Peter Martin sits down with former Scotland international James McArthur for an in-depth interview about Hamilton Accies, winning the FA Cup at Wigan and a decade in the Premier League with Crystal Palace. SUBSCRIBE: @PLZSoccer McArthur opens up about his early days at Hamilton, breaking into senior football alongside James McCarthy, and how the club’s tight-knit culture shaped his competitive edge. He offers valuable insight into how youth development has changed in Scotland and passionately argues for the return of competitive reserve football to toughen up the next generation. He shares untold stories from his time at Wigan—highlighting the influence of Roberto Martínez, winning the FA Cup against Man City, and the pain of relegation just days later. At Crystal Palace, McArthur reflects on a dressing room full of big characters, life under Alan Pardew and Neil Warnock, and the heartbreak of losing another FA Cup Final at Wembley. The conversation explores the mentality required to succeed, his admiration for teammates like Wilfried Zaha and Mile Jedinak, and the vital role street football and a working-class upbringing played in his development. McArthur also gets candid about: The psychological toll of top-flight football The pressures of playing for Scotland and putting too much weight on the jersey How his FA Cup final shirt nearly vanished in a raffle His advice to young star Lennon Miller and the importance of blocking out media noise Whether he ever considered a move to Rangers before retiring A must-watch for football fans who love honest, behind-the-scenes insight into the professional game. With laughs, life lessons, and powerful reflections, James McArthur reminds us why passion, humility, and resilience define a true pro. James McArthur Interview Highlights: 00:00:00 James McArthur 200 Games For Hamilton – “Young players don’t get that opportunity” 00:08:28 Playing Against Large Clubs Like Celtic and Rangers – “You always expect to win” 00:10:48 Growing up in Barrowfield – “It’s important to show your kids where you come from” 00:14:23 Biggest Influences in the Dressing Room – “Alex Neil was such a good player” 00:25:48 Fouling Saka – “It should have been a red card” 00:28:49 David Whelan and Roberto Martinez – “Getting a manager like that was great” 00:36:54 Winning the FA Cup – “We wanted promotion to the Premier League” 00:42:54 Wigan Relegated to the Championship 00:47:06 Signing for Crystal Palace – “It was an unbelievable club” 00:53:59 Playing for the Scotland National Team – ““Immensely proud!” 00:58:12 Advice to Young Scottish Football Players – “Go down South” 📲 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more interviews and exclusive Scottish football content. #wigan #crystalpalace #epl #premierleague #facup
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