The Football Journals
by Lee Stewart
Football Journals PodcastJoin us on the Football Journals Podcast, a captivating deep dive into the world of football from the heart of North East Scotland. Launched in September 2023, this video podcast brings you exclusive interviews with a range of guests, from ex-Scotland internationals and football chairmen to referees, players, and other key figures shaping the beautiful game.With a special focus on the Highland League and North East Scottish football scene, we offer inside stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and thought-provoking conversations. Join us fortnightly for episodes!
Episodes
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#73 - Former ICT, Brora and Nairn County Midfielder Dale Gillespie
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…
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#72- Former Deveronvale, Buckie and Huntly Manager Gregg Carroll
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…
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#71 Former Keith and Deveronvale winger Sean Keith
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…
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#70 World Cup Special part 3
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...
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#70 part 2, World Cup special
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...
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#70- World Cup Special part 1
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,...
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#69- Keith FC stalwart Charlie Simpson
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...
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#68 - Moray & Banff Referee Association
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...
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#67 - Former Buckie Thistle Chairman Mark Duncan
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...
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# 66 - Former Buckie, Rothes and Wick Goalkeeper Darren "Dezzy" Strong
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...
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#65 - Former Highland League Midfielder Martin McMullan
After months of negotiations we finally have our much requested (mostly by me!) guest in the form of former highland league midfielder Martin McMullan. In this episode we get the insight into his fantastic football career which is still going strong to this day. In our longest ever episode we...
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#64- Legendary Highland League Goalkeeper Kevin Main
Episode 64 features Highland League legendary goalkeeper Kev Main. With over two decades in the game and hundreds of appearances across the Highland League, Kev shares stories from his time at Buckie Thistle, Lossiemouth, Turriff United and Formartine United. We talk about winning league titles...
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#63 - Former New Elgin, Dufftown and Lossiemouth Defender Kev Stuart
This week we were joined by one of the nicest guys in football in former Lossiemouth captain Kev Stuart. From early days in Elgin youth through to captaining a Highland League team, we had a fantastic look back on Kevs career. The defender shared stories about winning silverware early in his…
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#62 - Ex Lossiemouth captain Kev Flett
This week on The Football Journals, Lee sits down with a man who is Lossiemouth born and bred: the one and only Kevin Flett. Kev’s story is a rare journey through every level of his hometown’s footballing identity. From cutting his teeth in the North Juniors with Lossiemouth United to his iconic...
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#61 - The Athletic Journalist Mark Critchley
In this episode, host Lee sits down with one of football journalism’s sharpest minds — Mark Critchley — to dive deep into the world behind the press passes, the headlines, and those unforgettable football moments. Mark, a respected reporter formerly with The Athletic, shares what it’s really like...
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#60 Ex Elgin City, Deveronside and New Elgin coach Tiger Porter
Where do I start to begin with this weeks episode, a man who has seen thousands of players develop from a young age in Moray for the past 40 years, many of whom have went on to have great careers. This week in studio I have legendary youth coach Tiger Porter! Elgin Boys club, Deveronside, New…
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#59 - Scotch and Scarves creator and Moray Mental Health FC founder Matty Slinger
A very happy new year to you all! This weeks episode is with fellow local football content creator Matty Slinger who talked to us about his channel @ScotchAndScarves as well as the latest in his local football travels and what's happening with MMHFC since we last spoke. Matty happens to be the...
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#58 - Scotland's oldest groundsman and Elgin City director Cecil Jack
With over a 60 year association with the club close to his heart, we caught up Cecil Jack, a current director and groundsman for the black and whites who has seen it all over the years at the club! From early days selling raffles in the 1950s to his current role in the boardroom, Cecil gave us a...
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#57 Former Lossie, Vale and Rothes goalkeeper Mini McConnachie
Continuing our theme of a Highland League winter of guests, we spoke to former Lossie, Vale and Rothes goalie Mini McConnachie! Over almost two hours we done a deep dive on Minis career from early days at Elgin to actually still playing in the Highland League at the age of 42! Some hilarious...
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#56 - Buckie Thistle Stalwart and Highland League Guru Easton Thain
This is an episode I've been wanting to do for a good while now and thankfully I managed to make it happen. The human encyclopaedia of the Highland league and long standing servant of Buckie Thistle football Easton agreed to talk to me on his knowledge of Buckie Thistle and the Highland League as…
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#55.5 - A look back at The Football Journals so far
No guest this episode as scheduling hasn't worked out this week but schedule shall resume as normal next episode with a big guest! This week in the meantime though we recorded a little episode fresh of the back of a controversial Glasgow Derby, we talked a lot about current events and football…
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#55 - Ex Leicester, Everton and Scotland Midfielder Ian Wilson
What an episode we have for you this week! Former Elgin, Leicester, Everton, Besiktas and Scotland midfielder Ian Wilson talked to us this week about his fantastic career in the game which culminated in playing for his country against the likes of Brazil and England. The former Leicester captain...
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#54 - Elgin City Supporters Liaison Officer Michael Allan
What better man to speak about the black and whites than Elgin City's Supporters Liaison officer , social media whizz and all round superfan of the club Michael Allan. For the past 20 years he has followed the club through thick and thin and travelled the length of country in doing so! From the...
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#53 - ex Fraserburgh Goalkeeper Billy Gordon
n this special episode, we sit down with former Fraserburgh goalkeeper Billy Gordon, whose time between the sticks earned him a reputation as one of the Highland League’s most dependable and passionate shot-stoppers. Billy opens up about: His early journey through grassroots football and how he...
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#52-FC Bishopmill
There is no better way to celebrate 2 years of the football journals than an episode very close to my heart , on the club I formed with a friend in 2024. From what started as an idea in a car journey on the way to a game , it turned into a labour of love for us all and helped the club build a…
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#51 - Scott Barbour - The Broch's Goal Machine; A Highland League Icon
In this episode of The Football Journals Podcast, I'm joined by none other than Scott Barbour; Fraserburgh FC's all-time top goalscorer, former Formartine United forward, and a true legend of the Highland League. With a career defined by blistering pace, clinical finishing, and unwavering loyalty...
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#50 - Former Highland League striker Shawn "Biscuits" Scott
Amazingly we have reached episode 50! What better way to take the milestone with Biscuits, a man who has been mentioned many times by previous guest, in the studio to tell his own story ! The former highland league player of the year had us in stitches for almost 2 hours with some hilarious…
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#49 - Ex Caley and Rangers Striker Billy Urquhart
In this episode of The Football Journals, I sit down with former Rangers striker Billy Urquhart, whose journey from the Scottish Highlands to the iconic turf of Ibrox and back is nothing short of inspiring. Billy shares candid stories from his time at Inverness Caledonian, his dream move to...
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#48 - Former Scotland captain and Premier League winner Colin Hendry
Braveheart Colin Hendry was our special guest in the studio this week . We were truly honoured to be joined by the last man to lead Scotland out at a world cup and is also a premier league winner with the great Blackburn team of the 90s. In what was a detailed look back on Colins career from…
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#47 - Former Highland League striker Martin Charlesworth
Martin Charlesworth joined us this week to talk through his career which included youth days with ICT, Ross County and Elgin City. Throughout his time in the league Martin was known as scorer of important goals and we talked through some of them and also about his title winning season at Buckie...
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#46 - Lossiemouth FC players Liam and Ross Archibald
Ahead of their testimonial this week, Lossiemouth players and brothers Ross and Liam Archibald were in the studio this week! The twins looked back from early days at east end primary school through to their continuing careers in the highland league to this day. A fantastic hour and a half with…
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#45 - Lossiemouth United Chairman Alex Lauriston
Some silverware in the house this week as Alex took in Lossiemouth uniteds NJRFA league trophy for a visit to the studio! A phenomenal rise since the return of the club in the past few seasons and the man at the helm gave us over 2 hours of great insight into the historic club! Be sure to follow…
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#44 - Elgin Women's assistant manager and FC Bishopmill Chairman Lee Stewart
Yeah its me in the hotseat for once. Chris Foot our show sponsor requested that for once I answered the questions and he was the man to ask these questions! For the first time in almost 50 episodes ill be answering instead of asking the questions. If you have any interest in Celtic , Elgin or...
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#43 - Former Clachnacuddin, Caley, and Falkirk Winger Mark Holmes
In episode 43 I spoke to Mark Holmes who played for many sides in the Highland League, and professional clubs. As well as talking about his playing career, we also discussed his football academy that reaches all corners of the globe, and his current life coaching in the current game.
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#42 - Former Keith Striker Cammy Keith
In this week's episode, I sat down to chat with one of the greatest goal scorers the Highland League has seen in the last thirty years. Former Keith & Formartine Utd number nine, Cammy Keith.
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#41 - Former Scotland & Aberdeen Goalkeeper Bobby Clark
Episode 41 features ex Scotland and Aberdeen goalkeeper Bobby Clark! Bobby was in the studio to talk to us about his career which included playing for Scotland 17 times and being the 3rd highest appearance maker for Aberdeen Football Club.
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#40 - Former Lossie, Locos and Vale player and current Huntly manager Colin Charlesworth
This week we had an old school football team mate of Lees, in former Deveronvale, Inverurie Lossie midfielder and current Huntly manager Colin Charlesworth. Colin talked us through early beginnings at Elgin and going on to play well in excess of 300 games in the highland league. The Xi in this...
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#39 - Ex HFL and Cat 1 referee Scott Macdonald
In the studio this week we have Ex category 1 referee Scott Macdonald. Scott talked us through his remarkable start in refereeing and how it came about. Scott reached the highest level of Reffing in Scotland and has some fantastic stories from his time in the middle in Scottish football! Be sure…
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#38 - Former Forres, Lossiemouth and Elgin striker Ronnie Dunbar
This week coming to us all the way from Christchurch, New Zealand is former HL striker Ronnie Dunbar. Ronnie talked us through his career which culminated in a League winners medal in the `1980s with Forres . An XI also capable of winning a HL title at any point in the history of the league!...
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#37 - ECFC Director and Football Journals Sponsor Chris Foot
This week we had ECFC, ECWFC director and brand new podcast sponsor Chris Foot in the studio to discuss Man City, Being a director of a football club, The rise of Elgin in the men and women's game and a very good overall chat on Football. Remember to leave us a follow on all our socials. Your...
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#36 - Elgin City Legend Chico Mchardy
This week in the studio we have a bit of a HL legend in Chico Mchardy! Chico talked us through his career from a young man at Bishopmill to managing Elgin in the HL. an XI also which includes a number of FJ guests ! Be sure to follow our socials to ensure you don't miss any content! Patreon -...
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#35 Ex Ross County, Nairn and Ireland Striker Conor Gethins
What a guest we have for you this week in former Highland League hitman Conor Gethins. Conor talked us through his career in Scotland and Ireland and also representing his country and playing against the worlds best. The XI in this episode would challenge any highland league side. Hope you enjoy...
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#34 - Highland League author Graeme Giles
Happy new year to all our listeners of the football journals! This week in studio we have Graeme Giles author of 2 books on football one of which is based on the HFL. In his travels Graeme has visited over 350 football grounds around the world and has some fascinating stories to tell ! some usual...
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#33 - Elgin City Women
Merry Christmas to all Football Journals listeners! This week have 3 of the Elgin city womens team in the studio to discuss their recent cup triumph and unbeaten start to the league. The ladies gave us a great insight into the team and also what makes Mo such a good manager! Full video episode...
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#32 - Former Forres goalkeeper and Moray Mental Health founder Steve Simpson
This week we were joined by one of the founders of Moray Mental Health Football Club and former Forres Mechanics player Steve Simpson. Steve talked to us about his upbringing in forres which led him to playing for his hometown team. Steve also shared his story of how MMHFC came to be and…
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#31 - Former Elgin City Chairman Graham Tatters
In the studio this week we have former Elgin City Chairman Graham Tatters. Graham gave us a fantastic insight into his 40+ year association with the game in the north east! Some fantastic tales from a storied career in football Be sure to follow our socials to ensure you don't miss any content!...
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#30 - Former Fraserburgh, Deveronvale and Buckie Striker Ian "Molby" Murray
In the studio this week we have got Ian Murray, former prolific goal scorer in the Highland League and ex Scotland semi-pro captain. Ian gave us some great stories and as usual, an XI that is capable of winning any Highland League. Be sure to follow our socials to ensure you don't miss any…
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#29 Ex ICT player and Canada international Richard Hastings
This week in the studio we had ex ICT player and Canada international Richard Hastings. Richard talked us through his career from beginnings in the Highland League to representing his nation at a major international tournament! A fantastic career in the Scottish game and some great memories to go...
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#28 - Ex ICT and Livingston player Barry Wilson
This week on the football journals we are joined by the man who opened thee scoring on a famous night at Celtic Park in early 2000. Barry told us about his time coming through the highland league and the career he went on to have which took him to the highest level in Scottish football! Make sure...
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#27 - Lossiemouth United Football Club
Fresh off the back of the their biggest win in the club’s history, Lossiemouth United manager Scott Campbell and captain Harvey Kane were in the studio to speak about their historic cup win and revival currently going on at the club! A few usual FJ questions thrown in for good measure also ! Make...
About this show
Football Journals PodcastJoin us on the Football Journals Podcast, a captivating deep dive into the world of football from the heart of North East Scotland. Launched in September 2023, this video podcast brings you exclusive interviews with a range of guests, from ex-Scotland internationals and football chairmen to referees, players, and other key figures shaping the beautiful game.With a special focus on the Highland League and North East Scottish football scene, we offer inside stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and thought-provoking conversations. Join us fortnightly for episodes!
Hosted by
Lee Stewart