Madrid v Milan is one of European football’s royal occasions. But last night we didn’t quite see the real thing. I’ve seen this a few times this season. A Madrid team wearing the scars of overload and the badge of burnout. Throw in key absences including Thibaut Courtois, Toni Kroos and Dani Carvajal and the scene was set for Milan’s show-stealing …

Hola We were planning a video on this weekend’s Spanish football, but it did not feel right in light of the devastation caused by the floods in Valencia. If you want to donate, LALIGA is supporting the Red Cross in the emergency caused by the DANA. click this link This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or…

As I leave Berlin - the city of Jesse Owens, David Bowie and now Lamine Yamal - I’m recording this final report from Euro 2024, where I have been embedded once more with the Spain team. I saw the treble winners of 2008-12 up close too, and they may not have a prime Iniesta or Xavi, but in their own way I think this team is just as good. Some of the…

I hope you enjoy this latest update from Germany, as Spain and I depart Donaueschingen, where they have trained and relaxed and prepared for the mesmeric performances you've been watching in this tournament. These reports are also available - for free - at my new Substack, the link is coming up. If you subscribe to this site, you'll receive regular…

This is my first post on Substack - the new home for my reporting on Spanish football. I hope as many of you as possible will subscribe to receive all my work to your email inbox - for the time being, I’m choosing to make this entirely free of charge. Today you have a choice - listen to this short podcast on the 16-year-old who has lit up the Euros…

Today’s story comes from Michael O’Neill, who describes how he kindled the team spirit in his Northern Ireland squad. Listen to the classic versions of the original episodes: Classic Big Interview: Michael O’Neill Part One - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Classic Big Interview: Michael O’Neill Part Two - The Big Interview with Graham …

Here’s another chance to hear my interview with Craig Gordon from season two. This was a fascinating discussion about Craig’s remarkable campaign at Celtic, during which he proved he could play out from the back – even at the Camp Nou. We also talked about the devastating injury which kept the Scotland No1 out of the game for two years. Craig revea…

Today’s story comes from Terry Butcher, who describes his favourite Iron Maiden gig – when the England, Ipswich and Rangers legend actually performed on stage with the heavy rockers. Listen to the original full episode: Terry Butcher: Beattie, Banter & Sir Bobby - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy f…

Today’s story comes from Joe Jordan, who reminisces about the sheer genius of Celtic legend Jimmy Johnstone. Listen to the classic versions of the original episodes: Classic Big Interview: Joe Jordan Part One - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Classic Big Interview: Joe Jordan Part Two - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Host…

Here’s another chance to hear my interview with Peter Crouch from season two. Peter was a footballer who played with an accomplished technical ability and a sense of fun which made him a joy to watch. He was so much more than a good touch for a big man. In this Big Interview we discover learning the game using the Coerver Method, some of his best s…

Today’s story comes from Peter Beardsley, who expresses his love for Tino Asprilla, an extraordinary footballer and one of the funniest and most eccentric men ever to have played the game. Listen to the classic versions of the original episodes: Classic Big Interview: Peter Beardsley Part One - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Classic B…

Today’s story comes from Jody Morris, who describes his protracted exit from his boyhood heroes Chelsea. Listen to the classic versions of the original episodes: Classic Big Interview: Jody Morris Part One - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Classic Big Interview: Jody Morris Part Two - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted…

Here’s another chance to hear part two of my interview with Chris Sutton from season two. Chris had the pick of every top team in England in 1994, but it was upwardly mobile Blackburn that took him from Norwich for a British record transfer fee of £5 million. Paired with Alan Shearer in the famous SAS partnership, Chris helped Rovers win the 1994/9…

Here’s another chance to hear my interview with Chris Sutton from season two. Chris uses the word ‘character’ a lot and explains how his was forged – from an initial rejection from Norwich City to his dad’s boot camp approach to physical fitness to an uncompromising youth team coach at Carrow Road. Also in part one: Sri Lankan cricketer Ravi Pushpa…

Today’s story comes from Terry Butcher, who describes trying to keep a straight face when Bobby Robson was scolding him, while Gazza was making funny faces at him in the background. Listen to the original full episode: Terry Butcher: Beattie, Banter & Sir Bobby - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy fo…

Today’s story comes from Charlie Nicholas, who relates how his Celtic hero Danny McGrain used to pick him up in the mornings – to the amazement of his pals. Listen to the original full episodes: Classic Big Interview: Charlie Nicholas Part One - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Classic Big Interview: Charlie Nicholas Part Two - The Big …

Here’s another chance to hear my interview with Mark Noble from season two. In part two, we hear how Mark grew up with a football field (almost) for a back garden. Mark talks about running out at Upton Park, and the final game there, against Manchester United under the lights. We also hear about the Legacy Foundation, which Mark founded alongside t…

Here’s another chance to hear my interview with Mark Noble from season two. Mark starred in the midfield at his beloved West Ham United for most of his senior career. In part one, you’ll hear about his ice-cool prowess as a penalty-taker – he once scored two in an epic shootout against the Netherlands in the semi-finals of the European Under-21 Cha…

Today’s story comes from Gordon Strachan, who declares that the team that wins together does not necessarily have to drink together. Listen to the original full episode: Classic Big Interview: Gordon Strachan - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you …

Today’s story comes from Peter Beardsley, who tells the incredible tale of how he ended up - briefly - at Manchester United, courtesy of George Best. Listen to the classic versions of the original episodes: Classic Big Interview: Peter Beardsley Part One - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Classic Big Interview: Peter Beardsley Part Two …

Today’s story comes from Darren Fletcher, who explains what it was like to miss the 2009 Champions League final in which Manchester United took on Barcelona’s greatest side. Listen to the original full episode: The Big Interview with Darren Fletcher - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more infor…

Here’s another chance to hear my interview with Neil Lennon from season two. This second part is the audience Q&A section of the live fundraising event for Ardgowan Hospice organised by actor and friend of the Big Interview Martin Compston. There are great responses from Neil about player development and the most talented managers in football today…

Today’s story comes from Joe Jordan, who describes the revolutionary preparations undertaken by Leeds United’s legendary manager Don Revie. Listen to the classic versions of the original episodes: Classic Big Interview: Joe Jordan Part One - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Classic Big Interview: Joe Jordan Part Two - The Big Interview …

Today’s story comes from Terry Butcher, who describes how his former Ipswich team-mate Kevin Beattie could have been one of the all-time England greats and was a legend off the pitch. Listen to the original full episode: Terry Butcher: Beattie, Banter & Sir Bobby - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy …

Today’s story comes from Michael Carrick, who explains how his nickname ‘Havoc’ originated in a war game which some of the Manchester United stars would indulge in while on long hauls abroad. It could get a bit too competitive at times, but overall it was excellent for team bonding. Listen to a classic versions of the original episodes: Classic Big…