Ross Oliver has been a central figure in Linfield’s footballing success over the last decade, working closely alongside manager David Healy to build a formidable partnership on and off the pitch. With league titles, youth development achievements, and new coaching opportunities with West Ham United, I sat down with him as he reflects on theContinue reading “Ross Oliver on Building Success at Linfield and Working Alongside David Healy and George McCartney”
Author Archives: Callum McFadden
Luis Filipe Gonçalves on Working With Cristiano Ronaldo at Youth Level
Luis Filipe Gonçalves spent over a decade nurturing young talent at Sporting Clube de Portugal’s famed academy, where he witnessed the rise of one of football’s greatest players. Here, he reflects on his time working with a young Cristiano Ronaldo and shares insights into the early signs of promise and the dedication that set RonaldoContinue reading “Luis Filipe Gonçalves on Working With Cristiano Ronaldo at Youth Level”
Adam Lakeland on Turning Around King’s Lynn, His Managerial Journey To Date and His Ambition to Rise Through the Ranks
From early success at Curzon Ashton and Farsley Celtic to leading King’s Lynn Town into the play-off mix, Adam Lakeland is one of non-league football’s most impressive young managers. I spoke to him about how he reflects on his journey so far and his vision for the future. You arrived at King’s Lynn Town inContinue reading “Adam Lakeland on Turning Around King’s Lynn, His Managerial Journey To Date and His Ambition to Rise Through the Ranks”
Kevin Stirling on Sir Alex Ferguson and Aberdeen’s Golden Era
What factors contributed to Aberdeen FC’s unprecedented success under Sir Alex Ferguson between 1978 and 1986? “The foundations were laid by Ally MacLeod and later strengthened by Billy McNeill between 1975 and 1978. During this period, several key players were brought in, including Gordon Strachan, Steve Archibald, Stuart Kennedy, and Joe Harper. By the timeContinue reading “Kevin Stirling on Sir Alex Ferguson and Aberdeen’s Golden Era”
Chris Lee on Irish Football and his new book ‘Shades of Green’
When reading the book, it is clear that a lot of meticulous research went into the writing process. Were there any particular interviews or discoveries that surprised you or changed your perspective on Irish football? “For example, the book is structured chapter by chapter on various facets of the Irish game. “What really fascinated meContinue reading “Chris Lee on Irish Football and his new book ‘Shades of Green’”
Stuart King on Life Post Carrick Rangers, Working in the Media & His Desire to Return
You left Carrick Rangers in October after four years in charge. How do you reflect on your departure and taking some time out of the game? “In all honesty, my departure probably came at the right time. When I look back, I probably should have gone in the summer instead of waiting until 10Continue reading “Stuart King on Life Post Carrick Rangers, Working in the Media & His Desire to Return”
Lee Bullen on Playing Abroad, Sheffield Wednesday, Managing Ayr United & His Next Steps
You started your career at Dunfermline Athletic and later returned to East End Park as an established player. What was it like coming through the system at the club and then working under Jimmy Calderwood? “I loved my time as a young player at Dunfermline. I was fortunate to be part of a Scottish BPContinue reading “Lee Bullen on Playing Abroad, Sheffield Wednesday, Managing Ayr United & His Next Steps”
Paddy McLaughlin on Glenavon Impact and Striving for Continual Improvement
You took over as Glenavon manager in November with the club sitting in 11th place and in the relegation playoff position. As we speak now – in mid February – you are in 9th place and 11 points clear of 11th place. What do you put the improvement of fortunes under your management down to?Continue reading “Paddy McLaughlin on Glenavon Impact and Striving for Continual Improvement”
Robbie Horn On Bonnyrigg Rose, Managing in the SPFL & His Next Step
How do you reflect on your time away from the game since leaving Bonnyrigg Rose in 2024 – both in watching matches and preparing for your return? “I’m not going to lie—it was incredibly tough. Leaving the club was hard, especially after such a long and successful affiliation. Considering where we came from—leaving theContinue reading “Robbie Horn On Bonnyrigg Rose, Managing in the SPFL & His Next Step”
Jamie McGowan on Falkirk Memories & Playing Against Larsson & Laudrup
You were born in Morecambe, yet the majority of your football career has been rooted in Scotland. What initially drew you to Scottish football, and what made you stay? “Well, I had a couple of trials. I was at Hearts and Rangers on trial and quite enjoyed it up here. I also had a trialContinue reading “Jamie McGowan on Falkirk Memories & Playing Against Larsson & Laudrup”
Callum McFadden 