Author Topic: The Anfield Index Thread (Read 39196 times)

Xabi Gerrard · « **Reply #40 on:** August 8, 2016, 12:32:03 pm »

I find AI very hit and miss. There are some exceptionally high quality shows on it though, especially the pressing stats one and Sachin Nakrani's Runner show. The pressing stats show (for those that don't listen to it, the host, Gags, watches each game noting how many times each Liverpool player presses the opposition defence) gives such a good insight into the value some of our players are adding to the team that otherwise may go unnoticed.

Between those two shows, the two free Anfield Wrap shows and the Guardian football pod I pretty much get my football podcast fix for the week.

spider-neil · « **Reply #41 on:** August 8, 2016, 01:41:28 pm »

If I had to choose it would be TAW but Wrap isn't as specialised as AI and doesn't offer anything like the pressing stats (among other things) that the likes of Gags and Simon Brundish do in 'Under Pressure'.

markedasred · « **Reply #42 on:** August 8, 2016, 02:56:47 pm »

I accidentally found the Liverbirds podcast of theirs, which whilst not totally well informed (one of the women not knowing Brendan had gone to Celtic), I did find it enjoyable. I had forgotten to listen to them for over a year, thanks for the reminder. And yes, I agree, how the hell do they fund it.

Big Bamber · « **Reply #43 on:** August 8, 2016, 08:55:32 pm »

Quote from: markedasred on August 8, 2016, 02:56:47 pm

I accidentally found the Liverbirds podcast of theirs, which whilst not totally well informed (one of the women not knowing Brendan had gone to Celtic), I did find it enjoyable. I had forgotten to listen to them for over a year, thanks for the reminder. And yes, I agree, how the hell do they fund it.

Yes that was one of my points, before the thread went mad. I still think that an AI (and TAW) episode on this would be cool.

Quote from: Big Bamber on August 7, 2016, 08:38:48 pm

Anyway, my point was that an open discussion on TAW of pod-world, editorial lines and accusations of narrative/agenda, funding/sustainability, and competition that (shock horror!) included naming other pods would be an interesting listen.

Notfromaroundhere · « **Reply #44 on:** August 9, 2016, 12:08:32 am »

Love the 'Under pressure' pod. Many shows worth listening to, but that one in particular is really informative. Always interesting to find out whether or not the numbers back up the impression you have while watching the game.

The only thing I think the AI channel is missing is a proper tactical breakdown of our games, rooted in the manager's principles and concepts (as in what it is Klopp wants his team to do and how the team execute it). I realise this can be difficult though; maybe not too easy to find someone with the knowledge as well as the time to analyse the games - who then need to devote even more time, to present it on a podcast.

These things are probably easier to do in writing, with a bit of show and tell (like 'Spielverlagerung' do).

DanA · « **Reply #45 on:** August 9, 2016, 03:01:04 am »

Has this gotten better? Listened to it a year or two ago but it wasn't for me. Do visit their site every now and again though just don't listen to the podcasts.

Mactavish · « **Reply #46 on:** August 9, 2016, 07:36:10 am »

Quote from: Alan_X on August 8, 2016, 12:00:07 pm

I listened to the Hillsborough specials with Harinder, Phil Scraton and Ade Tempany which were really good but the general football output just wasn't for me. It's about tone of voice and I simply prefer the Wrap.

I couldn't be with you more on this.

I feel like the Anfield Wrap lads are a lot more 'me' and find TAI quite a difficult listen. Fair play to them for having a pop and good luck to them but I've tried to do both and with the content coming out of TAW now I don't feel the need for anymore football related pods especially ones that I struggle to listen to.

Personal taste.

adamski29 · « **Reply #47 on:** August 9, 2016, 10:08:33 am »

Quote from: Big Bamber on August 7, 2016, 08:08:03 pm

Opinions, innit? I thought it was a decent effort at taking on a criticism. It stated that given the huge number of Anfield Index shows there are now, from across the globe, all with a different pitch, featuring high standard contributors (Marco Lopez, Dan Kennet, Dan Rhodes etc.), the idea of an enforced/enforceable agenda seems unlikely. It also recognised that much of the criticism it gets is conflated with issues people have with one contributor. I found all of that reasonably convincing. Funny you didn't get any of that...

There doesn't have to be forced opinions or an enforced party line. The impression I get from the AI is that there isn't an agenda, but more like a serious case of group think going on. I've heard the head man gags reference Simon brundish whilst he is discussing Moreno for instance, because he knows that Simon can't bear any criticism of Moreno, even though Simon wasn't on that particular pod.
As another example, Daniel sturridge walks on water on AI. For the record he walks on water with me too but he can be criticized like anyone els but you won't hear that on AI, not by one single contributer. The fact that there are so many pods and people involved in AI you would expect more diverse opinion but it isn't there. More examples of group think on AI? James Milner isn't at all well liked by practically all of AI, Lovren is almost universally disliked on AI and not given the credit that his recent improvement deserves. Now I'm not soled that Lovren can be door enough long term for Liverpool but he is immeasurably better than he was but you wouldn't think that from listening to AI.

The problem with AI for me is its all to self congratulatory, backslappy fake formality. The amount of time you hear I agree whole heartedly with the other contributer or absolutely spot on there from such and such is ridiculous. You almost never hear those phrase on Taw. Some of the pods are just downright cringe inducing with the amount of back slapping going on. The forced laughing at each other's jokes, the faux forced politeness and kinda group mentality when they are all having in on a player they dislike is embarrassing. One pod there recently I think was an American one though it could have been Canadian or Mexican was such an extreme example of this that I was actually embarrassed for them that this conversation was actually happening live so that other people could hear it.
I turned it of and havnt listened to AI since.

LallanaInPyjamas · « **Reply #48 on:** August 9, 2016, 10:35:29 am »

Quote from: adamski29 on August 9, 2016, 10:08:33 am

There doesn't have to be forced opinions or an enforced party line. The impression I get from the AI is that there isn't an agenda, but more like a serious case of group think going on. I've heard the head man gags reference Simon brundish whilst he is discussing Moreno for instance, because he knows that Simon can't bear any criticism of Moreno, even though Simon wasn't on that particular pod.
As another example, Daniel sturridge walks on water on AI. For the record he walks on water with me too but he can be criticized like anyone els but you won't hear that on AI, not by one single contributer. The fact that there are so many pods and people involved in AI you would expect more diverse opinion but it isn't there. More examples of group think on AI? James Milner isn't at all well liked by practically all of AI, Lovren is almost universally disliked on AI and not given the credit that his recent improvement deserves. Now I'm not soled that Lovren can be door enough long term for Liverpool but he is immeasurably better than he was but you wouldn't think that from listening to AI.

The problem with AI for me is its all to self congratulatory, backslappy fake formality. The amount of time you hear I agree whole heartedly with the other contributer or absolutely spot on there from such and such is ridiculous. You almost never hear those phrase on Taw. Some of the pods are just downright cringe inducing with the amount of back slapping going on. The forced laughing at each other's jokes, the faux forced politeness and kinda group mentality when they are all having in on a player they dislike is embarrassing. One pod there recently I think was an American one though it could have been Canadian or Mexican was such an extreme example of this that I was actually embarrassed for them that this conversation was actually happening live so that other people could hear it.
I turned it of and havnt listened to AI since.

Hardly surprising when Dendrick is one of its founders. Have a read of his Twitter for a laugh.

adamski29 · « **Reply #49 on:** August 9, 2016, 11:54:46 am »

Quote from: bcurtis92 on August 9, 2016, 10:35:29 am

Hardly surprising when Dendrick is one of its founders. Have a read of his Twitter for a laugh.

No thanks. I try to stay away from obnoxious, know it alls if I can at all. He is the guy down the pup who you avoid cause you know he will start telling your wrong and then profess to know everything about anything . We had a guy like him down our local boozer. We called him the professor.

Redman0151 · « **Reply #50 on:** August 9, 2016, 12:33:29 pm »

Quote from: bcurtis92 on August 9, 2016, 10:35:29 am

Hardly surprising when Dendrick is one of its founders. Have a read of his Twitter for a laugh.

He single handedly made me stop listening to any AI content, just chats utter shite and starts bringing up players from the Swiss and Russian leagues as if he genuinely knows about them. Sums up the kind of twitter bellend I actively avoid, and the constant whining about people like Lucas was just too much, it's like they had a constant problem with any "Rafa era" player and there's not even an attempt to be objective towards many, they made their mind up and that's it.

I remember finding their stats podcast quite interesting a while back though

bigweb · « **Reply #51 on:** August 9, 2016, 12:41:49 pm »

This used to be quite good but that Surly Irish guy they have on is possibly one of the most annoying people I have ever listened to. He is so negative about everything and on the other hand such a know it all.

He sees his opinion as gospel truth. Whats the dudes name?

LallanaInPyjamas · « **Reply #52 on:** August 9, 2016, 12:43:02 pm »

Quote from: bigweb on August 9, 2016, 12:41:49 pm

This used to be quite good but that Surly Irish guy they have on is possibly one of the most annoying people I have ever listened to. He is so negative about everything and on the other hand such a know it all.

He sees his opinion as gospel truth. Whats the dudes name?

Dendrick.

bigweb · « **Reply #53 on:** August 9, 2016, 12:45:56 pm »

Quote from: bcurtis92 on August 9, 2016, 12:43:02 pm

Dendrick.

That's the guy. Absolutely one of the last guys you would want to go and have a pint with. Maybe I'm wrong and he is just playing a character on there or something. Its disappointing as most of the other guys seem sound but because of him I just cant listen to it.

filthy1980 · « **Reply #54 on:** August 9, 2016, 02:52:15 pm »

AI offers good value in my opinon

you can criticise the production values but that's what you get when you have 3-4 people skyping in from all over the world

the Stats is their USP, and there are some contributors who offer an excellent tactical insight (eartern european guy forget his name)

Brundish & Kennett are really good too

? Ritchie did my head in for a long while, was often quite negative when it wasn't justified and Dave Hendrick i would class as a shock jock, think both have scaled down their involvement recently

if anything i'd probably advise the AI guys that less is more, think they could probably limit their pods to about 60 mins, and don't necessarily need to churn out a pod a day

oh and the Hillsborough pods were two of the best podcasts i've listened to from any platform - hard but essential listening

Dougle · « **Reply #55 on:** August 9, 2016, 02:59:33 pm »

I find some of the stuff AI does to be really interesting. There are some quite knowledgeable folk there. Dan Rhodes, Dan Kennet, Jan Gorski something or other. Harry Sethi did a league preview pod which I liked. There is a south african guy Keylon ?? Simon Brundish can be good. Is it Harinder who also podcasts with Gags ?
When it's good it is interesting but when the level drops then it is a bit repetitive and twatterish.

There is a big self congratulation thing going on and for all of Dave Hendricks bathering on about sheep there is a lot of following the crowd there too.I don't mind him personally except when he slings the abuse which is a bit pathetic.

It is what it is and a lot of the content I guess comes from people (like me) who live far away from Liverpool, who rarely if ever get to see the place or the team but who love the club none the less.

Overall good luck to them and fair dues to Gags for getting it together.

I love the Wrap, it's a class above anything i have come across. Been paid up from day 1 and would recommend it to anyone.

Bastion Of Invincibility · « **Reply #56 on:** August 9, 2016, 10:01:00 pm »

Generally speaking, AI supports FSG and criticises the manager more (this might change with Klopp) whereas the TAW lads support the manager and criticise FSG more. It's a nice balance of views and I'm glad I have it all to listen to as a fan and commuter.

DangerScouse · « **Reply #57 on:** August 9, 2016, 10:05:32 pm »

Quote from: Crosby Wych on August 9, 2016, 12:33:29 pm

He single handedly made me stop listening to any AI content, just chats utter shite and starts bringing up players from the Swiss and Russian leagues as if he genuinely knows about them. Sums up the kind of twitter bellend I actively avoid, and the constant whining about people like Lucas was just too much, it's like they had a constant problem with any "Rafa era" player and there's not even an attempt to be objective towards many, they made their mind up and that's it.

I remember finding their stats podcast quite interesting a while back though

My sentiments exactly. All of it.

Big Bamber · « **Reply #58 on:** August 10, 2016, 12:56:13 am »

That Hendrick hasn't featured much for a good while (from my listening) and AI is all the better for it. As others above have said, they have some excellent contributors now so swerving the entire content cos of him doesn't make sense. They might be spreading their best guys too thin.

Groundskeeper Willie · « **Reply #59 on:** August 10, 2016, 09:33:30 am »

From time to time, me and some other Swedish guys record the Swedish AI podcast. I am very happy to confess that I am 100 % an amateur. I don't know much about tactics, formations or players from this league or that, but I am on because I love to discuss and talk about Liverpool Football Club. And I see it as a chance to educate myself.

There are other pods with people who have incredible knowledge, but we want our Sweden pod to just be like a group of guys talking about the club we love.

filthy1980 · « **Reply #60 on:** August 10, 2016, 09:42:41 am »

Quote from: Big Bamber on August 10, 2016, 12:56:13 am

That Hendrick hasn't featured much for a good while (from my listening) and AI is all the better for it. As others above have said, they have some excellent contributors now so swerving the entire content cos of him doesn't make sense. They might be spreading their best guys too thin.

probably a consequence of how they produce their content, they're almose all remote in different time zones with day jobs etc

great benefit of TAW is that the majority are in the same city and can get around the table fairly regularly

Big Bamber · « **Reply #61 on:** August 10, 2016, 03:56:21 pm »

Quote from: filthy1980 on August 10, 2016, 09:42:41 am

probably a consequence of how they produce their content, they're almose all remote in different time zones with day jobs etc

great benefit of TAW is that the majority are in the same city and can get around the table fairly regularly

I don't know. Time zones should not be a barrier to a strong lineup. For example, a Pod with Gags, Marco, Keylon, Dan Kennet, Jim Fishlock and Dan Rhodes is very possible in spite of location/time zone, could convene regularly, and would be a panel to rival most.

Jookie · « **Reply #62 on:** August 10, 2016, 04:58:44 pm »

Quote from: Crosby Wych on August 9, 2016, 12:33:29 pm

He single handedly made me stop listening to any AI content, just chats utter shite and starts bringing up players from the Swiss and Russian leagues as if he genuinely knows about them. Sums up the kind of twitter bellend I actively avoid, and the constant whining about people like Lucas was just too much, it's like they had a constant problem with any "Rafa era" player and there's not even an attempt to be objective towards many, they made their mind up and that's it.

I remember finding their stats podcast quite interesting a while back though

Pretty much sums up my thoughts on AI and Dave Hendricks.

With Hendricks, I'm always unsure whether that's his real persona or an act. Something to gain attention and notoriety for the AI podcasts. It looks like he's turned off more people than turned on people to AI.

Some of the content on AI is good and offers an alternative to to other LFC podcasts. I understand the reasons why, and it seems petty saying it but as others have said, the sound quality puts me off on occasions.

Pick and choose what you like best with AI.

Big Bamber · « **Reply #63 on:** August 10, 2016, 06:07:03 pm »

Quote from: Jookie on August 10, 2016, 04:58:44 pm

Pretty much sums up my thoughts on AI and Dave Hendricks.

With Hendricks, I'm always unsure whether that's his real persona or an act. Something to gain attention and notoriety for the AI podcasts. It looks like he's turned off more people than turned on people to AI.

Some of the content on AI is good and offers an alternative to to other LFC podcasts. I understand the reasons why, and it seems petty saying it but as others have said, the sound quality puts me off on occasions.

Pick and choose what you like best with AI.

Yep agree with that. It would be better if main show was a steadier line up as I said above (Gags, Marco, Dan, Kaylon etc.). Anyway, with Hendrick featuring much less now that he has his own non-AI pod, it's less hit and miss.

Giovanni · « **Reply #64 on:** August 10, 2016, 06:38:34 pm »

the worst thing TAW did is give absolute cretins from all over the world the belief anyone gives a fuck what they have to say

Groundskeeper Willie · « **Reply #65 on:** August 10, 2016, 06:49:53 pm »

Quote from: Giovanni on August 10, 2016, 06:38:34 pm

the worst thing TAW did is give absolute cretins from all over the world the belief anyone gives a fuck what they have to say

Kind of like an online forum where users from all over ths world discuss Liverpool FC with each other.

What a dumb post.

Giovanni · « **Reply #66 on:** August 10, 2016, 06:53:56 pm »

not really.

And it's not an OOT v local thing either - RedmenTV can fuck off too.

007.lankyguy · « **Reply #67 on:** August 10, 2016, 08:19:23 pm »

Quote from: Giovanni on August 10, 2016, 06:53:56 pm

not really.

And it's not an OOT v local thing either - RedmenTV can fuck off too.

That'll be the same Redmen TV that started well before TAW

Big Bamber · « **Reply #68 on:** August 10, 2016, 09:29:34 pm »

Quote from: lankyguy007. on August 10, 2016, 08:19:23 pm

That'll be the same Redmen TV that started well before TAW

Well played.

Big Bamber · « **Reply #69 on:** August 10, 2016, 11:05:05 pm »

Quote from: Giorgio the Quack on August 10, 2016, 09:33:30 am

From time to time, me and some other Swedish guys record the Swedish AI podcast. I am very happy to confess that I am 100 % an amateur. I don't know much about tactics, formations or players from this league or that, but I am on because I love to discuss and talk about Liverpool Football Club. And I see it as a chance to educate myself.

There are other pods with people who have incredible knowledge, but we want our Sweden pod to just be like a group of guys talking about the club we love.

And fair play to ye. I couldn't do it.

Claire. · « **Reply #70 on:** August 10, 2016, 11:06:42 pm »

Quote from: lankyguy007. on August 10, 2016, 08:19:23 pm

That'll be the same Redmen TV that started well before TAW

Absolutely not his point.

007.lankyguy · « **Reply #71 on:** August 10, 2016, 11:39:42 pm »

Quote from: Claire. on August 10, 2016, 11:06:42 pm

Absolutely not his point.

It quite clearly was (at least partly).

You can't make a point of arguing that TAW started a wave of people promoting their own opinions online by illustrating two sites that got going before TAW. TAW's undoubtedly had an impact but there were plenty of "cretins" setting up podcasts and writing blogs before it. Most of the main people on AI were doing online stuff before AI, the two main guys for The Redmen TV have stayed there throughout.

DangerScouse · « **Reply #72 on:** August 10, 2016, 11:53:56 pm »

Quote from: Claire. on August 10, 2016, 11:06:42 pm

Absolutely not his point.

It was.

Big Bamber · « **Reply #73 on:** August 11, 2016, 07:36:57 am »

Quote from: Claire. on August 10, 2016, 11:06:42 pm

Absolutely not his point.

Well it came across that way.

Giovanni · « **Reply #74 on:** August 11, 2016, 10:45:06 am »

Quote from: lankyguy007. on August 10, 2016, 11:39:42 pm

It quite clearly was (at least partly).

You can't make a point of arguing that TAW started a wave of people promoting their own opinions online by illustrating two sites that got going before TAW. TAW's undoubtedly had an impact but there were plenty of "cretins" setting up podcasts and writing blogs before it. Most of the main people on AI were doing online stuff before AI, the two main guys for The Redmen TV have stayed there throughout.

It wasn't.

I was just showing it's not about where the 'vlogger virgins' are from, as redmenTV is one of the most excruciatingly embarrassing things i've ever seen.

LallanaInPyjamas · « **Reply #75 on:** August 11, 2016, 11:09:21 am »

Quote from: Giovanni on August 10, 2016, 06:38:34 pm

the worst thing TAW did is give absolute cretins from all over the world the belief anyone gives a fuck what they have to say

Do you mean the Wrap or Anfield Index?

thekitkatshuffler · « **Reply #76 on:** August 11, 2016, 12:19:48 pm »

Quote from: Giovanni on August 11, 2016, 10:45:06 am

It wasn't.

I was just showing it's not about where the 'vlogger virgins' are from, as redmenTV is one of the most excruciatingly embarrassing things i've ever seen.

Yeah, that's what I assumed you meant.

And you're right.

filthy1980 · « **Reply #77 on:** August 11, 2016, 01:21:11 pm »

new In Focus show was good

host sounded very high brow, quoting Tennyson don't you know

Nina was the guest though so evened out in the end

Big Bamber · « **Reply #78 on:** August 11, 2016, 08:48:00 pm »

Quote from: filthy1980 on August 11, 2016, 01:21:11 pm

new In Focus show was good

host sounded very high brow, quoting Tennyson don't you know

Nina was the guest though so evened out in the end

I listened to the two latest shows and guess what? No Hendrick, no Rodgers bashing, no "agenda", and good quality sound. How can this be?

Regarding "In Focus" it's obvious Jon Buscall is going to be a top host, even from his first outing. I didn't enjoy the show greatly though. Enthusiastic and all as Nina is, she hadn't a broad enough view of Klopp's qualities beyond charisma, to explain why he is so special for us. Nina is fine on a panel where she is joined with someone with technical knowledge.

Hari Sethi is also a strong host and his "Premiere League Preview Show" looks looks like it will be one of the stronger AI pods this season. The second 30 mins of this first show, previewing the Arsenal game, with a gooner guest was excellent. The show took a while to warm up but it's the first one back.

If people have doubts about AI (particularly based on older episodes) should give it a listen.

McrRed · « **Reply #79 on:** August 11, 2016, 09:20:46 pm »

My favourite podcaster from the stable is Simon Brundish... don't always agree with his points but at least he's capable of independent thought and often insightful, to boot.