'Podcasts not a distraction but stories must be managed'

We asked former Premier League midfielder Michael Brown his thoughts on current players hosting podcasts after West Ham's Michail Antonio accused Manchester United legend Roy Keane of having a "dinosaur mentality" for his views on the subject.

Pundit Keane told the Stick To Football podcast he believes the platform can be a "distraction" for players, "particularly if you’re on the back of a defeat".

Antonio co-hosts the Footballer's Football Podcast with Fulham captain Tom Cairney who replaced Newcastle striker Callum Wilson earlier in the role.

They are among sever high-profile current players to have ventured into podcasts, including Leeds striker Patrick Bamford who co-hosts My Mate's A Footballer with comedian Joe Wilkinson.

Brown's thoughts on this debate:

Players being on podcasts? It’s the world we live in. I understand the point regarding why the players are talking and what they’re talking about. We’re encouraged to be open-minded; we’re encouraged to come out and speak about things. Problems, positive things.

But I still think if edited correctly those talking points could actually be controlled. That is the key for me. If it is going to be done, it has just got to be watched over. There is fun and enjoyment, but it is not to be taken the wrong way, not to affect any performances or clubs coming your way or even your own club.

Unfortunately, it is not just Michail Antonio on a podcast, there are so many. Big players are into podcasts now and it’s not going away.

The point is not that it is a distraction. What brings it on you is when you’re quoted wrong or you have been discussing the wrong topic.

It is fine if you can do it and not have any of those problems – for instance if you are playing against another team and you said last weekend their striker has not been very good or the centre-back’s performances are not at a high level.

My point is the control and the management of the stories on the podcasts. It is fine to be done but they have to be managed correctly because any little thing can be spun when talking on an opponent or being critical of other players.

If you say, ‘well he’s just not scoring’ someone will come back and say, ‘you’re talking about him but you’re not putting the ball in the back of the net’.

The other point here is the reaction on social media, so you’ve just got to be spot on with it when you have your topics.

It is not going away - we want to hear them. Podcasts are here to stay.

Michael Brown was speaking to BBC Sport's Nat Hayward