Tony Bellew Is Angry

Introducing Gangster Presents... Hooligans

Former boxing champion and proud Evertonian Tony Bellew delves into the brutal world of football hooliganism. At its height in the 1970s and 1980s, it was labelled ‘the English Disease,’ a time when violence on the terraces was as much a part of the game as a half-time Bovril. Bellew hears from those who lived for the trouble, the men and women whose Saturdays weren’t complete without a brutal punch-up.He speaks to the innocent victims caught up in the mayhem, the families of those who lost their lives at the hands of thugs, and the undercover police officers who risked everything to infiltrate some of England’s most notorious firms.He also explores how government crackdowns, tougher laws, and the introduction of all-seater stadiums helped bring an end to widespread hooliganism.Presenter: Tony Bellew Series Producer: Emma Forde Producer: Patrick Kiteley Technical Producer: Nicky Edwards Development Producer: Holly Clemens Production Co-ordinator: Ellie Dover Assistant Commissioner: Lorraine Okuefuna & Sarah Green Commissioning Editor: Louise Kattenhorn Editor and Executive Producer: Carl Johnston

Introducing... Powerplay: The House of Don King

Steve Bunce and Lennox Lewis on one of the most recognisable and enduring figures in sport, Boxing promoter Don King, with contributions from rivals, law enforcers and fighters

Ant Middleton

This episode contains content that some listeners may find upsetting. Ant Middleton served in the most elite units of the British military before transferring his skills and experiences to TV. From 2015-2021 Ant was Chief Instructor on Channel 4’s ‘SAS: Who Dares Wins’. On the celebrity version of the programme one of his ‘recruits' was a certain former World Champion boxer called Tony Bellew. Ant pushed Tony to his physical and mental limits on the show. The two have remained friends and in this episode they share a very insightful and honest conversation that demonstrates their deeply held mutual respect. Ant reveals how his experiences in the military ranged from the highs of discovering just what he was capable of, to the lows of mental trauma that will remain with him throughout his life. His anger stories range from the everyday to the battlefield extreme… but it’s the way he has learnt to use his anger positively that really hits home. This is a must-listen for anyone who gets angry (that’s all of us) and is interested in learning how to harness those feelings in a more constructive way.

Joey Barton

Joey Barton built himself a hugely successful career as a footballer, but the flip side was his reputation as being fiery on the field and often in trouble off it. He played 269 times in the Premier League for Manchester City, Newcastle, QPR and Burnley and also made one appearance for England. Controversy has always followed Joey around and he speaks candidly in this interview about moments where anger got the better of him. We hear about the remarkable impact on Joey of an anger management professional who has taught him a new way to approach life. There’s a fascinating exploration of how Joey’s highs and lows have shaped him as a manager and leader… plus the inside track on a missed debut and the infamous French accent he once spoke with during a Marseille press conference. Joey and Tony are friends and this conversation shows the trust and honesty they share. Joey makes it clear that he has regrets and his battles with anger are ongoing, but he shares insights, thoughts and experiences that go way beyond the portrait that has often been painted of him by others.

Millie Bright

Millie Bright is a mainstay of the European Championship-winning England Women’s Football team - the Lionesses. Picked for every game during last year’s successful Euros campaign, she’s won multiple honours for her club side Chelsea and is one of the best footballers in the world. She opens up to Tony about the challenges in her early career when women’s football didn’t have the platform, exposure and investment it is starting to get now. Her anger stories range from on-pitch antagonism to off-pitch family matters. It’s a fascinating insight into the mindset of someone who is right now at the very top of their profession. The conversation reveals a determined, principled and team-oriented character who has worked hard to develop the physical and mental skills needed to get the very best out of herself and others around her.