Winter Break

Not Premier League Proven would like to announce their winter break.

Normal service shall resume on Wednesday 18th January 2012 for podcasting, but there will be a bloopers episode for download on Wednesday 4th January 2012 which is much in keeping with the festive period!

In the meantime remember to catch up on all our previous episodes from Episode One - Emile Beckeanbeaur right through to Episode Nine – Well, it’s déjà vu!

You can also have a read through all of our blogs that we have written to give you our view on the world of football.

Have a merry Christmas and happy New Year.

Thanks for your support,

The NPLP team.

Talent Spotter: Jan Vertonghen - The Modern Centre-Back

By Declan Olley

Since 2004 there have been seven Ajax captains: Rafael Van der Vaart, Jaap Stam, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Thomas Vermaelen, Luis Suarez and Maarten Stekelenburg.

Not bad players I hear you say, but is the seventh captain worthy of sitting alongside those names?

The answer is a pretty simple yes.

Episode 9 - Well, it's déjà vu!

So as 2011 comes to a close the NPLP team take a look back on an eventful year for the world of football by giving you their Top Three moments of 2011.

But, with 2012 to look forward to, the January transfer window gives the boys an opportunity to tell you what their club’s should ask Santa for this Christmas.

There’s also the regular features like the Premier League review, preview and quote of the week for your lovely listening.

Don’t forget too that NPLP is taking a break for a month and a bit and will resume normal service on Wednesday January 18^th 2012. 

But in the mean time stay tuned for a Special Edition Episode that will be released on Wednesday January 4^th 2012.

You can support NPLP via Twitter: @NPLP_Podcast , Facebook: NPLP Podcast or visit the website http://notpremierleagueprovenp0dcast.blogspot.com/

Videos for Episode Nine

Check out all the videos from Episode 9 by clicking 'Read More' below.

Thompson Talks Tactics: Stoke 2 - 1 Spurs (11/12/11)

 By Sam Thompson

Two teams competing in the Europa League. One with Woodgate, Palacios, Etherington and Crouch, the other who used to have Woodgate, Palacios, Etherington and Crouch. In the end Stoke were victorious and won 2-1, but here are some of my observations on this Sunday's game...

Topping's Tantrum: Footballers Only Care About The Money

By Bill Topping

I once read an article in the Guardian in which Spurs’ left back Benoit Assou – Ekotto admitted he played football for the money rather than for the love of the game.

Dan's Debate: There Is More Good In Football Than Bad

By Dan Sampayo

“Someone once said to me, ‘to you, football is a matter of life and death!’ and I said ‘listen, it’s more important than that.”

Bill Shankly’s most famous quote, possibly the most famous in football, defines life for a football fan. Any boy or girl who grew up playing football in the park with their dad, or craning their neck above fat men in smoky pubs trying to watch the match will understand. Kids that stayed up late on a Saturday to watch Match of the Day and players like Paul Scholes, Michael Owen and Thierry Henry will instinctively know the passion.

The death of Gary Speed last weekend, however, threw this quote into stark reality. Is football truly a matter of life and death? Of course not.

Episode 8 - Sammy Ame-Ame-Ame-obi

The Euro 2012 draw gets the NPLP team all excited for what will surely be an entertaining group phase.

An in depth review and preview of the Premier League, as well as the return of Martin O’Neill to football, is discussed in detail by the boys.

Face masks are the agenda for this week’s Top Three too.

There is also a competition for you lovely listeners. Remember to send your answers, accompanied by a question for the boys or simply a funny football story, to notpremierleagueproven@hotmail.co.uk (Competition only open to UK Residents and competition closes on Friday 9th Decemeber 2011).

You can also support NPLP via Twitter: @NPLP_Podcast , Facebook: NPLP Podcast or visit the website http://notpremierleagueprovenp0dcast.blogspot.com/

Videos for Episode Eight

Check out all the videos from Episode 8 by clicking 'Read More' below.

Let Me Take You Back ... To 13th June 2004

 By Jack Reed

In the week where we see England and France drawn together in a European Championship group, let me take you back to June 13th, 2004.

Talent Spotter: The Basque Wayne Rooney

By Declan Olley (@DecTHFC)

Just over two years ago a 16 year old from Pamplona made Spanish football history. He became the youngest goalscorer in both La Liga and Athletic Bilbao’s history.

Go back another seven years and a teenager from Liverpool introduced himself to English football in a similar vein. His goal against Arsenal for Everton saw him, at that moment in time, become the youngest goal scorer in the history of the Premier League (James Vaughan now holds the record).

The two players however, have chosen different routes since there goals.

Episode 7 - What A 'Tache!

Gary Speed’s sad death leads the NPLP team to pay tribute to a Premier League legend.

The month of ‘Movember’ is drawing to a close, so the boys take a look at their Top Three footballers with moustaches.

As well as that, David Beckham’s future is a topic that sparks debate amongst NPLP.

There is also a competition for you lovely listeners. Remember to send your answers, accompanied by a question for the boys or simply a funny football story, to notpremierleagueproven@hotmail.co.uk (Competition only open to UK Residents and competition closes on Friday 9th Decemeber 2011).

You can also support NPLP via Twitter: @NPLP_Podcast , Facebook: NPLP Podcast or visit the website http://notpremierleagueprovenp0dcast.blogspot.com/

Videos for Episode Seven

Check out all the videos from Episode 7 by clicking 'Read More' below.

Thompson Talks Tactics: Liverpool 1-1 Manchester City (27/11/11)

By Sam Thompson

Who needed the win more? Who has the best right back? Would Man City finally lose? Billed as my game of the week on the podcast, here are my thoughts on Manchester City's draw with Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday... 

Topping's Tantrum: Aston Villa and Alex Mcleish

By Bill Topping

There seems no better place to start my blog than the team lying closest to my heart: Aston Villa Football Club.

It will not surprise you that I generally look at life with a pessimistic mindset and it is this that means Villa and me are a match made in heaven.

Dan's Debate: Football needs to lose its heads, before it loses its head.

By Dan Sampayo

Sepp Blatter has, since his tenure began in 1998, constantly been in the media spotlight. From financial mismanagement, to lurid slurs on women’s football and most recently his ludicrous claims that racism can be solved with a handshake, Blatter has somehow remained in his position as the most influential and important man in football.

After a week of relentless criticism that has been levelled at the 75 year old, Blatter has now claimed that the case is over, closed, no more – but somehow he’s still the President of Fifa.

Episode 6 - Paul Ince? Are You Sure?

The NPLP team talk about Public Enemy Number One (Sepp Blatter) in what is sure to be the first of many debates about the FIFA President.

There was also the small matter of the Premier League returning this weekend as well as a host of European action for all the boys to run the rule over.

And as a word of warning Sam gets emotional about the tenth anniversary of Ipswich Town 1 Inter Milan 0!

Send your emails to notpremierleagueproven@hotmail.co.uk so that the boys can discuss the topics that you really care about!

You can also support NPLP via Twitter: @NPLP_Podcast , Facebook: NPLP Podcast or visit the website http://notpremierleagueprovenp0dcast.blogspot.com/

(It was a busy day in the newsroom when recording, so we apologise for any background noise).

Videos for Episode Six

Check out all the videos from Episode 6 by clicking 'Read More' below.

Let Me Take You Back ... To 14th April 2009

By Jack Reed

In the week of a fiercely competitive night game at Stamford Bridge between Chelsea and Liverpool, let me take you back to the 14^thof April 2009.

A Champions League quarter final encounter where Chelsea took a commanding 3-1 lead after a brilliant performance at Anfield two weeks before. What unfolded in the second leg is one of the most entertaining Champions League nights there has ever been.

Something For The Weekend: Our Trip To Wembley

By Josh Morl

It’s the moment you’ve all been waiting for.


What do we really look like?


There’s only one way to find out by watching our visit to Wembley.


Click READ MORE to see the video!

Talent Spotter: The Rolls-Reus of Germany

 By Declan Olley

   It’s so predictable what happens when a young player has a flying start to the season for a club that is seen beneath the elite.

They become Europe’s most sought after player. They are wanted by the Bayern Munich’s and Manchester City’s of this world. They will be offered double or even treble the wage that they are currently on.

Well that’s what’s happening to Borussia Monchengladbach’s Marco Reus. No sooner has he scored eight goals in 12 games he is Bayern Munich’s and Manchester City’s main target.

Episode 5 - We Parker-ed The Bus

Listen to the reaction from the boys after their big day at Wembley as they saw England become world champions... well sort of.

There’s also this week’s e-mail which gets the NPLP team thinking of their favourite commentary moments.

And not to forget Top Three, where the boys take a trip down memory lane as they recall their best England performances in their lifetime.

Remember to keep sending in your emails to notpremierleagueproven@hotmail.co.uk so that the boys can discuss the topics that you really care about!

You can also support NPLP via Twitter: @NPLP_Podcast  or Facebook: NPLP Podcast.

Don’t forget to tell your friends and spread the word!

Videos for Episode Five

Check out all the videos from Episode 5 by clicking 'Read More' below.

Thompson Talks Tactics: England 1-0 Spain (12/11/11)

By Sam Thompson

On a night where England’s doggedness in defence was too much for Spain’s flair and movement, here are ten observations from Wembley…

Episode 4 - Sir Gabby of Solihull

NPLP are off to Wembley this week, and what better way to celebrate this joyous occasion by talking all things England vs. Spain.

Don’t worry though, the regular features like Premier League review, quote of the week and top three are all there for your lovely listening.

Remember to keep sending in your emails to notpremierleagueproven@hotmail.co.uk so that the boys can discuss the topics that you really care about!

You can also support NPLP via Twitter: @NPLP_Podcast , Facebook: NPLP Podcast or visit the website http://notpremierleagueprovenp0dcast.blogspot.com/

Don’t forget to tell your friends and spread the word!

Videos for Episode Four

Check out all the videos from Episode 4 by clicking 'Read More' below.

Episode 3 - You Couldn't Write It

The month of November is here, and so are NPLP (and Jack).

This week the boys discuss their favourite outfield players...to have played in goal, take a look at the Ballon d’Or shortlist as well as reveal their Premier League relegation candidates.

Just like Sam this week, e-mail us your football questions you would like us to discuss to notpremierleagueproven@hotmail.co.uk

You can also support NPLP via Twitter: @NPLP_Podcast and Facebook: NPLP Podcast.

Videos for Episode Three

Check out all the videos from Episode 3 by clicking 'Read More' below.

NPLP Bursts Onto The iTunes Store!

We're pleased to announce that NPLP podcast is now available for your listening on iTunes!

We would be very grateful if you could review and star rate our podcast on the iTunes store by following this link: http://tinyurl.com/65bo2vw.

Once again, thanks for your support!

Episode 2 - An Angry Puppet

The boys return this week to talk Manchester, comebacks and of course, take a closer look at their newly adopted club, NK Maribor.

E-mail your greatest comebacks and any feedback you have about the show at notpremierleagueproven@hotmail.co.uk

You can also support NPLP via Twitter: @NPLP_Podcast and Facebook: NPLP Podcast.

Videos for Episode Two.

Check out all the videos from Episode 2 by clicking 'Read More' below.

Episode 1 - Emile Beckenbauer

Not Premier League Proven's debut episode sees the boys discuss all the action from the weekend, find the 'Top 3' Dutch players to have played in the Premier League and of course, think critically about Emile Heskey's supposed new position.

We are using new technology this week so at times we experienced some editing difficulties. This will be improved as the weeks go on.

(After some hardcore googling we have discovered that NK Maribor are in fact from Slovenia, not Sweden, but of course you already knew that didn't you! Sorry for any incovenience none the less).

Your feedback is much appreciated through the usual channels:

Website: notpremierleagueprovenp0dcast.blogspot.com

E-mail: notpremierleagueprovenproven@hotmail.co.uk

Twitter: @NPLP_Podcast

Facebook: NPLP Podcast

Heskey shows Beckenbauer how it's done...



Youtube saves the day by showing how good NK Maribor really are...

Introducing Not Premier League Proven Podcast

Not Premier League Proven (NPLP) is the brand new podcast created by six journalism students at the University of Kent who all share one thing in common – a love of football.

Every week Josh Morl, Declan Olley, Jack Reed, Dan Sampayo, Sam Thompson and Bill Topping (the anchorman) will bring you their views on the beautiful game; from Premier League matches to performances of the week.

We have no budget (like Everton), no previous experience (like Swansea) but high expectations (like Manchester City). What could possibly go wrong?

We can’t name you the all-time top goal scorer for Borrusia Mochengladbach and we don’t know who plays left back for Levski Sofia. We’re only human!

But just like Adel Taarabt this season, you can expect the same things from us as we try to prove ourselves among the big boys; arguments, inconsistency, sulking if things don’t go to plan but also the occasional moment of sheer brilliance.

We hope you enjoy our podcast as well as support it by using any of the below:

• ·      Check out our website http://notpremierleagueprovenp0dcast.blogspot.com
• ·       Join our Facebook Page: NPLP Podcast
• ·       Follow us on Twittter @NPLP_Podcast
• ·       E-mail us at notpremierleagueproven@hotmail.co.uk

Introducing Bill Topping a.k.a. The Punmeister

Sketch By Claire Orme

Bill Topping has always wanted to have an  influence in the medium of sports radio and his decision to take up the anchorman role in the podcast could make or break his career because he is going to have a tough time keeping a lid on things!

As a West Country boy, Bill had little to do apart from sitting at home and thinking of puns as well as watching the Villa and playing with his Emile Heskey action figure.

Sipping on a cup of tea, Bill will no doubt enrich the podcast’s content with his overall football knowledge.

Introducing Sam Thompson a.k.a. The Tractor Boy

Sketch By Claire Orme

“When Ipswich beat Inter Milan...” get used to this habit of clinging onto past glories because Sam Thompson lives in the past. Though you would do if you were an Ipswich Fan.

Fortunately for Sam his bubbly personality means Ipswich never gets him down and his persistent humour is sure to put a smile on your face.

What you will never unfortunately see is Sam’s dancing where he specialises in the sprinkler, frying pan and tractor. It is a sight to behold!

Introducing Dan Sampayo a.k.a. The Lazy Boy

Sketch By Claire Orme

After watching many episodes of high quality television, such as Made in Chelsea, Dan secretly wishes that it was real and he could be the lead role.

Terrible television isn’t his only passion as he is a huge Tottenham fan and has a strange obsession with Jermaine Defoe. We don’t know why either!

Dan spends most of his time horizontal and rarely moves. The only reason he gets up is to do the podcast, watch the match and have a pint.

Introducing Declan Olley a.k.a. The Essex Boy

Sketch By Claire Orme

Being from Essex, Dec does have a slight comb over, he does do his top button up on his polo but he does not endorse fake tan.

As a Tottenham season ticket holder Declan has a passionate view on both domestic and European football.

He is also the man amongst a group of boys in the Fifa 12 NPLP team. However he should do, considering how much he plays it.

Basically, a world without football is a world without Dec.

Introducing Josh Morl a.k.a. The Angry Boy

Sketch By Claire Orme

Josh Morl first introduced himself to the group not through football but through a strange fact. He announced to us that South Korean broadband runs at 200MB. Luckily he is more interesting than this.

Another Essex boy, he is a furious young man, probably because he is an Arsenal fan.

Regularly banging his fists on the table and constant moaning means you don’t really know what to expect when Josh is around.

Introducing Jack Reed a.k.a. Clark Kent

Sketch By Claire Orme

Jack Reed really could have replaced Christopher Reeves as Clark Kent but unfortunately his talents do not lie in the film industry.

A through and through Hereford United fan, so much so that his middle name, Edgar, is where they play their home games.

But just like Emmanuel Adebayor, Jack is not a one club man. A big Arsenal fan, he is a total statto with a fountain of useless knowledge stored in his big head.