Yes, the boys.
Yeah! Symesy!
S'happening?
I'm Joe Symes, I'm 15, keen non-league follower, especially of Bootle FC.
And most importantly, I'm a massive Red as well.
He's a Blue, leave him.
I love football, I love being around people, especially here at Bootle.
Yes, Jack, go on, Jack!
YES!
I became involved with the first team probably about October,
when I started doing my match reports.
Just thought, "This is something I want to do when I grow older",
and I thought, "Well, why not just have a shot?"
Yes!
It has been a real challenge to get to where I am today, because I have autism,
I never used to speak to people, so I used to lose mates quite easily.
In some cases I am still quite socially awkward,
but I'm so, so glad that I've came out my shell and really got on with my life.
He has been here since day one, Joseph, so he's obviously matured a lot in those years,
and now he's became part of the furniture of Bootle Bucks Inclusion,
he's grew as a young man, he's a fantastic footballer as well
and he's a role model.
The difference you see between Joe today and when he came is absolutely immense.
Get in, lad.
The main thing about Joseph now is, he's become a good communicator,
as you can see with the podcasts and stuff,
but also a good communicator with other kids.
When new kids come, Joseph is one of the first ones over.
I'm gonna vote for him to be prime minister next, he's better than Boris!
So I started my podcast February last year.
If you asked me 18 months ago if I would have done something like this,
it would have been a nonentity, but I just love to learn about new people.
If I made a career out of it, then that's me complete.
Joe, come here, mate.
We know how much you love Bootle FC,
you've also got another love in football - that's Liverpool FC, isn't it?
- Yeah. - So there's a little surprise arranged for you.
Joe, how are we!
I've heard a lot of good things about your podcast and I'd love to be your next guest.
I'll bring one of my friends along with me, but give us a call any time.
See you soon, pal.
- Nah... - Happy with that, Joe?
Nah!
No way!
Oh, my God.
Andy Robbo and Curtis Jones.
What a day.
What a good day.
We want to talk to Joe, not you!
Yes, the boys.
Yes, Joe!
It's a pleasure being here, thank you for having us.
Finally!
Loving having yous on.
So, welcome back to a new episode of It's A Funny Old Life podcast.
A bit of an icebreaker question, so what is your go-to chippy order?
BOTH: Ooh!
Don't have chippies.
No, we don't have chippies, we eat dead healthy.
Sausage supper, chips, curry sauce on the side.
That's his pre-match!
Bottle of Irn-Bru!
What's your go-to, Joe?
Probably chicken satay.
Ooh, very nice.
It's a shout, like.
Which city is better - Liverpool or Glasgow?
Had to throw that one in there.
He's here for a reason!
He's in our city for a reason.
I like Liverpool, Joe, got a lot of time for it.
Glasgow's home, though.
But Liverpool's the closest I've ever had to...being away from home, very settled.
I suppose that's saying something, isn't it?
Yeah, definitely.
So, obviously when you were younger, Robbo, you played for Celtic,
which was your boyhood team, and you were released for being too small...
Aye, awrite, Joe!
Sorry, no, come on...
So, how did that feel and did that make you more determined to succeed?
That was the first time I ever had somebody that doubted me,
that just gave me a wee bit more fire in my belly,
and luckily everything fell into place, but it was down to hard work, that's for sure.
- Here's a question for you, Joe. - Go on.
Bootle or Liverpool?
Oh, you can't put me on the spot like that, come on.
Well, I just have. It's your podcast, you need to answer it.
Ah, Liverpool.
Yes, go on, Joe! Love it!
Got to, haven't I?
Curtis, there's obviously a video out there...
Hello, Reds, what a win that was then.
It's got to be one of the Scousest reactions to a win ever.
I was told to basically say a line, but I didn't think that was how a Scouser would speak,
so I put it into me own way, and all of a sudden it's became this massive...
- I've not seen it. - He's never seen it!
And it's became like a massive viral thing. As soon as we win, I just know, on my Twitter:
"Warra-win-dat-was-den, Reds."
After everything.
That's my caption after the next win. Yes!
I want to ask you, who has been the best people on your podcast?
Oh, best guest...
I've had a couple, like.
I interviewed one lad...
Oh, come on - it's got to be yous two, hasn't it?
I was ready to get up and walk out there!
Come on, got to be yous two.
Who's your dream interview?
Doesn't have to be Liverpool, anyone.
Jamie Carragher would be a big guest,
growing up I only seen him briefly,
Steven Gerrard is my childhood hero personally.
Stevie, Jamie, if you're watching or listening to this - get on the podcast!
Thanks for that.
That's all I can do for you, it's the best I can do.
Sound. Thank you for taking time out your day to do this with me,
I do appreciate it more than anything.
No, thank YOU for having us.
Thank you very much.
Symesy!
Alright, thanks, lads.
Top man, Joe, thanks very much for that.
Keep enjoying your podcast.
Whoa-whoa-whoa, Joe!
I could see me getting a tap on the shoulder there.
D'you want to do this?
Joe, just before you go, our family partner Joie Baby have got a little gift for you.
To help take your podcast to the next level...
We're talking about the next level!
We're talking about Carragher, Gerrard!
That's the next level!
So, Joe, they're kindly going to pay for some brand-new equipment
so that you can keep doing your brilliant work.
You tell us what you need, new mics, whatever, and they'll sort it out.
So what I would suggest is, just write down everything.
If your family need a new sofa, new tellies, new house - anything...
write it down, and try your best to get anything.
Yeah, that's boss, lads, thank you very much.
Yes, Joe!
What a guy!
Thanks, lads.