Just before Real Madrid play in the Copa Del Rey – the start of an avalanche of romantic and unpredictable football in this incomparable competition – here are some of the many reasons why I can’t take my eyes from it. This one goes out to my friend and colleague, Simon Hanley, who we lost on December 31, his 60th birthday.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

ESPN Weekly: Tales from the Rebel Cup – or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Copa Del Rey

Graham Hunter one-on-one with the biggest names in football. Premier League stars, Champions League winning managers, World Cup winners. There are over 100 interviews here and if you're serious about soccer, you have to listen to the Big Interview.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Today’s story comes from Charlie Nicholas, who relates how Arsenal might have been the wrong choice, but it beat moving to Manchester United under Ron Atkinson – the man with the golden toothpick.  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 Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast     Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

BITESIZE | Charlie Nicholas: Ron Atkinson’s Toothpick

Here’s another chance to hear my interview with John Collins from season two. During his time in France, John underwent a technical and tactical revolution, but his marginal gains approach to self-improvement started in his teens. How else could a skinny kid from Galashiels get the chance to line up alongside George Best in only his second professional game?  Also in part two: Petit, Zidane, rugby, more on sweeper keepers and what that cheeky wink to the camera meant before Scotland played Brazil in the opening game of the 1998 World Cup in Paris. Subscribe to The Big Interview YouTube channel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Classic Big Interview: John Collins Part Two

Here’s another chance to hear my interview with John Collins from season two. John’s career was shaped by his move from Celtic to Monaco in 1996, where he played alongside a couple of promising youngsters named Thierry Henry and David Trezeguet. John tells us how the two French internationalists carried the hamper at every away game in the season prior to winning the World Cup. Also in part one, brilliant insights into the development of young footballers. Subscribe to The Big Interview YouTube channel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Classic Big Interview: John Collins Part One

Today’s story comes from Gordon Strachan, who declares that you don’t need a sports psychologist if you’ve got a man manager like Sir Alex Ferguson in charge. Listen to the classic episode: Classic Big Interview: Gordon Strachan - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

BITESIZE | Gordon Strachan: Fergie’s Mind Games

Today’s story comes from Gaizka Mendieta, who speaks about his passion for DJing and how he once met his hero Lou Reed, the Johan Cruyff of music. Listen to the original full episode: Gaizka Mendieta: Practice makes perfect - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

ESPN Weekly: Tales from the Rebel Cup – or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Copa Del Rey

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