The Catflap Chats Podcast

Loved this catch up, what a great guy Simon is. He's managed Blackpool twice, Leeds United, Huddersfield Town, Preston NE, Sunderland, Bradford, Fleetwood Town and just come back from a few years in India. Over 500 games as a professional player. He has forgotten more then I will ever know about being a quality Football Manager. He gives insight in to what it is really like to manage a club, players, transfers, CEO's, agents and the media, all with a smile on his face!

Fortunate enough to grab a few hours with a genuine football legend, who isn't afraid to speak his mind. We cover everything from footy, goalkeepers, playing the modern way, so society, social media and a bit of politics 🤣 What a top bloke, I could have sat with him for hours and chatted about everything football nostalgia and how the game is played today. Huge thanks to Ross at The 86 Store for putting us both in touch, and Dan at Cardiff Classic Shirts for coming on board for this podcast. https://cardiffclassicshirts.co.uk/ or https://www.instagram.com/cardiffclassicshirts/

Great chat with Tom who had a class career on the pitch, and he's forging a new career off it too. We could have sat for hours putting the world to rights around a load of subjects. It was great to get an understanding on Tom's journey, his mindset, and how he approaches life's challenges. Plenty of highs but also some serious lows too which he wasn't afraid to touch on. Top player and a better bloke!

Fortunate to catch Graham leading into the xmas period where Newport County play Wrexham and Forest Green Rovers. I absolutely loved him, and what they're trying to do at Newport, built from graft, grit and resilience. I didn't know Graham from before, but remember him as an ever present for Plymouth Argyle as I was growing up. Top player, evolving manager and a better bloke.

I first saw Josh on TikTok, talking about his business journey with Pask Removals, and how it was born from moving clubs himself. West Ham, Coventry, Newport County and now with TNS. Josh is combining pro footy and a business, with a family too. I loved his outlook and the reality of not chasing the football leagues in order for his business and family to flourish. I can imagine most won't think like him, but he will have something to fall back on that most players won't.

This one felt personal having known Calvin since he was a teenager. Having brain cancer at 30, an operation to remove 95% of it, and then needing to raise over £200,000 for a new treatment in the next year for the remaining 5%. It has been a whirlwind for him and it really does put things in to perspective in life. Calvin is genuinely inspirational. You can donate here - https://calvinsjourney.com/ - £200,000 DCVax-L Cancer Vaccine Fundraiser. Follow his journey on Instagram here https://www.instagram.com/calvinnnap/ I am looking into how I can help to raise much needed funds, so watch this space.

Newport County, Derby County, Luton Town and more. Open heart surgery at 16 and 27 years old. Told you only have a certain amount of time to live. Told you won't make it in professional football. Playing over 200 pro games. This is part one of a class conversation with Mark O'Brien, 3 years after retirement, and 13 years after making his debut for Derby County at 16. One hell of a journey!

Loved this, what a great guy. He's had some serious highs and frustrating lows during his career so far, but I love his outlook on life and his approach to Rugby. I have no doubt, that at 28 years old, Joey still has his best years ahead of him in Red and in Green. He's a Rolls Royce of a player on his day, and hopefully he can get a run of games when back from Injury. Not one to shirk away from a challenge, something he will face head on for both Munster and Ireland!

Great catch up with Rob at Looseheadz. They are doing some unbelievable work in Rugby, and with Mental Health. Their aim is to put a mental health lead in every rugby club in the world. They are approaching 1,000 clubs, but there's over 16,000 in the world! Remember, there is good mental health, and then poor mental health, and we are all somewhere on that sliding scale. If you've ever need to chat, please reach out.

Loved this. A take on the Men's RWC from a content creators pov. Amy works for Canterbury and also creates for other brands too, bringing a fresh voice and energy to both the Men's and Women's game. We caught up ahead of the RWC 1/4's, got some predictions down, but also chatted about Amy's journey into the rugby world, and what it's really like to be a female in what is still a men's dominated world. Search @rugbywithamy to find her on all channels!