Boots to Billing

Most athletes hit a surprising crossroads they never see coming. This episode reveals how footballers, rugby players, and other pros can pivot to lucrative careers while still playing—and why building a backup now is more crucial than ever. If you're a young athlete feeling uncertain about your future or a seasoned pro trying to make sense of life after sport, this is your blueprint for succes...

Most football fans and aspiring coaches overlook the extraordinary behind-the-scenes lessons from a legendary goalkeeper turned coaching icon. In this episode, Danny Lennon – with a career spanning top Scottish clubs, a memorable European night, and a hall of fame induction – reveals the secrets behind his success both on and off the pitch. Prepare for an honest, raw look at the highs and lows of...

Most people see a footballer and assume fame and fortune. Joe Savage’s journey behind the scenes reveals a different story—one of relentless passion, hard-earned wisdom, and the sharp transition from player to top-tier scout and sporting director. This episode is a masterclass in persistence, skill, and the unseen work that keeps clubs at the top. If you're dreaming of a career in football—whe...

Most aspiring footballers and sports enthusiasts overlook the mental resilience needed to survive the highs and lows of a career. Tony McParland's journey from youth prodigy at Celtic to navigating injury setbacks, club turnarounds, and life after football reveals priceless lessons about perseverance, mindset, and the unspoken struggles behind the sport’s glitz. In this candid episode, Tony op...

Most managers are stuck in old-school coaching methods—John McGlynn, Falkirk’s inspiring leader, proves that high standards, genuine care and leading by example can transform a modest budget into a winning culture. In this candid episode, John shares his journey from youth teams to leading Falkirk in one of Scottish football’s most competitive leagues. Discover how his commitment to high standards...

Mark Corcoran made over 300 senior appearances across Hamilton, St Mirren, Ross County, Partick Thistle and Stranraer — but what he did after football is what really turns heads. With just £300 and a mate in Thailand, Mark co-founded Be Inspired Clothing and grew it into one of the UK's biggest streetwear brands. Along the way, Lionel Messi ended up wearing his gear to board a private jet. Sua...

In the second part of this brilliant conversation, Alan McFadden and Chris Fahey continue with Tam McManus as the stories get even bigger and the honesty cuts even deeper. Tam picks up where he left off – from Wayne Rooney putting him in a headlock as a 15-year-old to setting up Rooney's goal years later in a testimonial at Dunfermline, after Nemanja Vidić had already tried to take his head of...

In this episode, Alan McFadden and Chris Fahey sit down with former Hibs striker Tam McManus for a conversation packed with incredible stories, big characters, and plenty of laughs. Tam takes us back to his days playing in the cage at Sighthill with Celtic North, getting spotted by Hibs scout Roger McElvie, and the night Donald Park turned up frozen stiff after driving around in a snowstorm for tw...

In the second part of this powerful conversation, Alan McFadden and Chris Fahey go deeper with Ryan Stevenson into the reality of life after football – and it doesn't hold back. Ryan opens up about the devastating impact of retirement, divorce, and losing his identity all at once. He speaks with raw honesty about spiralling to a place where he was googling how to end his life, running up a hil...

In this episode, Alan McFadden and Chris Fahey sit down with Ryan Stevenson – a man who racked up over 390 senior appearances across Scotland and England, and whose football journey started with a pair of Maradona Puma Kings in his front garden in Ayrshire. Ryan opens up about being spotted by Chelsea at just 13, flying between Scotland and London on his own, and sharing digs with a young John Ter...

In part two of this powerful episode, Kyle Lafferty kicks things off with hilarious stories from his time at Kilmarnock under Derek McInnes. From setting off industrial-sized fireworks in the stadium that had the police called and an elderly neighbour reporting an "explosion," to orchestrating a naked "orchestra" in the dressing room to welcome new signings (complete with bagpi...

This is the first in a two-part series of the Boots to Billing podcast, where host Alan McFadden and co-host Chris Fahey sit down with Northern Ireland legend Kyle Lafferty – the country's second-highest ever goal scorer, who won everything in Scottish football and played across Europe. Kyle opens up about his remarkable journey from a tiny village of 2,000 people in Northern Ireland, where dr...

In this episode of the Boots to Billing podcast, host Alan McFadden and co-host Chris Fahey sit down with former Scottish football prodigy Jamie McCluskey, who at just 16 became the youngest player to appear in the SPL for Hibernian. Jamie opens up about his incredible journey through Scottish football – from convincing a young Steven Fletcher to come along to his Hibs trial, to rubbing shoulders...

In this episode of the Boots to Billing podcast, host Alan McFadden and co-host Chris Fahey sit down with former Scottish footballer Lee Mair to explore his remarkable journey — from playing against Bayern Munich to selling photocopiers, and ultimately finding success in the world of business. Lee opens up about life inside the game, sharing honest reflections on the culture and mentality within f...

In this powerful episode of Boots to Billing, hosts Alan McFadden and Chris Fahey sit down with Scottish football journeyman and FIFA Licensed football agent Scott McLaughlin for an honest and eye-opening conversation about life in and after professional football. Scott takes us through his impressive 21-year career, starting as a 16-year-old at Hamilton Academical, playing in the Scottish Premier...

Check out this clip from our chat with Nicki Paterson - "The Scottish Frank Lampard" From Vegas nightclubs with Mike Tyson to training with Thierry Henry at New York Red Bulls, then back to his mum's spare room wondering what's next. Now he's one of the UK's top sales performers. This is how you turn football heartbreak into business success. Watch and listen along wherev...

Meet Nicki Paterson  - the man a football manager once called "The Scottish Frank Lampard," and you're about to discover why. Picture this: A 16-year-old lad from Hamilton, playing part-time football and feeling like his dreams are slipping away. Fast forward eight years, and he's sharing a training pitch with Thierry Henry at New York Red Bulls, living the American dream with a...