The Big Interview

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.

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 David Beckham.

When player-assistant at Preston, David Moyes initially didn’t think the young Beckham was strong enough to take on a loan deal from Manchester United. But he was soon filled with admiration for the midfielder’s sheer will to succeed.

Sven-Göran Eriksson speaks about the charismatic presence of Beckham when he steps into a room. When he was the Leicester City boss, the Swede asked the superstar to finish his career in the East Midlands – but Victoria soon put the kybosh on that idea!

When describing the 1999 Champions League final between Manchester United and Bayern Munich, Jamie Carragher argues that Becks’ display that famous night – and his abilities in general – are underrated.

Lastly, former president of Real Madrid, Ramon Calderon, gushes with praise for Becks. During his last season in Spain, instead of sulking and biding his time until his move to LA Galaxy, he gave everything for Real, who won the title by a whisker.

Here’s another chance to hear my Big Interview with James Milner from season four.

You’ll hear about James witnessing great European nights at Leeds from his perspective as a ball boy, and playing in great European nights with Liverpool. Plus, there’s super stuff about the Anfield midfield maestro’s fantastic charitable foundation.

When I spoke with James, his pain from the 2018 Champions League final defeat by Real Madrid was still palpable, but he vowed to channel it so that he could put things right. Little did he know then that he wouldn’t have long to wait.