Story of the Liverpool fans who make the Kop look special – and the importance of getting the next generation to the game

With the impressive Wembley win over Tottenham Hotspur continuing the perfect start to the Premier League season, Liverpool can now turn their attention to their Champions League opener with Paris Saint-Germain. And what a match it should prove to be as Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Co come to Anfield for what could be another European night to remember at Anfield. The ground will be a vibrant sea of colour and noise – and a lot of down will be down to the guests of our latest podcast. We invited four Spion Kop 1906 members, Phil Walton, Sam Evans, Lewis Steele and Patrick Fitzsimons, as well as season-ticket holder Ste Martin, to talk about the supporters group that create and organise flags and banner displays on the Kop. The lads explain how and why the group was formed and what they have achieved in the years since. They also talk about the 77th-minute walkout versus Sunderland in February 2016, which forced Liverpool to make a U-turn over ticket prices and had an impact across the Premier League, and why there has been an improved relationship with the club in the years after. The panel all welcome the club’s decision to slash ticket prices for the upcoming Carabao Cup tie with Chelsea but, while accepting it is not an easy problem to solve, they are worried the next generation will not be able to get to the game regularly, given the unavailability of tickets and given the other distractions young fans now have. The podcast rounds off with some football talk, including memories of last season’s run to the Champions League final, and why Jurgen Klopp has been central to bringing everyone together. For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices