In this episode of Rovers Report, Lee and Lars sit down with Ilmari Niskanen to talk through his football journey — from coming up through the junior system at KuPS to playing professionally in Germany, Scotland, and now England.

Ilmari reflects on his development at KuPS, his thoughts on the club’s recent championship win, and what it took to earn his move abroad. He shares honest insights into adapting to different football cultures, the demands of professional life in Germany and the UK, and how expectations changed when he arrived on the British Isles.

The conversation also focuses on life at Exeter City, where Ilmari has become a fan favourite for his attitude, work rate, and connection with supporters — as well as his thoughts ahead of the upcoming FA Cup fixture against Manchester City.

Above all, this episode is about inspiring young players. Ilmari speaks openly about work ethic, patience, setbacks, and the small habits that matter most when trying to build a career in football — on and off the pitch.

*Apologies for the audio in some sections of this episode - so if you have any difficulties, please use the transcript while you listen*

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In this special episode of Rovers Report, Lee and Lars dedicate the conversation to FC Haka following the recent fire at the Tehtaan Kenttä Stadium, and reflect on why moments like this matter to the entire football community.

They talk about what a football club’s home really means — to players, supporters, juniors, and families — and why football has a unique ability to bring people together when it matters most. Rivals on the pitch, united off it.

The episode also explains how football fans across Finland (and beyond) can support FC Haka’s rebuild through Päätykatsomo – The End Stand Community, an initiative open to all football supporters. By joining with a one-time membership (25€, 50€, or 500€), fans can directly support the club and take part in a raffle for valuable game-worn shirts, including contributions from Joel Pohjanpalo and Jesse Joronen, along with other benefits such as a ticket to the Finnish Football Museum, project updates, and an invitation to a FC Haka home match in the 2026 season.

Early season tickets are also available on the club website.

This episode is about solidarity, football culture, and standing together when a club needs it most.

You can read more about FC Haka’s support campaign here (Finnish):
https://fchaka.fi/uutiset/fc-haka-kaynnistaa-tukikampanjan

Join the Päätykatsomo community here:
https://fchaka.lippu.fi/webshop/webticket/bestseatselect?eventId=48&el=true

Thank you for your support

Contact us at [email protected]

or on Instagram @roversreportpodcast

In this episode of Rovers Report, Lee and Lars take a closer look at the cost of football at the amateur level — from the rising fees in junior clubs to the challenge of funding a senior team on limited resources.

They dig into why investing in talented young players actually matters, how contracts (or the lack of them) affect small clubs, and what it would take for local teams to hold onto their best juniors instead of losing them for nothing.

And on the global side of the game, the conversation shifts to Liverpool — is their dip in form down to overspending, or is the absence of Diogo Jota still casting a shadow over the squad’s energy?

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or on Instagram @roversreportpodcast

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In this episode of Rovers Report, Lee and Lars discuss the structure of Finnish football — from the junior levels all the way up to the senior game.

They talk about what the pathway looks like for young players, how it compares to England and Denmark, and the challenges that come with cost, commitment, and opportunity. An honest look at how young players develop, what keeps them motivated, and why enjoyment should always stay at the heart of the game.

There are a few words from Jarkko Wiss too, the head coach at KuPS, who recently won the Veikkausliiga title here in Finland, and we're left wondering whether Ruben Amorim is the right man in charge, to turn things around in Manchester.

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or on Instagram @roversreportpodcast

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In the first episode of The Rovers Report Podcast, Lee and Lars sit down to talk about where it all started, their backgrounds in football from England to Denmark and eventually to the west coast of Finland, how the game shaped their lives, and why coaching at the amateur level is about much more than results.

Let's discuss the commitments, the excuses and take an honest look at what it means when football becomes a way of life.

Contact us at [email protected] or on Instagram @roverspodcast

Enjoy the show