Steve Bracknall launches BBC podcast as a tour of the Match of the Day studio sees him bump into Gabby Logan
One of the most insightful and talented local football managers is going to spread his wisdom with the world through a new podcast.
Steve Bracknall has reinvigorated the beautiful game through his antics with the South Yorkshire-based football club.
Made famous through videos on social media - with an audience of more than a million followers - Bracknall is the fictional assistant manager of spoof grassroots football team Royal Oaks FC, that act out the thrilling highs and heartbreaking lows local players experience.
And now that comedic, grounded view is set to be shared with the whole footballing world, as the BBC announce a new podcast with the local legend.
Game’s Gone: The Steve Bracknall Podcast, kicks off today (November 20), bringing the chaos, passion, and heart of Sunday league football to the BBC airwaves.
Produced by Persephonica for the BBC, this entertaining new podcast will be fully visualised, with episodes available to watch on YouTube and listen to on BBC Sounds.
Steve describes the series as ‘a deep dive into the modern game, from VAR and billion-pound transfers to muddy pitches and broken corner flags’.
Each episode draws parallels between the glitz of the Premier League and the chaos of the Sunday leagues, reminding fans what football is really all about, as Steve is joined by first team manager Paul Sampson and club physio Bob the Bucket.
Steve adds: “It’s about time to be honest. I’m here to save the beautiful game from croissant-eating pundits, XG, inverted wing backs and VAR. The game has well and truly gone... But I’m gonna bring it back. Steve"
To celebrate his arrival at the national broadcaster, Steve took a quick tour of the March of the Day studio where he was confronted by a confused Gabby Logan.
Their meeting can be seen on the BBC website.
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Dino Sofos, CEO of Persephonica, said: “Steve Bracknall is a genuine viral sensation, resonating deeply with young, working-class audiences in a way few creators do.
“We’re incredibly proud that Game’s Gone will be filmed and produced by Persephonica in Sheffield - the perfect home for a show rooted in real grassroots football culture. And with this series built for YouTube, we’ll be leaning into the visual storytelling and character-driven humour that has made Steve such a phenomenon.”
Stevie Middleton, commissioning executive for podcasts at BBC Sounds, said: “Every generation produces a football mind ahead of its time. Our latest signing just happens to manage the Royal Oak on a Sunday. We’re really excited to work with Steve Bracknall and support him on his quest to save football.”