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Jeff Brown talks to sport heroes in new podcast

Alan Shearer recalls being stuck on a train with Sunderland fans

Eight North East sport legends are sharing what it means to make history in a new BBC Sounds series.

In Sporting Greats, Jeff Brown sits down with former footballers Alan Shearer and Gary Bennett, as well as boxer Savannah Marshall to talk about their journeys into professional sport.

Sir Brendan Foster and Paralympian Stephen Miller also share their stories.

Jeff, who stepped down from presenting Look North after 21 years last May, said he went through his contacts book to find guests for the series.

In the first episode, Shearer shares his journey to becoming a Newcastle United legend, his time with the England squad and his work as a BBC pundit.

He also chats about the people behind the scenes who helped shape his life and career and what it was like when Ruud Gullit dropped him against Sunderland.

Jeff Brown and Savannah Marshall sitting on orange chairs and smiling in the podcast studio. Jeff is wearing a light blue shirt, grey trousers and brown shoes. Savannah's straight brown hair is tied in a bun. She is wearing black leggings, trainers and a red half-zip fleece.
Savannah Marshall talks about her journey to winning world titles

Former professional boxer and pundit Glenn McCrory also shares the highs and lows of his life on the series, from becoming the North East's first-ever world boxing champion to battling a court case that pushed him to the brink.

In the series, world champion Savannah Marshall talks about the harsh reality and pressures of being a professional boxer and being thrust into the media spotlight.

In another episode Bennett, who became an adopted Mackem after making more than 450 appearances for Sunderland AFC, chats about being awarded an MBE from the King, his years as a player and his campaign work against racism.

A behind the scenes shot of Jeff Brown, in pale pink shirt and grey trousers, talking to Gary Bennett, who is wearing a black jumper ad dark grey jeans. In the foreground, there is a microphone and a camera placed on a tripod.
Gary Bennett talks about his time at Sunderland AFC

Jeff also talks to Sir Brendan Foster and discovers that despite setting world records he feels humble and close to his roots.

Stephen Miller also discusses his journey to becoming one of the most decorated para athletes in the world.

Stephen Miller sitting on the orange arm chair in the podcast studio. He is wearing a grey jumper and jeans and has blue eyes ad short ginger hair. There is a microphone in front of him.
Para athlete Stephen Miller also takes part in Sporting Greats

He also talks about what it was like having a parent as a coach and winning medals in the days when the Paralympic Games received little media coverage or funding.

Katy Daley-McLean chats about her career from standing on the sides of a muddy rugby pitch as a child, to lifting the Women's World Cup trophy with England and becoming an Olympian.

A conversation with cricketer Steve Harmison also reveals the darker side of what it means to be a professional sportsperson.

Listen to Sporting Greats on BBC Sounds now.

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