Playground to Premiership

Premier League legend Matt Le Tissier talks to Wayne Thomas about his footballing journey, starting on the Channel Island of Guernsey and how he became the first midfielder to score 100 Premier League goals, his limited chances for England, and his thoughts on our chances in the 2026 World Cup.

Matt also gives his thoughts on 'Spygate', Southampton's unprecedented expulsion from the 2026 Championship play-off final.

In Playground to Premiership Wayne Thomas, ex-professional footballer and founder of ACE Academy in Walsall talks to former players and coaches about their journey, or the journey of young players from the playground to professional football. Offering insights into the highs and lows of progressing through a football career, hear the stories from some of the game’s great characters.

Playground to Premiership offers valuable insights to parents, guardians and coaches of young aspiring footballers, with guests sharing their thoughts on the development of young players in the game today.

View the full video episode on YouTube -  https://youtu.be/ZmLLrGSsc5w

Visit the Playground to Premiership website - https://playgroundtopremiership.com

Visit ACE Academy - https://footballaceacademy.com

In this episode of Playground to Premiership, Wayne Thomas sits down with former midfielder Steve Hayward to trace a career defined by promotion battles, Wembley wins, and the dawn of a new era at Fulham. Steve opens up about his early days at Derby County and the pivotal move to Carlisle United, where he became a key figure in the club’s mid-90s resurgence. He shares behind-the-scenes stories from the 1997 Football League Trophy win and his eventual move to Fulham, where he played under Kevin Keegan during the club’s meteoric rise through the divisions. We also shift focus to the modern game and the next generation. As the father of Vinnie Hayward—who recently signed for Aston Villa—Steve provides a unique perspective on navigating the academy system as both a professional and a parent.

Former Birmingham City and Walsall captain Martin O’Connor joins Wayne Thomas on Playground to Premiership to reflect on his impressive footballing journey, from developing as a young player to fulfilling his dream of playing for his boyhood club. Martin shares the key moments that shaped his pathway into the professional game, his rise into leadership roles, and what it meant to captain Birmingham City — including the unforgettable experience of featuring in a League Cup Final. He also discusses his playing and leadership styles, the demands of the modern game, and offers valuable advice for young players working their way through their own development journey. A fascinating insight into football, leadership, and progression to the highest level.

Part TWO of our biggest episode yet! Look out for Part 1 on our main show page.

Part ONE of our biggest episode yet! Look out for Part 2 on our main show page.

West Bromwich Albion legend, 46-cap Scotland international, former Middlesborough midfielder James Morrison talks to Wayne Thomas about his journey into football, his thoughts on young players in the game today and names his all-time team-mates 5 a side team!

2024 has been a great start for Playground to Premiership, with 5 episodes recorded to date. Host Wayne has been busy since the birth of his son in November, so we thought we'd bring you this bonus episode featuring clips from all five episodes so far, featurinf Stephen Cooke, Jimmy Walker, Ade Viveash, Mick Halsall, and Nathan Cantrill.

Nathan Cantrill is Head of Foundation Phase at Premier League club Nottingham Forest, leading on the development of the club's 7-12 year olds. Nathan has a wealth of experience in youth development and coaching, having held positions as FP Lead and u18 development coach at Mansfield Town, Pre-Academy lead coach Doncaster Rovers, and is also passionate about Futsal, having been Academy Manager at London Helvecia Futsal club, and Futsal lead at Chesterfield FC.

In this episode of Playground to Premiership, Mick Halsall talks about what it takes to be a top player, including hard work and developing technique.

In this episode of Playground to Premiership, Wayne Thomas talks to former Chelsea Under 18 and Under 21 Manager and Coventry City Assistant Manager to Adi Viveash about his experiences in developing some of Englands brightest talents, his playing days as a Swindon Town, Walsall and Reading player, and his advice to parents and coaches of young players today.