This week on The Football Journals, I'm joined by one of the Highland game's most respected and decorated midfielders, Dale Gillespie

From coming through the youth ranks at Caley, to spells with Elgin City, Nairn County, and Rothes, Dale's football journey eventually led him to Brora Rangers, where he became a true club legend and played a pivotal role in one of the most successful eras in the club's history.

We chat about his career, the highs and lows of Highland League football, unforgettable matches, including the famous Scottish Cup win against Hearts, dressing room stories, the managers and teammates who shaped his journey, and what it meant to represent every club he played for.

Whether you're a fan of Highland League football, Scottish football, or simply enjoy hearing the stories behind the local game, this is an episode you won't want to be missing!

In this episode of The Football Journals, I'm joined by one of the most successful managers in Highland League history, Gregg Carrol.

Gregg reflects on an incredible managerial journey that saw him transform Deveronvale, Buckie Thistle, and Huntly, building title winning teams and leaving a lasting legacy at every club. During his career, he guided Deveronvale to two historic Highland League championships, the first league titles in the club's history, and later ended Buckie Thistle's 52 year wait for a Highland League title before successfully defending the championship the following season. Along the way, he collected numerous domestic honours, including league titles, Aberdeenshire Cups and other major Highland League silverware, cementing his reputation as one of the game's great managers.

We discuss:

• How he built championship winning squads.

• The secrets behind sustained success in the Highland League.

• Memorable players, fierce rivalries and unforgettable matches.

• The highs, the pressures and the sacrifices of football management.

• His time at Huntly and the lessons learned throughout an extraordinary career.

Whether you're a lifelong Highland League supporter or simply love hearing the stories behind football's most respected figures, this is a fascinating conversation with a manager whose impact on the game in the north of Scotland is impossible to overstate.

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This week we were joined by former Celtic, Montrose, Elgin, Keith and Vale winger Sean Keith. Lee was of course delighted to finally get someone who has been at Celtic at some point in their football career! From playing with a young Si Ferry in a talented Celtic youth team to playing alongside his brother in a fantastic Keith side. It was great to look back on seans storied career and chat through some of his best times in football. Still playing amateurs to this day as well, the love of the game never stops!

In what is sadly our last world cup special episode ( Thanks Steve Clarke!) we discuss Scotland demise from the tournament, what could have Clarke done differently and whos next in line for the job next. In what has been a great tournament so far we also looked at the stars producing for the nations and who could potentially go on to be the best player in the tournament. Our usual guest episodes return on 6th of July

In Part 2 of this episode—recorded live on Friday, June 19th—the team breaks down the massive, high-stakes matchup as Scotland prepares to go toe-to-toe with Morocco. Can the Tartan Army unlock the Atlas Lions, or will Morocco's tactical discipline prove too much?
We dig deep into the tactical previews, predicted lineups, and exactly what Scotland needs to do to keep their World Cup dream alive. Plus, we look back at the biggest talking points and drama from the opening week's fixtures.
Recorded: Friday, 19th June 2026.

We're taking a break from our usual format for a couple of weeks as we look at the world cup 2026! Its been 28 years since Scotland were last in the competition so we looked at Scotland's chances of actually making it out of the group stages, some players to look out for during the tournament, potential top scorers and surprise dark horses for the competition. Another episode covering the latest world cup games coming later in the week!

Back in the studio this week for a brilliant chat with Keith FC stalwart Charlie Simpson, a true Kynoch Park legend and a man with an incredible depth of knowledge and passion for the club.

We take a deep dive into the rich history of Keith FC, reflecting on some of the club’s most successful Highland League eras, iconic teams, and unforgettable characters from years gone by. Charlie shares fantastic stories from his time around the club and gives a real insight into what makes Keith such a special football community.

We also turn our attention to the present day, discussing the current side under Craig Ewen, who continue to impress with their form and ambition this season.

A must-listen for Highland League fans and anyone who loves hearing the stories behind Scotland’s historic clubs.

This week we were joined an official partner of the podcast, Moray and Banff referee association. We spoke to Harry, Stuart and Megan on all things refereeing, their own journeys behind the whistle. This episode is a great insight into just what life is like behind the whistle and the fantastic opportunities being a referee has brought them. We were also promoting the upcoming national referee course which is looking for applicants from across Scotland at all levels . A fantastic opportunity to get involved in officiating at all levels. A thoroughly enjoyable episode with the 3 of them and we look forward to helping promote their association over the coming years to try and build the local game. Just remember without referees, we don’t have a game!

In episode 67 of The Football Journals, I sit down to chat with former Buckie Thistle chairman Mark Duncan. I have been covering the Buckie Thistle back to back HL triumphs era on the podcast for a while now, with many names from that squad appearing on the show the last couple of years. Having read Mark's book recently, on the success of the club at the time, it was time to get a man who had a massive part to play in building that success in to tell his story.

An incredibly interesting conversation on the ins and outs of the period where Buckie Thistle achieved what they hadn't in 52 years by winning the Highland League. Mark talks to me about coming when were Buckie were struggling, the process of rebuilding and progressing the club, the eras of Kevin Will, Duncan Shearer and Greg Carrol, and of course the success that eventually came that was historic for Buckie at the time, and that has lead to the club continuing to be a competitive force in the Highland League to this day, post Mark's involvement.

Episode 66 of The Football Journals features long time Buckie Thistle legend Dezzy Strong, first as a player and now as a coach, coming up to twenty years of service with the club. Dezzy was in to chat to me about his early days at Elgin City, Wick Academy, and his tenure throughout the years at Buckie, including his experience of being involved in the back to back Highland league wins, amongst many other finals and trophy lifts, all the way up to his current role with the club. Thoroughly enjoyable time getting to chat to Dezzy, a man that has so much knowledge of Goalkeeping and Coaching, along with an incredible tenure in The Highland League!