On this week’s episode of That Peter Crouch Podcast, Pete, Chris, and Sids are joined by free agent and Crystal Palace legend Joel Ward. From lifting the FA Cup to living in a Bible college, Joel dives deep into the highs, lows, and surprises of his footballing journey.
The lads chat about Ward’s free agent life, what it’s really like being on the sidelines after a long stint at a club, and how he's mentoring the next generation at Palace. They also get stuck into proper dressing room stories, the real power of player faith groups, and one of the most intense atmospheres in football — Fratton Park on a European night.
Oh, and things take a serious left turn into 18-hour brisket smoking sessions and barbecuing like a pro. Is Joel Ward the best footballing pitmaster in the country? You'll have to listen to find out.
Chumbawamba
00:00:00 – Episode opens: remote setup and Ibiza hangover chat
00:02:14 – Sids explains how bad weather justified a heavier night out
00:03:08 – McDonald's recovery mode: international break confessions
00:04:34 – “Three nights in a row is heavy at this age” – big night consequences
00:06:10 – Fantasy football standings update: Sid storming into the lead
00:07:09 – Cheating Chris out of points?
00:10:17 – Ange & Forest: “It’s not going to end well”
00:12:54 – Arsenal's mental hurdle: “They have to win a league title NOW”
00:19:11 – Crouch’s bet builder: Mo Salah to score first
00:25:11 – Steve Bruce story: “His dad asked, ‘How do you stand in that box?’”
00:30:53 – Joel Ward joins the pod
00:31:15 – Life as a free agent and staying fit at Palace
00:33:13 – Winning the FA Cup: “You couldn’t write it”
00:34:46 – “I knew we were going to win” – the surreal moment before victory
00:35:48 – What it meant for lifelong Palace fans
00:36:03 – How the team mentally prepared for a once-in-a-lifetime shot
00:38:17 – Why the Palace system works, even without stars
00:40:01 – Ward on changing roles and mentoring at Palace
00:42:34 – Coaching, faith, and media aspirations
00:43:24 – Growing up in a Bible college with 30+ residents
00:45:42 – Faith in football: pre-game prayers and support groups
00:49:04 – WhatsApp groups with Eze, Trent, and other believers
00:52:00 – Coming through the ranks at Portsmouth
01:00:00 – Facing AC Milan: “I saw Maldini in the tunnel”
01:04:09 – The great football BBQ debate begins
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Twitter - https://twitter.com/Chris_Stark
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/chrisstark/
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Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/stevesidwell14
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