Training Ground Guru Podcast

By Training Ground Guru

What's Training Ground Guru Podcast about?

Welcome to the Training Ground Guru podcast, in association with Hudl. Each month we’ll be taking you behind the scenes in professional football, with unique insights from leading experts. Thanks for listening.

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Training Ground Guru Podcast episodes:

03.25.2024
Natasha Patel: Innovating in New York and Southampton
Our guest on Episode #64 of the TGG Podcast, in association with Hudl, is Natasha Patel. Natasha is Assistant Academy Director at Southampton and one of the most experienced women working in men's professional football. From 2011 to 2019 she was Academy...
02.29.2024
Rene Maric: From blogging to Bayern Munich (Part 2)
Here is Part 2 of our interview with Bayern Munich Head of Coach Development and Playing Philosophy Rene Maric. In this second half, Rene told us how he kickstarted his career with the tactics blog Spielverlagerung, about coaching Erling Haaland...
02.27.2024
Rene Maric: From blogging to Bayern Munich (Part 1)
Our guest on Episode #62 of the TGG Podcast, in association with Hudl, is René Marić. The Austrian is one of the most interesting and highly-rated young coaches in European football. He made his name by founding the cult tactics blog...
02.08.2024
Radhi Jaidi: Breaking barriers as a player and coach
Our guest on Episode #61 of the TGG Podcast, in association with Hudl, is Radhi Jaidi. Radhi is a true legend of Tunisian football, having played 105 times for his country and won every trophy there was to win at club...
01.12.2024
Ruben Selles: In the eye of the storm at Reading
Our guest on Episode #60 of the TGG Podcast, in association with Hudl, is Reading manager Ruben Selles. The highly-rated coach gained plaudits for the way he managed Southampton for the second half of last season and there were high hopes...
12.13.2023
Chris O’Loughlin: Upsetting the odds with Union Saint-Gilloise
Our guest on Episode #59 of the TGG Podcast, in association with Hudl, is Chris O'Loughlin. Chris is the Sporting Director of Union Saint Gilloise, one of the most innovative and interesting clubs in the whole of Europe. Despite having a stadium...
11.10.2023
Kevin Thelwell: Building something to believe in at Everton
Our guest on Episode #58 of the TGG Podcast, in association with Hudl, is Everton Director of Football Kevin Thelwell. Kevin tells Simon Austin about his role at the club, their four strategic pillars, his relationship with manager Sean Dyche and...
10.28.2023
Jes Buster Madsen: Neuroscience and developing decision making
Our guest on Episode #57 of the TGG Podcast, in association with Hudl, is Jes Buster Madsen. Jes is Head of Research and Development for FC Copenhagen in Denmark and is leading the way in the application of cognitive neuroscience in...
09.20.2023
Mark Leyland: Evolving the role of the analyst
Our guest on Episode #56 of the TGG Podcast, in association with Hudl, is Mark Leyland. Mark is one of the foremost analysts in this country and has become much more than that. He started his career in the Academy at...
08.31.2023
Sarah Rudd: Arsenal’s analytics pioneer
Our guest on Episode #55 of the TGG Podcast, in association with Hudl, is Sarah Rudd. For almost a decade, Sarah was Vice President of Analytics for StatDNA and Arsenal, making her one of the most senior women in the whole...
08.24.2023
Pep Lijnders: Liverpool’s intensity identity (Part 2)
Episode #54 of the TGG Podcast, in association with Hudl, is with Liverpool assistant Pep Lijnders. The Dutchman sat down with Simon Austin at the AXA Training Centre for an exclusive interview. In Part 2, he looked back on his career,...
08.16.2023
Pep Lijnders: Liverpool’s intensity identity (Part 1)
Episode #53 of the TGG Podcast, in association with Hudl, is with Liverpool assistant Pep Lijnders. The Dutchman sat down with Simon Austin at the AXA Training Centre for an exclusive interview. In Part 1, he reflected on pre-season, looked ahead...
08.03.2023
Ian Evatt & Chris Markham: Bringing Bolton back
Episode #52 of the Training Ground Guru Podcast, in association with Hudl, features two guests: Bolton manager Ian Evatt and his Sporting Director Chris Markham. Simon Austin sat down with the duo at the club’s Toughsheet Community Stadium ahead of the new...
07.07.2023
Conor Nestor: Using analysis to get ahead in Asian football
Our guest on Episode #51 of the TGG Podcast, in association with Hudl, is Conor Nestor. Conor is the new coach of Hyderabad in the Indian Super League. He arrives from Svay Rieng in Cambodia, who he led to the 2019...
05.25.2023
Des Ryan: Athletic development of Academy players
Our guest on Episode #50 of the Training Ground Guru Podcast, in association with Hudl, is Des Ryan. Des is Director of Coaching and Performance at Setanta College and was Head of Sports Medicine and Athletic Development at Arsenal Academy from...
04.24.2023
Pedro Marques: Inside Benfica’s talent factory
Our guest on Episode #49 of the TGG Podcast, in association with Hudl, is Pedro Marques, the Technical Director of Benfica's Academy. There's a strong case for saying that Benfica have the top Academy in Europe. They are the reigning UEFA...
03.03.2023
Stuart Webber: Six years and beyond at Norwich City
Our guest on Episode #48 of the Training Ground Guru Podcast, in association with Hudl, is Norwich City Sporting Director Stuart Webber. SHOW NOTES => 02:04: Rebuilding Norwich's training ground. Appeal of Sporting Director job was producing something sustainable at a club. 08:03:...
02.22.2023
Tom Vernon: Giving everyone a Right to Dream
Our guest on Episode #47 of the TGG Podcast, in association with Hudl, is Tom Vernon, the founder and Group CEO of Right to Dream Group. => SHOW NOTES: 02:12: What is Right to Dream and its philosophy? 04:46: Start of Right to...
02.03.2023
David Sumpter: A curiosity-based approach to data
Our guest on Episode #46 of the TGG Podcast, in association with Hudl, is Professor David Sumpter, who has worked with top teams including Ajax, Barcelona and England. => SHOW NOTES: 02:06: How he got started in computer programming/ mathematics and then...
12.08.2022
TGG Extra: Justin Cochrane's Coaching Tips
In the first instalment of a new series called TGG Extra, Justin Cochrane gives his tips for current and aspiring coaches.
11.25.2022
Justin Cochrane: Content and connection
Our guest on Episode #45 of the TGG Podcast, in association with Hudl, is Justin Cochrane. Justin has been first-team coach and Head of Coaching at Brentford since the summer. He was previously Head of Player and Coach Development at Manchester...
10.24.2022
Sally Needham: Human Development at Sheffield United
Our guest on Episode #44 of the TGG Podcast, in association with Hudl, is Sally Needham. Sally is the Human Development and Performance Culture Lead at Sheffield United Academy. => SHOW NOTES: 01:57: What is human development? 07:21: Mindfulness room. 16:02: Influence of neuroscience. 26:22: Strengthening...
09.29.2022
Rui Faria: Creating a new era for football
Our guest on Episode #43 of the TGG Podcast, in association with Hudl, is Rui Faria. Rui was Jose Mourinho's assistant for 17 years, during which time they achieved huge levels of success. They won at least one trophy a season...
08.17.2022
Sean Dyche: Building Burnley and beyond
On Episode #42 of the TGG Podcast, in association with Hudl, we were joined by Sean Dyche. Dyche was manager of Burnley for nine-and-a-half years and transformed their fortunes both on and off the pitch. When he first arrived at the club,...
07.19.2022
Steven Reid: The person as well as the player
Episode #41 of the TGG Podcast, in association with Hudl, is with Steven Reid. The former midfielder played in the Premier League for Blackburn, West Brom and Burnley and won 23 caps for the Republic of Ireland. Since retiring from playing he...
06.21.2022
Damien Comolli: From Tou-lose to Tou-win
Episode #40 of the TGG Podcast is with Damien Comolli, the Chairman and Sporting Director at Toulouse, last season's champions of Ligue 2 in France. Damien is the former Director of Football at Fenerbahce, Tottenham, Liverpool and St Etienne. For more information,...
05.26.2022
Inside the Southampton Learning Lab
For this episode we go inside Southampton's innovative new Learning Lab with two of its leadership team - Head of Technical Development Iain Brunnschweiler and Dr Andrew Wilson, a Reader in Psychology at Leeds Beckett University. For more information, visit trainingground.guru or follow...
04.29.2022
Rene Meulensteen: Inside track on the Man Utd glory years
In our first episode in front of a live audience, we spoke to Australia assistant and former Manchester United first-team coach Rene Meulensteen at Batch Bottlestore and Deli in Altrincham. Rene told Simon Austin and Josh Schneider-Weiler about his coaching journey, his...
03.24.2022
Andreas Georgson: The Sky Blue Way With Malmö
Welcome to the first episode of season 4 of the Training Ground Guru Podcast, in association with Hudl. Our guest is Andreas Georgson, Sports Director for Swedish champions Malmö. He told Josh Schneider-Weiler how the Sky Blues are aiming to outdo richer...
02.21.2022
Francis Cagigao: Spotting talent with Arsenal and Chile
Our guest on Episode #36 of the TGG Podcast was Francis Cagigao, the Director of Football for Chile. He told Josh Schneider-Weiler about his current role and his 24 years with Arsenal, where he was Head of International Scouting. For more information,...
01.13.2022
Phil Giles: Staying ahead of the curve at Brentford
Our guest on Episode #35 of the TGG Podcast was Phil Giles, the Director of Football for Brentford. He told Simon Austin about the club's first season in the Premier League, their use of specialist coaches and why they might reopen...
12.30.2021
Mariela Nisotaki: Norwich City’s scouting pioneer
Mariela Nisotaki is Norwich City's Head of Emerging Talent and the only female scout on the circuit in the UK. In Episode #34 of the TGG Podcast, Nisotaki tells Simon Austin how she balances data and human eyes, about Norwich's ambitions...
11.23.2021
Chris Ramsey: Educating the educators
Chris Ramsey is one of the foremost coach educators in the UK. In Episode #33 of the TGG Podcast, he tells Josh Schneider-Weiler about his role as QPR's Technical Director and Head of Coaching, about his four decades in the game...
10.31.2021
Gregg Broughton - Youth development lessons from Bodø/Glimt
Gregg Broughton is the Academy Manager of Norwegian champions Bodø/Glimt, having held the same role with Luton Town and Norwich City. In Episode #32 of the TGG Podcast, Gregg explains how the club do things differently when it comes to youth...
09.15.2021
Owen Eastwood: The ancient code of togetherness
Owen Eastwood is one of the most in-demand performance coaches in world sport. He's worked with Harlequins Rugby, South Africa Cricket and, for the last five years, England football. In Episode #31 of the TGG Podcast, he explains what he does...
08.23.2021
Luke Bornn: The future of data science in football
In this episode, Luke Bornn tells us about his experiences in football and gives insights into the future of data science in the sport. Luke is a former Professor of Statistics at Harvard University, Head of Analytics at AS Roma...
07.29.2021
Dave Alred: Performing under pressure
In this episode, Dave Alred gives us his guide to performing under pressure. The performance coach has a CV that's hard to match. He's worked with sports as diverse as cricket, golf and rugby union, and with stars including Jonny...
06.21.2021
Russell Martin: People and purpose at MK Dons
MK Dons manager Russell Martin tells TGG about the importance of people and purpose, why he won't change his beliefs on style of play and the importance of buddhism to his philosophy. For more information visit trainingground.guru or follow us on Twitter @ground_guru
06.03.2021
Michael Beale: Inside story of Rangers' renaissance
Rangers first-team coach Michael Beale tells TGG about working with Steven Gerrard, winning the Scottish title for the first time in a decade and his own managerial ambitions. For more information visit trainingground.guru or follow us on Twitter @ground_guru
04.29.2021
Emma Hayes: Quest for the quadruple
Chelsea Women's manager Emma Hayes talks about her team's quest for the quadruple this season, outlines her leadership philosophy and gives her thoughts on working in the men's game. For more information visit trainingground.guru or follow us on Twitter @ground_guru
03.31.2021
Laurence Stewart: Rebuilding AS Monaco
Laurence Stewart, the Head of Recruitment and Development at Monaco, tells TGG about his work with the resurgent French club. For more information visit trainingground.guru or follow us on Twitter @ground_guru
03.09.2021
Brian Ashton: 'Best in class' coach & mentor
Former England rugby coach Brian Ashton, who now works for the Premier League as an educator and mentor, tells TGG about the lessons he has learned during five decades in coaching. For more information visit trainingground.guru or follow us on Twitter @ground_guru
01.27.2021
Marijn Beuker: Innovating at AZ Alkmaar
Marijn Beuker, the Sport Development Director at AZ Alkmaar, explains how the club manages to punch above its weight in the Dutch Eredivisie by doing things differently. For more information visit trainingground.guru or follow us on Twitter @ground_guru
01.18.2021
Jamie Carragher: The art of TV analysis
Liverpool legend and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher tells TGG how he analyses matches, gives insight on his use of tech and shares his thoughts on the current Premier League season. For more information visit trainingground.guru or follow us on Twitter...
12.11.2020
Dan Micciche: Developing Arsenal's next generation
Under-16s coach Dan Micciche reveals what goes on inside the Arsenal Academy, including their four pillars, how they encourage players to take responsibility and what it's like to work under Per Mertesacker. For more information visit trainingground.guru or follow us on...
12.01.2020
Dan Ashworth: Inside the mind of a Technical Director
Brighton Technical Director Dan Ashworth explains what he does in his role, reveals the long-term ambitions of the club and reflects on his six years with England. For more information visit trainingground.guru or follow us on Twitter @ground_guru
10.29.2020
Davide Ancelotti: Everton's new era
Everton assistant Davide Ancelotti talks about what it's like to work alongside his famous father, how impressed he has been with Dominic Calvert-Lewin and about his own managerial ambitions. For more information visit trainingground.guru or follow us on Twitter @ground_guru
09.27.2020
The Future Game
This episode is brought to you from TGG's The Future Game virtual conference. We hear from England rugby coach Eddie Jones; Right to Dream founder and FC Nordsjaelland chairman Tom Vernon; former FA Head of Team Strategy & Performance Dave...
09.02.2020
Alex Inglethorpe - Creating new history with Liverpool
For this episode, TGG traveled to Kirkby to speak with the Liverpool Academy Manager, Alex Inglethorpe. For more information visit trainingground.guru or follow us on Twitter @ground_guru
07.21.2020
Pippa Grange - How to 'win deep'
Dr Pippa Grange, the former Head of People and Team Development for the Football Association, talks about her work with England, her current role with the Right to Dream Academy and her new book, How to Win at Life Without...

What's Training Ground Guru Podcast about?

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Training Ground Guru Podcast episodes:

Natasha Patel: Innovating in New York and Southampton

Rene Maric: From blogging to Bayern Munich (Part 2)

Rene Maric: From blogging to Bayern Munich (Part 1)

Radhi Jaidi: Breaking barriers as a player and coach

Ruben Selles: In the eye of the storm at Reading

Chris O’Loughlin: Upsetting the odds with Union Saint-Gilloise

Kevin Thelwell: Building something to believe in at Everton

Jes Buster Madsen: Neuroscience and developing decision making

Mark Leyland: Evolving the role of the analyst

Sarah Rudd: Arsenal’s analytics pioneer

Pep Lijnders: Liverpool’s intensity identity (Part 2)

Pep Lijnders: Liverpool’s intensity identity (Part 1)

Ian Evatt & Chris Markham: Bringing Bolton back

Conor Nestor: Using analysis to get ahead in Asian football

Des Ryan: Athletic development of Academy players

Pedro Marques: Inside Benfica’s talent factory

Stuart Webber: Six years and beyond at Norwich City

Tom Vernon: Giving everyone a Right to Dream

David Sumpter: A curiosity-based approach to data

TGG Extra: Justin Cochrane's Coaching Tips

Justin Cochrane: Content and connection

Sally Needham: Human Development at Sheffield United

Rui Faria: Creating a new era for football

Sean Dyche: Building Burnley and beyond

Steven Reid: The person as well as the player

Damien Comolli: From Tou-lose to Tou-win

Inside the Southampton Learning Lab

Rene Meulensteen: Inside track on the Man Utd glory years

Andreas Georgson: The Sky Blue Way With Malmö

Francis Cagigao: Spotting talent with Arsenal and Chile

Phil Giles: Staying ahead of the curve at Brentford

Mariela Nisotaki: Norwich City’s scouting pioneer

Chris Ramsey: Educating the educators

Gregg Broughton - Youth development lessons from Bodø/Glimt

Owen Eastwood: The ancient code of togetherness

Luke Bornn: The future of data science in football

Dave Alred: Performing under pressure

Russell Martin: People and purpose at MK Dons

Michael Beale: Inside story of Rangers' renaissance

Emma Hayes: Quest for the quadruple

Laurence Stewart: Rebuilding AS Monaco

Brian Ashton: 'Best in class' coach & mentor

Marijn Beuker: Innovating at AZ Alkmaar

Jamie Carragher: The art of TV analysis

Dan Micciche: Developing Arsenal's next generation

Dan Ashworth: Inside the mind of a Technical Director

Davide Ancelotti: Everton's new era

The Future Game

Alex Inglethorpe - Creating new history with Liverpool

Pippa Grange - How to 'win deep'