Where to Watch and Listen to Off the Ball Football Show with Johnny Ward, David Connolly and Eoin Doyle

Football fans looking for insightful analysis and lively debate won't want to miss Off the Ball, broadcasting on Newstalk 106-108FM this Saturday 19th April 2025 at 13:00 UK time. The popular Irish sports show features an excellent lineup of pundits alongside experienced presenter Johnny Ward.

The Off the Ball Team

Leading the discussion is Johnny Ward, an accomplished sports journalist who has covered football across multiple continents. Ward previously worked for the Irish Independent and has become a familiar voice on Newstalk's sports programming. His knowledge of both domestic and international football makes him the perfect host for these discussions.

Joining Ward in the studio are two former professional footballers with extensive experience in British football:

David Connolly enjoyed a 20-year playing career that included spells at Wimbledon, West Ham United, Wigan Athletic and several other clubs. The Irish international striker scored over 150 career goals before moving into punditry where his tactical insights are highly regarded.

Eoin Doyle brings more recent playing experience to the panel, having only retired in 2022 after successful spells with Swindon Town, Bolton Wanderers and St Patrick's Athletic. The Dubliner's understanding of the modern game and League One/Two football in particular adds valuable perspective to the show.

What to Expect from the Show

Off the Ball typically covers a wide range of football topics with a particular focus on the Irish and British game. Listeners can expect:

Analysis of that weekend's key matches across the Premier League and EFL
Discussion of Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland international teams
Insider perspectives on the challenges facing modern footballers
Debates on tactical trends and managerial appointments

With both Connolly and Doyle having played in England's lower leagues, their insights into League One and Two football are particularly valuable for fans of clubs in those divisions.

How to Listen

British listeners can tune in to Off the Ball via:

Newstalk 106-108FM (available in parts of Northern Ireland)
The Newstalk website's live stream
The Newstalk mobile app

For those who miss the live broadcast, the show is typically available as a podcast shortly after airing via Newstalk's podcast service and major podcast platforms.

Alternative Football Coverage

While Off the Ball provides excellent analysis from an Irish perspective, British viewers also have several options for football coverage this weekend:

BBC and ITV will have highlights packages of Premier League and FA Cup matches
Sky Sports and TNT Sports will show live matches from various competitions
The Premier League's world feed commentary is available for international viewers

However, for those wanting in-depth discussion rather than just match coverage, Off the Ball's panel of experts offers something different to the mainstream UK football shows.

Why This Show Stands Out

What makes Off the Ball worth seeking out for British listeners is the combination of Ward's informed questioning and the pundits' playing experience at various levels of the game. While many UK football shows focus almost exclusively on the Premier League, this programme often gives more attention to the EFL and Irish football.

Connolly in particular has become known for his thoughtful analysis of striker play and the mental aspects of being a professional footballer. Meanwhile, Doyle's recent retirement means he can offer up-to-date perspectives on the challenges facing players in the modern game.

For fans interested in how British football is viewed from an Irish perspective, or those wanting analysis that goes beyond the usual Premier League focus, Off the Ball is well worth tuning in to this Saturday at 1pm.

To learn more about David Connolly's playing career, visit his Transfermarkt profile which details his extensive experience in English football.