Talkin Fitbaw

Derek chats to one of Belfast's finest footballing exports, Danny Griffin. Danny's in great form as he relives his time in the game from turning down his boyhood heroes Liverpool to sign for St Johnstone where he'd make his name.  We hear why he turned down Premier League football, why he moved to Dundee United, his stint at Stockport, as well as his time at Aberdeen, Dundee, Ross County, and his two promotion winning seasons with Livingston and Arbroath. And of course we talk Northern Ireland and coming up against some of the best players on the planet and he also tells us about the great work he's doing now with the Saints Community Trust. Enjoy folks!

Derek chats to one of the most respected and decorated coaches in Scottish football, Eddie Wolecki Black. Eddie is in fine form as he tells us about his time banging in the goals for the likes of Montrose, Deveronvale and Huntly and his agony at missing out on a move to boyhood heroes Dundee United. He tells us about the success he had at Lochee United as a manager, being undermined at Montrose, guiding Glasgow City to untold success in the women's game, his spell at Airdrie where he would suffer a brain haemorrhage and his recovery back to the dugout with Motherwell and Celtic Women and now Forfar Farmington. Enjoy folks!

Derek chats to one of Scottish football's much loved goalies, John Hillcoat for a fun look back at his time between the sticks. John has stories galore from his 15 different clubs with plenty of laughs throughout. He also tells us about his stint as a columnist for The Sunday Mail and what keeps him busy nowadays. Enjoy folks!

With the Premier League campaign kicking off on Friday, millions of us will be entering our fantasy football teams. Derek chats to Ethan James from the Fantasy Football Hub to give us the lowdown on what we should be doing to improve our ranking. He tells us what players we should be looking out for, best formations, do's and dont's and loads more in between. Enjoy folks!  

Derek crosses over the channel to chat to one of Scottish football's most loved characters - Ivo den Bieman. We hear about how his move to Scotland and Montrose came about, nights out in Aberdeen and winning promotion with the Gable Endies. He talks about his season at Dundee where he scored and played in that famous 4-3 win over Rangers and featured alongside the likes of Graham Rix, Kevin Ratcliffe, Morten Weighorst, Dusan Vrto and others. He tells us how the Dark Blues left him high and dry only for Dunfermline, another club where he's adored, to come calling. There's stories galore from his time at East End Park, a real golden time for the Pars, and he tells us about his short stint at Ross County and finishing his playing career at Falkirk. Enjoy folks!

Derek chats to one of the most talented coaches in English football, Steve Eyre. Steve is in great form as he recounts his time growing up in and around his beloved Manchester City.  He looks back fondly on his 21 years in City's youth setup where he helped bring through the likes of Phil Foden, Kieran Trippier, Micah Richards and Daniel Sturridge. He also tells us about his stint as Rochdale boss, his time at Huddersfield and Chesterfield and working with Joey Barton at Fleetwood as well as loads more in between. Enjoy folks!

Derek chats to an absolute legend in the world of football physiotherapy - Alan Smith. Alan's story in the game is truly fascinating, after injury curtailed his playing aspirations at an early age he embarked on a career as a top class physio. We hear about his time at Sheffield Wednesday where he's fondly remembered during a golden time for the Owls, why he turned down Glasgow Rangers. And he tells us about his many years with England where he worked at several World Cups and European Championships, there's stories galore on Euro 96, Gazza, France 98, Euro 2000, the 2002 World Cup and plenty more in between. Enjoy folks!

Derek chats to one of Scottish football's most loved goalies, a hero at the likes of Dundee United, Dunfermline and Raith Rovers, it is of course Guido van de Kamp. Guido is in brilliant form as he relives his time coming through the ranks at Den Bosch, his Tannadice memories including that Scottish Cup final win over Rangers, the promotion winning season with the Pars, becoming a cult hero at Glentoran as well as his enjoyable spell at Starks Park and lots more in between. Enjoy folks!

Derek chats to one of Scottish football's greatest characters, not only a legend at Dunfermline and Livingston but he's also an MBE and the Lord Provost of the Kingdom of Fife, it is of course the one and only Jim Leishman. As you can expect, Jim's in top form as he relives his playing and coaching career with plenty of brilliant stories, he also tells us about his trip down to Buckingham Palace to meet the Queen and his move into politics. Enjoy folks!

Derek chats to former England Under 21 and Sheffield Wednesday defender Ian Knight. Ian's story in the game is a fascinating one, he was one of the most promising defenders in British football when he burst on the scene at Hillsborough until a horrific challenge by Chester City's Gary Bennett more or less curtailed his career. He tells us about that game, the aftermath, how he claimed damages as a result and how he kept positive to continue his time in the game by coaching which he still does over in Canada. We also hear about his time at Barnsley under Norman Hunter and Bobby Collins and dressing room tales from his years at the Owls. Enjoy folks!

Derek chats to Clyde royalty and former Kilmarnock favourite Paul Flexney for an entertaining look back on his time in the game. Paul tells how he lived out his boyhood dream of turning out and captaining the Bully Wee, his Shawfield memories, the influence Craig Brown had on his career, his stint down south at Northampton and his time at Rugby Park where he was part of that famous promotion winning side in 1990. He also tells us his heartbreak at having to cut his career short because of injury and what he's up to nowadays. Enjoy folks!

Derek chats to former Dundee United stalwart Fred van der Hoorn as the big Dutchman relives his career. We hear about how he idolised the great Holland team of the 70s, breaking through and skippering his hometown club FC Den Bosch where he'd also be part of two promotion winning sides later in his career. He tells us how the move to Tannadice came about, his memories of Jim McLean, what he made of Scottish football, the feeling of injustice over the Scottish Cup final in 91, his teammates and the reason why he left. We also hear about his time in Belgium and the work he does now running his Sports Management company. Enjoy folks!

Derek chats to Canada's finest, the one and only Colin Miller. Colin is in terrific form as he relives his time in the game from starting out at the star-studded Toronto Blizzard before his move to his beloved Rangers, we also hear about his spells at Doncaster, Hamilton Accies, Hearts, Dunfermline and St Johnstone and representing Canada as well as his time as a coach either side of the Atlantic. Enjoy folks!

Derek chats to Kilmarnock legend Mark Reilly as he relives his time in the game. We hear about his early days at Motherwell under Tommy McLean before his move to Rugby Park where he’s best remembered, he tells us about the promotion winning season, staying up on the last day, Scottish Cup glory in 97, a raft of Tommy Burns stories and hilarious tales involving the likes of Ally McCoist, he also tells us about his ill fated spell at Reading, playing for St Johnstone under former teammate Billy Stark and winning promotion with St Mirren. As well as all that, Mavis tells us about his upcoming 100 mile fundraising run to raise money to find a cure for Rett Syndrome, you can give a donation by clicking here. Enjoy folks!

Derek chats to Grimsby Town legend, the one and only Bobby Cumming. Bob is in great form as he relives his time growing up in Airdrie, being thrown into the Juniors at 15 and being part of the Albion Rovers set up before his move to Blundell Park where he’d spend the next 13 years as he became a much loved figure with the Mariners. He tells us about promotions, the time he got Norman Hunter sent off, his promotion winning season with Lincoln City, his time playing in the United States where he now resides and what he and the American public have made of the recent European Super League plans. Enjoy folks!

In our 100th episode, Derek chats to a man who was a warrior for fifteen clubs during his long and distinguished career, it's the one and only Chris Swailes. Chris is in fine form as he gives us an insight into his time in the game, from following his beloved Newcastle growing up, his regrets at not taking his opportunity at Ipswich, becoming a fans favourite at Rotherham and Bury, Wembley cup final wins, taking on the best in the English Premiership, defying the odds to come back from retirement to star for Hamilton, his heart scare, loads of dressing room stories and he tells us how he’s getting on as a manager at Dunston UTS. Enjoy folks!

Derek chats to former Motherwell favourite John Philliben for an entertaining look back at his time in the game. 'Softie' is in terrific form as he relives his career from coming through the ranks at hometown club Stirling Albion who he'd go onto manage, winning the Euros and starring in a World Cup for Scotland as a youngster, his spell down south playing for Billy Bremner at Doncaster Rovers, his 12 years at Fir Park including fall outs with Tommy McLean, his disappointment at being omitted for the 91' Scottish Cup final, playing with Davie Cooper and lots more. Enjoy folks!

Derek chats to journalist and film-maker Adrian Goldberg to chat about his recently released film - The Celtic Boys Club Scandal. Adrian tells us the challenges faced when creating the film, what he makes of the response from Celtic, his views on the recent SFA report, the harrowing stories he heard from the abuse survivors and what the reception has been like since its release. You can view the film by visiting - https://youtu.be/g-gfqI8rrfw Enjoy folks!

In Part 3 of this Steven Thicot Special, we learn about his career after leaving Hibs. He's been all over the globe, from starring in Portugal for Belenenses, Naval and Tondela, we hear about his time in Romania with Dinamo Bucharest, his unhappy spell in Greece, playing in Malaysia for Melaka United, moving to America with Charlotte Independence and how he’s getting on at his current club in Lithuania, Kauno Zalgiris. He also tells us about his future plans in the game. Enjoy folks! Fancy sponsoring the podcast? Email us at contact@derekclarksport.co.uk

Derek chats to former Hibs defender Steven Thicot to look back on his time at Easter Road in Part 2 of this three part special. Steven tells us how he fell in love with the club at first sight, his memories of the Edinburgh derby, beating the Old Firm, taking on Barcelona, dressing room tales, what he thought of the manager's he played under, his regrets at not showing his best form and a whole lot more. Enjoy folks!

Derek chats to former Hibs defender Steven Thicot for an engrossing in-depth chat about his time in the game. The interview is over three hours in length so we've split it into three parts. In Part 1, we cover Steven's early career from growing up in Paris, learning from the best at the world famous academy Clairfontaine, we hear about his struggles breaking through at Nantes, his eye opening loan spell at Sedan where he would make his Ligue 1 debut and we also go into great detail about his time representing France as a youngster and skippering a star studded side to Euros glory in 2004. Enjoy folks!

Derek chats to former Hamilton Accies defender David Elebert for a candid look back at his time in the game. David's in great form as he tells us about his early days at Preston, discovering the ugly side of football at Scarborough, his memories from his time at New Douglas Park as well as his stint in Iceland and playing back in his native Ireland. We also hear about his coaching aspirations and much more in between. Enjoy folks!

Derek chats to Ces Podd - Bradford City's record appearance holder and one of the first black players to play in English football. We hear about his upbringing and how difficult it was for him growing up as a black kid in Leeds, dealing with racist abuse as a youngster and as a player, his love of Bradford and why he stayed for as long as he did, being talked out of retirement by Neil Warnock and being part of that famous Scarborough side that won promotion to the football league. We also hear about his coaching at Leeds United, St Kitts and Nevis and St Lucia where he now works as Technical director of the FA as well as his dancing school and much more in between. Enjoy folks!

Derek chats to former Rangers, Hamilton, Carlisle, Grimsby, Chesterfield and Darlington star Phil Bonnyman for another in-depth look back at his career. As ever, it’s an interview rammed with great stories from his time in the game, including why he decided to leave Ibrox, making a name for himself at Accies, taking on the likes of Man United and Arsenal, being part of that famous Spireites side that defeated Rangers and went on to win the old Anglo-Scottish cup and loads more in between. We also hear about his time in coaching at the likes of Dunfermline, Hamilton, Huntly and Port Vale and what he got up to when he decided to step away from the game. Enjoy folks!

Derek chats to former guest of the show Dušan Vrťo to preview the upcoming Europa League clash between Slavia Prague and Rangers. Dušan provides a fascinating insight into what Steven Gerrard's men can expect to face in this eagerly anticipated last-16 tie. Enjoy folks!

Derek chats to former Dundee, Aberdeen and St Mirren defender Lee Mair as he relives his time in the game. It’s another refreshingly candid interview as Lee tells us about the early days at Dens where he would look on in awe at the likes of Caniggia, Ravanelli and co, loan spells at East Fife and Falkirk, his brief and forgettable stint at Stockport, falling out with Jim Duffy over his move to Dundee United where he tells us he received death threats.  We also hear about his time at his boyhood heroes Aberdeen where he would take on Bayern Munich, the St Mirren years where he would lose a League Cup final to 9-man Rangers and make amends a few years later, he also tells us about coping with retirement, his recent crazy fundraising challenge and loads more in between. Enjoy folks!

Derek chats with a proper Scottish footballing legend, the Wembley Wizard Jim McCalliog to look back on an extraordinary career. Jim was in fantastic form as he looked back on growing up in Gorbals, his time as a youngster at Leeds United before making a name for himself at Chelsea. We hear about his Sheffield Wednesday days where he was the most expensive teenager in the game and playing in the 1966 FA Cup final. Of course, we go in detail about his Scotland debut when he scored and was part of that glorious side that beat World Champions England at Wembley in 67' Jim also tells us about his time at Wolves where he played in a European final before his spell at Man United and Southampton where he’d finally win the FA Cup and play a pivotal role as he helped beat his former employers United in 76' He tells us about his experience of playing in the States where he’d take on Pele, we also hear about his time away from the game when he hung up his boots and why he’s decided to write his autobiography. It’s jam packed with terrific stories from a true giant of the game. Enjoy folks!

Derek chats to the brilliant Dean Walling to chat about his colourful career.Deano is in fine form as we hear about his early days as a youth at his beloved Leeds United, how gutted he was at being let go, starting his career at Rochdale, his stint in Canada, playing at Wembley with Guiseley,  the Carlisle years as well as his time at Doncaster, Lincoln and Cambridge.He also tells us about his coaching academy and loads more in between.Enjoy folks!

Derek chats to former Leeds United, Bolton Wanderers and Derby County star Jeff Chandler.A larger than life character in his playing days and bang in form off it as he relives his time in the game from breaking through at Blackpool, his up and down spell at Elland Road, becoming a hero at Burnden Park, netting in a Wembley final, manager bust ups and lots more.Enjoy folks!

Derek chats to former Hamilton, Partick and Aberdeen keeper Tomas Cerny who’s just recently hung up the gloves.Tomas was in fine form as he told us about his time in his homeland where he come through the ranks at Sigma Olomouc and starred for the Czech Republic national team under 17s to under 21s, where he’d win a Bronze medal in the Euros.We hear all about his time at New Douglas Park, Firhill and Pittodrie as well as his stints abroad in Bulgaria and Greece and just why he’s decided to call time on his career.Enjoy folks!

Derek chats to former Grimsby and Bolton favourite and his Bolton FM co-commentator Gary Henshaw.Gary's in great form as he looks back on his time at Boundary Park and Burnden Park as well as stints at Rochdale, Swansea, Chorley, Hyde United, Runcorn and Radcliffe Borough.We also hear how he made the transition into the radio game covering the Whites.Enjoy folks!

Derek chats with former Hibs favourite Alen Orman as he looks back fondly on his time at Easter Road and beyond.Alen talks about growing up in Bosnia, playing in Austria and Belgium, representing Austria, starring in the Champions League for FC Thun, dealing with epilepsy and, of course, loads of stories from his time at the Hibees.Enjoy folks!

Derek chats to well travelled and much loved goalkeeper and current Livingston coach Tony Caig.In a bumper two hour interview, Tony relives his time between the sticks at Carlisle, Blackpool, Charlton, Hibs, Newcastle, Gretna, his two spells in the US at Vancouver and Houston Dynamo, his time as a coach and his goalkeeping academy which you can find more about on his Twitter account @CumbriaSells.Tony was in top form, and a joy to listen to.Enjoy folks!

Derek chats to former Hartlepool, Motherwell and FC Twente star Rab McKinnon.Rab relives his early days at EKYC and Rutherglen Glencairn, mixing with the likes of Gazza, Peter Beardsley and the late great Jack Charlton at Newcastle and his disappointment at not making the breakthrough at the Magpies.We hear all about his time at Pools, his disappointment at being denied the chance to join Man Utd, playing alongside Davie Cooper, making his mark in the Eredivisie, his time at Hearts, Clydebank and Bellshill Athletic and not forgetting his three caps for Scotland.Enjoy folks!With On The Teamsheet, Get 10% OFF with the code TALKINFITBAW at www.etsy.com/uk/shop/OnTheTeamsheet

Derek chats to Falkirk midfielder Morgaro Gomis to look back at his career in the game.Morgaro is in fine form as he relives his time as a youth at Montpellier, his rise through non league in England, his time in Scotland at Cowdenbeath, Hearts, Motherwell, his three spells at Dundee United where he’s fondly remembered, as well as his stint at Birmingham City.We also hear about his two caps for Senegal, playing in Malaysia and Oman as well as his recently launched coaching academy - morgarogomis.co.uk.Enjoy folks!(Apologies for the poor audio quality from my end, technical issues unfortunately)With On The Teamsheet, Get 10% OFF with the code TALKINFITBAW at www.etsy.com/uk/shop/OnTheTeamsheet

Derek chats to Dunfermline goalkeeping legend Ian Westwater to look back at his 20 years between the sticks.Ian's in great form as he tells us about his early days at Hearts where he would become the youngest goalie to appear in the Premier League at just 16.  There's stories galore about his two spells at the Pars as well as stints at Falkirk, Dundee and Hibs.Enjoy folks!Sponsored by On The Teamsheet, Get 10% OFF with the code TALKINFITBAW at www.etsy.com/uk/shop/OnTheTeamsheet

Derek chats to Notts County legend and Magpies record goalscorer Les Bradd.Les was an absolute icon at Meadow Lane in the late 60s and 70s, we hear all about his time at the club, how gutted he was at his exit as well as his spells at Rotherham, Stockport, Wigan and Bristol Rovers.Enjoy folks!Sponsored by On The Teamsheet, Get 10% OFF with the code TALKINFITBAW at www.etsy.com/uk/shop/OnTheTeamsheet

Derek chats to former Celtic defender and treble-winner Ramon Vega to discuss what is going wrong at the Parkhead club.With dreadful scenes outside the stadium last night, Ramon doesn't hold back as he slams those responsible, he also questions the under performing players and gives us his thoughts on his former teammate Neil Lennon.Enjoy folks!

Derek chats to former Dundee and Banik Ostrava favourite Dušan Vrťo to look back on his career.Dušan starred for the Dark Blues in the mid 90s, he speaks fondly of his time on Tayside, playing in the League Cup final in 1995 as well as playing in the Czech Republic, representing Slovakia and what he's getting up to nowadays.Enjoy folks!With manscaped.com, Get 20% off + free shipping with the code: TALKINFITBAW

Derek chats to one of the greatest South African defenders of all time - Mark Fish.As well as making a name for himself in his homeland with Jomo Cosmos and Orlando Pirates, Mark starred for Bafana Bafana at France 98' as well as playing in Serie A with Lazio and in England where he's fondly remembered at Bolton and Charlton.Mark's in terrific form as he looks back on his time in the game and the work he's doing now.Enjoy folks!With manscaped.com, Get 20% off + free shipping with the code: TALKINFITBAW

In the week where Scotland qualified for their first major tournament in 22 years, Derek chats to the man who helped the country do just that in 1977, the great Don Masson.Don looks back on his time at Middlesbrough, Notts County where he was voted their greatest ever player, QPR where he almost won the league, Derby County and Scotland where he talks about netting a penalty against Wales that helped them qualify for the World Cup in Argentina and the penalty miss against Peru in the tournament itself that still haunts him to this day.Don has also just brought out his eagerly anticipated autobiography ‘Still Saying Sorry’ get your copy by visiting donmasson.co.uk.Enjoy folks!With manscaped.com, Get 20% off + free shipping with the code: TALKINFITBAW

Derek chats to much-loved and travelled striker Armand Oné as he looks back on his career.In a bumper two-hour interview, Armand is in great form as he talks about his early days at Nantes, his trial at Man City, his introduction to British football with Cambridge, his time in Scotland with the likes of Partick, Cowdenbeath, Raith, Livingston, Alloa and Stranraer as well as his stint in Finland and much more in between.Enjoy folks!With manscaped.com, Get 20% off + free shipping with the code: TALKINFITBAW

Derek chats to the flamboyant translator Manik Mane who's become a much-loved figure amongst the Rangers support.Many will remember the super cool Manik translating for Steven Gerrard and Allan McGregor in last season's Europa League tie with Braga.Manik chats about his life as a translator, his football career, his amazing fashion sense and just what he makes of the love he’s received from the Rangers fans.Enjoy folks!With manscaped.com, Get 20% off + free shipping with the code: TALKINFITBAW

Derek chats to the hugely talented writer Stuart Horsfield to chat about his debut book 1982 Brazil: The Glorious Failure.Stu relives his youth when he was mesmerised by the greatest team never to win the World Cup, he's interviewed key figures who came up against the iconic side including the referee from the famous clash with Italy.It's a magnificent read, you can buy a copy by clicking HEREEnjoy folks!

Derek chats to former Norwich, Scarborough, Clyde and Partick star Jamie Mitchell.Jamie was one of the hottest young talents in Britain when he had the likes of Rangers, Spurs and the Canaries chasing his signature, he chose Carrow Road and despite progressing through the ages he was let go, he gives us an insight into how tough that was, the ups and downs on the Yorkshire coast, starring for the Bully Wee and Thistle and dealing with a groin injury that cut short his career.Enjoy folks!

Derek chats to goalscoring machine Paul Ritchie to look back at an eventful career in the game.Paul is a guy who loved a promotion and is a player much loved pretty much everywhere he went from Dundee, Brechin, Gillingham, Portadown, Derry, Hamilton, Inverness, Partick, East Fife, Happy Valley and Yee Hope.Paul was absolutely magnificent, full of honesty, laughs and packed with stories.Enjoy folks!

Derek chats to esteemed author Jeff Connor to chat about his latest book: Busby’s Last Crusade: A Pictorial History From Munich to WembleyIt’s a fascinating read not only for Manchester United supporters but any football fan interested in what was a truly unforgettable era.Jeff not only gives us an insight into the book but also tells us why England winning the World Cup in 1966 put him off football forever, writing about Scottish football and how he’s recovering after suffering a stroke in 2008.Enjoy folks!

Derek chats to former Rangers midfielder Thomas Kind Bendiksen to look back at his career in the game.Thomas is in great form as he talks about his time at Ibrox, why he chose to leave to join Tromso, playing in the Europa League as well as representing Norway.He also chats about life at current club Tromsdalen and his future ambitions.Enjoy folks!

Derek chats to renowned author Jeff Holmes who chats about his latest book Tortured: The Sam English Story.English was a destined to become one of the greatest goalscorers in Scottish football history before an accidental clash with Celtic keeper John Thomson that claimed the Hoops man's life.Jeff goes into terrific detail to give us an idea of just how prolific English was and how he and his family suffered for years after that fateful Old Firm game.Get yourself a copy of the book HEREEnjoy folks!

Derek chats to Bafana Bafana legend Aaron Mokoena who looks back on an extraordinary career.As well as starring for Blackburn Rovers, Portsmouth and Ajax amongst others, Aaron became the youngest player to represent South Africa before going on to amass 107 caps, including skippering his country in their home World Cup in 2010.As well as on the field, Aaron tells us about surviving the tragic Boipatong massacre in 1992 when 45 people were killed.It's another fascinating listen with a proper icon of the game.Enjoy folks!With Classic 11 Football Shirts, Get 10% OFF with the code TALKINFITBAW

Derek chats to the supremely talented David Resnik aka Stadiums For Ants, who's taken social media by storm and hitting the front pages with his amazing miniature Ibrox Stadium creation.David explains what inspired him to design the iconic ground, the difficulties during construction and what he's made of the widespread attention from media outlets and Rangers fans.Enjoy folks!With Classic 11 Football Shirts, Get 10% OFF with the code TALKINFITBAW