72+: The EFL Podcast
September 2, 2026 14:55
The latest episode of 72+: The EFL Podcast, hosted by Aaron Paul and Jobi McAnuff, features Norwich City sporting director Ben Knapper and Bristol Rovers manager Steve Evans as guests. Knapper outlines how he spent deadline day in Stoke balancing transfer activity with a Championship matchday, and discusses Norwich’s early-season form and last season’s decision to replace Liam Manning with Philippe Clement as head coach.
The episode also includes a roundup of the major EFL deadline-day deals, debate about whether the transfer window should close before the season begins, coverage of a congested midweek fixture list, and additional segments on clubs including Charlton, Swansea, Leicester and a tribute to Alan Knight.
KEY CONTEXT
- Ben Knapper’s presence reflects Norwich’s ongoing transfer and sporting strategy; he appears twice in the programme, early on and again later for more discussion.
- The programme links recent transfer activity to immediate matchday pressures, showing how clubs and sporting directors handled deadline-day logistics.
- Other topics covered highlight strong starts to the season by clubs such as Bristol Rovers, Charlton and Swansea, plus a League One focus that notes Leicester finally recording a win.
WHY IT MATTERS
Transfer deadline-day business can have an immediate effect on squads and match preparation, especially when club officials are handling deals while teams play. The episode underscores that managerial decisions made last season — specifically Norwich’s change from Liam Manning to Philippe Clement — remain relevant to current performance and planning. Coverage of busy midweek fixtures and a summary of headline deals provides a snapshot of how the EFL landscape has been reshaped as the season progresses.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- The ongoing impact of the deadline-day transfers on match outcomes and squad stability, particularly for Norwich.
- How teams highlighted for strong early form (Bristol Rovers, Charlton, Swansea) sustain their momentum in the congested fixture schedule.
- The broader debate on transfer-window timing, which the podcast raises as an open question without a definitive conclusion.
KEY FACTS
- Hosts: Aaron Paul and Jobi McAnuff.
- Guests include Norwich sporting director Ben Knapper and Bristol Rovers manager Steve Evans.
- Topics: Knapper’s deadline-day in Stoke; Norwich’s start to the campaign; the replacement of Liam Manning by Philippe Clement last season.
- Episode features a roundup of major EFL deadline-day deals, discussion on transfer-window timing, midweek fixture coverage, and a tribute to Alan Knight.
- Notable segments include League One focus where “Leicester finally get a win” is discussed.