A WORLD Cup star is among those who have headed to Tranent to take part in a new radio show about all things football.

‘Monday Night Fitba’ on internet-based Radio Saltire, an hour-long discussion between the fans of the two Capital clubs Hearts and Hibernian, has included guests such as former Hearts players Michael Stewart and Ryan McGowan, the latter an Australia international who stood out for the Socceroos at last summer’s World Cup.

And founder Sam Meechan, himself a Tranent resident, was delighted with the show’s progress since it began at the radio station, based in the town.

He told the Courier: “The idea was pretty straightforward, to get Hearts and Hibs fans in the same room to discuss their issues.

“Both clubs have been through so much over this year, and I felt that there was a lot being discussed in the pubs, but there was nowhere that it was being recorded.

“That’s really how the idea came about, and I got in touch with Radio Saltire because I’d been involved in a show there previously and had a really good experience there.” Sam’s idea has taken off and has attracted support from across the sporting community.

He added: “It’s important for us to improve and evolve what we’re doing.

“Radio Saltire has been fantastic – having a fully-blown radio station 15 minutes from my front door has been brilliant – and they’ve made sure that we’ve had all the support we need.” Sam, who lives on West Windygoul Gardens, hopes to see the show grow in the next few months, as both Hibs and Hearts push for promotion back to the SPFL Premiership.

The Jambos are currently 13 points clear of nearest rivals Rangers at the top of the table, while Alan Stubbs’ Hibs side are in third.

Sam, who works in the Capital for Standard Life, said: “We’ve had really positive feedback and it has surprised us all how quickly we’ve been welcomed and recognised.

“Listeners are really enjoying the show and they’re being drawn in by the famous names [of the guests].

“We’ve got a panel of fans now and they really know what they’re talking about. The discussions we have are as engaging as anything you’ll hear elsewhere.

“It’s our job now to sustain the quality of the interviews that we’re producing and we really want to prove that we’re not just a flash in the pan and that we’re here to stay.” The hour-long show is on air each week on Radio Saltire, getting under way at 10pm.