Campbell's Footballs
By Stato (Dr. Grant Campbell)
This podcast will host plenty of wild football predictions as well as interesting stories from a diverse range of guests within football such as grassroots, media and journalism, ex-professionals and football fans.
Contributions, shout outs and conversations encouraged!
"The Only Podcast where bad predictions are cancelled out by good craic"!
In Association with Toby Johnson and Rory Hope Music
Campbell's Footballs Jul 19, 2020
S4E20: Campbell's Footballs with Steven Mills
Steven Mills is my latest guest on Campbell's Footballs. We'll chat about how he got into NI domestic football with Larne, Newry and Ballyclare as well as learn more about his relationship with Gary Haveron at Carrick Rangers and Glentoran. The jist of the show is learning more about Steven's involvement with NIFL so hope you enjoy what happens there.
Music by Toby Johnson and Rory Hope.
S4E19: The Final Crescendo of the NIFL Season: Irish Cup Review and Split Discussion with Callum McFadden
World Football Index writer Callum McFadden joins Grant for a bumper Campbell's Footballs episode.
It's the final countdown to an enthralling NIFL Season. The Irish Cup will be between Cliftonville and Linfield. How did the Reds secure a magnificent win over high flying Larne. How did Jim Magilton's side get it done? Why did it not happen for the Inver Men?
We turn to events at The Oval. Linfield exact revenge on Glentoran for December's hammering. How massive is Kyle McClean? Did Glentoran freeze in their "cup final"?
Who will win the Irish Cup 2023/24?
The Split is about to kick off with a lot of mouthwatering games and plenty on the line. Larne exact revenge on the Reds with a great win at Solitude. What did they do differently from the Irish Cup defeat? Are Tiernan Lynch's men favourites for back to back titles?
Linfield aren't going away. Another gritty win for Healy's men but do they still have deficiencies that can be exploited? How massive has Ethan McGee been?
We examine the split run in on both sides with the bottom half also discussed. Who will win the title? Secure 4th? Secure 7th? Go down? It's all discussed!
This show is dedicated to Barry Gray as he battles with cancer and has had to step away as manager as Newry City for the time being. Barry, we all wish you a speedy recovery here on Campbell's Footballs.
Music by Toby Johnson and Rory Hope.
S4E18: 2024 Irish Cup Semi Final Preview
It's the Irish Cup Semi Finals with Cliftonville, Larne, Glentoran and Linfield going head to head in 2 mouthwatering semi finals.
In this episode of the show, Grant chats to the sponsor of the Irish Cup, Clearer Water's Ross Lazaroo-Hood to discuss their involvement in the competition and get his thoughts on the two semi finals. In the second half of the show, BBC Sport NI journalist Mark Strange joins Grant to preview Glentoran v Linfield and Cliftonville v Larne in greater detail, highlighting key players on all four teams, providing a deep preview of both matches and giving their predictions on who will make the May showpiece at Windsor Park.
Music by Toby Johnson and Rory Hope.
S4E17: The Fan Experience Part 2 with Blair McNally
These next couple of shows will be talking about fan engagement and experience of following football in Northern Ireland. For Part 2 Grant sits down with YouTube sensation Blair McNally to review the NIFL League Cup Final between Portadown and Linfield as well as discuss Blair's journey across a range of ROI and Scottish Clubs. Featuring a guest appearance from Aurora Borealis!
Music by Toby Johnson and Rory Hope
Bringing the Atmosphere to YOU! 🫵🏻🏟️
Blair McNally on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@BlairMcNally Hi, I’m Blair McNally. Join me as I aim to find the ULTIMATE Match-Day Experience! If you like Travelling, Tours, Beer, Food or Football, THIS is the place to be! Strap in, as I travel across the world to show you footage from the stands like never before!...🔥
S4E16: The Fan Experience Part 1 with ULNK's Simon Steele
These next couple of shows will be talking about fan engagement and experience of following football in Northern Ireland. For Part 1, Grant sits down with ULNK CEO Simon Steele to talk about entrepreneurship, following football in NI, playing alongside Elliott Morris and Jamie Mulgrew plus much more.
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Music by Toby Johnson and Rory Hope.
S4E15: The 2024 Northern Irish League Cup Final Preview with Matthew Tipton
It's David Healy's Linfield who will be taking on Niall Currie's Portadown on Mothers Day Sunday at Windsor Park and who better to have on the show than a man who has been involved in some form at both clubs. Matthew Tipton, former manager at the Ports and player at the Blues, joins me to preview the 2024 Northern Irish League Cup Final. We examine both team's run to the final and assess where the final will be won or lost. We also give our predictions for the final too.
Music by Toby Johnson and Rory Hope.
S4E14: Paul Owens - Limavady and Coleraine memories
This latest episode of the show is all about the current Premier Intermediate League leaders Limavady United and Paul Owens sits down with Grant to discuss the season so far as well as other Northern Irish League memories from his time at Coleraine. Music by Toby Johnson and Rory Hope.
S4E13: Newry and Tales from the Press Box with Gareth McCullough
Music by Toby Johnson and Rory Hope
S4E12: Northern Irish League Stories, Larne and more with Gerry Flynn
Northern Irish Football legend Gerry Flynn has had a remarkable career encompassing a host of clubs including Cliftonville, Coleraine and Hull City. On the show, he sits down to chat with Grant about his time in the game as well as discuss his latest ventures in the league with the 2023 champions Larne. Many greatc stories and memories are shared as Gerry lifts the lid on a distinguished career which is nowhere near done yet!
Music by Toby Johnson and Rory Hope
S4E11: Refereeing in Northern Ireland with FIFA Referee Jamie Robinson
Jamie Robinson has done a lot so far in his refereeing career so far. Officiating since the age of 13, he has had the opportunity to manage the Mid Ulster Cup and Co. Antrim Shield Finals. He has also stood next to Pep Guardiola on the touchline and does a lot outside of football with his flags-related businesses.#
In this episode, Jamie speaks to Grant about his time refereeing so far and highlights plans for refereeing in Northern Ireland long term.
Music by Toby Johnson and Rory Hope
S4E10: Ballymacash Rangers - The Story So Far
Ballymacash Rangers have been one of the stories of recent NI domestic football. On this special episode of the show, Grant sits down with manager Lee Forsythe to discuss their incredible rise so far and it's plans for the future.
Music by Toby Johnson and Rory Hope
S4E9: 2023-24 Northern Irish Football Championship Season so far
In this second episode of the new series, Grant speaks to journalist Lewis Bennett about the Championship in Northern Ireland as an incredible second half of the season is set in store.
Every club is discussed from Ards to Portadown as well as a discussion on an exciting Premiership Intermediate League title race also!!
Music from Toby Johnson and Rory Hope
S4E8: The 2024 Irish Cup 5th Round Preview with Steven Crawford
Happy New Year! After a hiatus, Campbell's Footballs is back for a new series and on this episode of the show, Grant is back with his old comrade Steven Crawford of the Belfast Live to discuss the 5th round of the Irish Cup for 2024. Can Crusaders kick off their defence with a win over Ards? Who could be in for a surprise? And who ultimately wins it? The views of the guys on the show plus a predictions discussion connected to the Irish Premiership as an intense second half of the season is on the cards.
Music by Toby Johnson and Rory Hope.
S4E7: The Future of Football in Northern Ireland with Gerard Lawlor, CEO Northern Irish Football League (NIFL)
In September 2023, The Northern Irish Football League introduced it's strategy for the next five years up until 2028. In it contains information about protecting club's heritage, improving the professionalism of the league, restructuring competitions and much more.
In this special episode of Campbell's Footballs, the CEO of NIFL Gerard Lawlor chats with Grant about the current landscape of football in NI before tackling the strategy and discussing the plans for the future.
Music by Toby Johnson and Rory Hope.
Follow Campbell's Footballs on Twitter: @CamFootballs
S4E6: The Fergusons: Glenn and Matthew
With music from Toby Johnson and Rory Hope.
S4E5: A Successful Defence - Back to Back Irish Cup Success with Paul Heatley
Crusaders Football Club have an unbelievable love affair with the Irish Cup. In 2023, they successfully defended their trophy after a brilliant win over Ballymena United, a side they defeated in the same competition 12 months previously. On this episode of the show Paul Heatley chats with Grant to reminisce about the club's run to both cup successes.
Music by Toby Johnson and Rory Hope.
S4E4: From Torquay to Inver - Levi Ives Player Interview
Levi Ives has had an unbelievable Irish League career. He's been a constantly regular for Cliftonville and has had League Cup and County Antrim Shield success. In this episode of the show, Grant sits down with Levi to discuss early days at Torquay, working with Gerard Lyttle and Paddy McLaughlin as well as playing alongside Marty Donnelly, Conor Devlin and Joe Gormley. We also discuss Larne and his visions for the 2023-24 Northern Irish season.
With music from Toby Johnson and Rory Hope.
S4E3: Player Interview with David Cushley
David Cushley is an Irish League phenomenon. If he's not scoring 30 yard scorchers he's winning Cups, County Antrim Shields and League titles. In this episode of the show, I chat to David about his career so far which has spanned Ballymena United, Lisburn Distillery, Crusaders and his current spell at Carrick Rangers.
We discuss working under Tommy Wright, Glenn Ferguson and Stephen Baxter as well as playing alongside Sean O'Neill and Colin Coates.
Music by Toby Johnson and Rory Hope.
S4E2: Back With The Big Boys: The Loughgall 2022-23 Championship winning story
The 2022-23 season was an outstanding and historical one for Loughgall FC. In this episode of the show, Grant sits down with Berratt Turker, Caolan Loughran and Mark Carson to review the campaign and look ahead to a return to the Premiership for the 2023-24 season.
Intro: 'Rumour of a Good Life' by Toby Johnson
Outro: 'Dangerous Night' by Rory Hope
S4E1: Back with a Bang(or) - A return to the Championship
Music:
Intro - Toby Johnson ('Rumour of a Good Life')
Outro - Rory Hope ('Dangerous Night')
Instagram - statog91
Twitter - @CamFootballs
The Return of Campbell's Footballs - A teaser
The Good Craic returns - Summer 2023.
Split Special
In this episode, Oisin Langan and Loughgall FC manager Dean Smith join me to discuss the business end of the Irish Premiership and Championship seasons as we chat the split!
In association with Toby Johnson and Rory Hope Music
Kerry Beattie
In a special episode of Campbells Footballs, I am joined by Scottish Women's Football expert John Bleasdale as the two of jointly speak to Glasgow City striker Kerry Beattie. Kerry has recently made the transition from Glentoran Women in the Northern Ireland Football League to Glasgow City in the Scottish Women's Professional League. We discuss the transition from part time to full time football and also chat about working with Eileen Gleeson so far. We chat about Kerry's previous times at the Glens, winning trophies and league titles, playing in Europe against Servette and breaking into the Northern Ireland international setup. We chat about Kenny Shiels, qualifying for the European Championship finals this summer and World Cup qualifying so far.
An insightful interview with one of Northern Ireland's up and coming top talents.
In association with Toby Johnson and Rory Hope Music.
James Singleton
Glenavon captain James Singleton is my latest guest on the podcast. We discuss the Lurgan Blues season so far, how starlets Peter Campbell and Matthew Fitzpatrick are pulling up trees and chat about life at Mourenview Park. James is a massive Chelsea fan so we discuss the influence of players such as Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard have had on his own career. James was part of two Irish Cup winning sides and we chat about those memories and working with current manager Gary Hamilton. We finish up by discuss former and current team mates, karaoke singing with Sean Ward and battles with Gavin Whyte.
Cup Drama, League Cup History and the Mother of all Title Races Continues
Steven Crawford is welcomed back onto the show to discuss a quite extraordinary weekend of Irish League football.
The Irish Cup semi finalists are confirmed...or are they?
Why did Glentoran fall foul of the Comet system?
Ballymena through to a third semi final in a row - where does this leave Larne and Tiernan Lynch?
The Reds quest for a treble is still on but did they use up all their luck?
Crusaders come from behind to beat Dungannon Swifts to set up a Belfast derby in the semi finals - can they get back to the final?
We also discuss Linfield going back top, the continued success story of Annagh United and build up to the first ever Sunday League Cup final between Coleraine and Cliftonville this weekend.
Simone Magill
Simone Magill is my latest guest on the podcast as we discuss her time in football so far and chat about an amazing last year for Northern Ireland's women. We discuss starting out in Northern Ireland before moving across to England to play for Everton Women. We also chat about mixing education with football and her time playing for the Toffees. We reflect on Northern Ireland's excellent campaign under Kenny Shiels so far and discuss that famous ties against Ukraine to qualify for the European Championships this summer.
In association with Toby Johnson and Rory Hope Music.
Conor Keeley
Ballymena defender Conor Keeley is my latest guest on the podcast. We discuss the season so far at Ballymena United, working alongisde David Jeffrey and playing alongside teammates Caolan Loughran and Ross Redman. We chat about Conor's time in League of Ireland with Shelbourne and Cabinteely and we chat about aspirations for the second half of the season with the Sky Blues.
In association with Toby Johnson and Rory Hope Music.
Rachel Furness
It's a very busy 2022 ahead for Northern Ireland's Women as the take part in their first ever European Championship finals in England. Rachel Furness joins me for a special episode of the show as we look back on that momentous accomplishment. We also discuss Rachel's career and her love of Newcastle. We chat about current times at Liverpool FC Women and her experiences of playing under Kenny Shiels. We also chat about that famous tie against Ukraine and look ahead to the European Championships this summer.
In association with Toby Johnson and Rory Hope Music.
Stewart Nixon
Carrick Rangers' Stewart Nixon joins us on this week's episode to discuss his time in the Irish League so far. We discuss early days under Ballymena United and Clifford Adams before hearing more about Stewart's time at Ballyclare, the intermediate league and his first spell at Carrick Rangers under Niall Currie. We discuss European ventures with Oran Kearney at Coleraine and teaming up with players such as Josh Carson and James McGlaughlin. We finish the show by talking about life under Stuart King, mental health and much more.
This week's show has no intro or outro due to COVID-19 circumstances and this will be sorted for future shows.
Irish Cup Last 16 Special: Mullen, Clarke and Potts
NIALL CURRIE RETURNS! Dundela, Newry double header and Irish Football League review
Dundela manager Niall Currie joins me on the show to discuss his time back in management and life in the Championship so far. We discuss his recent run so far and the upcoming double header against Newry City. We also review the weekend's action and Niall answers your questions!
In association with Toby Johnson and Rory Hope Music.
MCCONVILLE RETURNS! Larne Shield Success and Swifts Safe?
After a long absence, Ryan McConville and I are reunited to discuss all the goings on in Northern Ireland football.
We discuss Ryan's continued role at Larne and his other project at Warrenpoint U20s before we go onto discuss the successful Co. Antrim Shield defence for Larne as they won against Linfield. Arguably though, was it a better week for Dungannon Swifts who under Dean Shiels' picked up six valuable points in their battle for survival at Warrenpoint and at Inver Park? We discuss how Linfield bounced back from that Seaview loss with a big win at home to Ballymena United before talking about Crusaders narrow win at Milltown and Glenavon's amazing injury time fightback at Carrick Rangers. We also try to work out why it's not going right at Coleraine, it's no wins in seven for the Bannsiders.
The Championship is discussed too. Is it game back on after Newry's somewhat unexpected loss at home to H&W Welders? The battle at the bottom is intensifying too with Queens University, Dundela and Insititute all recording wins too. We chat about whose in a bit of danger and who can make a fight of things further up.
Fantasy Football and Predictions are also discussed.
RECORDED 16.1.2022 ahead of Cliftonville v Glentoran game on 17.1.2022. That game will be discussed on the next show.
In association with Toby Johnson and Rory Hope Music.
Andrew Davey
The Northern Irish Football Show with Lauren McCann_1112022
Lauren McCann joins me on the show to review the Irish Cup action, build up to the Women's Premiership season recommencing and predict the upcoming matches in the Premiership and Championship.
The 2021-22 Irish Cup First Round Preview
In the final build up show to the first round of the Irish Cup, Irish League football's encyclopaedia Josh Bunting joins me to preview the games in the last 32 of Northern Ireland's biggest cup competition. We quickly review last season's streamlined competition and our favourite memories of the Cup before we preview each of the first round matches including Glenavon against Crusaders, the Mourne Ultimatum between Newry City and Warrenpoint Town and assess how Islandmagee, Oxford Sunnyside and Windmill Stars will get on against Premiership opposition.
In association with Toby Johnson and Rory Hope Music
Islandmagee and Newington
Windmills on the Sunnyside
Part 1 is with Windmill Stars chairman Jeff a.k.a. Keith McCrink and Part 2 is with Richey and Brian McGhee who are both involved as part of the committee at Oxford Sunnyside.
In association with Toby Johnson and Rory Hope Music.
Still Game for Irish League - HT Review with Mark McIntosh
*THOUGHTS AS RECORDED ON 30TH DECEMBER 2021*
We have reached the halfway point in the Northern Irish Premiership season and on this episode of the show, I chat to football journalist and reporter Mark McIntosh to dissect each side's performances this campaign. We discuss an enthralling title race, who frustrates us, whose in the battle for Europe and who is in trouble down at the bottom. We also discuss my HT Team of the Season so far. We finish the show by discussing Mark's Irish League equivalent of the Scottish comedy series Still Game which we both enjoy watching in our spare times.
In association with Toby Johnson and Rory Hope Music.
Marcus Kane
Ryan Catney
Campbell's Footballs x Spirit of 2016 Podcast
It's a Northern Ireland review of 2021 for this episode of Campbell's Footballs and joining me to review NI Men's and Women's sides this year is the host of The Spirit of 2016 Northern Ireland Football podcast Andy Bell to discuss all the goings on. We chat also about Andy's love of Liverpool and his hopes and fears for 2022.
In association with Toby Johnson and Rory Hope Music.
Stevie Lowry
Coleraine midfielder Stevie Lowry is my latest guest on the Campbell's Footballs podcast. We chat about Stevie's early years alongside his brother Philip and discuss the friendly, competitive rivalries the guys have over their current careers to date. We discuss Stevie's early period at Limavady before finding out how an early meeting with Oran Kearney inspired his own development as a player. We then hear about Stephen's move to the Bannsiders before a moment to join Linfield arose in the mid 2010s. We hear more about Stephen's time with players such as Matthew Clarke, Jamie Mulgrew and Andy Waterworth as well as hear more about David Healy's training methods and ruthless management. We also find out about Stephen's memories of lifting the Gibson Cup and Irish Cup with the Blues, winning the League Cup against his brother's team Crusaders in 2020, European ventures in Maribor and against Motherwell and also hear some questions by teammates as well.
Plenty to tune in for., In association with Toby Johnson and Rory Hope Music.
Campbell's Footballs - The Northern Irish Football Show with Steven Crawford - 1.12.2021
Steven Crawford joins me for a long overdue catch-up as we review the recent action in the Northern Irish Football Leagues
Glentoran 3-0 Dungannon - Glens resurrecting the slide, Jay Donnelly's excellent form, Dungannon having a harsh time of things?
Portadown 2-2 Larne - points dropped for both sides, McDaid shows fighting spirit with late equaliser, Barr and Salley appreciation
Ballymena 2-0 Crusaders - Sky Blues on an upward path? What happened to Crusaders?
Glenavon 0-3 Linfield - Blues win in third gear? What is going on at Mourneview?
Coleraine 0-0 Cliftonville - better point for Reds? Where are Coleraine at?
Carrick 1-2 Warrenpoint - massive win for Point - relief for Barry Gray? How disappointed will Carrick be?
Championship review - Newry top, Annagh flying, battle at the bottom tightening up
Intermediate League , Steel and Sons Cup plus Cup Competitions review to date
Predictions for weekends games
Fantasy Football
Your questions answered.
Recorded Monday 29th November before Tuesday midweek games and before call off between Coleraine and Glentoran due to NI COVID case policy
Jim Ervin
Irish League legendary defender Jim Ervin is my latest guest on the podcast. We discuss Jim's route into the game including his love of Glasgow Rangers and his early trials at Nottingham Forest. We then chat about Jim's time at Linfield, working under David Jeffrey, teammates and continued success over ten years at the Blues. We then focus on Jim's movement to Ballymena United to team up with Jeffrey again and again discuss some of the memories being at the Sky Blues. Jim is one of Stuart King's signings at Carrick Rangers so in the final part, as well as early on, we chat about Jim's relationship with Stuart, the season so far at Carrick and much more.
In association with Toby Johnson and Rory Hope Music.
Ciaran McGurgan
Ryan Mayse
Elliott Morris
Andrew Slaven
In this special episode of Campbell's Footballs, I am joined by Sports producer and presenter Andrew Slaven. On the show we discuss:
- the Totally Scottish Football Show
- Working with JJ Bull, Laura Brannan, Iain Mackintosh and his meetings with Jake Humphrey and James Richardson
- The Scotland National Team, Steve Clarke, Gilmour and more
- National League - working with the team and life in England's 5th tier.
- Queen of the South and other Scottish football chat so far from this season
In association with Toby Johnson and Rory Hope Music.
Campbell's Footballs - The Northern Irish Football Show with Lauren McCann - 15.10.2021
Campbell's Footballs is proud to present an alternative look into all things Northern Irish football for the 2021-22 season. For this episode , I am joined once again by Lauren McCann
On the show we discuss:
- Reviewing the Northern Ireland Men's side's disappointing results in Bulgaria and Switzerland.
- Previewing the Austria and England Women's Northern Ireland matches
- Irish League Cup Review and administration issues.
- Irish Premiership Review including battle of the woodwork at Coleraine and Crues winning at Ballymena
- Championship Review including Ards going top, Ballyclare hanging on to the coattails of the top two.
- Predictions and Preview of Premiership and Championship for next two weeks.
- Fantasy Football and more.
Clifford Adams
Clifford Adams