EVERTON, WINNING MINDSETS, AND TOTAL FOOTBALL: Michael Ball

In this episode of 90 Minutes with Neville Southall, Nev talks with director Ken Loach about his film-making career that spans more than six decades. Ken discusses his latest (and final) film “The Old Oak,” his approach to storytelling, working with non-professional actors, and the issues he is concerned about today, from the rise of poverty in modern Britain, to Gaza and climate change. In a wide-ranging conversation, Loach delves into his vast body of work, including “Kes,” “Cathy Come Home,” “Riff Raff,” “Raining Stones,” “Land and Freedom,” and “Ladybird, Ladybird,” where he describes being “overwhelmed” by the performance of Liverpool actress Crissy Rock. He also talks about making iconic 1968 drama documentary “The Golden Vision” about Everton FC, its supporters, and center forward Alex Young. Additionally, Ken and Nev break down the similarities between making a film and creating a winning team on the football pitch.

In this episode of 90 Minutes with Neville Southall, Nev talks with former Everton, Rangers, PSV Eindhoven and Manchester City star Michael Ball about the ongoing challenges at Goodison Park and his experiences during a long career in top-flight football. Michael and Nev react to the latest Premier League charge against Everton and take a trip round the world of football, from the future of coaching and the shortcomings of the modern academy system to the evolution of fullbacks and goalkeepers playing out from the back. Former England international Michael Ball also discusses the “winning mindsets” he experienced at Rangers and PSV, his time playing in the home of total football, the eventful Thaksin Shinawatra era at Man. City, and why there are so few “characters” in the modern game.

In this episode of “90 Minutes with Neville Southall”, Nev speaks to Palestine and Bali United midfielder Mohammed Bassim Rashid as he prepares to represent his country at the Asian Cup in Qatar.   Mohammed tells Nev about the impact of Israel’s assault on Gaza on the Palestinian sporting community – from the killing of footballers and other international athletes to the destruction of Gaza’s oldest stadium  – and the personal loss he has suffered. They also reflect on the freedom to be found on a football field – and what the sight of Mohammed and his team-mates flying the flag at the Asian Cup can signify for their fellow Palestinians. 

Billy Kenny had the world at his feet. A man of the match performance in a Merseyside derby aged 19, he was being touted as the next big Everton star. Then serious injury led to isolation from his teammates, depression, drug addiction and eventual retirement from the sport he loved. He was just 21. Now after getting clean of drugs, Billy wants his story to act as a cautionary tale to young people - not just footballers. In this searingly honest podcast, he tells Neville Southall how he hopes his experience can make a difference, especially in his home town of Liverpool. WARNING this podcast contains very strong language and discussion of drug use.

For this episode of 90 Minutes with Neville Southall we have legend Jon McClure (Reverend And The Makers) chatting with Neville Southall, Keith Mullin and Secret Drug Addict about Music, Politics, Songwriting, touring and being a proud Northerner.

Jamie Carragher makes his return “90 Minutes with Neville Southall,” in the latest episode of the podcast. Nev talks with the Liverpool legend about a host of topics, including England’s missed World Cup opportunity, spiralling transfer fees, and the rise of the super agent. Cristiano Ronaldo, whether players should become referees, and the many mysteries of VAR are also on the agenda. During the episode Jamie recounts meeting Pele and discusses the Brazilian icon’s impact on the global game. The former Liverpool defender also describes the work of his 23 Foundation and his early years as an Evertonian.

In this episode of “90 Minutes with Neville Southall,” Nev talks with Liverpool legend, former England international and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher about the controversial Qatar World Cup and the future of the game. Nev and Jamie break down the issues facing the England and Wales national teams and discuss Gareth Southgate’s future, while delving into the mysteries of modern football terminology - from false nines to CDMs. The fallout from the Super League debacle, the art of goalkeeping, Jamie’s transition from pitch to TV studio and his foundation are also on the agenda.

In this episode of the “90 Minutes with Neville Southall”, Neville discusses the rise of Foodbanks in the UK with Trade Unionist and Evertonian, Dave Kelly.  Dave, the chair of Fans Supporting Foodbanks, is a known fan activist who along with other fan groups has been at the forefront of many fan focussed campaigns.  Dave, along with Ian Byrne, have inspired other fan groups to adopt the FSF model; creating a national organisation of fans committed to making sure families who are struggling as a result of Tory cuts can feed themselves.  This podcast covers some of FSF new initiatives and provides a fascinating insight into their journey.  It highlights the problems experienced by communities the length an breadth of the country.

The Menopause used to be the hushed-up topic that women didn’t want to talk about, nevermind men. But thanks to some high-profile campaigners and lot of fed up women this issues – that effects more than half of the population – is in the mainstream to stay. Things are changing and Neville Southall wanted to know why those changes are so important and hear from two women who are making a difference.

In this episode of the “90 Minutes with Neville Southall” podcast Neville discusses racial equity in sport and in society as a whole. From racism in football to the killing of George Floyd and the ongoing reckoning around race, Neville’s guests tackle a wide range of topics, share their experiences, and provide insight into the issue of racial equity. Neville speaks to Emy Onuora, Race Equality Project Manager at Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, author of “Pitch Black: The History of Black British Footballers” and co-author of “Great War to Race Riots,” about the experiences of black players in football and the struggle to deliver racial equity. Neville also speaks to ESPN analyst, commentator, and former footballer Shaka Hislop, who played over 200 Premier League games for Newcastle, West Ham, and Portsmouth and represented Trinidad and Tobago in their World Cup debut in 2006. Shaka, who also played in Major League Soccer with FC Dallas, recounts his experiences on and off the pitch on both sides of the Atlantic and his work as the honorary president of the anti-racism charity Show Racism the Red Card.