Breaking Lines

A year ago we launched the first Breaking Lines Episode! 12 months later and 41 episoes in, we look back at how the years gone. From the 1st episode we recorded (and edited... a lot) in a studio in Canary Wharf through to the interview series, Whistleblowers and moving to video, we learned a lot along the way!  And we've been finger on the pulse too... with our predictions of many things which hav...

At some point in a footballer's career they ponder life after football. For some remaining in the game is of little interest while for others remaining involved is the end goal; 15years as a player but a lifetime as a coach perhaps! So becoming a coach is something that even as a young professional players are given the opportunity to experience. And as the twilight of the career approaches, the f...

Even the best managers eventually run out of credit - but it just depends who they lose it with first... the dressing room? The Fans? Or even the ownership or executive group? And if you lose the media, its a whole other world of pain. Join us as we discuss the challenegs of ensuring everyones account is topped up regularly!    

We answer more of your questions on this episode of Whistleblowers! How do managers balance re-contracting players that are about to lapse versus letting others go - without upsetting the dressing room balance? Experience counts in performance and medical roles - so whats the balance between craft knowledge and understanding the demands of the sport, and the head coach and players? Which experienc...

Talismen pervade sport - great and iconic athletes who stand tallest among other tall trees.  While they come in all shapes and sizes, the talisman that the team relies on can fulfil many roles - motivator, coagulant, leader, great player and dressing room general; Whilst others lead a more quite life and come to the fore when the game starts and their class-leading talent breaks out. Managing a t...

Football analytics is about to go to 8K and those with the foresight to begin using IMPECT will truly benefit from this new methodology... In this second part of our interview with Robert Rogers, Head of UK Football Development at IMPECT Analysis, we discuss the intricancies of football analytics, focusing on various themes such as diverse playing styles, pressing strategies, and the importance of...

The tools that elite level coaches and analysts use to observe the game is changing... and IMPECT is a revolutionary new tool that is disrupting our understanding of the game? Developed by former Bundesliga Players Stefan Reinartz and Jens Hegeler, Impect is now used by almost 90% of Bundesliga Teams and is spreading its wings across the globe. In this episode we sit down with Robert Rogers, Head...

In (almost) every club across the globe, the 10 Game point is normally a waypoint for everyone! So what are those in the coaching offices thinking at the 10-game point? In this episode, we dive into the crucial first 10 games of the season—where momentum is everything. A positive start can set the tone for a title charge or a comfortable run towards safety, boosting confidence in players and fans...

Join Dave and Gary for a lively chat about the changing game for sports captains! They dive into what makes a great leader on the field, highlighting the fun of building trust and team spirit. Discover how today’s captains juggle various roles, from strategy gurus to cheerleaders, while keeping the vibe positive! They'll also tackle the ups and downs of managing different personalities, discuss th...

What should go and what should stay? There have been some great / strange / embarrassing and downright pointless elements within the world of professional football over the years. And now we explore which ones we've loved and loathed and decide which ones should go into Dressing Room 101 - where they go into purgatory   From polishing boots to The Bleep Test, players wearing headphones to half &am...

Data pervades football today - everyone knows everything! Stats, stats and more stats and we're even inventing new stats to make the old stats even richer in detail and specificity. But at what point does the need for information overrun our need for entertainment and enjoyment of the game. For media providers like Sky and BBC it is used to inform and explain the game. Whether in post-match or in-...

** Please Note that the loan from WPL Mentioned was 'Interest-Free and not Free  as mentioned** In this chat, Harvey Bussell, Head of Recruitment at Manchester United Women, shares some interesting insights into the world of women's football. He dives into the ups and downs of the recent summer transfer window, the exciting growth of the women's game, and how data is playing a key role in recruitm...

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 co...

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 Dut...

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...

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,...

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 conversati...

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 everywh...

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 sho...

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 programm...

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...

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 i...

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 look...

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 a...

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...