A fresh podcast, blending sports and comedy, hits BBC Sounds and BBC Radio 5 Live starting Thursday, 16th November.
In this 20-part series, comedian Joe Wilkinson unveils his long-standing desire to have a professional footballer as a mate. Luckily for him, Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford is willing to explore whether they can truly become genuine friends.
In an effort to comprehend the challenges that Pat faces and to evolve into a true mate, Joe, a lifelong supporter of Gillingham, delves into what it takes to play the game at its highest level, straight from the footballer himself.
Through weekly 30-minute episodes, “My Mate’s a Footballer” offers an alternative perspective on the football world, with Pat responding to any query that crosses Joe’s mind. Listeners can anticipate anecdotes from within the professional football club’s dressing room as the two hosts familiarize themselves with each other.
About the podcast, Patrick Bamford says: “I am delighted to be taking part in this exciting new BBC Sounds podcast, I had my first taste of podcasts during lockdown and I feel like it’s a great way to get closer to football fans and give some insight into what goes on behind closed doors at clubs. Joe and I have started well, he is well on the way to becoming a good mate – but let’s see how things go over the next few months!’
Joe Wilkinson says: “I’m very excited about taking on the challenge of making a professional footballer my best friend. I can already feel Patrick warming to me”
Stevie Middleton, Commissioning Executive, BBC Radio 5 Live, says; “It’s fantastic to have added another footballing podcast to our portfolio. Not only will audiences be able to hear from a top-flight striker Patrick Bamford about what goes on behind the scenes at a football club, but Joe Wilkinson will be asking the questions you’ve always wanted to know the answers to, as well as the ones that probably haven’t even crossed your mind. This series will make you laugh and will pull back the curtain on some of the more mundane realities of being a professional footballer.”
The inaugural episode of ‘My Mate’s a Footballer’ will be available on Thursday, 16th November.
