Let Me Be Frank Podcast

One of Scottish football’s funniest characters joins Frank McAvennie and Simon Houston for a brilliant new episode of Let Me Be Frank. Former Hibs favourite Tam McManus has played for more clubs than most people can remember, and he’s got the stories to prove it. Tam reveals how he started out with his boyhood heroes Celtic before deciding his future lay at Hibs, where a young Scott Brown somehow ended up cleaning his boots. From dressing-room antics and colourful characters to life as an outspoken pundit and hugely popular after-dinner speaker, Tam has Frank and Simon in stitches as he looks back on his football journey. Expect brilliant stories, plenty of laughs and no shortage of opinions on Scottish football. Another cracking episode of Let Me Be Frank. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Frank McAvennie wants answers over Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s lack of game time at Celtic. With the midfield crying out for quality, Macca questions why the former Arsenal and Liverpool man isn’t getting more opportunities. Is there something going on behind the scenes, or is Celtic simply leaving a top player sitting on the bench? Frank and Simon also turn their attention to Callum McGregor. After giving so much to Celtic over the years, the captain is now facing growing criticism over his performances and his place in the side. Is McGregor being judged too harshly, or could the current struggles begin to affect how his Celtic legacy is remembered? 🎙️ Another Frankly Speaking on Let Me Be Frank. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kevin Kyle is back on Let Me Be Frank, and once again he doesn’t hold back. In a revealing conversation with Frank McAvennie and Simon Houston, Kevin opens up about being let go by Open Goal after eight years, how he dealt with the departure and what life has looked like since. He also reflects candidly on life after professional football, the highs, the lows and the lessons he’s learned along the way. And there’s plenty of football chat too. The former Hearts striker gives his verdict on where his old club went so badly wrong in their 7-1 defeat to Celtic, before the lads debate who should now be considered favourites for the Scottish Premiership title. Honest opinions, brilliant stories, plenty of laughs and absolutely no punches pulled. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Frank McAvennie reacts to a huge weekend in the title race after Celtic thrashed Hearts 7-1 while Rangers were held to a 2-2 draw by Dundee. Macca believes that result has effectively ended Hearts’ title challenge and says the race has now been reduced to Celtic and Rangers. Was the Hearts challenge always going to fade? How damaging was Rangers dropping points again? And has Celtic just sent a major statement to the rest of the league? 🎙️ Full Frankly Speaking available now on Let Me Be Frank. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Who really owns Celtic? How much influence does Dermot Desmond actually have? And can supporters force meaningful change at the club again? This week on Let Me Be Frank, Frank McAvennie and Simon Houston are joined by Matt McGlone, one of the leading figures in the Celts for Change movement that helped bring down the old Celtic board in 1994. More than 30 years later, Celtic supporters are once again demanding change. Matt compares the battle then with the protests now, the different supporter groups involved and the lessons today’s fans can take from the campaign that transformed the club. We also look at Celtic’s shareholding structure, Dermot Desmond’s influence and whether ordinary shareholders realistically have the power to make a difference. With the AGM approaching, it’s a timely discussion about Celtic’s past, present and future, and whether supporters today can achieve what Celts for Change managed more than three decades ago. Plus, Matt reflects on the special significance of returning to Lisbon, the city where Celtic made history in 1967. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Frank McAvennie is back with another Frankly Speaking ahead of a massive week for Celtic. Macca believes Cameron Carter-Vickers was right to question Martin O’Neill’s approach and has plenty to say about Celtic’s tactics and team selection ahead of huge games against Benfica and Hearts. Why isn’t the Ox getting his chance? Is it time to unleash Høgh and Duran together up front? And what needs to change if Celtic are going to get their season moving again? Frank gives his verdict on all the big talking points ahead of two crucial games for the Hoops. 🎙️ Frankly Speaking on Let Me Be Frank Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former Celtic defender Lex Baillie joins Frank and Simon for a brilliant look back at an extraordinary life in football and beyond. Part of Celtic’s Centenary Double-winning squad, Lex went from professional footballer to Police Chief Inspector, while also growing up as the son of renowned football journalist and former Rangers player Doug Baillie. Some people even stopped speaking to his dad after Lex signed for Celtic. Lex also recalls playing in Toronto alongside Brazil World Cup star Edinho, before visiting him in Rio and somehow ending up having a kickabout in a local park with the great Zico. He takes us inside the Celtic dressing room, remembers the Old Firm battles he shared with Frank, the injury that changed his career and what it was like returning to Celtic Park and Ibrox as a police officer rather than a player. A cracking conversation packed with brilliant stories. Let Me Be Frank with Lex Baillie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Things get heated on this week’s Frankly Speaking as Frank McAvennie and Simon Houston clash over the Celtic supporters’ tennis ball protest against Dermot Desmond at St Andrews. Was it a step too far, or have frustrated supporters finally found a protest the Celtic hierarchy can’t ignore? It develops into one of the most explosive debates Frank and Simon have had on the show as they discuss the growing divide between the club and sections of the support. Plus, could Celtic shareholders even find themselves locked out of the upcoming AGM as tensions continue to rise? 🎙️ An explosive Frankly Speaking on Let Me Be Frank. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former Dundee United and Scotland star Andy McLaren joins Simon and Frank for one of the most honest and powerful conversations we’ve had on Let Me Be Frank. Andy opens up about childhood trauma, alcohol and drug addiction and the moment his football career appeared to come crashing down when he failed a drugs test. But what seemed like the end ultimately became his salvation. In a raw and at times heartbreaking interview, Andy talks about reaching rock bottom, fighting his way back to football and remarkably going on to represent Scotland. There are plenty of laughs and brilliant stories from Dundee United and Jim McLean along the way, but above all this is an inspiring story of addiction, survival, recovery and a second chance at life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Frank McAvennie is raging over Celtic Park being handed over to Oasis during the 60th anniversary celebrations of the Lisbon Lions. With Oasis playing at Paradise on May 25, exactly 60 years after Celtic lifted the European Cup in Lisbon, Macca says the club has “sold out” and questions how Celtic Park can be unavailable on one of the biggest dates in the club’s history. Plus, Frank and Simon react to Scotland’s 0-0 draw with Slovenia. After a poor opening 45 minutes and a much-improved second half, were there enough encouraging signs to give the Tartan Army some optimism under the new manager? 🎙️ Another Frankly Speaking on Let Me Be Frank. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ewen Cameron joins Simon and Frank for one of the most personal and moving conversations we’ve had on Let Me Be Frank. Known as one of the loudest and most opinionated voices in Scottish football, Ewen reveals the very different story behind the public persona, speaking candidly about some of the darkest periods of his life, his mental health and the support that helped change everything. He explains the impact Back Onside had on him and shares experiences that even people who think they know Ewen Cameron may never have heard before. There’s plenty of football too, as Ewen talks Hearts, his years in Scottish broadcasting, the opinions that have landed him in trouble and what it’s really like being someone fans seem to either love or love to hate. Funny, raw and at times incredibly moving, this is Ewen Cameron as you’ve probably never heard him before. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Three games. Three defeats. Celtic have followed up a 3-0 League Cup defeat to Rangers with a 3-1 Europa League loss to Ferencváros and another derby defeat, going down 1-0 at Celtic Park today. Frank McAvennie and Simon Houston react to another damaging afternoon for Celtic and ask the biggest question of all: is Martin O’Neill now ready to walk away? With O’Neill admitting he’ll reflect on his future during the international break, Frank discusses whether the manager still believes he can turn things around and whether Celtic may already have a successor in mind. They also look at another dominant Rangers performance, Celtic’s alarming run of form and what needs to change before the season starts to unravel. 🎙️ New Frankly Speaking available now on Let Me Be Frank. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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