Scouser

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?

Rereleased in memory of Jan Gorski-Mescir. Jim Boardman was joined by Jan for a chat that sometimes gets onto football. They talked about what sets Liverpool apart from the rest of England, at least in their view, and they don’t mean Covid restrictions, and how the current Reds boss compares to the man who turned the club around so much in the sixties, Bill Shankly. Also, did the Premier League clubs get right with the PPV plan - or could it have been even worse?

After what felt like the longest international break in football history, Jim Boardman and Jay Reid are back for another episode of Scouser Tommies, as the Reds get back to winning ways and move another step closer to league title number 20, despite the PGMOL's best efforts. The win came courtesy of Diogo Jota’s Merseyside Derby goal, one with a tinge of controversy. Liverpool’s 1-0 win extended David Moyes’s miserable Anfield record - he’s won as many games at Anfield as Everton had shots on target in this match. What’s that about proving you don’t have to win to win trophies to be a winner? The controversy over Jota’s goal was minor, and as Jim and Jay point out, easily explained. According to the laws of the game, Luis Diaz wasn’t interfering from an offside position, although miserable Moyesie might need it explaining to him a few more times. Less minor was the controversy over James Tarkowski’s tackle on Alexie Mac Allister. When even Duncan Ferguson is calling it a straight red card, there’s not much room for manoeuvre. Or at least you’d think so, but many a blue will be defending that for years to come, if asked. Just before they start to rattle on about the ‘offside’ goal. Another one for their long list. The PGMOL did point out the following day that Tarkowski’s horror show should have been a red, but there was no sign of an explanation as to how Greater Manchester referee Paul Tierney, on VAR duty, failed to spot what everyone else did. Liverpool’s next ref is from even closer to the city of Manchester. As discussed in the show, the derby win was much-needed and it really sets the Reds up well, and Jay discusses where Liverpool could be playing if and when they do finish the job. Not that the job is finished yet of course, and as Jim points out, next opponents Fulham aren’t always an easy team to beat at their own place. As well as the highs of the derby win there’s time to discuss the defeat at Wembley just before this break, and Jim wonders if maybe we are taking these occasions for granted. However, as Jay points out, the disappointment of losing that game will fade into nowhere if the Reds do complete the job in the competition that matters most, one we’ve not been able to take for granted for many a year. In addition this week, Jay and Jim discuss the Scouser in the team, Curtis Jones, who played at right-back in the derby and was on the receiving end of a lot of praise from his boss. There’s also a discussion on the Scouser out injured, Trent Alexander Arnold, whose future was under even more of a spotlight during the international break. Has he already played his last game for his boyhood club? With this show coming so close to a derby, there was always going to be a mention of the neighbours and their comedic acts.