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 have come to pass over the last year; from referee attacks to media interviews live in game! 

So join us on a trip down memory lane where we look at hoe Breaking Lines went from balcony idea to being listend too in over 50 countries globally and is a favourite pod amongst some of football's glitterati (well the odd referee and coach) as well as fans!

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 first tentative steps are made into the world of coaching! 

For many the first toe in the water as a player-coach can be filled with dread. Organising and delivering to your peers can leave even the most confident leader and confident pro quivvering. The dry mouth, the sweaty palms and the awkward search for their first coaching voice.

Its a well worn path but there is no shortcut; time on task and doing the hard yards is vital if you wish to make a success of your coaching career wether your goal is to become a top-class coach working at the first team level or your passion is to develop the players of tomorrow!

Join us as we take you through the journey when your move from player to coach and cross the rubicon! 

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 experiences from our different clubs have we taken forward to our new club?

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 talisman can come with challenges too - get them onboard and they can be another coach on the pitch and in the team!

Yet some also have the ego - and perhaps the arrogance - to believe that they are more influential than the Head Coach... and that when issues can present themselves. History in sport in littered with example of top players who become bigger than the coach, the team and perhaps the club! 

So join us as we explore how having a talisman in your team can be a huge positive, a potential negative but undoubtedly a force for good when they are playing well, full of confidence and leading from the front! 

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 tactical game plans.

It emphasised the significance of data in assessing player performance, particularly in defensive actions and set pieces. The discussion also covers the evolving nature of recruitment in football, highlighting how data can streamline the scouting process and improve decision-making. Robert also shares insights with Dave and Gary on how clubs can utilise data to enhance their understanding of player capabilities and team dynamics, ultimately aiming for a more effective recruitment strategy.

A brilliant second part to this top interview

#football #soccer #futebol #epl #efl #manager #headcoach #performance #sportsscience #fitness #tactics #derby #winners #analysis #IMPECT #Packing #Bundesliga #footballanalysis #dataanalytics #ImpectAnalysis #packingdata #footballmetrics #Germanfootball #tacticalanalysis #datacollection #gamemodels #performancemetrics #footballanalytics #pressingstrategies #defensiveperformance #playerrecruitment #setpieces #tacticalanalysis #datainfootball #playerprofiling #gamestrategies #footballcoaching

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 of UK Football Development for IMPECT to bring you insights into how this new system is allowing us the see the game like never before, and introduce many of the concepts that underpin how this analysis form is going to shift coaching and analysis thinking

Watch out for part 2... coming soon!

#football #soccer #futebol #epl #efl #manager #headcoach #performance #sportsscience #fitness #tactics #derby #winners #analysis #IMPECT #Packing #Bundesliga

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 alike.

But what happens when things go wrong? We’ll break down how a poor start can send shockwaves through the squad, inviting pressure from the media and fans, and leading to drastic decisions behind the scenes.

Join us as we explore the fine margins between flying high and falling into early-season panic.

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 the cool concept of leadership groups, and take a peek into the future of sports leadership as coaching and management evolve. It’s a conversation packed with insights and good vibes!

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 & half scarves we point out some of the ones that need to be sent down!

What would you choose to go into Dressing Room 101