Up Front with Simon Jordan

Folding Pocket and William Hill

This is Up Front with Simon Jordan, a new podcast from William Hill which sees the broadcaster and former Premier League club owner test the biggest names in sport. Simon will ask the questions most interviewers shy away from and hold his guests opinions up to proper scrutiny. He will investigate how sporting challenge, achievement and experience have influenced athlete’s lives whilst imparting his own forthright views on a range of sports and topics. Expect some twists, robust debates and high-profile sportsmen and women being put under the spotlight in the company of Simon. How will they cope with a forensic examination of their views, career, successes and failures? This is Up Front, brought to you by William Hill. 18+ please gamble responsibly. read less

Our Editor's Take

The Up Front with Simon Jordan podcast delivers unfiltered conversations with sporting legends. Simon is a serial entrepreneur with a passion for football (called soccer in the US). He made history as the youngest owner of an English Football League club when he bought Crystal Palace FC at the age of 32. His father had always supported Crystal Palace, so Simon became a fan at a young age. Four years later, he made history again as the youngest owner of a Premier League football club.

Through his experience with Crystal Palace, Simon became a recognizable personality in football. Over the years, he has shared his honest opinions on radio and TV and written a newspaper column for the Daily Mail. This podcast is his way of directing the conversation and asking essential questions. Simon encourages Up Front with Simon Jordan listeners to expect the unexpected. He promises rare insights into different sports and total honesty throughout.

One episode discusses the idea that "Society would not accept a black Simon Jordan." Simon interviews former player, manager, and now respected pundit John Barnes. Together they discuss the lack of representation within England's football leagues. Why aren't there more black managers? John talks about how former manager Graham Taylor spoke out about racism and how this affected him. The high-energy interview starts with John sharing his story and how he got into the sport. It's only a short time before they enjoy a passionate debate about racial inequality in football.

Former goalie David James joins another episode. He discusses his career and how goalkeeping has changed over the years. David also talks about the criticism he received and how the media changed the narrative. Other podcast guests include boxing champion Carl Froch and darts icon James Wade.

Up Front with Simon Jordan features conversations and debates with insightful sports personalities. Simon is fearless in having honest discussions and debating challenging topics. It's a fun podcast for sports fans who want to hear more from the players behind the games. New episodes premiere weekly.

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Ricky Hatton | “I’d rather be loved in my hometown than rich like Floyd Mayweather Jr"

Ricky Hatton | “I’d rather be loved in my hometown than rich like Floyd Mayweather Jr"

On this week's episode, we sit down with one of the most beloved British boxers of all time - Ricky ‘The Hitman’ Hatton.Hatton's journey from a council estate in Hattersley to becoming a two-weight world boxing champion is the stuff of legend. His epic showdowns with boxing giants Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao saw thousands follow him to Las Vegas, leaving a mark on boxing history. But it was his memorable IBF light-welterweight title victory against Kostya Tszyu in Manchester back in 2005 that remains the pinnacle of his career, a night etched in the hearts of an entire nation.Join us for a raw and deeply honest exploration of Hatton's highs and lows, from conquering multiple weight divisions to dealing with personal challenges beyond the ring.Subscribe for future episodes, 18+ please gamble responsibly.Warning: this episode contains language that some people may find offensive.

Ricky Hatton | “I’d rather be loved in my hometown than rich like Floyd Mayweather Jr"

Ricky Hatton | “I’d rather be loved in my hometown than rich like Floyd Mayweather Jr"

On this week's episode, we sit down with one of the most beloved British boxers of all time - Ricky ‘The Hitman’ Hatton.Hatton's journey from a council estate in Hattersley to becoming a two-weight world boxing champion is the stuff of legend. His epic showdowns with boxing giants Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao saw thousands follow him to Las Vegas, leaving a mark on boxing history. But it was his memorable IBF light-welterweight title victory against Kostya Tszyu in Manchester back in 2005 that remains the pinnacle of his career, a night etched in the hearts of an entire nation.Join us for a raw and deeply honest exploration of Hatton's highs and lows, from conquering multiple weight divisions to dealing with personal challenges beyond the ring.Subscribe for future episodes, 18+ please gamble responsibly.Warning: this episode contains language that some people may find offensive.

Michael Owen | “You don't have to be THAT GOOD to be a Premier League player anymore”

Michael Owen | “You don't have to be THAT GOOD to be a Premier League player anymore”

On today’s episode we are joined by one of only four Englishmen to win the Ballon d’Or. Michael Owen was a phenom who burst onto the scene with THAT goal against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup.He went on to score over 150 goals for Liverpool before becoming a ‘Galactico’ at Real Madrid. He returned to England in 2005, joining Newcastle United but his injuries had started to take their toll. He would go on to win a Premier League title at Liverpool’s hated rivals Manchester United before calling time on his career at Stoke City.Giving the inside scoop on his turbulent time at Newcastle United, challenging public perceptions of his character, and offering his thoughts on the current state of the Premier League, Michael joins the show to reflect on his career that featured brilliance and frustration in equal measure.Subscribe for future episodes and head to www.youtube.com/@UpFrontWithSimonJordan for full video episodes. 18+ please gamble responsibly.Warning: this episode contains language that some people may find offensive.

Derek Chisora | "See this is why Tyson Fury doesn't like you!"

Derek Chisora | "See this is why Tyson Fury doesn't like you!"

On this week's episode, we sit down with a true force of nature in the world of boxing - Derek Chisora.From his meteoric rise as a British heavyweight contender, capturing the public's attention with his raw power and fearless attitude, to facing off against some of the sport's biggest names, Chisora has showcased his warrior spirit time and again. His battles against the likes of Vitali Klitschko, Dillian Whyte, and Oleksandr Usyk have earned him a spot in boxing history.The ever-unpredictable Derek has a bone to pick with Simon as he sits down to discuss his career, the 'fairness' of Simon's coverage and the state of the heavyweight division.Subscribe for future episodes and head to http://www.youtube.com/@UpFrontWithSi... for full video episodes. 18+ please gamble responsibly.Warning: this episode contains language that some people may find offensive.

Rick Parry EFL Chair | “Attendance in League 2 is within the top 10 leagues in Europe”

Rick Parry EFL Chair | “Attendance in League 2 is within the top 10 leagues in Europe”

On this week's episode Simon sits down with EFL Chair Rick Parry, a visionary in English football. As the top-flight's chief executive, he brokered the largest TV rights deal in history at the time, £700million, and the division prospered. He was also Liverpool's chief executive for 12 years, presiding over that iconic Champions league triumph in Istanbul.Now, in his current role as the chairman of the English Football League, Parry continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of English football. We'll delve into his experiences, insights, and the challenges he's faced along the way. Don't miss this exclusive interview with one of the most influential figures in football.Subscribe now and watch the full video episode on www.youtube.com/@UpFrontWithSimonJordan. 18+ please gamble responsibly.Warning: This episode may contain language that some viewers may find offensive.

Ruud Gullit | “It’s difficult for Ten Hag... Man United are stuck in the nineties”

Ruud Gullit | “It’s difficult for Ten Hag... Man United are stuck in the nineties”

Simon is joined by a Dutch footballing icon from the ‘total football’ era. One of only 38 men to have lifted the Ballon d'Or, Ruud Gullit joins the show to discuss his illustrious career, from rejecting Ajax as a young boy all the way through to his infamous spell as manager of Newcastle United.One of the greatest players to ever grace a football pitch, Ruud won multiple European cups during his time at AC Milan whilst also captaining the Netherlands to European Championship glory in 1988. Ruud joins the show to discuss his playing days, his passion for diversity and inclusion within football, whilst also giving his unfiltered thoughts on his dutch counterparts currently plying their trade in the Premier League today.Subscribe for future episodes and head to www.youtube.com/@UpFrontWithSimonJordan for full video episodes. 18+ please gamble responsibly.Warning: this episode contains language that some people may find offensive.

Eddie Jones | "Saying Australia could win the World Cup was CRAZY"

Eddie Jones | "Saying Australia could win the World Cup was CRAZY"

Eddie Jones is one of the most recognisable coaches on the international rugby stage. Having coached his native Australia, Japan and of course England, where he won multiple Six Nations titles and reached a World Cup final in 2019. Known for his tough coaching methods, his controversial statements and his unwavering commitment to excellence, Eddie Jones is one of the game’s great characters.He joined the show on Friday 27th October, two days before he announced his resignation from his position as Head Coach of Australia. This hour long conversation gives an insight into his state of mind ahead of that big decision... Subscribe for future episodes and head to www.youtube.com/@UpFrontWithSimonJordan for full video episodes. 18+ please gamble responsibly.Warning: this episode contains language that some people may find offensive.

Stuart Broad | “I was staring at them singing SAME OLD AUSSIES ALWAYS CHEATING!”

Stuart Broad | “I was staring at them singing SAME OLD AUSSIES ALWAYS CHEATING!”

A World Cup winner with four Ashes victories to his name, Stuart Broad is a modern cricketing icon who always stepped up when the lights were shining brightest.After retiring at the end of this year’s electric Ashes series, Stuart joins the show to reflect on his illustrious career whilst providing insight on the current England cricketing revolution, spearheaded by Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullumA winner, a wind-up merchant and a fierce competitor who has never been afraid to speak his mind, ‘Broady’ pulls no punches on this week’s episode of Up Front.Subscribe for future episodes and head to www.youtube.com/@UpFrontWithSimonJordan for full video episodes. 18+ please gamble responsibly.Warning: this episode contains language that some people may find offensive.

Adam Booth | “I’ve lost faith in boxing, it’s just TOO EASY to dope!”

Adam Booth | “I’ve lost faith in boxing, it’s just TOO EASY to dope!”

On this week's episode, we are joined by one of the UK's most respected boxing trainers - Adam Booth.Famous for guiding David Haye to cruiserweight and heavyweight glory and overseeing Andy Lee's historic WBO middleweight title win, Adam joins Simon to discuss his history in boxing, his run-ins with some of the world's greatest, and the dark side of doping in the sport.Subscribe for future episodes and head to http://www.youtube.com/@UpFrontWithSi... for full video episodes. 18+ please gamble responsibly.Warning: this episode contains language that some people may find offensive.

Carl Frampton | “The rise of YouTuber fights is a REAL concern for boxing”

Carl Frampton | “The rise of YouTuber fights is a REAL concern for boxing”

For this episode Simon sits down with a boxer who lit up his sport, in divisions that don’t always get the attention they deserve. Rising from the streets of Tigers Bay, Belfast, Carl ‘The Jackal’ Frampton would go on to become a two weight world champion, brining a noisy and partisan crowd with him no matter the venue.Carl joins the show to discuss his action packed career and his feud with the McGuigans whilst also giving his unique perspective on the current boxing landscape ahead of KSI and Tommy Fury’s showdown.Subscribe for future episodes and head to http://www.youtube.com/@UpFrontWithSi... for full video episodes. 18+ please gamble responsibly.Warning: this episode contains language that some people may find offensive.

Billy Joe Saunders | 'Eubank Jr will NEVER be a World Champion. He can't box!'

Billy Joe Saunders | 'Eubank Jr will NEVER be a World Champion. He can't box!'

On this week’s show we have a boxer who was borne out of a community, where we are often told that fighting is in the blood. Billy Joe Saunders is a two weight world champion, whose only career defeat came two-and-a-half years ago at the hands of Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, in front of the biggest live boxing audience in the USA since Ali vs Spinks.Billy joins the show to announce his comeback, whilst giving us the inside scoop on a career that has featured success and controversy in equal measure. Like his good friend Tyson Fury, Billy is not afraid to speak his mind and he puts the middle and super-middleweight divisions on notice in this week’s episode of Up Front.Subscribe for future episodes and head to http://www.youtube.com/@UpFrontWithSimonJordan for full video episodes. 18+ please gamble responsibly.Warning: this episode contains language that some people may find offensive

Paolo Di Canio | "I turned down Sir Alex because I'm West Ham through and through"

Paolo Di Canio | "I turned down Sir Alex because I'm West Ham through and through"

In this week’s episode we are joined by a Premier League icon, who was known for his beautiful goals, controversy, fall outs and a fiery Italian passion.Paolo Di Canio started his career at his boyhood team Lazio before plying his trade at a selection of Italian football’s biggest clubs. He went on to achieve legendary status at West Ham United after cementing himself as one of the game’s most volatile yet entertaining talents during his spells at Celtic & Sheffield Wednesday.His management career was more of the same and during this in-depth interview, Paolo and Simon discuss the controversial and sublime moments that punctuated the Italian's career.Subscribe for future episodes and head to www.youtube.com/@UpFrontWithSimonJordan for full video episodes. 18+ please gamble responsibly. Warning: this episode contains language that some people may find offensive.

Steve Bruce | “They ridiculed me, like Harry Maguire”

Steve Bruce | “They ridiculed me, like Harry Maguire”

In this week’s episode we are joined by a three time Premier League winner and a defensive stalwart who captained a Manchester United team that kickstarted Sir Alex Ferguson’s dominance in English football.Steve Bruce has since managed over 1,000 games across a 24 year period, even managing for Simon Jordan at Crystal Palace. He joins the show to open up on the difficult moments within his career, whilst also giving his thoughts on the state of play at his former clubs Newcastle and Manchester United.Subscribe for future episodes and head to www.youtube.com/@UpFrontWithSimonJordan for full video episodes. 18+ please gamble responsibly.Warning: this episode contains language that some people may find offensive.

Lawrence Dallaglio | Borthwick arrived ‘shocked and surprised’ at England ‘mess’

Lawrence Dallaglio | Borthwick arrived ‘shocked and surprised’ at England ‘mess’

As England look to make their mark at the Rugby World Cup, on this episode Simon is joined by a member of the most successful English rugby side of all time. The 2003 World Cup winner and a leader who was inspired by tragedy.Lawrence Dallaglio was a one club man, a Lion and an England great who was once described by Warren Gatland as ‘the best captain he had ever worked with’. Lawrence joins the show to discuss his life and career which contained success and scandal in equal measure, whilst telling us the mistakes England have made which means they’ve failed to replicate the success of 2003.Subscribe for future episodes and head to www.youtube.com/@UpFrontWithSimonJordan for full video episodes. 18+ please gamble responsibly.Warning: this episode contains language that some people may find offensive.

Stephen Hendry | "I was NOT happy when Ronnie tied MY record!"

Stephen Hendry | "I was NOT happy when Ronnie tied MY record!"

This week we are joined by a rarity, a sportsman who can genuinely be called the greatest of all time. With 7 world titles, 36 ranking titles and 777 century breaks, only Ronnie O’Sullivan can be compared to the great Stephen Hendry. And like Ronaldo and Messi the GOAT debate continues with Simon Jordan posing the questions.A dominant force in the 1990s, Stephen took the world of snooker by storm, overseeing an era of dominance that had never seen before. Stephen joins the show to discuss his success, his rivalries and his struggles in this open and candid chat.Subscribe for future episodes and head to www.youtube.com/@UpFrontWithSimonJordan for full video episodes. 18+ please gamble responsibly.Warning: this episode contains language that some people may find offensive.

Up Front - The Best Bits

Up Front - The Best Bits

Simon Jordan has chosen his favourite conversations from the podcast so far and tells you what it’s like behind the scenes on the pod. You’ll hear robust exchanges, raw honesty and insight from those competing at the top of a range of sports in this episode. You’ll also hear why Simon wanted to speak to particular guests and how he prepares for an interview with someone whose strident views on a particular subject need to be put under proper scrutiny.Subscribe for future episodes and head to www.youtube.com/@UpFrontWithSimonJordan for full video episodes. 18+ please gamble responsibly.Warning: this episode contains language that some people may find offensive.This is Up Front, brought to you by William Hill. 18+ please gamble responsibly.

Mike Dean | “I HATED VAR and was PETRIFIED of it”

Mike Dean | “I HATED VAR and was PETRIFIED of it”

This is Up Front with Simon Jordan. A show brought to you by William Hill that pulls no punches and tells it EXACTLY like it is.Mike Dean is arguably the most recognisable Premier League referee there has ever been. The first to brandish 100 red cards, he is known for his eccentric approach, no look yellow cards, exaggerated step overs and banter with the players, there’s simply never been another match official like him.Mike joins the show to gives his most honest and open interview to date, discussing his 23-year-long refereeing career, his struggles with VAR, relationships with Premier League managers and much more.Expect brutal honesty, frank admissions and insight into why the new directives have been introduced at the start of the new season.Subscribe for future episodes and head to www.youtube.com/@UpFrontWithSimonJordan for full video episodes. 18+ please gamble responsibly.Warning: this episode contains language that some people may find offensive.

Warren Gatland | “Sport has gone woke, you need mental toughness!”

Warren Gatland | “Sport has gone woke, you need mental toughness!”

This is Up Front with Simon Jordan. A show brought to you by William Hill that pulls no punches and tells it EXACTLY like it is.This week we are joined by one of the most successful rugby coaches of the modern era. Warren Gatland has won multiple Six Nations Championships, coached the British & Irish Lions but his toughest challenge is just around the corner…On the eve of the Rugby World Cup in France, Warren joins the show to discuss the current state of Welsh rugby whilst also giving an insight into what it takes to coach on the elite, international stage.Subscribe for future episodes and head to www.youtube.com/@UpFrontWithSimonJordan for full video episodes. 18+ please gamble responsibly.Warning: this episode contains language that some people may find offensive.

Frank Warren | “Fury vs Ngannou is a sham and you know it Frank!”

Frank Warren | “Fury vs Ngannou is a sham and you know it Frank!”

This is Up Front with Simon Jordan. A show brought to you by William Hill that pulls no punches and tells it EXACTLY like it is.Frank Warren is a boxing promoter who has always blazed his own path. He broke ‘the boxing cartel’ and has worked with a number of this country’s most iconic fighters. Ricky Hatton, Joe Calzaghe, Chris Eubank and Tyson Fury to name just a few.Frank joins the show to discuss the ever changing and turbulent boxing landscape. No subject is off the table as Simon and Frank discuss the impact of Saudi Arabia, Frank’s array of feuds and the future of Tyson Fury.Subscribe for future episodes and head to www.youtube.com/@UpFrontWithSimonJordan for full video episodes.18+ please gamble responsibly. Warning: this episode contains language that some people may find offensive.Disclaimer: This podcast was recorded prior to the cancellation of Anthony Joshua vs Dillian Whyte 2.

Troy Deeney | "Saudi Arabia... That’s something I'd be interested in!"

Troy Deeney | "Saudi Arabia... That’s something I'd be interested in!"

This is Up Front with Simon Jordan. A show brought to you by William Hill that pulls no punches and tells it EXACTLY like it is.Troy Deeney is a goalscorer and a leader known for his forthright honesty, making him almost unique amongst footballers today.No player has ever followed the path that Troy took. From bricklayer to the Premier League. From prison to an FA Cup final. Troy joins the show to discuss his unique career whilst offering an exclusive insight into what’s next…Subscribe for future episodes and head to www.youtube.com/@UpFrontWithSimonJordan for full video episodes.18+ please gamble responsibly. Warning: this episode contains language that some people may find offensive.

Sam Allardyce | “I’ll never recover from losing the England job"

Sam Allardyce | “I’ll never recover from losing the England job"

Synonymous with the Premier League, Sam Allardyce has been portrayed as a long ball specialist, branded a dinosaur and even renowned as a revolutionary. We simply cannot tell the story of modern British football without the man they call ‘Big Sam’. Fresh from his short term Leeds United experiment, Sam joins the show to discuss his time at Leeds whilst looking back at the key moments in his career. Whether it’s his success at Bolton Wanderers or the pain of losing the England job. Nothing is off the table in this week’s episode of Up Front. Subscribe for future episodes and head to www.youtube.com/@UpFrontWithSimonJordan for full video episodes. 18+ please gamble responsibly. Warning: this episode contains language that some people may find offensive.