As I leave Berlin - the city of Jesse Owens, David Bowie and now Lamine Yamal - I’m recording this final report from Euro 2024, where I have been embedded once more with the Spain team. I saw the treble winners of 2008-12 up close too, and they may not have a prime Iniesta or Xavi, but in their own way I think this team is just as good. Some of the…

I hope you enjoy this latest update from Germany, as Spain and I depart Donaueschingen, where they have trained and relaxed and prepared for the mesmeric performances you've been watching in this tournament. These reports are also available - for free - at my new Substack, the link is coming up. If you subscribe to this site, you'll receive regular…

This is my first post on Substack - the new home for my reporting on Spanish football. I hope as many of you as possible will subscribe to receive all my work to your email inbox - for the time being, I’m choosing to make this entirely free of charge. Today you have a choice - listen to this short podcast on the 16-year-old who has lit up the Euros…

Today’s story comes from Michael O’Neill, who describes how he kindled the team spirit in his Northern Ireland squad. Listen to the classic versions of the original episodes: Classic Big Interview: Michael O’Neill Part One - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Classic Big Interview: Michael O’Neill Part Two - The Big Interview with Graham …

Here’s another chance to hear my interview with Craig Gordon from season two. This was a fascinating discussion about Craig’s remarkable campaign at Celtic, during which he proved he could play out from the back – even at the Camp Nou. We also talked about the devastating injury which kept the Scotland No1 out of the game for two years. Craig revea…

Wilson, Don, Bas, Mark, & Kyle chose to reconvene one last time this season instead of watching the 1./2. Bundesliga Relegation play-off for this episode of Mattuschka's Right Peg. We look back at the season that was. The highs and lows of a rollercoaster no one could imagine at the beginning of the season. February's Tor des Monats from Paulina Kr…

Today’s story comes from Terry Butcher, who describes his favourite Iron Maiden gig – when the England, Ipswich and Rangers legend actually performed on stage with the heavy rockers. Listen to the original full episode: Terry Butcher: Beattie, Banter & Sir Bobby - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy f…

Today’s story comes from Joe Jordan, who reminisces about the sheer genius of Celtic legend Jimmy Johnstone. Listen to the classic versions of the original episodes: Classic Big Interview: Joe Jordan Part One - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Classic Big Interview: Joe Jordan Part Two - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Host…

Wilson, Don, Bas, Mark, & Kyle are joined by Dave from the 'Union Berlin in the U.K & Ireland' Facebook fan group for this episode of Mattuschka's Right Peg. Klassenerhalt. 1. FC Union Berlin managed to retain their Bundesliga status on goal difference thanks to a 2-1 win over SC Freiburg and results going our way elsewhere. Dave and Kyle give thei…

Here’s another chance to hear my interview with Peter Crouch from season two. Peter was a footballer who played with an accomplished technical ability and a sense of fun which made him a joy to watch. He was so much more than a good touch for a big man. In this Big Interview we discover learning the game using the Coerver Method, some of his best s…

Today’s story comes from Peter Beardsley, who expresses his love for Tino Asprilla, an extraordinary footballer and one of the funniest and most eccentric men ever to have played the game. Listen to the classic versions of the original episodes: Classic Big Interview: Peter Beardsley Part One - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Classic B…

Today’s story comes from Jody Morris, who describes his protracted exit from his boyhood heroes Chelsea. Listen to the classic versions of the original episodes: Classic Big Interview: Jody Morris Part One - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Classic Big Interview: Jody Morris Part Two - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted…

Here’s another chance to hear part two of my interview with Chris Sutton from season two. Chris had the pick of every top team in England in 1994, but it was upwardly mobile Blackburn that took him from Norwich for a British record transfer fee of £5 million. Paired with Alan Shearer in the famous SAS partnership, Chris helped Rovers win the 1994/9…

Here’s another chance to hear my interview with Chris Sutton from season two. Chris uses the word ‘character’ a lot and explains how his was forged – from an initial rejection from Norwich City to his dad’s boot camp approach to physical fitness to an uncompromising youth team coach at Carrow Road. Also in part one: Sri Lankan cricketer Ravi Pushpa…

Wilson, Don, Bas, Mark, & Kyle are in the studio for this episode of Mattuschka's Right Peg. The new manager bounce lasted about 40 minutes, as 1. FC Union Berlin managed to turn a 2-0 lead away to Köln into a 3-2 defeat. With one final league fixture at home to Europe-chasing SC Freiburg ahead, other than black pudding soup what comes next? We als…

Today’s story comes from Terry Butcher, who describes trying to keep a straight face when Bobby Robson was scolding him, while Gazza was making funny faces at him in the background. Listen to the original full episode: Terry Butcher: Beattie, Banter & Sir Bobby - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy fo…

Today’s story comes from Charlie Nicholas, who relates how his Celtic hero Danny McGrain used to pick him up in the mornings – to the amazement of his pals. Listen to the original full episodes: Classic Big Interview: Charlie Nicholas Part One - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Classic Big Interview: Charlie Nicholas Part Two - The Big …

Here’s another chance to hear my interview with Mark Noble from season two. In part two, we hear how Mark grew up with a football field (almost) for a back garden. Mark talks about running out at Upton Park, and the final game there, against Manchester United under the lights. We also hear about the Legacy Foundation, which Mark founded alongside t…

Here’s another chance to hear my interview with Mark Noble from season two. Mark starred in the midfield at his beloved West Ham United for most of his senior career. In part one, you’ll hear about his ice-cool prowess as a penalty-taker – he once scored two in an epic shootout against the Netherlands in the semi-finals of the European Under-21 Cha…

Wilson, Don, Bas, Mark, & Kyle are in the studio a week earlier than scheduled for this emergency episode of Mattuschka's Right Peg following the sacking earlier today of 1. FC Union Berlin head coach Nenad Bjelica. We ask how we've ended up in this position and try to look for positives ahead for the final two games of the season and the future th…

Today’s story comes from Gordon Strachan, who declares that the team that wins together does not necessarily have to drink together. Listen to the original full episode: Classic Big Interview: Gordon Strachan - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you …

Today’s story comes from Peter Beardsley, who tells the incredible tale of how he ended up - briefly - at Manchester United, courtesy of George Best. Listen to the classic versions of the original episodes: Classic Big Interview: Peter Beardsley Part One - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Classic Big Interview: Peter Beardsley Part Two …

Today’s story comes from Darren Fletcher, who explains what it was like to miss the 2009 Champions League final in which Manchester United took on Barcelona’s greatest side. Listen to the original full episode: The Big Interview with Darren Fletcher - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more infor…

It's Wilson, Bas, Mark, & Kyle for this episode of Mattuschka's Right Peg. We look back at the home defeat against Bayern and the draw away to Gladbach. We also look at what needs to change for Union to stay in the league, with vital games against Bochum and Köln ahead. If you want to get in contact with us, the best place to do so is ⁠here⁠. Thank…

Here’s another chance to hear my interview with Neil Lennon from season two. This second part is the audience Q&A section of the live fundraising event for Ardgowan Hospice organised by actor and friend of the Big Interview Martin Compston. There are great responses from Neil about player development and the most talented managers in football today…

Today’s story comes from Joe Jordan, who describes the revolutionary preparations undertaken by Leeds United’s legendary manager Don Revie. Listen to the classic versions of the original episodes: Classic Big Interview: Joe Jordan Part One - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Classic Big Interview: Joe Jordan Part Two - The Big Interview …

Today’s story comes from Terry Butcher, who describes how his former Ipswich team-mate Kevin Beattie could have been one of the all-time England greats and was a legend off the pitch. Listen to the original full episode: Terry Butcher: Beattie, Banter & Sir Bobby - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy …

Today’s story comes from Michael Carrick, who explains how his nickname ‘Havoc’ originated in a war game which some of the Manchester United stars would indulge in while on long hauls abroad. It could get a bit too competitive at times, but overall it was excellent for team bonding. Listen to a classic versions of the original episodes: Classic Big…

Here’s another chance to hear my interview with Neil Lennon from season two. We recorded our first live event when Neil, then the Hibernian manager, joined us at Greenock Town Hall for a fundraising event for Ardgowan Hospice organised by screen star Martin Compston. In part one, you’ll hear about Martin O’Neill dragging his Leicester City players …

Today’s story comes from Harry Redknapp, who muses on the diverse talents of the late great John White, Paulo Di Canio, Tony Currie, Alan Hudson, Peter Osgood, Charlie Cooke and Robert Prosinečki. Listen to the original full episode: Harry Redknapp: Di Canio, Kanu & The Art Of The Deal - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast.…

Today’s story comes from Charlie Nicholas, who relates how Arsenal might have been the wrong choice, but it beat moving to Manchester United under Ron Atkinson – the man with the golden toothpick. Listen to the original full episodes: Classic Big Interview: Charlie Nicholas Part One - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Classic Big Intervi…

Here’s another chance to hear my interview with John Collins from season two. During his time in France, John underwent a technical and tactical revolution, but his marginal gains approach to self-improvement started in his teens. How else could a skinny kid from Galashiels get the chance to line up alongside George Best in only his second professi…

Wilson, Bas, Mark, Don & Kyle for this episode of Mattuschka's Right Peg. We also chat Star Trek, Paw Patrol, and Fußballgott Michael Parensen. If you want to get in contact with us, the best place to do so is ⁠here⁠. Thanks as always to ⁠Die Wallerts⁠ for the intro and to you for listening.

Here’s another chance to hear my interview with John Collins from season two. John’s career was shaped by his move from Celtic to Monaco in 1996, where he played alongside a couple of promising youngsters named Thierry Henry and David Trezeguet. John tells us how the two French internationalists carried the hamper at every away game in the season p…

Today’s story comes from Gordon Strachan, who declares that you don’t need a sports psychologist if you’ve got a man manager like Sir Alex Ferguson in charge. Listen to the classic episode: Classic Big Interview: Gordon Strachan - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a pub…

Today’s story comes from Gaizka Mendieta, who speaks about his passion for DJing and how he once met his hero Lou Reed, the Johan Cruyff of music. Listen to the original full episode: Gaizka Mendieta: Practice makes perfect - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public e…

Here’s another chance to hear my interview with Steve Archibald from season two. In part two we hear about how Terry Venables imported Liverpool’s defensive system to win La Liga when Steve was at Barcelona, what it’s like to score in and win a season-opening Classico, the unpredictable mind of Bernd Schuster, and how to avoid one of the most notor…

Here’s another chance to hear my interview with Steve Archibald from season two. In part one, Steve talks about his early career at my beloved Aberdeen, his talented Pittodrie team-mates and the legendary manager who would lead them to the 1980 league title, Alex Ferguson. It is truly fascinating to hear Steve take a forensic view of the role of th…

Today’s story comes from Geordie magician Chris Waddle, who explains how he regularly baited and befuddled defenders because he was never afraid to unleash his God-given talent. Listen to the original full episode: Chris Waddle: The Entertainer - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informatio…

Today’s story comes from Walter Smith, who tells us about doorstep recruiting Paul Gascoigne for Rangers and then keeping him on the straight and narrow. Listen to a classic version of the original episode: Classic Big Interview: Walter Smith - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Here’s another chance to hear my interview with Steve McManaman from season two. In part two, we hear about the clever, deft chip at the Camp Nou which helped Real Madrid into the Champions League final, a final that bequeathed the elegant midfielder his second winners medal. Steve received a hero’s welcome in the dressing room. Also: war at the Be…

Here’s another chance to hear part one of my interview with Steve McManaman from season two. The four years that Steve spent at Real Madrid can be summed up in two Champions League wins, two league titles, and one remark from none other than Johan Cruyff, who described the Merseyside Madridista as el socio del todos – a partner to everyone on the p…

Today’s story comes from Gary McAllister, who says that although Eric Cantona turned a few key matches, the French maestro was relatively peripheral to Leeds United’s 1992 league title win. Listen to the original full episodes: Classic Big Interview: Gary McAllister Part One - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Classic Big Interview: Gary…

Today’s story comes from former Real Madrid president Ramón Calderón, who says how promoting Zinedine Zinedine from the position of reserve team coach to the biggest role in club football management was a risk that paid off. Listen to the original full episodes: Classic Big Interview: Ramon Calderon Part One - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter |…

Here’s another chance to hear my interview with Stiliyan Petrov from season two. In part two, Stan explains how Martin O’Neill makes his teams perform beyond the sum of their parts. At Aston Villa, Stan had to work hard to win back the love of the fans, but eventually he became captain. Then there’s Stan’s battle with leukaemia. His description of …

It's Wilson, Mark & Kyle in the studio for this episode of Mattuschka's Right Peg. Like many this season (but hopefully not Scotland on June 23rd - Kyle) Union lost in Stuttgart, however the team bounced back with a superb win against Werder Bremen. We discuss those games, Kyle sheds a tear over Jakub Busk and we look ahead to a tricky run of fixtu…

Here’s another chance to hear my interview with Stiliyan Petrov from season two. In part one, ‘Stan’ chats about everything from national service with the Bulgarian army to playing alongside Henrik Larsson in a magnificent Celtic team. At Celtic, he had to adapt to a new culture and a new language, but he improved his English by working in a burger…

Today’s story comes from Quinton Fortune, who recalls being mesmerised by Paul Scholes’ passing ability at Manchester United. Listen to the original full episodes: Quinton Fortune: From The Cape Flats to Fortune - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Quinton Fortune: Ribbing Ronaldo and being kicked by Keane - The Big Interview with Graham …

Today’s story comes from Robert Huth, who remembers that when Jose Mourinho arrived at Chelsea, he took training sessions to an unimaginable new level. Listen to the original full episodes: Robert Huth: Inside Jose’s Chelsea Revolution - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Robert Huth: Inside Jurgen’s German Revolution - The Big Interview …

Here’s another chance to hear my interview with Pablo Zabaleta from season two. Pablo scored the forgotten (beautiful) goal on one of English football’s most memorable days: when Manchester City won the title in injury time in 2012. We cover a lot in this fascinating chat, starting in 2005 at the Under-20 World Cup, which Argentina won. Zabaleta wa…