The Big Interview

In part two of my engrossing chat with Jan Age Fjortoft we hear about how the Norwegian lost three Austrian Cup finals when playing for Rapid Vienna. There’s great stuff about scoring during the last minute of the 1998-99 season to keep Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga. And we speak about Norway’s attacking geniuses Martin Odegaard and especially Erling Haaland, potentially the best striker in the world.

You might remember Jan Age Fjortoft from the 1990s as a formidable striker for the likes of Swindon, Middlesbrough and Sheffield United, but nowadays this erudite man grabs the likes of Jose Mourinho, Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp for post-match television interviews.

The Norwegian gives us fascinating insights into the art of interviewing, telling us how he draws players and coaches away from the tired cliches into revealing their vulnerabilities, their true self.

Also in part one: Doing battle with Roy Keane.

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.

In part two of my fascinating conversation with Mark Hateley, we hear how his success with Portsmouth and England led to a transfer to the mighty AC Milan. Coach Nils Liedholm was an incredible influence as Mark improved and scored a famous winner in the first victory over Inter in six years – after which he was a hit with the Ultras forevermore.

Graeme Souness signed Mark for Rangers where after a slow start a glittering era awaited, especially once he had bulked up and formed his irresistible partnership with the prolific Ally McCoist.

Mark Hateley’s new autobiography Hitting The Mark brilliantly defines the extraordinary career of a truly great British centre-forward.

In part one of an in-depth, fascinating Big Interview, Mark tells us how trying to better his late father Tony – himself a successful striker – was his major motivation as he relentlessly drove himself to improve.

His father was furious that Mark chose a move from Coventry down a division to Portsmouth. But the gamble paid off with 24 goals in his first season at Pompey, and he also enjoyed success with England including a winning goal against Brazil in the Maracana.