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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
World Cup
Champions League
FA Cup
Aston Villa
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 weeklyEpisodes118Founded2 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
SportsSoccer

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Artwork for Whistleblowers

Latest Episodes

Whistleblowers is in America! As the dust settles over the Azteca, Ian Ladyman is joined by Mark Clattenburg and special guest Craig Hope to look backone of the best England performances since it came home in ’66! It might not have been pretty, but i... more

Whistleblowers is in America! And Mark Clattenburg, Ian Ladyman, and Gordon Smart are lacing up their (cowboy) boots and putting on their Stetsons as they ask how far a sparkling looking USMNT can make it in their home World Cup, even if they are wit... more

Whistleblowers is in America! Before we’ve even had a chance to get our breath back, Ian Ladyman (live from the Atlanta stadium with Henry Winter sat behind him), Mark Clattenburg, and Gordon Smart take a look at another nervy England performance aga... more

Whistleblowers is in America! For a surprise bonus ball, Ian Ladyman, Mark Clattenburg, and Gordon Smart get together to look forward to England’s Round of 32 clash with the Dominican Republic of Congo!

What does Tuchel do with Rice? Where does Bell... 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

Mark Clattenburg
Former elite referee, co-host likely with Gordon and Ian
Refereeing/Football
Episode: Clattenburg Answers YOUR Rule Change Questions!
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
Reporter joining for extra insight
Episode: From U20 to Champions League: The fascinating bond between Clattenburg & Casemiro
Joel Beya
Arsenal fan, content creator, digital presenter
Rio Ferdinand YouTube channel collaborator
Episode: Is The Special One DESTINED for Newcastle?
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”
Ben Bowman
Tottenham fan and football commentator
Episode: Spurs and West Ham - Football's WORST Managed Derby?
Ian Ladyman
Veteran journalist and co-host of Whistleblowers
Episode: Our BIGGEST Football Mistakes

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 943 ratings
  • Wrong episode

    World Cup preview loading something about the royal family on my podcasts app 😂

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    £:&):!83!!
    United Kingdoma month ago
  • Ooops

    I know Clattenburg moves in higher circles now but this latest episode might be a little too far for me.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    jayjay1745
    United Kingdoma month ago
  • To many adds

    Love this pod it’s great but the advertising is hurting it .

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    Me2upoo
    United Kingdoma month ago
  • Love this!

    It is a really good listen x

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    ST_ITSmily
    United Kingdom3 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 Kingdom8 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
#85
United Kingdom/Sports/Soccer
Apple Podcasts
#166
Canada/Sports/Soccer
Apple Podcasts
#219
United Kingdom/Sports
Apple Podcasts
#192
Australia/Sports/Soccer
Apple Podcasts
#36
South Korea/Sports/Soccer
Apple Podcasts
#105
New Zealand/Sports/Soccer

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
Household Income
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.

Where can I find podcast stats for Whistleblowers?

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How many listeners does Whistleblowers get?

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What are the audience demographics for Whistleblowers?

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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 Overlap
2. That Peter Crouch Podcast
3. The Rest Is Football
4. The Managers
5. Undr The Cosh

How many episodes of Whistleblowers are there?

Whistleblowers launched 2 years ago and published 118 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?

Rephonic pulls ratings and reviews for Whistleblowers from multiple sources, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Castbox, and Podcast Addict.

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What guests have appeared on Whistleblowers?

Recent guests on Whistleblowers include:

1. Mark Clattenburg
2. Jack Gaughan
3. Katie Shanahan
4. Joel Beya
5. John Terry
6. Lee Dixon
7. Dean Windass
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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