In this special episode of the Nutmeg podcast, we go behind the scenes with our sponsor, Oriam – Scotland’s Sports Performance Centre, and hear about their football scholarships, offered in conjunction with Heriot Watt University. As part of that programme, as you’ll hear, students earn their degree while pursuing footballing excellence in a set-up that replicates a modern football club. Those players feed into the squad of Heriot Watt University FC, members of the East of Scotland League. A fascinating look at a very modern approach to the game.Never read Nutmeg magazine? We have offers on back issues and subscriptions. See https://www.nutmegmagazine.co.uk/shopSupport the show

Sponsor Special - Inside Oriam: Football Scholarships

Michael Devlin and his former Aberdeen team-mate – and ex-Watford man – Tommie Hoban take us inside footballers’ lives again. The pair talk about Tommie’s terrifying call in which he told the Crewe Alexandra manager that he was quitting the game aged 27 and what happened next. They discuss feeling like the elephant in the room, the problems of being an over-thinker and putting the hours of spare time footballers have to good use. Never read Nutmeg magazine? We have offers on back issues and subscriptions. See https://www.nutmegmagazine.co.uk/shopSupport the show

E75 - Player Take Over: The Elephants in the Room

Michael Devlin updates Daniel Gray on his move to Fleetwood and hitting a maximum high before a crushing low in the space of a few days. Then, Michael’s former Aberdeen team-mate Tommie Hoban joins him again - Michael felt there was still more to discuss about Tommie’s decision to suddenly quit the game aged 27, and other revealing topics about the sheer fragility of being a footballer. Never read Nutmeg magazine? We have offers on back issues and subscriptions. See https://www.nutmegmagazine.co.uk/shopSupport the show

E74 - Player Take Over: Highs, Lows & Turmeric

In the second part of this fascinating conversation, Clyde FC footballing brothers Peter and Raymond Grant chat with their Dad, also Peter, who played hundreds of games for Celtic and Norwich among others before a top flight coaching career. They are joined by Nutmeg’s Daniel Gray. This time, the three discuss the nomadic life of a football family, worrying about each other from the sidelines and the wonder of watching Premier League training sessions as children. Never read Nutmeg magazine? We have offers on back issues and subscriptions. See https://www.nutmegmagazine.co.uk/shopSupport the show

E73 - Player Take Over: Grant Family pt 2

Brothers Peter and Raymond Grant both play for Clyde. Their Dad, also Peter, played hundreds of games for Celtic and Norwich among others before a stellar coaching career. Here, in the first part of a unique, fascinating chat, the three tell Nutmeg’s Daniel Gray their story.There is conversation about best atmospheres played in and the “buzzing" sound that Old Firm noise becomes from the pitch. They talk too of coaching instructions from the sidelines, including speculation over what is really written on the notes modern managers hand to their players. And, the trio talk family life – playing as sons of a footballer father, the love and sacrifice of a footballing Mum and why being good people is more important than being good players. A compelling listen.Part two will follow in a fortnight.Never read Nutmeg magazine? We have offers on back issues and subscriptions. See https://www.nutmegmagazine.co.uk/shopSupport the show

E72 - Player Take Over: Grant Family pt 1

Aged 27, former Watford defender Tommie Hoban suddenly quit football. In the second part of this latest Player Take Over episode of the podcast, Tommie chats with his former Aberdeen teammate Michael Devlin about the mental damage of long-term injuries. The centre-half pairing also talk about the way injury changes a player’s game, its effects on a footballer’s homelife and how not playing can lead to an identity crisis. Tommie discusses his time at Blackburn Rovers, his spell with Aberdeen and finally understanding how to put football in its rightful place and enjoy life. Never read Nutmeg magazine? We have offers on back issues and subscriptions. See https://www.nutmegmagazine.co.uk/shopSupport the show

E71 - Player Take Over: Michael Devlin & Tommie Hoban pt 2

Aged 27, former Watford defender Tommie Hoban suddenly quit football. In this latest Player Take Over episode of the podcast, his former Aberdeen teammate Michael Devlin, and Nutmeg’s Daniel Gray, ask him about a childhood spent with Arsenal, non-league struggles, establishing himself at Vicarage Road and his early attitude to injuries. They talk too of the pressures placed on promising teenager footballers, a debut asthma attack, squad initiation songs and signing yourself on Football Manager.Before all of that, Dan catches up with Mikey about his progress since their last recording, including a Lancashire trial, Blackpool amusements and making toasties in trouser presses. And Tommie will join Mikey and Dan again next time, picking up the conversation and bringing us to that decision to retire early. Never read Nutmeg magazine? We have offers on back issues and subscriptions. See https://www.nutmegmagazine.co.uk/shopSupport the show

E70 - Player Take Over: Michael Devlin & Tommie Hoban pt 1

What does it feel like when a footballer is suddenly told he is no longer wanted? In the Player Take Over this time, Clyde’s ex-Falkirk defender Peter Grant talks Daniel Gray through that exact scenario, played out for him at the beginning of this summer when he was released by Queen’s Park. In a raw, honest and reflective conversation, Peter discusses the impact of that decision, the dilemma over whether to give up on full-time football and the constant uncertainty of a career in the game. He talks too about the joy of playing alongside his brother, Ray, at Clyde, and asks Dan about fan perceptions of footballer lifestyles. Like Michael Devlin, Peter will be back in future episodes to bring in friends (and relatives) from across the game. Never read Nutmeg magazine? We have offers on back issues and subscriptions. See https://www.nutmegmagazine.co.uk/shopSupport the show

E69 - Player Take Over: Release & Renewal

Bedtimes and boxer shorts, superstitions and the same pasta sauce… In the Player Take Over this time, Daniel Gray meets Clyde’s ex-Falkirk and Queen’s Park defender Peter Grant to talk Routines and Rituals. In this breezy but informative conversation, the two discuss pre-match food from a footballer and fan viewpoint, the things players and supporters eat and wear to make their teams win and Don Revie’s fear of ornamental elephants. Plus, coffee confusion, cans in Starbuck’s and biscuit bans. Like Michael Devlin, Peter will be back in future episodes to talk individually and bring in friends (and relatives) from across the game. Never read Nutmeg magazine? We have offers on back issues and subscriptions. See https://www.nutmegmagazine.co.uk/shopSupport the show

E68 - Player Take Over: Routines & Rituals

What does it feel like to suffer fan abuse as a footballer? What are the effects on mental health of long term player injuries? How does it feel to be called a 'wage thief'? In this new series format, presenter Daniel Gray is joined by a number of footballers and football types to discuss what matters to them in an honest and open Nutmeg fashion. This is the Player Take Over.For the first two episodes, Scotland cap Michael Devlin is our guest, and after that we’ll be bringing in colleagues of his to go inside the game. In this second one-on-one episode, Dan and Michael dig deep into the traumas of long-term injury and its effects on mental health. They talk through footballer/fan relationships, including the effects on players of verbal abuse, and celebrate the little moments that make us love the game.Never read Nutmeg magazine? We have offers on back issues and subscriptions. See https://www.nutmegmagazine.co.uk/shopSupport the show

E67 - Player Take Over: Insult & Injury

The stadium has had a fresh link of paint, the fixtures are out and we are back. In this new series format, presenter Daniel Gray is joined by a number of footballers and football types to discuss what matters to them in an honest and open Nutmeg fashion. This is the Player Take Over.For the first two episodes, Scotland cap Michael Devlin is our guest, and after that we’ll be bringing in colleagues of his to go inside the game. In this ‘getting to know you’ introductory podcast, Dan and Michael discuss what it is like to play in a hammering, player and supporter reactions to defeat, trade unions and football, footballers’ on holiday and much more. They also run through why they wanted to make this podcast series, and the topics they’ll be covering in future episodes.Never read Nutmeg magazine? We have offers on back issues and subscriptions. See https://www.nutmegmagazine.co.uk/shopPlease help us make this podcast by joining Nutmeg FC on Patreon. Your money keeps us going and gets you some goodies: https://www.patreon.com/nutmegfcSupport the show

E66 - Player Take Over: Intro

Daniel Gray tells the incredible tale of the Basque refugee children exiled to Britain during the Spanish Civil War who became professional footballers. Theirs is a compelling, life-affirming story of heartbreak, horror and heroism, and a journey from blitzkrieg to the Bernabeu via Ibrox, Guernica, Alf Ramsey and László Kubala. Never read Nutmeg magazine? We have offers on back issues and subscriptions. See https://www.nutmegmagazine.co.uk/shop Please help us make this podcast by joining Nutmeg FC on Patreon. Your money keeps us going and gets you some goodies: https://www.patreon.com/nutmegfcSupport the show

E65 - From Blitzkrieg to the Bernabeu: The Basque Refugee Children Who Became Footballers

Daniel Gray and Alan Pattullo are joined by Pat Nevin for a blether about his book The Accidental Footballer, and much besides, from Motherwell to Morrissey. Never read Nutmeg magazine? We have offers on back issues and subscriptions. See https://www.nutmegmagazine.co.uk/shopPlease help us make this podcast by joining Nutmeg FC on Patreon. Your money keeps us going and gets you some goodies: https://www.patreon.com/nutmegfcSupport the show

E64 - Pat Nevin, Accidental Footballer

Host Daniel Gray is joined by acclaimed author Michael Calvin for a chat about his newest book, Whose Game Is It Anyway? Expect a fascinating insight into the meaning of football, Calvin’s journalism career from The Watford Observer to broadsheet travels, the writing process and the football manager who lived on fish and chips.Never read Nutmeg magazine? We have offers on back issues and subscriptions. See https://www.nutmegmagazine.co.uk/shopPlease help us make this podcast by joining Nutmeg FC on Patreon. Your money keeps us going and gets you some goodies: https://www.patreon.com/nutmegfcSupport the show

E63 - Whose Game Is It Anyway?

Former Dundee United midfielder and current Cowdenbeath assistant manager Craig Easton joins Daniel Gray for a wide-ranging chat about the imminent fixture pile-up, his career in Scotland and England, the lure of Dundonian nightspots and the joy of animals entering the pitch. Craig talks also of his writing career, playing for the McLeans of Tannadice, Britpop, the moments when pre-match nerves truly hit, favourite old grounds, referees falling over and much more. An entertaining chat as eclectic as one of Easton’s mid-90s compilation tapes… Never read Nutmeg magazine? Issue 19 is out now and we have offers on back issues and subscriptions. See https://www.nutmegmagazine.co.uk/shopPlease help us make this podcast by joining Nutmeg FC on Patreon. Your money keeps us going and gets you some goodies: https://www.patreon.com/nutmegfcSupport the show

E62 - Interview: Craig Easton

What was Elton John’s view on Stephen Glass? How does Rod Stewart keep up to date with East Fife scorelines? Those vital questions and so much more are covered in this genial conversation between Daniel Gray and Sun writer Ally Ross, BBC man Colin Paterson and ex-Smash Hits editor and Daily Record columnist John McKie. In this mazy dribble of an episode, the trio talk about their Tartan Army travels across the world, including euphoric dejection in Kazakhstan, the importance of talcum powder and a £35 pizza. The closest thing you’ll get to international travel this winter. Probably.Issue 18 of the magazine is out and we do have a couple of copies left – please see nutmegmagazine.co.uk to get yours or subscribe for a year of glorious post.Support the show

E61 - Tartan Army Travels

In the fourth edition of our occasional series My Favourite Year, journalist and broadcaster Paul English joins Daniel Gray for an entertaining gallivant through Celtic’s 1987/88 double-winning season. Our battered old football time machine lands them in a Clydebank car park in the summer of 1987 where they stumble upon Billy McNeill agreeing to become Celts’ boss for a second spell. Then, it’s off for a canter through a magnificent season via a Chris Morris shrine, the beauty of player numbers on shorts, the genius of Paul McStay, Mum’s DO NOT TAPE OVER videos, red cards at Thatcher and buckshee turnstile tricks. Never read Nutmeg magazine? We have offers on back issues and subscriptions. See https://www.nutmegmagazine.co.uk/shop Please help us make this podcast by joining Nutmeg FC on Patreon. Your money keeps us going and gets you some goodies: https://www.patreon.com/nutmegfcSupport the show

E60 - My Favourite Year: Paul English, Celtic 1987/88

Daniel Gray is joined by former Scotland international Don Masson, the man who infamously missed a penalty at Argentina ’78. The pair discuss Don’s early days in Banchory and the spiritualist who forecast his career, his move to Middlesbrough and his playing days at Boro, Notts County and QPR. He talks about a crucial penalty he did score – the one that helped Scotland to the World Cup – and the chaos surrounding the Argentinian campaign. And of course, Don reveals his feelings about THAT spot-kick, for which he is ‘Still Saying Sorry’, the title of his new autobiography. A fascinating glimpse into a man who should be remembered for far more than a Peru penalty. Never read Nutmeg magazine? We have offers on back issues and subscriptions. See https://www.nutmegmagazine.co.uk/shopPlease help us make this podcast by joining Nutmeg FC on Patreon. Your money keeps us going and gets you some goodies: https://www.patreon.com/nutmegfcSupport the show

Episode 59 - Interview: Don Masson

Sky Sports commentator Ian Crocker joins Daniel Gray to talk Scotland, Serbia and Somerset Park. In the first part of a chat that oozes love for the Scottish game, Ian talks about his commentary career thus far, from the highs (co-commentating with Bobby Moore…) to the lows (Having “You’re just a fat Harry Potter” chanted at him…), and gives unique insight into broadcasting in the time of Covid. Then, Dan joins an emotional Ian again the morning after the Belgrade night before to ask him about commentating on Scotland’s incredible victory over Serbia, and what it means to an entire nation. Never read Nutmeg magazine? We have offers on back issues and subscriptions. See https://www.nutmegmagazine.co.uk/shopPlease help us make this podcast by joining Nutmeg FC on Patreon. Your money keeps us going and gets you some goodies: https://www.patreon.com/nutmegfcSupport the show

Episode 58 - Interview: Ian Crocker

Daniel Gray is joined by Alan McCredie for a conversational journey through the heartlands of Scottish football. The pair delve into the pages of their new book, Snapshot (published jointly by Nutmeg and Birlinn Publishing), recounting their Saturday roaming from Lowland to island in search of stories, scenes and scraps (from chippies). Buy the book here: https://birlinn.co.uk/product/snapshot/ Never read Nutmeg magazine? We have offers on back issues and subscriptions. See https://www.nutmegmagazine.co.uk/shopPlease help us make this podcast by joining Nutmeg FC on Patreon. Your money keeps us going and gets you some goodies: https://www.patreon.com/nutmegfcSupport the show

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