The Back Stick Podcast

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This week on The Back Stick Podcast, it’s just Dom in the studio with Jamil on work duties! Dom sits down solo with Greenville Triumph defender Toby Sims, a versatile full-back with an incredible story that spans across the English Football League with Harrogate Town and the USL with Pittsburgh Riverhounds and now Greenville Triumph.

From growing up in England to carving out a path through college soccer in the USA, Toby gives us an honest and in-depth look at the highs and lows of making it in professional football. We delve into his time at Pittsburgh Riverhounds, the surprise move to Harrogate Town in League Two, and why he made the personal decision to return stateside.

We also discuss the challenges of the EFL, his memorable moments playing League Two football, famous FA Cup ties away at Leeds United, and how he’s settling into life with Greenville Triumph. For aspiring players, fans of USL and EFL, and anyone curious about football careers beyond the Premier League, this episode is full of insight, laughs, and valuable life lessons.

Don't miss this candid chat with one of USL League One’s rising leaders!

00:00 Intro & Welcome Toby Sims!

01:28 Early Life and Football Beginnings

04:41 Transition to College Soccer

10:47 College Career Highlights and Challenges

14:41 Becoming a Professional Footballer

20:14 Rookie Season at Pittsburgh Riverhounds

30:13 The Transfer to Harrogate Town

36:44 Taking His Chance In The EFL

43:02 Memorable League Two Moments

49:13 Returning to the US: A Personal Decision

54:33 Future Aspirations and Coaching Opportunities

56:58 Extra Time

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This week on The Back Stick Podcast, we sat down with Charlie Adams, current midfielder for Colorado Springs Switchbacks and former Brentford FC academy graduate.

We delve into Charlie’s fascinating football journey, from his days at Brentford and loan spells at Stevenage, to making the leap across the Atlantic with clubs like Louisville City FC, Real Monarchs, San Diego Loyal, Las Vegas Lights, and FC Tulsa. Charlie shares honest insights into the realities of life in the USL Championship, the challenges players face with club professionalism, and the vibrant soccer culture growing in the U.S.

We also discuss:

• The explosion of football in America, Wrexham’s rise, and celebrity ownership.
  
  
• Life in Las Vegas: Footballing distractions and realities.
  
  
• Why professionalism in USL needs major improvements.
  
  
• His recent move to Colorado Springs Switchbacks and aspirations for the 2025 season.
  
  
• Hilarious stories from his loan at Stevenage under Graham Westley.
  
  
• Reflections on what young footballers really need to succeed.
  
  

Packed with laughs, real talk, and behind-the-scenes stories, this episode is a must-listen for any football fan curious about the realities of playing professionally in the U.S. and abroad.

🌟 Make sure to subscribe and stay tuned for more player stories and football insights every week!

00:00 Intro: Welcome Charlie Adams!
02:56 Professional Football Clubs In London
06:02 The True Landscape of American Sports
07:40 Wrexham, Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney
12:00 Charlie's Journey in Professional Football
18:00 Life in Las Vegas and Professionalism in Soccer
24:17 The Lack of Player Care in USL
32:27 Charlie's Journey to America: A New Chapter
40:30 Hilarious Stevenage Loan
51:57 Extra Time:

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This week on The Back Stick Podcast, we bring you the ultimate breakdown of the 2024/25 Premier League season with our End of Season Awards! 🏆

We dive into:

• Our Player of the Season picks
  
  
• Rising talents in the Young Player of the Season
  
  
• The best signings that transformed teams like Bournemouth and more
  
  
• Our Most Improved Player awards featuring breakout stars
  
  
• A deep dive into Manager of the Season candidates (Did Arne Slot get the nod?)
  
  
• Our highly debated Team of the Season, with stars from Liverpool, Arsenal, Newcastle United and more.

PLUS: We preview what’s ahead for Manchester City, Manchester United, and West Ham in 2025/26, after an indifferent season for all!

🔥 This episode is packed with insights, debates, and plenty of hot takes on the best and brightest from the Premier League season.

🎯 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated on all things football!

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This week on The Back Stick Podcast, Dom and Jamil welcome Forward Madison FC captain Mitch Osmond to the studio for a truly inspiring episode.

We delve into Mitch's footballing journey—from growing up in Australia and playing for historic club Sydney United, to his transition into the U.S. college system, fatherhood, and his incredible path from NAIA soccer to getting drafted by Minnesota United in the MLS SuperDraft.

Mitch opens up about the grind of USL Championship football at Indy Eleven and OKC Energy, how he battled through major injuries, and what it means to now wear the armband for Forward Madison. He also reflects on the passionate fanbase in Madison, his goals for the club in 2025, and how Head Coach Matt Glaeser has helped change the club’s culture.

Whether you're a USL League One supporter, a Forward Madison fan, or just love a great underdog football story, this episode is packed with honesty, laughs, and football insight.

00:00 Tribute To Gadi Kinda

01:02 Welcome Mitch Osmond!

03:42 Early Season Injury Troubles At Forward Madison

06:44 A Word For Madison's Incredible Fans

12:15 Experiences in Australian Football & USA Transition

19:47 NAIA Soccer, Raising A Child & Battling Injuries In College

27:58 Getting Drafted To Minnesota United From NAIA

35:00 USL Championship: Signing For Indy & OKC Energy

39:02 Do Foreigners Ever Get Used To Playing In The US Heat?

43:03 A Word For Chaney!

44:45 The Future of Forward Madison

48:01 Matt Glaeser's Impact On Forward Madison

52:52 Extra Time: Rapid Fire Questions

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This week on The Back Stick Podcast, Jamil Roberts and Dom Okus welcome Sporting Kansas City’s starting goalkeeper, John Pulskamp, for a deep dive into his remarkable journey from LA Galaxy’s academy to becoming the No.1 at SKC.

We discuss what it takes to be a top MLS goalkeeper, learning from club legend Tim Melia, and adapting to the pressures of being the starter. John shares stories from training with Zlatan Ibrahimović, his eye-opening trial with Premier League side Bournemouth, and the heartbreak of a denied UK work visa that could’ve changed his career.

We also delve into the rigors of an MLS schedule, navigating setbacks in Europe, and what the future holds for Sporting KC following Peter Vermes' departure.

A must-listen for football fans, aspiring goalkeepers, and anyone curious about the realities of professional soccer life in the US and abroad.

00:00 Welcome John Pulskamp  

02:13 Sporting KC's New Number 1  

11:19 No.1 vs No.2 - Difference In Preparation  

15:19 The Rigors of an MLS Schedule  

18:59 The Pressure of Performance  

21:38 What Do Keepers Actually Do In Training?!  

30:12 LA Galaxy: Sharing a Building With Zlatan  

34:20 Bournemouth Trials & Tribulations  

42:07 Portugal & Germany Trials  

49:24 Finding a Home in Kansas City  

58:23 Extra Time with John Pulskamp 

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This week on The Back Stick Podcast, we’re hitting pause on the usual format to bring you a jam-packed Best Bits Episode featuring some of the most unmissable moments so far.

From Kazaiah Sterling's Champions League debut at Tottenham, to Pedro Dolabella reflecting on life at Union Omaha, to Jaylin Lindsey facing off against Leo Messi—we’re revisiting stories that made us laugh, think, and appreciate the incredible journeys behind US pro soccer.

🎧 We dive into:

• Locker room banter with Declan Watters
• Grit and leadership with Jordan Skelton
• Alex Greive’s wild ride from New Zealand to San Antonio
• Paco Craig’s journey from West Ham academy to USL stalwart
• Alex Bamford on ambition and the mental side of the game

Whether you're new to the pod or a day-one listener, this episode is your perfect catch-up.

Thanks for sticking with us—new weekly episodes return next week with some very special guests. Enjoy the highlights and we’ll see you soon!

00:00 - Intro From Jam

01:33 - Alex Greive

07:55 - Alex Bamford

20:34 - Declan Watters

26:25 - Kazaiah Sterling

36:31 - Pedro Dolabella

43:00 - Paco Craig

48:47 - Jordan Skelton

01:02:45 - Jaylin Lindsey

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This week on The Back Stick Podcast, Dom Okus and Jamil Roberts are joined by Chattanooga Red Wolves striker Matt Bentley!

We delve into Matt’s incredible football journey, from a whirlwind MLS Draft experience with Minnesota United to battling through the chaos of non-league football in England with Dover and Hornchurch. Matt opens up about his time at Richmond Kickers, his return to the UK with Maidstone, and how he found his way back to the United States to chase new dreams with Chattanooga in USL League One.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Settling into Chattanooga and bonding with a young squad
• The madness of draft day and why the MLS Draft system needs major changes
• Life grinding in non-league football, balancing work at Amazon, and never giving up
• Signing his first professional contract and the emotional highs and lows
• How community, culture, and opportunity brought him back to the USA

Matt’s story is an inspiring reminder of resilience, persistence, and chasing your passion despite all odds.

⚽ Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a review – it helps more people find incredible football stories like Matt's!

🎧 Available now on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify & everywhere you listen to podcasts!

00:00 "Warm Welcome" For Matt...

03:14 Settling into Chattanooga and Team Dynamics

06:06 Crazy MLS Draft Story!

08:27 Is The MLS Draft A Flawed System?

17:11 Non-League Football With Dover & Hornchurch

21:57 San Diego Stories

29:58 Transitioning to Professional Football

32:57 Signing Your First Professional Contract

38:59 Perceptions of USL Football

43:51 Reflections on Richmond and Moving Back to the UK

50:58 Returning to the US and New Opportunities

56:21 Chattanooga Rivalry

01:01:00 Community and Soccer Culture in Chattanooga

01:02:50 Extra Time

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This week on The Back Stick Podcast, Dom Okus and Jamil Roberts are joined by Paco Craig, former West Ham Academy standout and current North Carolina FC defender, for a conversation packed with stories, insights, and laughs.

We delve into Paco’s incredible football journey, from his early days in London to lifting multiple USL Championships with Louisville City, finding love and leadership with Miami FC, and now writing a new chapter in the USL Championship with North Carolina FC.

Paco opens up about:

• The move from West Ham to college soccer in the U.S.
• D2 vs D1 in American college football
• The reality of USL contracts and salaries
• Special memories from Louisville’s golden era
• Coaching aspirations and how he sees the game from a manager’s lens
• Life beyond football: family, love, and personal growth
• The impact of COVID-19, aging as a pro, and what’s still to come at NCFC

Chapters

00:00 Intro & Welcome Paco!
04:30 Paco's Journey in Football
05:56 The Influence of Family and Background
08:55 West Ham To Young Harris
12:20 The Reality of D2 Soccer vs D1 Soccer
15:09 Football Development in England vs US
17:52 Making the Jump to Louisville City
21:00 Salary Disparities in the USL
25:30 Navigating the USL Transfer Market
27:33 Special Memories from Louisville
31:49 What Kind Of Manager Would Jam & Dom Be?
33:58 Paco Craig: A Future Manager?
37:54 The Impact of COVID-19 on Paco's Career
43:42 Finding Love and Life in Miami
47:30 Transitioning to North Carolina: A New Chapter
50:47 Adapting With Age
53:42 Early NCFC Expectations
01:00:22 Extra Time

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This week on The Back Stick Podcast, the boys welcome former Napoli and current Union Omaha defender Marco Milanese to the studio.
We delve into Marco’s incredible football journey — from training with Napoli’s first team and witnessing Dries Mertens' magic up close, to the heartbreak of a fallen Serie A contract due to agent drama, and the leap to the American college system.

We discuss his experiences with Italy’s youth national teams, how a bold move to Akron kick-started a whole new career path, and what it’s really like to defend in the USL.
Marco also reflects on a huge 2024 season with Union Omaha and opens up about his future ambitions in American soccer.

We Cover:

• Early days in Italy and coming through youth academies like Napoli, Torino & Parma
• Training with Napoli's first team & what made Dries Mertens so special
• Representing Italy at U15 & U17 level
• Why Marco's agent cost him a pro deal in Serie A
• Transitioning from Europe to NCAA D1 with Akron & UNCG
• Behind the scenes of US college soccer (including shaved head traditions)
• Pedro Dolabella appreciation moment
• Omaha’s playoff run, team culture, and future ambitions
• Marco's mindset on leadership, growth, and going pro in the US

00:00 Intro & Shoutout Friends Of The Pod

03:58 Early Football Days In Italy

09:10 Napoli: First Team Training Nightmares

11:54 Mertens Influence On The Young Players

14:35 Italy Youth National Team Experiences

16:03 Reece James' 'Grumpy Celebration' For England

17:46 Why Akron & Why Not Continue In Italy?

18:54 "Napoli Contract Fell Through Because Of My Agent?!"

24:25 Transitions & Adjustments To US College Soccer

27:38 Akron Shaving Heads Tradition...

31:02 Pedro Dolabella: A Word For The Legend

31:58 Reflecting on a Special 2024 Season for Omaha

36:12 Omaha & Chattanooga Players Watching The Game Highlights Together

37:34 Future Ambitions With Union Omaha

44:00 Extra Time

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This week it’s just Dom & Jam in the studio! We delve into the home nation, and discuss the England National team under new leadership. We chat about the future of England football with Thomas Tuchel at the helm as they approach the 2026 World Cup. We break down Tuchel’s first squad selection, and who we believe should be in the starting 11. The conversation highlights the excitement surrounding the current squad, the tactical approaches of Tuchel, and the expectations for the World Cup 2026. With a mix of optimism and realism, we share our predictions for England's performance and reflect on what England Football really means to us die hard England fans.

00:00 England Football - It's A Drug!

03:03 Should England Have An English Manager?

07:27 Tuchel's First England Squad Selection

13:00 Albania Reviews

15:48 Is Harry Kane Going To Start For England?

17:57 Can Tuchel Give England A Style Of Play?

20:15 What Is England's Best Starting XI?

27:21 Could Eze Be England's Answer At Left Wing?

31:37 The Rise & Fall of Jack Grealish

34:33 Will Dele Alli Make It Back To The Top?

35:33 Is Premier League Bias Real?

37:30 Predictions for World Cup 2026

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