Understanding the person behind the player.
Huge sporting guests like you’ve never heard them before. Pete will be sitting down with some of sport’s biggest names, going beyond the headlines to uncover the real stories, journeys, and personalities behind the player.
In this episode, Chris Dobey opens up about the journey that took him from growing up in Newcastle to becoming one of the biggest names in professional darts. Known to fans as "Hollywood", Chris reflects on his childhood, the people who shaped him, and the values that have stayed with him throughout his career.
Chris discusses the challenges and sacrifices behind reaching the top level of the sport, the pride he feels representing Newcastle on the world stage, and why his hometown continues to play such an important role in his life. From local roots to major titles and packed arenas, this is an honest and insightful conversation about ambition, resilience, family, and never forgetting where you come from.
Whether you're a darts fan, a Newcastle supporter, or simply enjoy hearing the stories behind sporting success, this episode offers a fascinating look at the man behind the nickname.
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20 May 2026
Nobby Solano: From Playing With Maradona to Becoming a Toon Hero
Peruvian football icon Nobby Solano joins the show to reflect on an extraordinary career that took him from South America to the heart of Newcastle United.
In this episode, Nobby shares memories of playing alongside Diego Maradona, adapting to life and football in England, and why Newcastle became more than just a club — it became home. From dressing-room stories and unforgettable matches to the passion of the Toon Army and life after football, this is a candid conversation about identity, belonging, and a career that crossed continents.
A must-listen for football fans, Newcastle supporters, and anyone who loves stories about the game’s golden eras.
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6 May 2026
Michael Chopra: From Premier League Dreams to Addiction
In this powerful and honest conversation, Michael Chopra opens up like never before. From the highs of professional football to the devastating reality of gambling addiction, this is the story behind the headlines.
Michael shares how his career was shaped by pressures on and off the pitch, the hidden struggles he battled in silence, and the moments that nearly cost him everything.
This isn’t just a football story — it’s a raw insight into addiction, mental health, and the reality many never see.
🎯 Topics covered:
Life as a professional footballer
Gambling addiction and its impact
Mental health in sport
Lessons learned and life after football
If this story resonates with you, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more real conversations.
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22 Apr 2026
Olivier Bernard: the Parisian who found a home in Newcastle.
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In this powerful episode of Here To Compete, Olivier Bernard opens up about the incredible journey that shaped his life both on and off the pitch.
Born in Paris, Olivier shares what it was like growing up surrounded by gang culture and the difficult choices he faced as a young child trying to find a different path. After leaving France due to a serious dispute, he found a new beginning in the North East of England — a place that would soon become his home.
Olivier reflects on his football journey with Newcastle United, sharing stories from inside the dressing room alongside legends like Alan Shearer and Gary Speed. He also reveals the challenges behind the scenes, including the difficult relationship with manager Graeme Souness — even after being named Player of the Season.
But the story doesn’t stop there. Olivier speaks honestly about the devastating injury that ended his career and the battle with depression that followed.
This is a story about resilience, identity, and what it truly means to rebuild your life when the game you love is taken away.
🎙️ Here To Compete — real stories from people who refuse to quit.#HeretoCompete #OlivierBernard #NewcastleUnited #AlanShearer #GarySpeed #FootballPodcast
15 Apr 2026
Andrew Cole: The Man Behind the Goals
In this episode of Here To Compete, we sit down with Andrew Cole to uncover the person behind the player.From being labelled arrogant early in his career to making a life-changing move across the country to join Newcastle United, Andrew reflects on the defining moments that shaped his journey in football.He opens up about:The pressure of being misunderstood and labelled early in his careerMoving to Newcastle and adapting to a completely new environmentForming a lethal strike partnership with Peter BeardsleyHis falling out with manager Kevin KeeganThe huge impact Alex Ferguson had on his career at Manchester UnitedHis iconic partnership with Dwight YorkeKnown as one of the most prolific strikers in Premier League history, Andrew Cole shares honest insights about the mentality required to compete at the highest level and the experiences that shaped both his career and character.This is the story behind the goals, the headlines, and the legend.
Subscribe for more conversations with elite performers on Here To Compete.
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8 Apr 2026
BREAKING NEWS Here to compete Podcast is BACK — bigger, better, and stronger than ever.
Pete will be sitting down with some of sport’s biggest names, going beyond the headlines to uncover the real stories, journeys, and personalities behind the player.
This isn’t just about sport — it’s about the people behind the performance.
2 Nov 2025
Leggy Newcastle lose to West Ham | Jonjo Shelvey on Eddie Howe, leaving St James’ and more
In the latest episode of Here To Compete, Pete Graves is joined by former Newcastle United midfielder Jonjo Shelvey to reflect on the 3-1 defeat to West Ham.
They discuss a lethargic Newcastle United performance at the London Stadium.
Jonjo also opens up about working under Eddie Howe, his emotional departure from St James’ Park, and how he’s adapting to life and football in Dubai.
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19 Oct 2025
Eight PL games in - where are Newcastle United at? | Mourinho at St James’ | Elanga vs Murphy
In the latest episode of Here To Compete, Pete Graves is joined by The Times journalist Martin Hardy to evaluate where Newcastle United are at eight games into the new Premier League season.
They review the 2-1 defeat away at Brighton and the possible tactical shake up needed going forward, including whether summer signing Anthony Elanga could drop out.
Plus, there’s a look ahead to Jose Mourinho bringing Benfica to St James’ Park for this week’s Champions League match.
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2 Oct 2025
Should Newcastle bring 4-4-2 back? | Nottingham Forest preview | Rob Lee’s Kevin Keegan memories
In this week’s episode of Here To Compete, Pete Graves is joined by former Newcastle United midfielder Rob Lee.
Following The Toon’s 4-0 thumping of Union Saint-Gilloise in the Champions League, Pete and Rob discuss the continued impressive start from striker Nick Woltemade.
Is a 4-4-2 formation the key to unlocking Newcastle United’s full potential? Pete and Rob weigh in - and look ahead to this weekend’s clash with Nottingham Forest.
Plus, Rob shares some memories from his time playing under Kevin Keegan.
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25 Sept 2025
Journey back to Wembley begins | Howe to mastermind another Arsenal win? | Asprilla's homecoming stories
In the latest episode of the Here To Compete podcast, Pete Graves is joined by former Newcastle United defender Steve Howey.
Together, they reflect on Newcastle’s League Cup triumph over Bradford City, marking the first step on the journey back to Wembley.
Also on the agenda: the upcoming clash with Arsenal at St James’ Park, plus some behind-the-scenes stories as Pete shares details from Tino Asprilla’s recent return to the North East.
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16 Sept 2025
Woltemade impact - link up with Joelinton | St James' Park atmosphere key for Barca game
In the latest episode of the Here To Compete podcast, Pete Graves is joined by former Newcastle United defender Steve Watson.
They discuss the impact of Nick Woltemade after the Germany international scored the winner on his debut against Wolves on Saturday.
Plus, they talk about Thursday night’s Champions League opener against Barcelona and the role that the St James’ Park crowd could play.
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10 Sept 2025
The power of Eddie Howe | Wolves preview: new look Toon? | Why Bruno is the perfect captain
In the latest episode of Here To Compete, Pete Graves is joined by former Newcastle United defender, and now Fox Sports pundit, Warren Barton.
Pete and Warren analyse the similarities between Eddie Howe, Kevin Keegan and Sir Bobby Robson.
They preview Saturday’s home match against Wolves and discuss the prospect of Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade making their debuts at St James’ Park.
Plus, Warren explains why Bruno Guimarães is the perfect captain for Newcastle United.
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3 Sept 2025
Is Isak's legacy tarnished? | Are Newcastle United better off now? | Gillespie's Barca memories
In the latest episode of Here To Compete, Pete Graves is joined by The Chronicle’s Lee Ryder and former Newcastle United star Keith Gillespie.
The guys review the summer transfer window and discuss whether The Toon are in a stronger position now despite the departure of Alexander Isak to Liverpool.
Plus, Keith recounts his memories from that famous night against Barcelona in 1997, as well as Tino Asprilla visiting him for his 50th birthday!
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28 Aug 2025
Newcastle go big for Woltemade | What does this mean for Isak? | Barca back at St James’ & TINO ASPRILLA DROPS IN!
In the first ever episode of the Here To Compete podcast, host and lifelong Newcastle United fan Pete Graves is joined by The Times football journalist Martin Hardy and Toon legend Lee Clark.
They discuss the club’s huge move to sign Germany striker Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart. But with just days left in the window, does this mean Alexander Isak is finally off to Liverpool?
Barcelona will be returning to St James’ Park in the Champions League this season - Pete, Martin and Lee reflect on that huge tie…. and, of course, Pete had to get his contact book out and persuade Tino Asprilla to come on the pod (… stick around to find out which teammate is in his WhatsApp picture)!
Plus, the guys preview the weekend’s trip to Leeds United as Newcastle United attempt to get their first win of the new season.
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26 Aug 2025
Here To Compete... coming soon!
Hosted by lifelong Newcastle United supporter Pete Graves, Here To Compete is a weekly podcast takes you inside the football club.
Every week, we’ll dive deep into everything happening at St James’ Park - from the latest on the pitch, to the big off-field moves, and everything in between.
Real inside info, top-tier guests, and interviews you won’t hear anywhere else!
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