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…

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.…

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.…

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 …

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…

Today’s story comes from Jocky Bjorklund, who talks about his former Old Firm rival and international teammate Henrik Larsson, who was one of the cleverest and most adaptable footballers he has ever seen. Listen to the original full episodes: Jocky Bjorklund: Larsson, Brolin and Sweden’s Glory Days - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Joc…

Jonny Evans’ childhood hero was Roy Keane, and as a youngster he played under him at Sunderland. You can only imagine how the defender felt being given a lift in the legend’s car. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s story comes from David Moyes, who talks about an encounter between Real Sociedad and a mighty, treble-winning Barcelona team. David’s side won, but they were run ragged by the magnificent Andrés Iniesta. Listen to the original full episodes: David Moyes: 'I thought it was my last chance - it was time to gamble' - The Big Interview with Grah…

Here’s another chance to hear my interview with Matt Le Tissier from season two. In part two, Matt tells us how Glenn Hoddle was the only manager he ever locked horns with during his career. We hear about the huge strain Matt felt to keep Southampton in the top division. Also: Ronnie Ekelund, Mauricio Pocchetino and Gareth Bale. Subscribe to The Bi…

Here’s another chance to hear my interview with Matt Le Tissier from season two. Matt signed for Southampton aged 16 and stayed for his entire career. His sublime midfield talents would have enabled him to play at any level, but silverware and cash were never his motivation. In part one, Matt talks about his idyllic Guernsey childhood, his love of …

Today’s story comes from Michael O’Neill, who was terrified of Paul Gascoigne when he first met him at Newcastle, but quickly realised what an inclusive, kindly man the midfield genius is. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s story comes from Ally Dick, who played under Dutch legend Johan Cruyff at Ajax alongside the likes of Ronald Koeman and Marco van Basten. Everything Cruyff said had a deep meaning for his footballers. Listen to the original full episodes: Ally Dick: The Lost Genius of Spurs and Ajax (Part one) - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast …

Here’s another chance to hear my interview with Ramon Calderon from season two. In part two, Ramon describes some historic deals, not least Cristiano Ronaldo’s high-profile arrival from Manchester United. We’ll hear about Florentino Perez, the man Ramon succeeded and who would return to power at the Bernabeu. There’s also David Beckham – the consum…

Here’s another chance to hear my interview with Ramon Calderon from season two. In part one, the former Real Madrid president recalls his time as a supporter: watching the likes of Alfredo Di Stefano play and later getting to know him as a man. We learn how the club’s success all stems from the incredible vision of Santiago Bernabeu, the man behind…

Today’s story comes from Chrissy Waddle, who played alongside Eric Cantona at Marseille and believes he was popular when he moved to England because British fans love a rebel. 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 information.…

Today’s story comes from Matt Le Tissier, who speaks about seeing a young Gareth Bale come through the ranks at Southampton and knowing that he was destined for the very top. Listen to the original full episodes: Matt Le Tissier: Local Hero - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Matt Le Tissier: Survival Games - The Big Interview with Graha…

Today’s story comes from Steve McManaman, who speaks about how Zinedine Zidane’s frustrating start at Real Madrid was quickly forgotten after the 2002 Champions League final win over Bayer Leverkusen. Listen to the original episode: Classic Big Interview: Steve McManaman - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/…

Here’s another chance to hear my interview with Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink from season two. Few are better placed to discuss the differences in football cultures than Jimmy – and he doesn't hold back. He has strong views on the issues within English football, but it is his home nation of Holland for which he reserves the harshest criticism. Why do the…

Today’s story comes from Darren Fletcher, who says that Paul Scholes was technically one of the best players of all time, so much so that the Scotsman had to redefine his own role as a midfielder at Manchester United. Listen to the original full episode: The Big Interview with Darren Fletcher - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on…

Today’s story comes from Quinton Fortune, who recalls both the breathtaking talent and the incomparable mentality of the young Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United. No player ever worked harder for success than the Portuguese genius. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here’s another chance to hear my interview with Phil Neville from season two. In part two, we chatted about Phil’s new life in Spain after he took on a coaching role at Valencia, a move instigated largely by a bold decision that his son made. Phil breaks down how he learned the language and soaked in the football culture of the nation. You’ll hear …

Here’s another chance to hear my interview with Phil Neville from season two. In part one, Phil describes his first love: cricket, and how he nearly made it in that noble sport. His experiences in cricket helped form his football mentality, and even shaped his outlook in life. In an era when the professional game is awash with money, Phil’s insiste…

Today’s story comes from Benni McCarthy, whose tough time at Celta Vigo ended when Jose Mourinho brought him to Porto. Benni saw the Portuguese as a father figure, and would have run through a brick wall for him. Listen to the original full episode: Benni McCarthy: Mourinho & Me - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See ac…

Today’s story comes from Slaven Bilic, who celebrates how Croatia having a national football league helps bring on young talents – but he insists Luka Modric would have made it anyway. Listen to the original full episodes: Slaven Bilic Part One: Boban, Suker And The Boys of '96 - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Slaven Bilic: Pancev, Na…

Here’s another chance to hear my interview with Thomas Hitzlsperger from season two. In part two, the former Germany midfielder talks about taking on some big issues: racism in football, and his decision to come out as the most high-profile gay player. Subscribe to The Big Interview YouTube channel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more in…

Here’s another chance to hear my interview with Thomas Hitzlsperger from season two. Thomas helped me with a German perspective on the final of Euro 2008 when I was writing my book on Spain's trophy treble, but you're about to find out how much I didn't know about Der Hammer. In part one, we hear about how the midfielder was forged, and the incredi…

Today’s story comes from Pablo Zabaleta, who recalls a shy, skinny Lionel Messi in the Argentina Under-20s dressing room… then he did his talking on the pitch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s story comes from Micah Richards, who speaks about Manchester City’s 2011/2012 Premier League title win, and the adoration he had for the sometimes difficult man manager Roberto Mancini. Listen to the original full episode: Micah Richards: Mancini, Mario and Me - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/pri…

Here’s another chance to hear my interview with the sadly missed Gianluca Vialli from season two. In part two, Luca reflects on the culture of fitness and desire which drove Juventus to Champions League success in 1996, and what it means to represent the club. He talks passionately about his time with Chelsea, both as a player and manager. Listen o…

Here’s another chance to hear my interview with the sadly missed Gianluca Vialli from season two. In part one, Luca goes into depth about his unforgettable spell with Sampdoria at the start of his career – where he won Serie A for the only time in the club’s history, picked up the European Cup Winners’ Cup against Anderlecht and lost to Cruyff’s Ba…

Today’s story comes from stand-up star Kevin Bridges, who describes his adoration for Henrik Larsson, and how as a youngster he managed to ruin the super Swede’s jeans. Listen to the original full episode: Classic Big Interview: Kevin Bridges, The Return - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more …

Today’s story comes from Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders, who tells us how Jurgen Klopp and his coaches instil the players’ inner voice in training, allowing them to react to onfield events with remarkable dynamism and flexibility. Listen to the original full episodes: Pep Lijnders: Klopp and the Reds’ Revolution - The Big Interview with G…

Today’s story comes from Kevin Kilbane, who recalls the infamous Saipan incident during the 2002 World Cup. Had Roy Keane not been fired from the squad, Kev reckons Ireland could have gone all the way to the final. Listen to the original episode: Kevin Kilbane: Rui, Roy and Figo's Magic Feet - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on …