Birmingham City, often under extremely challenging ownership groups. Gianfranco joins the show and opens up on those challenging situations whilst giving his honest opinion on the current footballing landscape and the state of his beloved Chelsea FC.
Warning: This episode may contain strong language. 18+ gamble responsibly.
More episodes
View all episodes
The Manchester derby awaits Michael Carrick
47:28|Sam Matterface, Alex Crook and Gabby Agbonlahor look ahead to the Manchester derby taking place tomorrow lunchtime and ask if this is the worst possible start Carrick could ask for. Meanwhile, Alex incurs the wrath of a passionate Man Utd caller and the boys ask who the London derby between Tottenham and West Ham bigger for - Thomas Frank or Nuno Espírito Santo.Arsenal take step to ending semi-final nightmares
41:09|Jim White and Simon Jordan reflect on the Carabao Cup semi-final that saw Arsenal edge out Chelsea at Stamford Bridge but is the tie over? Meanwhile, Simon gives his take as Gareth Southgate called for football to 'embrace a modernised version of the traditional manager' in the wake of several high-profile exits. Plus, they spoke to top boxers Josh Kelly and Dalton Smith.VAR controversy at St James' Park as Simon replies to Iain Dowie
01:03:29|Jim White and Simon Jordan were joined by former Liverpool midfielder, Danny Murphy. They reviewed Manchester City’s victory at Newcastle, which was overshadowed by a contentious VAR decision. Meanwhile - Michael Carrick is Manchester United’s boss for the rest of the season, Chelsea’s head of medical was reportedly put on Enzo Maresca’s bench to monitor when he made substitutions, and what next for Xabi Alonso? Plus - Simon replied to his former manager, Iain Dowie, and top boxing promoter Frank Warren discussed why the ‘Magnificent 7’ show was postponed.Carrick In at Utd, Alonso Out of Madrid & Koepka’s PGA Comeback
43:50|Jim White & Simon Jordan discuss Liverpool’s FA Cup win over Barnsley - does it sum up their season? Michael Carrick as Manchester United’s interim manager; Graham Hunter on Xabi Alonso leaving Real Madrid; Rupert Bell on Brooks Koepka’s PGA Tour return. Plus, German heavyweight Agit Kabayel on his WBC interim title, and Adam Azim on his next fight.Macclesfield cause biggest FA Cup shock as Man United's season in tatters
01:00:03|Jim White and Simon Jordan were joined by former Arsenal defender, Martin Keown. They reviewed Macclesfield’s incredible FA Cup shock, as they beat holders Crystal Palace 2-1. Plus, there were also defeats for Manchester United and Spurs, and wins for Chelsea and Arsenal. They also spoke to top boxing commentator Adam Smith about Dalton Smith winning the WBC light-welterweight title.Emmanuel Petit reacts to Arsenal 0-0 Liverpool
43:57|Sam Matterface, Alex Crook, Gabby Agbonlahor, and Emmanuel Petit looked back at last night's goalless draw between Arsenal and Liverpool that gave the Gunners a six point cushion at the top of the Premier League. Elsewhere, Manu gives an explicit reaction to the pressures of modern-day management, and we hear exclusively from Rangers boss, Danny Röhl.Why Are Spurs Fans More Disconnected than Ever?
50:46|Jim White & Simon Jordan discuss Spurs turmoil after the Bournemouth defeat with Van de Ven and Palhinha clashing with travelling fans - are the club more disconnected than ever? Plus Tim Krul on his next chapter, Spencer Oliver on the heavyweight year ahead and Leigh Wood on his February rematch with Josh Warrington.West Ham down? Solskjaer back? Eghbali the future?
01:05:14|Jim White and Simon Jordan were joined by former Liverpool midfielder, Danny Murphy. They reviewed West Ham’s defeat against Nottingham Forest, discussed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer being set to return to Manchester United as interim boss, and what the future holds for both Enzo Maresca and BlueCo. Plus, they spoke to Alexandre Hummel from the Strasbourg Fan Federation on the supporters’ unrest at being Chelsea’s feeder club.O’Neill Returns, Chelsea Gamble & Fury’s Plan
53:08|Jim White & Simon Jordan discuss the chaos at Celtic: Wilfried Nancy axed after 33 days as Martin O’Neill returns and he speaks to Jim exclusively. Chelsea gamble on Liam Rosenior - fans have their say. Plus, Tyson Fury confirms a 2026 comeback, Frank Warren explains who’s next and what's the plan?