Macca & Beats

Darren Beattie & Chris McGrath

5.0 (1)
Soccer

Macca and Beats is a football podcast bringing you untold stories from the legends of the game. From Manchester United icons to Republic of Ireland heroes, we go beyond the headlines with honest, no-filter conversations about life in football — on and off the pitch. 🎙 Hosted by Macca & Beats ⚽ New episodes fortnightly 👇 Watch and listen now

1d ago

Mick McCarthy: The Truth About Saipan, Roy Keane & Why He Quit Ireland

Mick McCarthy joins Macca & Beats for a fascinating, funny and revealing conversation about his life in football – from captaining the Republic of Ireland at Italia '90 to managing the national side through one of the most controversial moments in World Cup history. Mick opens up about the infamous Saipan fallout with Roy Keane, revealing why he invited Keane back into the Ireland squad, the pressure surrounding the 2002 World Cup and why he eventually resigned as Ireland manager. He also gives his verdict on the new Saipan film, starring Steve Coogan, explaining why he walked out after watching just 15 minutes and what he thinks the film got wrong. Away from Ireland, Mick looks back on his playing career at Barnsley, Manchester City and Celtic, including his memories of the Manchester derby, winning trophies in Scotland and a memorable dressing-down from Billy McNeill. There's plenty from his managerial career too, including his time at Millwall, Sunderland, Wolves and Ipswich, the challenges of Premier League management and some hilarious stories involving Barry Fry. Plus, Mick shares his thoughts on Manchester United's recruitment, Manchester City's financial charges, modern football tactics and whether he'd ever return to management. In this episode: The Saipan film, Steve Coogan and Roy KeaneWhy Mick invited Keane back for the 2002 World CupThe forgotten heroes of Ireland's World Cup campaignFollowing Jack Charlton as Ireland managerWhy Mick resigned after the 2002 World CupHis playing days at Manchester City and CelticBilly McNeill's furious reaction to a Rangers jokeBarry Fry's run-in with the Millwall supportersPromotion with Sunderland and WolvesMick's verdict on Manchester United and Manchester CityThe funniest moments from a lifetime in footballFrom World Cups and Premier League promotions to dressing-room bust-ups and unforgettable football stories, Mick tells it all in his trademark no-nonsense style. Subscribe to Macca & Beats for more conversations with some of football's biggest names. #MickMcCarthy #RoyKeane #Saipan #MaccaAndBeats #RepublicOfIreland #FootballPodcast
Oct 16

Brian Horton: Man City, Surviving Prostate Cancer & 2,000 Games in Football

Brian Horton joins Macca & Beats for an incredible journey through more than 2,000 games in football – from managing Manchester City to making history with Brighton, Luton Town and Hull City. In Episode 12, the former Manchester City manager opens up about his time at Maine Road, his difficult relationship with chairman Francis Lee, and why he knew his days at City were numbered. Brian shares the stories behind some of football's most memorable moments, including Luton Town's dramatic survival at Manchester City, Brighton's historic promotion to the First Division, and Hull City's incredible rise to the Premier League alongside Phil Brown. He also reveals what really happened during Phil Brown's infamous on-pitch half-time team talk, recalls being sacked by Hull City only to be offered his job back minutes later, and discusses working with some of football's biggest characters. Away from football, Brian speaks movingly about his prostate cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery, and why raising awareness is now so important to him. In this episode: The truth about Brian's Manchester City departure and Francis LeeSigning Uwe Rösler, Paul Walsh and Peter BeagrieBeating Blackburn and Tottenham during his City yearsThe unforgettable Luton Town survival story at Maine RoadBrighton's historic promotion and life under Alan MulleryWorking with David Pleat and learning the art of managementHull City's Premier League promotion with Phil BrownThe truth behind Phil Brown's infamous half-time team talkBeing sacked and then offered his job back within minutesSir Alex Ferguson, Gary Flitcroft and football's biggest personalitiesHis prostate cancer journey and the importance of early detection Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT and SUBSCRIBE for more incredible football stories, behind-the-scenes insights and conversations with some of the biggest names in the game. Who should we get on Macca & Beats next? Let us know in the comments! #BrianHorton #ManchesterCity #MaccaAndBeats #HullCity #footballpodcast
Sep 25

Andy Townsend: Vinnie Jones, Gazza, Big Ron & The MADDEST Stories From 90s Football!

Andy Townsend joins Macca & Beats for a brilliant look back at a life in football – from starting out in non-league to captaining Chelsea, his unforgettable years at Aston Villa, playing for the Republic of Ireland and building a second career as one of football’s most recognisable broadcasters. Andy talks about breaking into the professional game relatively late, the move to Chelsea and the Manchester United transfer that nearly happened, before lifting the lid on life inside some of the great dressing rooms of the era. And the stories keep coming… A phone-box conversation with Terry Venables that didn’t quite go to plan, Vinnie Jones taking Andy’s brand-new Mercedes for a spin, John Major walking into the Chelsea dressing room, Big Ron Atkinson trading punches with Dalian Atkinsonand some absolutely classic tales involving Paul Gascoigne. Andy also gives his thoughts on modern football, the money young players earn, why some ex-players simply aren’t cut out for broadcasting and why, despite everything that has changed in the game, he never lost his love for playing. Plus: Gazza, a missing coffee cup, Jimmy Five Bellies, a Neil Diamond concert on the eve of a Tyne-Wear derby… and plenty more. Another proper football conversation with one of the game’s great characters.
Aug 7

Mike Newell: Gazza, Shearer, Dalglish & Winning the Premier League

Premier League winner. England international. Blackburn Rovers legend. In this episode of Macca & Beats, we sit down with Mike Newell to look back on an incredible football career spanning Liverpool, Wigan Athletic, Luton Town, Leicester City, Everton, Blackburn Rovers, Birmingham City and England. Mike shares unforgettable stories from some of football's biggest moments, including: Being signed by Everton after one phone call from Colin HarveyWhy Kenny Dalglish convinced him to join Blackburn RoversWinning the Premier League with BlackburnMissing out on Italia '90 with England through injuryWhy Gazza was the best player in the worldWhat Alan Shearer was really like when he arrived at BlackburnNeville Southall's hilarious hotel room routineBobby Robson nearly signing him abroadHis honest views on football agents, bungs and the modern gameWhy he believes football's obsession with statistics is "destroying the game"This is a fascinating conversation packed with brilliant dressing-room stories, football nostalgia and honest opinions from one of English football's most respected strikers. Subscribe to Macca & Beats for more exclusive interviews with football legends every week.
Jul 20

Russell Beardsmore: What Manchester United Was REALLY Like Before the Glory Years

Before the Class of '92, there were Fergie's Fledglings. Former Manchester United winger Russell Beardsmore joins us to look back on one of the most fascinating periods in the club's history. Russell talks about coming through under legendary youth coach Eric Harrison, making his breakthrough under Sir Alex Ferguson, scoring against Liverpool, life inside the Manchester United dressing room, and what it was really like before the club's dominance of English football. He also shares brilliant behind-the-scenes stories about Bryan Robson, Norman Whiteside, Lee Sharpe, Eric Cantona, dressing room initiations, the famous "Fergie Out" period, and the hilarious snowball incident that nearly landed him in serious trouble with Sir Alex. This is a brilliant insight into Manchester United during one of its most important eras. In this episode: Becoming one of Fergie's FledglingsLearning under Eric HarrisonBreaking into Manchester United's first teamBeating Liverpool at Old TraffordDressing room initiationsBryan Robson's leadershipSir Alex Ferguson before the trophiesEric Cantona arrivesThe famous snowball storyNorman Whiteside, Lee Sharpe and moreIf you enjoyed the episode, please Like, Subscribe and let us know in the comments who you'd like us to interview next.
Jul 13

Kevin Moran: From Gaelic Football to Manchester United Legend

Manchester United legend Kevin Moran joins us for an incredible conversation about one of football's most unique careers. Kevin looks back on his journey from Dublin and Gaelic football to Old Trafford, revealing how he almost turned down Manchester United, the influence of Sir Alex Ferguson and Dave Sexton, life alongside Bryan Robson, Ray Wilkins and Norman Whiteside, and the stories behind one of the most successful eras in the club's history. We also discuss: Nearly rejecting Manchester UnitedWinning All-Ireland titles before footballMaking the move from Gaelic football to English footballHis famous FA Cup Final red cardPlaying under Dave Sexton and Sir Alex FergusonLife in the Manchester United dressing roomThe evolution of footballIreland, Old Trafford and life after retirementKevin is thoughtful, honest and full of brilliant stories from one of football's greatest eras.
Jun 19 · Bonus

Bonus Episode: How Two Mates Ended Up Interviewing Football Legends

After a season of incredible guests including Paul McGrath, Norman Whiteside, Frank Stapleton, Mick Duxbury, Aaron Wilbraham and Brian Jensen, Macca and Beats sit down for a bonus episode. The lads look back at how the podcast started, travelling to Dublin to record, growing up together, football memories, meeting legends of the game and what comes next for the show. It's a relaxed conversation between two lifelong friends reflecting on the journey so far and sharing some stories that haven't been told elsewhere. Guests featured this season include: Paul McGrathNorman WhitesideFrank StapletonMick DuxburyAaron WilbrahamBrian JensenSubscribe for future episodes and clips. #FootballPodcast #PaulMcGrath #NormanWhiteside #ManchesterUnited #AstonVilla #FootballStories #Podcast #MaccaAndBeats
Jun 12

The Beast: How Brian Jensen Went From 'Big Boy' Electrician to Burnley's Play-Off Hero

Brian Jensen became one of Burnley's most iconic players, earning legendary status among Clarets fans as "The Beast". In this episode, Brian joins us to look back on an incredible football journey that took him from Denmark to Holland, West Bromwich Albion, Burnley and the Premier League. He talks about: How he earned the nickname "The Beast" Growing up in Denmark and nearly losing his football career Working as an electrician before making it as a professional footballer The incredible Burnley promotion season Saving penalties against Chelsea Wembley play-off final glory Life in the Premier League The strikers he hated facing most His favourite manager, teammates and funniest dressing-room storiesPlus plenty of laughs, football memories and behind-the-scenes stories from one of Burnley's most beloved players. #BrianJensen #TheBeast #BurnleyFC #PremierLeague #FootballPodcast #Championship #Goalkeeper #Clarets #Burnley

Macca and Beats is a football podcast bringing you untold stories from the legends of the game. From Manchester United icons to Republic of Ireland heroes, we go beyond the headlines with honest, no-filter conversations about life in football — on and off the pitch. 🎙 Hosted by Macca & Beats ⚽ New episodes fortnightly 👇 Watch and listen now

Creator

Darren Beattie & Chris McGrath
Years Active

2026
Episodes

13
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© Macca & Beats Podcast 2026
Show Website

Macca & Beats

Soccer

Soccer

Updated Weekly
Soccer

Soccer

Updated Weekly
Soccer

Soccer

Updated Biweekly
Soccer

Soccer

Updated Weekly
Soccer

Soccer

Updated Weekly
Soccer

Soccer

Updated Weekly
Soccer

Soccer

Updated 2h ago