Michael Bailey
@michaeljbailey.bsky.social
Journalist, writer & presenter @TheAthleticFC | Sport lover | Wannabe barista | Occasional songwriter
I’ve been lucky enough to watch live and cover some incredible sporting events and occasions during my career.
Today was right up there with the best. What an incredible, exhilarating day in Melbourne. My heart was pounding on those final points for Djokovic-Sinner tonight.
Today was right up there with the best. What an incredible, exhilarating day in Melbourne. My heart was pounding on those final points for Djokovic-Sinner tonight.
January 30, 2026 at 4:55 PM
I’ve been lucky enough to watch live and cover some incredible sporting events and occasions during my career.
Today was right up there with the best. What an incredible, exhilarating day in Melbourne. My heart was pounding on those final points for Djokovic-Sinner tonight.
Today was right up there with the best. What an incredible, exhilarating day in Melbourne. My heart was pounding on those final points for Djokovic-Sinner tonight.
What a night for Perth Scorchers — and in front of an Optus Stadium cricket record 55,018 crowd.
The power of the Big Bash — and another chance to wonder where its future lies… From @theathletic.com 🏏
www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
The power of the Big Bash — and another chance to wonder where its future lies… From @theathletic.com 🏏
www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
Will Australia’s T20 Big Bash League go private?
CA's decision over private investment will go a long way towards shaping the futures of both the BBL and Australian cricket as a whole
www.nytimes.com
January 25, 2026 at 1:27 PM
What a night for Perth Scorchers — and in front of an Optus Stadium cricket record 55,018 crowd.
The power of the Big Bash — and another chance to wonder where its future lies… From @theathletic.com 🏏
www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
The power of the Big Bash — and another chance to wonder where its future lies… From @theathletic.com 🏏
www.nytimes.com/athletic/688...
Cricket in January! Good cricket too.
January 20, 2026 at 10:45 AM
Cricket in January! Good cricket too.
What a wacky, wild opening day of Test cricket that was, Perth. Crumbs.
Get briefed right here with me, Jim & Cameron for @theathletic.com #Ashes
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
Get briefed right here with me, Jim & Cameron for @theathletic.com #Ashes
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
The Ashes Briefing: England fight back with raw pace after Mitchell Starc’s career best haul
The opening day of the series saw a record number of wickets fall as the Ashes began in dramatic style
www.nytimes.com
November 21, 2025 at 10:42 AM
What a wacky, wild opening day of Test cricket that was, Perth. Crumbs.
Get briefed right here with me, Jim & Cameron for @theathletic.com #Ashes
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
Get briefed right here with me, Jim & Cameron for @theathletic.com #Ashes
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
Came up with this idea while still in England. So much fun digging into how you go from rugby & AFL, to a cricket oval at a glorious new stadium — all while trying to recreate an iconic pitch from the opposite bank of the Swan River... #Ashes @theathletic.com
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
Preparing Perth Stadium for Ashes cricket: A drop-in wicket, a 40-tonne transporter and sleepless nights
The ground is hosting its first Ashes Test but will replicate the pace and bounce that made the WACA, across the Swan River, so feared
www.nytimes.com
November 19, 2025 at 9:58 AM
Came up with this idea while still in England. So much fun digging into how you go from rugby & AFL, to a cricket oval at a glorious new stadium — all while trying to recreate an iconic pitch from the opposite bank of the Swan River... #Ashes @theathletic.com
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
I've not checked it out but I feel it's pretty likely I've been in an elite group of journalists today who covered the USMNT playing Uruguay (some win that) — and then headed over to Perth Stadium for more #Ashes cricket buildup.
What a niche that is, by the way.
What a niche that is, by the way.
November 19, 2025 at 7:43 AM
I've not checked it out but I feel it's pretty likely I've been in an elite group of journalists today who covered the USMNT playing Uruguay (some win that) — and then headed over to Perth Stadium for more #Ashes cricket buildup.
What a niche that is, by the way.
What a niche that is, by the way.
History in the making for Australia. Hopefully. Great to hear from Scott Boland at Perth Stadium this lunchtime. Big week ahead...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
Scott Boland and Brendan Doggett aim to make history for Australia in Ashes opener
If the two pace bowlers are picked in Perth, it will be the first time Australia have named two indigenous players in the same Test team
www.nytimes.com
November 17, 2025 at 8:51 AM
History in the making for Australia. Hopefully. Great to hear from Scott Boland at Perth Stadium this lunchtime. Big week ahead...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
Reposted by Michael Bailey
Nasser Hussain has joined The Athletic as a columnist as part of our coverage of the Ashes, which begin on Friday in Perth.
“This series usually defines England captains and coaches, and this one will.”
Hussain will return to provide analysis for The Athletic after each Test.
“This series usually defines England captains and coaches, and this one will.”
Hussain will return to provide analysis for The Athletic after each Test.
Nasser Hussain interview: ‘The Ashes defines England captains and coaches’
The former England captain is joining The Athletic's Ashes coverage - he can't wait for the talking to stop and the cricket to start
theathletic.com
November 17, 2025 at 8:15 AM
Nasser Hussain has joined The Athletic as a columnist as part of our coverage of the Ashes, which begin on Friday in Perth.
“This series usually defines England captains and coaches, and this one will.”
Hussain will return to provide analysis for The Athletic after each Test.
“This series usually defines England captains and coaches, and this one will.”
Hussain will return to provide analysis for The Athletic after each Test.
Reposted by Michael Bailey
A huge blow for Australia with less than a week to go before the Ashes.
Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the first Test in Perth with a hamstring injury.
Meanwhile, England have received a positive update on Mark Wood.
More from @michaeljbailey.bsky.social ⤵️
Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the first Test in Perth with a hamstring injury.
Meanwhile, England have received a positive update on Mark Wood.
More from @michaeljbailey.bsky.social ⤵️
Josh Hazlewood ruled out of first Ashes Test, Mark Wood hamstring scan clear
Hazlewood joins Pat Cummins and Sean Abbott on the sidelines, with Michael Neser called up and uncapped Brendan Doggett in line for debut
theathletic.com
November 15, 2025 at 8:13 AM
A huge blow for Australia with less than a week to go before the Ashes.
Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the first Test in Perth with a hamstring injury.
Meanwhile, England have received a positive update on Mark Wood.
More from @michaeljbailey.bsky.social ⤵️
Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the first Test in Perth with a hamstring injury.
Meanwhile, England have received a positive update on Mark Wood.
More from @michaeljbailey.bsky.social ⤵️
Reposted by Michael Bailey
NEW POD 🚨
How has the defensive midfield position evolved?
Who does it best?
Why are they suddenly scoring loads of goals?
@zonal-marking.bsky.social @markcarey93.bsky.social & @michaeljbailey.bsky.social discuss.
pod.fo/e/3522c8
How has the defensive midfield position evolved?
Who does it best?
Why are they suddenly scoring loads of goals?
@zonal-marking.bsky.social @markcarey93.bsky.social & @michaeljbailey.bsky.social discuss.
pod.fo/e/3522c8
The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast: Why are defensive midfielders scoring so many goals?
This week, we’re tackling the defensive midfield position.How has it evolved, who does it best and why are they suddenly scoring loads of goals?Host: Michael BaileyWith: Michael Cox and Mark Care...
pod.fo
November 13, 2025 at 3:09 PM
NEW POD 🚨
How has the defensive midfield position evolved?
Who does it best?
Why are they suddenly scoring loads of goals?
@zonal-marking.bsky.social @markcarey93.bsky.social & @michaeljbailey.bsky.social discuss.
pod.fo/e/3522c8
How has the defensive midfield position evolved?
Who does it best?
Why are they suddenly scoring loads of goals?
@zonal-marking.bsky.social @markcarey93.bsky.social & @michaeljbailey.bsky.social discuss.
pod.fo/e/3522c8
England’s Ashes preparations in Perth are continuing. With no real confidence in exactly how well…
November 14, 2025 at 6:16 AM
England’s Ashes preparations in Perth are continuing. With no real confidence in exactly how well…
Reposted by Michael Bailey
England fast bowler Mark Wood will undergo a precautionary scan after complaining of stiffness in his left hamstring following his first bowl in a ‘competitive’ match since February.
Full story from @michaeljbailey.bsky.social ⬇️
Full story from @michaeljbailey.bsky.social ⬇️
England’s Mark Wood to undergo precautionary scan on hamstring after eight-over stint
The fast bowler was playing for the first time in a 'competitive' match since February after undergoing knee surgery
theathletic.com
November 13, 2025 at 8:42 AM
England fast bowler Mark Wood will undergo a precautionary scan after complaining of stiffness in his left hamstring following his first bowl in a ‘competitive’ match since February.
Full story from @michaeljbailey.bsky.social ⬇️
Full story from @michaeljbailey.bsky.social ⬇️
Getting excited about the Ashes? You should be! This is wonderful from Cameron Ponsonby on Ben Stokes' New Zealand heritage and how it formed him.
Plenty more where this came from on the way too @theathletic.com … Enjoy! #TheAshes
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
Plenty more where this came from on the way too @theathletic.com … Enjoy! #TheAshes
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
Ben Stokes and the debt he owes New Zealand
The England captain's roots are a sense of pride for the people of Christchurch - despite being known as a tearaway as a youngster
www.nytimes.com
November 10, 2025 at 11:11 AM
Getting excited about the Ashes? You should be! This is wonderful from Cameron Ponsonby on Ben Stokes' New Zealand heritage and how it formed him.
Plenty more where this came from on the way too @theathletic.com … Enjoy! #TheAshes
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
Plenty more where this came from on the way too @theathletic.com … Enjoy! #TheAshes
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
Norfolk cricket hits @theathletic.com! (Not something I imagined writing a few yrs ago.)
Lovely stuff from @nickmiller79.bsky.social on Jake Weatherald — and a pocket of yellow & green in England hoping for at least a slither of Australian magic during the Ashes ...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
Lovely stuff from @nickmiller79.bsky.social on Jake Weatherald — and a pocket of yellow & green in England hoping for at least a slither of Australian magic during the Ashes ...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
Jake Weatherald: The Ashes rookie who went from an English village to Australia’s Test squad
Australia's rookie opening batsman was playing amateur cricket two years ago, but is now ready to shine on cricket's biggest stage
www.nytimes.com
November 6, 2025 at 10:11 AM
Norfolk cricket hits @theathletic.com! (Not something I imagined writing a few yrs ago.)
Lovely stuff from @nickmiller79.bsky.social on Jake Weatherald — and a pocket of yellow & green in England hoping for at least a slither of Australian magic during the Ashes ...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
Lovely stuff from @nickmiller79.bsky.social on Jake Weatherald — and a pocket of yellow & green in England hoping for at least a slither of Australian magic during the Ashes ...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/678...
Reposted by Michael Bailey
NEW POD!
A guide to the 4-4-2 formation.
Strengths 💪
Weaknesses 😐
With @zonal-marking.bsky.social, @markcarey93.bsky.social, @liamtharme.bsky.social & @michaeljbailey.bsky.social
pod.fo/e/342dc6
A guide to the 4-4-2 formation.
Strengths 💪
Weaknesses 😐
With @zonal-marking.bsky.social, @markcarey93.bsky.social, @liamtharme.bsky.social & @michaeljbailey.bsky.social
pod.fo/e/342dc6
The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast: A guide to the 4-4-2 formation
This season there have been zero instances of teams starting with a 4-4-2 in the Premier League. In the late 2000s the majority of teams lined up in a 4-4-2 - but since then, that figure has been ...
pod.fo
October 23, 2025 at 9:55 AM
NEW POD!
A guide to the 4-4-2 formation.
Strengths 💪
Weaknesses 😐
With @zonal-marking.bsky.social, @markcarey93.bsky.social, @liamtharme.bsky.social & @michaeljbailey.bsky.social
pod.fo/e/342dc6
A guide to the 4-4-2 formation.
Strengths 💪
Weaknesses 😐
With @zonal-marking.bsky.social, @markcarey93.bsky.social, @liamtharme.bsky.social & @michaeljbailey.bsky.social
pod.fo/e/342dc6
Looking a bit English in Perth 😂
October 19, 2025 at 6:04 AM
Looking a bit English in Perth 😂
Obviously the Dodgers are good but deary me, that was weak from Milwaukee.
Back to the soccer, guys! Bit of work to get on with there by the looks of it. 🫣
Back to the soccer, guys! Bit of work to get on with there by the looks of it. 🫣
October 18, 2025 at 3:34 AM
Obviously the Dodgers are good but deary me, that was weak from Milwaukee.
Back to the soccer, guys! Bit of work to get on with there by the looks of it. 🫣
Back to the soccer, guys! Bit of work to get on with there by the looks of it. 🫣
Reposted by Michael Bailey
NEW POD 🚨
@zonal-marking.bsky.social @liamtharme.bsky.social & @markcarey93.bsky.social join @michaeljbailey.bsky.social to chat star players and their value.
So is it system first, or stars first? 🤔
pod.fo/e/33e8b2
@zonal-marking.bsky.social @liamtharme.bsky.social & @markcarey93.bsky.social join @michaeljbailey.bsky.social to chat star players and their value.
So is it system first, or stars first? 🤔
pod.fo/e/33e8b2
The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast: Does Jude Bellingham get into England's best side?
Thomas Tuchel’s England team selection for the wins over Wales and Latvia got us thinking about star players and their value.Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham and Jack Grealish were left out of the squ...
pod.fo
October 16, 2025 at 5:49 PM
NEW POD 🚨
@zonal-marking.bsky.social @liamtharme.bsky.social & @markcarey93.bsky.social join @michaeljbailey.bsky.social to chat star players and their value.
So is it system first, or stars first? 🤔
pod.fo/e/33e8b2
@zonal-marking.bsky.social @liamtharme.bsky.social & @markcarey93.bsky.social join @michaeljbailey.bsky.social to chat star players and their value.
So is it system first, or stars first? 🤔
pod.fo/e/33e8b2
Reposted by Michael Bailey
NEW POD 🚨
Has Pep Guardiola really changed, or was the match against Arsenal an anomaly?
@zonal-marking.bsky.social @markcarey93.bsky.social @liamtharme.bsky.social join @michaeljbailey.bsky.social to discuss!
pod.fo/e/3318c0
Has Pep Guardiola really changed, or was the match against Arsenal an anomaly?
@zonal-marking.bsky.social @markcarey93.bsky.social @liamtharme.bsky.social join @michaeljbailey.bsky.social to discuss!
pod.fo/e/3318c0
The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast: Has Guardiola actually changed his philosophy?
Pep Guardiola’s defensive tactics in Manchester City’s Premier League draw at Arsenal last weekend caused quite the stir.Was it a one off? Or has Guardiola’s philosophy been slowly changing i...
pod.fo
September 25, 2025 at 4:12 PM
NEW POD 🚨
Has Pep Guardiola really changed, or was the match against Arsenal an anomaly?
@zonal-marking.bsky.social @markcarey93.bsky.social @liamtharme.bsky.social join @michaeljbailey.bsky.social to discuss!
pod.fo/e/3318c0
Has Pep Guardiola really changed, or was the match against Arsenal an anomaly?
@zonal-marking.bsky.social @markcarey93.bsky.social @liamtharme.bsky.social join @michaeljbailey.bsky.social to discuss!
pod.fo/e/3318c0
Reposted by Michael Bailey
On tomorrow's pod we'll be asking if Pep Guardiola has actually changed Man City's approach this season.
How different does this City team look compared to 2016-17?
Send your questions for the panel!
How different does this City team look compared to 2016-17?
Send your questions for the panel!
September 24, 2025 at 1:12 PM
On tomorrow's pod we'll be asking if Pep Guardiola has actually changed Man City's approach this season.
How different does this City team look compared to 2016-17?
Send your questions for the panel!
How different does this City team look compared to 2016-17?
Send your questions for the panel!
Reposted by Michael Bailey
NEW POD 🚨
Why has this Premier League season started so slowly?
@zonal-marking.bsky.social, @liamtharme.bsky.social & @markcarey93.bsky.social join @michaeljbailey.bsky.social to discuss.
pod.fo/e/32cff1
Why has this Premier League season started so slowly?
@zonal-marking.bsky.social, @liamtharme.bsky.social & @markcarey93.bsky.social join @michaeljbailey.bsky.social to discuss.
pod.fo/e/32cff1
The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast: Why has this season started so slowly?
There were a mere 19 goals across 20 games in the Premier League last weekend.Which got us thinking — why so few? And is it partly to do with the influx of new signings creating unfamiliarity and...
pod.fo
September 19, 2025 at 9:35 AM
NEW POD 🚨
Why has this Premier League season started so slowly?
@zonal-marking.bsky.social, @liamtharme.bsky.social & @markcarey93.bsky.social join @michaeljbailey.bsky.social to discuss.
pod.fo/e/32cff1
Why has this Premier League season started so slowly?
@zonal-marking.bsky.social, @liamtharme.bsky.social & @markcarey93.bsky.social join @michaeljbailey.bsky.social to discuss.
pod.fo/e/32cff1
Reposted by Michael Bailey
NEW MAILBAG POD 🚨
@michaeljbailey.bsky.social @zonal-marking.bsky.social @liamtharme.bsky.social & @markcarey93.bsky.social answer your questions on...
- Maverick players
- Donnarumma to City
- Are Arsenal too cautious?
& much, much more!
pod.fo/e/328a93
@michaeljbailey.bsky.social @zonal-marking.bsky.social @liamtharme.bsky.social & @markcarey93.bsky.social answer your questions on...
- Maverick players
- Donnarumma to City
- Are Arsenal too cautious?
& much, much more!
pod.fo/e/328a93
The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast: Mavericks, Donnarumma & are Arsenal too cautious?
It’s the international break in men’s football and that means only one thing… mailbag time!We’re going to answer your questions on all sorts — iPads, subs, mavericks and more!Host: Michae...
pod.fo
September 11, 2025 at 9:22 AM
NEW MAILBAG POD 🚨
@michaeljbailey.bsky.social @zonal-marking.bsky.social @liamtharme.bsky.social & @markcarey93.bsky.social answer your questions on...
- Maverick players
- Donnarumma to City
- Are Arsenal too cautious?
& much, much more!
pod.fo/e/328a93
@michaeljbailey.bsky.social @zonal-marking.bsky.social @liamtharme.bsky.social & @markcarey93.bsky.social answer your questions on...
- Maverick players
- Donnarumma to City
- Are Arsenal too cautious?
& much, much more!
pod.fo/e/328a93
Reposted by Michael Bailey
Send in your questions for @theathleticfc.bsky.social Tactics Podcast special mailbag episode!
What trend, team, or player has caught your eye from the season so far?
Or are there any tactical/data questions you would like us to address?
Let us know below!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/660...
What trend, team, or player has caught your eye from the season so far?
Or are there any tactical/data questions you would like us to address?
Let us know below!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/660...
Mailbag: Send in your questions for The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast
Send in your questions now ahead of a special episode of The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast
www.nytimes.com
September 8, 2025 at 8:44 AM
Send in your questions for @theathleticfc.bsky.social Tactics Podcast special mailbag episode!
What trend, team, or player has caught your eye from the season so far?
Or are there any tactical/data questions you would like us to address?
Let us know below!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/660...
What trend, team, or player has caught your eye from the season so far?
Or are there any tactical/data questions you would like us to address?
Let us know below!
www.nytimes.com/athletic/660...
Reposted by Michael Bailey
NEW POD! 🚨
We take on... Why Amorim's Man United system isn't working.
With @michaeljbailey.bsky.social @michaeljbailey.bsky.social @liamtharme.bsky.social @markcarey93.bsky.social
Enjoy!
pod.fo/e/324da2
We take on... Why Amorim's Man United system isn't working.
With @michaeljbailey.bsky.social @michaeljbailey.bsky.social @liamtharme.bsky.social @markcarey93.bsky.social
Enjoy!
pod.fo/e/324da2
The Athletic FC Tactics Podcast: Why Amorim's Man United system isn't working
This week, we’ll tell you why Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system he insists on using at Manchester United, isn’t functioning.And we’ll look at other examples of managers who seem wedded to just ...
pod.fo
September 4, 2025 at 3:24 PM
NEW POD! 🚨
We take on... Why Amorim's Man United system isn't working.
With @michaeljbailey.bsky.social @michaeljbailey.bsky.social @liamtharme.bsky.social @markcarey93.bsky.social
Enjoy!
pod.fo/e/324da2
We take on... Why Amorim's Man United system isn't working.
With @michaeljbailey.bsky.social @michaeljbailey.bsky.social @liamtharme.bsky.social @markcarey93.bsky.social
Enjoy!
pod.fo/e/324da2
Love this — and so much of what @jacobwhitehead.bsky.social produced while following this year's @le-tourdefrance.bsky.social for @theathletic.com.
Enjoy it.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/651...
Enjoy it.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/651...
The story of the 2025 Tour de France in 21 photographs
Every year the Tour is a slice of a French summer – these are some of the most evocative images from the 2025 edition
www.nytimes.com
July 29, 2025 at 11:29 AM
Love this — and so much of what @jacobwhitehead.bsky.social produced while following this year's @le-tourdefrance.bsky.social for @theathletic.com.
Enjoy it.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/651...
Enjoy it.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/651...