Owen Coyle returns to chat about Premier League management, tales from deadline day, his relationship with some of the game's top bosses and thoughts on topics including St. Johnstone's double-winning campaign, Kilmarnock's relegation and Jonny Tuffey's shootout dismissal.
Northern Ireland futsal international Heather Mearns joins me for an in-depth chat about her career. We cover NI's history-making first competitive win last week in Lithuania, discuss the different sporting opportunities for young girls today compared to when she was looking to break through, assess the progress of the Women's Premiership, reflect on her football journey with Crusaders Strikers and find out about her coaching work.
TV & Radio legend Frank Mitchell talks to Michael about everything from where he got his name from to the sporting event that brought a tear to his eye plus they discuss iconic shows, big breaks and advice for budding broadcasters.
Gareth Maguire is CEO and Co-Founder of Sport Changes Life, Ireland's most-capped basketball player and also my former PE teacher. We discuss his journey, from a tough childhood to helping kids for a living and passing on the basketball bug to his daughters after a successful playing career.
During this podcast we share thoughts on integrated education, reflect on growing up during The Troubles and recall the Harlem Globetrotters coming to Carrickfergus.
In Part One of our in-depth conversation, Owen Coyle discusses growing up in the Gorbals in Glasgow, how football was a shared passion in the family and how his father played a big role in helping him choose his first club.
Over the course of this interview we hear tales of his playing days and find out about how he overcame different challenges in his career which have informed how he manages to this day.
We chat about the different clubs he's been at, his experiences in the Premier League, and discover how life in India in has treated him, which included forming a bio-bubble to complete the league due to Covid-19.
IFA Head of Elite Performance Alfie Wylie joins me to discuss the journey Northern Ireland women's football team has been on ahead of their 2 massive matches v Ukraine. Wylie reflects on his 15 years as women's senior boss and the development of the women's game domestically and internationally.
Northern Ireland and Motherwell 'keeper Trevor Carson provides a frank and honest look into his career, from the moment he knew his time at Sunderland had come to an end to the immense pride of making his Northern Ireland debut and finally being added to the mural in his hometown of Killyleagh.
We discover the massive influence his grandfather has played in his life, his determination to bounce back from injury, a serious health issue he suffered in recent years, and he also bravely opens up about overcoming a devastating gambling addiction.
Our conversation is littered with witty anecdotes about former managers and teammates including Roy Keane, Lee Cattermole and Kyle Lafferty to name a few.
Alan Keegan has been Manchester United's stadium announcer for over 20 years, working with iconic figures such as Sir Alex Ferguson, Roy Keane, David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo. In this episode we discover what it's like to be "the Voice of Old Trafford" and the journey Alan has been on to land his dream job at his boyhood club. Along the way we hear stories about United legends, learn about his involvement with the FIFA video game series and find out about his Irish family roots, which have been a major influence in his life.
Irish League legend Daryl Fordyce chats about his Gibson Cups, goals and teaching Canadians how to slabber. How did the Sandy Row boy end up at Glentoran at 20? What was it like swapping the East Belfast outfit for city rivals Linfield? How does life in Canada compare to back in Belfast? We find out the answer to these questions and learn about his own Irish League heroes, experiences playing under different managers and advice for young players considering a move outside of the UK.
Burnley COO Matt Williams chats to Michael over 2 days in this bumper edition discussing the various roles he has held in football, from helping sign the best players for Sean Dyche to memories of interviewing Ian Holloway for the Blackpool job and a revealing discussion about what went on behind the scenes during their incredible promotion to the Premier League.
We also find out about his longstanding friendship with a certain Irish League manager and ask what PL clubs are looking for when it comes to scouting talent from these shores.
UFC commentator John Gooden talks about his journey in broadcasting, what's it like covering big fight nights and working with stars from Dan Hardy to Conor McGregor. He opens up about the challenges of the job and shares stories from his travels, so whether you're an aspiring broadcaster looking to pick up tips or just want to know more about the man behind the mic this interview is full of great insight that will bring you closer to understanding the skill set and sacrifices required to work at that level.
Claire McLaughlin discusses the difficult but rewarding balancing act of being an international rugby player and a junior doctor in the NHS. We talk about facing pressure, overcoming setbacks and her current battle back from injury plus family, farm-life and her upcoming wedding.
What's it like to work for clubs such as Liverpool, Ajax and RB Leipzig? Thomas Gronnemark is a man who knows how that feels. On this episode we learn about how his unique coaching skills caught the attention of some of Europe's top teams and how his own sporting career and natural curiosity led him to breaking a World Record and become a world-famous throw-in coach.
Charlton Athletic's Lead Youth Development Coach Rhys Williams talks about his experiences at Super Cup NI, his coaching journey, the mentality, philosophy and tough decisions that form who he is as a Coach and his pride in seeing players reach their potential.
