72+: The EFL Podcast
August 19, 2026 17:37
Aaron Paul and Jobi McAnuff hosted an edition of the 72+ podcast that featured Bolton manager Steven Schumacher and a phone-in from Luton boss Jack Wilshere. The panel reviewed the opening weekend of EFL fixtures, including Bolton’s victory back in the Championship and Luton's comeback win over Reading.
Topics covered included Will Lankshear’s bright opening at Middlesbrough, Southampton’s position after the Spygate saga and their defeat at Watford, and a debate about whether the Championship needs VAR after a clear handball influenced West Brom’s win over Norwich. The episode also included the regular 72PLUS/72MINUS segment and details on the show’s EFL Fantasy league.
KEY CONTEXT
- Bolton have returned to the Championship and began the season with a win, prompting discussion about how they will match wealthier clubs.
- Jack Wilshere joined the programme after Luton overturned a 3-1 deficit to beat Reading; he spoke about his first pre-season as a first-team manager.
- A blatant handball that aided West Brom in beating Norwich sparked debate on the necessity of VAR in the second tier.
- Southampton played and lost at Watford in their first match following the Spygate controversy.
- The podcast now has a dedicated weekly 72+ feed on BBC Sounds.
WHY IT MATTERS
- Bolton’s early victory raises questions about the club’s ability to compete with higher-spending rivals — a central concern for their season prospects.
- Lankshear’s early impact at Middlesbrough and Luton's comeback win are immediate indicators of players and managers to monitor in the opening weeks.
- The handball incident that helped West Brom has reignited calls for VAR in the Championship, touching on fairness and consistency across key decisions.
- Southampton’s defeat straight after Spygate keeps attention on how off-field issues may affect on-field perception and results.
WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Can Bolton sustain competitive results against richer Championship clubs?
- Will the handball controversy prompt formal discussion or action on VAR for the division?
- How will Southampton respond in their next fixtures after the Watford loss and the Spygate fallout?
- Will Will Lankshear maintain his strong start for Middlesbrough, and how will Jack Wilshere’s Luton side build on their comeback beginning?
KEY FACTS
- Hosts: Aaron Paul and Jobi McAnuff; guest: Bolton manager Steven Schumacher; Jack Wilshere also appears.
- Bolton won on their return to the Championship.
- Luton recovered from 3-1 down to beat Reading; Wilshere discussed his first pre-season as a first-team manager.
- Will Lankshear enjoyed a notable opening at Middlesbrough.
- A blatant handball that helped West Brom beat Norwich triggered debate over VAR in the Championship.
- The podcast features a fantasy league (code 72EFLPOD) and a weekly 72+ feed on BBC Sounds.