Northern Goal

Elgin City striker Smart Osadolor on the Black Lives Matter movement and how Scottish football could play its part

Smart Osadolor joins the podcast this week to give his thoughts on how the Black Lives Matter movement has impacted him, and what he would like to see going forward. He also discusses life as a lower-league football and the uncertainty brought about by the coronavirus pandemic.

Rachael Boyle on her return to football after pregnancy, Euro 2021 dreams with Scotland, and striving with Hibs Ladies for SWPL success

This week, Aberdonian Rachael Boyle talks us through her career. The Scotland international explains the difficulties of returning to elite sport after pregnancy, how she’s determined to get to the European Championships with Scotland and close the gap on Glasgow City with club side Hibs Ladies.

Ross County manager Stuart Kettlewell on ‘new normal’ training methods and how the club is building towards the 2020/21 season

The Staggies boss speaks to Northern Goal about the Premiership club’s return to socially-distanced training after the coronavirus shutdown. Kettlewell also opens up on County’s summer recruitment strategy, the team’s big focus for the new campaign, and the bosses who shaped him.

Brora forgotten in SPFL reconstruction debate, Robbo’s new Caley Thistle deal, restructuring at Ross County, and how should Aberdeen use Jonny Hayes?

This week, Andy Skinner discusses Caley Thistle and Brora Rangers’ reaction to the death knell of SPFL reconstruction. Plus, the coup that is ICT boss John Robertson’s new deal, changes in the management structure at Ross County, and an imminent arrival (and departures) at Aberdeen.

It’s too late for SPFL reconstruction, plus Hayes to Aberdeen and will Stewart stay at Staggies?

We ask when SPFL reconstruction (with or without colts teams) will finally go away, and debate whether Aberdeen should sign Jonny Hayes. There’s also a potential departure at Ross County, as well as Cove Rangers’ bold statement of their ambition, and Huntly’s new boss.

Peterhead boss Jim McInally on SPFL reconstruction and a playing career at Clough’s Nottingham Forest and McLean’s Dundee United

Blue Toon gaffer McInally explains his stance against Hearts owner Ann Budge’s 14-14-14 SPFL reconstruction plan. Plus, the former Nottingham Forest and Dundee United man tells his funniest Brian Clough stories and reflects on glory days under Jim McLean, as well as his nine years at Balmoor.

Aberdeen legend Alex McLeish opens up on his Pittodrie career

The iconic centre-half – who is second in the Dons’ all-time appearance list – tells us about his partnership with Willie Miller, scoring a peach in the 1982 Scottish Cup final, going from Gothenburg pass-back nightmare to euphoria, and reflects on the Reds’ title heartbreak in 1991.

Caley Thistle cult hero Alex Fisher opens up on 2016/17 relegation season

On this week’s Northern Goal, former Inverness striker Alex Fisher discussed the run of form which almost saw the Highlanders dodge the drop from the Premiership, plus crossing paths with Chris Wilder at Oxford United, Glenn Hoddle’s Spanish academy, and spells in the lower leagues of Belgium and Italy.

Kevin McNaughton on Ebbe’s Aberdeen, cup finals with Cardiff City and his spell in the Highlands with Inverness

“Super Kev” tells Northern Goal about his varying fortunes under Skovdahl, Paterson and Calderwood at Pittodrie, and reveals the scenario which could have made him a one-club man with the Dons. He also opens up on his time at Cardiff City – which included FA Cup and Carling Cup finals, Vincent Tan’s takeover, and playing with stars from Robbie Fowler to Aaron Ramsey.

Aberdeen icon Neil Simpson reflects on his career

Gothenburg Great ‘Simmy’ reflects on playing with his Reds heroes, what separated Alex Ferguson as a boss from later Dons managers, the loss he most regrets, his best team-mate, and the Pittodrie youth academy stars he has helped produce.