With Monday being Labour Day in NZ, and Jacob working both of the kiwi A-League games across the weekend, he needed some much-needed downtime with family, and nobody else was free... so it was up to Goran to go it alone - 1v1 - with Wellington Phoenix head coach GIANCARLO ITALIANO. The man with a secret part to play in the origin story of The Unused Subs!
Chiefy chats openly and honestly about 'losing himself' last season, and the measures he's taken to get back to a positive state of mind. He reveals the extent of the messaging from so-called fans of the game which put him off social media entirely, and talks about the departure of Kosta Barbarouses to Western Sydney Wanderers. Just how does a New Zealand club lose an All Whites rep to an Aussie A-League club?
There's time for Chiefy to unveil his 4 X's with Collinson, with some surprising quality in the mix, and we talk about the Kiwi Derby too - the first clash with Auckland FC is less than 2 weeks away! GET EXCITED! How important for Italiano and Wellington to turn things around following a 3-0 whitewash in AFC's first year? All this and so much more in episode 26 of The Unused Subs. Enjoy!
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With Jacob Spoonley unavailable for selection this week and Tom Doyle sunning himself in Fiji, Goran was forced to pull out all the stops for the second episode of Season Two. He recruited not only the exceptional SEAMUS MARTEN of Between Two Beers, but handed a debut to none other than PAUL IFILL - the greatest import in the history of the Wellington Phoenix!
The removal of Ange Postecoglou from Nottingham Forest was an obvious talking point, given how the Aussie's 39-day stretch in charge has impacted our All Whites captain Chris Wood. Surely this is the best possible result for Woodsy?! But does he stay in the forest or seek greener pastures?
The Subs review the opening round of the A-League season from a kiwi POV and wonder how on earth Jesse Randall missed the target from one yard out?! And did you know that Wellington Phoenix played a highline against Perth? (if you heard the match commentary, it was all they talked about!)
Paul Ifill unveils his 4 X's with Collinson, and given who he encountered while playing in the UK, he assembles an incredible 5 a-side team featuring some of the biggest names in world football!
And please... do yourself a massive favour and stay with us until the end because you won't want to miss some incredible stories about Roy Keane, what happened during the FA Cup Final lead-in, and finding love during the French ski season!
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That’s right, it’s the SEASON TWO PREMIERE of The Unused Subs! Somehow, some way, the boys are back… and they’ve convinced former Auckland FC striker MAX MATA to join the fun at the Tyler St Sport studio.
Max has endured a less than desirable off-season; a niggling hamstring injury led to a departure from Shrewsbury Town, and left him without a club. How does the free agent plot a path to the FIFA WORLD CUP in 2026?
Max relives and reveals the pain and frustration of not being involved in last season’s A-League semi-final defeat to Melbourne Victory, but also recounts some of his best moments during the Black Knights’ inaugural campaign.
Goran debuts a new segment - FOUR X’s WITH COLLINSON - in association with our great mates at Collinson Forex. It's essentially an excuse to talk about the best players you've ever shared a pitch with! We rave about kiwi footballers making headlines for all the right reasons as we check out our Kiwi Radar.
There’s also plenty of love for Brian Kaltak, and yep… we are still wondering if THAT cross at Mt Smart Stadium was IN or OUT in AFC’s final match of last season. And it wouldn't be an episode of your favourite kiwi football show if there wasn't an unwelcome interruption from a loud delivery truck, or a giant cruise ship, right?!
It’s good to be back for Season Two! Tell your teammates and get on the bench with The Unused Subs today!
In the 23rd and FINAL episode of The Unused Subs first season, Jacob & Goran are separated by the Tasman Sea, courtesy of a Spoonley family holiday... but through the wonders of technology The Spoon joins via video call. In studio our old pal TOM DOYLE slots into his position, alongside the big guest for the finale: ALL WHITES HEAD COACH DARREN BAZELEY!
In exactly one year, the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be underway. And NZ preparations for the biggest football tournament on the face of the planet just received a huge boost, with the announcement of the Soccer Ashes returning in September - that's ALL WHITES vs Australia's SOCCEROOS in two matches, home and away.
We talk to Baze about that, and so much more: the recent trip to Canada, securing victory against Côte d'Ivoire. How to manage Nottingham Forest's CHRIS WOOD during the next 12 months, in what will be a very busy time for the skipper. Which players will be hoping to secure moves this off-season to give themselves the best possible chance of WORLD CUP selection? With so many top quality central defenders, who starts in one year from now? And with some consistent football under his belt, is RYAN THOMAS a serious possibility of coming back to the national team?
Thanks to everyone who has taken the time to watch, like, comment and subscribe to The Unused Subs. We'll do everything in our power to return for a second season!
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In the 22nd episode of The Unused Subs, Jacob & Goran are joined in the Tyler St Sport studio by the 'Transparent Terminator' FRANCIS DE VRIES of Auckland FC and the All Whites!
Fresh off the plane from international duties in Canada, the A-League's best left back chats about the sun protection required to play during the Australasian summertime, at what level in Swedish football you are allowed to swap shirts with opposition players, and how an ACL injury eventually landed him a spot at Auckland FC.
Also on the agenda: FDV's old Mazda Axela and Goran's first car (the 1986 Holden Barina) face off for the title of worst vehicle, we reveal the real story behind his 45,000 Instagram followers, and the Spoon hits him with the Starting XI. Oh, and we talk about his LETHAL LEFT PEG of course!
And don't miss the 'GOOD QUESTION' competition - who asks more, Paladin or Spoonley? Only in Episode 22 of The Unused Subs!
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In the 21st episode of The Unused Subs, Jacob & Goran are joined IN STUDIO by ALEX PAULSEN and St Etienne's BEN OLD!
It was an absolute treat to have the long-time friends on the podcast together, and there was so much to cover off:
Oldie's experiences in Ligue 1, playing the newly-crowned European champions PSG, his injury, relegation, all the while being far from home away from family and friends. AP's astonishing form for the past two seasons, first for the Phoenix and more recently for the Black Knights. The heartbreak of semi-final defeat again, and what this off-season will bring for the Bournemouth keeper.
Oldie came prepared as well, sharing some great stories of his time with AP in their Nix days, including a crazy tale of a flying smartphone.
This one is not to be missed! So tell your mates, tell your family to check out our two young All Whites guns on The Unused Subs today!
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In the 20th episode of The Unused Subs, Jacob & Goran are joined by ALEX RUFER, skipper of the Wellington Phoenix! In the aftermath of Auckland FC’s shock loss to Melbourne Victory he’s the perfect person to chat to, given his Nix suffered the same fate one year ago. What are the emotions he experienced after his own semi final disappointment, as we attempt to understand how the Black Knights will be feeling in this moment.
Also on the menu: The Phoenix 24/25 campaign and why they didn’t reach the dizzying heights of the previous season, Alex’s sickness - and subsequent weight loss - which saw him spend a large chunk of the season resting at home. We address the Logan Rogerson fishing story, the David Ball jetski yarn, losing mates over golf, and ask the million dollar question: does Alex Rufer genuinely dislike Goran?
Before all that Jacob & Goran review THAT disallowed goal. Did Guillermo May’s cross go out of play? And we chat about the overwhelmingly positive impact Auckland FC has had on NZ’s largest city.
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In the 19th episode of The Unused Subs, Jacob & Goran are joined by the returning Tom Doyle, and Australia's lead A-League commentator Simon Hill. Auckland FC are 90 minutes away from HOSTING an A-League GRAND FINAL, following their 1-0 semifinal first leg win over Victory in Melbourne!
We re-watch Neyder Moreno's double poster, Logan Rogerson's goal, The Port drummer takes a spill, and ask why the people of Melbourne didn't turn up to watch their THREE teams at AAMI Park? And here's the big question: given all that's happened in recent years... is this the most purple patch in kiwi football history?
Goran's car almost gets towed, Francis De Vries comes good for Betcha's Hosted Pot, there's a Guillermo May Lime Scooter cameo, we give Simon Hill grief for being a Man City fan, and whatever you do please wait until the end because there's an unwanted, grumpy guest at Tyler St Sport!
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In the 18th episode of The Unused Subs, Jacob & Goran are joined by not one, not two, but THREE fabulous guests! The first half hour is spent in the company of Auckland FC defender DAN HALL, the man who won’t stop winning trophies; a treble last season with Central Coast Mariners, and already a Premier’s Plate with the Black Knights.
Dan looks forward to the away clash with Melbourne Victory, but also reveals some wildly embarrassing Playstation-related behaviours.
In the back half of the episode Dan leaves the field of play, replaced by a couple of NZ’s favourite broadcasters/podcasters - the voice of football JASON PINE, and SEAMUS MARTEN from Between Two Beers. An attempt to logically preview the Auckland FC/Melbourne Victory first leg encounter quickly descends into chaos as the four great mates are reunited! But don't worry: Sensible discussion does proceed... eventually.
It's a massive week for kiwi football, so get this into you!
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In the 17th episode of The Unused Subs, Jacob & Goran are joined by Auckland FC’s Guillermo May… and the PREMIER'S PLATE! That’s right, New Zealand’s first piece of A-League silverware is with The Unused Subs in the Tyler St Sport Bar studio. We ask Guillermo about the celebrations on the night it was presented, and how long those particular celebrations lasted… given their very next match ended in defeat to Western United in the final round of the regular season!
Guillermo tells us which of his incredible long range goals is his favourite, who he's desperate to play in the A-League semi AND the Grand Final, and reveals the A-League team he ALMOST signed for before Auckland won him over.
We also ask about his brilliant fashion shoot debut for Remix Magazine where he was layered up in clothes beyond belief, and if Nando Pijnaker, in the same fashion spread, was aware of his ‘double denim/jumper half on’ situation and how incredible that looked!
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In the 16th episode of The Unused Subs, Jacob & Goran are joined by the man with the Midas touch, MARKO STAMENIC. And it wasn't easy to tee this one up either, given the nasty time difference for all involved! Very early for the Subs in Auckland, exceptionally late for Marko in Athens.
Everywhere he goes, success follows... Copenhagen, Red Star Belgrade, and now Olympiacos. Perhaps some of his magic will rub off on us too?
Marko chats about his pathway to the Premier League with Nottingham Forest and his connection with All Whites captain Chris Wood, the massive names in world football he's faced in the heat of battle - Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, Ivan Rakitic, Kevin De Bruyne, just to name a few - and the secret to alleviating the pressure that comes with it in the Champions League.
The Ole Football Academy's lack of hot water gets a mention, growing up in a somewhat unique Serbian/Samoan household, but the biggest reveal is how building a deck with his father helped forge his professional football career! A splendid catch up with one of the truly great humans of kiwi football - we hope you enjoy it as much as we did!
In the 15th episode of The Unused Subs, Jacob & Goran are joined by versatile Football Ferns defender/midfielder Kate Taylor. The former Wellington Phoenix player now resides in France, competing in the top division there with Dijon... so mustard is a hot topic.
Also on the agenda: the extent of her French linguistic skills, the wonder goal she scored at the Olympics and the Canadian drone/spying scandal, her red card against Brisbane Roar from a couple of years ago, the art of the knee-slide and of course, her bizarre - yet responsible - pre-match superstition!
Chloe Knott returns to the Tyler St Sport Bar studio to be reunited with her old teammate as well, and they chat about the formative days of the Nix during Covid times - with some dubious and hilarious insights!
In the 14th episode of The Unused Subs, Jacob & Goran are joined by former All Whites and Portland Timbers goalkeeper Jake Gleeson. In an extremely honest, confronting and raw discussion, Jake details what went wrong in the operating room 7 years ago as he went under the knife to treat stress fractures in both of his legs.
The result? A gruesome infection, 14 surgeries in total, a seismic and near-fatal blow to his mental health, and the loss of a football career while in his prime.
Recently, a jury awarded Jake US$20.4 million in damages after bringing a lawsuit against the Portland Timbers doctor, alleging medical malpractice. But the road to this win was long and arduous, and one that he couldn't have navigated without the support of those closest to him.
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In the 13th episode of The Unused Subs, Jacob & Goran are joined by Portland Timbers and All Whites centre back FINN SURMAN! He explains why he made the call to miss New Zealand's OFC WCQ semi and final, chats about Timbers head coach Phil Neville and how the former Premier League player is helping his game, the antics of Timber Joey, sunglasses after dark, and whether Finn is a kiwi... or a kiwifruit!? Former Wellington Phoenix defender TOM DOYLE returns to the Tyler St Sport studio to talk about the demise of the Nix in 24/25. What went wrong, but more importantly: how do you fix it?
In the 12th episode of The Unused Subs, Jacob & Goran are joined by Wellington Phoenix defender Scott ‘Walrus’ Wootton and NZF Goalkeeping Lead Paul Gothard AKA Goffy. The pair of Englishmen reunited after a couple of years since Goffy has been ghosting Walrus! Discussed on the podcast today: the incredible aura of Sir Alex Ferguson who Scott dealt with while at the Manchester United Academy, the qualities of Alex Paulsen and what Bournemouth would've identified in him, and of course, revenge is a dish best served cold... so Scott ABSOLUTELY hammers David Ball after Bally's attack on his best bud back in Episode 2!
In the 11th episode of The Unused Subs, Jacob & Goran are joined by unlikely goal-scoring hero MICHAEL BOXALL of the victorious All Whites! His first-ever international goal opened the scoring against New Caledonia in a 3-0 OFC WCQ Final win at Eden Park. He talks us through the goal, his emotions in the key moments, and how Kosta Barbarouses cannot open a bottle of bubbly to save his life! Jacob definitely knows how to though, and the day after the match he is in a MASSIVE hurt-box. Good luck to The Spoon before he and Boxy venture out for a round of golf! Most importantly however... for the 3rd time in All Whites history... WE'RE GOING TO THE FIFA WORLD CUP!!!
We reach double figures! In the 10th episode of The Unused Subs, Jacob & Goran reveal their All Whites Starting XI that SHOULD take to the field in the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers, with the positions of goalkeeper, central defence and both wing spots coming under scrutiny. Then it's Oli Sail who joins the Subs from the Sydney Airport lounge, with tales of brawling brothers, an incredible mum, a subtle smooch with Marcelo, and NRL megastar Nathan Cleary - the footballer that never was!
In the 9th episode of The Unused Subs, Jacob & Goran are joined by former Wellington Phoenix teammates MACEY FRASER and CHLOE KNOTT. Macey chats about her rapid rise from the Nix to the Football Ferns to the Utah Royals in the USA, as well as her expertise in juggling, freekicks, and posting the best social media content! Chloe revisits her difficult exit from the Wellington Phoenix, and gives Goran grief about his dodgy hamstring - which he injured under her watch at NZCIS!
In the 8th episode of The Unused Subs, Jacob & Goran are joined by Wellington Phoenix and All Whites maestro Marco Rojas. The overwhelming disappointment of a New Zealand derby thrashing at the hands of Auckland FC, his comeback from injury for the Wellington Phoenix, the unforgettable Colo Colo experience and his personal views on THAT nickname: 'The Kiwi Messi'... it's all discussed, and then some!
In the 7th episode of The Unused Subs, Jacob & Goran are joined by Auckland FC's Logan Rogerson fresh from winning THAT Kiwi A-League derby 6-1. He talks of bagging himself a hattrick in the fixture - did he though? The rivalry between AFC and the Wellington Phoenix, the support emanating from the South Stand especially, and what he wears inside a Finnish sauna. Dale Warburton from the Yellow Fever gives a stock take from a Nix fan's perspective too.
