First Time Finish Podcast

Tom, Ben and Ninad take a look at some of the exciting players not included on The Guardian's Next Generation list for players born in 2003 and 2004.

Ben and Ninad are joined by Ryan Baldi, football writer and author of The Dream Factory - Inside The Make-or-Break World of Football Academies. Ryan shares his insights and discoveries from his research for the book and shares his thoughts on academy football, scouting, and the impact that Brexit would pose going forward.  The Dream Factory is now available on pre-order on Amazon and will soon be available in bookstores across the UK. Follow Ryan on Twitter - @RyanBaldiFW Follow First Time Finish - @firsttimefinish

George, Ben and Tom are joined by Franck Plaine, ex-PSG and Clairefontaine fitness coach, to discuss his time with Kylian Mbappé, Adrien Rabiot and a host of France's other young stars. Franck shares his recollections of Mbappé's teenage years, his favourite youngsters who fell off the radar and discusses his current role with the Zambia national team. Plus, does Franck think France can go all the way at Euro 2020? Find out now on the First Time Finish podcast!

In an emergency episode, Ben steps into host and discuss the introduction of the European Super League with Ninad and Tom.  The guys talk about Florentino Perez's statements about whether 16-24 years old are truly not interested in football and scrutinise the European Super League's integrity before drawing conclusions about what we as fans can do to oppose this new conception.  

In this first of the 'What Next For...' series, George, Ben and Tom dissect AC Milan. FTF suggest four signings in key positions for the Italian giants. Plus, should Stefano Pioli stay or go? Let us know your thoughts on Twitter (@firsttimefinish) and Instagram (@firsttimefinish) and make sure you suggest clubs for future episodes in this brand new series!

This week, George, Ben, Tom and Ninad put forward two players from each group of the upcoming U21 European Championships. Plus, who will end up top scorer? And who will the tournament? If you love exciting young players from the continent, this is where to be!

This week, new FTF signing George Hartley is joined by Ben, Tom and Ninad to discuss the week's Europa League results. From Amad's spectular header to Ajax's silky passing and the continuation of Bale's revival, this is your one-stop-shop for UEL Round-of-16 analysis!

Co-founders Tom, Ninad and Ben pick out one player to watch from each of Europe's top 15 leagues (excluding the top five) and analyse them in detail.  From Austria, Belgium Cyprus to Turkey Russia and Ukraine.  You are in for a treat with an absolute marathon of an episode. 

This week Tom and Ben are joined by tactics writer Lee Scott to discuss his latest book 'Marcelo Bielsa: 13 Steps to the Premier League'. We chew the fat on Kalvin Phillips, England's Euro squad, Raphinha, and the merits of press reaction to Leeds.  Lee's book is available in all good book stores, as well as previous titles on Guardiola and Klopp. A must have for the tactical mind!

Since our launch in September 2020, we have now published over 100 articles. In our first ever podcast, co-founders Ben, Ninad and Tom take a look at our favourite pieces written for the site, and the stories behind them.