From The Sidelines - from Northumberland FA

Lloyd Miller, FA Women’s Pathway Coach Developer, explores the Think-Plan-Do-Review approach in coaching. Discover how structured planning, reflective practice, and practical execution help coaches develop players effectively and grow their own skills. Perfect for coaches looking to strengthen their approach on and off the pitch.

Join host Gary Middleton for an insightful episode of the Northumberland FA Podcast as he speaks with Chazz Mann, Academy Lead Coach at Leeds United, about his journey through coaching, from early voluntary work and grassroots football to international experience in the United States, teaching roles, and eventually progressing into professional academy environments. Chazz reflects on the formative challenges that shaped his coaching philosophy, the importance of humility and surrounding yourself with the right people, lessons learned from grassroots leadership, breaking into Bradford City’s academy, and the mentors who influenced his development. He also shares his experiences at Leeds United during its transition from Category Two to Category One status, the value of collaboration across departments, and his aspirations in coach development following completion of the Premier League Future Coach Developer course. This episode provides a rich, reflective look into the realities of coaching, personal growth, and the pathways that shape those working in the game.

In this episode, we’re joined by Sam Pothecary, Crystal Palace Under-9s Coach and Hampshire FA Coach Development Lead. We dive into how to support players on their football journey, the importance of individual development, and how coaches can create engaging, challenging, and player-centred environments.

Whether you're coaching in grassroots or an academy setting, this podcast is designed to give you tools, ideas and inspiration to develop better players and better coaches.

Geoff Pike, Football Coaching Consultant and former FA Coach Educator, chats about the coach development and education landscape. He discusses pathways for coaches, the evolution of coach education, and the insights he’s gained working with coaches at all levels. A must-listen for anyone interested in developing their coaching knowledge and understanding how education shapes the future of football.

In this episode of From the Sidelines, Gary Middleton is joined by former Manchester United Academy coach and FA Coach Developer Paul McGuinness for a fascinating deep dive into coaching, player development and the power of storytelling in football.

Paul shares insights from over 28 years at Manchester United, his current work across the FA, women’s football, Leeds United and international consultancy, and explains how his famous “Hunting Dogs – Win It & Break” theme became one of his most effective coaching tools.

Using vivid analogies inspired by African hunting dogs, Paul explores how coaches can teach players to regain possession with intelligence, organisation and aggression, from “getting into the long grass” and “smelling blood” to working together as a pack to win the ball back and break quickly.

The conversation covers:

• The origins of the “Hunting Dogs” philosophy
• Using storytelling and imagery to improve player understanding
• Coaching defensive transitions and regaining possession
• “Under the microscope” coaching detail and individual defending
• Creating advantage and flow in football
• Influences from Manchester United, the FA and legendary coaches including Don Howe, Eric Harrison and Dick Bate
• The importance of coach development, connection and football culture

Paul also previews the practical CPD event taking place at Northumberland FA on 22nd September, where coaches will see the “Hunting Dogs – Win It & Break” session brought to life on the pitch.

An insightful episode packed with practical coaching detail, memorable stories and a passion for developing players and coaches at every level of the game.

In this episode of From the Sidelines, host Gary Middleton sits down with Newcastle United Academy Lead Coach Gregg Ryder to explore his remarkable coaching journey across Iceland, Denmark, America, and back home to the North East. Gregg shares how a broken leg in the U.S. unexpectedly sparked his passion for coaching, the opportunities and challenges he faced working abroad, and the cultural insights that shaped his development at both grassroots and elite levels.

From navigating first‑team environments at just 23, to embracing new cultures, learning languages, and mentoring young players, Gregg offers valuable lessons for coaches considering taking their career overseas. Now back at his boyhood club, he reflects on stability, growth, and the realities of modern coaching.

Whether you're an aspiring coach, seasoned practitioner, or simply fascinated by the global game, this episode offers honest, insightful, and inspiring reflections from a coach who’s lived football across continents.

Host Gary Middleton is joined by Abdul “Butch” Fazal, The FA’s EDI Lead for the Men’s Game, to explore the importance of diversifying the coaching workforce. Butch discusses the barriers faced by historically underrepresented coaches, including access, affordability and opportunity, and explains how FA programmes such as mentoring, club placements and bespoke learning and development aim to create a more equitable pathway into the professional and talent development game. The conversation highlights the value of diversity beyond representation, emphasising the impact of different perspectives on decision‑making and performance, while also offering practical insight into coach development, employability, reflective practice and resilience. An interesting listen for coaches at all levels who are passionate about inclusion, development and the future of the game.

In this episode of Touchline to Three Lions, we sit down with Liam Bramley, England National Head Coach, as he shares his coaching journey from grassroots beginnings to the elite level of the game.

With experience as First Team Coach at Aston Villa and Norwich City, Liam reflects on the lessons learned across his career, the moments that shaped his coaching philosophy, and the pathway that led him to representing England on the international stage.

An inspiring listen for coaches, players, and fans alike – discover what it takes to rise through the ranks and make an impact at the highest level.

In this episode, Northumberland FA Football Development Officer Gary Middleton chats with Tony Walmsley — former A-League Technical Director, UEFA Pro Licence holder, and performance specialist. Tony shares his experiences from across the game and explores how true success in football starts with people development. From leadership insights to building environments where individuals can thrive, this conversation offers valuable takeaways for coaches at every level.

In this episode, we chat with Mark Lee, owner of Mark Lee Football Coaching in Australia, about developing your coaching philosophy within grassroots football. Mark shares his insights on building a clear coaching approach, nurturing players, and creating a positive impact in the game from the grassroots level up. A must-listen for coaches looking to refine their style and make a lasting difference.