"I wasn't picked for Scotland because I joined Arsenal" | Charlie Nicholas' Greatest 80s Icons

Who were the top 5 British players of the 1980s? Arsenal, Celtic, Aberdeen and Scotland legend Charlie Nicholas discusses his picks with Jeff on the latest episode of the pod.
Who was so good that even Diego Maradona was impressed?
Which opponent used to actually encourage you during a game?
Which tough defender used to pull your ears off the ball?
Along the way he explains how joining Arsenal stopped him being picked for Scotland, reveals who his favourite strike partner was during his soccer career and which current Premier League player he’d most like to play alongside.
Football's Greatest is a Folding Pocket Production with BBC Studios.
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[@seaniek9175]

Hoddle was a genius. Pure talent. Laughable that he struggled to make the England team. Always the fall guy when he should have been the main man.

[@drwho9802]

Hoddle was as intelligent a player as anyone ive seen in football. He was years ahead of his time.

[@stephenturner6075]

Charlie Nicholas was a brilliant footballer...from a Rangers supporter.

[@philipgage4143]

Gazza didn't have to think he just did, can't teach that.

[@BeatPoet67]

Charlie Nicholas was an incredible player. Velvet touch. Great skill and vision. Had the ball under control immediately. He'd take you one way or another and then score. I was gutted when he didn't go to Liverpool. The Arsenal/London lifestyle was the worst choice he could have made for his career. He had the ability to be Kenny Dalglish's successor.

[@chockablock34839]

I remember Hoddle at the end of his career at Swindon and he was an amazing player even then as an elder player past his best.

[@titleinislington]

A true gunner a true red

[@MohammedZarak-gj7uh]

Ray Wilkins played for QPR too.

[@topgazza]

Hoddle had so much natural talent it was ridiculous. Of British players only Greaves, Best and Dalglish had something similar but importantly delivered it time and time again. I went home and away to watch Spurs during Hoddle’s time. Sheer joy to watch

[@billcole3287]

Hoddle THE Best english player ever true genius and legend so so gifted.

[@drwho9802]

Gazza was a different animal he played off the cuff and was a genuis. He played like he was in the school playground.

[@brapmanbrap5188]

I saw Glenn Hoddle playing for spurs at Oldham in the late 70s I followed him all the way he was magnificent both footed and his passing was outrageous and it was criminal how he got 53 caps for England he had it all just wonderful memories of a true great and there's no comparison with gazza as they where completely different players but both where absolute class acts we will never see again playing on shocking pitches as well ...Charlie was also a brilliant player and we all miss players like this they where proper legends

[@RFED2O]

Im Arsenal...

[@The_Blueyonder]

Enjoying your interviews Jeff, excellent. Only you with your experience can extract such interesting interviews.

[@iaincathro3373]

Nicholas was sheer class.

[@harrycarr4267]

"Charlie, Charlie,

[@nicholacousins8563]

Hoddle was pure Genius from an Arsenal supporter

[@jemjema3]

good video, good chat very easy to listen to

[@mileymarielow3850]

Amazing poscast,I hope it really takes off. Jeff Stelling is an amazing host/interviewer!!

[@slowerthinker]

As Scotland manager Jock Stein may have prefered picking Liverpool players to Arsenal players, his successor however....