In this episode of Pitchside Perspective, Stuart & Jack sit down with former New York Red Bulls & NYCFC Academy Coach Richard Scott to unpack what truly defines a team’s identity — and why strong beliefs, principles, and a clear coaching philosophy are the foundation of long-term success in modern football. ⚽

From the rise of possession-based football to the challenge of staying true to your tactics under pressure, this conversation explores how the best coaches build systems that balance creativity, structure, and adaptability.

Richard shares how understanding your team identity helps players make smarter decisions, solve problems creatively, and maintain style even when the game gets chaotic. It’s an honest look at the balance between football tactics and coaching beliefs — and why having conviction is key in today’s results-driven world.

Topics We Cover:

✅ Why beliefs and principles matter in coaching

✅ Building a clear and consistent team identity

✅ How possession-based football shapes player development

✅ Creative problem-solving and adaptability in-game

✅ Teaching players to think, not just execute

✅ Managing external pressures as a coach

✅ Balancing philosophy with football pragmatism

Whether you’re a coach, player, or football enthusiast, this episode is packed with insights on how to define your team’s style, sharpen your football tactics, and build a lasting identity on and off the pitch.

💬 Share your thoughts in the comments & don’t forget to like, subscribe, and follow for more deep-dive football conversations shaping the modern game.

#FootballPodcast #CoachingPhilosophy #TeamIdentity #FootballTactics #SoccerCoaching #PossessionBasedFootball #FootballDevelopment #ModernFootball #CoachingMindset #FootballCulture #SoccerPodcast #PitchsidePerspective #TacticalAnalysis #FootballStrategy #FootballCoach

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In this episode, Stuart and Jack welcome back Paul Gerald from Groundhopper Soccer Guides — a football travel expert helping fans experience the game’s greatest atmospheres across Europe. 🌍⚽

Paul joins the show to share what he’s been up to since his last appearance — including exciting new partnerships with St Johnstone and West Brom — before diving into the ultimate question: Where’s the best stadium atmosphere in Europe?

From the drama of Italian supporters to the boisterous energy of English terraces, this conversation explores how fan culture, emotion, and local traditions shape the matchday experience. Paul breaks down his favorite stadiums outside England, hidden gems across Spain, and what truly makes a football ground unforgettable.

Topics We Cover:

✅ Catching up with Paul and Groundhopper’s latest projects

✅ The best stadiums to visit outside of England

✅ English vs Italian supporter culture

✅ Why atmosphere feels different across Europe

✅ Hidden gems for football travelers in Spain

✅ What makes a truly great matchday experience

✅ Quick-fire “This or That” stadium questions

Whether you’re a football fan, traveler, or culture lover, this episode captures the passion, emotion, and connection that make European football truly special.

💬 Share your favorite stadium experiences in the comments — and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and follow Pitchside Perspective for more conversations shaping the game.

#FootballPodcast #SoccerTravel #StadiumAtmosphere #Groundhopping #EuropeanFootball #FootballFans #MatchdayExperience #FootballCulture #FootballTravel #HiddenGems #StadiumTravel #SoccerCulture #PitchsidePerspective #FootballTalk #SoccerPodcast

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In this episode, Stuart and Jack dive into the chaos, drama, and excitement of the Premier League — a season full of surprises, unexpected results, and intense title races.

From Arsenal’s rise as genuine title contenders to Liverpool’s struggles, and shock performances from teams like Bournemouth and Aston Villa, this conversation explores what makes the current season one of the most unpredictable in years.

Stuart and Jack debate whether teams can sustain their form, examine the cyclical nature of football seasons, and reflect on why fans love — and sometimes get frustrated by — the thrill of the Premier League.

Topics We Cover:

✅ Why unpredictability is the Premier League’s defining feature

✅ Arsenal’s rise and Liverpool’s form: title race dynamics

✅ Shock results and unexpected performances from mid-table teams

✅ Historical patterns and sustainability of team success

✅ The excitement (and frustration) of varied team performances

✅ What makes a winning style of play in modern football

✅ The cyclical nature of football seasons and momentum

✅ Predictions, debates, and insights from the hosts

Whether you’re a fan, coach, or simply love the drama of football, this episode offers a deep dive into why the Premier League continues to surprise and thrill every season.

💬 Share your thoughts in the comments & don’t forget to like, subscribe, and follow for more conversations shaping the game.

#PremierLeague #FootballPodcast #SoccerPodcast #Arsenal #Liverpool #Bournemouth #TitleRace #PremierLeagueAnalysis #FootballDrama #PitchsidePerspective

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In this episode, Stuart and Jack welcome Mark Phillips — aka The Neurodivergent Footballer — a former pro who played for Millwall, Brentford, AFC Wimbledon, and Southend United. ⚽

Recently diagnosed with ADHD, Mark has turned his journey of self-discovery into a mission to raise awareness around neurodiversity in sport and help the next generation of players thrive — both on and off the pitch.

The conversation explores how understanding neurodiversity can transform coaching, communication, and player development. From emotional regulation to celebrating achievements, Mark shares how coaches and parents can create more supportive, inclusive environments for all young athletes.

Topics We Cover:

✅ Mark’s journey through football and his ADHD diagnosis

✅ Why neurodiversity awareness matters in coaching

✅ Building supportive environments for every player

✅ Emotional regulation and managing pressure

✅ The importance of celebrating achievements

✅ The role of parents in youth sports

✅ Communication and empathy in player development

✅ Resources and support networks for neurodivergent individuals

Whether you’re a coach, parent, or player, this episode offers invaluable insight into how understanding the mind can unlock potential — and make football a more inclusive, empowering space for everyone.

💬 Share your thoughts in the comments & don’t forget to like, subscribe, and follow for more conversations shaping the game.

Check out his platforms  @TheNDFootballer 

#Neurodiversity #FootballPodcast #SoccerPodcast #ADHDAwareness #TheNeurodivergentFootballer #MarkPhillips #YouthSports #Coaching #PlayerDevelopment #InclusionInSport #PitchsidePerspective

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In this episode, Stuart and Jack sit down with John Gordon, businessman turned football club owner, to talk about his incredible journey taking over Armoy FC in Cyprus⚽

John shares his experiences navigating the challenges of club ownership, his emotional connection to the game, and the vision driving Armoy’s rise through the divisions. The conversation dives deep into what it really takes to build a successful club from the ground up — balancing tradition with modern ambition.

Topics We Cover:

✅ The emotional side of football celebrations

✅ Challenges of owning and managing a club abroad

✅ Building a strong community around Armoy FC

✅ Balancing tradition and modernity in football

✅ Attracting players and sponsors with purpose

✅ Creating a unique club culture and long-term vision

✅ Armoy FC’s ambitious path toward European competition

Whether you’re a football enthusiast, coach, or just love stories of passion and perseverance, this episode is a must-listen.

💬 Drop your thoughts in the comments & don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more stories shaping the game!

#FootballPodcast #SoccerPodcast #ArmoyFC #ClubOwnership #CyprusFootball #PitchsidePerspective #FootballJourney #GrassrootsFootball

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In this episode of the Pitchside Perspective podcast, hosts Stuart and Jack welcome Phil Phillipou, a youth coach and author of 'Inspiring Young Minds'. They discuss the importance of mental skills in youth sports, the role of parents, and the differences in coaching styles across countries. Phil shares his experiences coaching young players and emphasizes the need for a supportive environment, commitment over motivation, and the development of leadership skills. The conversation also touches on the emotional aspects of coaching and the significance of creating a positive atmosphere for young athletes.

Topics We Cover:

✅ The importance of mental skills in youth sports

✅ How parents can positively (or negatively) impact young athletes

✅ Differences in coaching styles across countries

✅ Creating supportive environments for players

✅ Why commitment outweighs motivation

✅ Developing leadership skills in youth soccer

✅ Managing the emotional side of coaching

✅ Building positive, lasting atmospheres for young athletes

Whether you're a youth coach or just passionate about the game, this episode gives you unique insight into the mental side of the game.

Don't forget to like, comment and subscribe for more football analysis, different perspectives and conversations shaping the game.

#YouthSoccer #SoccerPodcast #Coaching #PlayerDevelopment #YouthSports #FootballPodcast #SoccerCoaching #MentalSkills #SoccerParents #PitchSidePerspective

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In this episode of the Pitchside Perspective Podcast, hosts Stuart Sharples and Jack Koleszar delve into the art of 1v1s in modern football with former England & Premier League player Steve Guppy. They discuss the importance of creativity, resilience, and the role of coaches in fostering an environment that encourages players to take risks. Steve shares his personal journey, highlighting the challenges he faced and how he overcame them through hard work and dedication. The conversation also touches on the evolution of tactics and the significance of practice in developing essential skills for success on the pitch.

We covered:

✅ The importance of creativity and resilience

✅ How coaches can build environments that encourage risk-taking

✅ Steve’s personal journey and the challenges he overcame

✅ The 1v1 Formula

✅ Why practice is key to developing world-class skills

Whether you’re a passionate soccer fan or just curious about the future of the sport, this episode gives you unique insight into the evolving landscape of world football.

📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more football analysis and conversations with voices shaping the game.

#PitchsidePerspective #SoccerPodcast #SteveGuppy #FootballDevelopment #Coaching #1v1 #1v1challenge

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In this episode of the Pitch Side Perspective Podcast, hosts Stuart Sharples and Jack Koleszar are joined by WNBC News Anchor Michael Gargiulo to break down the FIFA Club World Cup.

We dive into the tournament’s significance, the skepticism surrounding its growth, and what it means for the future of soccer in the U.S. and beyond. From ticket accessibility and fan culture to financial challenges and the influence of corporate interests, we explore how this competition could shape the global game.

Topics we cover:

⚽ The evolution of the Club World Cup & what it represents

🎟️ Fan experience, ticketing issues, and accessibility

🌍 Cultural impact of soccer in the U.S. and worldwide

💰 Financial and corporate pressures on global tournaments

🌦️ Weather, scheduling, and logistical challenges

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The importance of family engagement in soccer

🔮 Why FIFA must balance tradition with modernization

Whether you’re a passionate soccer fan or just curious about the future of the sport, this episode gives you unique insight into the evolving landscape of world football.

📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more football analysis and conversations with voices shaping the game.

#ClubWorldCup #FIFA #SoccerPodcast #WorldFootball #MichaelGargiulo #PitchSidePerspective

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The 2025/26 Premier League is here – and we’ve got some bold predictions 🔥 Who’s winning the title? Who’s going down? And which manager is first to get the sack? Expect hot takes, surprise picks, and a few controversial calls…

We’re kicking off the new season with our complete Premier League predictions! 🏆 From title contenders to relegation battlers, European spots to surprise packages, we break down every major storyline for the season ahead. Whether you’re a Manchester City fan chasing another title, a Liverpool supporter hoping for glory, or just here for the banter, this episode has it all.

📢 Join the debate in the comments – which prediction do you agree with? Which one do you think is wild?

🎧 Follow the Pitchside Perspective Podcast for weekly football talk, tactical insights, and honest opinions on the beautiful game.

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This week, we're wrapping up the 2024/25 Premier League season with our End-of-Season Awards episode! From Manager of the Year to Signing of the Season, and the always controversial Premier League Team of the Year (TOTY) — we're breaking it all down.

Join us as we relive the biggest moments, spotlight the breakout stars, and debate who really deserves the top honors from one of the most dramatic EPL campaigns in recent memory.

Who makes your Premier League XI?

As always please like, subscribe and follow.

Jack & Stu

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