Sacked in the Morning: Recent Episodes
BBC Radio Scotland
From transfer windows to formations, from man-management to getting the sack. Craig Levein and Amy Irons explore what it takes to survive as a football manager.
Former striker and manager Steve Claridge sits down with Amy Irons and Craig Levein for a hilarious trek through his nomadic football career. He lifts the lid on playing under volatile managers like John Beck and Barry Fry, detailing a legendary halftime brawl that left his boss stuck in the physio machinery. Steve also shares brilliant stories about cutting thousands of cabbages with a machete hours before kickoff and explains the chaotic truth behind that infamous live TV gatecrashing involving a red leather thong
Mark McGhee has seen it all, done it all, and lived to tell the tale. In this episode, the former forward looks back on his incredible journey through the game—from conquering Europe under Sir Alex Ferguson at Aberdeen to the relentless, high-pressure world of modern football management. Packed with brilliant dressing room anecdotes, career-defining moments, and honest reflections on the highs and lows of life in the dugout.
From surviving the gruelling physical torment of Rangers' pre-season under Jock Wallace to a forgettable stint at Manchester City and becoming an absolute icon at Raith Rovers, former Scotland forward Gordon Dalziel joins us to look back on his wildly unpredictable life in the game. He opens up completely about his unique relationship with football, admitting he actually hated playing Saturdays because of crippling pre-match nerves and details how an unexpected Sunday morning intervention by manager Frank Connor completely saved his career. All that plus Gordon shares hilarious locker-room memories of the legendary Davie Cooper, why he kept a hammer in his bedroom as a teenager, and his chaotic "exaggerated" stories that landed him all over the front pages.
From the North London luxury of Arsenal to the high-stakes world of international football and a dramatic retirement at 29, former England and Tottenham winger David Bentley joins us for a wide-ranging and candid reflection on his unique path through the game.
He relives his formative years under Arsène Wenger, the thrill of the North London Derby, and the tactical brilliance, and occasional friction, experienced under managers like Fabio Capello, Mark Hughes, and Harry Redknapp. All that plus David opens up about the truth behind that infamous bucket of water.
With 44 goals in 80 appearances, Duckens Nazon is Haiti’s all‑time leading goalscorer — and on June 14 he’ll be hoping to fire a warning shot that could derail Scotland’s World Cup dreams before they even begin.
Duckens joins Craig and Amy to look ahead to a huge summer, reflecting on Haiti’s historic qualification and what it truly means to people back home. He also opens up about life playing for St Mirren, adjusting to the Scottish weather, and the dramatic moment he was forced to flee Iran when war broke out. Plus, Craig tries a little pre‑match mind games ahead of that massive World Cup showdown.
Former Tottenham Hotspur and Celtic defender Ramon Vega pulls no punches as he joins Sacked in the Morning, delivering a brutally honest verdict on the turmoil at Spurs – and why he believes the club has lost its soul. From lifting silverware at the old Wembley to playing through a broken ankle in the 1999 League Cup final, Ramon revisits a career defined by pressure, pain and unforgettable highs.
We also dive deep into his cult‑hero spell at Celtic, from arriving in Glasgow expecting a place on the bench to scoring twice on his debut and becoming part of a treble‑winning side packed with big personalities. Which managers shaped him most? Who taught him football in a completely different way? And why does he believe modern football is drifting dangerously far away from its fans?
Former Hearts, Manchester City and Rangers defender Paul Ritchie was part of the last Hearts team to run the Glasgow clubs close in a title race. What will be going through the current squads mind? Will they be talking about the possibility of winning the title?
We also delve deep into Paul’s unforgettable career, packed with incredible stories from the dressing room and beyond. Which manager fined him for getting his hair cut too short? Which club signed him despite the boss never once meeting him? And which gaffer promised him a deal… then never phoned back?
Craig Levein and Amy Irons talk to the man Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds hired to be the 'adult in the room' at their Wrexham project. Shaun Harvey has been right at the heart of everything the Hollywood duo have done in Wales. The former EFL chief executive and current Wrexham director joins us for a straight‑talking look at why this campaign has gone well beyond outside expectations. Away from the Wrexham story, Harvey reflects on setting targets without boxing players in, why belief inside a club matters more than noise from the outside, and how experience and planning can ride out injuries, pressure and scrutiny. Drawing on years at the top of the game, he opens up on managing expectations, earning success the hard way and what it really takes to keep a football club moving forward when everyone is watching.
From non‑league pitches and rejection at 15 to Premier League promotion and international caps with Ireland, former Sheffield United, QPR and Leeds goalkeeper Paddy Kenny joins us for a brutally honest look back at one of football’s most colourful careers. He relives his extraordinary relationship with Neil Warnock, from unforgettable dressing‑room moments and fierce touchline scraps to the trust that kept seeing him signed time and again. Paddy opens up on promotion highs, crushing setbacks, a nine‑month ban, clashes with managers and what it really takes to survive.
From coming through the ranks at Hibernian to winning trophies and playing Champions League football with Rangers, former Scotland midfielder Kevin Thomson joins us to look back on a career full of big moments and bigger characters. He lifts the lid on life under Walter Smith, including receiving the famous hairdryer treatment, along with the highs, the injuries and the lessons learned along the way. From dressing rooms to dugouts via a stint in management with Kelty Hearts, Kevin tells us what it really takes to survive at the top of the game.
After managing for nearly 1000games the former Ayr United, Partick Thistle and Dundee United gaffer talks us through his career across Scottish Football. From signing for Graeme Souness Rangers to starting his management career at Clydebank to getting sacked after receiving a standing ovation at Ibrox, Ian has seen it all and in this great episode he tells us exactly how it all happened.
Former Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Leeds United defender Stephen Warnock sits down to reflect on his footballing career. He opens up about the highs and lows of his playing days, including when his entire team found themselves locked up in the cells, when Big Sam handed him his credit card plus his PIN number and the dramatic story of when Liverpool wanted him to return to Anfield and why it didn’t happen.
One of football’s most iconic voices joins Craig and Amy for a revealing and often hilarious journey through life behind the mic. From reporting on Nottingham Forest under Brian Clough to rubbing shoulders with Bill Shankly, Graeme Souness and Sir Alex Ferguson, Clive lifts the lid on the moments that shaped his career and shares the one line of commentary he never said… but wishes he had
Kemar Roofe joins Craig and Amy for an honest, lively and surprising look back at the moments that shaped his career. From breaking through at Oxford to playing under Marcelo Bielsa, Vincent Kompany and Steven Gerrard, Roofe reveals the standards, the pressure and the mindset behind his best football.He lifts the lid on “Murderball” training, that infamous Leeds spying incident, and the family support that kept him grounded long before he reached the Premier League or Rangers.
Joining Craig and Amy is the irrepressible Martin Allen. In a brilliantly funny and fascinating interview the former Brentford, Leicester City and Barnet gaffer reveals his unique man-management style (less said about the wine gum the better), how his upbringing influenced him plus the treat he gave his players that turned them into little boys on Christmas Day.
From missiles to Millwall chants. Iain Dowie joins Craig and Amy for a hilarious and surprisingly emotional journey through his unique footballing life. From testing weapons to scoring goals (and one unforgettable own goal), Dowie’s career is anything but ordinary. Which manager made players throw up in training? What happened when he tried to reason with a Millwall fan? And how did he end up cleaning up takeaway leftovers in a Premier League flat? Plus, he faces the dreaded WHEEL OF TRUTH. Will he survive?
Football’s BIGGEST cult hero. Literally. Adebayo Akinfenwa joins Craig and Amy for a laugh-out-loud chat about his career, his unforgettable managers, and the moments that made him a legend. Which manager stripped off during team talks? What was it like leaving home at 18 to play in Lithuania? And will he dare face the dreaded WHEEL OF TRUTH?
WARNING: This episode contains strong language and some offensive language reflecting Adebayo’s real experiences of racism while playing in Lithuania.
Twenty years to the day since Vladimir Romanov sensationally sacked George Burley, despite Hearts sitting top of the league and unbeaten, Robbie Neilson joins us to reveal what life was really like under the chaotic Lithuanian regime.
He also reflects on playing under Sven-Göran Eriksson, recalls Craig Levein’s blunt words of encouragement when he was “sacked in the morning”, and explains what it’s like working at the very bottom of the City Football Group pyramid.
If you want to hear more about Vladimir Romanov’s rise from submariner to millionaire football owner to wanted man, search Romanov: Czar of Hearts wherever you get your podcasts.
How do you bring Manchester United back to their former glory?
Legendary goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel joins Craig Levein and Amy Irons for a fascinating chat about where Manchester United have lost their way and what he’d do to put it right. Peter also reflects on his pride in his son Kasper, reveals how Eric Cantona inspired his teammates from the moment he walked into training, and becomes the first guest to face THE WHEEL OF TRUTH!
From “Aguerooooo!” to “And it’s live!”, Martin Tyler joins Craig and Amy for a deep dive into the life behind the voice that defined the Premier League. In this episode, the legendary commentator opens up about his decades in the gantry, the moments that made history, and the lines that still get shouted at him in the street. We also hear about his time coaching in non-league football and his joy at being still part of the game.
Get in touch with us via sackedinthemorning@bbc.co.uk and on WhatsApp 08000 12 11 71
From battling for midfield dominance to battling for his life, Stiliyan Petrov joins Craig and Amy for a powerful episode of Sacked in the Morning. The Celtic and Aston Villa legend opens up about his rise from Montana and CSKA Sofia to becoming a fan favourite in Glasgow and Birmingham. He shares stories of playing under Martin O’Neill, recovering from a brutal leg break, and his unforgettable fight against leukemia. With honesty, humour, and heart, Stiliyan reflects on leadership, resilience, and the dressing room dynamics that shaped his career.
Get in touch with us via sackedinthemorning@bbc.co.uk and on WhatsApp 08000 12 11 71
Cult hero, enforcer, and all-round warrior Pasquale Bruno joins Craig and Amy for a fiery episode of Sacked in the Morning. From clashing with Maradona and Van Basten in Serie A to being nicknamed “The Animal” for his no-nonsense defending, Pasquale shares incredible stories from a career built on grit, passion, and pure chaos. He opens up about life under managers like Dino Zoff and Claudio Ranieri, his move to Scotland and the Hearts dressing room, and how his final ever professional appearance came at Central Park in Fife.
Get in touch with us via sackedinthemorning@bbc.co.uk and on WhatsApp 08000 12 11 71.
Cult hero, podcaster, and all-round maverick Jon Parkin joins Craig and Amy for a brilliantly chaotic episode of Sacked in the Morning. From crashing golf buggies before a friendly against Real Madrid to pole dancing in Krakow three days after knee surgery, Jon shares outrageous tales from a career that was anything but ordinary. He also opens up about the managers who tried (and failed) to change him, the pranks that got him in trouble, and why Tony Pulis just liked having him around.
Get in touch with us via sackedinthemorning@bbc.co.uk and on WhatsApp 08000 12 11 71
Just months after leaving Rangers, Philippe Clément joins Craig and Amy for an honest and timely episode of Sacked in the Morning. In an in-depth interview Philippe reflects on the whirlwind of his time in Glasgow, from silverware and title races to boardroom upheaval and the pressure of managing one of football’s most demanding clubs.
He opens up about the challenges of squad building without investment, the emotional toll of leading through instability, and the moment he found out he’d lost his job, from journalists, not the club. With clarity and candour, Philippe shares what it’s really like to manage Rangers under the spotlight, and why, despite everything, he still holds deep affection for the club and its fans.
Get in touch with us via sackedinthemorning@bbc.co.uk and on WhatsApp 08000 12 11 71
Julian Dicks - West Ham legend, former Liverpool defender, and self-proclaimed non-league gaffer, joins Craig and Amy for a no-nonsense episode of Sacked in the Morning. From being told he’d never play again at 22 to earning the nickname “The Terminator,” Julian opens up about the brutal injuries, the boozy rehab, and the unforgettable characters he’s met along the way. Expect tales of firecrackers in hotel bathrooms, a bath-time prank gone very wrong, and what he told Tottenham Hotspur when they tried to sign him.
Get in touch with us via sackedinthemorning@bbc.co.uk and on WhatsApp 08000 12 11 71
Just how close is Football Manager the game to being a Football manager in real-life?
Comedian, podcaster, and self-proclaimed “virtual touchline legend” Jamie Hutchinson joins Craig and Amy for a brilliantly chaotic episode of Sacked in the Morning. From getting sacked in both real life and Football Manager to a virtual divorce in Portugal, Jamie’s tales are as outrageous as they are hilarious. He also reveals how he turned Owen Garvan into a Ballon d’Or winner, why he fined Alan Shearer into retirement, and what it’s like managing Atalanta with a Dubai hedge fund breathing down your neck.
Get in touch with us via sackedinthemorning@bbc.co.uk and on WhatsApp 08000 12 11 71
Football coach, podcaster, and all-round storyteller Si Ferry joins Craig and Amy for one of the funniest episodes of Sacked in the Morning yet. From toilet trouble mid-match to getting called a “little piggy” by Paolo Di Canio, Si serves up outrageous, no-holds-barred tales from his playing days.
Get in touch with us via sackedinthemorning@bbc.co.uk and on WhatsApp 08000 12 11 71
Contains some strong language and adult themes
Craig Levein and Amy Irons are back with listener emails, messages for Craig, and a brand-new way for you to get in touch with the show… which can only mean one thing: Craig’s got some fresh scripting to (reluctantly) learn.
Double European Cup winner Viv Anderson sits down with Craig and Amy to relive an extraordinary career spent under some of football’s most iconic managers. From breaking through under the legendary Brian Clough as a teenager, to being signed by a little-known Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, and representing England under the great Sir Bobby Robson — Viv shares the stories, lessons, and personalities behind a life at the top of the game.
Premier League legend Andy Cole joins Craig and Amy for a candid look back at his incredible career. From banging in goals under Kevin Keegan’s swashbuckling Newcastle side to the moment he realised the true scale of Manchester United, Andy shares the highs, the challenges, and the lessons learned. He also opens up about life after playing — and his steps into the world of coaching.
Ever heard the story about how Alastair Campbell found himself playing football with Diego Maradona?
In a fantastic episode, former Downing Street Press Secretary and top podcaster himself Alastair Campbell joins Craig and Amy to chat about leadership. What we didn't expect was to hear how he shared a pitch with arguably the greatest footballer that ever lived, how he was asked to give a team talk to the British Lions Rugby team and he reveals how he broke some bones as a child.
CONTAINS SOME STRONG LANGUAGE
CONTAINS INJURY DETAIL
Former Liverpool striker Dean Saunders joins Craig Levein and Amy Irons for a riotous journey through his career. Get ready for the worst injury he has EVER witnessed and we have EVER heard, what he would do each season to guarantee himself at least 18 goals plus that time he watched Graeme Souness plant a flag into the opposition's centre circle in one of the most heated football matches around the world.
As ever we also want to hear from you, got a great story? Most embarrassing moment? Worst ever injury? Greatest sporting achievement? Let us know - sackedinthemorning@bbc.co.uk
After more than 6 months away Craig Levein and Amy Irons are back to reveal when the podcast is returning and just why they've been away so long. A story that involves a trip to A&E, a nativity play and 'Pimp My Ride'...oh the devil makes an appearance too!
We also want you to be even more involved in the podcast so we’re expanding our listeners questions to literally anything. Maybe there’s something you have going on in your life and you want advice from Craig? Let us know. Of course we will have merch to give away for the best ones.
Here's some suggestions to get your started....
Any random encounters with footballers or famous people?Football Room 101….what's the one thing about football that really gets you annoyedThe most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you?Have you ever been sacked? What did you do?Why did you get in trouble in School?The worst date you have ever been on?
email them and anything else to sackedinthemorning@bbc.co.uk
This podcast contains some strong language and adult themes!
Former Celtic and Everton defender Alan Stubbs on celebrations, making mistakes and Martin O’Neill.
West Ham, Leicester and England striker Tony Cottee on team spirit, motivation and playing against his window cleaner.
Liverpool and Republic of Ireland midfielder Ray Houghton on luck, Jack Charlton and jogging in the sauna.
Arsenal legend Lee Dixon talks imposter syndrome, fighting Dennis Bergkamp and Arsene Wenger's new windows.
Liverpool and Republic of Ireland midfielder Jason McAteer talks first loves, regrets and turning down Kenny Dalglish.
Brian McClair on his time at Manchester United and Celtic. Choccy talks seagulls, tiddlywinks and avoiding the hairdryer treatment.
Legendary striker John Hartson on his time at Arsenal, Celtic and West Ham. Find out why the Welshman thinks the manager is always right, the impact Arsene Wenger had on his eating habits and that time he scared Martin O’Neill.
Details of information and support with addiction are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline
Alex McLeish on his incredible career in football. Hear about the time Jose Mourinho turned scout for Scotland, find out the text message he keeps sending Sir Alex Ferguson and why he likes the cut of Rangers manager Philippe Clement’s jib.
How did the Charlton brothers differ as managers? Liverpool legend Mark Lawrenson is the only footballer to have played for both - he joins Craig and Amy to tell all about their 'chalk and cheese' management styles. As well as that, how did King Kenny Dalglish transform from player to manager, what does he make of current Anfield boss Arne Slot, plus Mark reveals the greatest signing of his short-lived managerial career
Scotland stalwarts Stuart McCall and Colin Hendry join Craig and Amy to take a trip back to the summer of 1996. What was the reaction when Scotland was drawn with England? What did the players get up to in between games and just how often is Colin asked about his participation in arguably England's greatest ever goal?
In this second part of our interviews with former England coach Chris Powell and Scotland right back Stephen O'Donnell, we look at who will make their starting XI at this year's Euros, Chris tells us just how good Jude Bellingham really is and we find out all about his involvement with Ted Lasso.....plus we ask Stephen about his own venture into acting recently.
Former England coach Chris Powell and Scotland right back Stephen O'Donnell join Craig and Amy to take us back to Euro2020 to give us an incredible insight into what it will be like in the Scotland and England Camps this year. Stephen takes us all the way back to that night in Serbia as Scotland qualified for their first tournament in a generation, Chris relives the final and the penalty shootout as England came oh so close to winning it all and they both fill us in on just what Gareth Southgate and Steve Clarke are really like.
Comedians Henning Wehn (QI, Live at the Apollo, 8 Out of 10 Cats) and Mark Nelson (The Good the Bad and The Unexpected) join Craig and Amy to look ahead to the European Championships in Germany this summer. How confident are the Germans ahead of the kick off? Is Mark really thinking about zip wiring into the fan park with his 8 year old son? and just how do you say No Scotland No Party in German?
The former Tottenham player joins Craig and Amy to discuss his first steps into the dugout. We hear about his move to Malaga City, coaching when you can't speak the language and how after work visa issues he attempted to coach remotely. Steven also talks very openly about his career and how his gambling addiction impacted him on the pitch and whether he felt able to talk to his manager's about it.
Details of information and support with addiction are availableat bbc.co.uk/actionline
West Ham United legend Frank McAvennie joins Craig and Amy for a look back on his career. In a cracking interview he talks us through his start in football and how he nearly signed for Luton Town instead of The Hammers. He also tells us about coming home to Celtic, meeting Maggie Thatcher and the time the West Ham players got the manager hypnotised.
And if all of this is not enough of Frank, from 26th May the new series Icons of Football will hit the iPlayer with episode's featuring the man himself, Joe Jordan and John Greig amongst others.
How on earth did Pat Nevin become both a player and the chief executive at Motherwell FC? Roles that meant he was simultaneously being managed by and was the boss of, the man in the Fir Park dugout. Pat talks us through the job, how the dynamic worked in the dressing room and what he was like around the negotiating table. We also hear the alarming fault he found with the Motherwell pitch, how he ignored his Clyde manager's advice to go interrailing and why it was a godsend that the Chelsea training ground was right beside Heathrow.
"Hello Barry, what you doing 'ere?"
64 years in the game (twice Amy's age, no really!) and still going strong, the legend that is Barry Fry joins the pod to cram as much of his career into an episode as we possibly can. From scoring against Scotland at Wembley as a schoolboy international to being asked to look after a young George Best. Not to mention hearing about wheeling and dealing, dodgy chairmen and getting arrested on Christmas day. It's all in this cracking episode and a whole lot more.
"I wouldn't say I was the best manager in the business. But I was in the top one." - Brian Clough
What was it like working with legendary Nottingham Forest boss Brian Clough? Mark Crossley, the man who was his No.1 during the final years of his career, joins us with some unbelievable tales of their time together. We hear how Cloughie dealt with agents, contract renewals and players who wouldn't play how he wanted. Each story more incredible than the last, this is a must-listen-to episode!
Former QPR boss Gareth 'Wild Thing' Ainsworth joins Craig and Amy to talk about how music is his escape from the stresses of football. He also explains how he managed to stay Wycombe Wanderers' manager for over 10 years, what it was like managing the strongest football player in the world plus Craig Levein sings... no, he really really does.
The former Cardiff City, Middlesbrough and Ivory Coast defender joins Craig and Amy to talk about his ambitions to become a boss. Sol also talks about how (and why) he made the move from Paris to Dunfermline, why he was the cause of a fight between Neil Warnock and Nigel Pearson - plus, which of his managers does Amy decide to get on the phone for quick chat?
Former Manchester United hero Lee Sharpe joins Amy and Craig to discuss his career and the various managers he played for. From 'murderball' with Cyril Knowles to moving to Old Trafford at age 17. What was it like playing for Sir Alex Ferguson? Does he remember the first time he witnessed the hairdryer and what really happened in the dressing room after THAT moment with Eric Cantona and the fan at Crystal Palace?
The Dorking Wanderers story is incredible. Little over 20 years ago they started out playing in the 4th division of the local park leagues. Twelve promotions later they are in the National League and one promotion away from the Football League. Manager and owner Marc White joins Craig and Amy to talk about their incredible story, how they got where they are and his plans for the future.
What is Paul Merson's biggest regret of his career? The Arsenal legend reveals all to Craig and Amy plus he explains the differences between George Graham and Arsene Wenger, takes us back to his time in the Walsall dugout, and explains how Glenn Hoddle calmed his nerves when he was facing a World Cup penalty shootout. Paul also talks openly about his addictions and how when it comes to gambling football needs to take it more seriously.
Details of information and support with addiction are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline
Craig and Amy bring you festive memories from some of this series' best guests including Neil Warnock, Mick McCarthy and Wrexham's Humphrey Ker, plus Amy has a very special Christmas present for Craig. But could a ghost of Christmas past jeopardise it?
The Hull City legend joins Craig and Amy to look back at his career and to talk about his favourite and least favourite managers. We hear about how three red cards in one game was the beginning of the end of his time at Aberdeen, which manager's underwear he covered in Deep Heat plus an event in the dressing room at Oxford United that left us with our jaws on the floor.
Thomas Rongen joins Craig and Amy to talk about his time coaching American Samoa, who at the time were the team last in the Fifa World Rankings. His story and the documentary of his time on the island are the inspiration for Taika Waititi's new movie Next Goal Wins. Thomas tells us about how he went about changing the fortunes of the team, what it feels like to have Academy Award-nominated actor Michael Fassbender playing him and how he got the goalie who had conceded 31 goals in one match to come out of retirement.
All that plus he takes us on a must listen to wild ride through his playing career in the North American Soccer League in the late 70s and early 80s. From living with Johan Cruyff, partying with The Rolling Stones and skipping past Liza Minnelli in the Studio 54 queue!
If you are suffering distress or despair, details of help and support are available - bbc.co.uk/actionline
Former Premier League referee Jeff Winter joins Craig and Amy for a look back at his career, the managers he encountered and his views on VAR. Has the fun been taken out of refereeing? How would Jeff have handled VAR and what happens if a referee has a call of nature while refereeing? All that plus a listener question takes Craig on a nostalgic trip back to a mid-season 6 a side competition that used to happen in Scotland.
He has managed more English league games than anyone else and finally Neil Warnock can add Sacked in the Morning to his CV. In a hilarious chat with Craig and Amy we cover what he does when he first takes over a club, how close he came to managing in Scotland, and whether he's finally retired, or if we can expect to see him back in the dugout soon.
The legendary Scottish footballer and manager joins Craig and Amy discuss his career. We hear what it was like playing for Jim McLean, one of the most formidable managers of his era? We look at Paul's management career and why it was so tough taking on the Dundee United job and following his announcement in 2008 that he has Parkinson's disease we hear how it affected his time in football.
THIS JUST IN! Mr Deadline Day Jim White has put pen to paper on a deal to join Sacked in the Morning in a short term move to discuss what goes on behind the scenes on Transfer Deadline Day. Which manager would phone Jim to find out which soup the reporter outside the training ground liked? What's happened to Jim's iconic yellow tie and just how close did Jim get to being on the private jet taking Gareth Bale to Madrid?
Craig Levein and Amy Irons are joined by former Manchester United first team coach Rene Meulensteen to talk about working with Sir Alex Ferguson and improving players. Rene reveals how he helped turn Cristiano Ronaldo from a winger to a goal machine, he explains why you never change players but add to their skillset and he takes us back to the Stamford Bridge bench when he and Sir Alex got the fright of their lives.
Craig and Amy are joined by Wrexham's executive director Humphrey Ker to discuss the amazing Welsh adventure he is on with Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. Did they ever consider a club in Scotland before settling on the Red Dragons? Why did Humphrey put his foot down over a giant inflatable Ryan Reynolds head and has he had the talk with the Hollywood superstars to tell them that if they hang around long enough they may become the villains?
Craig and Amy are joined by former Liverpool midfielder Charlie Adam to discuss his role as loans manager at Burnley, what it's like working with Vincent Kompany plus his own ambitions to make the move into the dugout one day. We also hear about his time with Ian Holloway at Blackpool, what it was like signing for Kenny Dalglish at Liverpool and if can he score higher than his former Scotland gaffer Craig in Amy's big quiz!
Craig and Amy are back with a new series and what a great guest to start with. Mick McCarthy has managed over 1000 games so who better to ask about handling heavy defeats. They also take a look at how the former Sunderland, Wolves and Republic of Ireland gaffer got started in management, he reveals the secret meeting with Roy Keane after the 2002 World Cup and Amy wonders if Mick can complete some of his own classic quotes.
Craig and Amy drop in to reveal the first guest of the new series and Craig has a little surprise for his co-host that catches her a little off guard!
The football season is nearly at an end so that means one thing...the Cup Final! With Celtic ready to face Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the Scottish Cup Final, Craig and Amy welcome representatives of both clubs to hear about their own final experiences. Jackie McNamara tells all about his one regret despite winning a host of medals with Celtic and John Robertson is on hand to relive the feeling standing on the touchline, willing the referee to blow the whistle so he could finally get his hands on the famous trophy.
Former Dunfermline and Livingston gaffer (plus Provost of Fife no less) Jim Leishman joins Craig and Amy to look back at his career and the inspirations behind some of his best motivational team talks. You won't believe how the Bible and Martin Luther King influenced Jim 'Don Juan' Leishman in the dressing room. After listening you will never EVER want to share a car to St Tropez with two boys from Lochgelly, even if one of them is the Provost of Fife plus discover the meaning of the word 'shunky'. You will not regret listening to this episode!
Liverpool legend Steve Nicol joins Craig and Amy from his home in the States. What was the Liverpool legend's diet like as a player? Turns out not the best but did it matter? 5 league titles, 3 FA Cups and a European Cup suggests not really. We take a look back as his 10year stint as manager of New England Revolution and why he was happy to get the sack plus we hear the incredible tale of how (and why) he set a teammates wife's hair on fire.
Is football club ownership all the Hollywood glitz and glam that the Wrexham story would have us believe? As an actor Jonathan Sayer was more at home in the West End or Broadway but when home town club Ashton United tweeted that they needed help he couldn't refuse. Now co-owner and co-chairman with his dad he takes us behind the scenes of running a non-league football team. From all the volunteers helping out, to the lengths they'd go to get a game on in the winter. Craig brings in his own experiences from helping out at Brechin City and working at Cowdenbeath plus reveals who the mystery leaker was during his time at Dundee United when the team was revealed on the internet every week.
Former Blackpool, Lincoln City and Oxford United manager Michael Appleton joins Craig and Amy to discuss his career and how injuries can impact a season. Craig reveals what it was like when he was a player and had to a pain killing injection to play in an Edinburgh derby. Michael takes us back to when he started out and just how quickly he lost his teeth on his debut plus he reveals just what happened with his knee injury and why he ended up taking his surgeon to court.
Former Brighton and Hove Albion and Sunderland manager Gus Poyet joins Craig and Amy to chat about promotions and great escapes. Just how did he pull off the unimaginable when everyone thought the Black Cats were heading for relegation to the Championship? Those with a sensitive disposition be warned, Gus and Craig play top trumps with some bodily function stories plus what does the Greece national team boss think of what's currently happening at both Tottenham and Chelsea?
Liverpool legend John Aldridge joins Craig and Amy for a hilarious episode. Just how hard are the difficult conversations you need to have as a manager? We talk to John about managing Tranmere (including a certain League Cup Final incident), signing on at Anfield plus how he came to play for Jack Charlton's Republic of Ireland.
Former Celtic and Stoke City manager Lou Macari joins Amy and Craig to discuss his greatest ever signing, a fired circus clown called Neil. Also in the podcast Craig talks about the importance of the kit-man, Lou takes us back to joining Celtic and what it was like under legendary manager Jock Stein and why he chose Manchester United over Liverpool plus Amy puts Lou's knowledge to the test in our big quiz.
Craig and Amy hit the road and visit Livingston gaffer David Martindale. Craig and Davie have an honest discussion about the impact management has on your health. We hear about what it's like to manage with the league's lowest budget plus Davie tells us how he went from prison cell to the dugout in less than 10 years.
Amy Irons and Craig Levein are back for a new series of Sacked in the Morning and what a guest to start. Graham Arnold led the Australian men's team to their best ever World Cup performance in Qatar before finally losing to eventual winners Argentina. Graham takes us back to the tournament and his plans for playing against Lionel Messi, he reveals whether he has his eye on any more "Scottish" Australians and tells us all about his decision to swap goalkeepers in the dying seconds of the World Cup play-off against Peru.
Amy and Craig drop in to reveal who the first guest of their new series will be plus in a game of "Never Have I Ever" a certain former Scotland manager reveals whether he has ever asked a player to cheat!
Scotland legend Paul Lambert and former England international Trevor Steven join Craig and Amy for a World Cup special recorded in front of an audience in the Drygate in Glasgow. Trevor takes us back to 1986, the Maradona Hand of God plus what it was like being managed by Bobby Robson. He also played in the 1990 World Cup and by the sounds of things he could have filled a whole podcast with his Gazza stories alone. Paul started every Scotland game of France 1998 and his abiding memory seems to be just how good the Brazilians smelled. He also reveals just how lucky he was to find himself moving from Motherwell to Borussia Dortmund.
Scotland legend Gordon Strachan and Australian international Ryan McGowan join Craig and Amy for a World Cup special recorded in front of an audience in the Drygate in Glasgow. Gordon takes us back to his two World Cups in 1982 and 1986. He tells us what it was like to line up against the Brazilians in the tunnel, to take a drugs test with a couple of Russians and why Jock Stein told him to stay in his room. Plus Ryan McGowan tells us all about making the Socceroos squad for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, what the manager at the time Ange Postecoglou was really like and how as a player on the fringes he found himself assisting not just one of Australia's greatest goals but one of the best the World Cup has ever seen!
Former Northern Ireland captain Martin O'Neill and ex-Scotland international Alan McInally join Craig and Amy for a World Cup special recorded in front of an audience at the Drygate in Glasgow. Alan takes us back to Italia 90 and has brought with him something that Craig hasn't seen for 32 years. Meanwhile Martin has tales of what could've been in 1982 and what happened when he didn't manage to get his hands on Eusebio's shirt.
Former Scotland captain Colin Hendry and ex Northern Ireland international Jimmy Nicholl join Craig and Amy for a World Cup special recorded in front of an audience at the Drygate in Glasgow. Colin takes us back to France in 1998 as he led Scotland out for the opening match of the World Cup against Brazil and recounts Craig Brown's famous last words. Jimmy started every match for Northern Ireland at both the 1982 and 1986 World Cups. Defeating Spain, lining up against Brazil and managing to get his hands on the famous yellow number 10 jersey along the way.
Legendary Celtic and Leicester manager Martin O'Neill joins Amy and Craig as he takes a look back over his career. Martin goes back to the start to talk about how it started at Wycombe Wanderers, he discusses his amazing time at Celtic including the one big regret of his career plus what it was like to win not one but two European Cups with Nottingham Forest.
Former Norwich gaffer Peter Grant joins Amy Irons and Craig Levein to discuss his time as both a manager and an assistant manager. Peter has managed in Scotland and England and has been an assistant at some huge clubs such as West Ham, Aston Villa, Birmingham and Scotland. So how does the role differ and which does he prefer? Craig and Peter also reminisce about the 'good old days', if days where you shared unwashed training gear, slips and baths can be described as good plus Peter recounts us with tales of the legendary Paolo Di Canio
Geoff Shreeves has been a touchline reporter for decades and on football pitches all around the world. Who better to ask just what it's like to interview a manager when they have just been hammered 5-0? He joins Craig and Amy to tell tales of a major run-in with Sir Alex Ferguson, how Gordon Strachan viewed him standing outside the dressing room and the time Brian Clough got a little too close during an interview. All that plus does he have what it takes to take the top spot in Amy's 'Big Quiz' league table?
Stevenage gaffer Steve Evans joins Craig and Amy as they discuss how you control your emotions in the technical area. Has Steve calmed down over the years? What is it like when you are supposed to be setting an example as manager but find yourself sent off? Plus Steve reveals that even his wife wasn't safe from his touchline antics on her Christmas night out. All that plus will Amy find a new leader for her 'Big Quiz' league table?
Craig Levein and Amy Irons are joined by former Inverness, Falkirk and Hibs gaffer John 'Yogi' Hughes as they discuss the importance of a good team spirit in the dressing room. Yogi explains the impact promoting a youth team coach at Inverness had on his players, he talks about the legend that is Russell Latapy and he reveals just what possessed him to streak passed the TV cameras while a player at Falkirk
Craig Levein and Amy Irons are joined by former Arsenal vice chairman and co-owner David Dein as they discuss his time at the Gunners. David reveals how if he had his way a certain Scottish manager could've arrived in London instead of Manchester, he recalls the story of how a chance meeting with Arsene Wenger in 1989 put the wheels in motion to the Frenchman becoming boss and as one of the main drivers in the creation of the Premier League he divulges just how close the Old Firm came to joining the league.
Former referee Mark Clattenburg has officiated some of the biggest games and clubs in the world so no-one knows better what it's like to try and control some of the game's biggest managers. Craig Levein tells us how referees have changed since he played the game, Mark reveals what happened when Sir Alex Ferguson tried to get him to play "Fergie Time" and Amy wants to bring in some competition to this series - who will come out on top in her 'Big Quiz'
For the first time Craig Levein and Amy Irons take the podcast on the road and in front of an audience. Recorded live at the Edinburgh Festivals they are joined by three of their favourite guests so far to share some amazing, shocking and hilarious stories of life in football management. Current Northern Ireland assistant manager Jimmy Nicholl tells tales of Millwall, Raith Rovers and Toronto. Former Real Kashmir boss David Robertson reveals what it's like to manage in India and Arbroath manager Dick Campbell is his usual legendary self.
We're back for Series 3!Amy Irons and Craig Levein drop in to tell you about a very special first episode of the new series which we recorded LIVE at the Edinburgh Festival plus Amy quizzes Craig on an old football magazine's Q and A. Can he remember who his favourite actor was in 1986?
To finish the series Craig answers your questions including - Do coaches encourage diving? What happens when players don't get on? & what is the worst game he's been involved in? Not only that but we hear all about what he did to get a 14 match ban and what it's like to hear the crowd singing "You don't know what you're doing!"
Just how did Bobby Gould mastermind the greatest FA Cup Final shock of all time? "The Gouldfather" takes us on a trip back to 1988 as Wimbledon battle the mighty Liverpool at Wembley. In a fantastic interview he recounts the characters of the Crazy Gang, how the Wimbledon chairman invented "bush tucker trials" decades before Ant & Dec and we hear how Bobby even bribed someone in an attempt to get every advantage possible.
Former Northern Ireland manager Sammy McIlroy is a Manchester United legend, he was the last player to be signed by Sir Matt Busby and went on to rack up over 400 appearances for the Old Trafford club. Sammy joins Craig and Amy to talk about those that impacted his career the most from the promise George Best made ahead of his debut to how it all ended under Ron Atkinson. Along the way we hear about the time Tommy Docherty picked himself for a match, the unique item that Big Ron had in his dressing room and whether the Northern Ireland job came too soon.
You are minutes away from the opening game of the 1998 World Cup, you are about to send a team out to face the mighty Brazil and everyone expects you to get hammered...what do you say to cut the atmosphere and calm the boys nerves? Legendary Scotland boss Craig Brown joins Amy Irons and Craig Levein to reveal just how he had his players laughing as they got ready to line up against the World Champions. Craig also tells the tale about how he sent home a very young Duncan Ferguson for breaking rules, how a misunderstanding led to both Ally McCoist and Alan McInally thinking they were starting a game at the World Cup and how a very wily Craig stopped his players flirting on a plane to America.
Former Preston North End, Leeds United and Sunderland gaffer Simon Grayson joins Craig and Amy to discuss how you go about getting a job as a football manager. He joins us fresh from a secret zoom job interview with a foreign club and reveals how it went, we hear how it's not uncommon to be offered a job when there is still a manager in the hot seat and what happened when as a player coach at Blackpool he went to the chairman to resign. All that plus we get the inside scoop on the Sunderland documentary plus just what Billy Bremner was like as a boss.
Michael O'Neill is one of Northern Ireland's best ever managers - so how do you follow that up? Current Northern Ireland Men's Head Coach Ian Baraclough joins Craig and Amy to discuss just that plus Craig reveals the lengths they would go to to discover if a player had a Scottish granny. Ian reveals that the international door isn't closed for one Northern Ireland striker and we hear the tale of Notts County defender Gary Strodder and his pre-match ritual!
In his football career Jim Duffy has worked with some of football's best known and sometimes notorious owners and directors. From Delia Smith to Milan Mandaric and Vladimir Romanov to the Devils Advocate himself Giovanni Di Stefano. Jim joins Amy and Craig to shed some light on how best to manage up and in the process recounts some incredible stories including the owner who signed a goalie despite being told by the management they didn't want him, the owner who decided a "shaman" would decide when players should be substituted and the director who thought he could bring Edgar Davids from Juventus to Dundee!
Unfortunately due to illness we have had to take a slight pause in recording new episodes but Amy Irons is here to fill the void until we're back with some previously unheard clips including - Dick Campbell on performance analysts, Tony Pulis on Gerry Taggart, Mixu Paatelainen on Jim McLean, Ian Holloway on advice for new coaches, Harry Redknapp on why his camera kept turning off during our recording and Craig Levein tells us his very creative punishment he dished out on two young players he caught breaking the rules.
What's the pressure like when the fans, the media and the whole country expect you to win? Sven-Göran Eriksson, the man who believes he should have delivered the World Cup for England, joins Craig and Amy to discuss expectations.
As a manager who had won titles across three countries, plus 10 domestic cup competitions and three European trophies, was he expected to succeed wherever he went? When he took the England job did the FA tell him he had to win the World Cup? And as manager of England's "Golden Generation" what are his regrets?
All that plus we hear stories of David Beckham signing for Real Madrid and Sven's attempts to take him to Leicester City, we hear stories of 7am angry phone calls from Sir Alex Ferguson, plus who was the Queen's favourite England player and why?
QPR boss Mark Warburton has managed in the West London, East Midland and Glasgow derbies. All big matches but he claims nothing compares to the intense rivalry of Rangers V Celtic so who better to help us answer the question - Should you approach derby games any differently than other fixtures? Craig shares his experiences of managing the Edinburgh Derby between Hearts and Hibs, Mark talks us through his first ever Old Firm - a Scottish Cup Semi-Final at Hampden no less and he explains the difficulty he had with the media during his time in Glasgow. Mark and Craig also discuss whether the Old Firm should move to the English leagues, comparisons between Mark's time as a city trader and in management and we hear the remarkable story of when Mark turned on the TV to discover he had resigned as Rangers manager.
Former New England Revolution gaffer and Liverpool, Blackburn and Tottenham Hotspur legend Brad Friedel joins Craig and Amy to talk about bringing the standards he had in the Premier League to Major League Soccer. From poor diets to those above having spies in the camp Brad reveals how he was up against it in his first management job in the MLS. Craig explains why he thinks there are not a lot of goalies who make the move from between the posts to the dugout and we hear which club arranged a secret rendezvous to try and prize Craig away from Hearts during his time as a player.
We've been stopped in the street, messaged on social media and emailed and finally we can answer the question you have all been asking...Sacked in the Morning is finally coming back for a new series! Craig and Amy share their excitement in this quick bonus episode, Amy reveals how in this series we're going to need YOUR help plus she has a little game of "Would you Rather" with Craig.
Joining Craig Levein to help share favourite stories is Arbroath gaffer Dick Campbell. No one theme in this episode as Amy picks words from a tombola to help stir the memories of our two managers - hear about the time Dick's wife joined him at a game, the time Craig walked into what he thought was HIS hotel room in Cyprus and Dick explains why players need to be H.A.P.P.Y.
Former Bolton Wanderers, West Ham United and Blackburn Rovers manager Sam Allardyce joins Craig and Amy to discuss festive football. Can you trust players on Christmas nights out, should you train on Christmas day? and who once dressed as a bumble bee for a night out? Sam reveals the joy years ago in getting a turkey as a festive bonus plus he reveals the player who went awol one Christmas so he could visit his family and Craig recounts the tale when he was so desperate for a Xmas night out he ignored his managers orders
Just what do Assistant Managers do? Jimmy Nicholl is the current Northern Ireland assistant manager and has been second in command across a variety of clubs including Rangers, Dunfermline and Aberdeen...not only that, as a manager in his own right, he once took little Raith Rovers on a European adventure that would see them taking on (and surprising) the mighty Bayern Munich. In this episode Craig explains what he expects his assistants to bring to the job, Jimmy remembers the fear he had of the assistant manager at Manchester United when he was a 16 year old and he takes us back to the Olympic Stadium in Munich and what happened at half time
What makes a manager want to go and coach in the most militarised zone in the world? Craig and Amy are joined by former Rangers, Aberdeen and Leeds United player David Robertson about managing Real Kashmir. Davie describes winter training Kashmir style, his struggles to sign players and just what happens when your owner forgets to book a bus to training. Plus Craig recounts his experiences of managing players from different cultures and one particular story about how a former manager dealt with a player who couldn't understand English.
Phil Brown has managed in every league in England which means unfortunately he has been sacked from every league in England. The former Hull City* gaffer joins Craig and Amy to share his experiences of getting the chop.
What's it like getting sacked? Do you know that it's coming? and can you change the chairman's mind?
Craig reveals what was said when he got the boot from Leicester, Phil tells us that he never believed he'd get the sack - and how quickly that belief was challenged and Amy shares her experiences of a manager 'bringing the job home’.
*we also ask about THAT team talk :-D
Captain Blood himself - former Motherwell, Inverness Caley Thistle and Hibernian manager plus former England Captain Terry Butcher joins Craig and Amy to discuss just what is needed to be a great leader on the pitch. The two former managers discuss the qualities you are looking for when picking a captain, Craig reveals why perhaps he only managed to captain the Scottish national side just the once and Terry talks about the honour when Sir Bobby Robson asked him to captain England at the World Cup in Italy in 1990.
Mixu Paatelainen and Craig Levein's management careers have a few parallels. Both started at Cowdenbeath FC, both managed Dundee United and both have managed their countries. So Mixu joined Craig and Amy back where it started, in the board room at Central Park, Cowdenbeath to take a look at the life of an international manager. We find out what a manager gets up to in between international fixtures, Mixu recalls the time he led Finland against the World Champions and Craig talks about the time a player pulled out of his squad because he claimed he was fatigued...and how Craig knew that wasn't true!
He led Wycombe Wanderers to a League Cup Semi Final against Chelsea and took Norwich City from League Two to 10th in the Premier League and we bet that he bawled and shouted at a fair few referees along the way. Paul Lambert joins Craig Levein and Amy Irons to take a look at the men in the middle. Do managers have any sympathy for the officials? Have they ever apologised for getting it wrong?
Paul reveals what happened when he ran into the referees room to complain about an assistant ref, only to see him sitting in the corner, Craig tells us about the time he refused to pay a fine for criticising the official and Amy ponders whether it's worse being the 4th Official rather than the man in charge.
Over 1500 matches in the dugout and 34years in the game Arbroath manager Dick Campbell has been there and done it. Currently the manager of the highest placed part-time team in Scotland he has worked wonders on one of the smallest budgets imaginable. Craig and Amy explore with Dick what it's like to manage a team on a shoestring. Craig reveals what changed about Cowdenbeath in the years between him being there as a player and starting there as a manager, Dick shares the words of wisdom Sir Alex Ferguson gave him about management (and his eye-opening response) plus Amy "borrows" a game from BBC Radio 4 as we play "Desert Island Dick"
A man who has been in football management since 1983, former Tottenham Hotspur, Portsmouth and Queens Park Rangers manager Harry Redknapp joins Amy Irons and Craig Levein to dive into the murky world of football transfers. Harry reveals which player refused to play because he was given the number 16 and which free transfer remains to this day the best bit of transfer business he did. Recorded in Tynecastle Park, home of Heart of Midlothian, Craig reveals the prank played on him in the dressing room when he signed as a teenager and Amy plays 'Play your Transfer Window Cards Right' with Harry. Can he remember who cost more, Peter Crouch or Jermain Defoe?
The man who turned talking to the press into an art form, former Blackpool gaffer Ian Holloway joins Craig Levein and Amy Irons to discuss dealing with the media. Ian talks about the time when he invited a journalist into the dressing room to apologise to his defence, Craig reveals when a Scotland player leaked his team to the papers and Amy asks who said it, Ian Holloway or Ted Lasso.
The former Stoke City gaffer joins Craig Levein and Amy Irons to discuss what it takes to get the most out of a team of players. Including incredible stories about the time Ricardo Fuller left for a Jamaican international that didn’t exist, with Stoke’s biggest game of the season around the corner. Craig Levein reveals the time he tried to teach a player a lesson by locking him in a cupboard and we hear if managers ever intentionally set out to wind up their opposite number.
SACKED IN THE MORNING, YOU’RE GETTING SACKED IN THE MORNING What’s it like to hear that sung? Craig Levein & Amy Irons lift the lid on the stresses & joys of football management.