From podcast to the promised land? Could Open Goal replicate their studio's success on the pitch and move up the Scottish football pyramid?

Media group Open Goal, having taken over Lowland League club Broomhill FC, are intent on climbing the professional ranks of Scottish football.

Scottish football has never been short of intrigue or unpredictability. Contrary to claims south of the border, gambling in Scotland is alive and well and arguably much more blockbuster than its English cousin. Many foreigners exploit their view of Scottish football exclusively through the exploits of its two famous Glasgow clubs, which have indeed historically cast a dominating shadow over the country. Certainly, the almost soap opera drama of the fierce rivalry of Celtic and Rangers certainly contributes heavily to the dynamics of Scottish football and, by extension, is woven into the very fabric of Aboriginal society. However, those invested in the narrative of the Scottish game would quickly point to a myriad of other tasty plots.

Art by Shivani Khot

The Emergence of 'Open Goal Broomhill FC, a new foo y club brand tball plying his trade in the fifth tier Lowland League. To a distant observer, the 'Open Goal' prefix might seem like an odd, haphazard selection of football terminology instead of reflecting anything substantial. Yet 'Open Goal' is a phrase regularly spoken on the lips of many Scottish football fans; well, at least when discussing their favorite Monday night podcast.

Open Goal is a media platform sponsoring several podcasts hosted by a select set of local and rather non-conforming personalities. Each has walked their own path across the field of Scottish football and beyond, bringing their own indomitable style to the proceedings. The 'anchor' programme, Keeping the Ball Down, has now achieved cult status, entertaining a legion of football fans with its charming mix of locker room style and insider antics honest ex-professionals. .

Starting in the summer of 2017, the Open Goal podcast series has added several programs and features to its repertoire, with interview segments and prediction sets now included in its roster. Most impressively, the cast sold out two live shows at Glasgow's premier entertainment venue, the OVO Hydro. Additionally, during last summer's delayed Euro 2020 final, the group staged a series of matchday events, with thousands in attendance to watch Scotland's brief first appearance at a major tournament since 1998, soaking up a carnival atmosphere and enjoying the company of the now revered Open Goal. hosts. Although, despite a heroic draw with England, the Scots ultimately disappointed at the Euros, the public enjoyed an energy and spectacle produced by a group of men who are rapidly gaining popularity throughout the country.

Fast forward twelve months, and we find ourselves in brand new territory. Open Goal has now officially entered the world of competition...