Playground to Premiership

Premier League legend Matt Le Tissier talks to Wayne Thomas about his footballing journey, starting on the Channel Island of Guernsey and how he became the first midfielder to score 100 Premier League goals, his limited chances for England, and his thoughts on our chances in the 2026 World Cup. Matt also gives his thoughts on 'Spygate', Southampton's unprecedented expulsion from the 2026 Champions...

In this episode of Playground to Premiership, Wayne Thomas sits down with former midfielder Steve Hayward to trace a career defined by promotion battles, Wembley wins, and the dawn of a new era at Fulham. Steve opens up about his early days at Derby County and the pivotal move to Carlisle United, where he became a key figure in the club’s mid-90s resurgence. He shares behind-the-scenes stories fro...

Former Birmingham City and Walsall captain Martin O’Connor joins Wayne Thomas on Playground to Premiership to reflect on his impressive footballing journey, from developing as a young player to fulfilling his dream of playing for his boyhood club. Martin shares the key moments that shaped his pathway into the professional game, his rise into leadership roles, and what it meant to captain Birmingha...

Part TWO of our biggest episode yet! Look out for Part 1 on our main show page. Premier League and Northern Ireland legend Keith Gillespie joins Wayne Thomas to discuss his incredible footballing journey, from breaking through at Manchester United to starring for Newcastle, Blackburn, and beyond. Keith shares his experiences of playing at the highest level, the challenges young players face today,...

Part ONE of our biggest episode yet! Look out for Part 2 on our main show page. Premier League and Northern Ireland legend Keith Gillespie joins Wayne Thomas to discuss his incredible footballing journey, from breaking through at Manchester United to starring for Newcastle, Blackburn, and beyond. Keith shares his experiences of playing at the highest level, the challenges young players face today,...

West Bromwich Albion legend, 46-cap Scotland international, former Middlesborough midfielder James Morrison talks to Wayne Thomas about his journey into football, his thoughts on young players in the game today and names his all-time team-mates 5 a side team!

2024 has been a great start for Playground to Premiership, with 5 episodes recorded to date. Host Wayne has been busy since the birth of his son in November, so we thought we'd bring you this bonus episode featuring clips from all five episodes so far, featurinf Stephen Cooke, Jimmy Walker, Ade Viveash, Mick Halsall, and Nathan Cantrill.

Nathan Cantrill is Head of Foundation Phase at Premier League club Nottingham Forest, leading on the development of the club's 7-12 year olds. Nathan has a wealth of experience in youth development and coaching, having held positions as FP Lead and u18 development coach at Mansfield Town, Pre-Academy lead coach Doncaster Rovers, and is also passionate about Futsal, having been Academy Manager at L...

In this episode of Playground to Premiership, Mick Halsall talks about what it takes to be a top player, including hard work and developing technique. Mick also picks his all-time 5-a-side team, featuring players he coached along their journey to professional football.

In this episode of Playground to Premiership, Wayne Thomas talks to former Chelsea Under 18 and Under 21 Manager and Coventry City Assistant Manager to Adi Viveash about his experiences in developing some of Englands brightest talents, his playing days as a Swindon Town, Walsall and Reading player, and his advice to parents and coaches of young players today. In Playground to Premiership Wayne Tho...

Jimmy Walker holds the all time appearance record for Walsall Football Club, and went on to sign for West Ham United in 2004. After a spell at Tottenham Hotspur he went on to coach at several clubs. Jimmy talks to Wayne Thomas about his career path, the highs and lows, and gives his advice to young players starting out on their journey from playground to premiership.

Stephen Cooke, former Manchester United & Aston Villa player and Lilleshall graduate speaks to ACE Academy's Wayne Thomas. Stephen discusses rising through the English football system, being wanted by the best at a tender age and his thoughts on developing young players in his coaching role today. Stephen also picks his dream 5-a-side team of players he was lucky enough to call friends and tea...