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Artwork for Whistleblowers

Whistleblowers

Daily Mail
Football
Premier League
Manchester United
Liverpool
VAR
Chelsea
Soccer AM
Newcastle United
Arsenal
Manchester City
Champions League
FA Cup
Aston Villa
World Cup
Scottish Football
West Ham United
Tottenham Hotspur
Soccer
Alexander Isak
Eddie Howe

Whistleblowers is football’s most original new podcast - lifting the lid on the parts of the game no one else talks about. Hosted by Gordon Smart, with ex-elite referee Mark Clattenburg and veteran journalist Ian Ladyman, this isn’t another safe roundtable of punditry. It’s football told differently - with insight, authority, and plenty of laughs. From what really goes on in the referee’s room, to... more

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes107Founded2 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
SoccerSports

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Artwork for Whistleblowers

Latest Episodes

Whistleblowers is going to America! And in the final bonus ball before the off, Ian Ladyman and Gordon Smart find out all the ins and outs of the new footballing regulations to be put in place for the tournament from our resident refereeing expert, M... more

Whistleblowers is going to America! As Mark Clattenburg, Ian Ladyman, and Gordon Smart prepare to hop across the pond to cover all things World Cup 2026, they took some time to preview the largest global tournament in the history of the game!

How fa... more

Welcome back to Whistleblowers! Before they swan of the other side of the pond, Mark Clattenburg, Ian Ladyman, and Gordon Smart get together to break down their thoughts on Arsenal’s UCL Final collapse and where Arteta’s boys in red go next, before I... more

Welcome back to Whistleblowers! In this week’s Bonus Ball, the boys are talking money - Ian Ladyman, Gordon Smart and Mark Clattenburg ask just how much is TOO much for football fans to pay, as we see prices for next month’s tournament increase week ... more

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Accepts Sponsors
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Jack Gaughan
Northern Football Correspondent
Manchester United? (context shows Northern football correspondent)
Episode: Ex-referee Mark Clattenburg says pundits are DAMAGING the game
Katie Shanahan
Gorgeous, pout and fragrant, noted on the show as a guest
Fox (colleague mentioned)
Episode: Ladyman: Rice must do THIS to become an elite Prem Midfielder!
Mark Clattenburg
Former elite football referee
Football officiating (referee)
Episode: Clattenburg: Why I QUIT Refereeing
John Terry
Former England and Chelsea captain, special guest on edition
Chelsea FC / England National Team
Episode: Are Newcastle Fans LOYAL to Eddie Howe?
Lee Dixon
Former Arsenal and England defender
Arsenal Football Club
Episode: Lee Dixon talks Arsenal and the Greatest Era of Football
Dean Windass
Former professional footballer, known for his impactful career and notable achievements.
Hull City (Former Club)
Episode: Dean Windass: “That Goal changed my life for good…and for bad”
Andy Dillon
A football journalist
Episode: Does Football Journalism have a Jealousy Problem?
Ben Bowman
Tottenham fan and football commentator
Episode: Spurs and West Ham - Football's WORST Managed Derby?
Nick Kyrgios
Professional tennis player known for his controversial play style and media presence
Episode: Our Best Bits from 2025!

Hosts

Gordon Smart
Host with Daily Mail / Whistleblowers background; central figure in steering discussions and interviews
Mark Clattenburg
Ex-elite referee; provides expert officiating insight and rule context
Ian Ladyman
Veteran football journalist; co-host providing media and storytelling perspective

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 939 ratings
  • Love this!

    It is a really good listen x

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    ST_ITSmily
    United Kingdom2 months ago
  • Clattenberg is a disgrace

    Anything with that excuse of a referee deserves less then a 1 - mans a walking talking clown

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    pork pie roundabout
    United Kingdom7 months ago
  • This pod makes you think and smile.

    Really impressed with Whistleblowers — it’s rare to find a podcast that tackles serious issues in football with such wit and balance. You get honesty, humour and insight in equal measure. Ian Ladyman in particular nails that blend of sharp analysis and dry humour — thoughtful without ever taking it too seriously. Brilliant listen. Just to bring him back down to earth a little - Ian actually reminds me of Jimmy Krankie - everyone knows it’s a short, old person dressed in kids clothes! Keep up the... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    BanksyM20
    United Kingdom8 months ago
  • Tedious

    Ian, was part of a great podcast with Chris Sutton but this is really tedious Rory definitely lifts it a bit but as for the ex referee, my God he definitely brings it down

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Flamborough boy
    United Kingdom10 months ago
  • What is Whistleblowers? No thanks

    They shouldn't be allowed to change the name of a podcast and delete the old to make the new one appear popular. That just about sums Tim Lovejoy up. Won't be listening and have unsubscribed.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    MillerLiverpool
    United Kingdom10 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners praise candid, insider insights that pull back the curtain on refereeing and media dynamics.
Fans appreciate the chemistry and banter among experienced hosts and guests.
Some reviews criticize guests or disagreements but acknowledge engaging, thoughtful discussions.
Positive feedback highlights nostalgia, humor, and approachable but informed analysis.
A few comments note inconsistent episode pacing or standout opinions.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#51
United Kingdom/Sports/Soccer
Apple Podcasts
#125
United Kingdom/Sports
Apple Podcasts
#105
Australia/Sports/Soccer
Apple Podcasts
#17
Finland/Sports/Soccer
Apple Podcasts
#65
Taiwan/Sports/Soccer
Apple Podcasts
#67
Finland/Sports

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Ex-referee Mark Clattenburg says pundits are DAMAGING the game
Q: What impact do you think managers and pundits have on grass roots levels of refereeing?
The way referees are talked about at the top levels leaks down to grassroots, creating a culture where young officials fear making decisions, which undermines the entire pipeline of referees and the sport at the community level.
Ex-referee Mark Clattenburg says pundits are DAMAGING the game
Q: How could referees be empowered without replacing human judgment with technology?
One approach is to bring the fourth official up for back-post angles, reduce dependence on VR, and allow the on-field referee to manage play with a clearer, faster process for penalties and fouls, preserving instinct and courage in big calls.
Ex-referee Mark Clattenburg says pundits are DAMAGING the game
Q: What do you think is the core problem with how VAR has changed refereeing?
VAR has shifted focus from a human, instinctive decision-making process to endless micro-scrutiny, which undermines the natural flow of the game and elevates the role of pundits who commentate on every moment rather than the overall spectacle.
Is The Special One DESTINED for Newcastle?
Q: Before we let you go, Joel, I'm gonna ask you one question about refereeing. If you could change one rule in football, what would it be?
I would simplify the handball rule to create consistency across leagues, aiming for a unified standard so players and fans know exactly what to expect in every competition.
Clattenburg: "I just bounced off him!"
Q: How did you find the transition from working in football full time on the pitch to life away from the game?
The hosts discuss adjusting to life after top-level football, noting that the biggest shift is losing the daily routine and the adrenaline of match days, but some aspects like staying connected to the game and mentoring younger players provide purpose.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
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Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Whistleblowers

What is Whistleblowers about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A hard-edged football podcast that leans into the insider stories from the game, with a seasoned journalist panel and a former top referee dissecting refereeing, governance, and media narratives. Episodes frequently center on officiating, VAR, dressing-room dynamics, and the influence of media on football culture, often blending sharp analysis with banter and memorable behind-the-scenes anecdotes. Its unique angle comes from hosting veterans who pull back the curtain on decision-making, power structures, and the human side of sport, making it a compelling listen for industry insiders and devoted fans alike who want honest takes beyond matchday hyperbole.

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How many listeners does Whistleblowers get?

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How many subscribers and views does Whistleblowers have?

To see how many followers or subscribers Whistleblowers has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

Which podcasts are similar to Whistleblowers?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Whistleblowers:

1. The Managers
2. Undr The Cosh
3. No Tippy Tappy Football with Sam Allardyce
4. The Overlap
5. Stick to Football

How many episodes of Whistleblowers are there?

Whistleblowers launched 2 years ago and published 107 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Whistleblowers?

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Where can I see ratings and reviews for Whistleblowers?

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What guests have appeared on Whistleblowers?

Recent guests on Whistleblowers include:

1. Jack Gaughan
2. Katie Shanahan
3. Mark Clattenburg
4. John Terry
5. Lee Dixon
6. Dean Windass
7. Andy Dillon
8. Ben Bowman

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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