Royal Oak TURMOIL as Paul Sampson Goes AWOL - Who’s Running the Show?

The fallout from the Derby clash continues and The Royal Oak is in turmoil. Steve's in charge (sort of), Bob's his assistant (sort of), and Parksey's the new physio. Join them as they discuss their new roles, divvy up responsibilities and hear from fans around the world - but are they truly together as one? In wider sports news, they also discuss the title races in England and Scotland, Rory McIlroy's Masters triumph and Thierry Henry’s aftershave. 0:00 Adjusting to new seat positions 0:47 Coming up 1:07 New roles 4:37 Interviews with Terry & June 5:06 Parksey briefed on physio role 8:23 New manager odds 9:15 Steve's stressed with manager responsibilities 10:58 Parksey forgot to go on for Royal Oak v Nags Head final 10 mins 11:48 Bob's new role as Interim Assistant Manager 13:50 "We have to steady this ship" 15:07 Who's winning the Premier League? 16:49 Spurs and Royal Oak relegation 18:40 Scottish Premiership title race 19:53 Rory McIlroy double Masters win 21:56 Royal Oak v Nags Head - Fan photos and videos 22:46 Should Royal Oak play abroad? 24:40 Parksey physio interview practice 26:36 Support for Paul Sampson 28:49 Goalkeeper Robbie's neon green kit 29:53 Cue card carnage 32:03 Applause for Parksey VAR. XG. Inverted wing backs. The game has well and truly gone. Via his very own podcast, Steve Bracknall, Sunday league assistant manager and viral sensation will bring it back. Direct from the dressing room of his team, Royal Oak FC, Steve is joined by gaffer Paul Sampson and physio Bob the Bucket. Every episode, they’ll make sense of all the week’s footballing news and bring you updates from the Oak… Send your questions and voice notes to [email protected] or via whatsapp 0800 7831997 Game’s Gone: The Steve Bracknall Podcast is written and performed by Chris McClure and is a Persephonica production for BBC Sounds Background Royal Oak FC was founded in 1997 in the back room of the Royal Oak pub by Steve Bracknall and Paul Sampson. Despite decades of effort, the team still fights for survival in the fifth tier of the Sheffield Sunday Imperial League. When a viral clip catapulted Steve to fame in 2024, the BBC came calling - and Game’s Gone was born. Meet The Hosts Steve Bracknall Assistant manager at Royal Oak FC, Steve Bracknall is to many the lifeblood of the club. Having agreed to front the club in terms of marketing and PR, Steve is the link between the fans and the club. No one cares about the Oak like Steve. Loving husband to Our Nikki and doting father to Our Olivia, come Sunday Steve is transformed into a passionate assistant who would literally die for the cause. He cites man management as his strong point. Paul Sampson First team manager and lifelong friend of Steve Bracknall. Paul originally formed the club with Steve. In recent years his commitment to the club has come under scrutiny especially after buying a timeshare in Tenerife and going on multiple golfing trips mid-season leaving Steve to hold the fort. He still has the final say over any tactical decisions that are made much to the annoyance of Steve. Bob the Bucket Club physio and general caretaker Bob the Bucket has been with the club for over ten years. No one really knows why and when he joined but he did. General job roles include putting up nets, filling water bottles alongside prevention and rehab of all Oak players.