THE LOWDOWN

THE LOWDOWN EPISODE #45 - DEVELOPING WORLD CUP WINNERS w/ LE HAVRE'S MICKAEL BUNEL

Thu, 14 Oct 2021 05:12:26 +0000

A coaching masterclass with the technical director of the world famous Le Havre Academy; Mickael Bunel. One that I will be reverting back to for a long time to come. Paul Pogba, Riyad Mahrez, Dmitri Payet are just a few famous alumni that have graduated from Mickael's school. This episode is a deep dive into his coaching philosophy, cultivating intelligence within players and building out a wider game model. Mickael's excellent work on scanning is a prominent topic of discussion in our conversation too. For anyone aspiring to work at the top of the game, in leadership positions or just your local grassroots club there are nuggets of gold to take. Listen to hear more about;

- How does he define his role?

- 'Coaching the player & not the exercise'.

- Building a diverse game model.

- What is football intelligence?

- Why scanning is the key differentiator & how to coach it?

- Growing out your game model with cues for fundamentals per position.

- What is success in his role?

Timestamps;

00:00 - 05:54 - His role

05:55 - 09:55 - Philosophy

09:56 - 17:07 - Player Development

17:08 - 28:53 - Football Intelligence

28:54 - 36:22 - Scanning

36:23 - 47:52 - Game Model

47:53 - 53:35 - Success

53:36 - 56:28 - Advice

THE LOWDOWN EPISODE #44 - INSIDE BARÇA w/ SIMON KUPER

Thu, 07 Oct 2021 15:30:58 +0000

Simon Kuper is the author of “Barça - The inside story of the worlds greatest football club” and is one of the most respected authors in the football world. Recently I was honoured to sit down and speak with him about his new publication. We discussed the triumvirate of Cruyff, Guardiola and Messi, La Masía, the current day among many other topics of discussion. Listen to hear more about;

- What is so unique about Barça?

- The change Simon has personally witnessed at the Camp Nou over the years.

- What drives decision making within the club?

- How revelatory were Cruyff's methods at the time?

- The differences between Guardiola & Cruyff?

- How not everybody took to Guardiola's philosophy!

-Barça plans for life after Messi.

Timestamps;

00:00 - 07:19 - Inside the club

07:20 - 13:52 - Cruyff

13:53 - 20:05 - Guardiola

20:06 - 29:46 - Messi

29:47 - 32:15 - Advice

Simon' Twitter; https://twitter.com/KuperSimon?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

Simon's book; https://www.waterstones.com/book/barca/simon-kuper/9781780724744

THE LOWDOWN EPISODE #43 - GOLD DUST w/ DAVID MAYER

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 05:40:38 +0000

David Mayer is one half of the Gold Dust podcast and co-author of the book; 'Gold Dust: How to Become A More Effective Coach, Quickly'. The book and podcast is terrific for anyone wishing to improve their communication and coaching skills. David is a lifelong learner and this certainly shone through in our conversation. Here we strip it back from the 'X's and O's' and speak about what you can do today, tomorrow and in the future to coach and inspire future generations. As David said your journey is all about; 'learning, unlearning and relearning'. Expect to hear us speak about;

- What does gold dust mean?

- The set of skills which will set you apart as a coach?

- The three things athletes want to know from coaches?

- Why the process of writing a book is similar to the art of coaching?

- The importance of cross pollinating from different walks of life.

- Learning v Execution.

- 'Listen to learn before attempting to help.'

-One thing David would bring from the UK to the US and from the US to the UK?

Timestamps;

00:00 - 03:50 - Intro

03:51 - 13:20 - Gold Dust

13:21 - 19:55 - Book & Podcast

19:56 - 30:10 - Hidden School of Learning

30:11 - 34:09 - US v UK

34:10 - 43:43 - The Future Coach

43:44 - 47:10 - Advice

Gold Dust Twitter; https://twitter.com/golddustpodcast?lang=en

David's Twitter; https://twitter.com/djmayer3

Gold Dust book; https://www.amazon.com/Gold-Dust-Effective-Quickly-communicator-ebook/dp/B082357NW5

THE LOWDOWN EPISODE #42 - THE EMOTIONALLY INTELLIGENT COACH w/ JONATHON O'NEILL

Thu, 23 Sep 2021 17:19:11 +0000

There is a lot of new research coming out now on Emotional Intelligence and how it deeply impacts our lives. As a coach I am intrigued to learn about what this means not only in my professional but personal life. Luckily for me, Jonathon O'Neill is a coach who is quite an expert in this field. Recently he has brought the football and EI worlds together with his new app; 'Head Coach' which promises to be a game changer. If this is your first time listening to Jony, sit back and enjoy listening to a masterclass not only on EI but on goal setting, self actualisation and more. I will certainly be listening back to this one a few times. Expect to hear us speak about;

- What is EI and what does it look like in football?

- How does EI differ from culture to culture ?

- Important considerations when goal setting.

- The conflict between who you are versus who you want to be?

- Practices to improve EI on the pitch.

- Why is there no separation between who you are on and off the pitch?

- Details regarding Jonathon's new 'Head Coach' App.

Timestamps;

00:00 - 03:00 - Intro

03:01 - 09:30 - What is EI?

09:31 - 14:34 - Cultural differences

14:35 - 20:11 - Transcendence

20:12 - 31:59 - How to implement EI?

32:00 - 36:06 - Head Coach App

36:07 - 42:05 - Future plans

Jonathon's Twitter; https://twitter.com/headcoach_app?lang=en

Jonathon's Email; jonathon@headcoach.app

Head Coach App; https://www.headcoach.app/

THE LOWDOWN EPISODE #41 - THE PRICE OF FOOTBALL w/ KIERAN MAGUIRE

Thu, 16 Sep 2021 06:14:51 +0000

Kieran Maguire or best known as the Price of Football is one of the go to football finance guys. So after a tumultuous year of Covid, Super League, FFP worries and fears over modern day sponsors who best to get the lowdown from than Kieran? After this 40 minute chat I feel a lot more educated but concerned over the future of the industry. Within this in depth exploration of football's finances, expect to learn more about;

- How he carved out a nice career?

- How Covid was a convenient excuse for certain clubs?

- Should football be viewed through an ethical and moral lens?

- The creation of wealth gaps within football.

- The FFP fallacy.

- Kieran's take on football's relationship with sponsors.

- Will PSG make their money back on Messi shirt sales?

Timestamps;

00:00 - 07:58 - Intro

07:59 - 13:06 - Covid

13:07 - 15:48 - Wealth Gaps

15:49 - 19:12 - FFP

19:13 - 22:55 - Super League

22:56 - 29:45 - Sponsors

29:46 - 34:04 - Legacy Fans

34:05 - 37:44 - Messi

37:45 - 43:52 - Advice

Kieran's Twitter; https://twitter.com/KieranMaguire?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

Kieran's Blog; http://priceoffootball.com/

Kieran's Book; https://www.amazon.co.uk/Price-Football-Kieran-Maguire/dp/1911116908/ref=as

THE LOWDOWN EPISODE #40 - FANTASY LEAGUE w/ FPL GENERAL; MARK MCGETTIGAN

Wed, 08 Sep 2021 12:43:24 +0000

Mark McGettigan or better known as FPL General within fantasy league circles is an avid player of Fantasy Football and has regularly finished within the top 500 over the past decade. This was an interesting chat with Mark getting to hear his story and some of the foundations behind his success. What's more if you are an avid or casual fantasy league player like me you will enjoy hearing more from Mark on his tactics, plans and strategies for GW4 and beyond. Also listen closely to the dilemna Mark has this week as a certain high valued player makes his long awaited return to the game. Expect to hear more about;

- How he got involved playing the game?

- Building a foundation for fantasy success.

- Try not to get ownership% influencing you.

- How many high value assets can you get in one team?

- Who are the key players in fantasy football this season?

- Personal v Professional conflict in fantasy football.

Timestamps;

00:00 - 07:46 - Intro

07:47 - 13:44 - Fantasy success

13:45 - 16:57 - FOMO

16:58 - 21:37 - Wildcard

21:38 - 24:21 - Professions that do well?

24:22 - 30:19 - Future

Mark's Twitter; https://twitter.com/FPLGeneral?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

Mark's Podcast; https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/is-ronaldo-worth-taking-a-points-hit-for/id1341747815?i=1000534581959

THE LOWDOWN EPISODE #39 - THE FIRST 100 DAYS w/ PHIL DENTON

Wed, 01 Sep 2021 16:16:37 +0000

Phil Denton is the co-author of The First 100 Days: Lessons in Leadership from the Football Bosses. When school headteacher Phil Denton bumped into Tranmere Rovers boss Micky Mellon, the two started swapping stories about their own leadership roles and they knew they had a lot to learn from each other. Thereafter the pair embarked on a journey of discovery interviewing top managers including Manchester United's Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and West Ham’s David Moyes who reveal the inside story of their first days in the job and explain the secret strategies that enabled them to lay the all-important foundations for success. Expect to hear more about;

- What it was like to run a school like a football club?

- The three p's; Purpose, People & Position

- Why did Ole Gunnar Solskjaer literally knock down the walls at Carrington?

- The 'burning platform' which David Moyes gave his West Ham players.

- How to properly analyze the leadership challenge you walk into?

- What are the key differences between coaching and management?

Timestamps;

00:00 - 05:05 - Intro

05:06 - 09:57 - Purpose, People & Position

09:58 - 21:17 - Solskjaer

21:18 - 26:00 - Dyche

26:01 - 31:26 - Moyes

31:27 - 36:20 - School Fire Alarm

36:21 - 41:50 - Reflections

Phil's Twitter; https://twitter.com/phildenton81?lang=en

The First 100 Days; https://www.amazon.ae/First-100-Days-Leadership-Football/dp/1911613979

THE LOWDOWN EPISODE #38 - THE AMERICAN DREAM w/ DENNIS LUKENS

Wed, 25 Aug 2021 16:09:03 +0000

Dennis Lukens is the technical director of FC Dynamic in Ukraine and he has quite the story to tell. Furthermore he is the second ever American to hold a UEFA Pro License. This podcast was a pleasure to record with Dennis as he took us from his childhood playing football in 1950's New York to coaching in the professional game in North America and Europe. Tune in to hear more about Dennis' love for Irish football and his plans to one day be an owner of a League of Ireland team. Expect to hear more about;

- Football in 1950's New York

- Dennis' move to Ukraine and getting lucky at the 33rd time!

- Doing his UEFA Pro Licence with Andriy Shevchenko

- Dennis' quest to become an owner of a League of Ireland club

- Dennis' advice for anyone chasing after their football dream

Timestamps;

00:00 - 12:28 - USA

12:29 - 23:26 - Ukraine

23:27 - 26:55 - Ireland

26:56 - 32:42 - Advice

THE LOWDOWN EPISODE #37 - THE SOUTHAMPTON WAY w/ DANNY MAYE

Wed, 18 Aug 2021 12:32:03 +0000

Danny Maye is the lead senior youth phase coach at Southampton. This discussion is very insightful for anyone who wishes to learn more about the intricacies of working within a Premier League academy. Danny & I take a deep dive on his career to date which at times serves to be a brutally honest self-assessment. Nevertheless Danny imparts plenty of guidance as to how he and Southampton have evolved over time, successfully navigated change, refined their approach and always strive to be better. I really enjoyed this conversation with Danny and know you will too. Expect to hear more about;

- The formative experiences behind his coaching career.

- Why what value you contribute will always trump which background you come from?

- What is so unique about the Southampton way?

- The 95% v 5% rule.

- What does an interdisciplinary process of working look like?

- The common denominator between those that make it as professionals?

- Cross pollinating from other sports & industries - is it relevant or effective?

Timestamps;

00:00 - 05:50 - Intro

05:51 - 09:13 - Coaching Pathways

09:14 - 16:30 - The Southampton Way

16:31 - 22:56 - Holistic Development

22:57 - 27:57 - Reflection

27:58 - 34:29 - Character

34:30 - 42:02 - Change & Evolution

THE LOWDOWN EPISODE #36 - FROM FOYNES TO CAMBODIA w/ CONOR NESTOR

Wed, 11 Aug 2021 09:43:18 +0000

Conor Nestor is the head coach of Cambodian Premier League side; Svay Rieng FC. Recently I was fortunate to speak with Conor about his football journey to date. From being a young boy falling in love with the game in Limerick to managing professionally Conor's story is an inspiration to many. Carving out a career following your passion. Hitting a wall, finding a solution. Remaining true to your values. Being clear on your principles. Whether you geek out on football analytics, love the art of coaching or a football romantic this episode has something for all football fans. This is an insightful and deep exploration into Conor's evolution as a person and coach. Expect to hear more about;

- How following his passion led to a career?

- The key difference between coaching grassroots and professionally?

- How multi-faceted is his role as manager?

- Insights into building a title winning team.

- How xG saved his job?

- How not be constrained by your KPI's?

- Getting lost in the work and getting better at it.

Timestamps;

00:00 - 11:27 - Passion

11:28 - 15:34 - Coaching

15:35 - 25:27 - Management

25:28 - 37:40 - Analysis

37:41 - 42:35 - Session Design

42:36 - 49:02 - Role Models /Leadership

49:03 - 54:02 - Balance

54:03 - 59:19 - Future

59:20 - 1:06:24 - Advice

Conor's Twitter; https://twitter.com/conornestor17?lang=en

THE LOWDOWN EPISODE #35 - ENJOYING THE JOURNEY w/ BLAINE MCKENNA

Wed, 04 Aug 2021 13:37:16 +0000

Blaine McKenna is a UEFA A Licensed coach who's currently working in Phuket, Thailand. He has been on quite the adventure to date coaching in 11 countries over 5 different continents. In our discussion we focused on Blaine's twin passions, football and psychology. For young coaches out there this is an important conversation about the long road ahead and the challenges you will inevitably encounter. Yet Blaine is here to tell the tale and provides plenty lessons as to how we can all adapt and overcome. Expect to hear more about;

- The power of networking

- Why is storytelling important?

- How to live more in the moment?

- Looking at the holistic picture as a coach

- What's it like to deliver a coaching session through a translator?

- Blaine's evolution as a coach.

Timestamps;

00:00 - 04:22 - Inspiration

04:23 - 10:02 - Perspective

10:03 - 20:22 - Blaine's journey

20:23 - 26:50 - Coaching practice

26:51 - 33:24 - Evolution

Blaine's Twitter; https://twitter.com/BlaineMcKenna77?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

Blaine's Instagram; https://www.instagram.com/bmck77/?hl=en

THE LOWDOWN EPISODE #34 - THE CAPTAIN'S CLASS w/ SAM WALKER

Wed, 28 Jul 2021 11:46:08 +0000

I was delighted to sit down recently and record with one of my favourite authors; Sam Walker. Sam’s extensive research on leadership has reshaped many peoples thoughts including my own on sculpting a team. 'The Captain's Class' is a book which will certainly stand the test of time. Here in this hour long conversation Sam debunks the myths and fallacies over what true leadership looks like, describing some of the characteristics we come to eulogize Tier One captains by. Furthermore we also discuss how his research has influenced important decisions taken by Gareth Southgate and Thomas Tuchel in recent times. Expect to hear more about;

- How this was the outcome of 14 years of extensive research!

- Sam's consensus as to why there is such a diverse range of Tier One teams?

- How much at odds is this idea of leadership with today's individual powered society?

- Can a star player also be the key leader?

- Insights into the selection process of Harry Kane as Gareth Southgate's captain.

- Why exactly are dynasties so rare?

- How transferable are these lessons to the business world?

Timestamps;

00:00 - 06:42 - Intro

06:43 - 15:49 - Carrying Water

15:50 - 23:48 - Intelligent Fouls

23:49 - 36:26 - Leadership Vacuums

36:27 - 41:48 - Why dynasties fail

41:49 - 51:30 - Intentional Leadership

51:31 - 58:48 - Sport v Business

Sam's Twitter; https://twitter.com/samwalkers?lang=en

Sam's Website; https://bysamwalker.com/

THE LOWDOWN EPISODE #33 - INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT COACHING w/ RHYS CARR

Wed, 21 Jul 2021 10:42:40 +0000

Rhys Carr is a UEFA A Licensed individual development coach who's most recent role was at Sheffield United. If you are inclined like me and enjoy the finer intricacies of the game then sit back and listen to an expert from his field. Rhys opens up on his coaching journey to date divulging insights as to what it takes to make it the top. Furthermore he discusses how coaches can help improve that transition for players between passion and profession. What struck me about Rhys was his curiosity, thirst for knowledge and hunger for improvement. We close speaking about the future game and what this requires of the future coach. Expect to hear more about;

- The cultural evolution of youth development.

- Reflections upon his time at Sheffield United.

- The two core tenets behind his individual development philosophy?

- What lies behind the art of coaching?

- How to improve the transition between passion & profession?

- Aligning individual development plans to your game model.

Timestamps;

00:00 - 04:28 - Intro

04:29 - 10:51 - Sheffield United

10:52 - 20:55 - The Philosophy

20:56 - 28:36 - Individual within the Game Model

28:37 - 34:15 - Principles v Matchday

34:16 - 39:36 - Advice

Rhys' Twitter; https://twitter.com/rhyscarr86?lang=en

THE LOWDOWN EPISODE #32 - THE MODERN ANALYST w/ CANADA'S DALIBOR PLAVSIC

Wed, 14 Jul 2021 14:57:22 +0000

Dalibor Plavsic is an analyst with the Canadian men's national team. Yet who is he and how did he get here? In this episode Dalibor gives us an insight into the power of the beautiful game. We speak about the unifying power football can have on a country, best coaching practices, how principles have usurped systems and what he thinks the future of the game ought to look like. From escaping the Yugoslavia war as a young refugee, arriving in Canada to now working with the national team on the verge of making history, this is his story. Expect to hear more about;

- How football helped to integrate Dalibor within society?

- Why football is increasingly becoming a game of principles and not systems?

- The art of coaching beyond “what & if scenarios?”

- Embracing chaos in session design.

- Insights into the analysis process within the Canadian men's national team.

- What is so special about the culture within the Canadian setup?

- Dalibor's thoughts as to what the future game of football looks like?

Timestamps;

00:00 - 07:52 - Unifying power of football

07:53 - 13:30 - Principles > Systems

13:31 - 20:52 - Embracing chaos

20:53 - 28:30 - The player

28:31 - 35:32 - Analysis

35:33 - 41:07 - The future game

41:08 - 44:09 - Advice

Dalibor's Twitter; https://twitter.com/DaliborPlavsic_

THE LOWDOWN EPISODE #31 - EURO 2020 REVIEW & FINAL PREVIEW w/ AIDAN GAULE

Sat, 10 Jul 2021 09:50:10 +0000

We have a special episode this week as we gear up for the EURO 2020 Final between Italy & England. We discuss everything including;

- Why this maybe our favourite international tournament ever?

- The tactical trends which have defined Euro 2020.

- How top level football is increasingly becoming more and more about systems?

- Which key spaces Italy & England will look to dominate on Sunday?

-What is so special about this group of England players?

- Our picks for moment, performance, player & team of the tournament.

Timestamps;

00:00 - 09:57 - Tactical Trends

09:58 - 23:53 - Final Preview

23:54 - 33:05 - England

33:06 - 46:16 - Moments of the tournament

46:17 - 56:49 - Team of the tournament

THE LOWDOWN EPISODE #30 - THE DREAM FACTORY w/ RYAN BALDI

Wed, 07 Jul 2021 06:18:44 +0000

Ryan Baldi is author of “The Dream Factory; Inside the Make-Or-Break World of Football's Academies”. The book is a journey deep into the heart of English youth football, revealing in gripping detail how home-grown Premier League stars such as Marcus Rashford and Trent Alexander-Arnold are created, and at what cost. Ryan introduces a rich array of characters behind talent production lines at several Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City, zooming in on the stories of Alexander-Arnold's unique development, how Rashford's sense of social responsibility was nurtured, and how Phil Foden has become a beacon to City’s young hopefuls. Nonetheless the book also explores the harsh realities of life away from the big academies, yielding unrivalled insight into the machine that manufactures these stars and everything it spits out in the process. Expect to hear more about;

- Why some clubs do not see the academy process as viable?

- How clubs are increasingly taking an individual stance towards development?

- What the process of creating a Marcus Rashford on and off the pitch looks like at Manchester United?

- Why support networks like Mason Mount's are all too rare?

- The La Masia of the lower leagues

- The Phil Foden v Dele pathway

- If Ryan believes a World Cup or European Championship win would vindicate the process?

Timestamps;

00:00 - 12:10 - English Academy System

12:11 - 17:25 - Individual Development

17:26 - 23:41 - Cultural Architects

23:42 - 33:40 - The role of parents

33:41 - 43:40 - Breaking tradition

43:41 - 47:15 - Foden v Dele pathway

47:16 - 53:23 - Fear

53:24 - 01:04:43 - Future Solutions

THE LOWDOWN EPISODE #29 - NURTURING TALENT FOR THE FUTURE GAME w/ AUSTIN FC'S JUAN DELGADO

Wed, 30 Jun 2021 20:16:43 +0000

Juan Delgado is the Academy Director of Austin FC. As his academy travelled to Dallas for a youth tournament Juan joined me to explain how the project is progressing to date. Juan's experiences at Villarreal, Valencia and Aspire Academy have provided him with tremendous context as to what the future player may look like. In our conversation Juan discusses how we can examine youth development objectively in this increasingly complex era. Moreover we discuss how this process is shaped, refined and adapted to the player's needs. Whether you are building a game model, defining your principles of play or looking for inspiration this is a must listen. Check out below to learn more about;

- What does football mean to Juan?

- What's the most challenging part of building an academy?

- The power of knowing where you want to go.

- Bypassing fear in youth development.

- Why any philosophy should start with the player?

- What does the future game look like?

- The influence of Marcelo Bielsa on his beliefs.

Timestamps;

00:00 - 05:55 - Valencia, Villarreal & Aspire Academy

05:56 - 11:07 - Austin FC

11:08 - 15:25 - Culture

15:26 - 19:43 - Game Model

19:44 - 26:07 - The future game

26:08 - 32:11 - Principles of Play

32:12 - 36:14 - Advice

36:15 - 41:01 - Success

THE LOWDOWN EPISODE #28 - HOW TO RECRUIT AT THE TOP? w/ DAVID WEBB

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 11:43:57 +0000

There are few people better qualified to give an insight into top flight recruitment than David Webb. Having initially begun his career with sights on an academy manager's role a trip to Germany changed all of this. Not long after David moved into recruitment roles at Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur & Bournemouth where he helped achieve a historic promotion to the Premier League. After this unprecedented success David soon moved into the boardroom with spells as technical director at Östersunds and most recently head of football operations at Huddersfield Town. David's story is one of lifelong learning and here he shares many of the lessons behind his success. Listen to learn more about;

- What is required of the modern day technical director?

- How a trip to Germany caused him to pivot?

- What does a high performance environment look like?

- What it was like to work daily with Mauricio Pochettino & Eddie Howe?

- How to use resource constraints to your advantage?

- How to compliment data alongside traditional scouting processes?

- Why David is continuously adapting and refining for his next challenge?

Timestamps;

00:00 - 08:38 - Career path

08:39 - 12:33 - Modern Technical Director

12:34 - 16:44 - Common recruitment mistakes

16:45 - 23:46 - Southampton & Mauricio Pochettino

23:47 - 29:48 - Bournemouth & Eddie Howe

29:49 - 33:10 - Data

33:11 - 41:35 - Huddersfield Town

41:36 - 48:28 - The next challenge

48:29 - 52:03 - Advice

THE LOWDOWN EPISODE #27 - THE RELENTLESS PATH w/ FC CINCINNATI'S LARRY SUNDERLAND

Wed, 16 Jun 2021 05:45:13 +0000

Larry Sunderland is the Director of Player Development at FC Cincinnati. Having worked previously within US youth national team set ups alongside the academies of Chicago Fire & Portland Timbers, Larry knows exactly what it takes to make it as a professional footballer. During our wide ranging conversation we discussed all the internal and external factors which go into shaping young talents. Listen to this episode to learn more about;

- The importance of self-regulation in youth development?

- How he narrows the gap between what someone is and what they can become?

- What it is like to build an academy from the ground up?

- Why it is important to look past the low hanging fruits of success?

- The psycho-social components of establishing an identity?

- Which soft skill must all player's possess if they are to become professional?

Timestamps;

00:00 - 05:00 - Early beginnings

05:01 - 08:58 - Self-Regulation

08:59 - 12:55 - “Working in the gap”

12:56 - 17:42 - Environment

17:43 - 29:37 - Philosophy

29:38 - 33:10 - Identity

33:11 - 40:26 - Embracing Adversity

40:27 - 47:14 - Coach Development

47:15 - 49:36 - Legacy

THE LOWDOWN EPISODE #26 - AI & YOUTH DEVELOPMENT w/ JOGO'S DAVID DWINGER

Tue, 08 Jun 2021 20:16:42 +0000

David Dwinger is the founder of JOGO; an AI powered platform which aims to make talent development data & technology insightful and accessible to players and coaches all over the world. David has a brilliant seat at the top of the technology revolution that is gripping the football industry. Despite barely being 13 months old JOGO is now working with 65 academies worldwide and are involved with federations such as FIFA. By the end of our discussion I am even more convinced by the validity of David's work and how important a role software such as JOGO can play a role in youth development. Listen to this episode to learn more about;

- How artificial intelligence can give you an edge in youth development?

- How the football landscape is changing?

- The trials and tribulations of establishing a startup.

- Why the cognitive aspect of football is radically underappreciated?

- How clubs can optimize youth development?

JOGO website: https://jogo.ai/

JOGO App; https://apps.apple.com/us/app/jogo-ai/id1524472015

Timestamps;

00:00 - 03:01 - Early beginnings

03:02 - 06:38 - Football's changing narrative

06:39 - 09:02 - The startup process

09:03 - 13:27 - How does it work?

13:28 - 15:36 - Player ownership

15:37 - 24:40 - Cognitive aspect of football

24:41 - 28:26 - JOGO projects

28:27 - 31:29 - Advice for launching a startup

THE LOWDOWN EPISODE #25 - FOOTBALL'S INFINITE GAME w/ MRKT INSIGHT'S TIM KEECH

Wed, 02 Jun 2021 05:16:28 +0000

Tim Keech is the co-founder of MRKT Insights; a data focused football consultancy who supply data science, technical scouting, and recruitment services to football clubs and ownership groups. 90% of the clubs they have worked with have improved their league finishing position in the subsequent season. Tim joined me recently to explain how clubs can win infinitely and why and how an aligned strategy can springboard your club to success. Listen to this episode to learn more about;

- The inefficiencies of football's labour market

- Why this summer could increase the chasm between Europe's elite and the chasing pack?

- How a multi-club model can save Europe's elite?

- How strategy can bridge the revenue gap?

- What the due diligence process looks like for acquiring a club?

- Implications of Brexit on this summer and beyond?

Tim's Twitter; https://twitter.com/SBunching?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

MRKT Insights website: https://mrktinsights.com/

Timestamps;

00:00 - 08:03 - Intro

08:04 - 10:40 - Sustainability catalysts

10:41 - 17:28 - Differential models

17:29 - 20:40 - Wage Expenditure

20:41 - 29:56 - The Ownership process

29:57 - 36:04 - Sushi & Chocolate Cake

36:05 - 41:46 - Club Partnerships

41:47 - 45:22 - Transfer Market

45:23 - 51:34 - Elevator Pitch

THE LOWDOWN EPISODE #24 - CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL PREVIEW w/ HOLSTEIN KIEL'S CHRISTIAN DOBRICK

Wed, 26 May 2021 05:58:22 +0000

We have a special episode this week as we dissect the upcoming Champions League Final clash between Manchester City & Chelsea. An advocate of positional play and an alumni of the Ralf Rangnick coaching school there are few better to preview this intriguing tactical clash than Holstein Kiel U-17 coach Christian Dobrick. Listen to find out more including;

- How Pep Guardiola built a collective bigger than any individual?

- How Man City regained their rhythm?

- Why the half spaces are integral to City's game model?

- How Thomas Tuchel has impacted Chelsea?

-Why Tuchel is unlike any other Premier League coach?

- Why Chelsea fans should be enamoured by Timo Werner?

- How undervalued is the role of social competence within top level football?

Christian's Twitter; https://twitter.com/chrdob?lang=en

Christian's LinkedIn; https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-dobrick/

Timestamps;

00:00 - 15:30 - Manchester City

15:31 - 33:29 - Chelsea

33:30 - 37:18 - Holstein Kiel

THE LOWDOWN EPISODE #23 - DATA & TACTICAL ANALYSIS w/ JOHN MULLER

Tue, 18 May 2021 05:03:55 +0000

John Muller is author of the “Space Space Space” newsletter; a weekly publication musing about data and tactical analysis within football. For quite some time now I have followed John's work and there are few better qualified to give a breakdown on the modern state of data and tactical analysis within football. Listen to this episode to hear more about;

- How a move to South America and watching Pep's Barcelona fueled a desire to study tactics?

- Moving from law into football

- Why we are in a new era of data analytics within football?

- Preview of the upcoming Champions League Final

- Why there is no single path to understanding football?

- What is the next frontier of data analytics?

John's Twitter; https://twitter.com/johnspacemuller?lang=en

“Space Space Space” Newsletter; https://spacespacespaceletter.com/archive/

FiveThirtyEight article: https://fivethirtyeight.com/features/soccer-is-learning-to-see-the-whole-game/

Timestamps;

00:00 - 05:50 - Intro

05:51 - 09:30 - How to analyse a game?

09:31 - 14:15 - Event & Tracking data

14:16 - 21:34 - Data analytics within football

21:35 - 28:56 - Elbow backs

28:57 - 32:51 - Categorising midfielders

32:52 - 41:00 - Man City v Chelsea

41:01 - 49:21 - Validity of data

49:22 - 52:19 - “Learn as much as possible & share what you can”

THE LOWDOWN EPISODE #22 - DEVELOPING ASIAN FOOTBALL w/ FIFA'S ESSAM ALSUHAIBANI

Mon, 10 May 2021 10:48:20 +0000

Essam Alsuhaibani is the Regional Development Manager for Asia at FIFA. In this episode Essam speaks to me about his journey to date and why you should pursue your passion. From growing up in Saudi fascinated with the English and Argentinian game, Essam pursued his curiosity. This eventually takes us to the current day where Essam leads a department at FIFA responsible for developing the Asian game. Listen to how multi-facted the day to day really is at FIFA. Furthermore hear more on ;

- How football contributed to a cultural shift in Saudi Arabia?

- Leaving engineering and a scholarship for football

- What the day to day looks like at FIFA?

- What is Essam's proudest project to date?

- How to get started in the football industry?

Essam's LinkedIn; https://www.linkedin.com/in/essam-alsuhaibani-44129422/

Timestamps;

00:00 - 08:08 - Life in Saudi

08:09 - 14:27 - Liverpool

14:28 - 18:21 - AFC

18:22 - 25:28 - FIFA

25:29 - 27:30 - Proudest Project?

27:31 - 29:53 - Future of Asian Football

29:54 - 32:58 - Advice

THE LOWDOWN EPISODE #21 - ALL FOUR CORNERS w/ JASON STEPHENS

Mon, 03 May 2021 09:56:01 +0000

Jason Stephens is the co-founder of “Modern Football Group” and is a lecturer in International Football Business at UCFB Wembley. There are few people more qualified than Jason to speak about the global game. The long list of clubs and organisations Jason has worked for includes Charlton, Sao Paulo, Portland Timbers, San Francisco 49ers, Inter Milan, the Cook Islands and Hashtag United. Nevertheless what is it really like to work at these institutions and how did he end up there? Sit back and enjoy this deep dive as Jason pulls back the curtains on his story. We discuss;

- How early beginnings shaped his journey

- Innovating youth development with Charlton

- Getting out of his comfort zone in Brazil

- Coaching SF 49ers third choice QB

- Bringing street football to Qatar's labour camps

- An infamous honeymoon in the Cook Islands

- Insights as to why the Super League is not over

- His advice for people wishing to embark on their own football journey

Jason's LinkedIn; https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonstephens4sports/

“Modern Football Group” LinkedIn; https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-football-group

Timestamps;

00:00 - 08:27 - Early beginnings

08:28 - 18:07 - Brazil

18:08 - 22:44 - USA

22:45 - 26:25 - Inter Milan

26:26 - 34:40 - Qatar

34:41 - 42:28 - Cook Islands

42:29 - 57:45 - Women's football

57:46 - 01:05:20 - UCFB

01:05:21 - 01:17:10 - Modern Football Group

01:17:11 - 1:23:06 - Elevator pitch

THE LOWDOWN EPISODE #20 - WHAT IS PLAYER CARE? w/ HUGO SCHECKTER

Thu, 29 Apr 2021 15:22:22 +0000

Hugo Scheckter is the founder of “The Player Care Group” who are the UK’s first consultancy group focused on Player Care, Team Operations and Player Wellbeing within sporting environments across the world. Yet what exactly is player care? Hugo joined me to reflect upon his career to date and discuss his journey which has included successful periods with Southampton and West Ham. As Hugo begins a new chapter, we sat down to discuss everything including;

- Running a six figure budget as a student

- Helping to build Indy Eleven from the ground up

- How to reduce the risk of a new signing not settling?

- Why player care is a good investment?

- How does football compare to other sports?

- What does it feel like to win at Old Trafford?

Hugo's LinkedIn; https://www.linkedin.com/in/hugoscheckter/

“The Player Care Group” Website; https://www.playercaregroup.co.uk/

Timestamps;

00:00 - 03:45 - What is player care?

03:46 - 11:03 - Indy Eleven & College in the US

11:04 - 14:39 - Southampton

14:40 - 21:01 - How is player care perceived?

21:02 - 23:05 - Onboarding process of a new signing

23:06 - 30:04 - “The Player Care Group”

30:05 - 33:53 - Staff burnout in football

33:54 - 37:02 - Legacy

37:03 - 40:09 - Elevator pitch

THE LOWDOWN EPISODE #19 - WHAT'S IT LIKE TO OWN A FOOTBALL CLUB? w/ ERIC GOTTSCHALK

Mon, 26 Apr 2021 07:31:51 +0000

Eric Gottschalk is the President & CEO of United City Football Club, a Philippine football powerhouse. Last year Eric was part of the MMC Sportz Asia ownership group which acquired “Ceres Negros” a club on the brink of insolvency. Close to a year and a Philippine Championship later Eric sat down with me to discuss the ins and outs of owning and running a football club. We discussed topics such as;

- What does the ownership process looks like from due diligence to acquisition?

- A blueprint for building Philippine football

- Why you cannot give assurances to fans?

- Why some ownership groups fail?

- Eric's advice for those wishing to enter the industry

Eric's LinkedIn; https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-gottschalk-0b774315/

United City Football Club Website; https://www.unitedcityfootballclub.com/

United City Football Club Instagram; https://www.instagram.com/unitedcityfootballclub/?hl=en

Timestamps;

00:00 - 04:31 - Philippine Football

04:32 - 09:16 - Acquiring a club

09:17 - 11:44 - Ownership concerns

11:45 - 14:07 - Vision

14:08 - 20:52 - Changing the club's name

20:53 - 26:51 - The big picture

26:52 - 29:56 - The day to day

29:57 - 31:43 - Legacy

31:44 - 34:23 - Elevator pitch

THE LOWDOWN EPISODE #18 - PURPOSE THROUGH FOOTBALL w/ CONIFA'S JASON HEATON

Mon, 19 Apr 2021 07:30:16 +0000

CONIFA, the Confederation of Independent Football Associations, is the football federation for all associations outside FIFA. It’s a global acting non-profit organization that supports representatives of international football teams from nations, de-facto nations, regions, minority peoples and sports isolated territories. CONIFA was founded on the 7th of June 2013, and organized his first World Football Cup in June 2014 in Ostersund, Sweden. Recently I had the pleasure to sit down with Jason Heaton, global ambassador of the organization to discuss all things CONIFA and his passion for football. In a wide ranging discussion we remarked upon the following;

- Finding your purpose through football

- Why the strength of an organization is it's people?

- What does a Kernow FA board meeting look like?

- Sticking to your principles amid geopolitical pressure

- The workload of representing a population base of 675 million

CONIFA Website; http://www.conifa.org/en/

CONIFA Instagram; https://www.instagram.com/conifaofficial/

Jason's LinkedIn; https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-heaton-6a9083106/

Timestamps;

00:00 - 04:36 - What is CONIFA?

04:37 - 14:00 - Passion for football

14:01 - 18:04 - Common purpose

18:05 - 23:16 - Kernow FA

23:17 - 30:31 - Heart warming stories

30:32 - 33:45 - Upcoming tournaments

33:46 - 40:16 - CONIFA future

40:17 - 44:31 - Closing thoughts

THE LOWDOWN EPISODE #17 - MLS 2021 SEASON PREVIEW w/ JOE LOWERY

Thu, 15 Apr 2021 07:46:15 +0000

As a new MLS season approaches I sat down with Joe Lowery to preview the upcoming season. Alongside his knowledge of the MLS, Joe has a keen eye for the tactical side of the game. Throughout this episode it was interesting to learn of the strides which MLS teams have made in this area over the past few years. Furthermore we discussed the ins and outs heading into this new season and what neutrals should be looking out for including;

- Where does the MLS rank in terms of tactical modernity?

- How Joe Lowery FC would strategize for a playoff run?

-What to expect from Gabriel Heinze at Atlanta United?

- Why Bob Bradley should never change

- Predictions for the upcoming season

- Joe's advice for those aspiring tactical analysts & writers

Joe's Twitter; https://twitter.com/joeclowery?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

Timestamps;

00:00 - 03:54 - Tactics

03:55 - 12:21 - MLS v Modern day tactics

12:22 - 17:44 - Atlanta United

17:45 - 20:46 - Columbus Crew

20:47 - 25:42 - Philadelphia Union & the Supporter's Shield

25:43 - 27:04 - Rest of the East

27:05 - 30:55 - Seattle Sounders

30:56 - 33:53 - Portland Timbers

33:54 - 36:08 - LAFC

36:09 - 41:22 - LA Galaxy & Efrain Alvarez

41:23 - 45:04 - USMNT & Gregg Berhalter

45:05 - 49:55 - Season predictions

THE LOWDOWN EPISODE #16 - THE REALITIES OF WORKING IN PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL w/ CHRIS RUSH

Mon, 12 Apr 2021 07:27:34 +0000

A lot of people think; “Wow you work in football!” but what does the reality actually look like? Recently I had the pleasure to sit down with Chris Rush as he reflected upon his 15 years working in professional football at clubs such as Middlesbrough, Manchester City and most recently Blackburn. The interview focuses on the realities working as support staff in the professional game and the circumstances surrounding his recent departure from Blackburn. We discussed topics such as;

- Working as support staff in football

- What did the weekly routine look like?

- When does a passion become a profession?

- Can universities do a better job at raising awareness among students?

- Cultural reform

Pacey Performance Survey; https://www.strengthofscience.com/pacey-performance-academy-performance-staff-survey/

Timestamps;

00:00 - 03:17 - 15 years in football

03:18 - 11:30 - Reasons for leaving professional football

11:31 - 15:15 - Pacey Performance Survey

15:16 - 17:35 - Is it just football?

17:36 - 19:38 - What does a typical week look like?

19:39 - 26:36 - Can universities do better?

26:37 - 31:04 - Reforms

31:05 - 35:30 - What's next for Chris?

THE LOWDOWN EPISODE #15 - SHAPING YOUTH DEVELOPMENT w/ VALENCIA ACADEMY DIRECTOR; SEAN BAI

Mon, 05 Apr 2021 11:32:46 +0000

Interview with Valencia Academy Director; Sean Bai covering all topics on youth development including;

- Integrating ideas from other industries into football

- Sean's advice to growing academies

- Behind the scenes into the organizational change at Valencia

- Building a culture during Covid

- Their process in identifying and developing a youth player

- Academies as an immune system to FFP & European Super League

Timestamps;

00:00 - 07:59 - Sean's role at Valencia

08:00 - 15:32 - Individual first Player second

15:33 - 23:07 - What does the support network around a player look like?

23:08 - 35:25 - Building a culture during Covid

35:26 - 42:34 - Recruitment

42:35 - 47:52 - Pathway to Pro

47:53 - 55:07 - FFP & European Super League

55:08 - 57:18 - Sean's version of success

THE LOWDOWN EPISODE #14 - ALL THINGS SPURS w/ CHRIS SUMMERSELL

Thu, 01 Apr 2021 11:21:48 +0000

Interview with UEFA A Candidate and Recruitment & Performance Analysis Consultant

at MRKT Insights; Chris Summersell on all things Tottenham Hotspur including;

- Growing up with Spurs

- The Pochettino years

- Should we cut Mourinho some slack?

- What tactical tweaks he would make

- Who Spurs should be targeting in this summer's transfer window?

- What constitutes success at Spurs?

Chris' Twitter; https://twitter.com/ChrisSummersell

Timestamps;

00:00 - 07:47 - Ginola, Gascoigne & White Hart Lane

07:48 - 12:56 - Mourinho

12:57 - 19:13 - Pochettino

19:14 - 25:56 - Demands of the modern day coach

25:57 - 30:41 - Spurs 20/21

30:42 - 41:28 - Proposed changes & Transfer window

41:29 - 48:04 - With or without Mourinho?

48:05 - 53:40 - What is success for Spurs?

THE LOWDOWN EPISODE #13 - EDGE & HIGH PERFORMANCE w/ BEN LYTTLETON

Mon, 29 Mar 2021 08:57:51 +0000

Interview with Ben Lyttleton, author of 'Twelve Yards: The Art & Psychology of the Perfect Penalty' & ‘Edge: What Business Can Learn from Football’ covering all topics including;

- Football as a tool for education & self-improvement

- How to measure success?

- The next frontier of talent development

- Tuchel, Deschamps & developing the individual

- How Lionel Messi can improve at penalties?

- Resilience going forward

Ben's LinkedIn; https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-lyttleton-053a981/

Ben's Twitter; https://twitter.com/benlyt?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

Twelveyards substack; https://twelveyards.substack.com/

Football School; https://www.footballschool.co/

Timestamps;

00:00 - 08:25 - Football as a tool

08:26 - 10:10 - Next frontier of talent development

10:11 - 20:48 - Cohesion, measuring success & Tuchel

20:49 - 26:50 - Deschamps & developing the individual

26:51 - 38:18 - Red Bull, Liverpool & defining talent

38:19 - 46:31 - Penalties

46:32 - 51:10 - Football School

51:11 - 57:15 - Resilience

THE LOWDOWN EPISODE #12 - FAN ENGAGEMENT & TV RIGHTS w/ ANDREI ANGELESCU

Thu, 25 Mar 2021 06:50:52 +0000

Interview with Andrei Angelescu of UEFA & the Romanian Football Federation on all things fan engagement and TV rights in football including;

- The commercialisation of today's fan

- 2021 trends

- Premier League TV Rights

- La Liga's international growth strategy

- European Super League

- Challenges in staging the 2020 Euro's

Andrei's LinkedIn; https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreiangelescu/

Mihai Neşu Foundation; https://www.mihainesufoundation.com/ro/

“Rendez-vous” Newsletter; https://mailchi.mp/fffce7b7c5d8/discover-the-digital-trends-of-10066329

Timestamps;

00:00 - 07:54 - Fan Engagement

07:55 - 10:07 - 2021 Trends

10:08 - 18:29 - TV Rights

18:30 - 20:40 - La Liga

20:41 - 25:20 - European Super League

25:21 - 32:46 - Mihai Neşu Foundation

32:47 - 34:27 - Euro 2020

34:28 - 39:52 - Romanian Football Federation & “Rendez-Vous”

THE LOWDOWN EPISODE #11 - BUNDESLIGA DEEP DIVE w/ JASMINE BABA

Mon, 22 Mar 2021 08:26:35 +0000

Interview with Jasmine Baba on all things German Football including;

- Finding a niche within the industry

- Women in football

- Joachim Low & German football's equivalent of musical chairs

- Covid's effect on tactics

- Julian Nagelsmann's next move

- Gladbach & Arsene Wenger?!

- Which German grounds Jasmine is most looking forward to visiting

Jasmine's Twitter; https://twitter.com/_jasminebaba?lang=en

Timestamps;

00:00 - 07:00 - Influences & Finding a niche

07:01 - 11:29 - Women in Football

11:30 - 15:03 - German Football

15:04 - 18:34 - Tactical Trends

18:35 - 22:02 - Bayern Munich & Flick

22:03 - 27:17 - RB Leipzig & Nagelsmann

27:18 - 34:15 - Borussia Dortmund & Rose

34:16 - 37:35 - Gladbach & Wenger?!

37:36 - 39:36 - German national team

39:37 - 41:32 - Best of the rest

41:33 - 45:30 - German football weekends

THE LOWDOWN EPISODE #10 - ALL THINGS MANCHESTER CITY w/ BLUE MOON'S DAVID MOONEY

Thu, 18 Mar 2021 07:02:43 +0000

Interview with David Mooney of the “Blue Moon Podcast” & The Athletic's “Why Always Us?” on all things including;

- The Kevin Keegan years

- Maine Road & Binliner's

- The 2008 Takeover

- Pep Guardiola

- That 21 game winning run

- How do City win the Champions League?

David's Twitter; https://twitter.com/DavidMooney?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

Blue Moon Podcast; https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/blue-moon-podcast-a-manchester-city-https://open.spotify.com/show/3nm5sbmhmOxTD1Q0WydCHk

Why Always Us? Podcast: https://theathletic.com/podcast/159-why-always-us/

Timestamps;

00:00 - 09:07 - Maine Road & Binliner's

09:08 - 16:29 - 2008 Takeover

16:30 - 22:25 - Pep Guardiola

22:26 - 28:39 - Man City this season

28:40 - 33:59 - City's best midfield?

34:00 - 44:40 - Striker issues & Raheem Sterling

44:41 - 50:14 - Champions League woes

50:15 - 53:30 - Guardiola's dynasty

THE LOWDOWN EPISODE #9 - INSIDE FOOTBALL'S DATA REVOLUTION w/ DAN ALTMAN

Mon, 15 Mar 2021 07:19:18 +0000

Interview with Smarterscout's Dan Altman on football data's revolution covering topics such as;

- The origins of Smarterscout

- Moving from economics to football

- What we can do v What we can implement

- Differences between roster building in the Premier League & MLS

- Insight into Wayne Rooney's move to DC United

- Rise of US private equity firms in European football

Smarterscout Twitter; https://twitter.com/smarterscout?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

Dan's LinkedIn; https://www.linkedin.com/in/altmandaniel/

Timestamps;

00:00 - 03:27 - Smarterscout

03:28 - 11:01 - Growth of data within football

11:02 - 14:10 - City Football Group, D.C United & Swansea City

14:11 - 17:18 - Premier League & MLS Roster Building

17:19 - 20:13 - Inside Wayne Rooney's move to DC

20:14 - 25:29 - Translating data into practice

25:30 - 28:02 - Rise of US Private Equity firms in European football

28:03 - 30:22 - Future of data within football

THE LOWDOWN EPISODE #8 - COACHING IN FOUR CONTINENTS w/ LEE JOHNSON

Fri, 12 Mar 2021 07:45:55 +0000

Interview and reflections with Lee Johnson on a coaching journey spanning four different continents covering topics such as;

- Societal differences

- Adapting to different cultures

- “Shoulders of Giants”

- What it was like to coach Chelsea's golden generation

- Flying 95 times in one year

- Learning to enjoy the moment

Lee's Twitter; https://twitter.com/leejohnson80?lang=en

Lee's LinkedIn; https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee-johnson-714a7b50/

Timestamps;

00:00 - 06:31 - Reflections over the past year

06:32 - 15:08 - Societal differences

15:09 - 19:37 - Theory v Practice

19:38 - 30:46 - Chelsea

30:47 - 34:45 - Rwanda

34:46 - 41:24 - India

41:25 - 45:21 - Enjoying the moment

45:22 - 52:34 - Coaching pathways

52:35 - 56:13 - Lee's advice for me

THE LOWDOWN EPISODE #7 - US SOCCER & BUILDING A CLUB FROM SCRATCH w/ BENNO NAGEL

Tue, 09 Mar 2021 08:03:22 +0000

Interview with Oakland S.C Technical Director; Benno Nagel on all things U.S Soccer including;

- Oakland

- “Seeing is believing”

- How to establish a soccer club

- Building an authentic culture

- U.S Development Pathways

- 2026 World Cup & Legacy

Benno's Twitter; https://twitter.com/benno_nagel?lang=en

Benno's LinkedIn; https://www.linkedin.com/in/benno-nagel-78073b122/

Timestamps;

00:00 - 07:29 - Oakland & Development Pathways

07:30 - 11:20 - Cultivating a passion

11:21 - 21:21 - Oakland Roots

21:22 - 32:41 - Identity & Building a club from scratch

32:42 - 34:22 - Oakland S.C

34:23 - 41:24 - U.S Youth Development

41:25 - 47:32 - 2026 World Cup & Legacy

THE LOWDOWN EPISODE #6 - LA LIGA DEEP DIVE w/ ALAN FEEHELY

Sat, 06 Mar 2021 07:08:13 +0000

Interview with Alan Feehely on all things La Liga including;

- The Revista de La Liga years

- Spanish football's ending dominance

- Barcelona

- Zidane's future

- Andalusian football

- Luis Enrique & the resurrection of Jesus

Alan's Twitter; https://twitter.com/azulfeehely?lang=en

Timestamps;

00:00 - 06:42 - Football journalism & Nostalgia

06:43 - 12:26 - End of Spanish football's dominance?

12:27 - 21:40 - Barcelona

21:41 - 26:34 - Athletic Bilbao & Empty Stadiums

26:35 - 29:50 - Atlético Madrid

29:51 - 35:32 - Real Madrid & Zidane's future

35:33 - 39:53 - Sevilla

39:54 - 45:08 - The Chasing Pack

45:09 - 48:27 - Relegation & Segunda

48:28 - 53:02 - Luis Enrique's Spain & the resurrection of Jesus

THE LOWDOWN EPISODE #5 - ALL THINGS MANCHESTER UNITED w/ STRETFORD PADDOCK'S CASEY EVANS

Thu, 04 Mar 2021 06:35:13 +0000

Interview with Casey Evans of the Stretford Paddock on all things including;

- The Sir Alex Ferguson years

- Why he's the Darren Fletcher of the Paddock

- Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's future

- VAR, Peter Walton & Irish Dolphins

- Ed Woodward & Technical Director's

- Preview of Sunday's Manchester Derby

Casey's Twitter; https://twitter.com/caseyevans?lang=en

Casey's YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJXpVLFOVET7YatIMTL2Cjg

Stretford Paddock: https://www.youtube.com/user/FullTimeDevils

Timestamps;

00:00 - 11:25 - The Sir Alex Ferguson Years

11:26 - 14:39 - Death of fan culture

14:40 - 19:07 - United this season

19:08 - 29:08 - VAR, Peter Walton & Dolphins

29:09 - 33:37 - Struggles against low blocks

33:38 - 41:41 - Ed Woodward & Technical Director's

41:42 - 46:05 - Jack Grealish & Transfers

46:06 - 58:27 - Ole's future & Styles of play

58:28 - 01:06:34 - Future of football

01:06:35 - 01:13:52 - Manchester Derby & Football media

01:13:53 - 01:15:05 - Closing Credits

THE LOWDOWN EPISODE #4 - POSITIONAL PLAY & GERMAN FOOTBALL w/ HOLSTEIN KIEL'S CHRISTIAN DOBRICK

Tue, 02 Mar 2021 13:52:24 +0000

Interview with Holstein Kiel U-17 coach Christian Dobrick on all things including;

- His coaching journey

- Positional Play

- Pep Guardiola & Man City tactics

- German coaching's dynasty

- Bundesliga ambitions

- What football can learn from ultimate frisbee

Christian's Twitter; https://twitter.com/chrdob?lang=en

Christian's LinkedIn; https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-dobrick/

Timestamps;

00:00 - 05:20 - Intro

05:21 - 10:42 - Coaching Influences

10:43 - 19:57 - Positional Play

19:58 - 26:59 - Manchester City, Order & Chaos

27:00 - 31:06 - German coaching's dynasty

31:07 - 36:29 - Thomas Tuchel

36:30 - 38:46 - Bayern Munich

38:47 - 43:57 - Borussia Dortmund

43:58 - 48:39 - Outside Influences & Coaching Styles

48:40 - 53:00 - Multidisciplinary Approach

53:00 - 56:42 - Closing Credits

THE LOWDOWN EPISODE #3 - w/ LIVERPOOL THROW IN COACH; THOMAS GRONNEMARK

Thu, 25 Feb 2021 07:01:01 +0000

Interview with Liverpool's throw in coach Thomas Gronnemark on all things including;

- His footballing journey

- Overcoming obstacles & using failure as feedback

- Similarities between Liverpool, Ajax & RB Leipzig

- That phonecall from Jürgen Klopp

- How to coach world class players

- What a typical throw in session looks like

- Pursuing your passion

Thomas' Website; https://thomasgronnemark.com/

Thomas' YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/user/Succeskultur

Thomas' Instagram; https://www.instagram.com/thomas_throwin/

Thomas' LinkedIn; https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-gr%C3%B8nnemark/

Thomas' Twitter; https://twitter.com/thomasthrowin?lang=en

Timestamps;

00:00 - 04:50 - Intro & how to cultivate a passion

04:51 - 08:44 - Multi-disciplinary approach & Mental routines

08:45 - 15:05 - Overcoming obstacles & setbacks

15:06 - 19:50 - Breakthrough moment

19:51 - 22:18 - The power of environment

22:19 -26:26 - Klopp, Liverpool & Inside Melwood

26:27 - 32:33 - Player buyin & Session structure

32:34 - 34:31 - Memorable games

34:32 - 40:21 - Work outside football & pursuing your passion

40:22 - 41:34 - Closing credits

THE LOWDOWN EPISODE #2 - ALL THINGS RED BULL w/ 'WINGS OF CHANGE' AUTHOR KARAN TEJWANI

Tue, 16 Feb 2021 08:11:38 +0000

Interview with 'Wings of Change' author Karan Tejwani on all things Red Bull including;

- Origin of Red Bull's relationship with football

- How exactly does a multi-club model work?

- Ralf Rangnick and his influence on German football

- Recruitment & Succession Planning within Salzburg & Leipzig

- Julian Nagelsmann & Jesse Marsch's futures

- The next evolution for RB Salzburg & RB Leipzig

'Wings of Change'; https://www.amazon.ae/Wings-Change-Biggest-Manufacturer-Football/dp/1785317296

https://www.pitchpublishing.co.uk/shop/wings-change

Karan's LinkedIn; https://www.linkedin.com/in/karan-tejwani-45a52414a/

Karan's Twitter; https://twitter.com/karantejwani26?refsrc=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor

Timestamps;

00:00 - 02:30 - Intro & why write a book on Red Bull?

02:31 - 06:04 - Multi-club models & how do they work?

06:05 - 14:26 - Ralf Rangnick & Youth Development

14:27 - 19:50 - Recruitment Model & Succession Planning

19:51 - 22:00 - Julian Nagelsmann & Jesse Marsch

22:01 -24:28 - Red Bull's footballing future

22:49 - 25:46 - Karan's future projects & closing credits

THE LOWDOWN EPISODE #1 - w/ FCB SOCIO ALBERT BOSCH

Sun, 14 Feb 2021 17:22:24 +0000

Interview with long time friend, Barcelona socio & Fuse Senior Account Executive; Albert Bosch concerning;

- Albert's love for the club

- Barcelona's season to date

- preview of upcoming PSG clash

- the upcoming presidential election

- club finances and the future of Lionel Messi

Albert's LinkedIn; https://www.linkedin.com/in/albert-bosch/