Avsnitt
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In this episode, Gary and Dave discuss the first meeting with players as a manager and how to manage the team behind the team. They also share their favorite games they've managed.
Continuing, Dave and Gary discuss various topics related to football, including the excitement of late goals, the use of data and analytics in coaching, the evolution of pitches and players support services, and the correlation between performance metrics and points won - is it always the manager philosophy or is it a correlation with them having the best players?
They highlight the importance of understanding the specific needs and strengths of a team and adapting the style of play accordingly. The conversation provides insights into the changing landscape of football and the role of data in decision-making.
football #soccer #futebol #epl #efl #manager #headcoach #performance #sportsscience #fitness #tactics #derby #winners #losers #mufc #podcast #questions #insights #behindthescenes
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Love them or hate them, International Breaks in Professional Football at the Elite level can be a blessing and a hex in equal measure! When youre on a good run they can break momentum - on a poor run, they can provide restbite. But changing whats happening in your squad is not easy, especially if half of your squad is scatterred to the 4 corners of the globe.
While the players on International Duty have to cram in 2 games, thousands of miles, potentially questionnable training and sub-optimal preparation, the ones at the training ground have too small numbers to do anything particularly constructive and you end up arranging a firendly game just to top up players match exposure minutes!
But it is one of the few touchpoints in the season when the players and staff at clubs can take a break - maybe only 2 or 3 days - and feel like a normal person in a normal job. Perhaps a mini-break, a city hop or some other sort holiday!
Then its back to the grind of the league season; well it is if your players return fit and fresh (they normally dont!) or you've lost your job as the head coach!
Join us as we discuss International Breaks!
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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If you've seen Love Island, the summer transfer window is LI on MAX; Club perusing players, players pursuing clubs, agents making matches; some people have fallen out and others are besotted by someone they cant have - or cant afford!!
The Summer transfer window is where clubs place so much energy - months of work are distilled into the last few days when its vital to get all of the big pieces for your squad into place for the season ahead. If the January window is about fixing leaks or add a cherry on top of the cake, summer is about building for the future.
Gary and Dave take you through how clubs spend many months preparing for this window to ensure they have the right ingredients. Some player will have left at the end of their contraxts, others surplus to requirements. Young premier League starlets are taking their first exploratory flights away from the nest. And the last throws of the journeyman to secure one last gig at the best club they can mean theres deals to be done.
Act to quick and you might miss a bargain, too slow and youre scrambling for quality and you could have an unbalanced squad. Welcome to the end of the Summer Transfer Window!
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One of tthe most instantly recognisable figures in football Bryan Gunn has done it all - player, coach, manager, agent and semi-pro golfer with the personality to charm the birds from the trees! From formativie days at @aberdeenfc in the hugely successful side on the 80s which one dual European Trophies, learning under the immense talents of Scottish football like Gordon Strachan, Alex McLeish, Willy Miller and Jim Leighton to name but a few.
However, it was their manager - one of the greatest ever in the game - Alex Ferguson who made the biggest impression on Bryan. From Sir Alex's babysitter to International Goalkeeper, top6 Premier League Goalkeeper to amazing European nights with @CanariesTV Norwich City and the famous defeat of @fcbayern in the Olympic Stadium.
The journey continued as Bryan stayed in the game through commercial side of football back at Norwich after a brief spell away and his rise at the club crescendoed as he bacame 1st Team Manager in 2009. But even legends have tough times - injuries in his career and losing your job as a manger hit hard but Bryan's positivity kept him moving forward and now we has transitioned from agent to player liaision at one of the foremost football agencies in the world, Triple S.
A fascinating hour with Bryan with plenty of good stories! We are thanksful to 'BG' for joining us and hopw you enjoy the episode! LEave us a like and be sure to subscribe to the channel!
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Episode 3 of Breaking Lines with... and we're joined by journalist John Percy to regale his journey in journalism, the changing landscape of football reporting, and the challenges of the industry.
He talks about the importance of building relationships and contacts, the pressure of breaking stories quickly, and the balance between providing information and maintaining relationships.
The conversation also touches on the scrutiny faced by managers, such as Gareth Southgate, and the excitement and trepidation surrounding the upcoming football season. The conversation also touches on the changing nature of football, the role of statistics in reporting, and the balance between entertainment and technicality in the game.
Finally, when probed about his alter-career, John expresses his passion for film and mentions that if he weren't a football journalist, he would love to cover the film industry; with his preferred genre being a revelation in itself!!!
A fascinating listen, we thank John for his time to chat with us and the many interesting and humorous topics that he spoke about! Enjoy the episode!
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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 Background08:26 Transition from Non-League to Professional12:02 Challenges and Successes at Various Clubs20:30 The Impact of COVID-19 on Football25:17 Exploring Different Training Philosophies in Football26:18 The Trailblazing Coaching Methods of Slavisa Jokanovic29:17 The Evolution of Playing Styles in Football30:44 The Importance of Repetition and Practice in Scoring Goals35:07 Reflecting on a Memorable Hat-Trick Performance36:34 Honesty and Respect in Conversations about Playing Time43:30 The Role of Data in Football: Balancing Information and Intuition49:19 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
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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!
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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!
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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
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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.
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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!
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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. -
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.
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Have you ever had a question that you'd like to ask the manager or head coach of your club? Or even one for a Head of Performance (less likely we know!!!)?
Ok... so outside of the normal 'why did you pick X player?' or 'What were you thinking in that game?' there's so many questions that we've answered over the years on a wide variety of topics - some really simple ones as well as more complex queries that we can't always answer - unless we want to get into trouble!!
So now is your chance to pitch us with those burning topics that you need answering! But rather than just simple answers we give a little more context and expand on the subject a little to give more insight and more related aspects!
We'll crowdsource the questions, select the best or most interesting ones and give you some answers!
First episode of a new feature of BreakingLines where Gary and Dave field listener's questions on a variety of topics from 'How do we plan a double game week?' to 'How do clubs make bids for each other's players? Enjoy the show!
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It seems to happen every year at every club. Sometimes its benign and there's no real effect; a few squad members who normally have limited game time that might effect the subs bench, but perhaps no real impact on the team. Or...
...its senior, important, vital cogs in the team machinery who are all struck down at the same time and the season goes from one of immense promise and potential to a tough season, possibly staring at disaster. An injury crisis can play hell with the best laid plans of everyone at the club!
So we need someone to blame done we - that's what it's about surely?!
Normally the medical department are the ones getting the brunt of the ire from all corners as some fans, coaches, executive and athletes seek the reason behind why the crisis is happening! But most of the time the medical department is just picking up the pieces from situations not of their making!
The performance and coaching departments are far more influence in how the athletes are prepared and maintained. Is the training appropriate, is the preparation work adequate to keep the squad resilient, is the periodisation of the season appropriate? The coordination of performance and coaching has a huge bearing on wether the crisis is, really, a crisis!
And of course the athletes must take their share of the responsibility - they need to work hard, rest well, eat correctly and ensure their recovery time is used appropriately - not too much extra curricular activities!!
So join us as we discuss how an injury crisis manifests and what we can do about it - if anything!!
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Every season the fixture calendar is sprinkled with those large occasion games that are very much a different take on your run-of-the-mill league games - derby games, playoff matches, relegation six-pointers or giant-killing cup fixtures whet the appetitive of players, coaches, clubs and fans as the season proceeds.
Yet for the manager or head coach they provide a different challenge beyond the electricity and excitement of the fixture. Navigating your way through a specific fixture is laden with both opportunity and jeopardy! Win and you are a hero; lose and your standing on the terraces and boardroom can be severely - or even terminally - undermined!
Join us as we take you through the whistle stop tour of how a management team may choose to approach such games and how they strategise to come out with the best possible result from the fixtures.
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In days of yore a Sheriff had a wide range of duties - mostly on behalf of a king or other powerful figure or landowner - that they oversaw to ensure that things were done as they were supposed to and peace and order was maintained.
The modern elite football club is a huge organisation where the front and back office staff (as well as the players) are operating in a wide variety of departments and roles that give the team the best chance of success. And where traditionally all of the football departments' management was with 'The Manager', contemporary football clubs have chosen to follow a new model, that of the Sporting or Technical Director!
This episode of the Breaking Lines Podcast explores the different types of Sporting or Technical Director roles and the backgrounds and types of people who have taken on this exciting new position. From ex-players and managers, recruiters and administrators, they job sees people from a kaleidoscope of previous roles and careers.
Done well they can really benefit the Head Coach (the more modern title for the old 'manager' titles!) and those working in football departments - so much so in fact that the role itself may soon have its very own transfers! With Dan Ashworth having an alleged £20m price tag on his head to move from Manchester United from Newcastle United, are we now at a pivot point in the world of football administration?
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The long season is nearing its end across the land but there's still enough games to play - and that's when an interesting anomaly happens every single year. A Unique Psychology...
Teams seemingly cruising at the higher reaches of the league suddenly develop vertigo and begin to have patchy results. Meanwhile in the depths of the divisions there's a collective spark of life as teams seemingly realise it's now or never and try to get themselves out of trouble. Meanwhile in the middle of the leagues, teams hit the doldrums or worse. Sleepwalking their way into relegation trouble as results and motivation seemingly dry up or making a late surge for the top as results suddenly click!
The psychology of the situation is fascinating as pressure is manifested in a variety of ways - positive pressure at the top can also be overbearing, negative pressure at the bottom can paralyse decisions and actions. Each result and performance can increase the expectation or release the valve and bring more calmness!
But one thing is for sure. It's the time of the season where form is turned on its head and if you don't deal with it, the end of the season can lead to either devastation - or wild celebrations!
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Analyse This, Analyse That… each and every moment of every game is hyper analysed today. A player, coach and team cant do anything without it being dissected on the studio, on social media or elsewhere. Sure it gives great insights into the game and how it is being played - and education for those interested in the nuances of the tactical challenges, but it also can be used to build a narrative around a coach or players as their performances are dissected to within an inch of its life!
It's come s long way from a single video tape and a chat with the manager where essentially you (as a player) had to agree with them as a manager! As Brian Clough once quipped...
And as technology and data provider continue to become even more elaborate with their understanding of the game, have we lost the true essence of sport; Decisions are made, mistakes happen because humans play sport in the moment - yet the analysis takes place using supercomputers and slow motion replays and under zero pressure!
For the modern coach they need to decide what and who is relevant as they look to build a winning team
Thanks for listening and please subscribe to us on your podcast player or see the episode on our YouTube channel @BreakingLines!
Join us next time on breaking lines when we go behind the dressing room door once more!
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"We would like to thank them for their endeavours and wish them well for the future"... Cut and paste to many a club website announcing the departure of the manager or head coach from their role - add in the now infamous corner flag photo and you've got yourself a Managerial Casualty.
Jurgen Klopp has managed his own imminent departure from Liverpool differently - he's chose the time, the place and the how of his future abdication of the Head Coach role. Only very few get afforded this; and normally because of the success, loyalty or connection that they have with a club. For everyone else, its a short message and the bus fare home dodging irate supporters who've been baying for blood for weeks, or even months!
This episode we explore some of the strategies that managers and clubs may use to ensure that the inevitable end is beneficial to all in so far as it's as fair as possible. It doesn't always work out for a manager, but ending a reign with mutual respect is probably best for all parties!
- Visa fler
