Podcast news: Emily Brobyn talks Man City’s title hopes and local radio

Emily Brobyn of BBC Radio Manchester was the special guest on the Sports News Blitz podcast’s seventh episode, which is now available on Spotify and YouTube.

In discussion with Sports News Blitz’s Matthew Dudley and Sam Herd, Emily – a well-known Manchester City superfan – offered her thoughts on the Premier League title race, the growing concerns over key injuries, and her love for Erling Haaland.

During a lively appearance, she also discussed the strength of City’s squad, their continued dominance, and the importance of supporting local radio.

Rodri’s injury: A potential game changer

One major talking point was the injury to City’s midfield maestro, Rodri. The Spaniard, forced off in City’s 2-2 draw against Arsenal with a cruciate ligament injury, is expected to miss the remainder of the season. Brobyn reflected on how this might affect their title hopes.

Emily: “The loss of Rodri will be potentially a decisive factor. But Pep Guardiola normally loves these curve balls. He sees it as a challenge. So let’s see what he comes up with in his football lab.”

Rodri’s importance to City is undeniable. Without him, City’s win rate stands at 66.7%, compared to a staggering 74.2% when he is on the field. Brobyn acknowledged that while this is a major blow, there is hope within Man City's super squad.

Emily: “Mateo Kovacic started the season so strongly for us at Stamford Bridge. He looks fantastic.”

Kovacic averages a 7.78 rating this season according to FotMob and ranks in the top 2% for touches of the ball in the Premier League. This indicates that he is doing a great job of matching the control Rodri often exerts over a game in the City midfield.

READ MORE: Man Utd news: Three potential replacements for Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford

Erling Haaland: A Golden Boot and Ballon d'Or contender

No City conversation is complete without mentioning Haaland, and Brobyn was full of praise for the prolific striker.

Emily: “Haaland is just class, isn’t he? He’s an absolute shoo-in for the Golden Boot. He’s the best striker in the world.”

Haaland has already netted an astonishing 10 goals in seven Premier League games this season, including back-to-back hat-tricks against Ipswich Town and West Ham United. Brobyn additionally expressed her disappointment that Haaland did not win the Ballon d'Or last year.

Emily: “He came to the Premier League and absolutely slammed every single record that there was to break. The facial expressions that he pulls at the goalkeepers are also terrifying. Sometimes I’ll just go and watch Haaland because he’s fascinating.

“He is literally a freak of nature. There is nobody else like him in the world.”

Emily was clearly a fan of Haaland’s on-field antics, and she hopes he stays on at City and continues to break record after record.

The power of local radio

Brobyn didn’t just stick to football during the podcast. She also spoke passionately about the importance of local radio, an area she has a lot of experience in.

Emily: “There are people out there who tune in and listen, and you are a friend to them. They rely on you to keep them informed, to keep them entertained, to be their friend, and to hold their hand through the radio.”

She urged people to support local radio by getting involved, whether by calling in, writing, or simply tuning in regularly. For Brobyn, local radio is not just entertainment – it is a lifeline for many listeners.

In particular, she recalled the time she was on air when news came through that Queen Elizabeth II had died.

Emily: “We went on air at 6 o' clock. As the time is creeping down, our news editor said to us: ‘Just be careful when you go in there. Don' t say anything controversial because you could end up on the front page of the papers.’”

Brobyn further emphasised the community spirit and connection that local radio can create, issuing a call to action for those listening or watching.

Emily: “Don’t be shy to get involved with local radio.”

She finished up the interview by providing the advice that has helped her throughout her time as a broadcaster.

Emily: “Never give up.”

Short and sweet, yet powerful, it was the perfect way to finish the podcast.  

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