On The Spot Football Podcast

In one of our most powerful and honest episodes yet, Kieron O’Connor opens up about his life in football, the reality of coaching kids, and the emotional battles he’s faced off the pitch.⚽ From signing for Celtic to trials at Bolton Wanderers, Kieron shares never-before-heard stories from his early playing days and the heartbreaking moment he learned that a fellow young player had been murdered – just for playing for Celtic.💬 He speaks with raw emotion about:Mental health struggles after returning from EnglandThe toxic culture of sideline parenting in youth footballWhy we need to show young people more love, not pressureHow he found purpose again through coaching and helping others🧠 This one’s about more than football. It’s about trauma, resilience, and the power of purpose. A must-listen for coaches, parents, and anyone who cares about the future of our game.📍 Filmed at Arkmedia Studios | Produced by Arkmedia🎧 Available now on Spotify, YouTube & all major podcast platforms

One of the most respected voices in Northern Irish football journalism, Keith Bailie joins On The Spot for a brilliant conversation.We chat:⚽ The evolving Irish League💰 Financial power & club success📉 The struggles of big-name clubs in the 2000s🗞️ What it’s really like covering the game from the press box👉 Watch now on YouTube👉 Listen on Spotify & all platforms🎧 Presented by Jonathan McMurray🎥 Filmed & produced by Arkmedia Studios

From refereeing in the Irish League at 16 to walking out alongside Maradona at the World Cup, this is not your average football story. In this episode of the On The Spot Football Podcast, Johnny McMurray sits down with Alan Snoddy, the legendary Northern Irish referee who has seen it all – from the Dub, to the World Stage. We talk: • Starting out young & learning the hard way • Refereeing Linfield v Glentoran in front of 15,000 fans • Handling sectarian tensions on the pitch • His World Cup moments – yes, including THAT Diego Maradona match • Why VAR is both a blessing and a curse • The future of refereeing in Northern Ireland • Ref advice, abuse, and what he’d change to save the game • And… the truth behind how he kept his moustache intact through it all A fascinating insight for fans, players, coaches, and future referees. Full interview now live on all major platforms Presented by Johnny McMurray Produced by Arkmedia and filmed at Arkmedia Studios Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe.

From Mid-Ulster to the Premiership: The Untold StoryThe next guest on On The Spot Football Podcast is one of Northern Irish football's most fascinating figures.⚽ The JourneyStarted coaching at 16 in a community centreTook Warrenpoint Town from Mid-Ulster League to the PremiershipKept a small regional club at the top level for 7 out of 10 yearsManaged Cliftonville and Newry City💼 The BusinessmanSuccessful entrepreneur who balanced boardroom and dugoutOne of the few managers who understood both sides of the coin💪 The SurvivorFought throat and neck cancer while managingMade the toughest decision: choosing life over football🔥 "Players were on £50 a week at Cliftonville competing in Europe"😤 "I had no training facilities, no warm-up gear, and no manager's office at Newry"⚖️ "The relegation injustice at Warrenpoint - we took it to court"👥 "We treat players like players. We should treat them like people"🎯 "The problem with Irish League football? We've missed the people part of it"This isn't just a football story. It's about survival, ambition, making impossible decisions, and what it really takes to succeed with nothing.Now live on all podcast platformsHosted by Johnny McMurray