Author: neil

Here’s another chance to hear my Big Interview with Ryan Fraser from season four.

When I caught up with my fellow Aberdonian, life was a beach under Eddie Howe at Bournemouth. Ryan has since moved on to Newcastle United, and perhaps it was fated that Eddie has ended up at St James’ Park, too. We heard how Eddie made his charges better players – and men, and how team-bonding incorporated everything from golf to paddle boarding.

Ryan is an incredibly versatile player and is able to analyse the beautiful game with great clarity. He told us about some of his best performances in a Cherries jersey, including defensive heroics against Eden Hazard and the towering Peter Crouch.

Chapi Ferrer tells us how Ronald Koeman was the biggest personality in Barcelona’s ‘Dream Team’, a mentally tough character who was Johan Cruyff’s extension on the pitch. Also in part two, you’ll hear about the full-back’s heartbreak when he was let go by his beloved Barca, but how success at Chelsea beckoned. And there’s great stuff about Barca Legends coach Chapi’s philosophy and ambitions.

Chapi Ferrer was the classy right-back for Johan Cruyff’s ‘Dream Team’ who won Barcelona’s first European Cup in 1992. It was a miracle that Chapi played that famous night – let alone that he efficiently marked Sampdoria legend Roberto Mancini – because he had recently suffered torn cruciate ligaments and gastroenteritis. But the moment he stepped onto the Wembley turf he felt strong and focussed, and history awaited. To cap it off, a few weeks later Chapi won Olympic gold in his beloved Nou Camp.

Here’s another chance to hear my second Big Interview with Kevin Bridges from season four.

We hear about Celtic fan Kevin’s adoration for Henrik Larsson, what it felt like to get his phone number and how he can’t rewatch the 2003 UEFA Cup Final because of Henke’s despair at winning just a runners-up medal.

As well as being one of the world’s funniest guys, Kevin is a genuine football connoisseur and there’s great stuff about his love for La Liga. His eyes lit up when I mentioned Ronaldo; no, not Cristiano, but the original and in some people’s eyes best, Brazilian, Ronaldo.

Welcome to our Big Interview Icons series where we shine a light on a legend whose name has lit up some of the conversations I’ve had with my guests over the years. This episode focuses on Paul Scholes.

Michael Carrick describes how when he arrived at Manchester United he was slated for passing to midfield colleague Paul too often – but why wouldn’t you utilise the talents of one of England’s greatest-ever players?

Another former Old Trafford team-mate, Owen Hargreaves, rated Scholesy so highly – not least his game intelligence – that he places him in the pantheon of true footballing greats.

Darren Fletcher says that Paul was technically one of the best players of all time, so much so that the Scotsman had to redefine his own role as a midfielder at Man United.

Quinton Fortune says it was sheer joy playing with Scholes, who he believes taught World Cup winner Paul Pogba everything he knows.