Ian Murtagh
Latest articles by Ian Murtagh

'It was like being in Big Brother, you never felt comfortable, it was a bit of an issue for us': The inside story of Sunderland, Netflix and the streaming drama that ended happily ever after
By Ed McCambridge published
LONG READ After a fall captured in all its miserable detail by Sunderland ’Til I Die, the Black Cats are back in the top tier – FFT looks back on an epic journey, aided by the documentary’s stars

‘Newcastle’s board said I was over the hill, so I left and played 108 consecutive games and won the European Cup – not a bad way to answer that accusation!’: Ex-Magpies defender reflects on career highlight after proving former side wrong
By Ryan Dabbs published
EXCLUSIVE Newcastle made a mistake in letting a defender go at just 31, who then went onto win the European Cup at 35

‘It was a mistake to become Manchester City boss – I should have taken six months off. It wasn’t a very nice club at the time, and I didn’t do a particularly good job’: Former Premier League manager reflects on making wrong career decision
By Ryan Dabbs published
Manchester City have enjoyed great success in recent years, but one former manager regrets ever being the boss at the club

‘I grew up admiring Wenger, I love watching Pep’s teams and I rate De Zerbi, but I like any coach whose team has an identity – it’s vital at an English club’: Sunderland manager lays out coaching philosophy
By Ryan Dabbs published
Sunderland are doing well in the Championship this season, and their manager Regis Le Bris has highlighted why it's worked well so far

‘Even though Kevin Keegan was my boyhood hero, we never really saw eye-to-eye. That was an underwhelming time for me – I felt on the outside’: Newcastle cult hero reveals disappointment over how things went under King Kev
By Ryan Dabbs published
Newcastle United reappointed Kevin Keegan as manager in January 2008 - but one boyhood fan didn't quite enjoy his return as much as expected

‘Early on, Shearer was quite rightly the main man, but being backup really grinded on me as the years wore on – I hated the role’: Newcastle United cult hero reveals annoyance at never being considered good enough for No.9 role at St. James' Park
By Ryan Dabbs published
Newcastle United were blessed with Alan Shearer's goals in the 1990s and 2000s, but one former Magpie believes they still deserved more than secondary status at the club

‘That’s an easy one’ Lee Clark tells FourFourTwo who is the better player - him or his son Bobby Clark
By Matthew Ketchell published
Lee Clark made 184 appearances in the Premier League, while son Bobby has just signed a five-year contract with a Champions League club at 19

‘I found it difficult, disappointment was my overriding emotion’ Lee Clark explains why he was one of the only Geordies who wasn’t celebrating Kevin Keegan’s arrival as Newcastle United manager in 1992
By Matthew Ketchell published
East End lad Lee Clark grew up watching Kevin Keegan earn hero status as a player at St. James’ Park, so why wasn’t he excited to play under him?

‘It’s something I wish had never happened, I realise you cannot bite the hand that feeds, and I understood the ramifications of what I did’ Lee Clark on the career regret that still haunts him
By Matthew Ketchell published
EXCLUSIVE He has since issued a heartfelt apology, but of the three clubs Lee Clark played for, only two welcome him back with open arms

Ex-Manchester City goalkeeper Shay Given tells FFT major medal 'doesn't mean a lot'
By Tom Hancock published
Given enjoyed the greatest success of his career with Man City – although it wasn't as enjoyable as it could have been...

Roy Keane “must regret” walking out on Ireland at 2002 World Cup – Shay Given
By Ian Murtagh published
Shay Given has told FFT that he wonders what could have been if Roy Keane hadn't left the Republic of Ireland squad 21 years ago...

Newcastle United's long-serving physio on the 'volcano' that was the takeover and Eddie Howe's Keegan-like arrival
By Matthew Ketchell published
He worked for 38 years at the club and served 32 different managers, but Eddie Howe's arrival and the takeover were unique moments

Former England youth manager believes homegrown coaches don’t get a fair chance in England
By Ryan Dabbs published
U20 World Cup-winning England boss suggests other countries have more faith in homegrown coaches than England does in theirs

Neil Lennon Interview: Old Firm rivalry never diminishes – but it does go too far
By Ian Murtagh published
The former Celtic boss on touchline bust-ups with Ally McCoist, the Bhoys' doomed 10-in-a-row season, 'headbutting' Alan Shearer's boot and the time he told Ronaldinho he 'wasn't very good'
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