Gary Lineker explains ‘squeaky bum time’ as Ryan Reynolds thinks it ‘requires antibiotics’

On Jan 29, 2023

Ryan Reynolds’ ongoing introduction into English football continued on Sunday as he made his debut on BBC Sport’s live broadcast – where Gary Lineker took the time to explain the phrase ‘squeaky bum time’ to him.

The Wrexham co-owner was at the Racecourse Ground to watch his side take on Championship promotion pushers Sheffield United in the FA Cup fourth round. The match was televised live by the BBC and before kick-off Reynolds took to the mic alongside Lineker, Alan Shearer and Mark Hughes to discuss Wrexham’s exciting project.

His fellow co-owner Rob McElhenney was not present at the game, but he made headlines earlier this week when revealing his favourite line from English football terminology was indeed ‘squeaky bum time’, with Lineker then asking Reynolds if he had one he particularly enjoyed.

“My favourite phrase in football… I still don’t even know what squeaky bum time is,” Reynolds admitted, before joking: “I thought it requires antibiotics.”

The BBC pundits burst out laughing before Lineker replied: “You need them after. I think it was phrased by (Manchester United’s former manager) Sir Alex Ferguson – it’s the minutes towards the end where it gets really tense, or towards the end of a season.”

“Oh god yeah,” Reynolds responded, with a concerned and knowing look in his eyes. “I don’t have a favourite English phrase, maybe Canadian.”

What’s your favourite phrase from football? Let us know in the comments below.

Reynolds watching on from the director’s box during the game
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Lineker said: “You probably had it at Grimsby in the game [last season] where you lost 5-4.”

Reynolds replied: “Those were invectives that were not suitable for your audience or for any audience around. But those are some of my favourite football expressions for sure.”

Wrexham’s journey has been well-documented since the Hollywood A-lister – star of superhero movie Deadpool – completed a takeover along with the famous McElhenney, writer and star of popular TV series It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia.

The pair have helped revive optimism around the Welsh club after investing heavily in the playing squad, as well as the stadium, as they bid to one day reach the Premier League. Asked where he sees Wrexham being in 10 years, Reynolds said: “The plan is now and always has been the Premier League.

“I can’t really put a date on that but if it’s theoretically possible to go from fifth division to Premier League, why wouldn’t we do that. Nobody has ever done anything great in this world by saying ‘you know, let’s go half way’.

“We want to go all the way and we believe we can do that. We believe we can expand this incredible stadium to something that would support international matches and a Premier League team. That is the goal – call us crazy if you want but that’s what we’re here to do.”