Iain Dowie Interview: Vinicius Junior to Arsenal, Bellingham’s Return to Birmingham and Lampard’s Coventry Chances

Dowie has suggested that any move for Vinicius Junior to Arsenal would be the biggest transfer in the history of the Premier League.

The former Northern Ireland international also suggested that Maxence Lacroix could fill the longstanding hole left by Thiago Silva at Chelsea, while Mateus Fernandes can be one of the league’s outstanding midfielders at Tottenham.

Tottenham Hotspur spent £85m on Mateus Fernandes from West Ham, have they overspent or is that the going rate for someone of his capabilities?

“In today's market, £85m for Mateus Fernandes is the going rate when you see clear potential in someone. He's only 22, and with 36 appearances, three goals, and four assists last year, it suggests he has room to develop. My view is that there's a great deal of potential there.

"He’s a signature signing for Spurs. If he hits the ground running and builds on the quality he showed last year, the fee will soon be forgotten. I do think the price is maybe £10-15m higher than it should be, but that's just the state of the current market."

Is he the kind of signing that can help Tottenham kick on from fighting relegation to challenging for European football again?

“When you look at Tottenham’s midfield area now, they should be looking up. They've got that ability in there, they’ve bolstered things down with great intent. They’re making a big statement with their transfer activity. From what I gather training has been brutal as well, so Roberto De Zerbi is going to have a super fit team and Fernandes will fit in fine there.

“Who knows the limit of what Fernandes could become at Tottenham? If he adds more dynamic passing to his game, he’s got a real chance of being one of the Premier League’s outstanding midfielders. As a West Ham fan, it’s a disappointment to lose him but relegation from the Premier League has done what it’s done.”

Takehiro Tomiyasu is on trial at Crystal Palace, but do you think Manchester United should be in for him given their weakness at right back?

“From the outside, it might seem a little strange suggesting that Takehiro Tomiyasu should be of interest to Manchester United. But when you consider what he can do, he plays right-back, left-back, and centre-back comfortably, he’s decent on the ball and has good pace.

"I find it surprising that no one else has jumped in for him. I know there are some concerns about his injury history, and we need to see if those are behind him, but he has great tactical flexibility. It certainly wouldn't be a silly signing for Manchester United, put it that way.

“Crystal Palace have been clever in getting Tomiyasu in and used to the environment. Hopefully Pierre Sage can talk to him and get a deal over the line. I think he will be a really good acquisition because he covers a lot of bases, but also goes under the radar and could be like Maxence Lacroix was.”

On Maxence Lacroix, have Chelsea done good business spending £52m on him and is it a deal that could propel them into challenging for the Premier League title?

“I don't think one player on his own is going to take Chelsea to the title, but I do think Maxence Lacroix has pace, dynamism and he's a good talker. In the grand scheme of things, £52m is probably a little heavy but central defence is an area where Chelsea really need experience and calmness.

"Lacroix is calm and pacey, and I think he'll make a real difference. He's a really decent acquisition and he improves Chelsea defensively without a doubt.”

How likely is it that Lacroix could fill the gap in defence and make himself the next Thiago Silva at Chelsea?

“If at any point in Maxence Lacroix’s career he is being spoken about as the next Thiago Silva, then he’s a very good player. Everyone at Palace wanted him to stay, but the reality is that when the right money comes across the table, the club will sell.

"It is a very good acquisition, and the fee is justified because I believe there is still a lot more to come from him. He was very impressive last year and I think he makes Chelsea a completely different side defensively.”

Do you see Arsenal being able to pull off the signing of Vinicius Junior and, if they did, where would it rank in terms of the biggest transfers in the Premier League era?

“I’m not sure there has been a bigger signing in the Premier League than Vinicius Junior would be for Arsenal. Cristiano Ronaldo came and did what he did for Manchester United, but he was a very young man at that point.

"Vinicius Junior to Arsenal would also be bigger than Alexander Isak’s move to Liverpool. You’d say he’s more valuable than Isak, which is a big call to make because he was incredible at Newcastle.

“But Vinicius Junior is just a superstar of world football. He’s got great energy, great athleticism, he’s up and down. I don’t think people give him credit for the work he does. He’s got remarkable pace and end product. What more can he do in a team outside of dragging them over the line on his own?

“When you think about players of that calibre, it’s really just Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe who would probably blow the transfer market open. But Vinicius Junior is right up there with them, I love everything about him.

"As for whether Arsenal can get this deal done, yes, I think they can. Would I be surprised if Jose Mourinho lets him go? Very. But if he’s in the last year of his contract, Mourinho would surely want to get him on a long-term deal. Otherwise, he might just move on. Do I think it will happen? I’m not sure.”

How would the signing of Vinicius Junior change the way that Arsenal play?

“Vinicius Junior offers something different than what Arsenal currently have with Gabriel Martinelli and the others who play in that area. He brings goals and assists, he’s a game-changer and a creator. He’s dynamic and has such a big personality.

"I can tell you, if he were playing in the opening Premier League game, teams would be doubling up on him. That’s how good he is. He’s at that level, a world superstar. Signing him would certainly be a huge statement.”

Bruno Guimaraes is another statement signing for Arsenal. Does his arrival make them clear favourites to go back-to-back in winning the Premier League title?

"When you look at Bruno Guimaraes’ return during his time at Newcastle, he's scored 30 league goals, he's clearly a game-changer. He can operate in various positions across a midfield three. He guarantees goals and assists, and brings real quality.

“Is there any downside to signing him? I don't think so. The only concern is maybe his age, but he’s still only 28. But he’s made 153 league appearances and scored 30 goals, so that’s one in five. I think he’ll get more goals with Arsenal as well.

"When you look at him playing alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard, he brings a different dimension to that midfield. Rice is clearly one of the best midfielders in the world, and this would be a great signing.

"Arsenal probably would have liked to secure him a couple of years ago. He’s dynamic and works box-to-box, he might not be blisteringly quick, but he’s got a brilliant footballing mindset. He sees the pass before the ball even reaches him, and he’s a really good finisher. It’ll be a very good signing.”

Where would you rank Arsenal’s midfield in world football should they sign Bruno Guimaraes, considering that he would be playing with Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard and Martin Zubimendi?

“The signing of Bruno Guimaraes elevates the team and, in some ways, brings more pressure because we are now saying that, after winning the league and reaching a final, they need to go on and win the Champions League. It makes them a Champions League-winning side.

"If they were to secure both him and Vinicius Junior, obviously overcoming sides like Barcelona would be a huge challenge, it would be a real statement. I’m not sure if they’ll get both, but Guimaraes makes them 10 to 15% closer to winning the Champions League and they were already very close.”

Is the asking price of £145m for Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain proof that Liverpool should have gone for Morgan Rogers instead?

“Bradley Barcola’s body of work over the last few years suggests he has had better output than Morgan Rogers, so I think Liverpool are right to chase him. Personally, I think Barcola would be a brilliant signing, I really do. Everyone talks about the fact that he didn’t play in the massive games, but Paris Saint-Germain also have Desire Doue, who is also world class.

“We’re talking about world-class players. Is Bradley Barcola right up there? I think he is. And if we’re looking at him signing for Liverpool, £145m is remarkable. You’ve got Kylian Mbappe who is somewhere up there out of the stratosphere, but £145m is a remarkable fee for Barcola.

"But £117m for Rogers was also remarkable. So is it that far off the scale? Not really. Barcola would be a great signing, unbelievable, and I think you get a real upside. I think it would lift Liverpool in a big way.”

Sticking with Liverpool, should Conor Bradley be starting over Jeremie Frimpong and, if not, should he leave in search of first-team football?

“I think Jeremie Frimpong needs some slack cutting as he continues settling in at Liverpool, it’s always difficult in your first season and now he can kick on. On the other hand, there's a real, intense competition for his position.

"As a massive Northern Ireland fan, I love what Conor Bradley does, he's the captain of our country, he’s cool, calm, very good on the ball, has excellent vision, and is a good decision-maker.

“It’s going to be an interesting situation, and Andoni Iraola must love having that depth. Having those two going head-to-head for that position is brilliant. I think Liverpool need to be doing that. Would Iraola let Conor Bradley go? I don't think he would, but what I’m saying is that's going to be a real test.

“If Jeremie Frimpong starts like a house on fire, then that's great for the team, but it’s also going to push Conor Bradley to another level. Conor won't be happy about getting less playing time, which creates a difficult situation, but that’s the reality of being at a club like Liverpool.

"Conor has already spent time competing with one of the best in the world in Trent Alexander-Arnold, so he knows how this works. It’s going to be interesting to see what happens if Jeremie hits his stride. That’ll be a difficult one to pick, but I do think that Conor wants to play regularly, and he has to.”

Morgan Gibbs-White had a really impressive season last term and there has been some conversation linking him to Manchester United as a potential heir to Bruno Fernandes. Do you think he’s good enough to fill that role?

“There wouldn’t be a drop-off if Morgan Gibbs-White came in to replace Bruno Fernandes, but is Bruno a couple of steps ahead of him? I think he is. Gibbs-White was incredibly unlucky not to have gone to the World Cup, given his 15 league goals.

"His attacking play was consistently impressive, and he contributed a number of assists as well, so it’s very unlucky for him. But Bruno has been producing brilliant performances for a long time now, and he’s right up there with the top two or three midfielders in the Premier League and maybe the world.

“So Morgan Gibbs-White has a little bit of work to do, but he's certainly catching up pretty fast. Would a move to Manchester United represent a gulf in class compared to Bruno Fernandes? No. Would it be a very good signing? Yes for Manchester United, it would. Whether they get him over the line, I don't know, but I really rate Morgan Gibbs-White.

“I think Gibbs-White shares some traits with Bruno Fernandes. Bruno is really thriving now because he’s looking at his team and seeing players like Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko up there, knowing he has people running in behind.

"It showcases his talents as a great passer and clinical finisher. I see Morgan Gibbs-White in a similar mould to Morgan Rogers. Give them another two years, and I expect Morgan Gibbs-White to really kick on. He is one of the elite attacking midfielders; while his defensive work needs to improve, he is excellent in an attacking role.”

In terms of excellent attackers in the Premier League, does anyone come close to Erling Haaland? In his time at Manchester City, however long that will be, can you see him breaking Alan Shearer’s record?

“Erling Haaland possesses incredible physicality, blistering pace, and is an unbelievably cool character in front of goal. Personally, I don't even think Manchester City play to his strengths so much.

“He thrives on those through balls slid in behind the defence for him to run onto. He just finds a way, and look at what he’s done for Norway. It’s very difficult to imagine him not beating Alan Shearer's record if he stays in the Premier League. I’m good friends with Alan, so that might not go down well, but it’s a fantastic target for him. It will be interesting to see how he performs under a new manager at Manchester City.”

Nick Woltemade is another imposing centre forward, but do you think he is the right man to lead Newcastle this season?

“Sometimes Nick Woltemade plays a bit more like a centre half to be honest, I think he's a very clever player. I don't think we should ever have boxed him in as just being the big man in the box because that's not his game. He’s much better when he’s involved in the play, he likes to drop into pockets to get on the ball.

"I think that didn’t quite work for him last year, he wasn't involved enough. He’s similar to how Harry Kane operates when he drops off for England, a good passer and a clinical finisher. His record stands up, though I’d like to see him score a bucketload more goals than he did last year.

"Is he an out-and-out number nine? I think he can be, but we need to see him running in behind, which Newcastle didn't quite get from him last season.

“He didn't quite hit his peak last year, though I rate him highly. It’s going to be an interesting season for him, especially given the situation at Newcastle. Players are exiting left, right and centre, which is a real worry for such a massive football club.”

Given the current situation at Newcastle, should Nick Woltemade be thinking about jumping ship alongside the other players who have already left?

“If things continue the way they are going, it's going to be very difficult for Newcastle to rebuild. You look at players like Anthony Gordon moving to Barcelona and the situation with Bruno Guimaraes and it’s a bit sad to see.

“I don’t think Woltemade should leave, I think he needs to give it time. He’s only been there a short while, so he deserves a bit of patience. They’re making a few signings, and if they can build some momentum, he could really kick on and have a great season. The only concern is the step up in class for their new manager, it’s a big challenge for him but I wish him the best.”

Do you give Coventry a chance of staying up in the Premier League under Frank Lampard?

“Staying up in the Premier League is definitely the biggest challenge of Frank Lampard’s tenure at Coventry. I’m a great admirer of Frank, especially his bravery in transitioning from an illustrious playing career into management. It seems like a perfect fit for him at Coventry.

"Having been a manager there myself, I know the club well and he’s done a brilliant job so far. There is absolutely every chance they can stay up, they just need to maintain a solid defensive structure. The signing of Carl Rushworth is quite a statement of intent and was a significant investment.

“Lampard looks to have brought in some really good players. Home form is going to be crucial for them, they have really passionate fans.

"The way they started last season was ridiculous, they blew everyone away. I was at the pivotal game for Frank last season. It was Coventry versus Middlesbrough at home. They’d been on a bit of a difficult run. Frank just stuck to his guns, went all-out, Haji Wright got a hat-trick and the rest is history.

“Do I think they’ll compete? Yes, they certainly will. I don’t think they’ll be brushed aside at all. There will be a great atmosphere from the fans at every home game, and they’ll take a good number of supporters away with them. They still need to make a couple more signings, but the ones they’ve made so far look sharp.”

Touching on Haji Wright, can you see him transitioning well to the Premier League and potentially earning a move to a Big Six club later down the line?

“Haji Wright’s goal tally from last year is very impressive. I've seen quite a bit of him play, and while he still has a bit to do to reach that truly elite level, his goalscoring record suggests he's already close. He’s stepping up now, and it will be interesting to see how he develops.

"He’s well-suited for this league, he’s been held back a little by minor niggles rather than anything serious, so I think there’s definitely more to come from him.

“I think Haji Wright is a real talent. He has a very cool, calm finish and blistering pace. If he can replicate his goalscoring numbers from last season, that would certainly go a long way towards keeping Coventry in the Premier League. And do I think he has the opportunity to kick on to a bigger club? Yeah, I do.

“But for now, I think Coventry is a really good club for him, he’s got a manager who knows what he's doing. You've got Matt Grimes in the middle who ticks along and gets the ball to him. You look at the squad they're building with Frank Onyeka and Ellis Simms, and now they've brought in Loum Tchaouna, Aurele Amenda and Carl Rushworth, it’s very sensible, smart business.

“Coventry will be a different side this year, and Frank Lampard knows exactly what’s needed to get results in the Premier League. As for Haji Wright, if he listens to his manager, he has every chance to develop into an even better player. He certainly has the potential to take that next step. I think he's a couple of jumps away from earning a move to a top-six side.”

Frank Lampard is one of the few English managers in the Premier League, how far away do you think he could be from the England job if Coventry do well next season?

"Given Coventry's history and the current ownership, they are investing really well. There’s a clear sense of intent there and hope that Frank Lampard can get them performing again. As I mentioned, when you look at the three or four players they've brought in, plus the new goalkeeper, it’s a significant investment, so there’s naturally a fair amount of expectation on Frank now.

“If Frank keeps Coventry up, and perhaps does so comfortably, then there will inevitably be a lot of talk about him. He has a big profile, and people will naturally ask if he’s in the shakeup for the England job. Could he do it? 100%. He’s certainly capable of managing England in the future, but for now, he has to stay focused on the job at hand.

“As for the external noise, I think that fades away. I don't believe Frank is content with just avoiding relegation. The recruitment they've done looks quite clever, they’ve made smart additions. We'll see, but I think they might surprise a few people this year.”

It seems like a lot of people are already writing off Hull City, what do they need to do to stay in the Premier League?

“Sadly, a lot of people are writing off Hull. However, when you look at the recruitment, Sergej Jakirovic has done an amazing job. He has extensive experience around the world, in Portugal, Croatia, and Turkey, and he understands the game brilliantly. That said, as we stand here today, I don't believe they currently have enough to survive.

“I do think they need to spend a bit more. What Sergej Jakirovic needs to do now is improve their defensive resilience, they'll likely need to bring in a few more players at a better level to achieve that.

"It's incredibly difficult to come into the Premier League, not spend a sizable amount of money, and expect to compete. It will be interesting to see how it plays out, but Sergej has already surprised a few people, he's done a brilliant job.

“There’s definitely an expectation from the fans for the owner to invest, and while they haven’t quite opened the chequebook as much as some would like yet, Sergej Jakirovic has made a start. He’s brought in a few faces, like Hidemasa Morita from Sporting and Matt Targett on a free transfer, but in truth, he’ll need a bit more depth than that to compete at this level.

"That said, you can never underestimate the value of team spirit. If they can build on the momentum that got them promoted, that togetherness might just be enough to keep them up. I certainly hope it works out for Hull.”

Looking at a Northern Ireland international in the Premier League, Trai Hume has gone from strength to strength at Sunderland and there were even some whispers of interest from Real Madrid. What do you think his ceiling is?

“Moving to Real Madrid would be a huge jump for Trai Hume, there’s no doubt about that. But he’s developed brilliantly. He’s versatile, quick, good on the ball, and he nicks the odd goal, which makes him an attractive signing. He can play wide, as a fullback, centre-half, or wing-back, whatever is needed.

"I think he’d probably need one more move before making a jump that big, but who’s to say? He’s been absolutely outstanding for Northern Ireland, he’s top draw. I certainly wouldn’t question his ambition. Does he want that move? Maybe, but I think he needs one more step first.

"If Sunderland can build on what they achieved last year and carry that momentum forward, they’ll be competing at an even higher level, and he might find his ambition matched right where he is.

“He can certainly be just as ambitious while at Sunderland. While a move of that magnitude would be a huge step, I think he needs to show he can consistently compete at the elite level first. He has been magnificent for Northern Ireland as has Dan Ballard, they have both been excellent for Sunderland.”

Dan Ballard is another Northern Irish player who has performed well for Sunderland. Do you think it’s realistic for him to get a move back to Arsenal if these performances continue or is Sunderland the limit of his capabilities?

“I don't believe Sunderland is Dan Ballard’s ceiling. It’s a massive club, and if they build on the momentum from last year, he can really develop there. It’s a great environment for him to grow, and the manager is incredibly smart, particularly with his recruitment.

“Regis Le Bris likes adding a lot of size to his team, and Ballard is right at the heart of that. He anchors the defensive structure, he’s brave, deceptively quick, and very comfortable on the ball. You know, he’s a game-changer for Northern Ireland, so I’m a big fan, as you can tell.

"I don’t think he needs to leave to achieve his ambitions right now, he can certainly continue to develop at Sunderland. That said, I’m sure there will come a time when he looks for that next step.”

What do you make of Oliver Glasner’s move from Crystal Palace to Nottingham Forest, could you potentially see him going somewhere like Bayern Munich down the line given his previous success in Germany?

“I was a little surprised to see Oliver Glasner go from Crystal Palace to Nottingham Forest. I scout for Palace, so I’ve spent time at the training ground and observed his work firsthand. Whether it’s during internal games, U21 matches, or warm-up sessions, you can really feel the intensity he brings. I have to say, I haven't come across many managers with that level of intensity, he is truly relentless.

“I understand his move, though I do wonder if he jumped a bit too quickly. Listen, Forest are a massive club, I grew up in the Brian Clough era, so I know they’re huge. But I can see why he’s being linked to Bayern Munich, given his Austrian background and his success in Germany.

"Would he be a good match for Bayern? Absolutely. He’s proven at Palace that he wins trophies and gets the best out of people. He’s relentless, it’s his way or the highway, and there’s nothing wrong with that. He has a character that wants things done quickly, and that’s what has driven this big move to Nottingham Forest for a significant fee.

“It will be very interesting to see how the Palace fans react when he returns. I think the response will be largely positive because of what he achieved at the club, but had he moved abroad, that probably would have been received much better.”

Recently, Luke Littler suggested that he is the best 19-year-old athlete in the world currently and compared himself to Lamine Yamal, suggesting he has won more than him. Do you agree with his assessment?

“When you talk about the best athletes in the world, names like Armand Duplantis and Tadej Pogačar immediately come to mind. Regarding Luke Littler, for his age, his mindset is absolutely beyond belief. I don't know if you've ever played much darts, but I’ve tried it myself, and it is one of the most difficult things to do. It’s almost impossible to do what he does, he has an elite mindset.

“I don't think Lamine Yamal and Luke Littler should be put together in the same sphere. But he is definitely mentally one of the elite athletes in the world. You can only go by what he's done, and he can't do much more.

“Is Littler an elite athlete? 100% he is. When you talk about raw athleticism, the cyclists I grew up watching in the Tour de France represent the absolute peak of physical ability, no offence to any other sport. However, in terms of mental toughness and focus, Littler possesses an elite mindset that is truly incredible for his age.”

If Littler and Yamal swapped jobs, who do you think would perform better?

"I think the jobs Luke Littler and Lamine Yamal do are both very difficult, aren’t they? I'm not sure Lamine Yamal would be very good at hitting a big fish in darts, and equally, I'm not sure Luke Littler would do a great job tracking Declan Rice on the football pitch. I don't think the two are really comparable.

“You shouldn't get sucked into those kinds of comparisons. I don't think they're comparable, they’re both brilliant athletes in their own right. To be clear, if you’re looking for the absolute best athletes in the world, I think you have to look at individuals like Armand Duplantis or Tadej Pogačar.”

Could you potentially see Jude Bellingham ever returning to England at any point in his career, and what club would suit him best?

“Any of the big clubs in England would take Jude Bellingham, Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool, any of them. I mean, come on. He’s the standout player for England by a country mile. He is an elite player with the right mindset, desire, and hunger, and he has a real willingness to do the horrible things off the ball. He transformed England's World Cup in some ways.

“I think he'll only return to England if he feels the time is right. Where would he go? I don't know, but you’d think somewhere like Arsenal, Liverpool, or Manchester City any of them would take him. If Birmingham continue their current transition, who knows? I suspect he might love to go back there later in his career.

"Regardless, he is among the top five midfielders in world football. He couldn't have done any more for England, it’s quite remarkable when you look at it. Harry Kane was brilliant, but Jude Bellingham was even better. Where he ends up, goodness knows.

"Goodness knows what the fee to buy him would be, you might have to sell the stadium just to afford him! I’m Jude Bellingham’s biggest admirer, I love his hunger and his aggression. Above all else, it’s his desire that really stands out to me.”

Between him, Vinicius Junior, Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappe, who do you think has got the best chance to step into Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo’s shoes?

“In terms of the next player to make himself football’s global superstar, people talk about Bellingham, Vinicius, Yamal and Mbappe, but I think they need to look closely at the Spain team. Pau Cubarsi hasn’t really been given the credit he deserves. Look at his calmness and ability, you could add Pedri in there too, but Cubarsí, particularly given the defensive structure, has been outstanding.

“Clearly, Kylian Mbappe is looking to step into Messi and Ronaldo’s shoes and I think he can. Jude Bellingham, given his current trajectory, is going to be incredibly competitive for a number of years. However, Messi and Ronaldo set the benchmark with their unbelievable goal tallies, so you shouldn't necessarily expect Bellingham to match those exact numbers.

"In terms of his consistency, if he can deliver 10 to 15 goals every season, he’ll be achieving something special, much like Frank Lampard did for a decade. It’s rare to find that level of sustained performance.

“As for who else I’m watching, I’ve been keeping an eye on some England youth games, and there’s a young lad, Xavier Parker at Manchester City. He’s only 16, but he’s already showing great potential.

“But I have to say, Pau Cubarsi is absolutely exceptional. It’s so impressive, yet no one really talks about him. I think Cubarsi, along with Jude Bellingham, looks like someone who will step up and take over the world.”

Harry Kane is looking like he might sign a new contract with Bayern Munich, do you think that is the right thing for him to do or would a move back to the Premier League suit him better?

“Harry Kane’s numbers are lunacy, 73 goals last year for club and country. It’s remarkable, and clearly, he’s loving life at Bayern Munich, so I expect him to stay there for now. That said, I wouldn't rule out him returning to Tottenham in a few years to finish his career, that would be a fantastic story and might well appeal to him.

"But given his current form, would he really want to go anywhere else at the moment? He has been absolutely monumental. We’ve seen similar levels of consistency from Messi and Ronaldo, but his numbers at this elite level are mind-boggling. He’s a brilliant captain for England and a brilliant person and honestly, he has nothing left to prove.

“He's happy where he is. I have to say, this environment at Bayern clearly suits him. The manager has been a brilliant fit, and he deserves a lot of credit for what he's brought out of Harry. He was already brilliant, but he's become truly remarkable.”

Looking at Scotland now, Martin O’Neill has got a one-year deal at Celtic. There was a lot of speculation prior to him signing, but what is your take on his deal?

“I know Martin O’Neill quite well, he’s a very clever man. A one-year deal at Celtic seems to suit where he’s at in his life and his plans going forward. He knows it’s not a long-term contract, but that’s exactly what he wanted. Now, it’s about managing the squad, seeing who comes in and out, keeping hold of key players like Arne Engels and getting a few more faces into the building.

“Martin’s time at the club last year, the way he came in, left, and then returned, was quite remarkable, and it shows the impact he has. He has a clear vision and an excellent backroom team behind him. Celtic certainly overperformed, it has to be said. Looking ahead, I do think the Scottish Premiership needs to continue evolving.

“I don't think the league is currently at the level it used to be, when we had the Rangers team that dominated the title for so many years, it has some catching up to do. I’d love to see it develop for the sake of the youngsters in the area, but they need to be more competitive in Europe, and Martin is well aware that isn't easy. Ultimately, however, all he can do is win the league he’s in.

“I think they're in a really strong position to win it, as are Rangers. Rangers have made some moves, Derek McInnes is a signature signing, as is Lawrence Shankland. It’s going to be fascinating, but Martin will be a very difficult adversary to get past. He knows what it takes to win in Scotland and it’s going to be a real challenge. I also expect there might be some movement with acquisitions late in the window.”

Who do you have as favourites to win the Scottish Premiership this season?

"I'd probably say Celtic are favourites to win the title, just. While Lawrence Shankland makes a huge difference, there are still some defensive holes in the Rangers squad, as there are in all the teams. It's been an interesting window. Motherwell’s run last year was quite remarkable, but there is naturally a lot of talk about what happens after Martin O’Neill, I think that's a difficult situation.

“Martin's focus has to be on the here and now. I'm sure that by the time the window closes, he'll have strengthened the squad. If he manages to do that, then I think Celtic remain favourites, they're the champions and they've proven they know how to get the job done.”

Who do you think are the credible options to replace Martin O’Neill when his deal runs out? There have been links to Robbie Keane and Damien Duff in recent months, though there was some fan backlash with on the former.

ID: “In terms of Robbie Keane, I think the fan opposition to Robbie Keane stems from where he has managed previously, which I understand. Keane certainly has more experience internationally, but Damien Duff has done a fantastic job wherever he’s been. Both would be strong candidates, but it's hard to say for sure.

"Celtic is a massive club. They , along with Rangers, are huge entities. You need a specific mindset to manage a club of that stature, and both Duff and Keane certainly possess that mentality. I think Keane might be the favourite right now, but I don’t think he’s a political person. He’s been dragged into the narrative a bit, but I think he should really just be judged on his footballing ability.”

How much of a blow would it be for Celtic if they were to lose Arne Engels to West Ham, or anywhere else?

“I’m hoping that Arne Engels does end up at West Ham, that’s for sure. He played on Monday, and he offers such stability and quality passing. When you consider his output – 65 appearances and 14 goals – combined with the fact that he can play in so many positions, he’s incredibly versatile.

"He’s a quality passer and would be a fantastic acquisition. I don’t think Martin O’Neill would want to lose him, so we’ll see how that pans out, but it looks like West Ham are quite keen.

“West Ham is a big draw for anyone, and I think the Championship is an incredibly competitive league right now, especially with the calibre of teams that have recently come down. You can see that level of competition in transfer sagas like Dan Neil’s, everyone thought he was set for Southampton, but now Rangers have come in for him.

"It just shows how competitive everything is. I think Engels will find West Ham very attractive given that Jarrod Bowen is staying around as well.”

On Dan Neil, what do you make of that move for Rangers, how big is it for them?

“Dan Neil is a massive signing for Rangers. He brings energy, desire, and hunger to the club, along with plenty of experience. Losing out on him to a Scottish Premiership side is a big blow for Southampton, as they would have considered themselves favourites to sign him.

"Their manager has done an amazing job, but this will be a significant setback for them. Dan Neil is a good captain with great leadership qualities. If he starts alongside Lawrence Shankland, I think that will make a huge difference, in my opinion. It's a great acquisition for Rangers.”

On West Ham, what do you think informed the decision of Jarrod Bowen to stay at the club? How much would have come from his family?

“I don’t think the outside noise regarding his personal life would have come into Jarrod Bowen’s decision to stay at West Ham, he simply loves the club. To be honest, it’s a huge statement of loyalty to stay with them. It works well for him because he knows that if they’re still in the Championship at the end of the year, he has that £15m release clause and let’s be fair, who wouldn’t sign him at that price?

“He’s approaching his 30s, so it’s a brave decision to stay. I admire his commitment because he could walk into almost any of the top-six teams in the Premier League, so I really admire his decision. He clearly feels he has unfinished business, and I’m hoping with every bone in my body that he gets West Ham back into the Premier League.

"If he does that, he cements his status as an icon. He’s already been our best player for two or three years, and with Mohammed Kudus leaving, he’s even more critical. He’s going to terrorise defences in this division. It won’t be easy; the Championship is difficult and the schedule is relentless, but I think him staying is huge, especially under Nuno Espirito Santo, who did a decent job last year.”

If West Ham don’t get promoted, who do you think will be targeting Jarrod Bowen’s signing? There were links to Liverpool earlier in summer, would they come back in for him?

"If West Ham don't achieve promotion, Jarrod Bowen will almost certainly move to a Premier League club. Can Jarrod Bowen perform at the top level for another four or five years? Absolutely, he’s at that level. He has the pace, the sharpness, and the tactical intelligence, plus he guarantees you 10-12 goals a season, often more, and he’s excellent at providing assists.

"He could comfortably play for Liverpool. Now, if Liverpool decide to sign someone like Bradley Barcola, that’s a different matter. But I still believe that for any of the top-six clubs, especially considering the volume of games they have in the Champions League and European competitions, signing Jarrod Bowen for £15m would be the bargain of the century. He’s absolute top drawer.”

On the Championship promotion race, there are a lot of different and credible candidates and it looks like it could be one for the ages. Who do you fancy to go up?

"The Championship promotion race is quite remarkable. You think of the obvious candidates: West Ham, Southampton, and maybe Burnley, they're the teams that jump out. But just look at what Bristol City might do, what a job Michael Skubala has done previously.

"He plays a bit differently, but listen, winning games is what matters. I can't stand people who obsess over how a team plays, it's just about winning games. In the end, he won and got Lincoln promoted to the Championship before moving.

"I think Bristol City are going to be up there. I think Norwich will really push on as well. I'm not counting Lincoln out either, given the legacy Michael Skubala left there. Derby and Birmingham will be in the mix, and you’ve got teams like Middlesbrough and Millwall in that obvious group. Wrexham will be in the shake-up too. But when it comes down to it, I think it’s West Ham’s to lose.

“I think Wolves, Southampton, and Burnley are all fancied. Burnley are an interesting case and we’ll have to see how they start the season. As for Wolves, they really need a quick start now given the change in manager, I think that’s a bit of a concern for me.

"I definitely think West Ham, Norwich, and Southampton are the teams to watch, given their recent activity, and Wrexham and Birmingham will be in the mix as well. But my dark horse is Bristol City – keep an eye on them.”

On Southampton, should Tonda Eckert still be in a job given the way last season finished for them?

“Tonda Eckert did an unbelievable job when he first came in at Southampton, really unbelievable. Unfortunately, the distraction of the spygate situation became a major sideline. You have to consider that this sort of thing has happened previously, with Leeds and the like, so I understand the context. Regarding the sanction itself, it was undeniably heavy, perhaps not unprecedented, but certainly heavy.

"Whether the sanctions were correct or not is debatable, I'm sure it has happened in the past. Regardless of the sanction, the reality is that Tonda needs to start the season like a house on fire. He fell just short last term, and now the question is whether he can hold onto his key players, will Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Leo Scienza hang around?

"Tonda Eckert needs to hit the ground running this season. He’s a very clever and smart manager, but he needs to be succinct in the media about the spygate situation, because it’s not just going to go away, even though I think the whole thing is a bit over-egged, to be honest.

"At the end of the day, it still comes down to having 11 players on the pitch. I’m certainly not condoning the training ground incident, absolutely not, but I think the impact it had on the game is a bit exaggerated. So he has to concentrate on getting Southampton back to where they belong, and I think he’s capable of doing that. Will he face criticism from fans? Of course, if they aren't in good form, that’s just part of the job.

“But he has to ride that out, it's going to be attached to him now. I imagine he'll regret it deeply, but he has owned it, been honest about it, and now he just has to take it on the chin. The club has been brave enough to keep him on board, and I think that’s the right decision given what he’s achieved. I’ve spent time down at Southampton myself, and I can tell you he’s done a great job.”

Should players like Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Leo Scienza have any right to feel aggrieved about what happened at the end of last season and missing out on an opportunity to get to the Premier League?

“Players like Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Leo Scienza just have to get on with it. Do I think Harwood-Bellis can play in the Premier League? Yes, I do. Do I think Scienza can? Yes, I do. At what level? That’s subjective, but they would both be very good signings for anyone.

"They’re at Southampton now, and they need to stay focused. It’s hard to say if they’ll run away with the league, as there will be challenges. I do worry that the hangover from last season’s events might linger, which is a concern because they are talented players who should be competing in the Premier League. Southampton is a club that belongs in the top flight.

“I worry that the situation might linger a little longer, but Tonda just has to get on with it. He seems quite single-minded, and at the end of the day, he’s got to win games, that’s the reality of the job. I do think the Championship will be a bit trickier than it was last year, and that’s not being rude, it’s just the nature of the teams that have come down.”

Could you ever envisage Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain returning to Southampton to finish his career?

"Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain sets good standards. There’s really nothing to dislike about the way he plays, he has good energy, contributes a lot. At this stage of his career, he just wants to play football, so it wouldn't surprise me if he moved on from Celtic if he isn't playing.

"Generally speaking, the club has been very quiet in the transfer market, so we’ll see how that develops. He would be an interesting player for Southampton, though, because he clearly has good quality.”

Looking at League One, what are your opinions on Jack Wilshere as a manager? Can you see him making it to the Premier League after Luton?

“I really like Jack Wilshere, he’s the type of person you genuinely enjoy working with. He’s got great people skills and the toughness required for management. His time coaching at Arsenal has clearly prepared him well, and he’s already made some positive changes since arriving at Luton. Although they just fell short last year, I think they’re going to be a real threat in the division this season.

“They’re making some really good acquisitions that are making a difference, so it’ll be fascinating to see how they perform. If he can keep this up, it’ll certainly raise his profile and potentially open doors for him to coach elsewhere. I have a natural affinity for Luton, and with the new stadium being built, there’s a real chance for the club to bounce back.

“This is an ideal opportunity for him to make his CV even more attractive, though I’d argue it already is; he had a really good finish to the season, he just couldn't get over the line. I’m looking forward to seeing Luton up at the sharp end of the table this year and hopefully pushing for promotion.”

MK Dons have just come up from League Two, have a big budget and great manager in Paul Warne, how do you see them going this season?

“Paul Warne is a very good manager, I like him a lot. When you look at their signings, like Sammy Silveira and Ryan Wintle, those are big acquisitions for that level. Bringing in Cohen Bramall on a free transfer is also good business. I think this is going to be a fascinating year, and I believe Paul realises that he needs to kick on now.

“The stadium is remarkable as well. But the manager is the most important factor at MK Dons, he’s a very good manager. I think the club is in safe hands, and they'll certainly be a real threat this year.”

Going one level down, Oldham are a big club for League Two. They only recently came up from the National League, but do you have faith in their ambition to kick on towards League One?

“I certainly think there is a good feeling about Oldham. Mickey Mellon isn't happy just settling for mid-table mediocrity, he wants to push on. To be fair to the owner, they've done a great job stabilising the club and have invested significantly.

"They are currently redeveloping the stadium, which is a major project, and the infrastructure is really coming together. They've also brought in some key personnel, including Hill and Payne from Wigan and Harrogate.

“It looks like Mickey is really shaping the squad, and I expect there might be one or two more additions. I fancy Oldham to have a strong season. The home support has been impressive, with 9,000 fans attending recently.

"That’s quite a figure, I remember when I was manager there years ago, we were drawing about 8,500 during a really successful run in League One. Mickey Mellon is a very experienced manager who knows exactly what he’s doing. They’ve made some smart acquisitions, so I