The Back Page

If you've not watched the Andy Murray documentary, Resurfacing, on Amazon Prime, you need to check it out. It's exceptional. Brutally honest and with astonishing access to the man himself. I chatted to tennis commentator and host of The Tennis Podcast, David Law, about how the documentary came together and his thoughts on how Murray came across.

Enjoy

Martin BackPage

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

I’m familiar with Scott’s analytical skills from working with him in television studios, but I had no idea how as a youngster he considered dumping football for becoming a real-life Sherlock Holmes.

Scott laments the obscene wealth offered to young players nowadays, and also the demise of the apprenticeship system which toughened him up for top-division football. However, he has no idea what possessed him to put in a crazy tackle on ultimate tough guy Terry Hurlock during his Charlton debut.

Scott also describes how close he came to signing for Arsenal, before jilting George Graham and the Gunners for city rivals Chelsea.

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

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In part two, Ossie delves into that famous World Cup win in 1978. How legendary manager César Luis Menotti broke the mould in Argentinian coaching by letting his players fully express themselves – Ossie flourished under him. He tells us about how he nearly missed the final against the Netherlands and had to play through the pain barrier due to a foot injury. But it was even worse for the great Leopoldo Luque, who played not only while carrying an injury but who had lost his brother in a road accident during the tournament.

Ossie talks about how his happy time at Tottenham Hotspur suddenly went dark when the Falklands – or Malvinas – War broke out. His cousin was killed early in the conflict, and Ossie felt isolated, abused and rootless in London. But after an unhappy spell in Paris he came back to White Hart Lane and helped Spurs win the UEFA Cup. He also helped mend bridges between Britain and Argentina, and he’s been mending them ever since.

There’s thoughts on Diego versus Lionel, on Mario Kempes, Glenn Hoddle and José Mourinho’s chances at Spurs.

Just a brilliant, fascinating Big Interview.

Graham.

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Ossie Ardiles’ football story is one of the most incredible ever told.

There’s no getting away from it, much of it was played out under a dark political cloud. Some of his friends at university in Argentina’s second city Córdoba where he was studying law were ‘disappeared’ – murdered by their own government. His father-in-law was an officer in the repressive military regime.

But there is also light – plenty of it – in this amazing journey. Ossie is one of the game’s most likeable characters, beloved by Spurs fans, and he was also a remarkable player, a skilful, artful midfield dribbler who won the World Cup with Argentina in 1978.

A favourite theme of Ossie’s is good luck. In part one he tells us how he was fortunate to come from a comfortable background – although his lawyer father thought football was a waste of time! But Ossie was a tough little youngster who sought out game time in the shanty towns in order to sharpen his wits and skills. There’s also chat about his love for Pele and the 1970 Brazilian World Champions – unusual heroes for an Argentine, and how Micky Hazard was every bit a Spurs great.

You will love this Big Interview with this charming, engaging man.

Graham.

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Hola!

It's that time of year again... The Big Interview Oscars. Categories are below.

Thanks for all your support this year and I hope you enjoy this final show of 2019 / first show of 2020.

Graham

p.s. Why not start the new year by becoming a Big Interview Socio? Early access, more content, you get to ask questions of myself and guests... all for the price of a pint in a very cheap pub. Join now.

1. Best player in a leading role – footballer of the year

2. Best player in a supporting role – unsung hero, the guy behind the guy, behind the guy.

3. Best newcomer – the best footballer you had never heard of on December 31, 2018

4. Best director (of football) – manager or a director of football who have taken their club up a level or two this year, or the club you think has had the best year in the transfer market

5. Best picture – the best football photo you’ve seen in 2019

6. Best costume design – that’s the best football kit currently in play

7. Best original screenplay – favourite piece of football writing this year

8. Best adapted screenplay  – favourite broadcast football content this year 

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Here’s another chance to hear my interview with Mark Noble from season two.

Imagine being a childhood fanatic of your local team and then, as an adult, leading them out of the tunnel to glory. West Ham United captain Mark has lived this dream.

As an England under-21, Mark scored TWO penalty kicks in an epic shootout against Holland, an act of taking responsibility typical of this born guv’nor. His philosophy is to lead by example, by always giving 100%. Off the field, Mark also leads by example. An East End boy through and through, he has never forgotten where he came from, co-launching a legacy foundation centred on social housing to help his community.

You’ll also hear about the incredible night when the Hammers said goodbye to their famous Upton Park home by beating Manchester United. And how Mark was eligible to play for Ireland but because his heart was with England – and also because he didn’t want to deny an Irish kid his chance – he chose the Three Lions jersey. Which really is the mark of this noble man.

You do football proud, Mr Noble.

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Steve Perryman’s autobiography A Spur Forever! is a thing of genuine beauty – as, quite frankly, is this Big Interview.

In part two, Steve addresses the myth that he kept Graeme Souness from making it at Tottenham. There’s the fact that Micky Hazard was so underrated – not least by the man himself. And there’s chat about glorious European nights at White Hart Lane (Steve won two UEFA Cups, and scored twice in a semi against AC Milan) and two famous consecutive FA Cup wins.

What was it like returning to Spurs to assist manager Ossie Ardiles, his best pal? Bloody awful is the answer; he couldn’t get over the toxic atmosphere that had poisoned his beloved club. But Steve and Ossie proved their doubters wrong when they headed off to glory in Japan.

This leader of men is also eloquent on his theory of leadership, and tells us which players in today’s Spurs side could have cut the mustard alongside Perryman, Ardiles & Co.

Thanks for the memories, Steve.

Graham

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It's gameday - and here's an emergency podcast previewing an extraordinary Clasico - rescheduled for non-football reasons, the result of which is we get a top-of-the-table shootout between the league's two top goalscorers.

Here's the background to what might happen on the streets of Barcelona today and the men who will decide what happens on the grass.

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This is a short end-of-seaon wrap where we reflect back on season two and recommend a book and a pod from 2019. Oh, and ask you all to leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts!

Have a great festive season.

Martin & Neil

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Steve Perryman’s autobiography A Spur Forever! is a thing of genuine beauty – as, quite frankly, is this Big Interview.

This classy, dynamic footballer starred in scintillating Tottenham Hotspur teams alongside greats such as Alan Gilzean, Martin Chivers, Jimmy Greaves, Alan Mullery and Ossie Ardiles.

Steve played almost his entire career at Spurs, initially under legendary manager Bill Nicholson, a man carved from Yorkshire granite. In part one he tells us how the double-winning coach looked to a teenager starting out his pro career.

Bill gave Steve his debut against the mighty Manchester United and the second part of this episode is a chat about Bobby Charlton, a hero of Steve's, who he played against and would come across again in later life.

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