The Business of Football

In this episode, David delves into the essential strategies for acquiring and maintaining high-value connections within the football business space. Drawing from personal experiences, David outlines four key methods: working for influential figures, collaborating with them, attending networking events, and leveraging LinkedIn for connections. David shares insights on how to effectively navigate ne...

In this episode, David sits down with Tariq Qasim, the CEO and founder of KoachHub, a Singapore-based sports tech company focused on revolutionizing grassroots football through data. Tariq shares his journey into the football space, the inception of KoachHub, and its mission to provide youth players with a digital resume that tracks their performance and development. Tariq also discusses the poten...

In this episode, David considers the overwhelming nature of social media, particularly within the football industry. He discusses the pressure to constantly create and consume content, highlighting the importance of setting clear goals for social media use. David shares personal strategies for managing content creation and consumption, emphasising the value of engaging with the right people and fo...

In this episode, David sits down with Carlo De Marchis, known as "A Guy With A Scarf", to explore his extensive career in sports technology and marketing. Carlo shares his unique experiences attending major sports events, emphasizing the value of networking and idea generation behind the scenes. Carlo discusses the importance of creativity in the sports industry and how he leverages his brand to c...

In this episode, David delves into the importance of content creation, particularly within the football industry, and shares practical tips for individuals looking to build their brand.  David shares personal experiences and strategies for documenting events, recording talks, and utilizing social media to enhance visibility and connect with a broader audience.   KEY TAKEAWAYS In today's digital la...

In this special episode, David sits down with former Leicester City Chief Executive Officer Barrie Pierpont, who played a pivotal role in transforming the club during the early 1990s. Barrie shares his journey from joining a financially struggling club to significantly increasing its revenue and fan engagement, including raising ticket sales by nearly 250% and launching successful community initia...

In this episode, David explores the challenges and opportunities faced by young professionals in the football industry. David discusses the common age bias that often leads to younger individuals feeling underestimated and how they can combat this perception by emphasizing their skills, experiences, and adaptability. David shares insights from his journey and highlights the importance of networkin...

In this episode, David talks with Andy Marston about community building within the football industry. Andy shares insights from his own experiences, particularly through his initiative, Sports Pundit, which aims to connect professionals in the sports sector. Andy also explores the need for greater inclusivity of younger voices in the industry, drawing parallels with successful models from other se...

In this episode, David delves into the intricacies of personal branding within the football industry, outlining ten essential steps to help listeners define their niche and establish a strong online presence. Emphasizing the importance of social media, David shares insights on how to generate reactions and engage with audiences effectively. He also highlights the value of sharing knowledge and fos...

In this episode, David interviews Melanie Muller, CEO and AI consultant at GenFuturesLab, who shares her insights on the intersection of artificial intelligence and football. Speaking at the SportsProAI Future of Sport Conference, Melanie recently discussed her innovative AI avatar, Leo AI, designed to analyse football matches and enhance fan engagement. They look into the potential of AI to impro...

In this episode, David delves into the crucial topic of networking within the football industry. David emphasizes the importance of building relationships from an early age and how every interaction contributes to one's network. The episode covers various strategies for effective networking, including attending events, leveraging social media platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter, and the value of m...

In this episode, David delves into the concept of luck and how it can be influenced by our actions. David shares personal anecdotes from his journey in the football industry, illustrating that luck often comes to those who are willing to try and step out of their comfort zones. David emphasizes the importance of taking risks, networking, and seizing opportunities, arguing that luck is not merely a...

In this episode, David delves into the essential strategies for standing out in the competitive football industry. Sharing personal experiences from his university days, he emphasizes the importance of networking, gaining practical experience through volunteering, and leveraging social media as a powerful tool for self-promotion. The episode highlights the significance of authenticity and building...

In this episode, David welcomes Anandi Taylor and engages in a captivating conversation about the intersection of technology and sports. With a rich background in big data analysis, Anandi shares his journey from working with major corporations like Shell Oil and JP Morgan to founding iSports Analysis, a company dedicated to making performance analysis accessible to all levels of sports. Anandi em...

In this episode, David delves into the profound impact of globalization on the football industry, which has evolved into a $400 billion mini-society. The discussion highlights the diverse types of football fans, from die-hard fanatics to casual followers, and how clubs are increasingly targeting these demographics for marketing and engagement. The episode explores the commercialization of football...

In this episode, David welcomes his first guest, David Johnson-Rayner a seasoned entrepreneur with over a decade of experience in business and a strong advocate for social mobility among young people. The episode delves into David's journey, highlighting his work with Koi Sports and the Third Eye International Sports Consultancy, which focuses on empowering young individuals through innovative edu...

In this episode, David delves into the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the world of football. The discussion highlights how AI is already being integrated into various aspects of the sport, from coaching and player performance analysis to injury prevention and stadium management. David emphasizes the importance of AI in achieving marginal gains and operational efficiency, wh...

In this episode David delves into the significant impact of social media on the football industry, highlighting its role in the digital revolution. The discussion covers three key areas: the ease of content creation and distribution for football clubs, the importance of brand and influencer positioning, and the innovative repurposing of content to engage diverse audiences. The episode emphasizes h...

In this episode David, delves into the concept of disrupting an industry, emphasizing the importance of breaking down the status quo and leveraging personal skills for innovation. Drawing inspiration from entrepreneur Rob Moore, the discussion highlights the significance of belief in oneself and the necessity of acquiring skills through networking, volunteering, and preparation. David shares perso...

In this episode David dives into the lucrative world of football, focusing on the highest earners outside of playing roles. The episode explores the top 10 highest-paying non-playing jobs in football, from performance directors to club managers, highlighting the significant impact these positions have on the sport. The discussion also touches on the most searched roles in sports, revealing what as...

In this episode, David delves into the intricacies of the football business model, addressing common misconceptions about how football clubs operate financially. The episode highlights the stark reality that a significant majority of clubs do not operate at a profit, with 85% of teams in the top four English divisions losing money in the 2022-2023 season. The discussion also covers the high costs...

In this episode David shares a personal journey through the world of football, reflecting on his early aspirations to become a professional player and the challenges he faced along the way. Starting from his childhood in Swindon, he recounts his experiences as a goalkeeper, the disappointment of being released from an academy, and the subsequent loss of passion for the sport. The episode delves in...

In this episode, David shares insights on breaking into the football business from a young person's perspective. Reflecting on their journey after graduating, they discuss the importance of networking, humility, and seizing opportunities. The episode highlights the challenges faced while navigating the industry, including a humorous anecdote about a near-mistake in player administration. David emp...