The Fitba Hacks: The Scottish Football Journalism

Jonny McFarlane sits down with Rangers and Scotland legend Barry Ferguson to discuss his development and the years that made him the player he became. Topics include Barry’s development from street football, how he developed discipline and mentality in the Rangers youth system and the importance of rooming with seasoned pro Arthur Numan. 

A chat about Paul Le Guen that was cut from the original Graham Spiers podcast. Graham talks about his take on the French manager, Celtic’s unease at his arrival and how Rangers were out maneuvered on transfer fees by Austria Vienna.

In the final episode of this series Jonny talks to Stewart Weir, Head of Sport at The Herald, Evening Times, Sunday Herald and The National about his career and the burning issues facing the industry.

Jonny McFarlane talks to former Hibs striker and current BBC pundit Tam McManus about his career.

Former Aberdeen Goalkeeper and Sunderland Echo columnist David Preece joins host Jonny McFarlane to discuss his career.

Former RST Media spokesman, podcaster and writer David Edgar joins Jonny McFarlane to assess the role of the new media in the modern sports journalism landscape.

This week sees former Head of Sport at the Scottish Sun Iain King join Jonny McFarlane to reflect on his career.

Former Kilmarnock manager Kenny Shiels joins Jonny McFarlane to look back at his career, the media and issues around youth development.

This episode sees Jonny McFarlane meet Chris Jack, The Herald and Times Senior Sports reporter to discuss his career and the issues facing sports journalists in Scotland.

Jonny McFarlane talks to the legendary commentator and broadcaster about his career.

In the first episode of Season two, Jonny welcomes Mind Game pundit and coach Stevie Grieve. We look back on Stevie’s fascinating career to date and touch on key debates surrounding punditry, coaching and youth development.

The last episode of series one sees Jonny talking to the Daily Mail’s Stephen McGowan. They discuss ‘Jock Brown’s organ’, Fergus McCann’s interview technique, why Jock Stein was never knighted and Stephen’s new book Heartbreakers; Celtic, Albert Kidd and 1986.

This weeks guest is Jim Black, the Highlands based freelancejournalist and former chief sports writer for the Scottish Sun. Here he gives us the inside info on the Mo Johnston signingstory, tells of a strange encounter with a tipsy Gazza at Cameron HouseHotel and explains the delicacies of dealing with the complex character that is Colin Montgomery.

This weeks guest is The Sunday Mail’s Gordon Waddell. Here he discusses his career and the issues facing sports journalists in Scotland. The discussion covers the changes to the workforce over the last 25 years, recent events at The Herald, trying to get a quote from a young Duncan Ferguson, how Scots hacks got preferential treatment at Sir Alex Ferguson press conferences and interviewing George Graham at a top London restaurant.

The BBC’s legendary pundit and reporter Chick Young reflects on his near 50 year career in Scottish sports journalism. Amongst the topics are Chick’s relationship with Sir David Murray, THAT Walter Smith interview, Only An Excuse and we clear up which club he truly grew up supporting.

Former Manchester United, Hibs and Hearts midfielder Michael Stewart joins Jonny McFarlane to discuss his career in the game and his move into punditry. Michael gives a players perspective on the press and shares some fantastic stories about Sir Alex Ferguson, James McFadden going missing on a Hong Kong Scotland trip and John Collins fondness for showing off his six pack.

Jonny McFarlane (@jonnyrmcfarlane) talks to sports journalist and broadcaster Graham Spiers about his career at the sharp end of football writing. Here, Spiers opens up about his respect for and understanding of Jim McLean, the day a concerned David Murray offered him financial advice and his current press box ban from Ibrox.

Host Jonny McFarlane (@jonnyrmcfarlane) talks to former SFA Performance Director Mark Wotte about his career and his stint in Scottish Football. We discuss managing the world class late developer Mikey Mols at Utrecht, his frustration at the failure of clubs in Scotland to expose young stars to first team game time and his meeting with Paul Murray about a role with Rangers

Hugh Keevins joins Jonny McFarlane to discuss his 45 year career at the sharp end of Scottish sports journalism. Looking back at his time working for DC Thompson, The Scotsman, The Daily Record and Radio Clyde Superscoreboard, Hugh reflects on the big stories and personalities that affected him alone the way. He talks about his ejection from a Celtic media conference by ‘Finbar O’Brannigan’, breaking the news of Wim Jansen’s departure and the occasion when he was assaulted by a Hearts fan at Tynecastle.

This week Jonathan Northcroft, the Sunday Times’ Football Correspondent joins host Jonny McFarlane. We discuss being on the end of Sir Alex Ferguson’s infamous Hairdryer, advice from legendary sports writer Glenn Gibbons, the difficulties in getting access to Premier League stars and working with Hugh McIlvanney.