Ever heard the story about how Alastair Campbell found himself playing football with Diego Maradona? In a fantastic episode, former Downing Street Press Secretary and top podcaster himself Alastair Campbell joins Craig and Amy to chat about leadership. What we didn't expect was to hear how he shared a pitch with arguably the greatest footballer that ever lived, how he was asked to give a team talk to the British Lions Rugby team and he reveals how he broke some bones as a child. CONTAINS SOME ST...
Jun 24, 2025•48 min
**CONTAINS INJURY DETAIL** Former Liverpool striker Dean Saunders joins Craig Levein and Amy Irons for a riotous journey through his career. Get ready for the worst injury he has EVER witnessed and we have EVER heard, what he would do each season to guarantee himself at least 18 goals plus that time he watched Graeme Souness plant a flag into the opposition's centre circle in one of the most heated football matches around the world. As ever we also want to hear from you, got a great story? Most ...
Jun 17, 2025•43 min
After more than 6 months away Craig Levein and Amy Irons are back to reveal when the podcast is returning and just why they've been away so long. A story that involves a trip to A&E, a nativity play and 'Pimp My Ride'...oh the devil makes an appearance too! We also want you to be even more involved in the podcast so we’re expanding our listeners questions to literally anything. Maybe there’s something you have going on in your life and you want advice from Craig? Let us know. Of course we wi...
Jun 15, 2025•10 min
Former Celtic and Everton defender Alan Stubbs on celebrations, making mistakes and Martin O’Neill.
Dec 18, 2024•47 min
West Ham, Leicester and England striker Tony Cottee on team spirit, motivation and playing against his window cleaner.
Dec 11, 2024•47 min
Liverpool and Republic of Ireland midfielder Ray Houghton on luck, Jack Charlton and jogging in the sauna.
Dec 04, 2024•48 min
Legendary goalkeeper Alan Rough on World Cups, wages and Ben Doak.
Nov 27, 2024•48 min
Taskmaster Alex Horne on promotion, job swaps and the joys of non-league football.
Nov 20, 2024•43 min
Arsenal legend Lee Dixon talks imposter syndrome, fighting Dennis Bergkamp and Arsene Wenger's new windows.
Nov 13, 2024•50 min
Liverpool and Republic of Ireland midfielder Jason McAteer talks first loves, regrets and turning down Kenny Dalglish.
Nov 06, 2024•42 min
Brian McClair on his time at Manchester United and Celtic. Choccy talks seagulls, tiddlywinks and avoiding the hairdryer treatment.
Oct 30, 2024•44 min
Legendary striker John Hartson on his time at Arsenal, Celtic and West Ham. Find out why the Welshman thinks the manager is always right, the impact Arsene Wenger had on his eating habits and that time he scared Martin O’Neill. Details of information and support with addiction are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline
Oct 23, 2024•49 min
Alex McLeish on his incredible career in football. Hear about the time Jose Mourinho turned scout for Scotland, find out the text message he keeps sending Sir Alex Ferguson and why he likes the cut of Rangers manager Philippe Clement’s jib.
Oct 16, 2024•43 min
How did the Charlton brothers differ as managers? Liverpool legend Mark Lawrenson is the only footballer to have played for both - he joins Craig and Amy to tell all about their 'chalk and cheese' management styles. As well as that, how did King Kenny Dalglish transform from player to manager, what does he make of current Anfield boss Arne Slot, plus Mark reveals the greatest signing of his short-lived managerial career
Oct 09, 2024•41 min
Scotland stalwarts Stuart McCall and Colin Hendry join Craig and Amy to take a trip back to the summer of 1996. What was the reaction when Scotland was drawn with England? What did the players get up to in between games and just how often is Colin asked about his participation in arguably England's greatest ever goal?
Jun 18, 2024•46 min
In this second part of our interviews with former England coach Chris Powell and Scotland right back Stephen O'Donnell, we look at who will make their starting XI at this year's Euros, Chris tells us just how good Jude Bellingham really is and we find out all about his involvement with Ted Lasso.....plus we ask Stephen about his own venture into acting recently.
Jun 11, 2024•38 min
Former England coach Chris Powell and Scotland right back Stephen O'Donnell join Craig and Amy to take us back to Euro2020 to give us an incredible insight into what it will be like in the Scotland and England Camps this year. Stephen takes us all the way back to that night in Serbia as Scotland qualified for their first tournament in a generation, Chris relives the final and the penalty shootout as England came oh so close to winning it all and they both fill us in on just what Gareth Southgate...
Jun 11, 2024•44 min
Comedians Henning Wehn (QI, Live at the Apollo, 8 Out of 10 Cats) and Mark Nelson (The Good the Bad and The Unexpected) join Craig and Amy to look ahead to the European Championships in Germany this summer. How confident are the Germans ahead of the kick off? Is Mark really thinking about zip wiring into the fan park with his 8 year old son? and just how do you say No Scotland No Party in German?
Jun 04, 2024•45 min
The former Tottenham player joins Craig and Amy to discuss his first steps into the dugout. We hear about his move to Malaga City, coaching when you can't speak the language and how after work visa issues he attempted to coach remotely. Steven also talks very openly about his career and how his gambling addiction impacted him on the pitch and whether he felt able to talk to his manager's about it. Details of information and support with addiction are availableat bbc.co.uk/actionline
May 21, 2024•48 min
West Ham United legend Frank McAvennie joins Craig and Amy for a look back on his career. In a cracking interview he talks us through his start in football and how he nearly signed for Luton Town instead of The Hammers. He also tells us about coming home to Celtic, meeting Maggie Thatcher and the time the West Ham players got the manager hypnotised. And if all of this is not enough of Frank, from 26th May the new series Icons of Football will hit the iPlayer with episode's featuring the man hims...
May 14, 2024•46 min
How on earth did Pat Nevin become both a player and the chief executive at Motherwell FC? Roles that meant he was simultaneously being managed by and was the boss of, the man in the Fir Park dugout. Pat talks us through the job, how the dynamic worked in the dressing room and what he was like around the negotiating table. We also hear the alarming fault he found with the Motherwell pitch, how he ignored his Clyde manager's advice to go interrailing and why it was a godsend that the Chelsea train...
May 07, 2024•46 min
"Hello Barry, what you doing 'ere?" 64 years in the game (twice Amy's age, no really!) and still going strong, the legend that is Barry Fry joins the pod to cram as much of his career into an episode as we possibly can. From scoring against Scotland at Wembley as a schoolboy international to being asked to look after a young George Best. Not to mention hearing about wheeling and dealing, dodgy chairmen and getting arrested on Christmas Day. It's all in this cracking episode and a whole lot more....
Apr 30, 2024•47 min
"I wouldn't say I was the best manager in the business. But I was in the top one." - Brian Clough What was it like working with legendary Nottingham Forest boss Brian Clough? Mark Crossley, the man who was his No.1 during the final years of his career, joins us with some unbelievable tales of their time together. We hear how Cloughie dealt with agents, contract renewals and players who wouldn't play how he wanted. Each story more incredible than the last, this is a must-listen-to episode!...
Apr 23, 2024•47 min
Former QPR boss Gareth 'Wild Thing' Ainsworth joins Craig and Amy to talk about how music is his escape from the stresses of football. He also explains how he managed to stay Wycombe Wanderers' manager for over 10 years, what it was like managing the strongest football player in the world plus Craig Levein sings... no, he really really does.
Apr 16, 2024•47 min
The former Cardiff City, Middlesbrough and Ivory Coast defender joins Craig and Amy to talk about his ambitions to become a boss. Sol also talks about how (and why) he made the move from Paris to Dunfermline, why he was the cause of a fight between Neil Warnock and Nigel Pearson - plus, which of his managers does Amy decide to get on the phone for quick chat?
Apr 09, 2024•47 min
Former Manchester United hero Lee Sharpe joins Amy and Craig to discuss his career and the various managers he played for. From 'murderball' with Cyril Knowles to moving to Old Trafford at age 17. What was it like playing for Sir Alex Ferguson? Does he remember the first time he witnessed the hairdryer and what really happened in the dressing room after THAT moment with Eric Cantona and the fan at Crystal Palace?
Apr 02, 2024•46 min
The Dorking Wanderers story is incredible. Little over 20 years ago they started out playing in the 4th division of the local park leagues. Twelve promotions later they are in the National League and one promotion away from the Football League. Manager and owner Marc White joins Craig and Amy to talk about their incredible story, how they got where they are and his plans for the future.
Mar 27, 2024•44 min
What is Paul Merson's biggest regret of his career? The Arsenal legend reveals all to Craig and Amy plus he explains the differences between George Graham and Arsene Wenger, takes us back to his time in the Walsall dugout, and explains how Glenn Hoddle calmed his nerves when he was facing a World Cup penalty shootout. Paul also talks openly about his addictions and how when it comes to gambling football needs to take it more seriously. Details of information and support with addiction are availa...
Mar 20, 2024•48 min
Craig and Amy bring you festive memories from some of this series' best guests including Neil Warnock, Mick McCarthy and Wrexham's Humphrey Ker, plus Amy has a very special Christmas present for Craig. But could a ghost of Christmas past jeopardise it?
Dec 20, 2023•37 min
The Hull City legend joins Craig and Amy to look back at his career and to talk about his favourite and least favourite managers. We hear about how three red cards in one game was the beginning of the end of his time at Aberdeen, which manager's underwear he covered in Deep Heat plus an event in the dressing room at Oxford United that left us with our jaws on the floor.
Dec 13, 2023•44 min
