Scouser

Jim Boardman and Jay Reid are back with another episode of Scouser Tommies, the first one since Virgil Van Dijk lifted the 20th League Title for the Reds in front of a packed Anfield.. It’s been a while, but Jay has been busy, to be fair. And whilst he had extra special reasons to celebrate, the whole city has been in a party mood for quite some time now. (Not quite the whole city, of course; some isolated areas haven’t had a sniff of a title party for 30 years now!) On this week’s show, Jim and Jay look back on that momentous day when Virgil lifted that trophy, the iconic image of the skipper holding that shiny chunk of silver aloft that will live long in the memory. They also touch on the contrasting feelings that came out of that victory parade, a day that had been filled with pride as countless Reds made the pilgrimage to see their kings, celebrating in typical good humor, before the horrific scenes that, as awful as they were, thankfully—miraculously—weren’t as bad as we all feared they would be. The response, too, from those in the city, the offers of help, said so much about the true Liverpool. With a certain former Liverpool player swapping his No. 66 for the shirt usually worn by the sub before squad numbers came in, Jay and Jim look at how the feelings have started to change from those who were critical of the reception the player got from the fans he claims he loves. More and more see just why that reception was deserved. He’s not the first, he won’t be the last, but as Jim and Jay discuss, he’s done it in the worst possible way and ensured he won’t be remembered in the same way as some of those true legends whose names grace the official LFC museum—long after their boots were hung up for the last time. From tears in front of the Sky cameras to showing off the kind of fluent Spanish you don’t pick up overnight, it’s been quite the planned departure. More important than any of that is the fact that Liverpool have some new faces on the way in, the club showing true intent this summer to ensure Arne Slot has what he needs to turn one league title into a period of sustained success. Jay and Jim look at the signing of Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen, a direct and exciting replacement for that player who’s just left. Most exciting of all is the impending record transfer of Florian Wirtz, Frimpong’s Leverkusen teammate, and Jay explains just how popular that player is amongst his own countrymen. Those signings, along with the likely arrival of Milos Kerkez, are a massive statement of intent from the champions. Isn’t it nice saying, “The Champions”, by the way? The hosts talk about how last season was basically a "test run" for Arne and wonder just how he’s going to fare when he gets his hands on the players he’s had a hand in signing himself. Last season was just the beginning; will we see a new style of play in the next campaign? Will these new signings allow him to truly stamp his authority on the team's style? To wrap things up, there’s a moment for Jay and Jim to point out some social media posts that caught their eyes, with an old face who’s still not welcome in isolated parts of the city, and a post from Liverpool Airport that really put a certain ex-player in his place.

Join Jim Boardman and Jay Reid as they soak in the incredible atmosphere enveloping the city of Liverpool ahead of a monumental Bank Holiday weekend. The city is buzzing with events, from Radio One's Big Weekend to cruise liners docking, but most important of all it’s the final game of the season - a formality to go through before that long-awaited trophy lift, ahead of the victory parade through the city’s streets on Monday. For Jay, that trophy lift is an especially poignant moment; it’s the first time in his lifetime he'll witness Liverpool lift the league trophy at Anfield – a ticket he wouldn't sell for any price. It’s the first time the Reds have lifted the league trophy in front of fans at Anfield for 35 years, so a large chunk of the Liverpool support are in the same boat. Two of the greatest centre-backs in football history will be on the pitch as the trophy gets lifted, with true club legend Alan Hansen set to present the trophy to future club legend Virgil Van Dijk, adding to the symbolism of the occasion. Jurgen Klopp will be there too, keeping to his promise of coming back but not in a way that would interfere with the work of Arne Slot. No surprise he’s there; he’s as big a fan as any of us, and every fan wants to be there. If only - but Anfield, as big as it now is, can’t possibly contain every Red who wants to be there on Sunday. In fact, if estimates of how many people are heading into the city for the weekend are true, 16 Anfields wouldn’t be enough. No problem though; the city is ready to showcase its unique, welcoming spirit and show how it throws a party, as the Reds' heroes show that trophy off from the top of a bus! The last match itself sees Liverpool host Crystal Palace. With both teams in a celebratory mood (Palace fresh from their own FA Cup triumph), Jay and Jim are wondering if it’s even worth bothering with the footy itself. Jim and Jay reflect on a season where Liverpool exceeded expectations to clinch that title, but with transfer windows set to open, work needs to be done to ensure new expectations are met. No Red expected Slot to be so successful so soon - but all Reds want more of the same. The hosts briefly discuss some of the transfer rumours swirling around potential incomings like Frimpong and Kerkez, and possible departures including the respected Joe Gomez and potentially Darwin Nunez. Since the show was recorded, rumours about Florian Wirtz leaving Germany for Merseyside have gathered pace, but until he’s had his photo holding up his new shirt, Jay and Jim are assuming nothing. There's also discussion on manager Arne Slot's latest press conference, particularly his comments on Trent Alexander-Arnold's training and defensive application, and how the media has portrayed this. The hosts touch on how Trent might be received and the importance of focusing on the collective celebration. What advice would the hosts give Arne, if he asked, on how to handle this last bit with Trent? As for that victory parade, the hosts offer some tips for fans wanting to catch a glimpse of the champions. It's a time to savour the moment, celebrate a hard-won title, and look forward to what the future holds for the Reds. As always, there’s plenty to laugh about from across the park, although you aren’t likely to find any of them there as the A55 clogs up under the weight of a blue-tinged exodus to North Wales. Sunday will also mark the final match for George Sephton, the iconic 'Voice of Anfield'. His voice has boomed around Anfield for decades, since the days the Reds were winning titles almost every season. He really is and has been part of Anfield - he’s been there for the good times and the bad, and it really won’t be the same without him. Thanks for everything, George, from all of us.

In a passionate and deeply personal episode of "Scouser Tommies", Jim Boardman and Jay Reid confront the storm of controversy surrounding Trent Alexander-Arnold's impending Liverpool FC departure. The recent home game against Arsenal, expected to be a champions' party, instead became a focal point for raw Scouse emotion as boos echoed around Anfield for one of their own. Jim Boardman opens by wrestling with his own conflicted feelings. How should a fan react when a local hero's exit feels disrespectful, even if the league title is already in the bag? He questions the on-the-day decisions and hints at a steep learning curve for new manager Arne Slot in understanding the unique Anfield atmosphere, wondering if he was assured by others that all would be well. What makes this situation so different from past player departures, and why did Trent’s reception cut so deep for so many? Jay Reid, who was in amongst the boos at Anfield, confirms the undercurrent of discontent was palpable long before the controversial substitution. He then takes listeners on a compelling journey into the Scouse psyche, explaining the profound pride and identity that defines the people of Liverpool. Why do Scousers, known for their warmth, react so fiercely when they feel they've been "taken for mugs"? Leaving was never going to be without some pain, but as Jay explains, Trent, a lad from their streets, seems to have mishandled his goodbye in a way that particularly stings the local faithful. What is it about the manner of Alexander-Arnold's exit, especially concerning the club that nurtured him, that has caused such local frustration? The episode challenges common assumptions about how local players are treated and delves into why comparisons to other high-profile transfers only fuel the fire. The hosts dissect the "cryptic messages" and perceived lack of clarity from the player, pondering whether his actions throughout the season now paint a different, more unsettling picture. Was this a simple career move, or does it feel like a deeper betrayal to a fanbase that invests so much? Did manager Arne Slot misjudge the mood, or was he simply doing his job? The hosts debate the nuances of managing both player and fan expectations when emotions are running high. With Trent's Liverpool chapter closing, who should now get the spotlight in the season's remaining games? Beyond the central Trent saga, Jim and Jay also touch upon the actual football against Arsenal – a strong first half showcasing Liverpool's champion quality, followed by a more relaxed, almost disinterested second half from the Reds. The jubilant, almost holiday-like atmosphere among the players was noted, with reports of a team trip to Dubai (in some places framed as a "farewell for Trent") and Slot himself enjoying a break in Ibiza. "That's what you get when you're champions," Jay remarked. There’s also a brief look ahead to the next match, against Brighton, where one Liverpool player may get some attention for leaving the club the right way, and as always there’s stuff to weigh up from across the park, as history perhaps starts to get reinvented again. The dust will settle on the Trent issue as time goes by, and even if the current feeling is raw, it’s not what we’ll remember this season for. We’ll remember it for what comes next, formally celebrating the league title in front of fans at Anfield, before a summer spent happily telling anyone who cares that we’re the champions. And if anyone at the club is thinking about exchanging some cash for an early exit from an expiring contract, here’s hoping it’s Nike and Adidas we’re talking about.

Jim Boardman and Jay Reid are back with the latest Scouser Tommies as they finally get to say the words they, and every Liverpool fan, have been waiting for: "We won the League!" To be fair, they’ve been saying it at every opportunity for a few days now. Still buzzing from that title-clinching victory at Anfield, Jay and Jim dive into the almost surreal feeling of Liverpool being back on that perch again. They discuss what this long-awaited triumph means, especially for the generation of fans witnessing it for the first time. They look back at the match itself – the electric atmosphere inside and outside the ground, the performance that blew the opposition away (despite that early wobble), and the sheer style with which Liverpool’s League title No.20 was secured. It was a day that no Red, whether there or watching from afar, will ever forget, featuring the kind of goals that were perfect for the occasion. Amidst the celebrations came all kinds of information, and maybe a bit of misinformation. Jim and Jay discuss some of the details shared about the tweaks Arne Slot implemented to bring the best out of the very good squad Jurgen Klopp passed onto him. They also weigh up how much can be read into the future of a certain out-of-contract player from his interactions after the game and certain cryptic social media hints. There is, of course, plenty of praise for Arne Slot for all he’s achieved in this incredible first season, and the players he’s done it with. They also recognize that while the celebrations will continue well into the new season, he’ll be working hard to maintain this success. As Jay points out, Slot has certainly got the attention of the powers-that-be when it comes to discussing what he’ll need to keep the squad ahead of the rest. There’s also discussion of some of the great content circulating about the Reds becoming champions again, as well as news of a new song for Arne Slot. Now’s as good a time as any for the boss to get a new ditty, especially after he kind of handed back the one Jurgen Klopp gave him 11 months ago. This new one even comes with actions, as Jay explains. Talking of songs, there’s a Scouser in this team who needs one. As always, there’s plenty to laugh about from across the park, but with them being so miraculously quiet, it was down to Harvey Elliott to help us out. There's loads more in the show, basically an hour celebrating a moment that was far too long in the making. The celebrations will indeed continue.

Jim Boardman and Jay Reid are back on Scouser Tommies and are struggling to contain their excitement. The Reds are a single point away from winning their twentieth league title, and can do it on home turf in this city of ours. Winning the title is obviously this club’s ‘bread and butter’, but should it all go to plan on Sunday this one will be the first one clinched in front of fans since 1990, and so for many Reds, including Jay, the first one they’ve witnessed in person. One point will be enough, but everyone wants more than that, and the visitors might be one of the best sides the Reds could face. There was one bad result against Spurs this season, the first leg in the League Cup, but the return at Anfield ended 4-0 for Slot’s side and Jay would be happy with a repeat of that scoreline. As Jim points out, with Arsenal managing a point during the week it avoided the scenario many a fan of certain rivals would have preferred, with Liverpool becoming Champions without even playing. Whoever scores the winning goal will be remembered for winning the league, much like Kenny in ‘86 at Stamford Bridge. But Jay doesn’t want just one winning goal. Jay shares his personal excitement about potentially witnessing Liverpool win the league at Anfield for the very first time, a momentous occasion that his generation of fans hasn't experienced live at the stadium. Jim recalls his memories of one previous occasion when a title was clinched at Anfield, way back in 1988, and recalls the unique feeling of being at the ground when the league is secured. The conversation then turns to the crucial role of the fans, with a strong call to action to make Anfield a cauldron of noise on Sunday. Manager Arnie Slot and captain Virgil van Dijk have both emphasized the importance of the crowd's energy, urging everyone to wear Red, sing loud, and be the twelfth man that can intimidate the opposition. If you are at the game, do what you can to wear Red, it doesn’t have to be a replica shirt, and Jay and Jim have a few suggestions on what you can do to make sure you’re dressed in the right colour. There’s also some discussion on the ongoing speculation surrounding Trent Alexander-Arnold's future, particularly in light of his recent goal and passionate celebration. Should he start against Spurs, if fit? Are we almost at the point where he can show his hand and end the speculation once and for all? Then can we get back to celebrating that title (once it’s there to be celebrated, of course)? As always there’s something to laugh about courtesy of our friends across the park, and one rumour in particular, if true, could cheer them up in the way they like to be cheered up the most - at our expense. For now though, the focus is on our side of the park, and all being well the goals that finally put the Reds back on top of that perch.

Rereleased in memory of Jan Gorski-Mescir. In this special edition of Scouser Tommies, Jim Boardman and Jan Gorski-Mescir discussed the career of Liverpool legend Ray Kennedy after his death at the age of 70. Bill Shankly’s last signing, Ray would go on to be a key part of the Bob Paisley era, instrumental in the Reds making that step up from regular league title winners to regular European title winners. In Paisley’s words, Ray was “one of Liverpool’s greatest players and probably the most underrated”

Join Jim Boardman and Jay Reid on the Scouser Tommies podcast as they dissect Liverpool's crucial, yet increasingly nervy, end-of-season run-in. With the first potential fan-attended title win in 35 years tantalisingly close, they debate whether player complacency, nerves, or even a less intense Anfield crowd are contributing to the recent dip in form, especially when compared to famous European nights. Jay, speaking from his own match-day experiences, suggests factors like fan inexperience, the distraction of phones, and the impact of hospitality might be diluting Anfield's traditional cauldron-like atmosphere. The hosts ponder potential solutions, including encouraging fans to arrive earlier to recreate the legendary pre-match Kop buzz, stressing that both players and fans need to feed off each other to get over the line. The decreasing uncertainty surrounding Trent Alexander-Arnold's future, at least officially, amid persistent Real Madrid links, is thoroughly explored. Jim and Jay discuss the fan disappointment over how the situation is unfolding, referencing Paddy Pimblett's comments about a local lad potentially taking his unique position for granted, and consider if this paves the way for Conor Bradley to secure an extended run at right-back. Amid the Trent speculation, there's positive news with Mohamed Salah's new deal signed and Virgil van Dijk strongly hinting his own extension is imminent. Securing these experienced leaders allows focus to shift to summer strengthening, balancing recruitment with developing the club's own talent, highlighted by the emergence of players like Kelleher, Bradley, and Quansah. Finally, Jim and Jay put the season into perspective, reminding listeners that Liverpool have already exceeded expectations set back in August. Despite recent stumbles, the achievement remains remarkable, and the hope is to secure title number 20 convincingly – ideally at Anfield. As always, there’s plenty to laugh about from that lot across the park.

Rereleased in memory of Jan Gorski-Mescir. Dave Hendrick was joined by Jim Boardman & Jan Gorski-Mescir to pay tribute to the great Roger Hunt on the day he sadly passed away.

Rereleased in memory of Jan Gorski-Mescir. Jim Boardman was once again joined by Jan as they continued the discussion of Jan’s time as a Liverpool fan, including his move away from the city and his support from further afield. Also, Jan gets an opportunity for the somewhat tricky task of choosing his all-time LFC XI, in his case made extra difficult by having more years as a match-watching Red to choose players from!

Rereleased in memory of Jan Gorski-Mescir. Jim Boardman was joined by Jan Gorski-Mescir for another of the special “back stories” episodes. In the first of two parts, Jan explained what it was that turned him into a Liverpool fan and it is arguably the most unique, definitely the most moving, of all the stories we’ve shared so far. Once he had become a Red, what was it about Anfield that kept him going back, and what was it like to be on the Kop in the era the nation, indeed the world, found out how special it was?