The 4000 Holes Podcast

Rob and Jack are back in the Kidder Street Noise hot seats for another episode of the podcast! This week it's Jack's turn to provide a debate for discussion and he went with... Does frequenting hospitality invalidate your opinion? They go back and forth on whether a padded seat and a pie changes how much your matchday take should count for. From there it's a wider look at the state of the Championship this season, plus a detour into what life might be like as a scoreboard operator. On the pitch, there's plenty to get into as well, with the lads breaking down Rovers' recent performances and what they mean heading into the next run of fixtures. Join Rob and Jack for all this and more, and don't forget to jump into the conversation on our Discord: https://discord.gg/pe2JsX5eq Commercial Corner The BRFCS Online Shop - support the site with our exclusive merch Site Sponsor - The Terrace - Code BRFCS at checkout Match Centre Sponsor - SUITS ME Card Classic Football Shirts - affiliate link - Code BRFCS10 at checkout NordVPN special offer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host Roger Whiteside interviews one of his wedding guests...no really..! Adele Burn from Hoghton, now of Leeds, a long-standing Rovers fan & former ball-girl, is currently starring in series 12 of the BBC programme "The Great British Sewing Bee". Episode 5 is the one to watch for all Rovers fans as Adele makes a BRFC themed bowling shirt as one of her challenges. Listen to Adele to learn about textiles at St Wilfrid's, Robbie Savage verbally assaulting ball-girls, memories of Cardiff in 2002 and how to make a Rovers top without using Latin or breaching copyright law..! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Great_British_Sewing_Bee_series_12 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cr7kdpeekmko https://x.com/Rovers/status/2087585825340965229 Commercial Corner The BRFCS Online Shop - support the site with our exclusive merch Site Sponsor - The Terrace - Code BRFCS at checkout Match Centre Sponsor - SUITS ME Card Classic Football Shirts - affiliate link - Code BRFCS10 at checkout NordVPN special offer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The transfer window recently "slammed shut" of course...but where does this leave Rovers? Join host Roger Whiteside & the panel of Ian Herbert, Rory Larmer & Rich Sharpe as they unravel the events of the last month or so... Part 1 - On the pitch - What have we made of Rovers' first six games? Good performances in the main, but not backed up with a good points return. Leaky defensive performances, ill discipline, bad luck? Are we confident things will turn in our favour? Part 2 - Off the pitch - Curwood and Mowbray interviews. Recruitment, injuries. Have we hit a new low? Part 3 - August Player of the Month - (Reminder of Player of the Match vote) who else is off to a good start? Calibre of the goals. Any Other Business Fan Advisory Panel Pricing at Ewood Podcast Extra - goalscorers on the road to Cardiff.... Commercial Corner The BRFCS Online Shop - support the site with our exclusive merch Site Sponsor - The Terrace - Code BRFCS at checkout Match Centre Sponsor - SUITS ME Card Classic Football Shirts - affiliate link - Code BRFCS10 at checkout NordVPN special offer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rob and Jack are back in the Kidder Street Noise podcast hot seats for another deep dive into all things football! This week the lads get stuck into some big talking points from the last few weeks of action. They kick off by asking whether a left-footed Alebiosu could be the answer to one of the squad's long-standing puzzles, before getting into a wider chat about whether the death of physical media has changed the way we consume and connect with the game. From there it's down to business: what does the squad actually need heading into the rest of the season? On the pitch, there's plenty to unpack too, a cup win at Burton to celebrate, plus a surprising and promising draw at Molineux that has given fans plenty to talk about. Join Rob and Jack for all this and more, and don't forget to jump into the conversation on our Discord: https://discord.gg/pe2JsX5eq Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A new season & we're back, bigger, stronger, faster...well after the summer holidays, bigger at least..! Host Roger Whiteside leads the panel of Ian Herbert, Rory Larmer & Rich Sharpe through this "Accrington Stanley (a)" warm-up episode. Part 1 - State of the Union - With Rovers transfer business still ongoing and a valuable point at Molineux, what are our expectations going into the new season? Focus on the Tony Mowbray effect? Rovers are a popular pick with the pundits to be relegated - can you see why? Transfers - who should/could leave to trim the squad? Toth sale good for all parties? Our realistic incoming targets Part 2 - Steve Curwood - what does his in-tray look like? what can we expect? Part 3 - The Championship as a whole - our thoughts on who will be strong & who can we compete with? The Podcast Extra - predictions Player of the Season Young Player of the Season Miscellaneous prediction Commercial Corner The BRFCS Online Shop - support the site with our exclusive merch Site Sponsor - The Terrace - Code BRFCS at checkout Match Centre Sponsor - SUITS ME Card Classic Football Shirts - affiliate link - Code BRFCS10 at checkout NordVPN special offer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tony's Back..! ...and so the 4000 Holes podcast returns from its summer hiatus to review the surprising news coming out of Ewood. Roger Whiteside is joined by Hollie Hawkesford, Ian Herbert & Rory Larmer to discuss in... Part 1 - TM - How & why did they land on him? What does he bring to the party? What are the pros & cons? Part 2 - Coach….not manager - what does that mean? Who is running the player recruitment? What does that mean for the summer? Part 3 - Swiss Ramble analysis thread - what does SCR mean for Rovers ability to recruit? Roger's World Cup Blackjack Game Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We say farewell to another season...unlike The Cranberries, not one that will linger. Join host Roger Whiteside plus the panel of Ian Herbert, Rory Larmer & Rich Sharpe as they discuss... Part 1 - End of the season - What moment on the pitch will you remember in years to come? Conversely what non-footballing moment defines season 2025/26? Part 2.Player of the Season - Those worthy of mentions in despatches. Young player, Rovers personality… Goodbye to Tronstad and Hedges? Goal of the season? Part 3.The Potential Michael O’Neill shaped hole - do we think he will stay? What happens if he goes? Will Phil Jones stay/step up? Podcast Extra A site visit to Blackburn United , north of the border, as Ian Herbert visits BRFCS' #adoptedclub as they pursue promotion & BRFCS.com sponsors the match ball. Interviews & insight from Alan & Brian at Blackburn United. A lovely listen. For Tony. Commercial Corner The BRFCS Online Shop - support the site with our exclusive merch Site Sponsor - The Terrace - Code BRFCS at checkout Match Centre Sponsor - SUITS ME Card Classic Football Shirts - affiliate link - Code BRFCS10 at checkout NordVPN special offer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join your host Roger Whiteside as he leads the panel of Matt Grimshaw, Ian Herbert, Rory Larmer & Rich Sharpe through the predictions maze to assess just what are the chances of Rovers staying up. Part 1 - As Rovers inch towards Championship survival, we review the Easter break, whilst looking ahead to the run in. How many more points do the panellists think are needed? Have a go at predicting right here... https://www.worldfootball.net/competition/co20/england-championship/standings-calculator/ Part 2 - March's Player Of The Month & who is leading the race for Player Of The Season Part 3 - Is the Championship model broken? https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/ce35l43w83lo Podcast Extra - Grand National fun - what would you call your Rovers related nag if it were running at Aintree? https://talksport.com/sport/850237/cheltenham-festival-liverpool-steve-mcmanaman-robbie-fowler-horses-names-funny/ #COYB If you can - please support Blackburn Foodbank's Winter Appeal HERE Commercial Corner:- The BRFCS Online Shop - support the site with our exclusive merch Site Sponsor - The Terrace - Code BRFCS at checkout Match Centre Sponsor - SUITS ME Card Classic Football Shirts - affiliate link - Code BRFCS10 at checkout NordVPN special offer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

BRFCS adopted Blackburn Foodbank as their partner charity for season 25/26. In this episode Ian Herbert visits the HQ on Oakenhurst Road in Blackburn to chat with some of the people who work and volunteer to help people in Blackburn with Darwen. Listen to find out just what goes on, how the help provided is structured & most importantly - to find out what you can do to help them. Also some observations on Ewood events from a couple of Rovers fans down there..! Thanks to everyone at Blackburn Foodbank for their contribution to the local community. If you can - please support Blackburn Foodbank's Winter Appeal HERE - every pound helps. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The panel returns to review events in February (& first week of March thanks to a scheduling challenge..!). Roger Whiteside is joined by Ian Herbert, Rory Larmer & Rich Sharpe to discuss these issues: Part 1. How do you rate the start Michael O’Neill has made as Rovers boss? How confident are you that he’s still the right man to ensure survival? Part 2. February Player of the Month plus the Adam Forshaw redemption arc - who else can/should step forward? Part 3. How can the execs possibly be held to account for this season’s outturn - Fans Forum seemingly isn’t it Realistically what can any new CEO do? Where are we regarding an appointment? Who are the candidates? What should we expect? Wendell Borton When Rudy Met Neil AOB - Youth Cup on Tuesday v Burnley, Panini stickers Podcast Extra - Grounds quiz, play offs extended to eight teams...thoughts? If you can - please support Blackburn Foodbank's Winter Appeal HERE Commercial Corner:- The BRFCS Online Shop - support the site with our exclusive merch Site Sponsor - The Terrace - Code BRFCS at checkout Match Centre Sponsor - SUITS ME Card Classic Football Shirts - affiliate link - Code BRFCS10 at checkout NordVPN special offer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Something of an "emergency" episode...or perhaps an urgent episode to reflect on the appointment of Michael O'Neill as the new Rovers boss, albeit only until the end of the season and on a job-share basis. Your host Roger Whiteside leads Ian Herbert, Rory Larmer & Rich Sharpe through the conversation. Part 1 - How do we all feel about the appointment? Part 2 - How will the jobshare element work? Part 3 - The new backroom boys If you can - please support Blackburn Foodbank's Winter Appeal HERE Commercial Corner:- The BRFCS Online Shop - support the site with our exclusive merch Site Sponsor - The Terrace - Code BRFCS at checkout Match Centre Sponsor - SUITS ME Card Classic Football Shirts - affiliate link - Code BRFCS10 at checkout NordVPN special offer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 4000 Holes podcast returns with the review of January & there's a LOT to discuss. Your host Roger Whiteside leads the panel of Ian Herbert, Rory Larmer & Rich Sharpe through the events of a testing few weeks. Part One - to what extent was it inevitable that Valerian Ismael departed Blackburn Rovers this week? Part Two - who would you like to see installed as the next permanent Rovers manager? Part Three - January Player of the Month in association with SuitsMe Card Transfer window concerns - who should miss out on the final 27? Macron suing the club. Podcast extra Rovers quiz If you can - please support Blackburn Foodbank's Winter Appeal HERE Commercial Corner:- The BRFCS Online Shop - support the site with our exclusive merch Site Sponsor - The Terrace - Code BRFCS at checkout Match Centre Sponsor - SUITS ME Card Classic Football Shirts - affiliate link - Code BRFCS10 at checkout NordVPN special offer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Happy New Year Everyone..! We are back with a review of a hectic December which seemed to pack in just one too many fixtures for the Ewood pitch to handle...sorry Wednesday fans. Your host Roger Whiteside looks back with Hollie Hawkesford, Ian Herbert, Rory Larmer & Rich Sharpe as they discuss in... Part 1 - Abandonments, injuries, clean sheets yet missed opportunities the story of December. What are your overriding feelings as we head into 2026? Part 2 - A new Match Centre sponsor & the December Player of the Month, plus where should Rovers be strengthening in the January window? Part 3 - The Big Debate - This House Believes That The Upcoming Planned Boycott (at home to Watford) is a worthy pursuit - hear what our panelists think... Podcast Extra - Rovers New Year Resolutions If you can - please support Blackburn Foodbank's Winter Appeal HERE Commercial Corner:- The BRFCS Online Shop - support the site with our exclusive merch Site Sponsor - The Terrace - Code BRFCS at checkout Match Centre Sponsor - SUITS ME Card Classic Football Shirts - affiliate link - Code BRFCS10 at checkout NordVPN special offer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's time once again for our Christmas Special & in 4000 Holes time honoured tradition we choose to rip-off a format from another podcast that we love. This year, it's The Football Clichés podcast and their "Mesut Haaland Dicks" format in which panelists discuss their Fascinations and Irritations with modern football. It's all about those micro details that perhaps only you notice. Listen & you'll see whether the panelists have landed on something that you too have spotted... Your compere is Ian Herbert & he teases out the issues from an illustrious panel of Stuart Grimshaw, Rob Heyn, Ryan Hildred, Michael Taylor & Roger Whiteside. Part 1 - The Fascinations Part 2 - The Irritations Podcast Extra - a bit more of outtakes plus an attempt at Happy Hunting Grounds...stay tuned right to the end for a pub quiz answer & a reminder of what once was - right at the very, very end... Merry Christmas everyone - hope it's a great one for you & yours. If you can - please support Blackburn Foodbank's Winter Appeal HERE Commercial Corner:- Sponsor - The Terrace - Code BRFCS at checkout The BRFCS Online Shop - support the site with our exclusive merch Classic Football Shirts - affiliate link - Code BRFCS10 at checkout NordVPN special offer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The panel under the auspices of host Roger Whiteside reviews November...and what a topsy-turvy month. Join Ian Herbert, Rory Larmer & Rich Sharpe as they ponder:- Part 1 - Rovers are Jekyll & Hyde - what is going on & why? Part 2 - Commercial Corner, November Player of the Month, Zinedine Baradji Part 3 - The Valérien Ismaël deep dive - what is his style? Is it working? Podcast Extra - Festive Rovers Memories Commercial Corner:- Sponsor - The Terrace - Code BRFCS at checkout The BRFCS Online Shop - support the site with our exclusive merch Classic Football Shirts - affiliate link - Code BRFCS10 at checkout NordVPN special offer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two guests in this episode - one an author the other a curator. In Part 1, host Ian Herbert chats with Peter Morris about his book "Puddy - The Life & Times of Syd Puddefoot" a fascinating story about a player who represented West Ham United, Blackburn Rovers and amazingly, for Falkirk after a world record transfer fee was paid. https://www.legendspublishing.net/product/puddy/ In Part 2 the guest is Scott Mason who has brought to life an amazing resource for all Blackburn Rovers fans the BRFCS Archive. Learn what it is, how it is structured & how it can be used to settle those pub quiz discussions! https://brfc-archive.com/ Commercial Corner:- Sponsor - The Terrace - Code BRFCS at checkout The BRFCS Online Shop - support the site with our exclusive merch Classic Football Shirts - affiliate link - Code BRFCS10 at checkout NordVPN special offer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Kidder Street Noise show is back with the real discussions around the latest fans forum & this week we're delighted to be joined by Jakob Ward (@PropaNortherner) who has all the insights from the latest instalment. Join Rob & Jakob as they discuss the timeline around the latest fans forum, some of the things that were actually discussed & the atmosphere in the room with some of the discussions getting a bit tense! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Review of October (& a bit of November) is here...but due to schedules, recorded before the Bristol City game...so listen to the very end to see who predicted the correct scoreline..! Your host Roger Whiteside teases out the information from a panel including Hollie Hawkesford, Ian Herbert, Rory Larmer & Rich Sharpe. Part 1 - a review of the October games plus the Leicester one because we were all giddy... Part 2 - the BRFCS Player of the Month for October, Who's Hot & Who's Not, Commercial Corner *The Great NordVPN Subscription Giveaway Competition* - email your answer to media@brfcs.com by midday on 16th November to have a chance to win a free year of internet protection Part 3 - the 150th birthday, shirts, merchandise, Derby, Old Etonians Podcast Extra - Roger sets an N quiz, Rory recalls the 125 anniversary, Hollie & Ian sing, everyone agrees Hearts have the best song, predictions for Bristol City - one of the panel got it spot on...but who? Worth a listen right to the very end...& enter the NordVPN competition now! [email the answer to media@brfcs.com before 16th November] https://x.com/HeartsGoals/status/1983643795888713835 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join host Roger Whiteside and the panel of Ian Herbert, Rory Larmer & Rich Sharpe as they review September in the Rovers universe. Not much happened so the conversation should be brief...What? Oh... Part 1 - September started with a fine victory on the road at Watford, but was followed by the farce of the Ipswich abandonment, a wretched performance at The Valley and back-to-back winless performances at home. Is it still too early to panic? Will the players gel and performances become more consistent given time? Or should fans be bracing themselves for a long winter ahead? Part 2 - September Player of the Month - who's hot & who's not according to the BRFCS voters Part 3 - Any Other Business Lancashire Telegraph and Elliott Jackson barred from the ground - what on earth... 150th Anniversary match against Old Etonians - following the fixture against Derby County The new BRFCS Online Shop Sponsored by The Terrace Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One for all football shirt enthusiasts here... 4000 Holes was recently invited to visit the Classic Football Shirts HQ in Hyde to have a look at how they operate & to take a sneaky peek into "The Vault" to enthuse over the Rovers shirts that are stored in the air-conditioned, humidity controlled, access restricted strong room..! Join Ian & Roger as they are shown around by the ever-so-helpful Jess & Louis who share their knowledge of CFS and of course, in Louis' case, Rovers shirt history. This podcast is also available in video format so that if you prefer you can see the items actually being discussed - Links below:- Part 1 - Behind The Scenes Part 2 - The Vault CFS have also kindly given us an affiliate link so any BRFCS members/4000 Holes listeners can obtain a 10% discount by using this link https://www.classicfootballshirts.co.uk/?ref=ztm0ndq&cid=&utm_source=Affiliates&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=Tapfiliate & quoting a discount code of BRFCS10 at the Checkout. Thanks once again to Jess & Louis for their time, energy & enthusiasm. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.