Show Notes
Norman Whiteside reveals what it was REALLY like coming through at Manchester United — from making his debut as a teenager to breaking records at the World Cup. In this episode of Macca and Beats, former Manchester United and Northern Ireland legend Norman Whiteside shares incredible stories from his career, including becoming the youngest player to play at a World Cup, life under Sir Alex Ferguson and the reality of football in the 80s. From growing up in Belfast during The Troubles to playing at Old Trafford and on the world stage, this is a journey few players have ever experienced.
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Brian Horton joins Macca & Beats for an incredible journey through more than 2,000 games in football – from managing Manchester City to making history with Brighton, Luton Town and Hull City. In Episode 12, the former Manchester City manager opens up about his time at Maine Road, his difficult relationship with chairman Francis Lee, and why he knew his days at City were numbered. Brian shares the stories behind some of football's most memorable moments, including Luton Town's dramatic survival at Manchester City, Brighton's historic promotion to the First Division, and Hull City's incredible rise to the Premier League alongside Phil Brown. He also reveals what really happened during Phil Brown's infamous on-pitch half-time team talk, recalls being sacked by Hull City only to be offered his job back minutes later, and discusses working with some of football's biggest characters. Away from football, Brian speaks movingly about his prostate cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery, and why raising awareness is now so important to him. In this episode: The truth about Brian's Manchester City departure and Francis Lee Signing Uwe Rösler, Paul Walsh and Peter Beagrie Beating Blackburn and Tottenham during his City years The unforgettable Luton Town survival story at Maine Road Brighton's historic promotion and life under Alan Mullery Working with David Pleat and learning the art of management Hull City's Premier League promotion with Phil Brown The truth behind Phil Brown's infamous half-time team talk Being sacked and then offered his job back within minutes Sir Alex Ferguson, Gary Flitcroft and football's biggest personalities His prostate cancer journey and the importance of early detection Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT and SUBSCRIBE for more incredible football stories, behind-the-scenes insights and conversations with some of the biggest names in the game. Who should we get on Macca & Beats next? Let us know in the comments! #BrianHorton #ManchesterCity #MaccaAndBeats #HullCity #footballpodcast
Andy Townsend joins Macca & Beats for a brilliant look back at a life in football – from starting out in non-league to captaining Chelsea, his unforgettable years at Aston Villa, playing for the Republic of Ireland and building a second career as one of football’s most recognisable broadcasters. Andy talks about breaking into the professional game relatively late, the move to Chelsea and the Manchester United transfer that nearly happened, before lifting the lid on life inside some of the great dressing rooms of the era. And the stories keep coming… A phone-box conversation with Terry Venables that didn’t quite go to plan, Vinnie Jones taking Andy’s brand-new Mercedes for a spin, John Major walking into the Chelsea dressing room, Big Ron Atkinson trading punches with Dalian Atkinson and some absolutely classic tales involving Paul Gascoigne. Andy also gives his thoughts on modern football, the money young players earn, why some ex-players simply aren’t cut out for broadcasting and why, despite everything that has changed in the game, he never lost his love for playing. Plus: Gazza, a missing coffee cup, Jimmy Five Bellies, a Neil Diamond concert on the eve of a Tyne-Wear derby… and plenty more. Another proper football conversation with one of the game’s great characters.
Premier League winner. England international. Blackburn Rovers legend. In this episode of Macca & Beats, we sit down with Mike Newell to look back on an incredible football career spanning Liverpool, Wigan Athletic, Luton Town, Leicester City, Everton, Blackburn Rovers, Birmingham City and England. Mike shares unforgettable stories from some of football's biggest moments, including: Being signed by Everton after one phone call from Colin Harvey Why Kenny Dalglish convinced him to join Blackburn Rovers Winning the Premier League with Blackburn Missing out on Italia '90 with England through injury Why Gazza was the best player in the world What Alan Shearer was really like when he arrived at Blackburn Neville Southall's hilarious hotel room routine Bobby Robson nearly signing him abroad His honest views on football agents, bungs and the modern game Why he believes football's obsession with statistics is "destroying the game" This is a fascinating conversation packed with brilliant dressing-room stories, football nostalgia and honest opinions from one of English football's most respected strikers. Subscribe to Macca & Beats for more exclusive interviews with football legends every week.
Before the Class of '92, there were Fergie's Fledglings. Former Manchester United winger Russell Beardsmore joins us to look back on one of the most fascinating periods in the club's history. Russell talks about coming through under legendary youth coach Eric Harrison, making his breakthrough under Sir Alex Ferguson, scoring against Liverpool, life inside the Manchester United dressing room, and what it was really like before the club's dominance of English football. He also shares brilliant behind-the-scenes stories about Bryan Robson, Norman Whiteside, Lee Sharpe, Eric Cantona, dressing room initiations, the famous "Fergie Out" period, and the hilarious snowball incident that nearly landed him in serious trouble with Sir Alex. This is a brilliant insight into Manchester United during one of its most important eras. In this episode: Becoming one of Fergie's Fledglings Learning under Eric Harrison Breaking into Manchester United's first team Beating Liverpool at Old Trafford Dressing room initiations Bryan Robson's leadership Sir Alex Ferguson before the trophies Eric Cantona arrives The famous snowball story Norman Whiteside, Lee Sharpe and more If you enjoyed the episode, please Like, Subscribe and let us know in the comments who you'd like us to interview next.
Manchester United legend Kevin Moran joins us for an incredible conversation about one of football's most unique careers. Kevin looks back on his journey from Dublin and Gaelic football to Old Trafford, revealing how he almost turned down Manchester United, the influence of Sir Alex Ferguson and Dave Sexton, life alongside Bryan Robson, Ray Wilkins and Norman Whiteside, and the stories behind one of the most successful eras in the club's history. We also discuss: Nearly rejecting Manchester United Winning All-Ireland titles before football Making the move from Gaelic football to English football His famous FA Cup Final red card Playing under Dave Sexton and Sir Alex Ferguson Life in the Manchester United dressing room The evolution of football Ireland, Old Trafford and life after retirement Kevin is thoughtful, honest and full of brilliant stories from one of football's greatest eras.