I’m joined by Matt Hancock the CEO of EFL League 1 team Port Vale, on Episode 27 of my podcast.

Matt shares with me his journey to becoming a club executive. He discusses the importance of adaptability, hard work, youth development, the sustainability of lower league academies and strategic decision-making in football management.

I’m joined by Matt Hancock the CEO of EFL League 1 team Port Vale, on Episode 27 of my podcast.

Matt tells me that he believes football clubs should have academies and develop youth, after I asked him about the sustainability of lower league clubs financially funding academies. More in my comments

Full Episode: Friday May 22nd 2026 (6pm)

I’m joined by Matt Hancock the CEO of EFL League 1 team Port Vale, on Episode 27 of my podcast.

Matt tells me that the club invests around £800k yearly in the academy alongside the Premier League's (EPPP) funding. With so much money invested in the academy. The club wants to produce more players to benefit and impact the First Team.

Full Episode: Friday May 22nd 2026 (6pm)

I’m joined by Matt Hancock the CEO of EFL League 1 team Port Vale, on Episode 27 of my podcast.

Matt tells me that there are currently 180 boys in the academy. He says that although it would be ideal, it's highly unlikely for a player to go straight from under 9s all the way through the age groups into the First Team.

Full Episode: Friday May 22nd 2026

I’m joined by Matt Hancock the CEO of EFL League 1 team Port Vale, on Episode 27 of my podcast.

Matt tells me that listening is very important and it’s a common trait that he’s seen in players who have joined the First Team from the academy.

They all seem to be good listeners. Processing information and executing it.

I’m joined byCalum Oakenfold the Academy Manager of newly promoted EFL League 1 Champions Lincoln City on Episode 26 of my podcast.

Calum tells me that in the Lincoln academy. They are trying to develop good young people, alongside developing their talent.

I’m joined by Calum Oakenfold the Academy Manager of newly promoted EFL League 1 Champions Lincoln City, on Episode 26 of my podcast.

Calum tells me that scholars at Lincoln have to be physically and mentally ready to enter the First Team by age 18 because the club doesn’t have an under 21s team to continue development.

I’m joined by Calum Oakenfold the Academy Manager of newly promoted EFL League 1 Champions Lincoln City, on Episode 26 of my podcast.

Calum tells me that Lincoln scouts players with certain movements and abilities that they can develop long term when considering registering a player to the academy in all age groups.

The club accepts that due to their limited resources, the perfect players don’t walk through the door. Full Episode in my bio

I’m joined by Calum Oakenfold the Academy Manager of newly promoted EFL League 1 Champions Lincoln City, on Episode 26 of my podcast.

Calum Oakenfold shares his journey through football coaching, from grassroots to academy management.

Calum also gives insights on youth development, coaching strategies, and the importance of experience in shaping successful football careers.

In this insightful interview, Calum tells me about his extensive experience in youth football development, focusing on education, player management, and the importance of a holistic approach to nurturing talent. Discover strategies for handling player transitions, the role of data, and the qualities that define a model professional.

I’m joined by Calum Oakenfold the Academy Manager of newly promoted EFL League 1 Champions Lincoln City, on Episode 26 of my podcast.

Calum tells me that the academy takes education seriously and encourages it, because the club cannot guarantee the boys will become professionals in the game. More in my comments

Full Episode: Friday May 8th 2026 (6pm)