The Big Interview

Jimmy Bullard’s on-field and latterly on-screen personality is that of an easy-going joker, but that is only a conscious extension of his true self. He is also a brilliant soccer analyst, and as a talented midfielder he was frustrated by English football’s failure to adopt the Continental passing game. Roy Hodgson was the only manager who understood him. He’s glad to see things changing, thanks mainly to the influence of Pep.

When he joined West Ham the club was full of crazy personalities, not least Paulo Di Canio and John Moncur. Paulo had such charisma that he changed the culture of the entire club.

Oh – and there’s brilliant stuff about Soccer AM, and Jimmy gives us an incredible behind-the-scenes insight into creating magical television.

Enjoy

Graham.

Thanks to the wonders of modern telecommunications, I caught up with Jimmy Bullard and found a man who had been well prepared for lockdown. Jimmy needs meditative pursuits – fishing, golf and landscape gardening, and his sense of detail was also applied to his fledgling footballing career to pave the way for successful spells with, notably, Wigan, Fulham and Hull.

Jimmy used to peel potatoes and paint ceilings for a living. When he was signed from Gravesend & Northfleet by his boyhood heroes West Ham United, it was real Roy of the Rovers stuff.

Jimmy adored Zizou, and loved the arthouse movie Zidane: A 21st Century Portrait, but when he watched the featured game, Real Madrid versus Villarreal, he was keen-eyed enough to recognise the another genius on the pitch that day, Juan Román Riquelme. He became his hero.

Dear friends, I hope that this superb Big Interview helps relieve your isolation.

Enjoy.

Graham.

Last season, our Socios at patreon.com/grahamhunter got an exclusive interview with Shaun Maloney. For the first time, here’s the full episode.

Want to hear what it feels like to set up the winning goal in the FA Cup final? In part two, Shaun recalls Wigan’s famous David v Goliath victory at Wembley over Manchester City in 2013. There’s also praise for the fabulous Kieran Tierney, current left-back at Celtic, who Shaun played for during two illustrious spells, and a description of Shaun’s sublime goal for Scotland against the Republic of Ireland. Shaun talks about working with amazing talents such as Eden Hazard and Vincent Kompany at Belgium, and offers insights into just why they are the No1 FIFA ranked side in the world, due to their 100% commitment, mentality and superb team spirit.

If you would prefer not to wait 12 months to listen to these extra interviews, it’s time to become a Socio at patreon.com/grahamhunter

Last season, our Socios at patreon.com/grahamhunter got an exclusive interview with Shaun Maloney. For the first time, here’s the full episode.

What can you say about Shaun Maloney? He is a humble, quietly intelligent man. He was a superbly gifted player who won silverware in the hoops of Celtic and the FA Cup with Wigan. He is a man whose footballing nous is so astute that he now helps his former Athletic boss Roberto Martinez at Belgium. Oh, and he’s a fellow Aberdonian. I bet you never knew that as a youth, he was one of the shining lights of Scotland’s tennis world during an era when the Murray brothers’ names were being uttered in excited whispers. However Shaun had no regrets about choosing football and talks about thriving under Martinez’s enlightened, attacking formation at Wigan. He also speaks about how in 2012 he scored to defeat Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United, a victory that galvanised the Latics’ players to attain Premier League survival.

If you would prefer not to wait 12 months to listen to these extra interviews, it’s time to become a Socio at patreon.com/grahamhunter

In part two, Tony Currie talks more about his lengthy love affair with Sheffield United. But he would sign for their Yorkshire rivals Leeds when most of the talent assembled by Don Revie was still at Elland Road. There was no love lost between Tony and Revie – as England boss the renowned manager didn’t take to him.

Tony also shares his thoughts on the current heady days for Chris Wilder’s side. And there’s brilliant chat about his best goal – for Leeds at Arsenal, how he knocked back Manchester United to stay at Bramall Lane, and how he risked life and limb on legendary BBC programme Superstars – they sure don’t make ’em like that anymore!

Thanks, Tony.

Graham.