As I leave Berlin - the city of Jesse Owens, David Bowie and now Lamine Yamal - I’m recording this final report from Euro 2024, where I have been embedded once more with the Spain team. I saw the treble winners of 2008-12 up close too, and they may not have a prime Iniesta or Xavi, but in their own way I think this team is just as good. Some of them spoke to me after the final, and what a joyful, brotherly bunch they are. The trophy is in good hands. This is a public episode. If you...

I hope you enjoy this latest update from Germany, as Spain and I depart Donaueschingen, where they have trained and relaxed and prepared for the mesmeric performances you've been watching in this tournament. These reports are also available - for free - at my new Substack, the link is coming up. If you subscribe to this site, you'll receive regular posts - podcasts and written work on all aspects of Spanish football - directly to your email inbox. It's very simple to subscribe, and once you...

This is my first post on Substack - the new home for my reporting on Spanish football. I hope as many of you as possible will subscribe to receive all my work to your email inbox - for the time being, I’m choosing to make this entirely free of charge. Today you have a choice - listen to this short podcast on the 16-year-old who has lit up the Euros (and who I sat down with for his first major television interview); or read the edited version below. More coming soon… This inaugural...

Today’s story comes from Michael O’Neill, who describes how he kindled the team spirit in his Northern Ireland squad. Listen to the classic versions of the original episodes: Classic Big Interview: Michael O’Neill Part One - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Classic Big Interview: Michael O’Neill Part Two - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here’s another chance to hear my interview with Craig Gordon from season two. This was a fascinating discussion about Craig’s remarkable campaign at Celtic, during which he proved he could play out from the back – even at the Camp Nou. We also talked about the devastating injury which kept the Scotland No1 out of the game for two years. Craig revealed his admiration for Gigi Buffon, and explained the public stance he took against a despotic owner at Hearts. Subscribe to The Big Interview...

Today’s story comes from Terry Butcher, who describes his favourite Iron Maiden gig – when the England, Ipswich and Rangers legend actually performed on stage with the heavy rockers. Listen to the original full episode: Terry Butcher: Beattie, Banter & Sir Bobby - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s story comes from Joe Jordan, who reminisces about the sheer genius of Celtic legend Jimmy Johnstone. Listen to the classic versions of the original episodes: Classic Big Interview: Joe Jordan Part One - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Classic Big Interview: Joe Jordan Part Two - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here’s another chance to hear my interview with Peter Crouch from season two. Peter was a footballer who played with an accomplished technical ability and a sense of fun which made him a joy to watch. He was so much more than a good touch for a big man. In this Big Interview we discover learning the game using the Coerver Method, some of his best strikes, his love of Italian football, and the ‘Stoke effect’. Subscribe to The Big Interview YouTube channel Hosted on Acast. See...

Today’s story comes from Peter Beardsley, who expresses his love for Tino Asprilla, an extraordinary footballer and one of the funniest and most eccentric men ever to have played the game. Listen to the classic versions of the original episodes: Classic Big Interview: Peter Beardsley Part One - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Classic Big Interview: Peter Beardsley Part Two - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s story comes from Jody Morris, who describes his protracted exit from his boyhood heroes Chelsea. Listen to the classic versions of the original episodes: Classic Big Interview: Jody Morris Part One - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Classic Big Interview: Jody Morris Part Two - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here’s another chance to hear part two of my interview with Chris Sutton from season two. Chris had the pick of every top team in England in 1994, but it was upwardly mobile Blackburn that took him from Norwich for a British record transfer fee of £5 million. Paired with Alan Shearer in the famous SAS partnership, Chris helped Rovers win the 1994/95 league title ahead of Manchester United. Subscribe to The Big Interview YouTube channel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more...

Here’s another chance to hear my interview with Chris Sutton from season two. Chris uses the word ‘character’ a lot and explains how his was forged – from an initial rejection from Norwich City to his dad’s boot camp approach to physical fitness to an uncompromising youth team coach at Carrow Road. Also in part one: Sri Lankan cricketer Ravi Pushpakumara, Andy Theodosiou’s brutal tackles, Alan Shearer and Efan Ekoku. Subscribe to The Big Interview YouTube channel Hosted on Acast. See...

Today’s story comes from Terry Butcher, who describes trying to keep a straight face when Bobby Robson was scolding him, while Gazza was making funny faces at him in the background. Listen to the original full episode: Terry Butcher: Beattie, Banter & Sir Bobby - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s story comes from Charlie Nicholas, who relates how his Celtic hero Danny McGrain used to pick him up in the mornings – to the amazement of his pals. Listen to the original full episodes: Classic Big Interview: Charlie Nicholas Part One - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Classic Big Interview: Charlie Nicholas Part Two - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Here’s another chance to hear my interview with Mark Noble from season two. In part two, we hear how Mark grew up with a football field (almost) for a back garden. Mark talks about running out at Upton Park, and the final game there, against Manchester United under the lights. We also hear about the Legacy Foundation, which Mark founded alongside two other London boys: Bobby Zamora and Rio Ferdinand. Subscribe to The Big Interview YouTube channel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for...

Here’s another chance to hear my interview with Mark Noble from season two. Mark starred in the midfield at his beloved West Ham United for most of his senior career. In part one, you’ll hear about his ice-cool prowess as a penalty-taker – he once scored two in an epic shootout against the Netherlands in the semi-finals of the European Under-21 Championships. Also: how to captain your boyhood heroes. Subscribe to The Big Interview YouTube channel Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for...

Today’s story comes from Gordon Strachan, who declares that the team that wins together does not necessarily have to drink together. Listen to the original full episode: Classic Big Interview: Gordon Strachan - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s story comes from Peter Beardsley, who tells the incredible tale of how he ended up - briefly - at Manchester United, courtesy of George Best. Listen to the classic versions of the original episodes: Classic Big Interview: Peter Beardsley Part One - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Classic Big Interview: Peter Beardsley Part Two - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.