That Peter Crouch Podcast

On this week’s episode of That Peter Crouch Podcast, Pete, Sids and Chris dive headfirst into one of the wildest Listener Mail episodes yet — and absolutely nothing is off limits. From pink eye, polyps and footballers wearing makeup on live TV… to whether finishing SECOND deserves an open-top bus parade, the lads somehow manage to cover it all.There’s chaos as the boys debate if modern football has officially gone soft, including refs with trendy haircuts, xG nerds, shirt-off celebrations, and whether heading could eventually disappear from the game entirely. Plus, a listener’s all-time “Games Gone” rant sparks one of the funniest football debates they’ve had in ages.Elsewhere, Pete reveals his secret childhood career working in his grandad’s butcher shop, the Wealdstone Raider officially dumps Chris for Crouchy, and there’s an unbelievable story involving someone legally named after the entire 1979 Liverpool team.The lads also react to bizarre old-school footballer tweets, discuss marathon punishments for the Football League, rank Aussie icons in a “Down Under Vanarama,” and preview the FA Cup Final with the help of Chris’ wife Ria — who might actually be better at predictions than all three of them combined.It’s listener mail at its absolute finest: ridiculous football chat, nostalgia, complete nonsense, and plenty of classic pod chaos.Chumbawamba00:00 - Intro, makeup chat & Chris’ pink eye reveal03:15 - Polyps, bllocks & why the lads do this to themselves04:27 - Fans listening to the pod on the London Underground05:12 - Shin pad injury update & the listener who got slashed06:02 - Does SECOND place deserve an open-top bus parade?07:18 - Playoff winners vs automatic promotion debate08:50 - The Wealdstone Raider officially dumps Chris10:22 - Will the Wealdstone Raider come on the podcast?11:45 - Sponsored Segment with England15:52 - Download the England app!19:01 - Listener Mail officially begins19:21 - The unbelievable football shirt sent from Vanuatu20:48 - The lads decide to give the shirt away21:24 - Aussie caravans & the “Down Under Vanarama”25:31 - Steve Irwin, Alf Stewart & Toadfish in a Vanarama26:51 - Sids loses it at “Beanpole, Fire Pbes and One Ball”27:18 - Serious chat about checking yourself & men’s health29:31 - A listener legally named after Liverpool’s 1979 team30:43 - Charlie Otway’s insane full name explained31:58 - Marathon punishment ideas for the Football League34:58 - The funniest accidental footballer tweets ever36:44 - “Games Gone” mega-rant begins37:11 - Referees with trendy haircuts debate37:29 - xG, “big chances” & football nerd culture38:19 - Shirt-off celebrations & VAR frustrations39:00 - Why clubs keep buying young foreign players39:20 - Is football removing physical contact from the game?40:23 - Players showing personality vs media backlash42:49 - Football League table update & Ria’s prediction success45:24 - FA Cup Final preview: Chelsea vs Manchester City47:42 - Paddy Power’s Minister of Mischief returns49:32 - Has Chris replaced the listeners with his wife?50:53 - Ria gives her FA Cup predictions52:28 - The lads react to Ria outperforming them54:30 - Why the FA Cup Final morning feels special57:00 - Predictions: Man United vs Forest & Newcastle vs West Ham58:37 - Paddy’s Boost selections01:01:18 - OutroThe Official England squad drops May 22nd on the England App first - if you want to see who is making Tuchel’s squad download the app here :https://england.onelink.me/rgxW/lbj1at4bAnd if you want to be in with a chance of winning an official signed England shirt - submit your selects in the Squad Selector by May 21st . #adFor more Peter Crouch: Twitter - https://twitter.com/petercrouch Therapy Crouch - https://www.youtube.com/@thetherapycrouch For more Chris Stark Twitter - https://twitter.com/Chris_StarkInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/chrisstark/For more Steve Sidwell Twitter - https://twitter.com/sjsidwell Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/stevesidwell14 #PeterCrouch #ThatPeterCrouchPodcast

FROM THE VAULT: In this clip, Joe Cole joins the lads to reflect on the ruthless standards set by Jose Mourinho during Chelsea’s glory years, including the brutal lesson he learned after facing Ronaldinho and Barcelona at the Nou Camp.Joe opens up on Mourinho’s obsession with tactical discipline, the fear factor inside the dressing room, and the savage man-management techniques that kept Chelsea’s squad on edge.The former England international also shares hilarious stories from his first ever England call-up at just 18 years old, including meeting legends like David Beckham, Paul Scholes and Tony Adams, as well as witnessing Kevin Keegan resign after England’s defeat to Germany at the old Wembley. Elsewhere, Joe breaks down one of football’s most painful and underappreciated jobs — being the designated “charger” in the wall — and why taking a free-kick to the face was sometimes the easy option.If you enjoyed this clip, you can catch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/jBJh3GjgFUE ChumbawambaFor more Peter Crouch: Twitter - https://twitter.com/petercrouch Therapy Crouch - https://www.youtube.com/@thetherapycrouch For more Chris Stark Twitter - https://twitter.com/Chris_StarkInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/chrisstark/For more Steve Sidwell Twitter - https://twitter.com/sjsidwell Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/stevesidwell14 #PeterCrouch #ThatPeterCrouchPodcast

On this week’s 401st episode special of the Peter Crouch Podcast, Pete, Sids, and Chris celebrate hitting an unbelievable milestone… by completely losing control of the show.First up is Portsmouth legend and cult hero Kit Man Kev, who delivers an all-time segment. From washing players’ kits for cash, to lifting sofas over balconies, to wild dressing room stories and boxing sessions with players — Kev gives a brutally honest take on how football has changed, why “the game’s gone,” and what modern players are missing.Next in is Nortei Nortey, where the lads are immediately apologetic for a previous episode’s “funny name” antics… Nortei brings a different footballing perspective with stories from his career, connections to the lads, and a look into Dagenham & Redbridge’s recent takeover.Then things take another left turn as Felix White (The Maccabees) joins — blending football, music, and podcasting worlds. There’s talk of FA Cup obsession, crossover culture, and even a cheeky callback to Crouchy previously slagging off his podcast… before Felix quite literally plays the episode out with a fantastic live musical moment.No script, no structure — just three surprise guests, unbelievable stories, and a 401st episode special that proves sometimes the best episodes are the ones where nobody knows what’s coming next.Chumbawamba00:00 - Intro & 401 episode milestone explained03:00 - Reflecting on podcast origins & early days04:00 - The “Peteroni” glass reveal (long pint glass)05:00 - First pour attempt goes horribly wrong06:30 - Cheers to 401!07:30 - Classic podcast memories & catchphrases08:30 - Story: Crouch getting recognised post-retirement09:30 - Glass-making video & behind-the-scenes reaction11:30 - Attempting to “split the P” 13:00 - Format reveal: mystery guests with blindfolds14:00 - Old VHS footage introduced14:30 - Young Crouchy’s Chelsea interview clip reaction15:30 - Ball boy footage & early career nostalgia16:50 - Transition to first mystery guest18:30 - Blindfold guessing begins20:30 - Kev revealed: “heartbeat of Portsmouth”23:00 - Early Crouch days: living alone & being looked after24:30 - Sofa lifting through balcony story26:00 - Kev’s backstory30:30 - Stories about legendary players32:30 - Dressing room fights & boxing stories37:00 - “Game’s gone” discussion begins38:30 - Modern football vs old-school mentality40:00 - Smoking, culture & changes in football41:30 - Tribute to Portsmouth fans & emotional goodbye43:30 - Kev leaves & reaction from the lads44:30 - Second guest teased46:00 - Clues: football links, connections to hosts48:00 - Identity slowly pieced together49:00 - Nortei Nortey revealed50:00 - Football journey & connections discussion51:30 - Talking career paths & recent football experiences53:00 - Banter about mutual links & teams54:30 - Short but lively segment wraps up55:30 - Third guest teased (non-football world hints)56:00 - Clues: podcast, music, crossover with sport57:45 - Big clue: FA Cup book reference58:10 - Felix White revealed (The Maccabees)01:05:00 - Felix White segment continues: football + music crossover chat01:07:00 - Podcast banter & shared industry stories01:08:30 - Felix reflects on football culture & storytelling01:09:00 - Felix plays live music / plays the episode out 🎶01:10:20 - Reactions to the performance & wrap-up with Felix01:11:10 - Transition into Paddy Power segment01:12:00 - “Wives Called” segment introduced01:24:30 - Final laughs & wrapping the segment01:28:11 - End of episodeSpecial thanks to Lumsdale Glass for the amazing Peteroni glasses: https://www.lumsdaleglass.co.uk/For more Peter Crouch: Twitter - https://twitter.com/petercrouch Therapy Crouch - https://www.youtube.com/@thetherapycrouch For more Chris Stark Twitter - https://twitter.com/Chris_StarkInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/chrisstark/For more Steve Sidwell Twitter - https://twitter.com/sjsidwell Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/stevesidwell14 #PeterCrouch #ThatPeterCrouchPodcast

FROM THE VAULT: In this clip, former Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale joined the lads to break down the evolving role of the modern goalkeeper and how the position has become more influential than ever. Ramsdale lifted the lid on his relationship with manager Mikel Arteta, explaining how he’s given responsibility to dictate play and make key decisions during build-up phases.The conversation dives into the tactical details behind set pieces, including the increasingly popular “draft excluder” role, with Ramsdale offering a goalkeeper’s perspective on why it’s used, when it matters, and how it can impact the outcome of free kicks.He also shares insight into communication within the squad, the intelligence of teammates like Martin Ødegaard, and the growing importance of goalkeepers in shaping a team’s overall strategy.But most importantly… who was the most parched?If you like this clip, you can catch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/b9ftLa8_nDU?si=ieykWFS-X11g78SpChumbawambaFor more Peter Crouch: Twitter - https://twitter.com/petercrouch Therapy Crouch - https://www.youtube.com/@thetherapycrouch For more Chris Stark Twitter - https://twitter.com/Chris_StarkInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/chrisstark/For more Steve Sidwell Twitter - https://twitter.com/sjsidwell Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/stevesidwell14 #PeterCrouch #ThatPeterCrouchPodcast

On this week’s episode of That Peter Crouch Podcast, Pete, Chris, and Sids are joined by Premier League legend James Milner — and it’s every bit as honest, chaotic, and insightful as you’d expect. From breaking appearance records to being labelled “boring,” Milner opens up on the mentality that’s kept him at the top for over two decades.He takes us right back to his Leeds debut at just 16, the brutal dressing room culture that shaped him, and the surreal transition from academy kid to first-team regular. The conversation dives deep into his time at Newcastle and Aston Villa, before lifting the lid on the madness at Manchester City — big egos, training ground bust-ups, and the relentless fight to stay in the team amid £30m signings every summer.Milner also shares incredible insight into Liverpool’s transformation under Jürgen Klopp — from early disappointments to building a title-winning machine — revealing the intensity, leadership, and culture that powered one of the most dominant teams in Premier League history.There’s also plenty of classic pod chaos: dressing room pranks, wild fines, and stories that perfectly sum up why Milner is one of football’s most respected pros. After Milner departs, the lads wrap things up with a Paddy Power segment and this week’s Chaos Card, making some very questionable “phone a friend” calls…Chumbawamba00:00 - Intro, chaos & podcast return00:14 - Testicular cancer awareness message00:48 - Giveaway winner & merch chat02:26 - Milner joins the pod03:00 - “Boring Milner” label explained03:38 - Breaking the appearance record05:16 - Dealing with attention & praise06:44 - Avoiding the limelight08:12 - Fitness, longevity & elite standards10:03 - Dad’s influence & mentality10:36 - Old-school Leeds dressing room culture12:18 - Leadership & helping younger players14:46 - Debut at 16 for Leeds16:01 - First team training shock00:17:37 - Premier League debut story19:29 - Dressing room pranks & chaos21:41 - Earning respect as a young player24:15 - Aston Villa move & failed transfer26:29 - Villa form & career progression29:00 - Playing 7 positions in one game30:56 - Man City move & title-winning journey33:25 - Big egos, fights & training chaos37:02 - Aguero title moment reaction39:11 - Liverpool move explained42:19 - First impressions of Liverpool45:51 - Klopp’s arrival & ruthless standards47:19 - Intensity of Klopp training50:10 - Personal connection & leadership1:05:00 - Listener messages & wrap up1:18:46 - Milner leaves the podcast1:20:30 - Post-interview debrief with the lads1:25:10 - Paddy Power segment1:30:15 - Chaos Card: Phone a Friend begins1:35:40 - Celebrity calls chaos & wrap-up1:38:50 - OutroFor more Peter Crouch: Twitter - https://twitter.com/petercrouch Therapy Crouch - https://www.youtube.com/@thetherapycrouch For more Chris Stark Twitter - https://twitter.com/Chris_StarkInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/chrisstark/For more Steve Sidwell Twitter - https://twitter.com/sjsidwell Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/stevesidwell14 #PeterCrouch #ThatPeterCrouchPodcast

FROM THE VAULT: In this classic clip, former England international and Premier League striker Jermain Defoe joins the lads to break down the fine margins that define elite goal scorers. Widely regarded as one of the most natural finishers of his generation, Defoe reflects on his early days at West Ham, where he learned crucial lessons from club legend Ian Wright.Defoe reveals the specific training ground drills that shaped his movement in the box, including a brutal but effective method Wright used to improve his timing and composure.He explains why most young forwards make the same costly mistake—arriving too early—and how mastering movement and patience can dramatically increase goal-scoring chances.The conversation also touches on modern strikers like Erling Haaland, the evolution of the game, and how Defoe began transitioning into coaching at Tottenham’s academy.Since this episode was recorded, Defoe has taken the next step in his journey and is now the manager of Woking—making this a fascinating look back at the early ideas and influences shaping his approach to management today.If you like this clip, you can catch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/YI4YecuoXP8 ChumbawambaFor more Peter Crouch: Twitter - https://twitter.com/petercrouch Therapy Crouch - https://www.youtube.com/@thetherapycrouch For more Chris Stark Twitter - https://twitter.com/Chris_StarkInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/chrisstark/For more Steve Sidwell Twitter - https://twitter.com/sjsidwell Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/stevesidwell14 #PeterCrouch #ThatPeterCrouchPodcast

On this week’s episode of That Peter Crouch Podcast, Pete, Chris, and Sids are joined by former Watford, Wrexham, Man Utd and England goalkeeper turned YouTube trailblazer Ben Foster — and it’s safe to say this one is packed with absolute chaos.Fozzy lifts the lid on life inside some of football’s biggest dressing rooms, from the relentless intensity of Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United to the pressure of making one mistake at the very top level. He opens up about the moments that shaped his career, including refusing to play in an FA Cup final, getting battered 6–0… and somehow still finding a way to laugh about it.We also dive deep into the story behind the GoPro — the idea that changed football content forever — including the backlash, dressing room reactions, and the fines he received from clubs for showing too much.There’s also incredible insight into Wrexham’s rise under Ryan Reynolds & Rob Mac, including promotion celebrations, behind-the-scenes stories, and one of the most iconic penalty saves in recent football history.Plus, we get into goalkeeper psychology, “parched” players, dressing room politics, and what really separates those who make it at the very top… from those who don’t.And there’s this week’s Chaos Card, and a slightly chaotic solo finish from Crouchy himself to top it all off.Chumbawamba00:00 - Intro, holidays & random chat02:15 - Crouchy’s old VHS tapes & ball boy story04:30 - Fear of what’s recorded on old tapes06:40 - Introducing Ben Foster10:30 - Podcasting as a footballer & inspiration13:30 - “Parched” players & dressing room stories15:00 - England camps & squad dynamics18:30 - Refusing to play in FA Cup final20:30 - Kepa situation & goalkeeper decisions21:30 - Origin of the GoPro idea24:50 - Players reacting to the camera25:50 - Hiding bad performances from YouTube27:00 - Getting fined for GoPro content28:30 - Social media evolution in football29:30 - Retirement & Wrexham return31:00 - Ryan Reynolds & Wrexham behind the scenes32:30 - Vegas promotion party stories33:30 - Iconic Notts County penalty save34:30 - Penalty mind games explained35:30 - Career highlights & cup final win36:30 - Obafemi Martins madness38:00 - Crazy football contracts & wages39:30 - Man United move story41:00 - First day at Man United & Sir Alex42:30 - Training intensity at United44:00 - Fear of making mistakes at top level45:30 - Dressing room mentality & leadership47:00 - Players who can’t handle pressure48:30 - Big club mentality explained50:00 - Confidence vs hiding on the pitch56:00 - Career reflections & mindset01:00:00 - Football culture changes over time01:04:00 - Foster segment ends01:06:00 - Absolute shambles of a remote record! 01:08:30 - Chaos Card segment01:12:30 - Connection issues & wrap-up01:14:00 - Crouchy’s solo predictionsFor more Peter Crouch: Twitter - https://twitter.com/petercrouch Therapy Crouch - https://www.youtube.com/@thetherapycrouch For more Chris Stark Twitter - https://twitter.com/Chris_StarkInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/chrisstark/For more Steve Sidwell Twitter - https://twitter.com/sjsidwell Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/stevesidwell14 #PeterCrouch #ThatPeterCrouchPodcast

FROM THE VAULT: In this clip, former Chelsea, Manchester City and England left-back Wayne Bridge joins the lads to reveal some of the most unbelievable stories from his career.Bridge opens up on the horrific leg break that sidelined him, the superstitions he swore by, and the surreal moment Roman Abramovich flew him home on a private jet.He also shares a chaotic behind-the-scenes story from his time at Man City, admitting he once drank the minibar dry the night before a game—only to be unexpectedly called into action.From dressing room banter to fines, injuries, and wild off-pitch moments, this is a brutally honest look at life as a Premier League footballer.If you like this clip, you can catch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/PhrF_CMIjUc?si=wMm1v8fvNz4iwrd8 ChumbawambaFor more Peter Crouch: Twitter - https://twitter.com/petercrouch Therapy Crouch - https://www.youtube.com/@thetherapycrouch For more Chris Stark Twitter - https://twitter.com/Chris_StarkInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/chrisstark/For more Steve Sidwell Twitter - https://twitter.com/sjsidwell Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/stevesidwell14 #PeterCrouch #ThatPeterCrouchPodcast

On this week’s episode of the Peter Crouch Podcast, it’s a full-blown Liverpool legends special as Crouchy parks up in the iconic Liverpool Sky Bar for a series of unforgettable chats with some of the biggest names in football.First up, Thiago Alcântara — former Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Liverpool midfielder — breaks down the art of controlling a game, reveals why modern football might be over-coached, and names the greatest players he’s shared a pitch with, including Andrés Iniesta and Bobby Firmino. His insight into tempo, creativity, and football intelligence is as sharp as you’d expect from one of the most technically gifted midfielders of his generation.Next, Liverpool cult hero Pepe Reina joins the lads to reflect on his incredible Anfield career, from Golden Glove dominance to dressing room culture. Now a coach, Reina shares what it really takes to build team spirit, adapt to new environments, and why Liverpool’s atmosphere is unlike anything else in football.We also hear from Matt Parish, Director of the LFC Foundation, who lifts the lid on the staggering impact the club is having off the pitch — supporting tens of thousands of people, tackling inequality, and raising over £1 million through the legends match alone.Finally, Liverpool’s all-time top scorer and Welsh icon Ian Rush sits down to talk legacy, goal scoring records, and why the Premier League era has changed how greatness is remembered. From Salah comparisons to global fandom, Rush gives a fascinating perspective on what it means to represent Liverpool.Back in the studio, the lads react to the chats, all hell breaks loose in the Paddy Power predictions with the introduction of “Chaos Cards,” and they somehow manage to circle it all back to omelettes, shin pads, and classic Crouchy nonsense…Chumbawamba00:00 - Holiday catch-up & elite omelette appreciation02:04 - Wine tasting nonsense & restaurant rituals04:12 - Easter break, golf & beach football recap05:06 - Giffgaff chaos & becoming “the brand”06:17 - 5-a-side tournament idea: settling debates once and for all07:12 - Massive episode preview: Liverpool legends lineup08:09 - Shin pad debate heats up again09:18 - Testing “ultimate shin pads” idea10:08 - Taking kicks for science?!11:11 - Thiago interview begins12:02 - Comparing Liverpool to Europe’s elite clubs13:01 - How Thiago controls tempo in games14:27 - Coaching vs freedom in modern football16:03 - Thiago names best players he’s played with17:15 - Why Firmino is so underrated18:48 - Spain’s chances & international football chat19:31 - Shin pads gift moment with Thiago20:24 - Pepe Reina interview begins21:12 - Reina’s brutal first impression of Liverpool weather22:18 - Building dressing room culture & respect23:49 - Greatest Liverpool memories & atmosphere25:14 - Golden Glove dominance explained26:06 - Falling short of the Premier League title27:47 - Life after football: Reina the coach29:11 - Shin pads return (again!)30:22 - Matt Parish interview begins31:04 - Selling out 60,000 for legends games31:37 - LFC Foundation’s mission explained32:07 - Tackling inequality through football33:21 - £1M fundraising impact revealed35:10 - Ian Rush interview begins35:50 - Premier League era vs old records37:00 - Where Rush ranks among the greats38:12 - Global size of Liverpool fanbase39:01 - Salah comparisons & goal scoring legacy43:18 - Back to the studio: debrief begins45:00 - Reactions to Thiago, Reina & Rush48:32 - Chaos Cards introduced52:00 - Paddy Power predictions chaos55:28- Final thoughts & listener shoutouts01:02:02 - Wrapping up the madness with banana bread…For more Peter Crouch: Twitter - https://twitter.com/petercrouch Therapy Crouch - https://www.youtube.com/@thetherapycrouch For more Chris Stark Twitter - https://twitter.com/Chris_StarkInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/chrisstark/For more Steve Sidwell Twitter - https://twitter.com/sjsidwell Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/stevesidwell14 #PeterCrouch #ThatPeterCrouchPodcast