Sacked in the Morning

Former striker and manager Steve Claridge sits down with Amy Irons and Craig Levein for a hilarious trek through his nomadic football career. He lifts the lid on playing under volatile managers like John Beck and Barry Fry, detailing a legendary halftime brawl that left his boss stuck in the physio machinery. Steve also shares brilliant stories about cutting thousands of cabbages with a machete hours before kickoff and explains the chaotic truth behind that infamous live TV gatecrashing involving a red leather thong

Mark McGhee has seen it all, done it all, and lived to tell the tale. In this episode, the former forward looks back on his incredible journey through the game—from conquering Europe under Sir Alex Ferguson at Aberdeen to the relentless, high-pressure world of modern football management. Packed with brilliant dressing room anecdotes, career-defining moments, and honest reflections on the highs and lows of life in the dugout.

From surviving the gruelling physical torment of Rangers' pre-season under Jock Wallace to a forgettable stint at Manchester City and becoming an absolute icon at Raith Rovers, former Scotland forward Gordon Dalziel joins us to look back on his wildly unpredictable life in the game. He opens up completely about his unique relationship with football, admitting he actually hated playing Saturdays because of crippling pre-match nerves and details how an unexpected Sunday morning intervention by manager Frank Connor completely saved his career. All that plus Gordon shares hilarious locker-room memories of the legendary Davie Cooper, why he kept a hammer in his bedroom as a teenager, and his chaotic "exaggerated" stories that landed him all over the front pages.

From the North London luxury of Arsenal to the high-stakes world of international football and a dramatic retirement at 29, former England and Tottenham winger David Bentley joins us for a wide-ranging and candid reflection on his unique path through the game.He relives his formative years under Arsène Wenger, the thrill of the North London Derby, and the tactical brilliance, and occasional friction, experienced under managers like Fabio Capello, Mark Hughes, and Harry Redknapp. All that plus David opens up about the truth behind that infamous bucket of water.

With 44 goals in 80 appearances, Duckens Nazon is Haiti’s all‑time leading goalscorer — and on June 14 he’ll be hoping to fire a warning shot that could derail Scotland’s World Cup dreams before they even begin.Duckens joins Craig and Amy to look ahead to a huge summer, reflecting on Haiti’s historic qualification and what it truly means to people back home. He also opens up about life playing for St Mirren, adjusting to the Scottish weather, and the dramatic moment he was forced to flee Iran when war broke out. Plus, Craig tries a little pre‑match mind games ahead of that massive World Cup showdown.

Former Tottenham Hotspur and Celtic defender Ramon Vega pulls no punches as he joins Sacked in the Morning, delivering a brutally honest verdict on the turmoil at Spurs – and why he believes the club has lost its soul. From lifting silverware at the old Wembley to playing through a broken ankle in the 1999 League Cup final, Ramon revisits a career defined by pressure, pain and unforgettable highs.We also dive deep into his cult‑hero spell at Celtic, from arriving in Glasgow expecting a place on the bench to scoring twice on his debut and becoming part of a treble‑winning side packed with big personalities. Which managers shaped him most? Who taught him football in a completely different way? And why does he believe modern football is drifting dangerously far away from its fans?

Former Hearts, Manchester City and Rangers defender Paul Ritchie was part of the last Hearts team to run the Glasgow clubs close in a title race. What will be going through the current squads mind? Will they be talking about the possibility of winning the title?We also delve deep into Paul’s unforgettable career, packed with incredible stories from the dressing room and beyond. Which manager fined him for getting his hair cut too short? Which club signed him despite the boss never once meeting him? And which gaffer promised him a deal… then never phoned back?

Craig Levein and Amy Irons talk to the man Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds hired to be the 'adult in the room' at their Wrexham project. Shaun Harvey has been right at the heart of everything the Hollywood duo have done in Wales. The former EFL chief executive and current Wrexham director joins us for a straight‑talking look at why this campaign has gone well beyond outside expectations. Away from the Wrexham story, Harvey reflects on setting targets without boxing players in, why belief inside a club matters more than noise from the outside, and how experience and planning can ride out injuries, pressure and scrutiny. Drawing on years at the top of the game, he opens up on managing expectations, earning success the hard way and what it really takes to keep a football club moving forward when everyone is watching.

From non‑league pitches and rejection at 15 to Premier League promotion and international caps with Ireland, former Sheffield United, QPR and Leeds goalkeeper Paddy Kenny joins us for a brutally honest look back at one of football’s most colourful careers. He relives his extraordinary relationship with Neil Warnock, from unforgettable dressing‑room moments and fierce touchline scraps to the trust that kept seeing him signed time and again. Paddy opens up on promotion highs, crushing setbacks, a nine‑month ban, clashes with managers and what it really takes to survive.

From coming through the ranks at Hibernian to winning trophies and playing Champions League football with Rangers, former Scotland midfielder Kevin Thomson joins us to look back on a career full of big moments and bigger characters. He lifts the lid on life under Walter Smith, including receiving the famous hairdryer treatment, along with the highs, the injuries and the lessons learned along the way. From dressing rooms to dugouts via a stint in management with Kelty Hearts, Kevin tells us what it really takes to survive at the top of the game.

After managing for nearly 1000games the former Ayr United, Partick Thistle and Dundee United gaffer talks us through his career across Scottish Football. From signing for Graeme Souness Rangers to starting his management career at Clydebank to getting sacked after receiving a standing ovation at Ibrox, Ian has seen it all and in this great episode he tells us exactly how it all happened.

Former Liverpool, Aston Villa, and Leeds United defender Stephen Warnock sits down to reflect on his footballing career. He opens up about the highs and lows of his playing days, including when his entire team found themselves locked up in the cells, when Big Sam handed him his credit card plus his PIN number and the dramatic story of when Liverpool wanted him to return to Anfield and why it didn’t happen.

One of football’s most iconic voices joins Craig and Amy for a revealing and often hilarious journey through life behind the mic. From reporting on Nottingham Forest under Brian Clough to rubbing shoulders with Bill Shankly, Graeme Souness and Sir Alex Ferguson, Clive lifts the lid on the moments that shaped his career and shares the one line of commentary he never said… but wishes he had

Kemar Roofe joins Craig and Amy for an honest, lively and surprising look back at the moments that shaped his career. From breaking through at Oxford to playing under Marcelo Bielsa, Vincent Kompany and Steven Gerrard, Roofe reveals the standards, the pressure and the mindset behind his best football. He lifts the lid on “Murderball” training, that infamous Leeds spying incident, and the family support that kept him grounded long before he reached the Premier League or Rangers.

Joining Craig and Amy is the irrepressible Martin Allen. In a brilliantly funny and fascinating interview the former Brentford, Leicester City and Barnet gaffer reveals his unique man-management style (less said about the wine gum the better), how his upbringing influenced him plus the treat he gave his players that turned them into little boys on Christmas Day.

From missiles to Millwall chants. Iain Dowie joins Craig and Amy for a hilarious and surprisingly emotional journey through his unique footballing life. From testing weapons to scoring goals (and one unforgettable own goal), Dowie’s career is anything but ordinary. Which manager made players throw up in training? What happened when he tried to reason with a Millwall fan? And how did he end up cleaning up takeaway leftovers in a Premier League flat? Plus, he faces the dreaded WHEEL OF TRUTH. Will he survive?

Football’s BIGGEST cult hero. Literally. Adebayo Akinfenwa joins Craig and Amy for a laugh-out-loud chat about his career, his unforgettable managers, and the moments that made him a legend. Which manager stripped off during team talks? What was it like leaving home at 18 to play in Lithuania? And will he dare face the dreaded WHEEL OF TRUTH?WARNING: This episode contains strong language and some offensive language reflecting Adebayo’s real experiences of racism while playing in Lithuania.

Twenty years to the day since Vladimir Romanov sensationally sacked George Burley, despite Hearts sitting top of the league and unbeaten, Robbie Neilson joins us to reveal what life was really like under the chaotic Lithuanian regime.He also reflects on playing under Sven-Göran Eriksson, recalls Craig Levein’s blunt words of encouragement when he was “sacked in the morning”, and explains what it’s like working at the very bottom of the City Football Group pyramid.If you want to hear more about Vladimir Romanov’s rise from submariner to millionaire football owner to wanted man, search Romanov: Czar of Hearts wherever you get your podcasts.

How do you bring Manchester United back to their former glory?Legendary goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel joins Craig Levein and Amy Irons for a fascinating chat about where Manchester United have lost their way and what he’d do to put it right. Peter also reflects on his pride in his son Kasper, reveals how Eric Cantona inspired his teammates from the moment he walked into training, and becomes the first guest to face THE WHEEL OF TRUTH!

From “Aguerooooo!” to “And it’s live!”, Martin Tyler joins Craig and Amy for a deep dive into the life behind the voice that defined the Premier League. In this episode, the legendary commentator opens up about his decades in the gantry, the moments that made history, and the lines that still get shouted at him in the street. We also hear about his time coaching in non-league football and his joy at being still part of the game.Get in touch with us via [email protected] and on WhatsApp 08000 12 11 71

From battling for midfield dominance to battling for his life, Stiliyan Petrov joins Craig and Amy for a powerful episode of Sacked in the Morning. The Celtic and Aston Villa legend opens up about his rise from Montana and CSKA Sofia to becoming a fan favourite in Glasgow and Birmingham. He shares stories of playing under Martin O’Neill, recovering from a brutal leg break, and his unforgettable fight against leukemia. With honesty, humour, and heart, Stiliyan reflects on leadership, resilience, and the dressing room dynamics that shaped his career.Get in touch with us via [email protected] and on WhatsApp 08000 12 11 71

Cult hero, enforcer, and all-round warrior Pasquale Bruno joins Craig and Amy for a fiery episode of Sacked in the Morning. From clashing with Maradona and Van Basten in Serie A to being nicknamed “The Animal” for his no-nonsense defending, Pasquale shares incredible stories from a career built on grit, passion, and pure chaos. He opens up about life under managers like Dino Zoff and Claudio Ranieri, his move to Scotland and the Hearts dressing room, and how his final ever professional appearance came at Central Park in Fife.Get in touch with us via [email protected] and on WhatsApp 08000 12 11 71.

Cult hero, podcaster, and all-round maverick Jon Parkin joins Craig and Amy for a brilliantly chaotic episode of Sacked in the Morning. From crashing golf buggies before a friendly against Real Madrid to pole dancing in Krakow three days after knee surgery, Jon shares outrageous tales from a career that was anything but ordinary. He also opens up about the managers who tried (and failed) to change him, the pranks that got him in trouble, and why Tony Pulis just liked having him around.Get in touch with us via [email protected] and on WhatsApp 08000 12 11 71

Just months after leaving Rangers, Philippe Clément joins Craig and Amy for an honest and timely episode of Sacked in the Morning. In an in-depth interview Philippe reflects on the whirlwind of his time in Glasgow, from silverware and title races to boardroom upheaval and the pressure of managing one of football’s most demanding clubs.He opens up about the challenges of squad building without investment, the emotional toll of leading through instability, and the moment he found out he’d lost his job, from journalists, not the club. With clarity and candour, Philippe shares what it’s really like to manage Rangers under the spotlight, and why, despite everything, he still holds deep affection for the club and its fans.Get in touch with us via [email protected] and on WhatsApp 08000 12 11 71

Julian Dicks - West Ham legend, former Liverpool defender, and self-proclaimed non-league gaffer, joins Craig and Amy for a no-nonsense episode of Sacked in the Morning. From being told he’d never play again at 22 to earning the nickname “The Terminator,” Julian opens up about the brutal injuries, the boozy rehab, and the unforgettable characters he’s met along the way. Expect tales of firecrackers in hotel bathrooms, a bath-time prank gone very wrong, and what he told Tottenham Hotspur when they tried to sign him.Get in touch with us via [email protected] and on WhatsApp 08000 12 11 71

Just how close is Football Manager the game to being a Football manager in real-life?Comedian, podcaster, and self-proclaimed “virtual touchline legend” Jamie Hutchinson joins Craig and Amy for a brilliantly chaotic episode of Sacked in the Morning. From getting sacked in both real life and Football Manager to a virtual divorce in Portugal, Jamie’s tales are as outrageous as they are hilarious. He also reveals how he turned Owen Garvan into a Ballon d’Or winner, why he fined Alan Shearer into retirement, and what it’s like managing Atalanta with a Dubai hedge fund breathing down your neck.Get in touch with us via [email protected] and on WhatsApp 08000 12 11 71

Football coach, podcaster, and all-round storyteller Si Ferry joins Craig and Amy for one of the funniest episodes of Sacked in the Morning yet. From toilet trouble mid-match to getting called a “little piggy” by Paolo Di Canio, Si serves up outrageous, no-holds-barred tales from his playing days.Get in touch with us via [email protected] and on WhatsApp 08000 12 11 71**Contains some strong language and adult themes**

Craig Levein and Amy Irons are back with listener emails, messages for Craig, and a brand-new way for you to get in touch with the show… which can only mean one thing: Craig’s got some fresh scripting to (reluctantly) learn.

Double European Cup winner Viv Anderson sits down with Craig and Amy to relive an extraordinary career spent under some of football’s most iconic managers. From breaking through under the legendary Brian Clough as a teenager, to being signed by a little-known Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, and representing England under the great Sir Bobby Robson — Viv shares the stories, lessons, and personalities behind a life at the top of the game.

Premier League legend Andy Cole joins Craig and Amy for a candid look back at his incredible career. From banging in goals under Kevin Keegan’s swashbuckling Newcastle side to the moment he realised the true scale of Manchester United, Andy shares the highs, the challenges, and the lessons learned. He also opens up about life after playing — and his steps into the world of coaching.

Ever heard the story about how Alastair Campbell found himself playing football with Diego Maradona?In a fantastic episode, former Downing Street Press Secretary and top podcaster himself Alastair Campbell joins Craig and Amy to chat about leadership. What we didn't expect was to hear how he shared a pitch with arguably the greatest footballer that ever lived, how he was asked to give a team talk to the British Lions Rugby team and he reveals how he broke some bones as a child.CONTAINS SOME STRONG LANGUAGE

**CONTAINS INJURY DETAIL**Former Liverpool striker Dean Saunders joins Craig Levein and Amy Irons for a riotous journey through his career. Get ready for the worst injury he has EVER witnessed and we have EVER heard, what he would do each season to guarantee himself at least 18 goals plus that time he watched Graeme Souness plant a flag into the opposition's centre circle in one of the most heated football matches around the world.As ever we also want to hear from you, got a great story? Most embarrassing moment? Worst ever injury? Greatest sporting achievement? Let us know - [email protected]

After more than 6 months away Craig Levein and Amy Irons are back to reveal when the podcast is returning and just why they've been away so long. A story that involves a trip to A&E, a nativity play and 'Pimp My Ride'...oh the devil makes an appearance too!We also want you to be even more involved in the podcast so we’re expanding our listeners questions to literally anything. Maybe there’s something you have going on in your life and you want advice from Craig? Let us know. Of course we will have merch to give away for the best ones.Here's some suggestions to get your started....Any random encounters with footballers or famous people? Football Room 101….what's the one thing about football that really gets you annoyed The most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you? Have you ever been sacked? What did you do? Why did you get in trouble in School? The worst date you have ever been on?email them and anything else to [email protected] podcast contains some strong language and adult themes!

Former Celtic and Everton defender Alan Stubbs on celebrations, making mistakes and Martin O’Neill.

West Ham, Leicester and England striker Tony Cottee on team spirit, motivation and playing against his window cleaner.

Liverpool and Republic of Ireland midfielder Ray Houghton on luck, Jack Charlton and jogging in the sauna.

Legendary goalkeeper Alan Rough on World Cups, wages and Ben Doak.

Taskmaster Alex Horne on promotion, job swaps and the joys of non-league football.

Arsenal legend Lee Dixon talks imposter syndrome, fighting Dennis Bergkamp and Arsene Wenger's new windows.

Liverpool and Republic of Ireland midfielder Jason McAteer talks first loves, regrets and turning down Kenny Dalglish.

Brian McClair on his time at Manchester United and Celtic. Choccy talks seagulls, tiddlywinks and avoiding the hairdryer treatment.

Legendary striker John Hartson on his time at Arsenal, Celtic and West Ham. Find out why the Welshman thinks the manager is always right, the impact Arsene Wenger had on his eating habits and that time he scared Martin O’Neill.Details of information and support with addiction are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline

Alex McLeish on his incredible career in football. Hear about the time Jose Mourinho turned scout for Scotland, find out the text message he keeps sending Sir Alex Ferguson and why he likes the cut of Rangers manager Philippe Clement’s jib.

How did the Charlton brothers differ as managers? Liverpool legend Mark Lawrenson is the only footballer to have played for both - he joins Craig and Amy to tell all about their 'chalk and cheese' management styles. As well as that, how did King Kenny Dalglish transform from player to manager, what does he make of current Anfield boss Arne Slot, plus Mark reveals the greatest signing of his short-lived managerial career

Scotland stalwarts Stuart McCall and Colin Hendry join Craig and Amy to take a trip back to the summer of 1996. What was the reaction when Scotland was drawn with England? What did the players get up to in between games and just how often is Colin asked about his participation in arguably England's greatest ever goal?

In this second part of our interviews with former England coach Chris Powell and Scotland right back Stephen O'Donnell, we look at who will make their starting XI at this year's Euros, Chris tells us just how good Jude Bellingham really is and we find out all about his involvement with Ted Lasso.....plus we ask Stephen about his own venture into acting recently.

Former England coach Chris Powell and Scotland right back Stephen O'Donnell join Craig and Amy to take us back to Euro2020 to give us an incredible insight into what it will be like in the Scotland and England Camps this year. Stephen takes us all the way back to that night in Serbia as Scotland qualified for their first tournament in a generation, Chris relives the final and the penalty shootout as England came oh so close to winning it all and they both fill us in on just what Gareth Southgate and Steve Clarke are really like.

Comedians Henning Wehn (QI, Live at the Apollo, 8 Out of 10 Cats) and Mark Nelson (The Good the Bad and The Unexpected) join Craig and Amy to look ahead to the European Championships in Germany this summer. How confident are the Germans ahead of the kick off? Is Mark really thinking about zip wiring into the fan park with his 8 year old son? and just how do you say No Scotland No Party in German?

The former Tottenham player joins Craig and Amy to discuss his first steps into the dugout. We hear about his move to Malaga City, coaching when you can't speak the language and how after work visa issues he attempted to coach remotely. Steven also talks very openly about his career and how his gambling addiction impacted him on the pitch and whether he felt able to talk to his manager's about it.Details of information and support with addiction are availableat bbc.co.uk/actionline

West Ham United legend Frank McAvennie joins Craig and Amy for a look back on his career. In a cracking interview he talks us through his start in football and how he nearly signed for Luton Town instead of The Hammers. He also tells us about coming home to Celtic, meeting Maggie Thatcher and the time the West Ham players got the manager hypnotised.And if all of this is not enough of Frank, from 26th May the new series Icons of Football will hit the iPlayer with episode's featuring the man himself, Joe Jordan and John Greig amongst others.