That's What I Call Football

It's the final episode of the season as we review the Irish Cup final and Saturday's European play-off. We also look at the managerial merry-go-round at Ballymena United and Cliftonville, while Gerard Lyttle reacts to some of the speculation surrounding his future. We also hand out some end-of-season awards.

This week's special guest is Linfield midfielder Chris Shields. Chris joins Gareth Fullerton and Gerard Lyttle to chat about the Blues' marathon season. We chat about Linfield's European agony and missing out on the Premiership title, and how the Windsor Park club will be determined to bite back next season after facing some criticism. We also look ahead to this weekend's Irish Cup final and the upcoming European play-offs.

On this week's podcast we celebrate Larne's historic title win with captain Tomas Cosgrove and defender Aaron Donnelly. The pair reflect on the club's first-ever Gibson Cup triumph and the celebrations that followed. We hear about the vision of manager Tiernan Lynch and owner Kenny Bruce, and how they plan to toast their success in Spain.

Gareth Fullerton and Gerard Lyttle are joined by special guest, Glenavon defender Sean Ward. Sean looks back on his stellar career to date after reaching the milestone of 750 senior Irish League games earlier this week. The 39-year-old has won league titles at Glentoran, Linfield and Crusaders, and is now hoping to help Glenavon secure European football this season. Sean chats about the highs and lows in his career, and also praised the impact of Larne boss Tiernan Lynch during his earlier playing days at the Oval. The veteran defender also reveals the key behind his longevity in football - and it's something all of us can relate to!

Gareth is joined by Belfast Live/Daily Mirror sports reporter Steven Crawford and Larne defender Albert Watson on this week's show. Albert chats about Larne's trophy assault this season, with the Inver Reds currently top of the Premiership and into the semi-finals of the Irish Cup. He also reflects on his own glittering career which has included spells in Canada and Iceland.

This week's special guest is Hearts and Northern Ireland striker Liam Boyce. Liam joins Gareth and Barry in the virtual studio to chat about life in the Scottish Premiership, and his recovery from a second cruciate injury. The former Cliftonville man reflects on his days at Solitude, and his thoughts on this season's title race. Liam also spills the beans on some of his former teammates, and reveals how his mum gave away his Golden Boot award from one of his title-winning seasons with the Reds!

On this week's podcast Gareth and Janty are joined by Dungannon Swifts goalkeeper Declan Dunne. Decky played his 100th Irish League game last weekend in a 2-1 win over Cliftonville in the quarter-finals of the Irish Cup. He reflects on that heroic performance at Solitude, and the impact Dean Shiels is making at Stangmore Park. Decky also outlines the club's Premiership hopes this season as they battle against relegation at the bottom end of the table. We also reflect on all the other action in the Premiership and look ahead to Sunday's BetMcLean Cup final between Linfield and Coleraine!

On this week's podcast we welcome special guest Ryan Catney into the virtual studio. Ryan joins Gareth and Barry to chat about his Irish League career, and some magical memories with the Reds. He also reflects on his horrific double leg break and gives us his views on this season's title race. We look ahead to this weekend's games and also pick out another charity bet.

On this week's show Gareth and Barry chat about all the latest happenings in the Irish League. We also have special interviews with Michael Gault and Jamie Mulgrew about Linfield's recently launched full-time academy and the Blues' title prospects this season as we reach the business end of proceedings.  Can Larne handle the pressure as they target a first-ever Premiership title?  We discuss the pros and cons of leading a title race.

On this week's show we welcome former Irish League goalkeeper Michael Dougherty into the virtual studio. Doc joins Gareth and Barry to chat about his new coaching role at Derry City, and he also reflects on his own playing career with clubs including Glentoran, Crusaders, Portadown and Larne. We discuss the current state of goalkeeping in Northern Ireland, and some of the shot-stoppers Doc played alongside including Elliott Morris, Sean O'Neill and Conor Devlin.

On this week's show we welcome H&W Welders assistant boss Graeme Philson into the virtual studio. Philsy chats to us about Saturday's brilliant Irish Cup win over Glenavon, and the progress the Welders are making on and off the pitch. We also hear about his 'run in' with Kirk Hunter, and how Michael Carrick used to be is boot boy at West Ham United. We also chat about Kyle Lafferty's arrival at Linfield and this weekend's big games!

This week's special guest is Bangor boss Lee Feeney. We look ahead to Bangor's massive Irish Cup clash with Crusaders this Friday night and reflect on the Seasiders' season so far. We also recap the recent Premiership action - including Shay McCartan's 'Hand of God' - and chat about the transfer window including the chances of Kyle Lafferty moving to the Irish League.

On this week's podcast we look back on a busy week in the Irish Premiership. Glentoran have a new manager and are back winning games, while Linfield's title surge has been stalled by Crusaders. We also assess Cliftonville's defensive issues and the feel-good factor around Larne. We also discuss summer football (again) and some inconsistent refereeing.

On this week's show Gareth, Gerard and Barry are joined by Coleraine midfielder Lee Lynch. Lee chats about swapping full-time Larne for the Bannsiders last summer, and how he's targeting major silverware success at the Showgrounds . He also gives us an insight into Oran Kearney and looks ahead to the club's BetMcLean Cup final against Linfield. We also look at all the recent league and Irish Cup action and address Mick McDermott's "balloons" comments.

This week's special guest is former Manchester United and Northern Ireland goalkeeper Roy Carroll. Roy joins Gareth, Gerard and Barry in the virtual studio to chat all things football - including his return to action for Ballinamallard United at the tender age of 45! The veteran shot-stopper reflects on his career including working with Sir Alex Ferguson, Cristiano Ronaldo and Roy Keane.

Gareth and Gerard are joined by former Irish League player and manager Gerry Flynn to look ahead to a bumper Boxing Day schedule. The festive derbies are coming up on Monday and we preview all six games and give our (bulletproof) tips. We discuss the magic of the Boxing Day games and assess which teams are in form, and who is struggling for momentum heading into the busy schedule. We also have our weekly BetMcLean charity bet.

On this week's show Gareth Fullerton and Gerard Lyttle chat about Michael O'Neill's return as Northern Ireland boss, as well as all the latest action from the Irish Premiership. We have interviews with Northern Ireland legend Aaron Hughes, former international striker Iain Dowie who is currently helping out at Larne, and Portadown defender Paddy McNally. The bumper festive episode also sees the return of the BetMcLean charity bet - can we land a winner this weekend.

This week's special guest is ex-Irish League midfielder and current Crumlin United boss Ciaran Caldwell. Ciaran chats about his time in management and the challenges it presents. He also reflects on his time in football with clubs including Cliftonville, Glentoran and Larne. Ciaran also recalls his comical 'face plant' moment against Celtic in the Champions League and gives his thoughts on this season's title race.

Gareth and Gerard are joined by former Irish League player and manager Gerry Flynn on this week's podcast. Gerry recalls his hilarious 'Lockdown Stories' and putting the fear into some of his good pals, and also chats about missing football after moving to Spain. He also chats about his current role with Larne FC and the changing landscape of the Irish League.

Gareth is joined by Barry Johnston and Paul Leeman on this week's podcast. Glentoran legend Leeper reflects on Friday night's Big Two win for the Glens, and we also conduct our own Linfield post-mortem. We also look at what makes a good captain and make our weekend predictions. And there's the usual charity bet courtesy of BetMcLean.

This week's special guest is former Ipswich Town and Northern Ireland midfielder Jim Magilton. Jim joins Gareth, Barry and Gerard in the virtual studio to chat all things football. From the current health of the Irish League to Ali Pour's investment at Glentoran,  Linfield's stuttering form and Friday's crunch Big Two derby. Plus much, much more. We also have another Charity Bet courtesy of BetMcLean.

On this week's show Gareth is joined by Lisburn Distillery boss Barry Johnston and Northern Ireland U17 and U19 manager Gerard Lyttle. We reflect on the U19's brilliant European qualifying success in the Netherlands, and get Gerard's predictions for this season's Irish Premiership. We pick out the main protagonists and make our predictions for this weekend's games. And we go for the hat-trick in our weekly charity bet!

This week we shine a spotlight on Irish League supporter Owen O'Neill. We find out what it means to him to follow the club he loves, and what they can achieve this season. We also chat about his career as a professional boxer, and how Reds boss Paddy McLaughlin once referenced him during a team talk. Good friend Rory Hale also gives us the lowdown on Owen and how the boxer was once compared to John Hartson.

This week's special guest is Crusaders midfielder Philip Lowry. Philip joins Gareth and Barry in the virtual studio to chat about the Crues' start to the season, and his career to date. We also chat to Mick McDermott about Glentoran's table-topping antics early in the season. 

This week's special guest is Newry City boss Darren Mullen. Darren joins Gareth Fullerton and Barry Johnston in the virtual studio to chat about Newry's return to the Premiership. We also talk about whether 13 years of age is too young to make your senior debut, following Glenavon teen Christopher Atherton's history-making debut on Tuesday night. And we ask Darren and Janty to come up with three players or managers - alive or dead - who they would invite to a mythical dinner party.

We are back for a brand new season of the podcast! To help us kick off the new campaign Gareth is joined by ex-Irish League stars Barry Johnston and Michael Gault. And our special guest is none other than Glentoran and Northern Ireland winger Conor McMenamin. And the BetMcLean charity bet returns! Let's hope our luck is better than last season!

This week's special guest is Crusaders' Irish Cup winner Ben Kennedy. Ben joins Gareth and Barry in the virtual studio for the final podcast of the season. Ben chats about Crusaders' late, late show in the Irish Cup final and how the celebrations went on for a day or two. He also reflects on his time at Seaview and how impressed he has been with Irish League football since returning from England. Ben and Barry also pick out their top players of the season, and make their predictions for Friday night's European play-off final between Glentoran and Larne. We also have one more crack at the charity bet...

This week's special guest is  striker Chris McKee who scored one of the goals to help Linfield win the Gibson Cup last weekend. Chris reflects on his time at Windsor Park and winning the title with David Healy's Blues. He also discusses what his future may hold and how the Irish League is an attractive proposition for any player. We also have plenty of Irish Cup final chat ahead of Saturday's showpiece between Ballymena United and Crusaders. We also celebrate a winning charity bet (at last) and make our predictions for this weekend's final.

On this week's podcast Gareth, Gerard and Barry look ahead to the final weekend of the Premiership season as Linfield and Cliftonville battle it out for the Gibson Cup. We assess both sides' performances this season and how we think Saturday's final round of games will unfold. We also reflect on Ballymena United's Irish Cup semi-final success, and if Glentoran's lengthy appeals process had a detrimental impact on the Oval club's run-in. We also have our weekly charity bet thanks to Bet McLean.

This week's special guests are Glenavon defender Sean Ward and former Linfield captain Michael Gault. They join Gareth in the virtual studio for some Irish League chat and craic. Sean talks about  his new one-year deal with Glenavon and potentially playing into his 40s, and also reflects on his career so far. The lads also dissect Friday night's massive Big Two derby and how this season's title race might unfold.

This week's special guest is legendary Glentoran goalkeeper Elliott Morris. Elliott reflects on his recent retirement and spending 20 years at the Oval. We ask the 40-year-old to pick the Best Glens XI he ever played with - a list that includes a midfielder nicknamed 'The Devil' and one of Mick McDermott's current squad. Elliott recalls the good and bad times at Glentoran, and assesses this season's title race. We also have our weekly charity bet courtesy of BetMcLean.

This week's special guest is Linfield defender Conor Pepper. Conor reflects on his time at Windsor Park since joining the Blues from Glentoran in the summer of 2020. He looks back on his shoulder surgery ordeal earlier this season and how he hopes to play his part in Linfield's title run-in. Conor chats about the pressure and expectation that comes with playing for David Healy's champions, and how it compares to their Big Two rivals. We also hear about his coaching role with Linfield's Under 18s and his work as a personal trainer.

We celebrate St Patrick's Day alongside Cliftonville legend Joe 'The Goal' Gormley. Joe joins Gareth and Barry in the virtual studio to chat about the Reds' thrilling BetMcLean League Cup win over Coleraine. The 32-year-old striker gives us an insight into  Sunday night's celebrations at Solitude and the hunger within Cliftonville's squad to win more major silverware. Also on the podcast Joe reveals how he wore a very special player's boots in Sunday's final, and outlines his retirement plans. We also take a look back at last weekend's Premiership games and have our weekly BetMcLean Charity Bet.

On this week's episode we look ahead to Sunday's BetMcLean League Cup final between Cliftonville and Coleraine. We have interviews with both managers while Gerard, Barry and Gareth give their predictions. We also take a look at Tuesday night's action in the Irish Premiership including Cliftonville's win over Glentoran. We assess the Reds' title prospects as we enter the business end of the season, while we also discuss Larne's disappointing campaign and owner Kenny Bruce's promise to conduct a full end-of-season review. And, as always, we have our weekly charity bet courtesy of BetMcLean...

This week's special guest is former Northern Ireland midfielder and ex-Irish FA Elite Performance Director Jim Magilton. Jim joins Gareth and Gerard in the virtual studio to chat all things football. He reflects on his short spell with Dundalk, and how he has "no regrets" quitting the IFA in December 2020 to take up the post at Oriel Park. We also chat about some of NI's young stars across the water and get stuck into all the latest Irish League action. And we will also have our weekly charity bet courtesy of BetMcLean - we need a win!

This week's special guest is Cliftonville winger Jamie McDonagh. Jamie joins Gareth Fullerton and Barry Johnston to chat about the Reds' title push this season. The 25-year-old reflects on his debut season at Solitude and how Paddy McLaughlin is getting the best out of him, and chats about the 'Colin Coates factor' inside the dressing room. McDonagh also looks back on a frustrating time at Glentoran and assesses this season's race for the Gibson Cup - with Cliftonville just one point behind the Glens and Linfield at the top.

Glentoran manager Mick McDermott joins Gareth and Gerard in the virtual studio to chat about this season's thrilling title race. Mick reflects on last Friday's Big Two win over Linfield and how his players quickly moved on from the derby success. We also hear Mick's views on social media, Jay Donnelly, Aaron McCarey, Glentoran's title rivals and the ongoing controversy surrounding stadium funding. We also have our weekly charity bet courtesy of Bet McLean.

This week's special guest is  Ards manager Matthew Tipton. Matthew joins Gareth Fullerton and Paul Leeman in the virtual studio to chat about his new job at Clandeboye Park. The former striker reflects on his time at Portadown and his ambitions with Ards who currently lie fifth in the Championship. We also break down Friday night's massive Big Two derby and give our predictions for the game at the Oval. We also have our regular charity bet courtesy of BetMcLean.

This week's special guest is former Linfield captain Michael Gault. We chat to Michael about life back at Windsor Park as manager of the club's Swifts team. We also reflect on his year spent managing Ballymacash Rangers and cutting his teeth in the Mid Ulster League. We also chat about emerging young stars at Linfield and break down the past week's action in the Irish Premiership.  There's also a review of the January transfer window and our weekly Charity Bet courtesy of BetMcLean.

On this week's show Gareth and Gerard are joined by Irish League legend Paul Leeman to look back on the past week's action and assess this season's title race. Leeman was the last Glentoran captain to lift the Gibson Cup in 2009, here he looks at the reasons why the Oval club can do it once again in 2022. We  look at Linfield and Cliftonville's title pursuits and how each squad is equipped for the rest of the season. The lads also discuss Matthew Tipton's departure from Portadown and Ballymena United manager David Jeffrey's response to claims his club 'lack ambition'.

This week's special guest is Dungannon Swifts goalkeeper Declan Dunne. Declan joins Gareth and Gerard in the virtual studio to chat about life at Stangmore Park. The Northern Ireland Under 21 goalkeeper only joined the Swifts this month from Cliftonville, while he also had a previous loan spell with Portadown. Declan reflects on his fledgling career so far, and reveals his full-time ambitions and hopes for the remainder of the season with Dungannon. We also have our weekly charity bet courtesy of BetMcLean.

This week's special guest is Warrenpoint Town winger Thomas Maguire. Thomas reflects on his time at Milltown since joining the club on loan from Cliftonville last January, and chats about this season's struggles at the bottom of the Premiership. We also look back on Larne winning the Co Antrim Shield and their targets moving forward, and discuss whether Lee Bonis' big-money move to Inver Park is a good thing for the Irish League. We also have our weekly charity bet courtesy of BetMcLean, and there's even a cameo appearance from Jim Magilton who manages to gatecrash the show!

This week's special guest is Larne defender Albert Watson. Albert reflects on last week's 3-2 win over Glentoran at the Oval and lays out Larne's title ambitions this season. We also look ahead to this Saturday's Irish Cup first round ties and next Tuesday's Co Antrim Shield final between Larne and Linfield. The lads also dissect Tuesday's North Belfast derby and assess the impact of Rory Hale's injury for the Reds. We also search for positives with Portadown and ask whether striker Lee Bonis is worth a reported £100,000 price tag. And we have our regular charity bet courtesy of BetMcLean.

In the final podcast of 2021 Gareth, Gerard and Barry look back on Boxing Day's action including the Big Two stalemate at Windsor Park. We break the game down and discuss Trai Hume's future as cross-channel clubs are linked with the 19-year-old. There's plenty of chat on the other three festive derbies, while the lads pick out their top players of the season so far. We also have another charity bet courtesy of BetMcLean.

This week's special guest is Newry City boss Darren Mullen. Darren joins Gareth and Gerard in the virtual studio to chat about Newry's impressive start to the  season. The Showgrounds boss looks back on last season's frustrations after the Championship campaign was cancelled amid the Covid pandemic. Darren also talks about Newry's promotion hopes and the importance of bringing young players through. We have a few predictions ahead of this weekend's games and our weekly charity bet courtesy of BetMcLean.

This week's special guest is Portadown defender Paddy McNally. Paddy reflects on the injury nightmare that has kept him out of football for the past year. He also outlines his plans to return to action in 2022 and offers his honest assessment of Portadown's season so far. The defender reveals the influence of former Donegal GAA manager Jim McGuinness on his recovery, and we chat about how players cope with the physical and mental battle of rehabilitation. AND, we have the usual look back on the past week's action and look ahead to this weekend's fixtures and pick out another Charity Bet courtesy of BetMcLean.

This week's special guest is Glentoran winger Conor McMenamin. Conor joins Gareth, Gerard and Barry in the virtual studio for a big of Irish League chat and craic. We look back at Glentoran's win over Crusaders - their first league success in 10 years at Seaview - and the club's season so far. We also chat about the influence of Mick McDermott, Aaron McCarey's bust-up with Bobby Burns and the ongoing debate over summer football. There's even some gushing praise for Barry Johnston!

On this week's show Gareth, Barry and Gerard reflect on another intriguing week of Irish Premiership action. Should Cliftonville fans be getting excited? Are Crusaders genuine title contenders? What's happened to Linfield? We answer all these questions and also look ahead to this weekend's games. We also have our weekly Charity Bet courtesy of BetMcLean.

This week's special guest is Larne Academy Director Gary Haveron. Gary chats about the Inver Park club's youth set-up and his work with Tiernan Lynch's first-team. We also hear about the influence of Larne owner Kenny Bruce and the Premiership club's ambitions on and off the pitch. Gary also reflects on his own career - which included spells with Wolves and Bolton - and his time in management with Carrick Rangers and Glentoran.

This week's special guest is Coleraine striker Matthew Shevlin. Matthew joins Gareth Fullerton, Gerard Lyttle and Barry Johnston to chat about all the recent happenings in the Irish League. The 22-year-old has bagged 11 goals already this term, his best return in any season in the top flight - and it's only November. Matthew reveals the secret behind his prolific form, and the Curtis Allen pep talks before each game. He also reflects on his time with former clubs Ballymena United and Linfield, and we also discuss Coleraine's ambitions this season under Oran Kearney.

This week's special guest is Cliftonville defender Jamie Harney. Jamie joins Gareth Fullerton, Barry Johnston and Gerard Lyttle in the virtual studio to chat all things Irish League. We look back on the Reds' comeback win over Bangor in the Co Antrim Shield on Tuesday night and reflect on the North Belfast club's season so far. We also discuss Saturday's controversy surrounding Glentoran goalkeeper Aaron McCarey.