Our guests this week aren't afraid of a challenge - whether it's overcoming injuries to succeed, taking a leap of faith at a new opportunity or boldly stepping out of retirement and back onto the pitch.

We have a great, in-depth chat with former Linfield star Paul Smyth ten years on from his Irish League debut. He chats about his favourite memories from the past decade, gives us an insight into his time since returning to QPR and shares his thoughts on Northern Ireland's trip to Italy in March.

Davy McDaid explains why he jumped at the chance to become John Gregg's assistant manager at Portstewart, the emotions before and after his final Glenavon game and the struggles they have faced in recent times.

Plus Ross Redman on why he decided to come out of retirement, how the Annagh Utd move complements his coaching journey and we take a trip down memory lane from some standout moments from his career.

Bangor manager Lee Feeney joins Michael to assess their return to the top flight. Having suffered a recent dip in results he promises they are working hard to improve consistency and meet the demands of the Premiership. Will there be some wheeling and dealing in January? We put the question to him.

Conor Pepper discusses playing and coaching life at Cliftonville, two special events being run next month in memory of Michael Newberry and he shares his hopes of clinching the Co. Antrim Shield with a place in the final earned at Ballymena United's expense earlier this week.

Plus Chris Gallagher will talk about Larne prevailing in the top two clash on Tuesday night to move the Invermen into first position, they've a testing trip to Stangmore Park to navigate on Saturday, while he reflects on nearing two years at the club, last season's European exploits and the impact of Gary Haveron to not just steady the ship but to get the best out of his team.

On this week's episode Michael brings you some huge career news and once again delves into the lives of his brilliant guests.

We're joined by Barnsley midfielder Patrick Kelly, who made his senior international debut on Monday for Northern Ireland. We discuss his time with Coleraine and how he's found the move to England with time at West Ham and Doncaster Rovers before his transfer to The Tykes.

Fred Magee MBE reflects on dedicating over half a century to football in this country from his beloved Harland and Wolff Welders to his matchday role with the Irish Football Association and much more.

Plus we chat to goalkeeper Nathan Gartside whose heroics helped to send Carrick Rangers to their first Co. Antrim Shield final since 1992/1993 season!

Michael is joined by former Northern Ireland international Keith Gillespie to discuss the Green and White Army's final two World Cup qualifiers in Group A.

Glentoran defender Ryan Cooney and Crusaders forward Fraser Bryden share their journeys from England and Scotland to the Irish League and provide us with an inside look at what it's like to be at each club at this moment in time with different targets in mind.

Michael chats milestones and moves with this week's guests.

Coleraine striker Matthew Shevlin reflects on reaching 100 goals for the club, he discusses the hard work behind their table topping form and looks forward to a trip to champions Linfield this weekend.

Ballymena United defender Matthew Clarke opens up about his return to the league, season in the Scottish Championship and what it's like playing for his former teammate Jim Ervin.

Plus John McGovern looks back on an incredible year in his career, from winning the Irish Cup in May with Dungannon Swifts to lifting the League of Ireland Premier Division title last week with Shamrock Rovers and he is hoping to add the FAI Cup to his list of honours this Sunday.

We've gone for two up front this week with a pair of forwards joining Michael for this episode.

Cliftonville's Eric McWoods provides the inside track on his other sporting passions, growing up in America, experiences gained through playing football in a number of countries and he tells us about a special link he has to Northern Ireland as well as discussion around this season, his teammates and more.

While, Pat Hoban gives us his assessment on his start at Glentoran, their aspirations this season, we hear his thoughts on moving to the Irish League plus he opens up about the people who shaped his career and looks back fondly on his record-breaking time at Dundalk.

Michael is joined by 3 guests who are opening a new chapter in their careers.

Michael O'Connor tells us about accepting the manager's position at his old club Glenavon; can he help them beat the drop? What makes him confident he is the right man to turn their fortunes around? What former managers will he draw inspiration from as he takes his first steps in senior management?

We chat to Tiernan Kelly, who is making a good impression in his first season at Dungannon Swifts. He reflects on his time at Loughgall, what the club did for his career, getting the opportunity to swap relegation for European football and the targets he has set himself under manager Rodney McAree.

Plus we hear from new Dundela boss Clifford Adams, who helped the club achieve their first win of the Championship season in his first game in charge. Was it difficult to leave Portadown? After so many years as an assistant, was it daunting to be offered a manager's job? How big will the January window be for the Wilgar Park outfit? It's all covered in this week's episode.

Journalist Stuart McKinley joins Michael to assess Northern Ireland's chances heading into crucial World Cup Qualifiers at Windsor Park against Slovakia and Germany.

Plus there's in-depth discussion around youth football in Northern Ireland. Are our academies receiving enough support? What more can be done? We speak to Cliftonville's Head of Academy Marc Smyth and Moyola Park manager Martin Smith.

It has been a big week for Mid Ulster rivals Portadown and Glenavon.

The Ports picked up only their third victory of the league season with a 95th minute winner at Solitude on Saturday, while Glenavon slumped to a 9th straight defeat in the Premiership which brought about the decision to part ways with manager Paddy McLaughlin.

As both clubs prepare for a big derby clash at Shamrock Park, we bring you insight from Ports first team coach John McAllister and Colin Coates, who was part of the backroom team at the Lurgan Blues until last weekend.

Our guests all picked up impressive wins on the road last weekend.

Bangor defender Mark Haughey was on the scoresheet as his team won 4-1 at Portadown, he talks about his move to the Seasiders, overcoming injuries that plagued his second spell at Glenavon and he takes a trip down memory lane ahead of this Friday's clash with former club Linfield.

Jordan Stewart grabbed the headlines with two goals in his latest scintillating showing, as Glentoran came from behind to beat Coleraine. Still unbeaten, the Glens are getting ready to welcome Larne to the Oval on Saturday. How has Stewart found his return to the club after 10 years away and how far can this group of players go? We find out his thoughts.

Plus, H&W Welders are hoping to build on a big win at Limavady Utd when they head to East Belfast derby rivals Dundela on Friday night. Paul Kee talks us through a busy summer and a smart start to the new campaign.