Simo Valakari was speaking to myself and other members of the media in the aftermath of St Johnstone’s defeat to Celtic at Hampden Park. How do you reflect on that? A tough afternoon? “Of course, not the result we wanted, but at the same time, if I reflect on the whole 90 minutes, we prettyContinue reading “Simo Valakari on Facing Relentless Celtic Side and Saints Survival Hopes”
Category Archives: Exclusive interview
Jimmy Thelin Reflects on Semi Final Win Over Hearts and Looks Ahead to Scottish Cup Final
By Callum McFadden from Hampden Park Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin shared his thoughts with myself and a number of journalists following his side’s hard-fought victory in the semifinal, praising the squad’s resilience, tactical maturity, and unity. After a challenging season, the Dons now look forward to a cup final that could mark a historic momentContinue reading “Jimmy Thelin Reflects on Semi Final Win Over Hearts and Looks Ahead to Scottish Cup Final”
Neil Critchley Determined to Make Adjustments and Improve Hearts Next Season
By Callum McFadden from Hampden Park Hearts manager Neil Critchley shared his thoughts with myself and a number of journalists following his side’s disappointing defeat to Aberdeen in the semifinal of the Scottish Cup. After a challenging season, Critchley is keen to have a full pre season with the team and help create happier timesContinue reading “Neil Critchley Determined to Make Adjustments and Improve Hearts Next Season”
Craig Burley on Celtic, Chelsea and Transitioning From Player to Pundit
As a footballer, you won trophies in Scottish football and English football, as well as representing Scotland at major international tournaments. What are your personal highlights from your time as a player? “As a teenager, I dreamed of being a footballer, so the highlight for me has to be the fact that I was ableContinue reading “Craig Burley on Celtic, Chelsea and Transitioning From Player to Pundit”
The Fall and Rise of Leyton Orient: Simon Cooper on Leyton Orient’s Emotional Journey
I spoke to Simon Cooper, author of acclaimed Leyton Orient book ‘The Fall and Rise of Leyton Orient’, to explore the emotional core of the club’s modern history – from tragedy and triumph to identity and looking the future. Your book captures both the heartbreak and triumph of Leyton Orient’s recent history. Was there aContinue reading “The Fall and Rise of Leyton Orient: Simon Cooper on Leyton Orient’s Emotional Journey”
Ross Oliver on Building Success at Linfield and Working Alongside David Healy and George McCartney
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”
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’”
Callum McFadden 