Gareth Southgate is preparing to launch a new podcast focused on football managers, titled 'The Dugout.' The show is expected to feature broadcaster Mark Chapman and former Everton defender Conor Coady interviewing managers from across the sport. This venture marks an expansion of Southgate's media presence, following the launch of 'The Football Boardroom' with his business partner Jimmy Worrall, which offers insights into the upper echelons of football administration.
Meanwhile, Manchester United's women's team continues to face questions regarding investment, particularly following the departure of head coach Marc Skinner. Reports from the Leigh Sports Village, where the team plays, highlight persistent issues with basic amenities, such as a lack of toilet roll for reporters. These concerns have resurfaced following the team's second consecutive loss to open the campaign, a 5-0 defeat at home against Chelsea.
The broadcasting landscape is also seeing shifts, with the BBC's head of major events and general sport, Ron Chakraborty, set to depart at the end of the year after more than 28 years with the broadcaster. Chakraborty has been instrumental in the BBC's Olympic coverage, including the recent Winter Games. The organization faces the challenge of producing coverage for 35 sports at the upcoming Los Angeles Olympics. Despite some accusations that the BBC is prioritizing digital output to attract a younger audience at the expense of traditional television, insiders express confidence in their succession plan and the existing team's expertise for the LA Games.
In other football news, tensions remain between Southampton and the English Football League (EFL) following the 'Spygate' incident. Reports indicate that EFL chief Rick Parry did not engage with Southampton officials during a recent Championship match at St. Andrew's, instead interacting primarily with Birmingham City officials. This perceived snub has added to existing dissatisfaction within Southampton regarding the handling of their playoff exclusion. An EFL insider suggested Parry was in a different area of the boardroom and did not see the Southampton delegation.
EFL clubs are scheduled to convene this week to discuss significant matters, including financial distribution, as negotiations with the Premier League progress. Additionally, reporter Dianna Russini, who was at the center of controversy regarding her relationship with New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, will not be voting in the Associated Press's end-of-year NFL awards. Russini resigned from The Athletic following allegations that surfaced after photos emerged of her with Vrabel, who is also married. An AP spokesperson stated that the composition of the voting panel changes regularly.