
Let Me Be Frank Podcast
Simon Houston
Frankly speaking, there's nobody quite like Frank McAvennie. Whether it's fun, football, or forthright opinions, Macca is the ultimate lovable rogue with a career full of scrapes & triumphs. He topped scoring charts for Celtic and West Ham and represented Scotland in the World Cup. Since hanging up his boots, he's known for his hilarious after-dinner speeches & sharp punditry. Now, with his new podcast "Let Me Be Frank," Macca alongside co-host Simon Houston tackles today's big issues with his unique style, joined by top names in sport, music, entertainment, and more. Tune in for a wild ride!
- 28 episodes
- a few times a week
- Avg 38 min
- English

- LM
September 3 · 1 hr 10 minMichael Stewart on Fergie, Roy Keane, Hearts & His Bizarre Hampden Ban
Former Hearts captain and Scotland international Michael Stewart joins Frank McAvennie and Simon Houston for a fascinating and typically forthright look back at his life in football. Michael reveals the extraordinary story behind his ban from Hampden following his criticism of Scottish refereeing, explaining just how far the restrictions went and why he believes the decision set a dangerous precedent for football pundits. He also gives his verdict on Hearts after their agonising title challenge and the departures of Derek McInnes, Lawrence Shankland and Cammy Devlin to Rangers. Can Wouter Vrancken rebuild the side, and can the Tony Bloom and Jamestown Analytics project keep Hearts challenging Celtic and Rangers? Michael also opens up on life as one of Scottish football’s most outspoken pundits, the criticism that comes with it and why he refuses to change the way he calls the game. Then it’s back to where his career began, being signed for Manchester United by Sir Alex Ferguson, making his debut alongside David Beckham and receiving some unforgettable words of encouragement from Roy Keane. A brilliant conversation covering Manchester United, Hearts, Scottish football, punditry and one of the strangest bans Michael has experienced. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
- LM
August 31 · 27 minFrankly Speaking: Tell Rangers Where To Stick Their 300 Tickets! | Three Days To Save Their Transfer Window
Frank McAvennie reacts to Rangers offering Celtic just 300 tickets for the League Cup quarter-final at Ibrox. Should Celtic reject the allocation completely, and would accepting it risk making token away supports the new normal in Old Firm games? Macca also looks at Celtic’s extraordinary summer rebuild, with 32 players departing at all levels and only four new arrivals so far. With just days remaining before the transfer window closes, how many signings does Martin O’Neill still need and can Celtic rescue a window that has already contributed to their Champions League exit? There’s also a look at the names Celtic are chasing, including Gvidas Gineitis, Joël van den Berg, Justin Devenny, Will Ferry and potential goalkeeping reinforcements. Plus, have Rangers finally turned a corner after beating Aberdeen? Frank gives his verdict on Lawrence Shankland, Derek McInnes and Rangers’ own potential late-window spending, with Kevin Kelsy and Kim Min-su among the names being linked. All that plus Camilo Duran’s impressive start, the continuing Celtic supporter protests and the rest of the weekend’s Scottish Premiership action on Frankly Speaking. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
- LMAugust 26 · 46 min
Frank: “I Don’t Believe Martin O’Neill Is Picking That Celtic Team”
Frank reacts to Celtic’s horror show in Austria and reveals why he doesn’t believe Martin O’Neill is the man picking the team. He calls it the worst Celtic performance in Europe he can remember and tears into the alarming lack of leadership on and off the pitch. We’re also joined by journalist Ben Ramage, whose new book on Scottish football legend Jimmy Bone is out tomorrow. Frank remembers the mentor who changed his career by recognising his potential and turning him into a striker. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
- LM
August 24 · 28 minFrankly Speaking: NUNO, WALK AWAY! Frank Wants Eddie Howe at West Ham | Celtic’s £40m Jackpot?
Frank McAvennie blows his top as the crisis deepens at his former club West Ham, telling Nuno Espírito Santo it’s time to walk away and revealing why Eddie Howe is the man he wants to replace him. Macca also questions whether Jarrod Bowen is the right man to lead the Hammers and believes Arne Engels should be taking the penalties. Attention then turns to a massive week in Europe for the Glasgow clubs. Can Celtic finish the job against LASK and secure a potentially enormous £40m windfall? And can Rangers safely negotiate their Conference League return against Jablonec? Strong opinions, straight talking and Frank’s predictions on the latest Frankly Speaking. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
- LM
August 23 · 15 minTam Cowan’s Brutal and Hilarious Crowd Put-Downs 😂
Tam Cowan looks forward to hitting the road around Scotland this September and gives us a taste of the brutal and hilarious put-downs awaiting anyone brave enough to sit near the front! He always buys his victims a drink afterwards… but admits there’s no chance he would ever risk a front-row seat at a Jerry Sadowitz gig. 😂 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
- LM
August 20 · 54 minNavid Meets Macca! Still Game, Celtic & World Cup Heartbreak with Sanjeev Kohli
Still Game legend Sanjeev Kohli joins Frank McAvennie and Simon Houston for a hilarious conversation about becoming Navid, life behind the scenes in Craiglang and his lifelong love of Celtic. Sanjeev recalls the unforgettable night he introduced the Lisbon Lions, reveals how his family’s Glasgow corner shop helped inspire his comedy and gives his verdict on Celtic’s latest European adventure. He also reflects on following Scotland at the World Cup, the pain of another early exit and what Navid would have made of the whole disastrous campaign. Still Game stories, Celtic memories, Scotland misery and plenty of laughs as Navid meets Macca! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
- LM
August 17 · 25 minFrankly Speaking: Celtic MUST Get Full Ibrox Stand & Rangers Must Pay For Policing
Frank McAvennie says Celtic MUST be given the full away stand at Ibrox for their League Cup clash with Rangers and believes the Gers should foot the bill for the policing required. Macca also looks ahead to Celtic’s huge Champions League qualifier against LASK and predicts Celtic Park will be back to its intimidating best, warning the Austrians they won’t know what’s hit them. Plus, is Baur the new Reo Hatate? And could an early European exit actually HELP Rangers turn their domestic season around? All that and more on the latest Frankly Speaking. 🎙️ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
- LM
August 13 · 59 minIrvine Welsh: Trainspotting, Hibs, West Ham & Everything In Between
To mark the 30th anniversary of Trainspotting, Irvine Welsh joins Frank McAvennie and Simon Houston for a special episode of Let Me Be Frank. Ahead of appearing on stage with the cast in Edinburgh on Friday night, Irvine looks back on the phenomenon that became Trainspotting and its incredible legacy three decades on. There’s plenty of football too, as the lifelong Hibs fan talks about his love for the Hibees, his thoughts on the modern game and his connections to West Ham. From Leith and Trainspotting to Hibs, West Ham and plenty more, it’s a brilliant conversation with one of Scotland’s most iconic writers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
- LM
August 10 · 27 minHøgh’s The Daddy! Celtic’s New No.9 Arrives | Can Rangers Recover?
Høgh’s the daddy! Kasper Høgh announced himself in style with a stunning first-half hat-trick as Celtic demolished Kilmarnock 5-1 away from home. Frank McAvennie gives his verdict on Celtic’s new striker and what his explosive start could mean for Martin O’Neill’s side this season. Meanwhile, Rangers are still searching for their first competitive win after a nightmare start. Frank believes Derek McInnes will eventually get it right, but with two defeats and a draw already on the board, could it be too late by the time Rangers finally click? Plus, Frank gives his verdict on Steven Naismith as a potential candidate for the Scotland job. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
- LM
August 6 · 54 minArchie MacPherson: Scotland’s Golden Years… and the Sadness of Watching Our Decline
Archie MacPherson reflects on an extraordinary career covering Scottish football’s greatest players, managers and moments. From the glory years of the national team to unforgettable World Cups, Archie shares stories from a lifetime behind the microphone. He also speaks candidly about the sadness of watching Scotland’s decline in later years, describing one World Cup side as the worst the country has produced. Along the way, he recalls Jock Stein, Sir Alex Ferguson and the characters who made football’s golden era so special. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
- LM
August 3 · 17 minThe REAL Reason Mo Johnston Joined Rangers
Frank McAvennie and Simon Houston revisit one of the biggest moments in Scottish football history. Why did Mo Johnston really swap Celtic for Rangers? Bill McMurdo reveals what was happening behind the scenes and explains why one of football’s most controversial transfers unfolded the way it did. Do you agree with his version of events? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
- LM
July 30 · 48 minDidier Agathe: The Celtic Years, the Nou Camp Chapel & Scotland Cap Chat
Didier Agathe joins Simon Houston and Frank McAvennie to relive one of the greatest eras in Celtic’s modern history under Martin O’Neill. The former fans’ favourite reflects on winning trophies, reaching the UEFA Cup Final in Seville and playing in a team packed with legends including Henrik Larsson, Chris Sutton and Stiliyan Petrov. Agathe also shares one of the most remarkable stories of his career, recalling the surreal moment he walked into the chapel beneath the Nou Camp before facing Barcelona and found himself kneeling in prayer alongside some of the club’s biggest stars. He also opens up on why he turned down the chance to become a naturalised Scotland international, revealing his fear that foreign-born players would be unfairly blamed whenever the national team fell short. It’s a fascinating trip down memory lane with one of the quickest, most exciting and most popular players of Martin O’Neill’s unforgettable Celtic side. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
- LMJuly 27 · 21 min
Frankly Speaking: Høgh In, But Celtic’s Work Has Only Just Begun
Celtic have landed Kasper Høgh, and Frank believes they’ve finally got the strike force they set out to build this summer. But while the new front line looks exciting, he argues the squad is still far from complete and several key signings are needed before the transfer window closes. The lads also assess Rangers’ impressive pre-season, with Derek McInnes’ side looking organised, competitive and much better equipped than many expected heading into the new campaign. And Frank doesn’t hold back after watching West Ham, branding it the poorest Hammers side he has seen in decades following their goalless draw at Ibrox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
- LMJuly 23 · 54 min
Bobby Madden Opens Up On VAR, Celtic v Rangers, World Cup Chaos & Refereeing Messi & Ronaldo
Former top referee Bobby Madden joins Frank McAvennie and Simon Houston for an honest look behind the whistle. Bobby reflects on following Scotland at the World Cup in the United States, witnessing one of the worst refereeing performances he’s ever seen at the highest level, and explains why he believes officials have become far too reliant on VAR instead of making decisions for themselves. He also discusses how he would improve VAR, what it was like refereeing Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Diego Costa, and shares stories from some of the biggest Celtic v Rangers matches he officiated. There’s plenty more, including: • The infamous Leon Balogun and Donald Trump red card controversy. • Why he was punished for telling Leigh Griffiths to “f*** off”. • Sending Alfredo Morelos off for “kicking someone in the baws”. • The abuse he received as a referee in Scotland. • His thoughts on Douglas Ross. • Whether refereeing is harder now than ever before. • The one decision he still thinks about. • His favourite players to referee. • His experience officiating in England. A fascinating, funny and revealing conversation with one of Scotland’s most recognisable referees. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
- LMJuly 20 · 25 min
Frankly Speaking: Celtic’s Transfer Crisis | Souness For Scotland? & Kevin Keegan Tribute
On this week’s Frankly Speaking, Simon Houston and Frank McAvennie tackle the biggest stories in Scottish football. With 13 players having left Celtic and only one new signing arriving, supporters are running out of patience. As Flag Day and the Champions League play-off draw ever closer, Frank and Simon ask why the club has been so slow in the transfer market and whether the Celtic hierarchy have completely misjudged the mood of the support. The pair also discuss whether Graeme Souness could be the right man to take Scotland forward before paying tribute to Kevin Keegan, reflecting on his remarkable playing career and the lasting impact he made on British football. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
- LMJuly 15 · 1 hr 9 min
Murdo MacLeod: Celtic Glory, German Success… and the Fight for His Life
Murdo MacLeod joins Frank McAvennie and Simon Houston for a fascinating conversation reflecting on one of Scottish football’s most remarkable careers. From the unforgettable 1979 title triumph and a trophy-laden spell with Celtic to winning silverware in Germany with Borussia Dortmund, Murdo looks back on the moments, teammates and matches that shaped his life in football. He also opens up about the terrifying health battle that left him fighting for his life, the long road back to recovery and the emotional hospital visit from his great friend and former Celtic teammate Frank McGarvey that he’ll never forget. An honest, moving and often hilarious conversation with one of Scottish football’s true gentlemen.Murdo MacLeod joins Frank McAvennie and Simon Houston for a fascinating conversation reflecting on one of Scottish football’s most remarkable careers. From the unforgettable 1979 title triumph and a trophy-laden spell with Celtic to winning silverware in Germany with Borussia Dortmund, Murdo looks back on the moments, teammates and matches that shaped his life in football. He also opens up about the terrifying health battle that left him fighting for his life, the long road back to recovery and the emotional hospital visit from his great friend and former Celtic teammate Frank McGarvey that he’ll never forget. An honest, moving and often hilarious conversation with one of Scottish football’s true gentlemen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
- LMJuly 13 · 23 min
Frankly Speaking: Will Celtic Lose CalMac? Macca Drops Bombshell...
Frank McAvennie fears Callum McGregor could still be tempted by a life-changing move to Saudi Arabia and explains why Celtic may struggle to keep hold of some of their biggest stars.Simon Houston and Frank also discuss whether Martin O'Neill will challenge Dermot Desmond or simply back the Celtic board, while assessing Rangers' impressive summer rebuild following the arrivals of Lawrence Shankland and Cammy Devlin.There's also debate over whether Hearts should now be known as the "Jam Departs", Macca reveals who he believes starts the season as title favourites, and the pair make their early prediction for England v Argentina. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
- LMJuly 9 · 1 hr 3 min
JOE MILLER’S BIG ANNOUNCEMENT | What The Hoops Really Mean
Joe Miller joins Frank McAvennie and Simon Houston for a brilliant conversation covering Celtic, Scotland and one very special announcement. Joe reveals exciting plans for his incredible football shirt collection and explains why now is the right time to share it with supporters. He and Frank also reflect on what it truly meant to wear the Hoops and why representing Celtic is about far more than just pulling on the shirt. There’s also discussion on England’s clash with Norway, Cristiano Ronaldo, VAR, FIFA’s latest controversies and Celtic’s pre-season preparations. A brilliant mix of football, nostalgia and great stories from one of Celtic’s favourite sons. 🍀preparations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
- LMJuly 6 · 22 min
Frankly Speaking: Iheanacho Signed? CalMac Saudi Fear & Forget Ferguson To Rangers
On this week’s Frankly Speaking, Frank McAvennie and Simon Houston discuss the latest Celtic, Rangers and Scottish football headlines. Macca claims Kelechi Iheanacho may already have signed on for another year, while also admitting he fears Callum McGregor could still be tempted by a move to Saudi Arabia. Frank also shuts down the idea of Lewis Ferguson joining Rangers, insisting it simply will not happen. Plus, Simon and Frank clash over Ange Postecoglou’s next move, with Simon believing he still has unfinished business at the top level, while Frank thinks Saudi Arabia could be the perfect final chapter.On this week’s Frankly Speaking, Frank McAvennie and Simon Houston discuss the latest Celtic, Rangers and Scottish football headlines. Macca claims Kelechi Iheanacho may already have signed on for another year, while also admitting he fears Callum McGregor could still be tempted by a move to Saudi Arabia. Frank also shuts down the idea of Lewis Ferguson joining Rangers, insisting it simply will not happen. Plus, Simon and Frank clash over Ange Postecoglou’s next move, with Simon believing he still has unfinished business at the top level, while Frank thinks Saudi Arabia could be the perfect final chapter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices