Derek Rae is the voice of FIFA 22 and a legendary commentator of the beautiful game. He joins Super Kevin Campbell and Sophie Nicolaou to talk about some of the biggest matches he has had the honour to call.
From the Premier League, to Bundesliga, the Champions League, Euros and World Cup, Derek has covered some of the best talent in the history of football. You will not want to miss his epic stories.
FLASHBACK – That time when I had the pleasure of interviewing legendary coach, Arsene Wenger…
He is the man responsible for revolutionizing English football. He arrived to the Premier League with a forward-thinking style and he built the idea of what a modern day player should be through enhanced nutrition, mental conditioning, endurance training and overall well-being. Mr.Wenger was ahead of his time. A trailblazer. A mindful manager and thinker.
Being in the same room with the French football professor was a thrill. He’s on the GOAT list. He’s a game-changer. And I got to ask him a question…and he offered me a job! The magic of football.
One of the all time worst seasons in Arsenal history is over. We’ve seen the good, the bad, and the fugly! Sophie & Amanda give quick fire thoughts on the entire enchilada, including Unai Emery, Jack leaving and a bit of World Cup!
Times a changing at Highbury & Heels so stay tuned for info about next season!
No matter how Arsene Wenger’s time ends at Arsenal, there is no doubt he will go down as the greatest manager the club has ever seen. Despite not winning the Premier League title for 14 years, the recent FA Cup success has eased the blow when it comes to lack of English championships.
Meeting Mr.Wenger in Los Angeles was an absolute treat. He’s a classy individual who is very charismatic and friendly with the media. When I had the chance to ask him a question, I made it count!
Very proud to be part of this all female Arsenal & lifestyle podcast, Highbury & Heels! Love these smart women who know their football and how to enjoy some good old fashioned fun and banter. You can follow all the girls here @GoonerGirl1969 @simaelamine @SoFire!
Had an absolute blast chatting with the lads on A Bergkamp Wonderland. We got stuck into the good, the bad and the ugly. Should Wenger stay or go? Is Stan Kroenke the right owner for Arsenal? Why do the Gunners collapse mentally when they concede a goal? What is the best midfield option? What’s happened to Mesut Ozil? And should the club keep Mesut Ozil? Tune in and have a listen. You’ll need some type of beverage and snack. It’s a magical 2 hours of pure football heaven. You can follow the boys here @jasondavies71 @PR_WhoRu GeoffArsenal The_GFP!
NBC Sports Premier League Host Rebecca Lowe joins the junkie crew for a good old natter about Jose Mourinho and the new unauthorized book on The Special One written by Rob Beasley. Did Beasley break the journalist code? Will Mourinho trust a journalist ever again?
Plus we are giving away two signed copies of Liverpool legend Stevie Nicol’s new book “5 League Titles and a Packet of Crisps. Look at us talking books and stuff! Who said reading books was dead?!
We recently had the opportunity to spend time with the Gunners during their pre season tour of the United States. Watching them train was an absolute treat. The players seem united and the squad feels like a true team.
Sitting in an Arsene Wenger press conference was a thrill. Wenger was challenged with some great questions. He spoke volumes. Sophie has theories, including moral money dilemmas and mental weakness! Gooners everywhere might not want to hear it! Put the kettle on. Or grab a brew! It’s going to be a long season.
Put your dartboards down. Let the ridicule end. Arsenal have won a trophy. I repeat…Arsenal have won a trophy!
It’s been a rough road for everyone involved with the club. However, for Arsenal fans it has been an even rougher road. They are not shielded like the players. They have to face the world and opposing fans every single day. They have long suffered. As much as I’m happy for the Arsenal staff and players, I’m even happier for my fellow Arsenal fans. Especially those who have travelled with the team even during their darkest hours. The fans who chant and sing, home and away, in the snow and the sun, for these fans I’m the happiest. Let them sing. Let them celebrate this time.
For the players, I hope this feeling makes them want it more. I hope that touching a trophy like the F.A. Cup makes them feel like it’s just the beginning. I hope they imagine themselves lifting the Premier League above their heads next season. I hope this victory makes them believe they can inspire a new chapter at the club and drive each other to win, win, win! That desire is depicted beautifully in this photo of Aaron Ramsey and Kieran Gibbs. Arsenal need new leaders. Arsenal need characters. Arsenal need to build on this…otherwise, the ridicule will begin all over again. Lead the way Gibbo and Rambo!
Admittedly, I had called for Arsene Wenger’s head earlier in the season. I ranted and imploded after Aston Villa beat us in the opening match of the season. I wanted him out as all I could see ahead was another season of emptiness and underachievement. Was I wrong? Somewhat. And after seeing the regression of Manchester United this season post Sir Alex Ferguson era, you wonder if Arsenal are better off with Wenger navigating the ship. I applaud him for finding his own confidence to win again. He appears to be reborn. Is Wenger about to re-write his legacy at Arsenal?
Thank you Arsenal. Thank you for finally delivering. It wasn’t easy. In fact, after just a few minutes, it looked like the upset was on. 2-0 down and the team dug deep and found an answer. They finally overcame the hump. They finally found the mental strength to match the physical and football strength. They won. They did it. It was beautifully ugly. #wewilltakeit
Film and football are my passions. I love the process of filmmaking and being on set and I love talking football. Over the last few months I’ve been primarily focused on the film side. I love my job and what I do.
Having been away making movie and TV magic, I’ve still had my face glued to the TV set watching the beautiful game and especially, my beloved Arsenal. And on the eve of the club’s biggest match in the last eight years, it felt like there was no better time to jump back on the blog.
Even though the blog has been tough to keep up of late, I’ve still been blessed with the opportunity to contribute to Talksport and in particular, Extra Time with Mike Graham. There have been times where I’ve sounded like my head is going to explode when talking to Mike. In fact, after that first league game against Aston Villa at the start of the season, I was ready to walk away from football altogether for a while. That game hurt and I felt like I couldn’t take another season of being ridiculed by fellow football fans.
But alas, the season has ended with at least something to hope for. We are in the F.A. Cup Final and could end our trophy drought. It has been way too long since an Arsenal captain lifted something shiny and silver above his head. Could this weekend be our time? Could this weekend be the resurgence of our great club? Could this weekend silence our critics and finally lay the trophy-less ghost to rest?
Once again, I get to marry my two passions on the same day as I’ll be watching from a distance in Cannes. Film and football are my ultimate strike partnership. I hope the lads can show their passion on the pitch tomorrow and that GQ Giroud strikes with an early goal!
This could finally be our year and set Arsenal on the road to writing a new chapter in the history books. I hope the boys do it for Arsene Wenger and the fans. In the meantime and until tomorrow, I’m off to another screening in the hope I find a wee gem of a film that can make me feel as warm and fuzzy as Arsenal do.