After a lazy summer break we're back with a preview of the new Premier League season, a rundown of the strange goings-on around the football universe and an announcement that will shake the football podcast community to its very core.

 Enjoy the show,

 Alex R, Alex K (yes, he's back...sort of), Chris and Noel.

In a Summer (Not So) Special Episode of TBG, hear what Arsenal fan Ian Trevett makes of THIERRY HENRY'S transfer to Barcelona.

South American football expert TIM VICKERY previews the Copa America which kicks off on Tuesday.
 
BBC Sport Online journalist Chris Bevan gives us the lowdown on Manchester City's summer of turmoil.

And I party with the Real Madrid fans as they celebrate their first La Liga triumph for 4 years.

Thanks for listening,

Chris

England get Beck to basics as McClaren's men regain focus on their Euro vision

Real are in Ruud health. Van Nistelrooy keeps Madrid on course for La Liga glory

And we celebrate football's golden oldies for whom age is no barrier.

On this week's show...

It's a Hollywood script for LA-bound Beckham as the former England captain lives up to his billing at Wembley - but will there be a happy ending in Estonia?

We celebrate the AWOL footballers who tried to sell their clubs a dummy.

And orators or useless debaters? There are heated points of view in Defend Your Corner.

Enjoy the show.

Alex, Chris and Noel

This week on The Beautiful Game

Steve McClaren mends it with Beckham. The former England captain is called on to save the coach who jettisoned him

It's Derby day as County beat West Brom to gain promotion to the Premiership

Liverpool are out of luck as Inzaghi shoulders responsibility for European champions Milan

And we reveal why Nuno Morais doesn't expect to be a Chelsea pensioner.

Thanks for listening and enjoy the show

Cheers

Chris & Noel (Alex R is in Italy and Alex K has given up :(

If you want to get in touch about anything footy please join The Beautiful Game Podcast group on facebook.com, leave us a comment on myspace.com/beautifulgamepodcast or drop us an email to beautifulgamepodcast@yahoo.co.uk. You can also leave us a voicemail. UK callers please dial: 0208 1442569, US callers please dial 606 341 2238; calls cost normal price of a phonecall.) Wherever you are in the world you can SKYPE us for free at TBGPODCAST.

This week on The Beautiful Game

Drogba and Chelsea make Wembley history as Manchester United's double vision fades

Liverpool aim for 6 of the best but will Kaka and Milan block their path to glory. We've got an exclusive interview with MARK LAWRENSON

And it's a pooch invasion as we reveal the footballers' dogs who'll never walk alone.

Premier departure - Sheffield United's labour is in vain as Wigan get the vote.

 

There'll be no domestic bliss at the home of football this weekend as Manchester and Chelsea prepare for a Wembley cup final once more.

 

And we reveal which footballer you should never invite to lunch.

 

Enjoy the show,

 

Noel, Chris and Alex R (Alex K has been deported)

 

PS. Note to all Premiership football managers - please do not get the sack or resign just hours after we've recorded the show. It makes us look bad. Thanks.

It's a turf war in the Premiership as West Ham's relegation rivals seek a level playing field through the courts.

A United front proves decisive in the title race as Chelsea are dethroned amid disharmony.

And Charlton's time at the top table is over. Any one of three other clubs could be starved of Premiership football next season. 

Take it as Red - late drama at Goodison leaves Manchester United on brink of title as Chelsea falter.

But who will be kings of the continent? We look ahead to the Champions League semi-final 2nd legs.

Back in the big time. Birmingham and Sunderland return to the Premiership as Leeds hit a new low.

And playing the Blame Game. From bald heads to bouncy balls; where do football's sorest losers point the finger?

English clubs are in fashion but can Milan steal the show in Europe? We look ahead to the Champions’ League semi-finals.

Battle lines are drawn in the Premiership title race as Manchester United and Chelsea suffer a points failure; while Watford’s season of woe ends in relegation.

And we reveal why it’s not always an honour to be called the next Maradona.