The Lowdown

In this episode, we sit down with Jonas Munkvold; First Team Recruitment Analyst with Bournemouth & Analyst with the IFA whose coaching journey offers a window into how football minds are shaped. He explains how writing and deep reflection on the game helped him clarify his ideas, sharpen his thinking, and develop a more considered approach to coaching and analysis.The conversation explores the growing prominence of the coach/analyst hybrid role, with Jonas sharing how he has seen this space evolve over time and what it now demands from practitioners. We also dive into the idea of the player as analyst, discussing how players can take learning from the pitch, build their football intelligence, and become more self-directed in their development. Jonas looks back on his five years at Nottingham Forest, where he worked across a variety of roles and gathered lessons that continue to shape his perspective today. He shares insights from his early specialization in developing 1v1 players, including what he believes is most important in nurturing creativity and decision-making in those moments. Finally, he explains his transition from coaching into recruitment, what motivated that move, and how his coaching background still informs the way he evaluates talent.Listen to find out more including;- Jonas revealing the single most formative experience of his early coaching career.- How writing about football fundamentally changed the way he sees the game?- His inside view on how the coach/analyst role has transformed in modern football.- Why he believes players should think more like analysts on and off the pitch?- The real reasons behind his move from coaching into recruitment.Get in touch;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPodEmail: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

Next summer Haiti and Gabriel Calderon will compete in the 2026 World Cup. It is the latest chapter in the Calderon's family relationship with the trophy. As a four year old inspired by watching his father in the 1990 World Cup Final Gabriel had his mind set on etching his own mark on the game.A childhood spent across France, Spain and the Middle East has shaped Gabriel's worldview, leadership style and understanding of the game beyond the touchline. Forging his trade across several Spanish clubs gave Gabriel the tools to lead prior to embarking on a leadership role with FIFA working closely with developing countries.One of which was Haiti where Gabriel has served several roles including First Team Coach, Assistant & Technical Advisor. On the back of last week's World Cup draw Gabriel joined the podcast to discuss his journey to date.Listen to find out more including;- Why Gabriel believes "football has the same language"?- The impact working in FIFA's Technical Department had on his development?- Inside Haiti's historic World Cup Qualifying campaign.- How Haiti will prepare for Brazil, Scotland and Morocco?- How technical leadership is evolving and what skills matter most?Get in touch;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPodEmail: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

It was not long into Simone Lewis' sporting career where she first realised that developing people skills were as if not more important than developing one's craft knowledge.Through her work at the Premier League, Right to Dream and elsewhere she has cultivated a reputation for developing transformational change amongst leaders with purpose, performance and wellbeing all equally important as another.The following episode is a deep dive into the behaviours and habits one must embody to bring that change to life. In a world with attention at a premium Simone goes deep on how one can remove interferences and focus more on the key fundamentals which will ultimately sustain one's career in the sporting world.Listen to find out more including;- How her understanding of transformational leadership gained layers going from step to step?- What we get wrong about self reflection?- Over-indexing on craft knowledge at the behest of understanding one's self.- What behavioural change looks like at the very top amongst the executives Simone works with?- What authentic people & leadership development looks like in today's AI driven world?Timestamps;00:00 - 08:00 - Knowledge08:01 - 15:36 - Start with Self15:37 - 23:04 - Reflection23:05 - 38:35 - Executive Coaching38:36 - 40:29 - AdviceGet in touch;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPodEmail: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

“We don’t just want consumers; we want people who think deeply about who they are and what kind of coach they want to be.”Today we are joined by the Technical Director of Player Development for MLS; Fred Lipka. In this episode, we dive deep into coach development, pedagogy, and the evolution of youth football from France to the United States. Fred shares a journey that spans Le Havre’s world-renowned academy, consulting across the U.S. youth landscape, and shaping the next generation of MLS coaches through the Elite Formation Coaching License (EFCL). Graduates like Wilfried Nancy, Greg Vanney, Nico Estevez, and Luchi Gonzalez have gone onto esteemed success coaching first team football. Here Fred explains how the course is taught and the unique approach they take to social learning.Listen to find out more including;- Growing up in the Le Havre environment, sharing insights into what made Le Havre’s developmental culture so influential.- What surprised him most about the structure, culture, and coaching approaches in the U.S?- Do US based coaches spend sufficient time on field developing their craft?- The link between teaching and coaching — and why coaching must evolve ?- Why coaches focusing on developing their players individual game insight is key to US success over the next decade?- Creating environments where coaches want to contribute, support each other and give back.Timestamps;00:00 - 11:10 - Le Havre11:11 - 25:16 - EFCL25:17 - 37:08 - Coaching Pathways37:09 - 54:20 - Game Insight54:21 - 57:57 - AdviceGet in touch;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPodEmail: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

In this episode, we sit down with Kasper Thornton, the Group Director of Human Performance at Right to Dream. From the academies of Ghana to world-class facilities in Europe and the U.S., Right to Dream is more than a football program — it’s a philosophy about opportunity, character, and purpose.Kasper shares his personal journey through the world of sport, what drew him to Right to Dream’s mission, and the values that underpin their success. We go deep inside the student-athlete experience, explore how collaboration drives performance outcomes, and reflect on some of the toughest leadership decisions that come with leading across continents.Listen to find out more including;- What is the optimum balance of challenge and support in working with student-athletes?- How working cross continent has shaped Kasper's leadership journey?- Insights on sustaining a shared mission and identity as Right to Dream build.- "Infinite trust" and how Kasper empowers others to lead.- Why "how we win" & "who we win with" matters most?- How working with Gen-Z is reshaping Kasper's own work routine and weekly architecture?Get in touch;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPodEmail: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

In this episode, we sit down with Gareth Henderby, Director of International Football at Blue Crow Sports Group, and formerly a cornerstone figure at Right to Dream and FC Nordsjælland.From being Employee #1 at Right to Dream in Ghana to shaping academies across continents, Gareth shares a remarkable 25-year journey dedicated to developing people through football — not just producing players, but nurturing character, education, and opportunity.Now leading international strategy at Blue Crow, Gareth discusses how multi-club ownership, data-driven development, and education-centric talent systems are redefining the future of football.Listen to find out more including;- Inside the early days at Right to Dream.- The partner mindset which gave RTD success in Africa?- How they got the transition right developing players from Academy through to First Team Football?- What multi club ownership means for global football pathways?- Building alignment through a centralized football department at Blue Crow.Timestamps;00:00 - 05:32 - Ghana05:33 - 15:34 - Right to Dream15:35 - 20:17 - Partner Mindset20:18 - 26:02 - International Academy26:03 - 36:40 - Blue Crow36:41 - 44:22 - AdviceGet in touch;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPodEmail: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

In this episode, we sit down with Juan Cale, one of football’s most respected agents, to explore what really goes on behind the scenes in the world of player representation. From negotiating contracts and managing careers to balancing player ambitions with club realities, Juan shares a candid look at the business side of the beautiful game.He opens up about how he broke into the industry, the biggest misconceptions about agents, and the lessons he’s learned working with players at every stage of their careers. Whether you’re a young player, coach, or fan who wants to understand how deals really get done, this episode offers a rare inside perspective.Listen to find out more including;- How Juan got his start as a football agent and built his network in a competitive industry?- The truth about what agents actually do — and what they don’t?- How to guide players beyond the paycheck: choosing the right club, coach, and environment?- The art of negotiation — striking balance between player goals and club expectations.- The evolving role of data, analytics, and player branding in modern football.- Juan’s advice for the next generation of agents and players entering the professional world.Get in touch;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPodEmail: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

Episode 180 is a repeat of one of our most downloaded episodes to date, a conversation with Owen Eastwood. Renowned for his work with NATO, Gareth Southgate's England, South African Cricket and most recently Europe's Ryder Cup winning team. He has carved out a reputation in elite sport for creating the optimal environment for teams to succeed. Here he brings us on a journey reflecting on his career, the lessons learned and allowing us remarkable access into his work. It's an episode you will listen to again and again. Enjoy. Listen to find out more including;- Why “Belonging” is never an achieved state?- What the art of good storytelling looks like?- The ancient Maori belief Owen uses to maximise a team's performance?- Inside his role within Gareth Southgate's England squad and reflecting upon how the national team culture has changed.- Why being authentic and personal are the two key tools to navigating the future successfully?- Owen's challenge to to each of you listening.Get in touch;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPodEmail: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

It’s not every day that your book earns acclaim from Hansi Flick, Julian Nagelsmann, and Jürgen Klinsmann — but that’s exactly what Andreas Schumacher can attest to with his new book Two Versus One, co-authored with Bernhard Peters.Having worked in the youth setups of clubs such as Stuttgart and Hamburg, Schumacher has seen first-hand how alignment between academies, first teams, and leadership can shape long-term player development.Two Versus One is a thought-provoking work that challenges conventional thinking on attacking play, progression, and finishing. If you’re passionate about player development, creative attacking football, and innovative coaching, this episode will push you to rethink how the game is taught and played.Listen to find out more including;- Why 2v1 is more than just a numbers advantage—and how it transforms attacking play ?- Why the most difficult part of football—scoring goals—is often the least trained?- The surprising influence of hockey on football coaching.- Why Andreas believes “there’s no such thing as a 1v1 in football” ?- Where youth development needs to evolve in the next 5–10 years ?Get in touch;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPodEmail: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

From playing over 180 times for Canada during a golden era of women’s football to becoming a NWSL championship-winning coach, Rhian Wilkinson has had quite the journey from the backline to the touchline. In this episode, she reflects on her journey from player to coach, how her experiences on the pitch shaped her philosophy, the importance of building trust in new environments, and what the future holds for the women’s game.Listen to find out more including;- What it meant to represent Canada on the global stage over 180 times.- How her years as a defender shaped her coaching philosophy?- The evolution of her coaching approach across youth, club, and international football.- How the Wales national team role came about and the challenges of international management.- Balancing empathy with high-performance demands in elite sport.- Breaking down barriers and what excites her most about the next decade of women’s football?00:00 - 04:10 - Playing04:11 - 10:28 - Coaching10:29 - 15:46- Management15:47 - 23:04 - Wales23:05 - 30:59 - Women's football31:00 - 32:01 - AdviceGet in touch;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/Twitter: https://twitter.com/cwalsh95?lang=enYouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPodEmail: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

Craig Dalrymple has built a career defined by resilience, adaptability, and an obsession with player development. From early adversity that fueled his drive, to over a decade at Vancouver where he oversaw the progression of more than 80 academy players into the first team — including global stars like Alphonso Davies — Craig has consistently found ways to turn potential into performance. Now as Head of Professional Player Development at Seattle Sounders, his mission is to design environments where every player can thrive. This episode is an insight into what it truly takes to stand out in high performance environments.Listen to find out more including;- The balance between relentless effort and the pursuit of quality in a young coach’s career.- Designing learning environments across diverse settings, from Miami to the Pacific North West.- Why he chose to focus on developing players as individuals rather than just coaching teams?- What elite talent really looks like and the traits that separate the few who make it?- The purpose and power of Individual Development Plan (IDP) meetings — and what many academies get wrong.-Insights as to how he designs and directs resources plus attention to Sounders top talents.00:00 - 08:59 - Whitecaps09:00 - 17:06 - Feedback17:07 - 25:10- Technical Leadership25:11 - 37:46 - Seattle37:47 - 45:44 - IDP45:45 - 49:35 - AdviceGet in touch;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPodEmail: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

Renowned for her pioneering work as a group dynamics analyst, Manon Eluere has spent years exploring how teams function beneath the surface. With a PhD focused on the strengths and challenges of multicultural squads, her research has provided coaches and managers with practical insights into cohesion, leadership, and performance in high-pressure environments.Manon offers a rare perspective at the intersection of research and practice—where science meets the lived realities of the dressing room.Listen to find out more including;- Defining the role of a group dynamics analyst and why it matters in modern football?- What we most commonly misunderstand about team settings?- Cohesion vs. conformism – how high-pressure environments shape team culture.- The role of data and technology in understanding and shaping group behavior.- What her main indicator of staff retention is?- Emerging trends that will shape team dynamics over the next decade.Get in touch;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPodEmail: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

What does it really take to handle the world’s biggest players, the fastest games, and the fiercest scrutiny in football? Jonathan Moss knows better than most.From starting out on grassroots pitches to taking charge of Premier League clashes watched by millions, Moss has lived the highs, the pressure, and the controversy of refereeing at the very top. Now Head of Referees at Football Australia, he’s leading the next generation of officials into a new era.Listen to find out more including;- The toughest part of climbing the ladder from local games to the Premier League.- How he stayed calm making split-second calls in high-stakes moments?- The truth about dealing with criticism from managers, players, fans, and the media.- His honest take on VAR and whether it’s helped or hindered referees.- Why communication and respect are the hidden keys to managing elite players?- The changes he’s driving to improve refereeing for the future.Get in touch;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPodEmail: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

Peter Sturgess has been at the heart of reshaping English football’s approach to youth development. From designing the FA Youth Modules and creating the Play Phase for 4–6 year olds, to working alongside Dan Ashworth in building the England DNA, his influence has touched every corner of the game. Beyond the frameworks, Peter has also been a coach educator, researcher, and futsal advocate — all with one guiding principle: putting the child first.In this episode, Peter shares his journey, his philosophies on skill acquisition and learning, and why even now he still sees himself as unfinished and excited about what’s next.Listen to find out more including;- How the FA Youth Modules and Play Phase transformed early player development?- The story behind embedding the England DNA under Dan Ashworth.- Why futsal accelerates creativity and adaptability in ways other formats can’t?- Are players being pushed into academies too early — and what’s at stake?- Coaching the coach educators and applying research in teaching and learning.- Why putting the child first remains the cornerstone of development in the 21st century?00:00 - 07:02 - Intro07:03 - 13:16 - Coaching the Coach13:17 - 19:06- FA19:07 - 26:16 - Child First26:22 - 37:43 - Futsal37:44 - 44:24 - The joy of learningGet in touch;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPodEmail: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

In this episode, I sat down with Scott Miller — a coach whose story runs from buying a one-way ticket to the UK, working building sites, and cold calls, to standing on the touchline in a Europa League final with Fulham and later becoming the youngest head coach in A-League history.Scott shares what it was like working with players such as Dimitar Berbatov, Damien Duff, and Clint Dempsey, the lessons he learned under Roy Hodgson & Ange Postecoglou and how trust, feedback, and culture have guided his journey. With over 20 years in football and a recent move into tech, Scott offers a unique perspective on where the two worlds intersect — and how the future belongs to coach plus AI, not coach versus AI.Listen to find out more including;- The bold move of buying a one-way ticket to the UK and breaking into the Premier League.- Behind the scenes of Fulham’s Europa League final run and working with big personalities.- What it meant to become the youngest head coach in A-League history?- Working under Ange and why players are your CV!- “Feedback beats perfection” as a guiding principle for Scott.- How football and tech overlap — and what the best are doing with AI in coaching?00:00 - 10:00 - Fulham10:01 - 18:26 - Coaching18:27 - 30:55- Leaving Professional Football30:56 - 43:41 - Applying football lessons to tech43:42 - 47:37 - AdviceGet in touch;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPodEmail: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

Today’s guest, Bernat Mosquera is known for his innovative lens on individual development, player centred learning and final-third mastery, Bernat has worked across continents and cultures, shaping a coaching philosophy that encourages understanding over recognition.He is the mind behind Modern Coach Hub, a leading platform for sharing fresh coaching ideas and frameworks. From rethinking how players read cues in the final third to refining how coaches design and communicate individual sessions, Bernat’s work continues to push the boundaries of player development.Listen to find out more including;- How working across continents shaped Bernat’s coaching philosophy?- Why he emphasizes individual development as a cornerstone of coaching ?- Why coaches often struggle to translate individual principles into the collective game ?- The differences between dynamic and static references in decision-making.- Key ideas from his final-third frameworks and reading cues.- How communication styles, video, and data can support more effective knowledge transfer to players?Timestamps;00:00 - 03:58 - Intro03:59 - 14:56 - Universal Principles14:57 - 19:32- Push v Pull19:33 - 27:40 - Modern Coach Hub27:41 - 35:03 - Final Third35:04 - 45:32 - Game Insight45:33 - 49:45 - AdviceGet in touch;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPodEmail: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

The Sporting Director is one of the most influential and misunderstood roles in modern football.Today’s guest, Dan Parnell, is at the forefront of changing that perception. As the CEO of the Association of Sporting Directors (ASD), Dan has been instrumental in shaping the way leaders in football approach system design, strategy, and long-term success.With a background in academia, research, and leadership, Dan bridges the gap between evidence-based practice and the real-world demands of football. His work has created a global platform for Sporting Directors to share knowledge, develop professionally, and ultimately raise the standards of how clubs operate.In this episode, we explore what truly defines the Sporting Director role, how to build sustainable football departments, and why alignment between academy, first team, and ownership is vital for long-term success. We also look ahead to how multi-club models, private investment, and technology are reshaping the role and what the future Sporting Director will need to thrive.Listen to find out more including;- The origins of the Association of Sporting Directors and why the role needed professionalisation.- The non-negotiable responsibilities every Sporting Director must master.- What common mistakes clubs make when designing their football departments?- Why Dan believes the Sporting Director should act as both an integrator and a buffer?- The impact of multi-club ownership, private equity, and financial models on leadership roles.- Dan’s advice for aspiring Sporting Directors looking to break into the role.Timestamps;00:00 - 07:00 - ASD07:01 - 11:39 - Collaboration11:40 - 22:08- The Role22:09 - 28:27 - Alignment28:28 - 40:00 - Legacy40:01 - 43:28 - Advicehttps://associationofsportingdirectors.com/Get in touch;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPodEmail: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

" A good coach changes the game, a great coach changes a life"; - John Wooden.A mantra from the one and only John Wooden but one in which today's guest Tom Hartley lives and breathes by.Tom is a leading voice in coach development, system design, and player pathways. Tom brings a multi-disciplinary perspective from his roles at Arsenal, The FA, UK Coaching, Oxford United Women, True Athlete Project, and—most notably—Head of Competitor Development at Motorsport UK.We explore what makes a great coach developer and how to build sustainable coaching systems that align from grassroots foundations to elite performance levels. We also dive into how emerging technologies like AI and data are reshaping coaching, and what forward-thinking strategies are essential for future readiness. Whether you’re a coach, technical director, or sports leader, this episode equips you with the frameworks and mindset to build impactful, future-facing coaching cultures.Listen to find out more including;- How coach developers support transformation, not just instruction?- Key principles in designing scalable coach development systems.- Building alignment across the player pathway, from youth to elite levels.- What he learned from producing IDP's at Arsenal?- Tom’s groundbreaking work in bringing structured coaching to motorsport.- Opportunities and risks of integrating AI and technology into coaching.Timestamps;00:00 - 05:48 - Relationships05:49 - 14:50 - IDPs14:51 - 19:22- Handcuffs to Handrails19:23 - 30:58 - Coach Development30:59 - 38:18 - Self Awareness38:19 - 42:06 - Motorsport42:07 - 49:09 - AI49:10 - 55:26 - AdviceGet in touch;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPodEmail: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

On today’s episode, we’re joined by Dan Lock — Head of Coaching & Individual Development for Columbus Crew.Driven by an insatiable appetite to learn and grow, Dan shares insights into the diverse environments that have shaped his journey so far. Always seeking opportunities to stretch himself—whether through leadership, coach development, or exploring the intricacies of individual growth—Dan offers a compelling perspective on continuous development.Listen to find out more including;- How the Columbus Crew create lifelong fans within the Academy?- Insights behind the processes guiding player development pathways at the Crew.- The changes made in house to shape alignment from Academy to First Team.- The balance of push & pull when it comes to leading staff & departments.- More behind Dan's decision to move from a strategic to technical position within the Crew.Timestamps;00:00 - 07:02 - Perspectives07:03 - 13:05 - Columbus13:06 - 22:26- Pathways22:27 - 32:29 - Leadership32:30 - 41:19 - Player Development41:20 - 43:52 - AdviceGet in touch;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPodEmail: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

On today’s episode, we’re joined by Gary Curneen — host of the Modern Soccer Coach podcast.Gary's platform has been widely acknowledged as one of the best learning hubs for coaches worldwide. In this wide ranging conversation we tackle topics from youth development to the recent Club World Cup and even as far as what a modern soccer coach will look like over these next 5-10 years. Really fascinating conversation and great to hear from Gary on the other end of the microphone.Listen to find out more including;- Modern Soccer Coach & it's origins- Filtering through noise and signal in consuming football content.- Prioritizing obtaining experiences rather than information as a coach.- What frustrates Gary about coaching at the moment?- Which skillsets coaches need to focus on over the forthcoming years?Timestamps;00:00 - 09:23 - Modern Soccer Coach09:24 - 16:21 - Content16:22 - 22:16- Curiosity22:17 - 29:31 - Club World Cup29:32 - 35:07 - Experiences35:08 - 46:47 - Youth Development46:48 - 55:48 - AdviceGet in touch;Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPodEmail: cwalsh95@outlook.ie