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.
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.
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 annoyed The 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.
Legendary goalkeeper Alan Rough on World Cups, wages and Ben Doak.
Taskmaster Alex Horne on promotion, job swaps and the joys of non-league football.
