3 In The Middle Podcast

Chris Lumsdon, Skip Boyd and Dylan McGeouch return for another episode packed with Premier League predictions, Carlisle United analysis, football stories and plenty of nonsense.The lads look back on their recent conversation with Peter “Murf” Murphy, correcting his Carlisle United appearance record to more than 470 games and discussing the versatility, intelligence and mental strength that made him such an important player.They also review a recent visit to Brunton Park, praising the improvements made to Carlisle’s matchday experience, fan zone and hospitality facilities before analysing the team’s performance on the pitch.Attention then turns to the Premier League as the lads debate whether Phil Foden is overrated—or simply being wasted in the wrong position. They make their top-four predictions, discuss Arsenal’s chances of winning the title and identify the teams they believe could be heading for relegation.There’s also criticism of Russell Martin’s determination to play out from the back, memories of high-pressure play-off matches and a debate about some of football’s toughest old-school players.Plus, the lads play Who Am I?, reveal a disastrous Tinder catfishing experience and discuss the madness of waking up at 6am for a holiday sunbed—before discovering the price of a McDonald’s at Dalaman Airport.Also featuring:• Peter Murphy’s corrected Carlisle United record• Carlisle’s improved matchday experience• Is Phil Foden overrated or being played out of position?• Can Arsenal win the Premier League?• Top-four and relegation predictions• Russell Martin’s controversial playing style• The pressure of two-legged play-off ties• Football’s toughest old-school players• Who Am I?• A disastrous Tinder catfish• Holiday sunbed wars• A £70 airport McDonald’sTIMESTAMPS00:00 Skip returns from holiday 01:15 Peter Murphy’s Carlisle career, mentality and tactics 10:35 Introduction 10:46 Lummy appears on the big screen at Brunton Park 11:31 Carlisle United’s matchday experience and performance 18:10 Phil Foden, title predictions and relegation contenders 30:32 Dating apps and a disastrous Tinder catfish 36:44 Who Am I? 46:28 The pressure of play-off football 56:04 Who were football’s toughest hard men? 01:03:07 Holiday sunbed wars and a £70 McDonald’s 01:06:43 Final thoughtsSubscribe to 3 In The Middle for weekly episodes featuring former professionals Chris Lumsdon and Skip Boyd, current player Dylan McGeouch and special guests from across football.#3InTheMiddle #PhilFoden #Arsenal #CarlisleUnited #PremierLeague #FootballPodcast

A Carlisle United legend joins us this week! Peter Murphy sits down with Chris Lumsdon and Dylan McGeouch to look back on an unforgettable career at Brunton Park.After joining Carlisle United in 2001, Peter spent 12 years at the club, made more than 400 appearances and became the club’s record appearance holder for an outfield player.He scored the winning goal that returned Carlisle to the Football League in 2005 and then delivered another historic winner against Brentford at Wembley in 2011.The lads discuss Peter’s journey from Blackburn Rovers to Brunton Park, Carlisle’s back-to-back promotions, his greatest teammates, memorable dressing-room stories and his transition from playing into management.Plus, all the usual features:- What’s the Crack?- Guess Who- Viewers’ Questions- Football stories, honest opinions and plenty of nonsenseSubscribe to 3 In The Middle for weekly episodes featuring former professionals Chris Lumsdon and Skip Boyd, current player Dylan McGeouch and special guests from across football.#3InTheMiddle #PeterMurphy #CarlisleUnited #FootballPodcast #CUFC

The lads are back after a big day out in Newcastle and there are plenty of stories to tell! 🍻⚽This week, Chris Lumsdon, Skip Boyd and Dylan McGeouch discuss Newcastle United selling their best players and Carlisle United’s disappointing opening-day defeat.They also reveal what careers they might have pursued if they hadn’t become professional footballers before Skip’s sweaty armpits become an unexpected talking point!Plus, all your favourite weekly features return:- What’s the Crack?- Guess Who- Viewers’ Questions- Plenty of football nonsenseSubscribe to 3 In The Middle for honest football opinions, brilliant stories and new episodes every week.#3InTheMiddle #FootballPodcast #CarlisleUnited #Football

A huge thank you to Lloyd Kia Carlisle for sponsoring this episode of the 3 In The Middle Podcast! 🚗⚽Discover the latest Kia models and offers here:https://www.lloydmotorgroup.com/KiaFormer professional footballers Chris Lumsdon and Skip Boyd are joined by current player Dylan McGeouch and special guest Colin McMenamin for another episode packed with brilliant football stories, honest opinions and plenty of nonsense.Colin reveals what Joe Hart was really like behind the scenes... was he a nutter, a genius, or a bit of both? The lads also share stories about Sir Bobby Robson and Alan Shearer, debate whether Kieron Dyer is actually a knob, and find out if Skip has finally been caught out!Plus, the lads reveal their go-to jukebox tunes.Subscribe for more football stories, dressing-room secrets, special guests and completely unfiltered opinions every week. 🎙️⚽#FootballPodcast #JoeHart #AlanShearer #BobbyRobson #3InTheMiddlePodcast

Former pros Chris Lumsdon and Skip Boyd join current player Dylan McGeouch for another episode packed with Carlisle United chat, football nonsense and honest opinions.This week, the lads discuss the identity of The Secret Footballer, the brilliant Robbie Keane to Newcastle prank and a disastrous Panini sticker photo day after a heavy night out.There’s also the ultimate dream boozer debate, the sacrifices professional footballers make at Christmas, a hilarious attempt to escape public speaking and the biggest question of all: should you eat a Colin the Caterpillar from the head or the tail?This episode is sponsored by Print Yard Carlisle. A massive thank you to the team for hosting us! Make sure you head down for some great food and drinks.Expect brilliant football stories, plenty of laughs and the usual chaos from 3 In The Middle.Subscribe for new episodes and let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Former professionals Chris Lumsdon, Skip Boyd and current player Dylan McGeouch have an unfiltered conversation about talking points in football. The lads debate England under Thomas Tuchel, whether he deserves to stay in the job or should be sacked, and what went wrong in the World Cup final. They also turn their attention to Carlisle United as the non-league season approaches, discussing the challenges ahead, expectations around the club and what supporters can realistically hope for. Expect plenty of football nonsense, dressing-room insight, strong opinions and honest takes from three people who know the game inside out

Andy 'Bus Head' Horn returns as a stand in host with more unbelievable football stories, from Carlisle United floods and dressing-room pranks to kit disasters and a memorable moped journey to Burnley on a cold Tuesday night. The lads continue to cover the World Cup as England reach the semis as well as hot topics from Posh Crocs to favourite football shirts of all time and everything in-between. Expect football nostalgia, plenty of laughs and absolutely no shortage of chaos.

This week World Cup fever continues to grow as the lads review the epic battle of England v Mexico at the Azteca, a stadium that Dylan has played in and he gives us first hand experience of how that altitude really affects you. Plenty of other talking points from the tournament including Bellingham, the Trump saga and of course the infamous Harry Kane post match interview which runs the risk of being his World Cup legacy. As always, plenty of other stuff discussed from the strength of hotel beer on holiday, away game pre match hotel stories and Dylan's time at Sunderland.We also learn which of our hosts loves to settle down and watch Gossip Girl over everything else and which one has a slight link to The Gameshow Killer story from Netflix.  

This week the lads continue with their World Cup coverage and rank recent England greats and Scotland's efforts as Lummy's England shirt looks like going into the last 32 unwashed.Stories include former Sunderland player Asamoah Gyan and his Music Man inspiring the Mackem's to a 5-1 defeat against the Toon, an ex pro getting papped in only his club issued shoes after a night out and find out which host was Mr February in a topless club calendar. Also includes a review of Carlisle's latest signings and the one they think has a bit about him to be a huge success for the Blues. 

This week the lads get excited as the World Cup gets underway and they look back at some of their England and Scotland memories, including Lummy's Three Lions snub when the call came. Plenty of football stories as usual, including players that moved to WWE, International stars pinching girlfriends and the game's best drinkers.The lads also talk through the day before their professional debuts and how they felt and Dylan talks about the nerves ahead of delivering a captain's speech in the Celtic huddle.

After a recent run of guest episodes the lads are back together as a three and straight back to what they do best.Expect stories around which England player slept in the overhead luggage compartment on the flight after a Euro 96 game, World Cup preview and find out which ex Newcastle United player Skip still can't find anything positive to say about and his reasons which include an earring and a pint of P*ss.Throw in a few reader's stories about anonymous ex players antics and 'the great curry debate' and you've got an episode full of laughs and banter. 

Grant Holt provides his take on Carlisle United in the wake of the dismissal of Mark Hughes

In this episode the lads sit down with former Norwich City captain and Premier League striker Grant Holt to explore one of football's most inspiring journeys.Grant reflects on his unconventional path through non-league football, balancing work and ambition, overcoming setbacks, and proving that determination can outweigh talent alone.From early mornings and factory shifts to packed stadiums and Premier League goals, Grant shares the lessons he learned over a career that saw him play across all five of England's professional leagues and come close to an England call up. Find out how close he was to his England dream, his favourite manager to play for and the one regret in his career, the club he never got to pull on the shirt for despite four near opportunities. An inspirational career and a lesson in never giving up on your dream, one definitely not to be missed. #3InTheMiddle #GrantHolt #NorwichCity #FootballPodcast #CUFC

Part 2 of this 3 In The Middle two parter as the lads welcome Neil 'Dolly' Dalton for a glimpse into the life of a first team physio with over 1,000 professional games under his belt. Look forward to hearing him chat about setting fire to player's personal belongings, X rated Secret Santa gifts to one of the lads and Nigel Pearson's game day magic eye drops as well as a host of stories from his 1,000+ games at Carlisle United, from being in the golden generation to the Roddy Collins days. 

Sponsored by Warwick Road Bed Centre.Carlisle United’s legendary former physio Neil “Dolly” Dalton joins the lads for more incredible stories from over 1,200 matches in professional football.Dolly reveals how he went from apprentice footballer to becoming Carlisle’s head physio at just 22, recalls the unforgettable Jimmy Glass goal that saved the club and explains what really happened when Vinnie Jones pulled on a shirt for Carlisle.There are also brilliant stories involving Nigel Pearson’s secret “Bright Eyes,” Roddy Collins’ midweek drinking sessions, chaotic trips to Dublin and the reality of helping injured footballers through the most difficult periods of their careers.Expect honest football stories, dressing-room secrets and plenty of nonsense from an era of the game that will never be repeated.Subscribe to 3 In The Middle for weekly football conversations with former professionals, current players and special guests from across the game. 🎙️⚽TIMESTAMPS00:00 Neil “Dolly” Dalton returns00:35 Sponsored by Warwick Road Bed Centre01:39 Carlisle’s promotion-winning season03:22 An incredible generation of young players04:40 The player who rejected Sir Alex Ferguson07:56 The wild apprentice trip to Holland10:32 How Dolly became a football physio13:30 Becoming Carlisle’s head physio at just 2214:03 Managing huge dressing-room characters15:20 Promotions, relegations and Wembley17:17 The brutal reality of football contracts18:25 Friday afternoons with the “bomb squad”19:06 Why injured footballers shouldn’t be punished20:50 The mental impact of a serious injury23:42 Protecting players after a heavy night out26:06 Nigel Pearson’s secret “Bright Eyes” trick29:00 The unforgettable Jimmy Glass miracle31:35 Inside the dressing room after survival33:02 How Roddy Collins got the Carlisle job35:01 Roddy’s midweek drinking sessions36:12 Carlisle’s chaotic trips to Dublin37:19 A night out with Vinnie Jones37:50 Vinnie Jones plays for Carlisle38:53 Christmas Day training after several drinks40:47 The incredible story of Roddy’s missing Mercedes#3InTheMiddle #CarlisleUnited #NeilDalton #VinnieJones #JimmyGlass #FootballPodcast

Former Carlisle United midfielder Graeme Anthony joins Chris Lumsdon, Skip Boyd and Dylan McGeouch for an episode packed with old-school football stories, honest opinions and an important tribute to Tony Hopper.Graeme looks back on leaving home at 15 to join Sheffield United, cleaning the boots of Premier League players and sharing a dressing room with stars including Vinnie Jones and Brian Deane.He reveals what reserve-team football was really like, recalls a brilliant prank involving Dwight Yorke and discusses working under legendary managers such as Dave Bassett and Howard Kendall.The lads also debate whether modern academies are coaching the individuality out of young players, share more outrageous football night-out stories and discuss the latest situation at Carlisle United.Most importantly, Graeme shares his memories of former Carlisle United and Workington midfielder Tony Hopper, who passed away after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease.Tony’s memorial weekend takes place on 30 and 31 May, with a special match in Penrith at 2pm on Sunday 31 May featuring former Carlisle United, Workington and Penrith players.Also featuring:• Vinnie Jones and Sheffield United stories• The Dwight Yorke dressing-room prank• Why modern football academies could be broken• Wayne Rooney and the loss of street footballers• Carlisle United’s managerial situation• Who Am I?• What’s the Crack?• Youth-team jobs and old-school coaching• Tony Hopper memories and memorial weekendTIMESTAMPS00:00 Dylan’s food intervention01:12 Introducing Graeme Anthony02:37 Remembering Tony Hopper03:35 Football Manager legends and cheat codes06:24 The Sunderland trip that went badly wrong10:27 Graeme’s journey into professional football13:21 Life as a Premier League apprentice18:22 Nearly walking away from Sheffield United19:16 Graeme’s brilliant Dwight Yorke prank20:05 What Martin Keown was really like23:04 Swindon, Plymouth and an uncertain future24:11 Carlisle United’s retained list28:02 Carlisle’s managerial situation33:13 Who Am I?38:13 Billy Whitehurst and Vinnie Jones stories40:34 How Graeme joined Carlisle United43:53 The incredible Jimmy Glass survival story46:07 Whiskey before Carlisle’s biggest match49:52 Celebrating Carlisle’s great escape52:25 Moving to Barrow and Workington57:57 The nerves before making your professional debut59:56 Is the football academy system broken?1:04:20 Old-school youth-team managers1:08:16 Footballers’ nightmare digs stories1:13:54 The most annoying football anthem1:16:03 What’s the Crack?1:16:10 What went wrong at Carlisle United?1:24:40 Tony Hopper’s MND story and memorial weekend1:32:31 Final message from GraemeSubscribe to 3 In The Middle for weekly episodes featuring former professionals Chris Lumsdon and Skip Boyd, current player Dylan McGeouch and special guests from across football.#3InTheMiddle #GraemeAnthony #CarlisleUnited #VinnieJones #FootballPodcast

Join Lummy, Skip and Dylan for episode 14 as they discuss all things football, recall stories from their careers and answer questions from followers in 'What's the Craic?' sponsored by The Warwick Road Bed Centre, also this week's recording location. This week the lads jump straight into the National League Play-off semi-final between Carlisle United and Boreham Wood and discuss where Carlisle fell short, does Hughes stay or go and what needs to happen looking ahead to next season, all blended with a realistic appreciation of this season's success compared to the previous two. On wider football matters they look at the two Premier League title races as both take twists over the weekend.As every week there's plenty of laughs as the topics vary from end of season trips away in Franny Jeffer's villa and Jeremy Beadle 'eyeballing' a lively Lummy in Marbella to discussing some of our follower's pet peeves and 'icks' including ones received about the lads themselves.

Join Lummy, Skip and Dylan for episode 13 as they discuss all things football, recall stories from their careers and answer questions from followers in 'What's the Craic?' sponsored by The Warwick Road Bed Centre.This week the lads cover the last week in football including Liam Rosenior's next move, players facing fans post match and of course the best league finale in football history played out in the National League, including that Boateng right jab. The circus comes to town and no one is safe from Clown Watch as a Scottish Club Manager, Premier League Physio and premature dancer all come under fire. As usual a good amount of banter as the lads follow on from last week with their pet peeves, the fashion police come looking for Skip for crimes against vests 20 years ago and Lummy recalls his 5 day bender after promotion. On the Carlisle United front Lummy reflects 20 years on from the promotion winning side he was part of and how they pushed on for another the season after, what's next for the play offs and how Darron Gibson chose Sir Alex Ferguson over a free CUFC club tracksuit.

Join Lummy, Skip and Dylan for episode 12 as they discuss all things football, recall stories from their careers and answer questions from followers in 'What's the Craic?' sponsored by The Warwick Road Bed Centre.As usual a good mix of current affairs from the world of football, some stories from old and a lot of banter as they inevitably go off script. This week 'Bomb Squads' is the topic as they discuss their experiences of being in or around those groups of players that are out of favour at clubs and the various tricks clubs used to try and move players on, from unsociable training times and Saturday morning games to the more extreme sweat box spinning classes with the radiators turned up. The lads amend their predictions, again, as the Premier, National and Scottish Premier leagues all gear up for all or nothing finales and clown watch includes a Spurs player as their woes continue. On top of all of this sit back and find out who has passionate pet peeves around gym etiquette, who rubbed Vics under their eyes to fake flu before sticking on their Blue CD and driving home from training and who were the most aggressive players they've all come across, including one who poked Paul Ince in the eye. On the Carlisle United front we have discussion around whether Mark Hughes will sail off into the sunset, promotion or not, after this season and a little insight into how Jordan Jones got his three and a half year deal at the club against Simmo's intentions. 

Join Lummy, Skip and Dylan for episode 11 as they discuss all things football, their careers and answer questions from followers in 'What's the Craic?' sponsored by The Warwick Road Bed Centre.This week the lads cover a range of topics and recap the previous episode and great reaction for 'Tales of a Kitman', including an admission as to who kept signing the sponsors balls 'Pele'. Find out who the three pick as their unsung heroes from their playing careers including a Newcastle stalwart over two decades, a Scottish international and a Carlisle United workhorse. Lummy talks about the disappointment of Steve Staunton the manager as opposed to the player he'd admired, Skip addresses his viral social media moment from the weekend and Dylan tells us just why he was scared of Neil 'Lenny' Lennon.And always plenty of Carlisle United coverage as Dylan addresses Thomas Holy's statement that the team he won promotion with should have been given a chance in League One and the lads debate what Regan Linney should do after this season, promotion or not. As always, plenty of stories and laughs including crashing cars to get out of being sent to Genoble, nicknames, cringey celebrations and Lummy turning into the next Barry Norman as he reviews the new Roy Keane/Mick McCarthy movie 'Saipan'. 

This episode is supported by Flexi Rental, a Cumbria-based vehicle leasing partner helping SMEs and growing businesses.Former Carlisle United kitman and coach driver Andy “Bus Head” Horn joins Chris Lumsdon, Skip Boyd and Dylan McGeouch for an episode packed with dressing-room pranks, away-day disasters and brilliant stories from behind the scenes at a professional football club.Bus Head reveals how he became Carlisle’s kitman under Roddy Collins and recalls his first encounter with former owner Michael Knighton. He explains what the job was really like when one person was responsible for the kits, equipment, team coach and almost everything else on a limited budget.He remembers being sent off by Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg, disappearing to collect fish and chips when the manager wanted to make a substitution and nearly being stopped by the police while attempting to get the team to a play-off final.There are also stories about a disastrous greyhound investment, leaking Burnley’s new Premier League kit on social media and accidentally substituting Scott Dobie while he was chasing a hat-trick.Bus Head also looks back on working with managers including Paul Simpson, Neil McDonald, John Ward and Roddy Collins, before explaining why his ten years at Carlisle produced memories he could never recreate in another job.Also featuring:• Being shown a red card by Mark Clattenburg• The fish-and-chips substitution disaster• Driving Carlisle to a play-off final• Roddy Collins’ ice-cream prank• The greyhound investment that went horribly wrong• Accidentally taking Scott Dobie off on a hat-trick• Leaking Burnley’s Premier League kit• Carlisle United’s greatest managers• The decline of old-school dressing-room banter• Danny Graham’s emotional goal celebration• Carlisle’s heartbreaking defeat against Leeds• Cumberland FA’s Ability LeagueTIMESTAMPS00:00 Introducing Andy “Bus Head” Horn00:40 Becoming Carlisle United’s kitman01:10 His first encounter with Michael Knighton02:28 Protecting the kit on a limited budget03:28 Anfield, Wembley and the best football grounds04:35 The angriest opposition managers06:36 The fish-and-chips substitution disaster07:54 Sent off by Mark Clattenburg08:26 The signed football prank09:41 Preparing for matches in non-league10:47 The chaotic journey to the play-off final13:12 Carlisle’s vital Conference promotion13:40 Getting the team coach lost15:18 Roddy Collins’ ice-cream prank18:10 The disastrous greyhound investment20:21 The John Toshack betting disaster23:02 Substituting Scott Dobie on a hat-trick23:54 The best manager Bus Head worked with24:16 Working under Neil McDonald26:23 Knowing which managers could take a joke26:47 Flying to League Two away matches28:24 Driving Eddie Howe’s Burnley team29:42 Bus Head’s initiation song29:54 Leaking Burnley’s Premier League kit31:11 Ten unforgettable years at Carlisle United31:47 Has dressing-room banter disappeared?33:16 The best Carlisle dressing-room pranks35:28 Carlisle’s heartbreaking defeat against Leeds36:43 Danny Graham’s emotional goal celebration37:34 Listener messages and Cumberland FA’s Ability League39:14 Thanks to Flexi Rental39:59 The lads review their weekend matches40:34 Final thoughtsSubscribe to 3 In The Middle for weekly episodes featuring former professionals Chris Lumsdon and Skip Boyd, current player Dylan McGeouch and special guests from across football.#3InTheMiddle #AndyHorn #CarlisleUnited #MarkClattenburg #FootballPodcast

Join the lads for part one of this double release Easter special.This week the lads face backlash over their Premier League ultimate midfield choices before moving up the pitch to discuss their all time Premier League front two. Shearer, Rooney, Aguero, Henry, Owen? The list goes on. This one isn't getting sorted out anytime soon.The circus comes to town as Lummy names Spurs as a whole as his clowns of the week and reviews his trip to Braintree to watch Carlisle at the weekend.New squad initiations are recalled as Skip puts a personal twist on a classic anthem and Dylan asks the real question on everyone's lips, what age is too old for a skin fade?Part Two released over Easter weekend as a guest joins the lads following a lot of requests from followers of the show.

Join hosts Lummy, Skip and Dylan as they discuss all things football and answer questions from listeners in 'Whats the Craic?' sponsored by The Warwick Road Bed Centre.This week the lads choose their best of all time, Premier League, 3 In The Middle Centre Midfielders. Who gets the nod between Scholes, Gerrard, Keane, De Bruyne, Lampard and will they agree? Lummy also recalls the time Sunderland signed the wrong Milton Nunez and when Kevin Ball chased him through the streets of Marbella.An episode packed with tales from all of the lad's careers from playing alongside idols, leaving clubs and pre season training camps. 

Join the hosts Lummy, Skip and Dylan in the 7th instalment of 3 In The Middle as they discuss all things football.This week Skip tells us which big personality referee made the title comment to him instead of dishing out a second yellow card in an FA Cup game as well as recalling when Kieran Dyer crashed his 'BMX' on the Tyne bridge. Meanwhile Lummy talks about his call up for England Under 18s and some of the names in the squad who went on to great careers in the top flight as well as his nightmare debut in the Premier League against Chelsea and their team of superstars. The lads also cover a range of topics from the now weekly 'Clown Watch' featuring the Chelsea manager's recent antics, the age old debate of Scholes/Lampard/Gerrard and Dylan catches a grenade from a followers question as he discusses his time at Carlisle United.As always a good covering of Carlisle United including opinions on Mark Hughes's management style, lack of player responsibility and an honest assessment of where the team are compared to rivals. 

This week Dylan talks about how his moves to Hibs and Sunderland came about as the lads discuss their careers and highlights. The eternal football discussion of which players would be classed as 'World Class' and which would be 'Elite' is covered with a few disagreements along the way and the lads answer questions from listeners, including recalling the non playing characters they loved at clubs, including Sunderland's renowned 'Harvey Micks' the masseuse that loved a wind up and Carlisle's infamous 'Bus-head'As always a great mix of football opinions and good banter including the greyhound that never finished, passport control at Canvey Island and find out which manager Peter Reid had to put to bed. 

This episode is sponsored by Male Skin Studio, a male-focused skin specialist offering advanced medical-grade treatments. What’s the Crack? is sponsored by Warwick Road Bed Centre.Chris Lumsdon, Skip Boyd and Dylan McGeouch return for an episode packed with encounters against football legends, Premier League debates and more brilliant stories from their playing careers.Dylan recalls facing a full-strength Real Madrid team featuring Cristiano Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos, Kaká, Xabi Alonso, Karim Benzema and Ángel Di María. He reveals what it felt like to see Ronaldo standing opposite him in the tunnel—and how he and Adam Matthews attempted to stop him.Skip remembers playing against a 14-year-old Wayne Rooney in a reserve-team match and realising immediately that Everton had an extraordinary talent on their hands.The lads also discuss Arsenal’s title challenge, the Champions League draw and the latest Old Firm match before analysing Carlisle United’s recent performances and their position heading towards the play-offs.Skip continues the story of his career, from training alongside Newcastle’s first team and being hammered by Sir Bobby Robson after a chaotic trip to Marbella, to establishing himself at Port Vale and suffering the heartbreak of being left out at Wembley.The first edition of What’s the Crack? also features the lads’ most memorable career moments, the best players they ever faced and a debate about whether old-school dressing-room pranks helped build stronger teams.Also featuring:• Dylan McGeouch marking Cristiano Ronaldo• A 14-year-old Wayne Rooney destroying Newcastle’s reserves• Arsenal’s Premier League title challenge• The latest Champions League draw• Celtic and Rangers’ Old Firm battle• Carlisle United’s play-off preparations• Skip’s Newcastle United experience• Sir Bobby Robson’s Marbella team talk• Being left out of a Wembley final• The best players the lads ever faced• Lummy’s battle with Robert Prosinečki• Old-school dressing-room pranks• What’s the Crack?TIMESTAMPS00:00 The lads review their weekend matches04:17 Stories about Skip’s dad05:54 Welcome to Episode Five07:02 This episode’s sponsor: Male Skin Studio08:29 Carlisle United’s latest performances14:21 Should footballers celebrate other teams online?16:36 Are individual statistics making players selfish?21:29 Hayden Atkinson makes his senior debut26:34 Arsenal’s title challenge28:01 The Champions League draw30:25 Celtic and Rangers’ Old Firm battle34:38 Newcastle’s criticism and Pickford’s brilliant save35:56 West Brom’s managerial problems39:39 Skip’s Newcastle United career42:27 The unpredictable genius of Shola Ameobi43:23 A chaotic trip with Sir Bobby Robson44:34 Skip’s Port Vale debut46:36 Choosing Carlisle over League One offers49:00 Was Skip too nice as a footballer?49:39 The heartbreak of being left out at Wembley53:45 Introducing What’s the Crack?55:03 The lads’ most memorable career moments57:04 Winning at Wembley59:11 Beating Rangers in a cup final01:02:03 The teams and players they hated facing01:05:59 The best players the lads ever faced01:06:43 Facing a 14-year-old Wayne Rooney01:08:10 Dylan faces Cristiano Ronaldo and Real Madrid01:10:30 Lummy’s battle with Robert Prosinečki01:13:40 Do old-school dressing-room pranks belong in football?01:16:50 Leaving Carlisle hospitality to meet your girlfriend01:18:06 The first What’s the Crack? comes to an end01:19:12 Thanks to Male Skin Studio01:19:23 Thanks to Warwick Road Bed Centre01:20:45 Final messagesSubscribe to 3 In The Middle for weekly episodes featuring former professionals Chris Lumsdon and Skip Boyd, current player Dylan McGeouch and special guests from across football.#3InTheMiddle #CristianoRonaldo #WayneRooney #Arsenal #CarlisleUnited #FootballPodcast

This episode is sponsored by Safety Comes First, a family-run Carlisle business delivering NVQs, street works training and a range of in-house courses.Chris Lumsdon, Skip Boyd and Dylan McGeouch return for an episode packed with old-school football stories, title-race predictions and honest conversations about the players who never fulfilled their potential.Chris explains why he rejected Newcastle United to join Sunderland, recalls going on trial at Arsenal alongside Michael Owen and reveals what life was really like as a young apprentice trying to break into Premier League football.The lads share stories about cleaning boots, completing brutal youth-team jobs and attempting to impress established professionals. Chris also remembers making his Sunderland debut, receiving an England Under-18 call-up and training against a 39-year-old Chris Waddle.Attention then turns to the title races in England and Scotland. Can Arsenal hold off Manchester City, and will Hearts shock Celtic and Rangers? The lads also debate Martin O’Neill’s career, discuss what has gone wrong with VAR and analyse Carlisle United’s latest performance.Finally, they answer viewers’ questions about whether quality or team spirit is more important, identify talented players whose careers should have gone further and discuss the players who exceeded everyone’s expectations—including Grant Holt, Glenn Murray and John McGinn.Also featuring:• Why Chris rejected Newcastle for Sunderland• Going on trial at Arsenal with Michael Owen• The brutal reality of football apprenticeships• Chris Waddle’s unbelievable ability at 39• Arsenal or Manchester City for the title?• Can Hearts beat Celtic and Rangers?• Why Martin O’Neill never managed a top English club• Carlisle United’s latest performance• What has gone wrong with VAR?• Football’s biggest wasted talents• Grant Holt and Glenn Murray proving everyone wrong• John McGinn’s rise to the Premier LeagueTIMESTAMPS00:00 Arsenal and Tottenham football quiz02:01 The lads review their weekend matches06:43 This episode’s sponsor: Safety Comes First07:29 Listener shout-outs and a new Carlisle United book09:33 Welcome to Episode Four10:33 How relationships with managers have changed14:43 Carlisle United’s latest performance21:53 Why Chris rejected Newcastle United23:39 Going on trial at Arsenal with Michael Owen26:23 Grant Holt’s journey through rejection32:52 The brutal reality of football apprenticeships42:34 Chris makes his Sunderland debut50:20 Training against a 39-year-old Chris Waddle51:43 Celtic, Rangers or Hearts for the Scottish title?53:08 Why didn’t Martin O’Neill manage a top English club?56:40 Has VAR become a complete shambles?01:00:08 Arsenal or Manchester City for the title?01:01:41 Carlisle United’s trip to Hartlepool01:04:33 Introducing the new viewers’ questions feature01:05:23 Quality or team spirit: which matters most?01:12:05 Players who should have achieved more01:18:20 Players who proved everyone wrong01:20:26 Grant Holt’s incredible rise to the Premier League01:22:57 John McGinn’s remarkable career01:24:21 Carlisle City Women announcement01:25:26 Final thoughtsSubscribe to 3 In The Middle for weekly episodes featuring former professionals Chris Lumsdon and Skip Boyd, current player Dylan McGeouch and special guests from across football.#3InTheMiddle #NewcastleUnited #SunderlandAFC #Arsenal #CarlisleUnited #FootballPodcast

This week the lads discuss their early days in football as Skip's dad turns super agent and a home visit for Dylan sees Neil Lennon meet his four legged namesake.Lummy recalls the time he came up against both the teacher and the prankster that was Paul 'Gazza' Gascoigne and we're all left wondering, did Jimmy Five Bellies ever find it...........?Rounded up with discussion around Carlisle United's trip to Forest Green and general chat from the world of football.  

This week the lads take on board first episode feedback from football podcast royalty Undr The Cosh, Skip recalls Roddy's rejection call, Dylan talks about the impact of social media on player's mental health and all provide a full, honest review of Carlisle's trip to Rochdale at the weekend. 

Join the lads as they discuss Dylan's mistaken massage, Skip's late night snacking at Newcastle United and Lummy's encounter with a naked Magnum PI. Plus a weekly round up of Carlisle United activity including the game against Altrincham and next weekend's top of the table clash at Rochdale.

Welcome to the 3 In The Middle Podcast 🎙️Hosted by ex pros Chris Lumsdon and Mark 'Skip' Boyd alongside current player Dylan McGeouch, this is proper football chat, no filters, no scripts, just honest opinions.From Carlisle United talk to football nonsense, behind-the-scenes stories, big debates and the occasional guests too.If you love real football conversations, strong opinions and a bit of chaos along the way you’re in the right place.Follow @3inthemiddle8 on Instagram or email us at [email protected] to get involved.