Adam Bate
@ghostgoal.bsky.social
Football journalist, Sky Sports
Thank you to Matt Taylor for sharing this story. It is a difficult one but Matt and his family want it out there in Elsie’s memory.
Always worth a reminder too that people are dealing with much more important things than football.
Always worth a reminder too that people are dealing with much more important things than football.
Matt Taylor interview: Enduring family tragedy alongside the struggle of trying to keep my job as Bristol Rovers manager
Matt Taylor shares the untold painful story of his final weeks as Bristol Rovers manager and the personal challenge of coming out the other side after suffering a family tragedy. Content trigger warni...
skysports.com
October 13, 2025 at 10:01 AM
Thank you to Matt Taylor for sharing this story. It is a difficult one but Matt and his family want it out there in Elsie’s memory.
Always worth a reminder too that people are dealing with much more important things than football.
Always worth a reminder too that people are dealing with much more important things than football.
Premier League column.
▫️ Jacob Murphy being genuinely class for Newcastle
▫️ How Andre brings balance to the Wolves midfield
▫️ Bit on Carlos Baleba being brilliant for Brighton
▫️ Jacob Murphy being genuinely class for Newcastle
▫️ How Andre brings balance to the Wolves midfield
▫️ Bit on Carlos Baleba being brilliant for Brighton
Jacob Murphy's Newcastle form, Andre key for Wolves and Carlos Baleba's Brighton brilliance in The Debrief
In The Debrief, Adam Bate looks at what makes Jacob Murphy such an important player for Newcastle United, Andres growing role as the heartbeat of Wolves revival and Carlos Baleba showing he can score ...
www.skysports.com
April 28, 2025 at 11:16 AM
Premier League column.
▫️ Jacob Murphy being genuinely class for Newcastle
▫️ How Andre brings balance to the Wolves midfield
▫️ Bit on Carlos Baleba being brilliant for Brighton
▫️ Jacob Murphy being genuinely class for Newcastle
▫️ How Andre brings balance to the Wolves midfield
▫️ Bit on Carlos Baleba being brilliant for Brighton
Loved speaking to the brilliant Bo Henriksen, one of the managers of the season, about transforming Mainz and taking them to the brink of Europe.
Loads of lessons in here about the importance of creating a culture, including one he learned when playing with Sean Flynn at Kidderminster Harriers.
Loads of lessons in here about the importance of creating a culture, including one he learned when playing with Sean Flynn at Kidderminster Harriers.
Bo Henriksen interview: Mainz coach who is out to surpass Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel is a Kidderminster Harriers legend
Meet Bo Henriksen, the former Kidderminster striker who saved Mainz and now has them dreaming of Champions League football; in this exclusive interview with Sky Sports, he talks to Adam Bate about mem...
www.skysports.com
April 24, 2025 at 3:13 PM
Loved speaking to the brilliant Bo Henriksen, one of the managers of the season, about transforming Mainz and taking them to the brink of Europe.
Loads of lessons in here about the importance of creating a culture, including one he learned when playing with Sean Flynn at Kidderminster Harriers.
Loads of lessons in here about the importance of creating a culture, including one he learned when playing with Sean Flynn at Kidderminster Harriers.
Alisson Becker is the master of the one-against-one but how does he do it? A look at the composure, timing and technique behind being the best goalkeeper in the Premier League.
Alisson Becker: Why Liverpool goalkeeper is the best in the world in one-against-one situations analysed and explained
With insight from coaches, colleagues, clips and data, Adam Bate examines what exactly makes Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker so good in those one-against-one situations; watch Leicester vs Liverpo...
www.skysports.com
April 19, 2025 at 8:09 AM
Alisson Becker is the master of the one-against-one but how does he do it? A look at the composure, timing and technique behind being the best goalkeeper in the Premier League.
Walsall are enduring one of the bigger collapses in Football League history. What is going on?
Their striker Jamille Matt not only went to school next to the training ground but has a degree in counselling psychology so felt like the man to ask…
Their striker Jamille Matt not only went to school next to the training ground but has a degree in counselling psychology so felt like the man to ask…
Walsall: What's gone wrong? Jamille Matt on going from 12 points clear to third but League Two promotion still possible
In this exclusive interview with Sky Sports, Walsall striker Jamille Matt defends manager Mat Sadler and opens up about how confidence has taken a knock as the former runaway leaders in League Two hav...
www.skysports.com
April 16, 2025 at 3:05 PM
Walsall are enduring one of the bigger collapses in Football League history. What is going on?
Their striker Jamille Matt not only went to school next to the training ground but has a degree in counselling psychology so felt like the man to ask…
Their striker Jamille Matt not only went to school next to the training ground but has a degree in counselling psychology so felt like the man to ask…
Kylian Mbappe joined the current European champions but maybe he left the next European champions. Is he the problem? On that, ahead of a big night.
Is Kylian Mbappe the problem? Holders Real Madrid face exit as old club PSG become Champions League favourites
While Kylian Mbappes former club Paris Saint-Germain have progressed to the Champions League semi-final and are now favourites to lift the trophy for the first time, his new club Real Madrid are on th...
www.skysports.com
April 16, 2025 at 8:56 AM
Kylian Mbappe joined the current European champions but maybe he left the next European champions. Is he the problem? On that, ahead of a big night.
Can Thomas Müller help Bayern turn it around against Inter and keep the dream of winning the Champions League final in Munich alive?
If he is to do so it will be amid some frustration over the handling of his departure. Asked Jürgen Klinsmann and Roman Weidenfeller for their take on it all.
If he is to do so it will be amid some frustration over the handling of his departure. Asked Jürgen Klinsmann and Roman Weidenfeller for their take on it all.
Thomas Muller's Bayern Munich exit: Can German legend help win Champions League amid acrimony over departure?
With Thomas Muller leaving Bayern Munich in the summer, he is eyeing the perfect finale but is said to be unhappy with the manner of his exit. Adam Bate speaks to Muller’s World Cup winning teammate a...
www.skysports.com
April 16, 2025 at 7:13 AM
Can Thomas Müller help Bayern turn it around against Inter and keep the dream of winning the Champions League final in Munich alive?
If he is to do so it will be amid some frustration over the handling of his departure. Asked Jürgen Klinsmann and Roman Weidenfeller for their take on it all.
If he is to do so it will be amid some frustration over the handling of his departure. Asked Jürgen Klinsmann and Roman Weidenfeller for their take on it all.
How Raphinha became the favourite for the Ballon d’Or.
Long read on the Barcelona forward, speaking to many of his former coaches from Brazil and Europe, including the story of how he signed for Leeds.
Long read on the Barcelona forward, speaking to many of his former coaches from Brazil and Europe, including the story of how he signed for Leeds.
Raphinha to win the Ballon d'Or? Barcelona's ex-Leeds forward is finally flourishing and favourite for the big prize
Former Leeds United forward Raphinha has been a revelation at Barcelona this season and is now the favourite to win the Ballon dOr. Adam Bate speaks to his former coaches to find out more about his jo...
www.skysports.com
April 15, 2025 at 12:12 PM
How Raphinha became the favourite for the Ballon d’Or.
Long read on the Barcelona forward, speaking to many of his former coaches from Brazil and Europe, including the story of how he signed for Leeds.
Long read on the Barcelona forward, speaking to many of his former coaches from Brazil and Europe, including the story of how he signed for Leeds.
Birmingham City are back in the Championship — and with momentum.
Chris Davies has done it by sticking to his style, the owners by learning harsh lessons and transforming the fan experience for Blues supporters.
Chris Davies has done it by sticking to his style, the owners by learning harsh lessons and transforming the fan experience for Blues supporters.
Birmingham City promoted from League One under Chris Davies: Championship rebirth just the start for these owners
Following their promotion back to the Championship, we take a look at the rebirth of Birmingham City with them on track to break records in League One. Just the start? If you are thinking about slowin...
www.skysports.com
April 9, 2025 at 5:39 AM
Birmingham City are back in the Championship — and with momentum.
Chris Davies has done it by sticking to his style, the owners by learning harsh lessons and transforming the fan experience for Blues supporters.
Chris Davies has done it by sticking to his style, the owners by learning harsh lessons and transforming the fan experience for Blues supporters.
Column this week:
🔴 Robertson's worrying decline at Liverpool
🔥 Tielemans' passing under pressure at Villa
🔶 Strand Larsen's hold-up play for Wolves
🔴 Robertson's worrying decline at Liverpool
🔥 Tielemans' passing under pressure at Villa
🔶 Strand Larsen's hold-up play for Wolves
Andy Robertson's Liverpool decline, Youri Tielemans' passing and Jorgen Strand Larsen's form in The Debrief
In The Debrief, Adam Bate looks at Andy Robertsons latest struggles even as Liverpool close in on the Premier League title, Youri Tielemans passing under pressure for Aston Villa and Jorgen Strand Lar...
www.skysports.com
April 7, 2025 at 10:57 AM
Column this week:
🔴 Robertson's worrying decline at Liverpool
🔥 Tielemans' passing under pressure at Villa
🔶 Strand Larsen's hold-up play for Wolves
🔴 Robertson's worrying decline at Liverpool
🔥 Tielemans' passing under pressure at Villa
🔶 Strand Larsen's hold-up play for Wolves
Interview with Nuno Espírito Santo on the tactical flexibility that has helped sustain Nottingham Forest’s Champions League push.
Always good on those possession stats too: “It is absurd to think that you control the game because you control the ball."
Always good on those possession stats too: “It is absurd to think that you control the game because you control the ball."
Nuno Espirito Santo interview: Nottingham Forest boss on tactical changes and dominating without the ball
In this exclusive interview, Nuno Espirito Santo discusses the tactical shifts that have helped sustain their success this season; watch Aston Villa vs Nottingham Forest live on Saturday Night Footbal...
www.skysports.com
April 4, 2025 at 3:32 PM
Interview with Nuno Espírito Santo on the tactical flexibility that has helped sustain Nottingham Forest’s Champions League push.
Always good on those possession stats too: “It is absurd to think that you control the game because you control the ball."
Always good on those possession stats too: “It is absurd to think that you control the game because you control the ball."
Went to Ilkeston Town to a trial day for unsigned young players identified on an app who suddenly found themselves being scouted by Premier League clubs including Man City, Arsenal and Newcastle. Here’s how it went.
Tonsser United's Final 4 event showcases the best unsigned talent - and Premier League clubs are watching
Tonsser Uniteds Final 4 event saw 64 players representing their cities in front of professional clubs and scouts from the Premier League and beyond. Adam Bate was there to find out how an app is helpi...
www.skysports.com
March 19, 2025 at 12:47 PM
Went to Ilkeston Town to a trial day for unsigned young players identified on an app who suddenly found themselves being scouted by Premier League clubs including Man City, Arsenal and Newcastle. Here’s how it went.
Column.
⬇️ Man City's defending in transition
🔴 Forest are master front-runners
🔶 How Agbadou improved Wolves
⬇️ Man City's defending in transition
🔴 Forest are master front-runners
🔶 How Agbadou improved Wolves
Man City cannot defend on transition, Forest still the best front-runners and Emmanuel Agbadou's Wolves impact
Pep Guardiolas Man City have become the Premier Leagues worst defence in transition, why Nottingham Forest are the best front-runners and how Emmanuel Agbadou has helped save Wolves season all feature...
www.skysports.com
March 17, 2025 at 10:46 AM
Column.
⬇️ Man City's defending in transition
🔴 Forest are master front-runners
🔶 How Agbadou improved Wolves
⬇️ Man City's defending in transition
🔴 Forest are master front-runners
🔶 How Agbadou improved Wolves
Interview with Marco Asensio on his impressive start at Aston Villa. Lovely player to watch and seems like he is already relishing the responsibility of bringing his experience to the team.
▫️ Taking on a leadership role
▫️ Why he wants to be a No 10
▫️ Embracing Emery’s demands
▫️ Taking on a leadership role
▫️ Why he wants to be a No 10
▫️ Embracing Emery’s demands
Marco Asensio interview: Aston Villa playmaker on adding experience, playing as a No 10 and why Unai Emery is so good
In this exclusive interview with Sky Sports, Aston Villa’s Marco Asensio, on loan from Paris Saint-Germain, discusses his No 10 role, the appeal of working with Unai Emery and what a player who has wo...
www.skysports.com
February 24, 2025 at 5:43 PM
Interview with Marco Asensio on his impressive start at Aston Villa. Lovely player to watch and seems like he is already relishing the responsibility of bringing his experience to the team.
▫️ Taking on a leadership role
▫️ Why he wants to be a No 10
▫️ Embracing Emery’s demands
▫️ Taking on a leadership role
▫️ Why he wants to be a No 10
▫️ Embracing Emery’s demands
Column for this week.
⬇️ De Bruyne's decline
💪 Munoz’s wing-back role
🔶 Bellegarde transformed
⬇️ De Bruyne's decline
💪 Munoz’s wing-back role
🔶 Bellegarde transformed
Kevin De Bruyne's decline at Man City, Daniel Munoz's wing-back role and Jean-Ricner Bellegarde transformed
Examining why Kevin De Bruyne looked a shadow of his former self in Manchester Citys 2-0 home defeat to Liverpool; plus Daniel Munozs contribution for Crystal Palace and Jean-Ricner Bellegardes surpri...
www.skysports.com
February 24, 2025 at 11:03 AM
Column for this week.
⬇️ De Bruyne's decline
💪 Munoz’s wing-back role
🔶 Bellegarde transformed
⬇️ De Bruyne's decline
💪 Munoz’s wing-back role
🔶 Bellegarde transformed
Interview with Aston Villa’s Andrés García discussing his mistake against Liverpool and the challenge of adjusting to the Premier League after signing from Spain’s second tier. Also had the chance to speak to Unai Emery and Marco Asensio about him for this piece.
Andres Garcia interview: Aston Villa's new full-back on his Liverpool mistake, the big step up and improving under Unai Emery
In this exclusive interview, Andres Garcia discusses his mistake against Liverpool and how the Villa crowd helped lift him. The full-back signed in January is facing a steep learning curve but is winn...
www.skysports.com
February 22, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Interview with Aston Villa’s Andrés García discussing his mistake against Liverpool and the challenge of adjusting to the Premier League after signing from Spain’s second tier. Also had the chance to speak to Unai Emery and Marco Asensio about him for this piece.
Inspiring to talk to someone who is at the start of their football journey and obviously loving the experience so really enjoyed this with 17-year-old Nelly Las on making her WSL breakthrough.
Nelly Las interview: Leicester City Women's 17-year-old star on causing chaos in the WSL after whirlwind rise
In this exclusive interview with Sky Sports, Leicester City Womens 17-year-old star Nelly Las discusses a whirlwind few months that have seen her make her Womens Super League debut and represent Engla...
www.skysports.com
February 20, 2025 at 7:06 PM
Inspiring to talk to someone who is at the start of their football journey and obviously loving the experience so really enjoyed this with 17-year-old Nelly Las on making her WSL breakthrough.
Column on the following…
🔴 Quansah’s intervention
🔥 Delap’s all-round game
🔵 Alcaraz's quick impact
🔴 Quansah’s intervention
🔥 Delap’s all-round game
🔵 Alcaraz's quick impact
Jarell Quansah's block for Liverpool against Wolves, Liam Delap's Ipswich form, Carlos Alcaraz's Everton impact
In The Debrief, Adam Bate looks at Jarell Quansahs big moment for Liverpool in their 2-1 win over Wolves at Anfield, before analysing Liam Delaps all-round forward game for Ipswich and Carlos Alcarazs...
www.skysports.com
February 17, 2025 at 10:48 AM
Column on the following…
🔴 Quansah’s intervention
🔥 Delap’s all-round game
🔵 Alcaraz's quick impact
🔴 Quansah’s intervention
🔥 Delap’s all-round game
🔵 Alcaraz's quick impact
Man City gave up 20 shots against Real Madrid. Only time conceded more in the Champions League under Pep Guardiola was three weeks ago in Paris.
Too easy to get at now. The pressing has been in decline for years and some look physically shot these days. On how and why it costs them games late on.
Too easy to get at now. The pressing has been in decline for years and some look physically shot these days. On how and why it costs them games late on.
Man City's collapse against Real Madrid is a problem that has ruined their season but why is it happening? A side in decline
Man City conceded two late goals to lose 3-2 to Real Madrid and leave their Champions League hopes hanging by a thread. Why is it happening? Adam Bate was at the Etihad Stadium to see a vulnerable tea...
www.skysports.com
February 12, 2025 at 10:14 AM
Man City gave up 20 shots against Real Madrid. Only time conceded more in the Champions League under Pep Guardiola was three weeks ago in Paris.
Too easy to get at now. The pressing has been in decline for years and some look physically shot these days. On how and why it costs them games late on.
Too easy to get at now. The pressing has been in decline for years and some look physically shot these days. On how and why it costs them games late on.
Interview with Donyell Malen. Neither of us realised he would be excluded from the Champions League squad at the time. Still think he can have an impact at Aston Villa but do wonder what his answers would be now…
Donyell Malen interview: Aston Villa’s flexible new forward aiming to unlock full potential under Unai Emery
In this exclusive interview with Sky Sports, Netherlands international Donyell Malen speaks to Adam Bate about the reasons for his move from Borussia Dortmund to Aston Villa and why he believes Unai E...
www.skysports.com
February 7, 2025 at 3:38 PM
Interview with Donyell Malen. Neither of us realised he would be excluded from the Champions League squad at the time. Still think he can have an impact at Aston Villa but do wonder what his answers would be now…
On Man City’s new midfield signing Nico González with help from his old coach at Barcelona.
“He can be a very good number 8 but an excellent number 6. How he moves the ball so quickly. That, for his size, is not usual.”
“He can be a very good number 8 but an excellent number 6. How he moves the ball so quickly. That, for his size, is not usual.”
Nico Gonzalez signing analysed: Man City midfielder compared to Rodri and Sergio Busquets brings different qualities too
In conversation with Nico Gonzalezs former coach at Barcelona, Adam Bate examines what the £50m signing from Porto can bring to Pep Guardiolas Manchester City. Long compared to Sergio Busquets, now it...
www.skysports.com
February 7, 2025 at 1:26 PM
On Man City’s new midfield signing Nico González with help from his old coach at Barcelona.
“He can be a very good number 8 but an excellent number 6. How he moves the ball so quickly. That, for his size, is not usual.”
“He can be a very good number 8 but an excellent number 6. How he moves the ball so quickly. That, for his size, is not usual.”
Nottingham Forest rank bottom for distance covered and they have also used the fewest players and have the fewest injuries. Maybe there is a connection? On the other advantages of Nuno Espirito Santo’s style of play.
Nuno Espirito Santo's Nottingham Forest have covered the least distance in the Premier League – but here's why it helps
Nottingham Forest are third in the Premier League table and one of the curious aspects of their surprise form is that they rank bottom for distance covered. Adam Bate looks at why their style of play ...
www.skysports.com
February 6, 2025 at 12:13 PM
Nottingham Forest rank bottom for distance covered and they have also used the fewest players and have the fewest injuries. Maybe there is a connection? On the other advantages of Nuno Espirito Santo’s style of play.
Aston Villa links with Marcus Rashford and Joao Felix are interesting in light of Monchi line about Unai Emery getting the best from players who have maybe lost their way.
Asked Emery about that in this interview, in which he also talks about looking for a different type of forward to Jhon Duran.
Asked Emery about that in this interview, in which he also talks about looking for a different type of forward to Jhon Duran.
Unai Emery interview: Jhon Duran exit means Aston Villa out to reshape attack with emphasis on 'recovering talents'
In an exclusive interview with Sky Sports, Unai Emery explains why he is looking for a different type of forward to replace Jhon Duran at Aston Villa; Watch Wolves vs Aston Villa live on Sky Sports Pr...
www.skysports.com
February 1, 2025 at 9:47 AM
Aston Villa links with Marcus Rashford and Joao Felix are interesting in light of Monchi line about Unai Emery getting the best from players who have maybe lost their way.
Asked Emery about that in this interview, in which he also talks about looking for a different type of forward to Jhon Duran.
Asked Emery about that in this interview, in which he also talks about looking for a different type of forward to Jhon Duran.
Nice to interview Rodrigo Gomes about his first season as a Premier League player. Has a great attitude and will go on to have a very good career. Wolves would love a few more like him.
Rodrigo Gomes interview: Keeping Wolves in Premier League? Enthusiastic youngster epitomises attitude needed
In this exclusive interview, Rodrigo Gomes explains why he is convinced Wolves will stay up as well talking tattoos and his girlfriend following him home and away; Watch Wolves vs Aston Villa live on ...
www.skysports.com
January 30, 2025 at 12:40 PM
Nice to interview Rodrigo Gomes about his first season as a Premier League player. Has a great attitude and will go on to have a very good career. Wolves would love a few more like him.
Had a chat about Manchester United target Patrick Dorgu with the guys at FC Nordsjaelland.
▫️ ‘Journey is a little different’
▫️ ‘Highest physical numbers’
▫️ ‘Very flexible, modern player’
▫️ ‘Will play at the highest level’
▫️ ‘Journey is a little different’
▫️ ‘Highest physical numbers’
▫️ ‘Very flexible, modern player’
▫️ ‘Will play at the highest level’
Patrick Dorgu's Man Utd transfer? The making of the Lecce and Denmark left-back at FC Nordsjaelland explained
In conversation with FC Nordsjaelland technical director Alexander Riget, Adam Bate examines the progression of Patrick Dorgu, the Lecce and Denmark player who has emerged as a target for Ruben Amorim...
www.skysports.com
January 28, 2025 at 11:44 AM
Had a chat about Manchester United target Patrick Dorgu with the guys at FC Nordsjaelland.
▫️ ‘Journey is a little different’
▫️ ‘Highest physical numbers’
▫️ ‘Very flexible, modern player’
▫️ ‘Will play at the highest level’
▫️ ‘Journey is a little different’
▫️ ‘Highest physical numbers’
▫️ ‘Very flexible, modern player’
▫️ ‘Will play at the highest level’