Curious Coaches Club

Joining me this week is AFC Fylde first team coach, Andy Taylor.  Andy had a successful professional playing career as a left back for a number of clubs including Sheffield United, Blackpool and Walsall.  Having recently retired, he has moved into coaching at both first team and academy level.  We discuss his experiences as a player and coach as well as the art of full back play.

Gerard Jones is an award winning entrepreneur, coach and coach educator.  In this week's episode we discuss his approach to coach education, the influence of Osian Roberts and the importance of building a brand for yourself.

Joining me this week is Blackburn Rovers U16 coach Darragh Tuffy.  Darragh moved over from Ireland to become a scholar and then coach in the academy at Rovers.  He's been coaching at the club for 14 years and has learnt some great lessons upon the way.  We discuss how he got into coaching; how Brian Ashton influenced him as a mentor and what differentiates those that fulfill their potential.

It was my privilege this week to be joined by former Premier League defender Chris Samba.  I discovered more about his amazing journey to the top and the obstacles he overcame to become a top player.  Chris also shared his thoughts on how to maximise strengths and the coaches that influenced his development at key stages of his career.  A must listen for any coach or aspiring player.

This week I'm delighted to be joined by Doncaster Rovers Head of Foundation Phase, Michael Pedley.  We discuss the influence of current England coach Graeme Jones; his advice on how to get into academy coaching and what his club do to offer their players a variety of developmental experiences.

with me this week is Preston North End's Head of Academy Sports Science, Jake Atherton.  I was very fortunate to work with Jake for a number of years and he is one of the top up and coming sports science staff in the country.  This episode is themed around pre-season and I also gather Jake's thoughts on how coaches can work more effectively with S&C staff plus advice around talent identification of young players in relation to elite physical potential.

With us this week is Birmingham City Academy Manager Mike Dodds.  Mike charts his journey from part time academy coach to Cat 1 Academy Manager.  During this period he also worked extensively with Jude Bellingham, supporting him to fulfill his dreams of appearing in Birmingham City's first team and beyond.  Mike provides unique insight into this support explaining how his club helped nurture one of the biggest success stories of recent English youth development.

Simon Wiles is one of the most highly regarded young coaches in professional football.  A former professional footballer, Simon turned to coaching at a young age having had to retire early because of persistent injury.  Simon has built a fantastic reputation at Fleetwood Town developing title winning U18 teams and supporting a number of players through to first team football.  Simon is so well thought of at Fleetwood that he was asked to take the team, when Joey Barton left the club early this year.  We discuss this experience as well as his coaching philosophy and journey to date.

Marlon was once of the most sought after young players in the country as a teenager.  Chased by all the top clubs, he was selected for  the national centre at Lilleshall where he shared a room with a young Jamie Carragher.  We discuss his career, why he might not have fulfilled his potential and the lessons that can be learnt from his journey.

Anthony is Charlton Athletic's U18 coach.  He shares his fascinating journey into this role at one of the most productive academies in the country.  We discuss how he has been influenced by the experience of working with acclaimed Academy Manager, Steve Avory and his experiences to date on the UEFA Pro Licence course with the FAI.