Let Me Be Frank Podcast

Former world champion Pat Clinton joins Frank McAvennie and Simon Houston for a brilliant look back at an extraordinary life in boxing. The former British, European and WBO world flyweight champion reveals how Celtic legend Billy McNeill brought him into the club to help toughen up his players, and why Pat reckons the current Celtic side could do with some of the same treatment today. Pat also tells the incredible story of the night he became world champion at Glasgow’s Kelvin Hall in 1992. With his fight against Isidro Perez beginning to slip away, Pat was shown a photograph of his late father between rounds. Seeing his dad gave him the inspiration he needed to dig deep, turn the fight around and become a world champion. He takes us inside that unforgettable night, reflects on his journey from Croy to the Olympics and ultimately the world title, and speaks candidly about the highs, lows and sacrifices that came with a career in the ring. There’s also plenty of brilliant chat with Frank about how sport has changed, the extraordinary money now available to fighters, Saudi Arabia’s growing influence on boxing and whether some of the fights being made today should really be happening at all. A cracking conversation with one of Scotland’s genuine world champions. 🥊🏆 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Frank McAvennie reacts to a disastrous afternoon for Celtic after Rangers ran out 3-0 winners at Ibrox to dump their rivals out of the League Cup. Macca pulls no punches, saying Celtic were bullied, outfought and outplayed and questioning whether some of the players are really playing for Martin O’Neill. “Those empty shirts aren’t playing for Martin.” Frank also warns that this result could have much bigger consequences than just a cup exit. If Celtic don’t buck up their ideas quickly, he believes Rangers can win the league. 👀 What went wrong for Celtic at Ibrox, and has this result changed the title race? 🎙️ Frank gives his immediate Old Firm reaction on Frankly Speaking. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The name’s O’Neil. Brian O’Neil. The former Celtic and Scotland player joins Simon and Frank for a brilliant look back at a remarkable career. Brian recalls starring for Scotland at the 1989 FIFA Under-16 World Championship, scoring the semi-final winner against a Portugal side featuring Luis Figo and receiving praise from Pelé. He also relives two unforgettable late winners at Ibrox, against Rangers in the league and Aberdeen in a cup semi-final, and explains why the presence of away supporters still matters so much. There are stories from a turbulent period at Celtic, his move to Aberdeen, an unlikely Bundesliga adventure with Wolfsburg, spells with Derby and Preston, and his plans to help fallen football stars. Plus, with Brian now bearing a remarkable resemblance to Pierce Brosnan, Simon and Frank give the episode the full James Bond treatment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Frank McAvennie is back with his latest Frankly Speaking as he gives his prediction ahead of the big clash at Ibrox. Macca discusses the huge loss of Lawrence Shankland and what his absence could mean, before turning his attention to Scottish football’s latest VAR controversy. Frank is far from impressed, branding the current situation “Poundshop VAR” and saying it is embarrassing Scottish football. Plus, Frank gives his verdict on how he sees things playing out at Ibrox. 🎙️ Another no-holds-barred Frankly Speaking on Let Me Be Frank. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former Hearts captain and Scotland international Michael Stewart joins Frank McAvennie and Simon Houston for a fascinating and typically forthright look back at his life in football. Michael reveals the extraordinary story behind his ban from Hampden following his criticism of Scottish refereeing, explaining just how far the restrictions went and why he believes the decision set a dangerous precedent for football pundits. He also gives his verdict on Hearts after their agonising title challenge and the departures of Derek McInnes, Lawrence Shankland and Cammy Devlin to Rangers. Can Wouter Vrancken rebuild the side, and can the Tony Bloom and Jamestown Analytics project keep Hearts challenging Celtic and Rangers? Michael also opens up on life as one of Scottish football’s most outspoken pundits, the criticism that comes with it and why he refuses to change the way he calls the game. Then it’s back to where his career began, being signed for Manchester United by Sir Alex Ferguson, making his debut alongside David Beckham and receiving some unforgettable words of encouragement from Roy Keane. A brilliant conversation covering Manchester United, Hearts, Scottish football, punditry and one of the strangest bans Michael has experienced. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Frank McAvennie reacts to Rangers offering Celtic just 300 tickets for the League Cup quarter-final at Ibrox. Should Celtic reject the allocation completely, and would accepting it risk making token away supports the new normal in Old Firm games? Macca also looks at Celtic’s extraordinary summer rebuild, with 32 players departing at all levels and only four new arrivals so far. With just days remaining before the transfer window closes, how many signings does Martin O’Neill still need and can Celtic rescue a window that has already contributed to their Champions League exit? There’s also a look at the names Celtic are chasing, including Gvidas Gineitis, Joël van den Berg, Justin Devenny, Will Ferry and potential goalkeeping reinforcements. Plus, have Rangers finally turned a corner after beating Aberdeen? Frank gives his verdict on Lawrence Shankland, Derek McInnes and Rangers’ own potential late-window spending, with Kevin Kelsy and Kim Min-su among the names being linked. All that plus Camilo Duran’s impressive start, the continuing Celtic supporter protests and the rest of the weekend’s Scottish Premiership action on Frankly Speaking. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Frank reacts to Celtic’s horror show in Austria and reveals why he doesn’t believe Martin O’Neill is the man picking the team. He calls it the worst Celtic performance in Europe he can remember and tears into the alarming lack of leadership on and off the pitch. We’re also joined by journalist Ben Ramage, whose new book on Scottish football legend Jimmy Bone is out tomorrow. Frank remembers the mentor who changed his career by recognising his potential and turning him into a striker. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Frank McAvennie blows his top as the crisis deepens at his former club West Ham, telling Nuno Espírito Santo it’s time to walk away and revealing why Eddie Howe is the man he wants to replace him. Macca also questions whether Jarrod Bowen is the right man to lead the Hammers and believes Arne Engels should be taking the penalties. Attention then turns to a massive week in Europe for the Glasgow clubs. Can Celtic finish the job against LASK and secure a potentially enormous £40m windfall? And can Rangers safely negotiate their Conference League return against Jablonec? Strong opinions, straight talking and Frank’s predictions on the latest Frankly Speaking. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tam Cowan looks forward to hitting the road around Scotland this September and gives us a taste of the brutal and hilarious put-downs awaiting anyone brave enough to sit near the front! He always buys his victims a drink afterwards… but admits there’s no chance he would ever risk a front-row seat at a Jerry Sadowitz gig. 😂 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Still Game legend Sanjeev Kohli joins Frank McAvennie and Simon Houston for a hilarious conversation about becoming Navid, life behind the scenes in Craiglang and his lifelong love of Celtic. Sanjeev recalls the unforgettable night he introduced the Lisbon Lions, reveals how his family’s Glasgow corner shop helped inspire his comedy and gives his verdict on Celtic’s latest European adventure. He also reflects on following Scotland at the World Cup, the pain of another early exit and what Navid would have made of the whole disastrous campaign. Still Game stories, Celtic memories, Scotland misery and plenty of laughs as Navid meets Macca! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Frank McAvennie says Celtic MUST be given the full away stand at Ibrox for their League Cup clash with Rangers and believes the Gers should foot the bill for the policing required. Macca also looks ahead to Celtic’s huge Champions League qualifier against LASK and predicts Celtic Park will be back to its intimidating best, warning the Austrians they won’t know what’s hit them. Plus, is Baur the new Reo Hatate? And could an early European exit actually HELP Rangers turn their domestic season around? All that and more on the latest Frankly Speaking. 🎙️ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

To mark the 30th anniversary of Trainspotting, Irvine Welsh joins Frank McAvennie and Simon Houston for a special episode of Let Me Be Frank. Ahead of appearing on stage with the cast in Edinburgh on Friday night, Irvine looks back on the phenomenon that became Trainspotting and its incredible legacy three decades on. There’s plenty of football too, as the lifelong Hibs fan talks about his love for the Hibees, his thoughts on the modern game and his connections to West Ham. From Leith and Trainspotting to Hibs, West Ham and plenty more, it’s a brilliant conversation with one of Scotland’s most iconic writers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Høgh’s the daddy! Kasper Høgh announced himself in style with a stunning first-half hat-trick as Celtic demolished Kilmarnock 5-1 away from home. Frank McAvennie gives his verdict on Celtic’s new striker and what his explosive start could mean for Martin O’Neill’s side this season. Meanwhile, Rangers are still searching for their first competitive win after a nightmare start. Frank believes Derek McInnes will eventually get it right, but with two defeats and a draw already on the board, could it be too late by the time Rangers finally click? Plus, Frank gives his verdict on Steven Naismith as a potential candidate for the Scotland job. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Archie MacPherson reflects on an extraordinary career covering Scottish football’s greatest players, managers and moments. From the glory years of the national team to unforgettable World Cups, Archie shares stories from a lifetime behind the microphone. He also speaks candidly about the sadness of watching Scotland’s decline in later years, describing one World Cup side as the worst the country has produced. Along the way, he recalls Jock Stein, Sir Alex Ferguson and the characters who made football’s golden era so special. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Frank McAvennie and Simon Houston revisit one of the biggest moments in Scottish football history. Why did Mo Johnston really swap Celtic for Rangers? Bill McMurdo reveals what was happening behind the scenes and explains why one of football’s most controversial transfers unfolded the way it did. Do you agree with his version of events? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Didier Agathe joins Simon Houston and Frank McAvennie to relive one of the greatest eras in Celtic’s modern history under Martin O’Neill. The former fans’ favourite reflects on winning trophies, reaching the UEFA Cup Final in Seville and playing in a team packed with legends including Henrik Larsson, Chris Sutton and Stiliyan Petrov. Agathe also shares one of the most remarkable stories of his career, recalling the surreal moment he walked into the chapel beneath the Nou Camp before facing Barcelona and found himself kneeling in prayer alongside some of the club’s biggest stars. He also opens up on why he turned down the chance to become a naturalised Scotland international, revealing his fear that foreign-born players would be unfairly blamed whenever the national team fell short. It’s a fascinating trip down memory lane with one of the quickest, most exciting and most popular players of Martin O’Neill’s unforgettable Celtic side. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Celtic have landed Kasper Høgh, and Frank believes they’ve finally got the strike force they set out to build this summer. But while the new front line looks exciting, he argues the squad is still far from complete and several key signings are needed before the transfer window closes. The lads also assess Rangers’ impressive pre-season, with Derek McInnes’ side looking organised, competitive and much better equipped than many expected heading into the new campaign. And Frank doesn’t hold back after watching West Ham, branding it the poorest Hammers side he has seen in decades following their goalless draw at Ibrox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former top referee Bobby Madden joins Frank McAvennie and Simon Houston for an honest look behind the whistle. Bobby reflects on following Scotland at the World Cup in the United States, witnessing one of the worst refereeing performances he’s ever seen at the highest level, and explains why he believes officials have become far too reliant on VAR instead of making decisions for themselves. He also discusses how he would improve VAR, what it was like refereeing Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Diego Costa, and shares stories from some of the biggest Celtic v Rangers matches he officiated. There’s plenty more, including: • The infamous Leon Balogun and Donald Trump red card controversy. • Why he was punished for telling Leigh Griffiths to “f*** off”. • Sending Alfredo Morelos off for “kicking someone in the baws”. • The abuse he received as a referee in Scotland. • His thoughts on Douglas Ross. • Whether refereeing is harder now than ever before. • The one decision he still thinks about. • His favourite players to referee. • His experience officiating in England. A fascinating, funny and revealing conversation with one of Scotland’s most recognisable referees. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this week’s Frankly Speaking, Simon Houston and Frank McAvennie tackle the biggest stories in Scottish football. With 13 players having left Celtic and only one new signing arriving, supporters are running out of patience. As Flag Day and the Champions League play-off draw ever closer, Frank and Simon ask why the club has been so slow in the transfer market and whether the Celtic hierarchy have completely misjudged the mood of the support. The pair also discuss whether Graeme Souness could be the right man to take Scotland forward before paying tribute to Kevin Keegan, reflecting on his remarkable playing career and the lasting impact he made on British football. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Murdo MacLeod joins Frank McAvennie and Simon Houston for a fascinating conversation reflecting on one of Scottish football’s most remarkable careers. From the unforgettable 1979 title triumph and a trophy-laden spell with Celtic to winning silverware in Germany with Borussia Dortmund, Murdo looks back on the moments, teammates and matches that shaped his life in football. He also opens up about the terrifying health battle that left him fighting for his life, the long road back to recovery and the emotional hospital visit from his great friend and former Celtic teammate Frank McGarvey that he’ll never forget. An honest, moving and often hilarious conversation with one of Scottish football’s true gentlemen.Murdo MacLeod joins Frank McAvennie and Simon Houston for a fascinating conversation reflecting on one of Scottish football’s most remarkable careers. From the unforgettable 1979 title triumph and a trophy-laden spell with Celtic to winning silverware in Germany with Borussia Dortmund, Murdo looks back on the moments, teammates and matches that shaped his life in football. He also opens up about the terrifying health battle that left him fighting for his life, the long road back to recovery and the emotional hospital visit from his great friend and former Celtic teammate Frank McGarvey that he’ll never forget. An honest, moving and often hilarious conversation with one of Scottish football’s true gentlemen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices