Breaking Lines

Matt Smith

This episode we are joined by Matt Smith, striker extraordinaire! Feared by defenders, coaches and fans across the land, his unique journey is a triumph of opportunity, persistence, practice and knowing what you excel at - and doing it! 

Having recently completed his MBA and on the back of hanging up his boots after a prolific 25-goal season at his final club Salford, Matt has scored goals everywhere he's been; Leeds United, Millwall, Fulham, Bristol City, QPR and so on. But his roots are in the non-league having been spotted at University and investing in beer-money for nights out! But then things changed... 

And now as he embarks on the next stage of his career with SEQUEL, an investment platform for athletes to support early stage start-ups, he gives us some insights into how that all came about - as his academic life completes its full circle and he blends both careers - pro sports and buisness - into an exciting new venture! 

Join us as we have a great discussion with Matt on Breaking Lines with... 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background
08:26 Transition from Non-League to Professional
12:02 Challenges and Successes at Various Clubs
20:30 The Impact of COVID-19 on Football
25:17 Exploring Different Training Philosophies in Football
26:18 The Trailblazing Coaching Methods of Slavisa Jokanovic
29:17 The Evolution of Playing Styles in Football
30:44 The Importance of Repetition and Practice in Scoring Goals
35:07 Reflecting on a Memorable Hat-Trick Performance
36:34 Honesty and Respect in Conversations about Playing Time
43:30 The Role of Data in Football: Balancing Information and Intuition
49:19 Transitioning from Football to the Business World

 

 

Keywords: Matt Smith, football, career, non-league, professional, Oldham, Leeds, Fulham, Millwall, COVID-19, training sessions, football, training philosophies, coaching methods, scoring goals, practice, playing time, honesty, respect, data, intuition, business world, Sequel

Henry Winter

Breaking Lines with... Henry Winter! One of world football's greatest football journalistic minds joins us to discuss the side of football that breaks the news, illuminates the indviduals & paints the portraits of those who make football the world's favourite sport.

With his written word, this award-winning journalist give us so much insight into the nuances of the game and those in it. In short or long form he uses his skills not only to find a story, but often to tell the right story, not the popular or sensationalist one. A career built on a high level of trust on both sides.

In this fantastic first episode of Breaking Lines with... Henry gives us great insight into how his career is built on both working hard and being a good person, yet also being respectful of those in the game and holding them to account. He sheds light on some amazing encounters with fascinating players and coaches,  discussing some of the huge challenges they have faced and how they overcame them.

And in an ever changing environment and industry, how his ability to be a "digital decathlete" has kept him at the forefront of the genre for almost 40 years. A fascinating listen!

Pre-Season Phoney War - Testing, Testing; 1-2-3

Pre-Season is here again and its not everyone's cup of tea! For some it's heave, for others it's hell on earth!

From the first day MOT for the players, to international tours, its a phoney war in preparation for the start of the season! Its the vegetables you had to eat with dinner for the players - you dont necessarily like it but you know you need it. For coaches its building a 5-6 week programme to maximise fitness, teach the playing philosophy, developing team cohesion and ensuring that the pre-season gives you the launchpad for a successful season start.

 

But get it wrong and theres a whole heap of trouble looming! In this episdoe Gary and Dave take you behind the scenes of how pro clubs will figure it all out. From planning the tour 6 months in advance to the players who just love the running - because it might be better than their footballing! 

Slovenian Rhapsody - Timi Elšnick's Euro 2024 Adventure

Timi Elšnick has been on a journey... from the training pitches at Derby County, loans at Swindon and Northampton, he is now sharing pitches with Jude Bellingham and Cristiano Ronaldo

Few could have predicted this journey, perhaps even Timi himself, but his story speaks of a player who took the path less travelled; choosing a stepwise progression and not being afraid to reset to go forward, better.

A fascinating chat where we find out about life in the training camp in Germany, preparing for the biggest game in his career and how he hope the springboard of UEFA Euro 2024 can propel his career forward even better!

We thank Timi and the Slovenian Football Association for agreeing to speak with us just prior to this massive game against #England

Pick EURO Battles!

Episode10 revolves around the ongoing Euro 2020 tournament, reflecting on the performances of teams and players. The similarities between the playing styles of top European club teams and national teams is evident as TIKI-TAKA has become dominant but so has the ability to counter it.

The potential for upsets by underdog teams and the difficulty top teams face in breaking down defensive opponents is now plainly evident. The pressure on Belgium after losing their first game is palpable and they are the only BIG Nation not to win their first game.

The conversation then touches on favourite games so far, standout individual performances, and the impact of VAR technology on decision-making as it has had to make some massive calls. 

Gary and Dave discuss the use of pickle juice for cramps, and upcoming matches in the tournament & they also touch on the debate surrounding player injuries and the role of medics in decision-making.

 

Ring that Bell-ingham! Euro 2024 is here

The Euros are here and excitement is at fever pitch! With so many teams challenging for this year's title who will be victorious. Will England capitalise on previous tournament near misses? Can Spain recreate the 2008 & 2012 success? What about France, Italy or the hosts Germany? Its soooo exciting!!! (excuse Cat in the Hat reference!!)

This episode we preview the tournament as a whole by looking at the groups and who could likely progress and have a coursory glance at some players that we've been fortunate to wkr with who are competing at the Euros! From England to Hungary, Austria to Slovakia its a melting pot of EFL and EPL players throughout the nations!

And what about Bellingham - is this is tournament to shine? Perhaps its too early but for a player who has in four years risen from Birmingham starlet to Galactico Champions League winner, surely its just another step on his rise to G.O.A.T.

Join us as we reflect on the competition and how we think it will go! 

Whistleblowers 2 - Bad Eggs, High-Performance and Dave's Ultimate XI

Summary

In this episode of Whistleblowers, Dave and Gary answer questions from listeners. They discuss how to deal with a 'bad egg' in the dressing room, the challenges of the close season for players and managers, and how to create a high-performance environment. Dave shares his best 11 and best squad of players he has worked with.  They also discuss the use of medicine and tablets during games and the drug testing process for players. Finally, they give advice to aspiring football managers who haven't had a typical playing career.

Takeaways

• Dealing with a 'bad egg' in the dressing room requires understanding the player's perspective and finding ways to address their frustrations or concerns.
• The close season can be a busy time for managers, with player contracts and transfers to handle, but it's also important to find time for rest and family.
• Creating a high-performance environment involves fostering a culture of continuous learning, passion, and a drive to improve.
• A high-performance environment can exist at any level of football, regardless of resources, if there is a shared goal and a commitment to excellence.
• Dave's best 11 and best squad include players like Robert Green, Thomas Helveg, Adam Drury, Peter Crouch, and Dion Dublin. Building a successful football team requires a combination of talent, strategy, and teamwork.
• Tablets given to players during games can provide pain relief or help with stomach issues, but their effects may vary.
• The drug testing process for players involves random selection and urine samples after the game.
• Aspiring football managers without a playing career can still succeed by putting in the hours, learning the craft, and finding opportunities in clubs or academies.
• Passion, dedication, and continuous learning are key to a career in football coaching or management.

Close Season - All Change!

The close season in football is a time for rest and preparation for the upcoming season. It is a period where players and staff take a break, plan holidays, and make decisions about player retention and recruitment.

The close season also involves the departure and arrival of staff members, such as coaches, analysts, performance and medical personnel too. So theres plenty for the club to be getting on with - no longer closing down and the 'back in 2 months' on the door!

The medical team plays a crucial role in supporting injured players during the summer, ensuring they receive the necessary care and rehabilitation. The close season is a busy time for managers, who are constantly in contact with agents, players, and sporting directors to negotiate deals and make signings.

During the conversation, Gary and Dave discuss the challenges and experiences of managers and coaches during the close season. They talk about negotiating transfers, the importance of player meetings, and the planning and preparation for pre-season.

They also touch on the interactions between football professionals during holidays and the opportunities for additional learning and qualifications during the off-season.