A local BBC Radio show made for football fans by football fans is returning to airwaves and has been billed as “bigger and better than before”.

Squad Goals is back and this season it’s bigger and better than before, with two live Football League shows across the BBC’s local radio services – made by the fans for the fans.

Presented by a group of passionate supporters, Squad Goals continues to take an irreverent look at the English Football League (EFL), meaning fans of lower league clubs across the Midlands will not miss a thing when listening online.

Former footballer Joe Thompson co-presents BBC Squad Goals on BBC Sounds Joe Thompson
Former footballer Joe Thompson co-presents BBC Squad Goals on BBC Sounds

Bury supporter Sanny Rudravajhala and former professional footballer Joe Thompson are teaming-up again to bring listeners the latest scores and updates from the Championship, League One and League Two, as they come in every Saturday afternoon. Lucy Olivia, who came through the BBC Local Radio Kick Off reporter scheme, will be across social media.

A brand-new edition to the team this season is a Tuesday night programme, co-hosted by the all-female pairing of BBC Radio Manchester reporter and presenter Pien Meulensteen, and Radio 1’s Betty Glover. EFL legend Calvin Andrew is also set to join them regularly.

Sanny Rudravajhala presents Squad Goals on local BBC radio via BBC SoundsBBC
Sanny Rudravajhala co-presents BBC Squad Goals on BBC Sounds

Just like the Saturday show, it will include the latest scores and updates from the EFL, plus the biggest talking points, the best of social media, and a generous sprinkling of light-hearted bants.

Guest-fans are set to join the team on every programme, with regulars including football presenters and reporters such as Natalie Pike, Bristol Rovers fan Lucy Ford and Middlesbrough fan Eden Grace.

Sanny Rudravajhala, says: “I can’t wait for the new season – it feels like a reset button after playing in empty stadiums.

“The EFL is all about the fans – you haven’t lived until you’ve done a Tuesday night in the rain at Morecambe or gone to other side of the country to see your team ship five goals!

“I reckon this time around were going to see fireworks on the pitch when the players first play with supporters again. And there’ll probably be a few sparks in the studio too – but that’s what happens when you pair an ex-Rochdale player with a Bury fan!”

BBC Squad Goals presenters Joe Thompson (left) with Sanny Rudravajhala (right)Sanny Rudravajhala
BBC Squad Goals presenters Joe Thompson (left) with Sanny Rudravajhala (right)

Pien Meulensteen, who will co-host the brand-new Tuesday night Squad Goals programme says: “There’s so much to look forward to on Squad Goals this season, and I’m particularly excited that we’re adding a brand-new Tuesday show into the mix. We’ve got a fantastic team on-air and behind the scenes and we can’t wait to bring you all the action from across the English Football League, with a little bit of fun added in too!”

Sport is a key part of the Local Radio offer and Squad Goals will mean that listeners never miss a goal if they are listening online.

Chris Burns, Head of Audio and Digital for BBC England, says: “It’s a massive welcome back to Squad Goals, it was hugely successful last season in re-imagining the sound of sport on Sounds for our BBC Local Radio listeners.

“This time it’s bigger and better, with the added Tuesday night programme. So, you can expect even more characters, charisma, and humour, all peppered with the right level of cheekiness. This is an irreverent look at the EFL made by the fans for the fans.”

The twice weekly show will then run between 14:55 and 17:00 on Saturdays and between 19:40 and 21:45 on Tuesdays. Listeners can tune in via BBC Sounds.

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