More stories

  • in

    How Gary Lineker’s podcast empire’s taking over the world as Goalhanger tops the charts with four most popular UK shows

    GARY Lineker may be giving up Match of the Day – but he is more than sorted with his podcast empire.Earlier this month, the England legend, 63, announced he was quitting the show after 25 years as host.Gary Lineker is conquering the podcast world on and off airCredit: The Rest is football podcastGary Lineker will step down from his Match of The Day job at the end of the seasonCredit: BBCA new four-year deal with the BBC to show Premier League highlights begins from next season.”I feel this is now the right time,” Lineker revealed.”I think [with] the next [highlights] contract, they’re looking to do Match of the Day slightly differently, so I think it makes sense for someone else to take the helm.”He later said on his The Rest Is Football podcast: “I always thought my next thing would be the end. I’ve been thinking about it for a long time. I’ve done Match of Day for 25 years. It’s been an absolute joy and a privilege to present such an iconic show for the BBC.read. more football news”But all things have to come to an end.”Lineker is far from done, though.Despite walking away from a £1.35million-per-year pay day with the Beeb, he will still rake it in – thanks to his company, Goalhanger Podcasts.They produce 13 podcasts in total, encompassing the worlds of politics, history, entertainment, and football.Most read in FootballAstonishingly, they collectively achieve more than 40million downloads a month.Watch Alan Shearer’s cheeky pitch to be new Match of the Day host in first show since Gary Lineker exit confirmedBetter still, a look at the British podcast charts – via Podwatch, who get their data from iTunes and Spotify – reveals that Goalhanger Podcasts occupy the top four spots in the UK.Their latest hit, spy story The Rest Is Classified, has jumped straight to the top of the charts.While, the Rest Is History, The Rest Is Politics and The Rest Is Entertainment, in that order, make up the top four.Incredibly, The Rest Is Football props up the No8 spot – making Goalhanger Podcasts the biggest independent podcast group and the largest outside the United States.Thinking aheadIn 2014, Lineker and business partner Tony Pastor set up Goalhanger Films Ltd.Originally, they set it up to produce documentaries, and they did it well.Football, Prince William and Our Mental Health was taken by the BBC, while Keane & Vieira – Best of Enemies appeared on ITV.However, earlier this month Pastor revealed that they focusing their attentions on podcasts.Therefore, Goalhanger Films Ltd was closing.“We effectively mothballed Films and set up a bespoke company concentrating on podcasts,” he told Deadline.Jack Davenport, Gary Lineker and Tony Pastor set up Goalhanger Podcasts in 2018Credit: GoalhangerBeforehand, Pastor and Lineker had a film company that produced documentaries, including a film on Patrick Vieira and Roy Keane’s rivalryCredit: ITVread more sport features“There was a period in which I ran them in tandem, but the growth of podcasts was so explosive and television is challenged, so we’ve now done some housekeeping.”He added: “We’ve gone from a production company being entirely beholden to commissioners and the budgets of broadcasters to having a degree of self-control, whereby we are self-commissioning.”Stellar cast listGoalhanger’s podcasts, which began to take shape in 2018 with former radio exec Jack Davenport joining the party, bring together stellar hosts.Although sports readers will be familiar with Lineker, Micah Richards and Alan Shearer on The Rest Is Football, it’s The Rest Is History that draws Hollywood movie stars in as guests.Hosted by Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook, both popular historians and bestselling authors, the subjects of their podcasts are varied.One six-part series was produced to debunk Hollywood’s story-telling of the sinking of The Titanic.While another saw Oscar-winner Tom Hanks offer his views on NASA’s lunar missions.The Rest Is Politics features ex-New Labour spin doctor Alastair Campbell and former Conservative minister Rory Stewart.Last year, The Rest Is Entertainment was launched, featuring Pointless star Richard Osman and journalist Marina Hyde, where they discuss contemporary entertainment stories, in the world of film, television, stage, books and more.Goalhanger produced The Rest Is History is the most popular podcast in the UKCredit: The Rest Is HistoryThe Rest is Entertainment, launched in 2023, features Richard Osman and Marina HydeCredit: The Rest is EntertainmentTom Holland, left, and Dominic Sandbrook, right, had Tom Hanks on an episode of The Rest Is HistoryIt’s a formula that works, and can keep Lineker earning well after he’s left the MOTD hotseat.Nice pay dayDue to the astronomical figures of downloads that Goalhanger podcasts receive, they will certainly generate a lot of cash.While the podcasts also appear on YouTube, where the content has been viewed more than 80million times so far.According to reports, Goalhanger are paid £45 by advertisers for every 1,000 listens to an advert.It is believed that during the Euros this summer, Lineker made an additional £125,000, alongside his BBC duties at the tournament.Incredibly, one episode of The Rest Is Football was viewed over 530,000 times on YouTube.The Rest Is History, their regular best seller, generates 11 million downloads per month, alongside 1.2 million YouTube views, and 45,000 subscribers – paying up to £25-per-month.It has been estimated that show makes as much as £500,000-per-month for spoken ads from its presenters.Who could replace Gary Lineker as MOTD host?GARY LINEKER dropped the shock news that he is QUITTING Match of the Day.The popular presenter, 63, took over hosting duties on the flagship BBC programme from Des Lynam in 1999.But after more than 25 years in the studio hotseat, he has called time on his MOTD gig.But as part of a huge shake-up, the BBC is considering rotating the presenters on a weekly basis.So with Lineker vacating the chair, new names will step into his giant boots. But who could they be?MARK CHAPMANChapman, 51, is the obvious early favourite to follow on from Lineker as MOTD presenter.He already has the gig as MOTD2 host on a Sunday night plus landed the presenting job for the new BBC Champions League highlights show.ALEX SCOTTScott gets the nod from the Beeb bosses when Lineker is away.The former right-back, 40, is used to presenting the Saturday night show as well as live match coverage – plus ticks the box as a former England international.GABBY LOGANLike Scott, Logan, 51, is one of the understudies to step in when Lineker is not available.She has done most gigs since joining the BBC in 2007, including Olympics, Sports Personality of the Year and Final Score.MICAH RICHARDSLineker’s top pick to replace him is exuberant former Man City defender Richards.The departing host told his close pal, 36, on their Stick to Football podcast: “I’d love to see you take over Micah, I think you’d be brilliant in the chair.”JASON MOHAMMADMohammad could earn the “promotion” from Final Score to Match of the Day.The 51-year-old Welshman – who took over from Logan in 2013 – is one of the BBC’s top earners already and is more senior than fellow Final Score and BBC Sport broadcaster Kelly Somers, who could in theory become the main live host for the afternoon slot.JEFF STELLINGHe couldn’t, could he? While Lineker has been the face of Saturday night TV for football fans for years, the face of the afternoons was Stelling in his role as Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday presenter.He would bring plenty of on-screen charisma, wit and legendary TV expertise – but at nearly 70 and currently with talkSPORT, the Hartlepool fan would not be a cheap or long-term appointment.Gary Lineker and Micah Richards appear on The Rest Is FootballCredit: The Rest Is FootbalDuring election years in the UK and US, The Rest is Politics thrived with hosts Alastair Campbell and Rory StewartCredit: The Rest is PoliticsThis year, The Rest Is Politics podcast has become the most popular on our shores, drawing 700,000 downloads per episode during election years in both the UK and US.READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile Lineker is not a director of Goalhanger Podcasts, he is its largest shareholder – owning 50 of its 150 shares.Forget TV, the ex-Three Lions ace has found a new lease of life – and it should be lucrative for years to come. More

  • in

    Gary Neville’s The Overlap launches new football show with Christine Lampard on hosting duties

    THE OVERLAP podcast has announced a brand new spin-off show. Not Just Football launches later this month and features a trio who share a “unique footballing bond.”Not Just Football stars Hayley McQueen, Kelly Cates and Christine LampardCredit: HandoutEx-Man Utd star Gary Neville helped launch The Overlap in April 2021. He stars on the popular show alongside former pros Jamie Carragher, Ian Wright, Roy Keane and Jill Scott.Not Just Football debuts later this month through The Overlap’s official YouTube page.Christine Lampard, the wife of Chelsea legend Frank Lampard, will be in the hosting chair.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLShe will be joined by Sky’s Kelly Cates, the daughter of Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish.And rounding off the panel is Hayley McQueen, famed for her work on Sky Sports News and daughter of late Man Utd legend Gordon McQueen.The pod will focus on the trio’s “unique bond through their family connections to the game,” according to a press release. Lampard said: “I am really delighted to be joining this new show. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”I love diving into all the hot topics of the moment, especially when it comes to football. “It’s a sport that connects people from all walks of life, whether you’re a diehard fan or just someone who enjoys the energy of a big game. Man Utd legend Roy Keane blasts Arsenal as ‘small team with small mentality’ in furious rant at Ian Wright”It’s a huge part of my life and I can’t wait to share that passion and spark great conversations, as part of this new project with Hayley and Kelly.” Cates added: “I’m incredibly excited to join Christine and Kelly on this new show. “With our strong backgrounds in football and close personal ties, our conversations will have a unique and engaging energy. “I’m looking forward to exploring our own stories and perspectives and bringing something new and authentic to every episode.”  Chelsea legend Frank Lampard married Christine in 2015Credit: GettyTopics on the show will range from motherhood and lifestyle to fashion and entertainment, all woven in with the panelist’s football connection. The debut episode of Not Just Football is due to go live on Tuesday 8 October. READ MORE SUN STORIESIt will feature an interview with Premier League legend David Ginola.The former Tottenham star will discuss life after his recent cardiac arrest and his memories of top-flight football in the 90s. More

  • in

    Stunned Micah Richards asked ‘have I read this right?’ after fan’s brutal message to him

    MICAH RICHARDS has revealed the brutal message he received from a fan during his early days in football.Richards, 35, recalled the story while appearing on The Rest Is Football Podcast with Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer. Micah Richards recalled his fan mail story on The Rest Is Football podcastCredit: GettyRichards revealed the fan mail started out well before the truth behind it became clearCredit: YouTube @therestisfootballThe trio were fielding questions from fans, with one of them asking whether they had a soft spot for any lower league teams.Former Manchester City and England defender Richards went first, revealing he had a soft spot for boyhood club Oldham, where he spent much of his youth career. In doing so, he also lifted the lid on a piece of fan mail he received from an Oldham and Man City supporter after he had moved to the Premier League outfit.He said: “I go to Man City [from Oldham] at 14. Fast forward to 2005, 06, 07 when I’m 17, 18, 19, and we all get fan mail. It’s a thing that comes to the training ground.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”It had Man City/Oldham fan on it so they must like both clubs.”So get this fan mail, open it up and it starts wonderfully: ‘Hi Micah, so good to see you doing so well coming through the ranks at Oldham and now at City. But you do know Oldham have a 20 per cent sell-on clause in the contract’.”So I’m reading down, reading down, at the end of the letter he puts: ‘PS I think it’s best for all parties for you to leave now so we can get some money in the kitty for Oldham. “‘You’ve done what you needed to do and I think it’s time you should leave’.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”And I’m like ‘So have I read this right, he wants me to leave’ because Chelsea apparently at the time was in for me for £20million and Man Utd for £20m and for Oldham it would have been £4m.”So he made out like he wanted me to prosper but all he was thinking about was this £4m sell-on clause.”Stunned Gary Lineker gasps ‘really?’ after Alan Shearer’s controversial claim on The Rest Is Football podcastShearer, 53, then joked: “PS from the Oldham chairman,” which triggered laughter from all three of them.The former Newcastle and Blackburn ace revealed he had a soft spot for Gateshead due to training there as a child. Meanwhile, Lineker quipped the lower league team he supports was Leicester – who may cause an FA Cup scheduling nightmare if they end up in the Cup final and Championship play-off final. More

  • in

    Fans in stitches at clip of Gary Neville ‘discovering what a holiday is’ as Man Utd icon calls breaks ‘mini-retirements’

    FOOTBALL fans have been left in stitches at a clip of Gary Neville “discovering what a holiday is.”That’s after the Manchester United icon referred to taking breaks as “mini-retirements.”
    Gary Neville cracked fans up as he referred to taking a holiday as a ‘mini-retirement’Credit: https://twitter.com/bkelly776/
    Neville, 48, won eight Premier League titles during a 19-year career at Old Trafford.
    And his work-rate was never in doubt, with the right-back famed for his tenacity on the pitch.
    Indeed, Neville has taken that same mentality to post-playing life after becoming one of the nation’s most popular pundits.
    But he may have gone too far with things after appearing to not know what a holiday is.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    Neville sparked mass laughter as he explained how he recharges his batteries every six weeks with a weekend break.
    He prefers having these regular “mini-retirements” instead of taking himself away for months on end.
    And fans could not help chuckling as they pointed out to Neville that what he was describing was a holiday, with some wondering what pal Jamie Carragher would have to say.
    Neville told the Diary of a CEO podcast: “What you can have is a mini-retirement during the year, and that’s what I’ve tried to do.
    Most read in Football
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST NO DEPOSIT CASINO OFFERS
    “I don’t do it very well, so for instance this weekend I’m going to Spain on Friday until Monday morning.
    “I call that a mini-retirement. It’s a weekend, it’s a mini-retirement.
    “It’s where I can basically say for three days I’m there and I’m basically taking it, I don’t think about work.
    “And I will, sometimes my best ideas come when I’m on these types of trips, but then in six weeks I’ll have another mini-retirement for five days or four days.
    “Rather than thinking you’re going to stop for six months and sort of have a sabbatical, that’s not probably going to happen with people like you or I because we just basically don’t work that way.
    “So to have lots of mini-retirements during the year is what I’ve tried to do in the last few years.”
    Fans certainly found Neville’s comments hilarious, with one saying: “He’s only just discovering what a holiday is.”
    Another declared: “Haha why is he calling it mini-retirements?”
    Read More on The Sun
    One noted: “Hope that Carragher is on to him for this.”
    Another added: “I’m looking forward to my mini retirement on Friday and then back to work Monday.” More