Pitchside Perspective Podcast

Football greatness isn’t always loud. Some of the most influential players don’t dominate highlight reels or social media debates — they simply make teams better. In this episode, Stuart and Jack take on one of football’s most enduring arguments: who is the most underrated player in Premier League history? Moving beyond trophies, viral moments, and surface-level narratives, the conversation digs i...

Football is more than a game. It’s culture, community, identity, and a shared language that connects people across the world. In this episode, Stuart is joined by Jaume Canals to explore how football helps us understand people and places beyond the pitch. From Jaume’s earliest memories of falling in love with the game to his journey through coaching, travel, and football cultures across different...

In this episode, Stuart and Jack take a nostalgic deep dive into the Barclays Premier League era, widely regarded by many fans as the most iconic period in English football history. They start by defining exactly what makes a ‘Barclaysman’ — why it’s not about trophies or Ballon d’Ors, but about moments, memories, and pure footballing culture. From rain-soaked Saturday afternoons to unforgettable...

In this episode, we break down the sacking of Rúben Amorim, what went wrong during his time at Old Trafford, and why the problems at Manchester United feel deeper than any one manager. From tactical confusion and recruitment failures to fan frustration and an ongoing identity crisis, we ask the uncomfortable questions about where this club is really heading. We’re joined by Paul Cocks, coach at Cu...

In this festive edition of Pitchside Perspective, we dive into the chaos, pressure, and traditions that make the Premier League’s Christmas period so unforgiving. From balancing coaching insight with pure fan enjoyment to the magic of lower-league football at Christmas, we explore why this stretch of the season can define campaigns. We then tackle the Premier League’s biggest talking points — unpa...

In this episode of Pitchside Perspective, we sit down with Werner Roth — US Soccer Hall of Famer, former New York Cosmos captain, NASL trailblazer, and co-star in Escape to Victory — to explore one of the most remarkable chapters in U.S. soccer history. ⚽🎬 From playing alongside Pelé to leading one of the most star-studded teams the sport has ever seen, Werner shares firsthand stories about the...

In this episode, Stuart sits down with Coach Joe Quigley — a highly respected youth development coach known for his work with at Super Soccer Stars and Football Fun Factory as well as UK Elite delivers his powerful message about putting kids first in sport. ⚽ Joe has become a leading voice on redefining what great coaching looks like: creating environments where children play freely, feel support...

In this episode of Pitchside Perspective, Stuart & Jack sit down with former New York Red Bulls & NYCFC Academy Coach Richard Scott to unpack what truly defines a team’s identity — and why strong beliefs, principles, and a clear coaching philosophy are the foundation of long-term success in modern football. ⚽ From the rise of possession-based football to the challenge of staying true to y...

In this episode, Stuart and Jack welcome back Paul Gerald from Groundhopper Soccer Guides — a football travel expert helping fans experience the game’s greatest atmospheres across Europe. 🌍⚽ Paul joins the show to share what he’s been up to since his last appearance — including exciting new partnerships with St Johnstone and West Brom — before diving into the ultimate question: Where’s the best...

In this episode, Stuart and Jack dive into the chaos, drama, and excitement of the Premier League — a season full of surprises, unexpected results, and intense title races. From Arsenal’s rise as genuine title contenders to Liverpool’s struggles, and shock performances from teams like Bournemouth and Aston Villa, this conversation explores what makes the current season one of the most unpredictabl...

In this episode, Stuart and Jack welcome Mark Phillips — aka The Neurodivergent Footballer — a former pro who played for Millwall, Brentford, AFC Wimbledon, and Southend United. ⚽ Recently diagnosed with ADHD, Mark has turned his journey of self-discovery into a mission to raise awareness around neurodiversity in sport and help the next generation of players thrive — both on and off the pitch. Th...

In this episode, Stuart and Jack sit down with John Gordon , businessman turned football club owner, to talk about his incredible journey taking over Armoy FC in Cyprus⚽ John shares his experiences navigating the challenges of club ownership, his emotional connection to the game, and the vision driving Armoy’s rise through the divisions. The conversation dives deep into what it really takes to bu...

In this episode of the Pitchside Perspective podcast, hosts Stuart and Jack welcome Phil Phillipou, a youth coach and author of 'Inspiring Young Minds'. They discuss the importance of mental skills in youth sports, the role of parents, and the differences in coaching styles across countries. Phil shares his experiences coaching young players and emphasizes the need for a supportive environment, co...

In this episode of the Pitchside Perspective Podcast, hosts Stuart Sharples and Jack Koleszar delve into the art of 1v1s in modern football with former England & Premier League player Steve Guppy. They discuss the importance of creativity, resilience, and the role of coaches in fostering an environment that encourages players to take risks. Steve shares his personal journey, highlighting the c...

In this episode of the Pitch Side Perspective Podcast, hosts Stuart Sharples and Jack Koleszar are joined by WNBC News Anchor Michael Gargiulo to break down the FIFA Club World Cup. We dive into the tournament’s significance, the skepticism surrounding its growth, and what it means for the future of soccer in the U.S. and beyond. From ticket accessibility and fan culture to financial challenges an...

The 2025/26 Premier League is here – and we’ve got some bold predictions 🔥 Who’s winning the title? Who’s going down? And which manager is first to get the sack? Expect hot takes, surprise picks, and a few controversial calls… We’re kicking off the new season with our complete Premier League predictions! 🏆 From title contenders to relegation battlers, European spots to surprise packages, we brea...

This week, we're wrapping up the 2024/25 Premier League season with our End-of-Season Awards episode! From Manager of the Year to Signing of the Season, and the always controversial Premier League Team of the Year (TOTY) — we're breaking it all down. Join us as we relive the biggest moments, spotlight the breakout stars, and debate who really deserves the top honors from one of the most dramatic E...

This week, we're joined by returning guest Ross McNeilly, former coach at Dorking Wanderers and Aldershot, to explore what really happens once the final whistle blows. We break down the modern off-season: from post-season tours and player fatigue, to the growing trend of “pre-season before pre-season.” Are clubs overworking their players? Is the off-season becoming a myth? And how can coaches bett...

This week we’re diving into the ultimate Football Manager dream come true. Joined by Nathan Owolabi—a legend of the FM community turned real-life first-team analyst at Bromley FC—we explore how a passion for virtual tactics led to a pitchside role during a National League promotion push. After winning a competition run by Xbox and Football Manager, Nathan made the leap from screen to sideline, and...

This week we dive into the meaning of Premier League legacy. With Kevin De Bruyne rumored to be leaving Manchester City this summer, we reflect on the impact he’s had—one of the greatest midfielders in Premier League history? Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah looks set to extend his time at Liverpool, strengthening his case as one of the league’s all-time greats. From goals and assists to trophies and cult...

This week, we dive deep into the archives to celebrate the mavericks — the rebels, the rule-breakers, the artists who lit up the league in their own unique way. These are the players who didn’t always follow the script, but made you fall in love with the game. After Gary Neville questioned whether the Premier League has lost its flair players, we look back to see who makes it into our Top 10 Maver...

This week we sit down with Nick Regan, Head Coach of VMI Men’s Soccer and USL W League’s Charlottesville Blues FC, to discuss rebuilding a college soccer program from the ground up and creating a positive environment. Taking over a struggling team, Nick used data-driven coaching strategies—influenced by his experience in the startup tech industry in the US, UK and Israel—to transform VMI into a co...

This week we're diving deep into the evolving landscape of U.S. Soccer, with a special focus on the USL and its push for promotion and relegation. Joining us is Simon Baines, Sporting Director of the newly launched Westchester SC! With the club making its USL League One debut just weeks ago, Simon takes us behind the scenes of building a team from the ground up, the challenges of launching in a co...

This week on Pitchside Perspective Podcast, the international break takes center stage as the Three Lions return to action. The big headline? Thomas Tuchel is set to take charge of England’s national team—a German manager at the helm of England. Is this a bold revolution or a risky gamble? We break down Tuchel’s squad selection, key inclusions and omissions, and what it reveals about his vision. P...

Join us for another episode of Pitchside Perspective as we dive into one of football’s biggest questions—what does it take to make it as a pro? We’re joined by Mark Phillips, whose journey from a 13-year-old Millwall recruit to a Championship and League One veteran, FA Cup finalist, and UEFA Cup competitor gives him unique insight into the game. With 15 years of coaching experience, Mark shares wh...