Michael Bailey
@michaeljbailey.bsky.social
Journalist, writer & presenter @TheAthleticFC | Sport lover | Wannabe barista | Occasional songwriter
Getting excited about the Ashes? You should be! This is wonderful from Cameron Ponsonby on Ben Stokes' New Zealand heritage and how it formed him.
Plenty more where this came from on the way too @theathletic.com … Enjoy! #TheAshes
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
Plenty more where this came from on the way too @theathletic.com … Enjoy! #TheAshes
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
Ben Stokes and the debt he owes New Zealand
The England captain's roots are a sense of pride for the people of Christchurch - despite being known as a tearaway as a youngster
www.nytimes.com
November 10, 2025 at 11:11 AM
Getting excited about the Ashes? You should be! This is wonderful from Cameron Ponsonby on Ben Stokes' New Zealand heritage and how it formed him.
Plenty more where this came from on the way too @theathletic.com … Enjoy! #TheAshes
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
Plenty more where this came from on the way too @theathletic.com … Enjoy! #TheAshes
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
Norfolk cricket hits @theathletic.com! (Not something I imagined writing a few yrs ago.)
Lovely stuff from @nickmiller79.bsky.social on Jake Weatherald — and a pocket of yellow & green in England hoping for at least a slither of Australian magic during the Ashes ...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
Lovely stuff from @nickmiller79.bsky.social on Jake Weatherald — and a pocket of yellow & green in England hoping for at least a slither of Australian magic during the Ashes ...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
Jake Weatherald: The Ashes rookie who went from an English village to Australia’s Test squad
Australia's rookie opening batsman was playing amateur cricket two years ago, but is now ready to shine on cricket's biggest stage
www.nytimes.com
November 6, 2025 at 10:11 AM
Norfolk cricket hits @theathletic.com! (Not something I imagined writing a few yrs ago.)
Lovely stuff from @nickmiller79.bsky.social on Jake Weatherald — and a pocket of yellow & green in England hoping for at least a slither of Australian magic during the Ashes ...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
Lovely stuff from @nickmiller79.bsky.social on Jake Weatherald — and a pocket of yellow & green in England hoping for at least a slither of Australian magic during the Ashes ...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
Reposted by Michael Bailey
NEW POD!
A guide to the 4-4-2 formation.
Strengths 💪
Weaknesses 😐
With @zonal-marking.bsky.social, @markcarey93.bsky.social, @liamtharme.bsky.social & @michaeljbailey.bsky.social
pod.fo/e/342dc6
A guide to the 4-4-2 formation.
Strengths 💪
Weaknesses 😐
With @zonal-marking.bsky.social, @markcarey93.bsky.social, @liamtharme.bsky.social & @michaeljbailey.bsky.social
pod.fo/e/342dc6
The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast: A guide to the 4-4-2 formation
This season there have been zero instances of teams starting with a 4-4-2 in the Premier League. In the late 2000s the majority of teams lined up in a 4-4-2 - but since then, that figure has been ...
pod.fo
October 23, 2025 at 9:55 AM
NEW POD!
A guide to the 4-4-2 formation.
Strengths 💪
Weaknesses 😐
With @zonal-marking.bsky.social, @markcarey93.bsky.social, @liamtharme.bsky.social & @michaeljbailey.bsky.social
pod.fo/e/342dc6
A guide to the 4-4-2 formation.
Strengths 💪
Weaknesses 😐
With @zonal-marking.bsky.social, @markcarey93.bsky.social, @liamtharme.bsky.social & @michaeljbailey.bsky.social
pod.fo/e/342dc6
Looking a bit English in Perth 😂
October 19, 2025 at 6:04 AM
Looking a bit English in Perth 😂
Obviously the Dodgers are good but deary me, that was weak from Milwaukee.
Back to the soccer, guys! Bit of work to get on with there by the looks of it. 🫣
Back to the soccer, guys! Bit of work to get on with there by the looks of it. 🫣
October 18, 2025 at 3:34 AM
Obviously the Dodgers are good but deary me, that was weak from Milwaukee.
Back to the soccer, guys! Bit of work to get on with there by the looks of it. 🫣
Back to the soccer, guys! Bit of work to get on with there by the looks of it. 🫣
Reposted by Michael Bailey
NEW POD 🚨
@zonal-marking.bsky.social @liamtharme.bsky.social & @markcarey93.bsky.social join @michaeljbailey.bsky.social to chat star players and their value.
So is it system first, or stars first? 🤔
pod.fo/e/33e8b2
@zonal-marking.bsky.social @liamtharme.bsky.social & @markcarey93.bsky.social join @michaeljbailey.bsky.social to chat star players and their value.
So is it system first, or stars first? 🤔
pod.fo/e/33e8b2
The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast: Does Jude Bellingham get into England's best side?
Thomas Tuchel’s England team selection for the wins over Wales and Latvia got us thinking about star players and their value.Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham and Jack Grealish were left out of the squ...
pod.fo
October 16, 2025 at 5:49 PM
NEW POD 🚨
@zonal-marking.bsky.social @liamtharme.bsky.social & @markcarey93.bsky.social join @michaeljbailey.bsky.social to chat star players and their value.
So is it system first, or stars first? 🤔
pod.fo/e/33e8b2
@zonal-marking.bsky.social @liamtharme.bsky.social & @markcarey93.bsky.social join @michaeljbailey.bsky.social to chat star players and their value.
So is it system first, or stars first? 🤔
pod.fo/e/33e8b2
Reposted by Michael Bailey
NEW POD 🚨
Has Pep Guardiola really changed, or was the match against Arsenal an anomaly?
@zonal-marking.bsky.social @markcarey93.bsky.social @liamtharme.bsky.social join @michaeljbailey.bsky.social to discuss!
pod.fo/e/3318c0
Has Pep Guardiola really changed, or was the match against Arsenal an anomaly?
@zonal-marking.bsky.social @markcarey93.bsky.social @liamtharme.bsky.social join @michaeljbailey.bsky.social to discuss!
pod.fo/e/3318c0
The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast: Has Guardiola actually changed his philosophy?
Pep Guardiola’s defensive tactics in Manchester City’s Premier League draw at Arsenal last weekend caused quite the stir.Was it a one off? Or has Guardiola’s philosophy been slowly changing i...
pod.fo
September 25, 2025 at 4:12 PM
NEW POD 🚨
Has Pep Guardiola really changed, or was the match against Arsenal an anomaly?
@zonal-marking.bsky.social @markcarey93.bsky.social @liamtharme.bsky.social join @michaeljbailey.bsky.social to discuss!
pod.fo/e/3318c0
Has Pep Guardiola really changed, or was the match against Arsenal an anomaly?
@zonal-marking.bsky.social @markcarey93.bsky.social @liamtharme.bsky.social join @michaeljbailey.bsky.social to discuss!
pod.fo/e/3318c0
Reposted by Michael Bailey
On tomorrow's pod we'll be asking if Pep Guardiola has actually changed Man City's approach this season.
How different does this City team look compared to 2016-17?
Send your questions for the panel!
How different does this City team look compared to 2016-17?
Send your questions for the panel!
September 24, 2025 at 1:12 PM
On tomorrow's pod we'll be asking if Pep Guardiola has actually changed Man City's approach this season.
How different does this City team look compared to 2016-17?
Send your questions for the panel!
How different does this City team look compared to 2016-17?
Send your questions for the panel!
Reposted by Michael Bailey
NEW POD 🚨
Why has this Premier League season started so slowly?
@zonal-marking.bsky.social, @liamtharme.bsky.social & @markcarey93.bsky.social join @michaeljbailey.bsky.social to discuss.
pod.fo/e/32cff1
Why has this Premier League season started so slowly?
@zonal-marking.bsky.social, @liamtharme.bsky.social & @markcarey93.bsky.social join @michaeljbailey.bsky.social to discuss.
pod.fo/e/32cff1
The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast: Why has this season started so slowly?
There were a mere 19 goals across 20 games in the Premier League last weekend.Which got us thinking — why so few? And is it partly to do with the influx of new signings creating unfamiliarity and...
pod.fo
September 19, 2025 at 9:35 AM
NEW POD 🚨
Why has this Premier League season started so slowly?
@zonal-marking.bsky.social, @liamtharme.bsky.social & @markcarey93.bsky.social join @michaeljbailey.bsky.social to discuss.
pod.fo/e/32cff1
Why has this Premier League season started so slowly?
@zonal-marking.bsky.social, @liamtharme.bsky.social & @markcarey93.bsky.social join @michaeljbailey.bsky.social to discuss.
pod.fo/e/32cff1
Reposted by Michael Bailey
NEW MAILBAG POD 🚨
@michaeljbailey.bsky.social @zonal-marking.bsky.social @liamtharme.bsky.social & @markcarey93.bsky.social answer your questions on...
- Maverick players
- Donnarumma to City
- Are Arsenal too cautious?
& much, much more!
pod.fo/e/328a93
@michaeljbailey.bsky.social @zonal-marking.bsky.social @liamtharme.bsky.social & @markcarey93.bsky.social answer your questions on...
- Maverick players
- Donnarumma to City
- Are Arsenal too cautious?
& much, much more!
pod.fo/e/328a93
The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast: Mavericks, Donnarumma & are Arsenal too cautious?
It’s the international break in men’s football and that means only one thing… mailbag time!We’re going to answer your questions on all sorts — iPads, subs, mavericks and more!Host: Michae...
pod.fo
September 11, 2025 at 9:22 AM
NEW MAILBAG POD 🚨
@michaeljbailey.bsky.social @zonal-marking.bsky.social @liamtharme.bsky.social & @markcarey93.bsky.social answer your questions on...
- Maverick players
- Donnarumma to City
- Are Arsenal too cautious?
& much, much more!
pod.fo/e/328a93
@michaeljbailey.bsky.social @zonal-marking.bsky.social @liamtharme.bsky.social & @markcarey93.bsky.social answer your questions on...
- Maverick players
- Donnarumma to City
- Are Arsenal too cautious?
& much, much more!
pod.fo/e/328a93
Reposted by Michael Bailey
Send in your questions for @theathleticfc.bsky.social Tactics Podcast special mailbag episode!
What trend, team, or player has caught your eye from the season so far?
Or are there any tactical/data questions you would like us to address?
Let us know below!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/660...
What trend, team, or player has caught your eye from the season so far?
Or are there any tactical/data questions you would like us to address?
Let us know below!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/660...
Mailbag: Send in your questions for The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast
Send in your questions now ahead of a special episode of The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast
www.nytimes.com
September 8, 2025 at 8:44 AM
Send in your questions for @theathleticfc.bsky.social Tactics Podcast special mailbag episode!
What trend, team, or player has caught your eye from the season so far?
Or are there any tactical/data questions you would like us to address?
Let us know below!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/660...
What trend, team, or player has caught your eye from the season so far?
Or are there any tactical/data questions you would like us to address?
Let us know below!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/660...
Reposted by Michael Bailey
NEW POD! 🚨
We take on... Why Amorim's Man United system isn't working.
With @michaeljbailey.bsky.social @michaeljbailey.bsky.social @liamtharme.bsky.social @markcarey93.bsky.social
Enjoy!
pod.fo/e/324da2
We take on... Why Amorim's Man United system isn't working.
With @michaeljbailey.bsky.social @michaeljbailey.bsky.social @liamtharme.bsky.social @markcarey93.bsky.social
Enjoy!
pod.fo/e/324da2
The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast: Why Amorim's Man United system isn't working
This week, we’ll tell you why Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system he insists on using at Manchester United, isn’t functioning.And we’ll look at other examples of managers who seem wedded to just ...
pod.fo
September 4, 2025 at 3:24 PM
NEW POD! 🚨
We take on... Why Amorim's Man United system isn't working.
With @michaeljbailey.bsky.social @michaeljbailey.bsky.social @liamtharme.bsky.social @markcarey93.bsky.social
Enjoy!
pod.fo/e/324da2
We take on... Why Amorim's Man United system isn't working.
With @michaeljbailey.bsky.social @michaeljbailey.bsky.social @liamtharme.bsky.social @markcarey93.bsky.social
Enjoy!
pod.fo/e/324da2
Love this — and so much of what @jacobwhitehead.bsky.social produced while following this year's @le-tourdefrance.bsky.social for @theathletic.com.
Enjoy it.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/651...
Enjoy it.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/651...
The story of the 2025 Tour de France in 21 photographs
Every year the Tour is a slice of a French summer – these are some of the most evocative images from the 2025 edition
www.nytimes.com
July 29, 2025 at 11:29 AM
Love this — and so much of what @jacobwhitehead.bsky.social produced while following this year's @le-tourdefrance.bsky.social for @theathletic.com.
Enjoy it.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/651...
Enjoy it.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/651...
Thames barge sails on the Blackwater. Beautiful. You should visit bargetrust.org to find out about the incredible vessels — and know that Chris is a superstar skipper. X
July 17, 2025 at 5:58 AM
Thames barge sails on the Blackwater. Beautiful. You should visit bargetrust.org to find out about the incredible vessels — and know that Chris is a superstar skipper. X
Reposted by Michael Bailey
Episode two of Football Architects is LIVE!
This part focuses on the rise of Belgium to No.1 in the world.
Featuring @michaeljbailey.bsky.social @jacobwhitehead.bsky.social & @liamtharme.bsky.social
pod.fo/e/2f8cce
This part focuses on the rise of Belgium to No.1 in the world.
Featuring @michaeljbailey.bsky.social @jacobwhitehead.bsky.social & @liamtharme.bsky.social
pod.fo/e/2f8cce
The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast: How Belgium marched to world number one
On episode two of Football Architects, we’re focusing on the rise that took a stagnant Belgium to number one in FIFA’s world rankings.We’ll hear about how they established a footballing DNA, ...
pod.fo
July 10, 2025 at 8:50 AM
Episode two of Football Architects is LIVE!
This part focuses on the rise of Belgium to No.1 in the world.
Featuring @michaeljbailey.bsky.social @jacobwhitehead.bsky.social & @liamtharme.bsky.social
pod.fo/e/2f8cce
This part focuses on the rise of Belgium to No.1 in the world.
Featuring @michaeljbailey.bsky.social @jacobwhitehead.bsky.social & @liamtharme.bsky.social
pod.fo/e/2f8cce
Fresh from a busy weekend — includes Bocelli, an apology and turf doctors...
LET'S GET SOCIAL.
youtu.be/cPujJN3lpeU
LET'S GET SOCIAL.
youtu.be/cPujJN3lpeU
SPORTS SOCIAL | Wimbledon, sorry Lando, Andrea Bocelli & turf doctors — Michael Bailey 01.07.25
YouTube video by Michael Bailey
youtu.be
July 1, 2025 at 10:04 AM
Fresh from a busy weekend — includes Bocelli, an apology and turf doctors...
LET'S GET SOCIAL.
youtu.be/cPujJN3lpeU
LET'S GET SOCIAL.
youtu.be/cPujJN3lpeU
Mini-golf, Australia style. #mindthesnakes
June 30, 2025 at 7:48 AM
Mini-golf, Australia style. #mindthesnakes
Fair play to Jon Rowe — the boy loves a big moment, and he's pretty good at them. Eye-catching stuff from England U21s again.
👇 www.nytimes.com/athletic/645...
👇 www.nytimes.com/athletic/645...
England beat Germany in thriller to retain Under-21 Euros title
Analysis as England survive a scare to beat Germany to win the U21 Euros for the second consecutive time
www.nytimes.com
June 29, 2025 at 3:13 AM
Fair play to Jon Rowe — the boy loves a big moment, and he's pretty good at them. Eye-catching stuff from England U21s again.
👇 www.nytimes.com/athletic/645...
👇 www.nytimes.com/athletic/645...
New social time! youtu.be/NrVHYPDOw3g?...
SPORTS SOCIAL | NBA Finals, Jalen Williams, Messi playing to 50? — Michael Bailey 20.06.25
YouTube video by Michael Bailey
youtu.be
June 20, 2025 at 10:10 AM
New social time! youtu.be/NrVHYPDOw3g?...
Those who know me will appreciate how big a moment this was 😂 Finally reunited with my clubs last month, and the first time I’ve managed to swing them in anger since November. One day, I might even get to play around Joondalup — it looked spectacular.
And yes, that was one of the few good shots 🥴
And yes, that was one of the few good shots 🥴
June 17, 2025 at 12:47 PM
Those who know me will appreciate how big a moment this was 😂 Finally reunited with my clubs last month, and the first time I’ve managed to swing them in anger since November. One day, I might even get to play around Joondalup — it looked spectacular.
And yes, that was one of the few good shots 🥴
And yes, that was one of the few good shots 🥴
Monday’s Sports Social! Let’s go…
🏎️ F1, Canada & Lando
🌎 Club World Cup, Messi & Suarez
⛳️ JJ Spaun’s beautiful US Open in
Enjoy!
youtu.be/7C6Viy5eg_U?...
🏎️ F1, Canada & Lando
🌎 Club World Cup, Messi & Suarez
⛳️ JJ Spaun’s beautiful US Open in
Enjoy!
youtu.be/7C6Viy5eg_U?...
SPORTS SOCIAL | Messi & Club World Cup, Spaun’s US Open win, Oh Lando — Michael Bailey 16.06.25
YouTube video by Michael Bailey
youtu.be
June 16, 2025 at 10:08 AM
Monday’s Sports Social! Let’s go…
🏎️ F1, Canada & Lando
🌎 Club World Cup, Messi & Suarez
⛳️ JJ Spaun’s beautiful US Open in
Enjoy!
youtu.be/7C6Viy5eg_U?...
🏎️ F1, Canada & Lando
🌎 Club World Cup, Messi & Suarez
⛳️ JJ Spaun’s beautiful US Open in
Enjoy!
youtu.be/7C6Viy5eg_U?...
