What Keeps Fans Loyal to Their Club for a Lifetime?

Football is more than just a game—it’s identity, community, and lifelong devotion. Few understand this better than esteemed historian and lifelong Aldershot Town supporter, David Kynaston, who joins Greig Box Turnbull on stage at Emirates Stadium to explore the deep emotional bonds fans have with their clubs.

From attending his first Aldershot Town match in 1959 to documenting the club’s 2016-17 season in Shots in the Dark, David shares his journey as a devoted fan. Alongside Greig, former managing director of Oxford United FC, this episode delves into the nostalgia, passion, and unwavering loyalty that define the connection between supporters and their teams—especially in smaller footballing communities.

David and Greig also discuss the evolving fan experience in today’s digital world. Does physically attending matches offer something deeper than following a club online? How can clubs balance tradition—home grounds, team colours, and local identity—with commercial realities?

The conversation also highlights the human touch in football business and how clubs can foster genuine loyalty across generations by prioritising warmth, authenticity, and connection.

This Live Special episode of Don't Forget Your Tickets was recorded at the Don't Forget Your Tickets conference at Emirates Stadium, January 23rd 2025, as the fourth out of 12 on-stage interviews that day. David Kynaston was interviewed by Greig Box Turnbull.

Don't Forget Your Tickets is powered by TicketCo and hosted by TicketCo’s CEO, Carl-Erik Michalsen Moberg. The podcast was originally named TicketingPodcast.com

Unlock the Future of Sports Ticketing—With Just a Smile!

Join us for a fascinating conversation with Daniel Gianmarco Krizan of TruCrowd and Preyan De Silva from Wimbledon – The All England Lawn Tennis Club, recorded live at the Don’t Forget Your Tickets conference at Emirates Stadium in January 2025.

Imagine walking into a stadium without the hassle of physical or digital tickets. In this episode, Daniel explains how facial recognition ticketing is transforming fan entry—offering seamless access, tackling ticket scalping, and enhancing stadium security. Plus, with biometric data stored as secure, irreversible mathematical representations, privacy remains a top priority.

But the impact goes beyond convenience. We explore the financial cost of ticket fraud in the UK and how this cutting-edge technology opens new revenue streams for clubs. Daniel shares how clubs can introduce facial recognition step by step—starting with VIPs and premium experiences—to build trust and fan acceptance.

We also dive into the bigger picture: how this innovation could redefine the fan journey, integrating ticketing with stadium visits, restaurant reservations, and beyond.

This episode isn’t just about technology—it’s about revolutionising the way fans experience live sports. Don’t miss it!

This Live Special episode of Don't Forget Your Tickets was recorded at the Don't Forget Your Tickets conference at Emirates Stadium, January 23rd 2025, as the third out of 12 on-stage interviews that day. Daniel Gianmarco Krizan was interviewed by Preyan De Silva.

Don't Forget Your Tickets is powered by TicketCo and hosted by TicketCo’s CEO, Carl-Erik Michalsen Moberg. The podcast was originally named TicketingPodcast.com

Football isn’t just about the game—it’s a billion-euro empire, thanks to the intricate work of legal and financial experts. Stefan Borson, CEO of Watchstone Group and former financial advisor to Manchester City, joins us to unravel how clubs have transformed into financial powerhouses. Through his expert lens, we explore Real Madrid's remarkable financial achievements and the sweeping changes that have reshaped football operations, making lawyers and accountants indispensable in today's complex sporting landscape.

The world of football governance has never been this challenging. With UEFA's financial fair play and the Premier League's intricate rulebook, clubs now navigate a labyrinth of regulations demanding transparency and accountability. We shine a light on covert allowances during the pandemic and Chelsea’s strategic legal maneuvers concerning past off-the-book payments. These stories highlight the critical need for skilled legal teams to steer through the modern game’s financial twists and turns.

As we move down the league ladder, the fiscal hurdles lower-division teams face become apparent. The conversation shifts to the pressures of adhering to financial regulations and the potential pitfalls, such as player swaps, that threaten the sport's integrity. We also reflect on the cherished emotional bonds between fans and homegrown players, discussing the delicate balance clubs must strike between financial demands and nurturing local talent. Join us for an insightful journey into the financial and legal fabric of football today.


This Live Special episode of Don't Forget Your Tickets was recorded at the Don't Forget Your Tickets conference at Emirates Stadium, January 23rd 2025, as the second out of 12 on-stage interviews that day. Stefan Borson was interviewed by Adam Leventhal.

Don't Forget Your Tickets is powered by TicketCo and hosted by TicketCo’s CEO, Carl-Erik Michalsen Moberg. The podcast was originally named TicketingPodcast.com

Discover the transformation of modern football with Paul Barber, the dynamic CEO and Deputy Chairman of Brighton & Hove Albion FC. Sharing his unique journey from dreaming of being a player to becoming a top executive, Paul provides a rare glimpse into English football's evolution after Euro 96, revealing how it reshaped the commercial ambitions of the Football Association. With tales of Brighton's strategic ascent to the Premier League, Paul gives us a behind-the-scenes look into his powerful partnership with Chairman Tony Bloom, a collaboration built on trust and a shared vision that’s turned Brighton into a club capable of riveting victories against giants like Arsenal and Manchester City.

How do football clubs find hidden gem players and keep their fans engaged? Paul Barber breaks down Brighton's cutting-edge approach to player acquisition, explaining how data and algorithms help identify undervalued talent. He also shares insights into the club’s commitment to strengthening fan relationships through personalised communication and efforts to increase female participation in all aspects of the game. With a focus on inclusivity, Brighton is not just crafting a team but building a diverse and welcoming community for supporters from all walks of life.

Exploring the intricate balance between financial sustainability and high performance, Paul offers an honest discussion about the challenges and opportunities in elite sports. He highlights the camaraderie and collaboration among Premier League clubs, even amidst fierce competition. There's a thoughtful exploration of the potential impacts of regulatory changes, with Paul articulating Brighton’s desire to return to European competition. Through his expertise, we gain a profound appreciation for the relentless pursuit of excellence and the joy of competing at the sport's highest level.


This Live Special episode of Don't Forget Your Tickets was recorded at the Don't Forget Your Tickets conference at Emirates Stadium, January 23rd 2025, as the first out of 12 on-stage interviews that day. Paul Barber was interviewed by Clare Kenny.

Don't Forget Your Tickets is powered by TicketCo and hosted by TicketCo’s CEO, Carl-Erik Michalsen Moberg. The podcast was originally named TicketingPodcast.com

Fan engagement for modern football clubs has evolved beyond simply connecting with local supporters—it’s now about reaching and resonating with a global fan base. In this episode of Don’t Forget Your Tickets, we’re joined by Curt Baker, Product Lead at FotMob, to explore how innovative digital tools are redefining the matchday experience for fans everywhere. With over 17 million monthly users, FotMob delivers live scores, personalised updates, and insights from over 500 football leagues worldwide.

Curt shares how football stats apps can enhance stadium engagement, unlock new revenue streams, and even transform into marketplaces for tickets and merchandise. From the challenges of catering to diverse fan behaviors across different cultures to creating targeted campaigns that fans actually appreciate, this episode is packed with practical insights for clubs, marketers, and football enthusiasts alike.

Whether you’re looking to stay ahead of the curve in fan engagement or simply curious about the future of football innovation, don’t miss this 30-minute conversation full of fresh ideas and expert perspectives.

Don't Forget Your Tickets is powered by TicketCo and hosted by TicketCo’s CEO, Carl-Erik Michalsen Moberg. The podcast was originally named TicketingPodcast.com

Discover the captivating journey of Northern Irish football with Neil Coleman, Head of Communication and Digital Innovation at the Northern Ireland Football League (NIFL). In this Road Trip Special of Don't Forget Your Tickets, recorded live at NIFL's offices at Windsor Park in Belfast on October 22nd, 2024, Neil shares insights into the league's ambitious five-year strategy to elevate Northern Irish football on the European stage. Central to this vision is a strong emphasis on collaboration among its 47 clubs to drive growth and enhance visibility.

Neil discusses how landmark events, like the historic Europa Conference League clash between Northern Ireland’s Larne and Ireland’s Shamrock Rovers, mark significant milestones for local clubs with international aspirations. He also explores the unique challenges Northern Irish clubs face in attracting fans who are often drawn to Premier League teams, shedding light on the opportunities that lie ahead.

Celebrate the rich heritage and community spirit woven into Northern Irish football as Neil recounts the legacy of iconic clubs like Glentoran FC and Linfield, whose achievements continue to inspire. Learn how the COVID-19 pandemic unexpectedly fueled a surge of local support, offering a renewed sense of pride and optimism for the future of the sport.

With NIFL’s focus on professionalisation and competitiveness, this episode promises a compelling look at the passion, resilience, and strategic vision driving Northern Ireland’s football community toward a bright future. Don’t miss this inspiring journey through the heart of Northern Irish football!

Don't Forget Your Tickets is powered by TicketCo and hosted by TicketCo’s CEO, Carl-Erik Michalsen Moberg. The podcast was originally named TicketingPodcast.com

What happens when a traditional football club adopts a modern subscription model? Join us for a live special of Don’t Forget Your Tickets with Mikkel Bjerre, Senior Ticketing and Customer Service Manager at FC Copenhagen. Mikkel shares how FC Copenhagen’s innovative approach to subscriptions has transformed fan loyalty, improved cash flow, and engaged new audience demographics.

In this episode, recorded live in the Royal Tennis Hall in Stockholm in front of a live audience during the BNP Paribas Nordic Open, Mikkel dives into the challenges and rewards of shifting to a subscription model, from ensuring sustainable fan engagement to navigating the complexities of media rights. He also reveals how FC Copenhagen’s new initiatives like FCK+ offer fans exclusive content and first-in-line access to tickets, blending digital engagement with live match experiences.

Tune in to learn how FC Copenhagen is pioneering a fan-first approach, balancing tradition with innovation, and creating a ticketing model that keeps fans invested year-round. Don’t miss this deep dive into the future of sports ticketing.

Don't Forget Your Tickets is powered by TicketCo and hosted by TicketCo’s CEO, Carl-Erik Michalsen Moberg. The podcast was originally named TicketingPodcast.com

What happens when sports collide with innovation? Join us for an insightful conversation with Thomas Rypens, Direct-to-Consumer Director at Club Brugge, as he shares how the club is revolutionising fan experiences and boosting revenue through digital strategies. Learn how the integration of ticketing and merchandising, backed by a powerful data ecosystem, is transforming fan engagement.

Thomas sheds light on Club Brugge's digital-first approach, especially their use of platforms like Roblox to engage younger audiences with innovative strategies like launching the Away shirt in the metaverse. He also discusses the balance between traditional sports marketing and modern digital platforms, illustrating how research and fan feedback shape their bold moves.

We also explore the importance of cross-department collaboration at Club Brugge, where ticketing, merchandising, and fan services work together to create a seamless fan experience, driving both engagement and profitability. Tune in to "Don’t Forget Your Tickets" to discover how Club Brugge is leading the way in sports and digital engagement.

Don't Forget Your Tickets is powered by TicketCo and hosted by TicketCo’s CEO, Carl-Erik Michalsen Moberg. The podcast was originally named TicketingPodcast.com

In this Live Special episode of Don't Forget Your Tickets, recorded at Cherry Red Records Stadium, Param Kanabar, CEO and founder of NOQ, shares the story of how a frustrating concert experience led him to create a solution that eliminates queues and boosts revenue for event organisers.

Param discusses how NOQ has evolved into a comprehensive financial operating system, offering seamless experiences for both attendees and organisers. With his background as a CFO, he highlights the financial complexities of large-scale events and the importance of integrated systems.

He also shares his journey from corporate CFO to startup founder, providing insights into building long-term event partnerships and the personal fulfilment of blending business with passion. Param’s vision for NOQ’s global expansion offers inspiration for anyone interested in the future of events, data, and efficiency.

Don't Forget Your Tickets is powered by TicketCo and hosted by TicketCo’s CEO, Carl-Erik Michalsen Moberg. The podcast was originally named TicketingPodcast.com

Incorporating charitable donations into the ticket-buying process is a powerful way to support important causes, enhance customer experience, and build a positive brand image. In the latest episode of TicketingPodcast.com, we explore this innovative upselling strategy with Julien Lepron, a Partner and Consultant at Common Cents France. Founded in 2012, Common Cents boasts clients like Paris Saint Germain, Rugby World Cup France 2023, and the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Julien Lepron’s journey is remarkable. As the former Head of Customer Experience at Paris Saint Germain, Julien gained invaluable insights into ticket sales and fan engagement. Leveraging this experience, he now drives charitable contributions through Common Cents.

Key Takeaways:

1. Integrating Donations into Ticket Sales: Julien explains how Common Cents seamlessly integrates donation options into the ticket purchasing journey, significantly boosting charitable contributions.
2. Boosting Customer Engagement: Offering donation options enhances customer loyalty and engagement, making fans feel more connected to organisations that facilitate impactful giving.
3. Creating Commercial Opportunities: Julien highlights how event organisers can increase ROI and brand awareness by connecting commercial partners and fans, generating richer customer data, and creating new digital sponsorship opportunities.

Why This Episode Matters:

Whether you’re a ticketing manager seeking innovation or a sports executive aiming to enhance match day operations, Julien Lepron’s insights provide valuable lessons on leveraging technology for social good. His expertise underscores the importance of strategic partnerships and customer-centric solutions in today’s ticketing landscape.

Don't Forget Your Tickets is powered by TicketCo and hosted by TicketCo’s CEO, Carl-Erik Michalsen Moberg. The podcast was originally named TicketingPodcast.com