February 1, 2021
Chris Kirkland spent over 19 years playing top-flight football for teams such as Liverpool and Wigan. In this exclusive episode, he gives insight into the breakdown of his relationship with Roberto Martinez and Rafa Benitez, his battle with mental health, life after retiring, his thoughts on the modern game, the ruthlessness of football towards GKs, why Steve Bruce is one of the best managers in the game and so much more.
December 21, 2020
BEHIND THE SCENES with football financier/deal-maker Laurie Pinto. Laurie advises prospective owners when they look to buy Premier League clubs.
In recent months we have seen Burnley and Newcastle enter takeover talks. In this podcast, Laurie and I analysed various owners from FSG to Mike Ashley and from the Kroenke's to Roman Abramovich. Why Laurie predicts that 1/3 Prem teams will have new owners by next season? We debated profit maximisation (making money) vs win maximisation (winning games) and the direction of the future of football (we are both two disgruntled Arsenal fans).
THIS IS THE SEASON FINALE. REMEMBER TO HIT 5 STARS ON APPLE AND LEAVE A REVIEW!
December 21, 2020
BEHIND THE SCENES with Solihull Moors' Women's Chairman, Alex Alexandrou.
Women's football is booming in England, so I sat down with Alex to understand more about the business behind it. From how to create an academy pathway to hiring and backing a manager. We also had an interesting debate on the role that the Premier League should play in supporting and funding the Women's game.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO LEAVE 5 STARS AND REVIEW US ON APPLE!
December 14, 2020
BEHIND THE SCENES WITH LAURA RAFFERTY - BRISTOL CITY DEFENDER & NORTHERN IRELAND INTERNATIONAL!
We discussed her journey from Southampton when the girls' academy was closed down to now playing in the Women’s Super League. Her state of mind after tearing her ACL, her entrepreneurial endeavors alongside football, the best player in the #WSL, the importance of player care, the growth of the women’s game and much more.
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Instagram: @whatthefootie
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Email: whatthefootie@hotmail.com
December 7, 2020
Directors of Football/Sporting Directors are the glue behind the scenes. Much of the modern success of teams like Liverpool & Dortmund is attributed to people like Michael Edwards & Michael Zorc.
But in general, these people are seen as something of an enigma. Who better to lift the lid than Stewart King, Partner @ Nolan Partners.
Stewart is an advisor to the biggest clubs in the Prem, other major European leagues and the MLS. He is trusted by their owners to appoint the best Directors of Football/Sporting Directors in the game.
Be prepared to gain rich insight and be sure to tell a friend to tell a friend!
November 30, 2020
How does the Bundesliga compare to the Premier League? I spoke with the Head of International Marketing @ FC Schalke 04 - the club that birthed Ozil, Neuer, Goretkza, Matip, Sane, Gundogan, Goretzka & Draxler to understand.
We debated various issues: whether it is time to scrap 50+1? How does Schalke compete on/off the pitch with Bayern/Dortmund? Why are more Prem teams buying Bundesliga talent?
![27. How To Run A Football Club? Commercial Director @ Bristol Rovers | Tom Gorringe]()
November 23, 2020
BEHIND THE SCENES: Commercial Director & Board Member @ Bristol Rovers, Tom Gorringe.
The pandemic and Project Big Picture has accelerated the importance of clubs becoming financially sustainable. Stoke did it in Prem and Brighton and Burnley have been doing it.
Tom and the directors at Rovers are not waiting on the Premier League to save the day, with a bailout, they have taken active steps and communicated a long-term sustainable strategy with their fans.
A huge part of this strategy involves improving the infrastructure around to club to lead to youth and player development in a way that has worked wonders for clubs like Brentford and Southampton.
Key Timestamps:
04:21: Life at Portsmouth - being the first Prem club to go into administration.
08:13: Life at Cardiff - the switch from blue to red & Vincent Tan walking into a pub in Cardiff.
14:11 Life at Brighton - best run club in the country.
17:19 Building Rovers - youth development and scouting, the effects of the pandemic, Project Big Picture, the salary cap and more.
November 16, 2020
BEHIND THE SCENES: Fulham FC Sports Scientist, Lewis MacMillan.
Fit, healthy & robust players form the foundation for success at a football club.
In 2018/19 Premier League teams paid £221m to injured players and this season we have seen a 42% increase in muscular injuries.
For this exclusive, Paul sat down with Fulham's 1st team Sports Scientist Lewis MacMillan to discuss a plethora of issues.
From why we have seen a spike in injuries across the league to the value that young managers, like Scott Parker, see in sports science. From the return of the 5 sub-rule to ensuring that key bagsman Mitrovic is getting the right amount of sleep.
If you enjoyed this episode why not check out Episode 14 with the Club Doctor @ Watford FC.
November 10, 2020
For this bonus episode, Paul collaborated with fellow podcaster and Founder @ Fan Insights Kevin Rye. Kevin has spent the last 15 years working within the Fan Engagement space and is the architect behind the Fan Engagement Index.
Listen to find out what happened when this football business podcast met up with a fan engagement podcast!
November 9, 2020
Back on 16th November. This season we are going deeper into how clubs are dealing with the pandemic. Exclusive behind the scenes content with directors, advisors and staff at some of the biggest clubs in European football!
9 unmissable episodes out every Monday morning!
