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Artwork for Whistleblowers

Whistleblowers

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

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

PublishesDailyEpisodes125Founded2 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
SportsSoccer

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for Whistleblowers

Latest Episodes

Whistleblowers is in America! That’s it, it’s all over…and for one final time during this tournament, Gordon Smart and Mark Clattenburg, alongside special guest Craig Hope, sit down to break down one of the worst matches we’ve seen this tournament - ... more

Whistleblowers is in America! After 5 long weeks, the wait is finally over…no, not us finding out whether Mark is going on strictly…it’s the World Cup Final, and Ian Ladyman, Gordon Smart, and Mark Clattenburg are here to preview the almighty clash b... more

Whistleblowers is in America! Well, it’s all over for the Three Lions…but our three lions are still here to talk about it - Ian Ladyman, Mark Clattenburg, and a slightly smug Gordon Smart take a look back at England’s valiant effort against Messi’ Ar... more

Whistleblowers is in America! In the aftermath of Spain’s DEMOLITION of fan-favourites France, Ian Ladyman - back after his injury - Mark Clattenburg, and Gordon Smart are back to look forward to England’s clash with age old rivals Argentina in the l... 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

Craig Hope
Chief football reporter
The Daily Mail
Episode: CRAIG HOPE: This was the GREATEST Ever England Performance on Foreign Soil | Whistleblowers at the World Cup
Jack Gawne
Football expert
Episode: CRAIG HOPE: This was the GREATEST Ever England Performance on Foreign Soil | Whistleblowers at the World Cup
Olly Holt
Journalist
Episode: CRAIG HOPE: This was the GREATEST Ever England Performance on Foreign Soil | Whistleblowers at the World Cup
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!
Joel Beya
Arsenal fan, content creator, digital presenter
Rio Ferdinand YouTube channel collaborator
Episode: Is The Special One DESTINED for Newcastle?
Mark Clattenburg
Ex-elite referee, guest on the episode
Former referee
Episode: Mark Clattenburg says THIS RULE would change top-flight football
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

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 Kingdom2 months 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 Kingdom2 months ago
  • To many adds

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

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    Me2upoo
    United Kingdom2 months 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 Kingdom9 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
#248
United States/Sports/Soccer
Apple Podcasts
#74
United Kingdom/Sports/Soccer
Apple Podcasts
#190
United Kingdom/Sports
Apple Podcasts
#56
Australia/Sports/Soccer
Apple Podcasts
#77
Ireland/Sports/Soccer
Apple Podcasts
#97
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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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. Undr The Cosh
2. No Tippy Tappy Football with Sam Allardyce
3. The Good, The Bad & The Football
4. The Managers
5. Stick to Football

How many episodes of Whistleblowers are there?

Whistleblowers launched 2 years ago and published 125 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. Craig Hope
2. Jack Gawne
3. Olly Holt
4. Jack Gaughan
5. Katie Shanahan
6. Joel Beya
7. Mark Clattenburg
8. John Terry

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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