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The Art and Science Of Winning

The Art and Science Of Winning

By Don MacNaughton


It’s more than the beautiful game…
We are naturally drawn to other people, their story – with both the highs and the lows keeping us connected.
In this footballing podcast series, everyone has a story and I’ve been driven to find out all the pieces which make up their story.
If like me you are drawn to the beautiful game through a life-long unbreakable connection then this podcast series is for you.
Join me and together we can listen and learn, react, and reflect – and appreciate why football and its players, coaches, managers and involved make it much more than just a beautiful game.
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How to develop confidence and self-belief with John Collins

The Art and Science Of Winning Oct 23, 2020

00:00
20:15
Dapo Mebude on Coming Through The Ranks

Dapo Mebude on Coming Through The Ranks


Today on the podcast, I’m joined by K.V. Oostende striker Dapo Mebude.

For as long as he can remember, Dapo had wanted to become a footballer. He had the opportunity to join the Glasgow Rangers Youth Academy at ten years old and turned professional six years later in 2017, when he made his debut at Ibrox.

Dapo acknowledges the numerous mentors that instilled confidence, ambition, and drive in the young player through those early years, from coach Jimmy McNee to Academy Head Craig Mulholland.

To Dapo, having support from his family, peers, and mentors allows him to embrace his fullest potential as a player. “All I ever want,” says Dapo, “is to know that they have my best interests at heart. If I trust them, I know I can become the best version of myself.”

Of course, self-belief is just as important. Dapo believes that mental fortitude and striving to improve day by day are the less obvious but foundational traits of the best in the game.

He recalls training with the under-20s just before signing his professional contract and, instead of allowing himself to be intimidated by the skill of these older players, was driven to be the best performer on his future team. Dapo believes that talent and attitude combined directly determines how successful you become, no matter the field.

Through observing the professionalism of his coach and fellow Rangers teammates, Dapo also learned the powerful lesson that “how quickly you get there is how quickly you can lose it all”. This outlook kept his passion and ambition alive amid the turbulence of moving from club to club as a young footballer.

He attributes his characteristic humility, intense drive, and unfailing optimism to his faith in God, saying:

“I don’t want to leave anything to fate. I want to keep pushing myself until I can’t handle it anymore. Until I get to that point, I want to keep trying to do the best I can, because that’s all I can do.”

TIMESTAMP:

[00:47] Dapo’s life in Belgium

[02:13] Joining the Rangers youth system at the age of ten and becoming a part of K.V. Oostende

[03:50] Why Dapo wanted to become a footballer

[05:22] Who influenced Dapo in the world of sports

[11:54] The importance of having family and peer support as a young football player

[14:49] Maturing as a player

[18:00] What keeps the best players going when most have quit

[23:00] How the confidence and professionalism of his manager and fellow players inspired Dapo to develop himself every day

[30:20] The power of faith

[32:15] How it felt when Dapo made his debut

[35:55] The experience of moving from club to club as a young player

Connect with Dapo Mebude:

· WEBSITE

Connect with Don MacNaughton:

· WEBSITE

· PODCAST

· INSTAGRAM

· TWITTER

· FACEBOOK

· LINKEDIN

Oct 06, 202239:11
John Kennedy on Coaching Learning and Emotional Intelligence

John Kennedy on Coaching Learning and Emotional Intelligence

John Kennedy on Coaching Today’s Young Players

Today on the podcast, I’m joined by Celtic assistant manager John Kennedy.

John kicks off the conversation by describing the value that playing football on the street brought to his life in childhood in terms of camaraderie, challenge, and creativity.

He spent his early teen years in Celtic’s youth system. It is an experience that he is intensely grateful for not only because it helped launch his career, but also because its fast-paced environment instilled within him a priceless mindset of resilience and proactivity.

At age 16, John made his first-team debut during the 1999–2000 season.

Asked about how demands upon young players have changed over the years, John says that it’s impossible to completely tune out the many distractions of today’s world.

However, he believes that the fundamentals he was brought up with are as relevant as ever. 

Ultimately, as long as coaches keep their players engaged and having fun throughout training, they will progress.

John goes on to talk about making that transition from player to coach, particularly from a mindset perspective. 

He talks about the career-ending injury that had a major impact on him as a player and as a person

Despite—or perhaps because of—that setback, he learned to embrace vulnerability, empathy, and an openness to opportunity. 

This newfound approach to his life and career gave John the confidence to become a coach later down the line.

“Would I change a thing?” says John. “No, because I’m not the type of guy who loves regret and wondering, ‘What if?’ It has all taken me to where I am today. I wouldn’t change any of it, even though there have been a lot of really challenging times.”

TIMESTAMP:

[00:34] Being a part of the next Champions League this September

[02:22] Whether there are too many games nowadays

[03:26] Growing up with a love for football and his big influences

[09:06] The moment John knew he would be a professional player

[11:58] The importance of having family support as a football player

[14:57] Why there are more distractions for young players today

[20:26] John’s coaching best practices

[22:46] How Scotland has changed over the years as a place to live

[30:18] Making the mental transition from player to coach

[39:30] How coaching has evolved

[44:44] Working with different managers

[53:09] John’s goals for the future

Connect with John Kennedy:

  WEBSITE

Connect with Don MacNaughton:

· WEBSITE

· PODCAST

· INSTAGRAM

· TWITTER

· FACEBOOK

· LINKEDIN

Sep 13, 202254:50
OffxSpringz - Building a brand - A Passion Project

OffxSpringz - Building a brand - A Passion Project

Michael Sandilands of of Offxspringz Clothing

Today on the podcast, I’m joined by Mike Sandilands, football fan and Founder of Offxspringz Clothing. The brand began as a “lockdown project” between the proud father and his two daughters Mylah and Harper in February 2021.

Initially, Mike challenged himself to take the drawings his daughters were doing on their blackboard, digitize them, and print them onto t-shirts. He took a heat press and watched YouTube videos on how to use it. His newfound hobby later progressed to printing for friends, families, and businesses.

From there Mike and his girls designed their famous wee bears logo, which quickly garnered interest from people all over the UK.

Offxspringz Clothing was born.

Today, Mike continues to work his day job at the Grant's whisky distillery before rushing home directly afterwards to fulfill orders as a business owner—both roles that he absolutely cherishes.

Asked why he decided to take the leap into entrepreneurship, Mike says that he had always wanted to develop his own clothing brand, and that the only thing he needed was the right inspiration to kick off his creativity. And what better source of inspiration than his own children?

He believes that, as a business owner, you’ve got to speculate to accumulate. To him, creative experimentation, aligning passion with purpose, and surrounding oneself with trustworthy people are the keys to entrepreneurial success.

All that, and a good amount of hard work, of course:

“I’m pretty obsessive with something,” says Mike. “So, if I get something in my head, I keep going.”

As for his biggest dream for the Offxspringz brand?

“I’d love to see David Beckham wearing it.”

TIMESTAMP:

[01:38] The story behind Offxspringz Clothing

[03:40] Partnering with Challenger Sports and his time in America

[05:16] Designing the wee bears logo

[08:11] What’s on offer at Offxspringz

[10:38] The moment Mike realized the brand was taking off

[12:14] Working a full-time job at Grant’s whisky distillery while running a clothing business

[15:35] Mike’s love for football

[17:22] Who Mike would love to see wearing Offxspringz

[21:27] Reaching out to big clothing brands for opportunities

[22:56] Mike’s keys to business success

[26:51] Where Mike’s creativity comes from

Visit Offxspringz Clothing:

· WEBSITE

Connect with Don MacNaughton:

· WEBSITE

· PODCAST

· INSTAGRAM

· TWITTER

· FACEBOOK

· LINKEDIN

Jun 05, 202231:02
The Hebridean Baker, Football and Building a Brand

The Hebridean Baker, Football and Building a Brand

Coinneach MacLeod, The Hebridean Baker

Today on the podcast, I’m joined by Coinneach MacLeod, author of The Hebridean Baker: Recipes and Wee Stories from the Scottish Islands.

Born and raised on the Isle of Lewis, Coinneach wrote the book having been inspired by traditional family recipes and homegrown produce. He rose to fame as The Hebridean Baker on TikTok in 2020 and currently educates and entertains over 239,200 followers on the social media platform.

While now heavily focused on his brand as The Hebridean Baker, Coinneach continues to harbor a love for football, which he has had since the age of ten. His football-related work usually consists in helping to professionalize the sport as it’s played around the world.

Coinneach is incredibly proud of his heritage, hence his motivation to build upon his online persona and, now, to publish The Hebridean Baker. “I wanted to find a way to talk about the islands and the uniqueness of our identity, of our culture, of the Gaelic language.” To that end, he used his love of baking as a “conduit” for telling these stories.

In order to preserve his family recipes, Coinneach posted them online. Little did he know that his TikTok would quickly become a worldwide phenomenon.

“It’s been great because I’ve done apart from the things I love. I haven’t had to change anything that I would normally do. I just share stories and recipes that I love myself.”

Coinneach goes on to talk about his experience in building his online brand and business from Lewis and his advice to other aspiring entrepreneurs from small towns. To him, the foundations of any long-lasting brand are passion and authenticity. Such palpable enthusiasm and honesty will slowly but surely attract those like-minded individuals that make up your tribe.

Finally, Coinneach speaks to the unique culture among those born and raised in Lewis and Harris and his hopes for more economic growth in the island whilst maintaining that small-town camaraderie and respect for the history of the place.

TIMESTAMP:

[00:42] Life in Lewis

[02:50] Coinneach’s “pinch me” moments in his football career

[08:51] Why Coinneach wrote The Hebridean Baker and why he chose TikTok

[11:31] The types of content that Coinneach creates

[15:25] About Seoras the dog and other iconic content from The Hebridean Baker

[18:06] Keys to building a strong online brand

[22:00] How your name tells the story of your heritage

[24:26] Improving the Lewis and Harris economy

[28:00] Happiness versus fulfillment

Connect with Coinneach MacLeod:

· TIKTOK

Connect with Don MacNaughton:

· WEBSITE

· PODCAST

· INSTAGRAM

· TWITTER

· FACEBOOK

· LINKEDIN

Feb 25, 202232:13
 Ian Murray MP , Hearts Fan on Scottish Football Culture

Ian Murray MP , Hearts Fan on Scottish Football Culture


Today on the podcast, I’m joined by MP for Edinburgh South Ian Murray. He was previously Chair of the Foundation of Hearts and stepped down in  2016 in order to focus on his parliamentary duties. A football fan first and a politician second, he considers his resignation from the Hearts Board as “the worst mistake I’ve ever made in my life.”

Being a Hearts fan for as long as he can remember, Ian quips that “you can choose your friends and maybe you can even choose your family, but you can’t choose your football team.”

He talks about a number of his most treasured memories watching the Hearts through the years, speaking of each memory with equal fervor. Says Ian, “What’s the difference between a good and a bad football match? The stories you can tell for decades to come.”

Ian considers football “very much a working class game” at its core among the Scottish working class, and that the rampant commercialization of the sport in the past 40 years has slightly diminished that spirit. One can point to the fact that football is no longer priced as a working class game alone to illustrate this. What persists, however, is the sense of community that defines Scottish football culture.

Ian discusses the Hearts’ pride when it comes to protecting its legacy. Its early slogan, in fact, was: “Own the history, change the future.” Among ardent fans, there is an unspoken sense of responsibility to be custodians not only of the club’s history, but also for those of future generations to be involved with the club.

He also explains the cultural and economic differences between football clubs in Scotland and internationally renowned clubs in Spain and Germany. He says that aspiring club founders should not simply copy the model that made another club successful.

According to Ian, “You’ve got to bear in mind that you’ve got to do what’s best for your club and your fanbase. One size does not fit all. In fact, a thousand sizes do not fit all. You’ve just got to determine what’s in the best interest of the club.”

TIMESTAMP:

[00:25] Football fan first, politician second

[02:59] Growing up with the Hearts

[04:11] Ian’s favorite memories of the Hearts

[06:45] The Scottish working class love for football

[09:32] How football culture has evolved over the last 40 years in Scotland

[15:00] “Own the history, change the future.”

[18:09] Whether Scottish football clubs will ever become as high profile as those in Spain and Germany

[20:25] Getting involved in the political arena

[25:44] How Scottish football will continue to develop through the next ten years

Learn more about Ian Murray:

· WIKIPEDIA

Connect with Don MacNaughton:

· WEBSITE

· PODCAST

· INSTAGRAM

· TWITTER

· FACEBOOK

· LINKEDIN

Feb 18, 202229:48
Joe Lewis on Patience and following the Keepers Path

Joe Lewis on Patience and following the Keepers Path

Today on the podcast, I’m joined by Aberdeen F.C. goalkeeper Joe Lewis.

Joe had always loved being a goalkeeper since finding his passion for football at a young age, humorously adding that “every goalkeeper you speak to will always fancy themselves as a striker or an outfield player.” Among his role models were his own father and brother who were keen athletes in their own right, as well as fellow goalkeeper Robert Green.

He speaks about the discipline that was quickly instilled within him once he began his career in football, starting with Norwich City as a substitute goalkeeper before officially turning professional in October 2004.

He recalls that “you get verbally - battered if your boots weren’t clean.” Joe loved every minute of it, saying that his strict, routine-heavy days made him truly feel “involved” with the rest of the team.

Joe signed for Peterborough United on 8 January 2008 and stayed on with them for the next four years before agreeing to a three-year deal at Welsh club Cardiff City on 25 May 2012. Finally, he joined Aberdeen on 15 June 2016.

Joe discusses where he stands as a goalkeeper relative to the rest of the players, not to mention his coach and manager. He cites patience as one quality that successful goalkeepers uniquely must possess by nature of their role on the pitch. Just as important is making the effort to build rapport with team members in order to nurture that symbiotic relationship that is invaluable at game time.

To young players who haven’t quite gotten their big break yet, Joe encourages them to nurture the drive that motivated them to pursue a football career in the first place. Maintaining that drive is difficult as a 16 or 17 year old when they are forced to contend with the aforementioned day-to-day realities of being a professional footballer. That is where the virtue of patience once again becomes a useful skill to cultivate.

In Joe’s words: “Just have the mentality that, ‘Even if I’m not getting that opportunity, how can I get better?’ What’s stopping you from getting to where you want to go, and what can you do to get there?”

TIMESTAMP:

[00:37] Navigating the current break

[04:45] Becoming a goalkeeper

[08:59] Lessons in discipline as a professional footballer

[13:58] The importance of having family support in your first year as a professional footballer

[17:01] Making his debut at Norwich

[19:45] Why patience and relationship-buildingare vital as a goalkeeper

[27:19] How the goalkeeper can work successfully with the defensive unit

[29:09] Joe’s journey from Norwich to Aberdeen

[38:45] Choosing which club was right for him

[42:35] Joe’s advice to young players who haven’t had their big break yet

Learn more about Joe Lewis:

· WIKIPEDIA

Connect with Don MacNaughton:

· WEBSITE

· PODCAST

· INSTAGRAM

· TWITTER

· FACEBOOK

· LINKEDIN

Jan 30, 202246:28
Football, Learning and getting the most out of your skills

Football, Learning and getting the most out of your skills

This week, I welcome Stuart McCaffrey, the Chief Operating Officer of The Scottish Football Partnership (SFP), to the Football, Mindset & Leadership Podcast.

In this episode, Stuart talks about the importance of football in communities and shares invaluable advice like urging players to "focus on education to complement their careers." Lastly, he shares how to get involved with supporting the game as coaches and leaders.

Episode Highlights:

● [00:01:00] Stuart McCaffrey discusses the diverse mission of The Scottish Football Partnership and the importance of supporting the game on every level.

● [00:03:45] The game of football is constantly developing, and Stuart sees it all from a bird's eye view - hear his thoughts on how the game has evolved over the last 20 years.

● [00:06:08] Change isn't always bad, listen as Stuart and I discuss the benefits of making football more accessible and how recreational football supports the community.

● [00:10:55] Participation and player readiness are two numbers that we regularly discuss on the grassroots level. Still, Stuart suggests another more important metric - tune in to hear what it is.

● [00:12:50] Grants from the Football Partnership are used in various ways - Stuart shares his proudest moments.

● [00:25:46] What characteristics do successful coaches and managers have in common? Stuart shares his insights and his journey into leadership.

● [00:43:43] How to get involved with the Scottish Football Partnership

Takeaways:

Football is about more than the sport; on the grassroots level, football brings people together. The Scottish Football Partnership leads the charge to move the game forward while creating a more significant impact in communities.

Education should be front and center of a football player's career as the two complement each other and offer players more opportunities when they retire. Learn what players should focus on during the height of their careers.

Connect with Don MacNaughton:

· WEBSITE

· PODCAST

· INSTAGRAM

· TWITTER

· FACEBOOK

· LINKEDIN

Connect with Stuart McCaffrey:

LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/stuart-mccaffrey-sfp

SFP Website: https://thescottishfootballpartnership.com/about/

Jan 10, 202245:51
Rangers F.C. Woman's Head Coach Malky Thomson on his coaching journey

Rangers F.C. Woman's Head Coach Malky Thomson on his coaching journey


Today on the podcast, I’m joined by Malky Thomson, Head Women’s Coach at Rangers Football Club.

After briefly going down memory lane and recalling the journey of the growth of his passion for football, Malky reflects on yesterday’s football culture, through which previous generations grew not only in their love for the sport, but also in their resourcefulness, street smarts, and community spirit.

He talks about the discipline and work ethic that was instilled in him as a young footballer as well as the series of events that led him to getting “discovered” by Aberdeen. He was truly thrown in the deep end. “I can remember thinking I was a good player at the Boys Club level,” says Malky, but that he was quickly humbled once training began.

Aberdeen was a major influence on Malky even going beyond his football career. He recalls one particularly memorable moment when his manager Sir Alex Ferguson walked into the changing room and exclaimed, “One of you might make it. But everyone of you will make it in life by the time I’m finished with you,” before promptly making his exit.

Malky's tough early career has made him a relatable coach to the players he works with today. He says that there were many times he felt that he wasn’t quick enough, as skilled enough, or as sharp enough during games; however, he always knew that he was wanted. No matter the player’s background, character, or level of skill, Malky believes that the bottom line consideration is to truly make them feel that they contribute to the team’s efforts.

He brings it back to his coach’s words, that not everyone is going to make it as a footballer, but under his leadership, he was determined to help his players make it in life.

Malky attributes much of his success to his authenticity and willingness to take risks both as a coach and a player. Because football is inherently a team-focused sport, you need to gain and maintain trust with your coach, manager, or players, and that starts and ends with being yourself. And to stand a chance of “making it” as a footballer? That involves a lot of risk-taking and a willingness to endure the failures and setbacks that you will be inevitably faced with.

“Coaches have got a real responsibility,” concludes Malky, “to ensure that they create an environment where players can just be who they are, and to assure them that it’s okay to make mistakes and feel pressure.”

TIMESTAMP:

[01:04] How Malky got into football

[04:24] Can we duplicate the street football culture of decades past in today’s world?

[07:24] How Malky built discipline and work ethic as a young footballer

[15:21] Tough pre-game conversations

[17:26] How Aberdeen shaped Malky as a football man

[22:38] How Malky’s early career has helped him relate well to players he coaches

[26:51] The opportunities that have come Malky’s way through the years

[31:00] The importance of authenticity to be successful as a coach or a player

[34:31] Why we can’t avoid taking risks

[36:14] Moving into coaching the women’s team.

[41:55] The coachability and humility of the women’s team

[43:58] Malky’s vision for the women’s team

[47:19] Malky’s advice for those looking to become a coach

Connect with Malky Thomson:

· LEARN MORE

· LINKEDIN

Connect with Don MacNaughton:



Jan 04, 202253:21
Introduction to Visualisation for Performance

Introduction to Visualisation for Performance

An introduction to Visualisation

When we visualize, we're tapping in the same neural pathways, and then putting software down on it. 

For example 

So we're actually running a program that says, "You know what? I'm visualizing myself getting on the end of a cross six yard out. I can see myself getting on the end of it and flying past to keep it." Now that doesn't guarantee that would happen. But what it does is it does a few things. It makes you feel good when you're thinking about it. So that's always a good thing. So it's creating that feelings of, "I want to go and practice."

Dec 30, 202109:47
Pat Nevin talks Football, Society and Developing your Inner Compass

Pat Nevin talks Football, Society and Developing your Inner Compass

Pat Nevin didn't wake up one morning and decide that he wanted to be different. He just was.

Since his early childhood growing up in a tenement in Glasgow, he was raised to believe that developing through reading and deep self-exploration was a part of life. His earliest role models weren't the great football players before him, but the Glaswegian working-class men and women he admired like his brothers who studied hard and obtained degrees; and the great works of musicians who composed music simply for the joy of doing so. In this episode, Pat discusses his lessons from those musicians and his family upbringing, leading to his well-rounded outlook on life and career and why he titled his book "The Accidental Footballer."

"Now, that's the reason why I've written this book called The Accidental Footballer. It's a true honest reflection of how I felt. I liked the idea of playing football for the utter joy and love of it, and that's why I played because I love doing it."

Pat's level-head approach to the game ensured that he was prepared to walk away if the game stopped bringing him joy. The idea of standing on what feels right didn't end with his football career; Pat brought the same zeal into his career as a D.J. and Journalist.

Pat shares with The Football, Mindset, and Leadership Listeners how his personal compass has evolved with age, his thoughts on where the game is going, and advice for developing your inner compass.

● [00:00:06] We catch up with Pat Nevin

● [00:05:53] Pat explains his early childhood and the lessons that shaped him

● [00:13:12] Pat discusses how he makes difficult decisions and what he does to find peace within those decisions.

● [00:22:37] Instinct or training? Pat takes us through his career highlights and explains the one decision that every player has to make for themselves.

● [00:27:29] Pat has never believed in having "hero's." Listen to him explain why and who he most respects as masters of their craft.

● [00:29:37] How fame and material gains can take the fun away from any endeavor. Learn how Pat keeps his enthusiasm for every area of his life.

● [00:38:24] What is the difference between somebody who understands the psychology of getting the best out of people and those who don't? Pat shares his views.

● [01:05:03] Pat's advice for someone looking to make their own way in the world and his recommended book and resources.

Connect with Don MacNaughton:

· WEBSITE

· PODCAST

· INSTAGRAM

· TWITTER

· FACEBOOK

· LINKEDIN

Dec 26, 202101:17:17
Ryan Christie on Always Striving too Improve

Ryan Christie on Always Striving too Improve

The Mindset of a Winning Team with Ryan Christie

Today on the podcast, I’m joined by Bournemouth and the Scotland midfielder Ryan Christie.

Ryan relates his lifelong love of football, having been immersed in the sport for as long as he can remember. He recalls an early memory of his father Charlie, a footballer and coach in his own right, taking him to the pitch and showing him the ropes near the end of his own storied career.

He shares his unique perspective as an athlete who turned his passion into a career as a youngster, not to mention the blessing of being able to counsel with his fellow pro footballer father. Coming from the Highlands, his journey saw him traveling across the country as his career progressed.

Ryan also discusses being coached by infectiously positive John “Yogi” Hughes during his early days with Celtic. “He flipped the way we played football the minute he came in,” Ryan says of him, adding that a mindset of optimism and sureness of victory was one of the greatest gifts he took away from being coached by Yogi.

Ryan also speaks on the hectic day-to-day when playing for a big club and the constant pressure to grow as a player that comes from such an environment. It is a matter, he says, of compartmentalizing your focus to avoid overwhelm—that when it was time to perform on the pitch, it was time to put personal and business issues aside until the game was over.

In addition, he talks about the dangers of social media and the importance of taking care of one’s mental health, particularly as a modern player.

“If you start relying on [social media] as your source of confidence or acceptance, it kills you,” says Ryan, speaking for himself and his fellow teammates in the premier league. “The bigger you are in the sport, the more it can affect you.”

Finally, Ryan describes the moment his team qualified for a major tournament for the first time in 22 years in the Euro 2020 play-off final against Serbia. He remembers having watched Scotland “come so close, yet so far” year after year, and humbly elates the fact that he played a part in this massive win for the country.

TIMESTAMP:

[00:43] Ryan on his lifelong love of football

[07:12] People who have influenced Ryan as a footballer

[08:57] The moment Ryan decided to become a professional

[13:13] The mindset of a champion athlete

[16:45] His early days with Celtic

[20:28] Joining Aberdeen on loan and developing his game

[29:31] The mentality a player needs to thrive with a big club

[30:59] How social media factors into the life and career of modern players

[34:11] The importance of mental health for modern players

[37:31] Ryan talks of the elation he felt when his team qualified for a major tournament

[42:06] Looking forward to his upcoming games

[43:48] The decision to move on from Celtic

[47:04] Playing in the Championship versus the premier league in Scotland

Connect with Ryan Christie:

· INSTAGRAM

Connect with Don MacNaughton:

· WEBSITE

· PODCAST

· INSTAGRAM

· TWITTER

· FACEBOOK

· LINKEDIN

Nov 03, 202150:04
Simon Donnelly on football and the changing face of youth development

Simon Donnelly on football and the changing face of youth development


Today on the podcast, I’m joined by former Celtic and Scotland forward Simon Donnelly.

He starts off speaking about navigating the continued challenges posed by the lockdown, saying that he is grateful for any opportunity he gets to spend time with fans or his teammates in person. “In football,” says Simon, “you can be sitting in a dressing room with teammates one minute, and you’re out the door the next like ships passing in the night.”

Simon reflects on his journey in football, saying that he’s been obsessed with the sport for as long as he can remember. His foray into football as a career began in his teen years when he joined Queen’s Park. Celtic followed shortly after that in 1993.

Asked what set him apart to be able to get accepted by Celtic, Simon says that, apart from skill, “you have to be in the right place at the right time.”

He goes on to share the highs and lows of his time with Celtic before moving to Sheffield six years later in 1999.

Simon retired as a player in 2011 and has since moved into coaching and managing. He speaks on the question of teaching game intelligence and notes his observations on the evolution of football culture and communicating the sport effectively to today’s youth.

TIMESTAMP:

[01:19]  1st Star former player events

[04:05] Incorporating his love for music into his sport

[05:05] Simon’s football journey

[09:33] How football culture amongst the youth has changed over the years

[12:22] Simon’s biggest football influences growing up

[15:59] How Simon developed the resilience to push through the toughest times in his career

[19:15] Is football becoming more entertaining today?

[21:44] What sets apart boys who are able to join pro clubs

[26:40] Simon’s first day with Celtic

[30:33] Simon’s most cherished moments with Celtic

[36:53] How much of game intelligence can be coached?

[39:43] Leaving Celtic for Sheffield in 1999

[42:18] The importance of getting out of your comfort zone and trying something new

[44:51] Simon’s experience coaching and managing

[51:28] Coaching young players today

[55:00] Simon speaks on his love for music

Connect with Simon Donnelly:

· TWITTER

Connect with Don MacNaughton:

· WEBSITE

· PODCAST

· INSTAGRAM

· TWITTER

· FACEBOOK

· LINKEDIN

Oct 21, 202158:29
How Players can use Social Media Positively for their Career

How Players can use Social Media Positively for their Career

Today on the podcast, I’m joined by Kenny Millar, football writer, journalist, and consultant. He talks of his journey in football writing and how players can harness social media effectively to maximise their brand and career.

“From the age of ten,” says Kenny, “I knew I wanted to be a football writer, and that was all-consuming. I’d be writing match reports from the TV.” By the time he began work at the Sunday Post a month after turning 17, Kenny had already done over 100 interviews with a wide variety of individuals in the Scottish sports industry.

After nine years with the Sunday Post, Kenny had the opportunity to join The Scottish Sun, where he remembers having to navigate Impostor Syndrome being one of the company's youngest journalists despite the years of writing experience he already had under his belt. To his pleasant surprise, however, he was given a great deal of freedom in going about his projects.

In late 2017, Kenny was unexpectedly offered a job at the SFA and, shortly after, the Scottish FA. Today, he writes for FourFourTwo Magazine as well as NutmegMagazine, in addition to his freelancing consulting work for football clubs and creative agencies.

Speaking on the role of social media in the careers of today’s players, Kenny says, “I think that social media should be a window into your professionalism.” He encourages them to exercise tact whenever they post. If done wrong, social media can ruin one’s career overnight. If done right, it can cause one’s career to skyrocket.

“What do supporters want to see? They want to see somebody who appreciates being a player. They want to see somebody who works hard and takes their craft seriously.”

TIMESTAMP:

[01:25] Are younger players missing out having not grown up playing street football with mates?

[03:29] Kenny’s football heroes

[07:08] How Kenny got into writing and journalism

[13:18] Working for the Sunday Post and developing his writing skills

[19:24] Moving on to The Scottish Sun

[25:30] Working for the SFA and the Scottish FA

[30:26] How today’s players can use social media to their advantage

[36:42] Why Kenny loves Scottish football

[41:23] Kenny’s advice to those who want to get into football writing

Connect with Kenny Millar:

· TWITTER

Connect with Don MacNaughton:

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· PODCAST

· INSTAGRAM

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· FACEBOOK

· LINKEDIN

Jul 14, 202146:34
Craig Brown C.B.E on lessons learnt from Brian Clough

Craig Brown C.B.E on lessons learnt from Brian Clough


Today on the podcast I am joined by Craig Brown CBE, former Director and now ambassador at the Aberdeen Football Club, as well as the former Director of Football Development and International Team Manager at the Scottish Football Association.

In the second part of our interview with Craig, we continue our conversation on lessons he has learnt from other coaches throughout his career. We also have an interesting discussion on substitutions.

“I’m unashamedly prepared to steal ideas and to ask for ideas,” says Craig, proceeding to talk of what he was able to glean from coaches, managers, and even players alike in his time. He speaks in particular of Brian Clough, whose rather unorthodox approach to coaching once saw him taking his players to a pub and buying them whisky in place of practicing.

Speaking on substitutions, Craig says that there are reasons to substitute beyond preventing poor performance and injury. For instance, it’s a form of acknowledgement when the player has scored a few goals themselves. Substitutions also reveal a lot about the player’s attitude.

Craig contends: “If you’re on that bench,” he says, “you’ve got to be a supporter as well as a substitute.”

TIMESTAMP:

[00:52] Lessons learned from other coaches and managers

[04:20] Why Brian Clough stands out

[08:04] Why bigger stars are easier to handle

[11:42] Is there a right time to tell a player when they’re dropped?

[17:06] A new perspective on substitutions

[23:43] How substitutions can tell you a lot about the player

Connect with Craig Brown:

· LINKEDIN

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Connect with Don MacNaughton:

· WEBSITE

· PODCAST

· INSTAGRAM

· TWITTER

· FACEBOOK

· LINKEDIN

May 24, 202131:21
Gordon Forrest on Meeting the Individual Needs of Players

Gordon Forrest on Meeting the Individual Needs of Players


Today on the podcast I am joined by Gordon Forrest, Assistant Manager of Heart of Midlothian Football Club. He has coached in Scotland, New Zealand and in Canada, where he was with Vancouver Whitecaps FC.

As the sport evolves, having well-thought-out infrastructure in place has become extremely important to the individual development of today’s players. Gordon touches on the fundamentals of a great club and how his own travels as a coach to other countries opened his mind to ways of improving the player experience back home.

Gordon takes us through his globe-trotting journey as a coach and how his almost nonstop eight-year career overseas shaped his approach to leading players. He says that, upon returning to Scotland, he had a greater appreciation for the footballer as a person and how understanding individual circumstances opens the doors to more effective coaching.

He also gives his thoughts on how football clubs can meet the individual needs of players, particular in the four key developmental areas of their technical, tactical, physical, and the mental capabilities. Finally, he offers his best advice to young coaches.

TIMESTAMP:

[00:20] Gordon reflects on a successful season at Heart

[02:27] The importance of infrastructure in modern football

[03:36] Gordon on his travels as a coach

[07:18] Where Gordon developed his desire to be a coach

[11:31] Gordon on moving to New Zealand with his young family and the cultural differences

[16:02] Gordon’s experience at the Olympics

[21:40] Coaching in MLS

[25:07] How Gordon’s time in Vancouver shaped his coaching

[28:11] Coming back to Scotland after being constantly on the road for eight years

[30:57] How the sport and culture of football had changed since Gordon first left Scotland

[33:50] The challenges of football clubs in meeting the individual needs of the player

[37:53] The different nuances of coaching young players in different countries

[42:42] Gordon’s advice for young coaches

Connect with Gordon Forrest:

· TWITTER

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Connect with Don MacNaughton:

· WEBSITE

· PODCAST

· INSTAGRAM

· TWITTER

· FACEBOOK

· LINKEDIN

May 06, 202146:31
Darren O'Dea on Football, Change and Mindset

Darren O'Dea on Football, Change and Mindset

 Darren O'Dea on Football, Change and Mindset

Today on the podcast I am joined by Celtic F.C U18 coach Darren O'Dea. He speaks about his love of sport and football and the lessons learned playing around the world.

Darren opens the conversation describing his return to playing football after some time since the lockdowns and the importance of habits, consistency, and taking ownership for anybody looking to continue practicing their sport in spite of challenges like the pandemic. He extends this lesson to the world of athletes in general.

We then talk about the value of the formative experience of street football to future professional athletes and how the culture of the sport is affected when that is sorely missing.

Darren goes on to talk about how “football found him” and how to build a mindset of an athlete destined for success. He also explains why building relationships is one of the most important things a coach can do, the nuances of coaching younger players, and what he learned about the importance of adapting to different environments after his travels to multiple countries.

TIMESTAMP:

[00:21] Darren talks about the importance of taking ownership of your career as an athlete

[03:15] Darren’s role models growing up and developing himself as a footballer

[07:48] Is the positive influence of street football missing in today’s professional games?

[10:58] The transferability of skills between different sports

[13:05] Why it pays in the future to not be the “best” in your sport in the beginning

[18:56] The moment Darren decided he would become a footballer and the first few tough years

[34:10] Honing your mindset to thrive as a budding athlete

[39:30] The importance of building relationships as a coach

[44:17] Why Darren loves basking in the energy of his teammates

[46:04] The nuances of communicating with today’s generation of players

[53:30] Lessons Darren has learned throughout his travels to different countries

Connect with Darren O’Dea:

· TWITTER

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Connect with Don MacNaughton:

· WEBSITE

· PODCAST

· INSTAGRAM

· TWITTER

· FACEBOOK

· LINKEDIN

May 03, 202101:03:34
George Galloway on Football, Society and the magic of Charlie Cook

George Galloway on Football, Society and the magic of Charlie Cook

George Galloway talks about the influence of football on Scottish society.

Apr 27, 202139:05
Craig Mulholland on developing young players and "The Colts" project

Craig Mulholland on developing young players and "The Colts" project


Today on the podcast I am joined by Craig Mulholland, Academy Director at Rangers Football Club.

Craig explains that the pandemic has obviously caused many a plan to change in the world of football; but more than that, a stronger culture of introspection and the development of individual players has slowly grown amid the lockdowns.

“Every player,” says Craig, “has an individual plan and an individual path.” His challenge as Head of Academy is now, more than ever, to foster a “you versus you” mentality and find out “what you need to be an expert at. What does a player have? What does a player need? And what journey do they need to go on?”

It’s a theme that reverberates throughout the rest of our conversation. Listen in as Craig goes on to share his excitement for “The Colts” project and the resistance that he continues to face with regards to its implementation. He also touches on his vision for the Academy when he first became Director, how that developed over the years, and why he strongly believes in being unafraid to challenge norms and putting the player as a person first.

TIMESTAMP:

[01:06] Every player’s journey is different

[06:37] A primer on “The Colts” project

[14:08] Craig’s role models as an Academy Director

[18:55] How an Academy Director should relay information to players in a digestible way

[22:05] Raising coaching standards in Scotland

[27:38] Craig’s vision for the Academy when he first became Director

[32:19] Challenging norms

[36:43] Getting young players to accept short-term defeat and focus on long-term success

[40:16] Fighting pressure to rely on tradition at the expense of improving with the times

[43:09] Characteristics of the veteran coach

[48:24] How coaches can connect with young players

Connect with Craig Mulholland:

· LINKEDIN

Connect with Don MacNaughton:

· WEBSITE

· PODCAST

· INSTAGRAM

· TWITTER

· FACEBOOK

· LINKEDIN

Apr 06, 202153:24
Peter MacDonald on the importance of drive and high standards as a player.

Peter MacDonald on the importance of drive and high standards as a player.

Peter MacDonald talking about his journey in the game .

Mar 16, 202101:04:35
What is "Success" for a Coach ?

What is "Success" for a Coach ?

What is success for you as a coach , how do you measure it ?

Mar 12, 202110:43
How to Coach a Growth Mindset in Football

How to Coach a Growth Mindset in Football

Growth Mindset 

As a football coach, it’s easy to solely focus on the tactics and strategies that your team will employ in the next game.

It’s also easy in youth sports to overlook players who may not be performing their best or whose skills are overshadowed by their stronger and more inherently talented teammates.

But it isn’t your job to make sure that only a single player shines on the field. Rather, it’s your responsibility to ensure that every member of your team has an opportunity to hone and improve their current abilities.

This is the reason why having a Growth Mindset especially as a coach is important.

In today’s episode, we’ll be talking about the Growth Mindset and the crucial role that it plays in the world of football. 

To add to that, we’ll also be taking a deep dive into the reasons why football coaches today need to develop this attitude, as well as the many benefits that it will bring for their team.


Mar 10, 202116:44
Gary Gibson Rangers F.C on Developing International Coaching Partnerships

Gary Gibson Rangers F.C on Developing International Coaching Partnerships


Today on the podcast I am joined by Gary Gibson, Head of Soccer Academies & International Relations at Rangers Football Club in Glasgow.

As a global brand, Rangers F.C. always strives to stay “in the mix” with every other European football club with an international program. Currently, the club is in ten countries: the U.S., Canada, Dubai, Qatar, India, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Australia, and Indonesia.

From tried-and-true coaching camps to a brand new online academy, Rangers F.C. is relentlessly adapting to the new normal in order to give the growing global community access to the same resources and be on the same page with today’s best practices.

“When you have these conversations,” relates Gary, regarding a career built on relationships, “you’re actually showing that you care. This isn’t just about us putting a badge on or taking on another club and saying we have a partnership. It’s much deeper than that. There are so many people involved.”

TIMESTAMP:

[01:10] The international dimension of Rangers Football Club

[04:32] Driving soccer academy relationships globally

[08:00] Launching the online academy

[10:11] Nurturing a relationship with the Indian football market

[14:06] How Gary moved into his current role

[17:33] How Gary got into football and entered the professional sports world

[21:28] Becoming an HND sports coach

[23:52] Getting into the commercial side of football

[25:10] The business of developing people

[26:06] How the commercial side of Rangers F.C. will continue to develop as partnerships grow

[28:24] How to contact Gary or Rangers F.C. for a potential partnership

Connect with Gary Gibson:

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Connect with Don MacNaughton:

· WEBSITE

· PODCAST

· INSTAGRAM

· TWITTER

· FACEBOOK

· LINKEDIN

Feb 08, 202130:52
Jim Fleeting on the importance of Relationships in football.

Jim Fleeting on the importance of Relationships in football.

Great to speak to Jim on his journey in the game.

Feb 03, 202137:58
On the importance of mastering the fundamentals and developing a winning mentality as a player.

On the importance of mastering the fundamentals and developing a winning mentality as a player.

Today on the podcast I am joined by current Crusaders F.C. Centre Half, Aidan Wilson.

Aidan played in a variety of sports as a boy from tennis to football, although always keeping his focus on football the knowledge and skills he gained through the other sports, proved to be an advantage.

Success at sport all comes back to one thing, knowing and mastering the fundamentals Aidan credits this to his time as part of the Rangers FC Pro youth set up.

As we continue on in the interview Aiden shares with us his firsthand experience of making his debut for Rangers at Ibrox and also starting his very own coaching business with the intention of passing on his insights of the game onto future generations of players.

TIMESTAMP:

[00:06] Introduction to Aidan Wilson

[01:20] Getting into football as a kid

[02:34] Transferring skills from other sports to football

[06:32] Joining the Rangers F.C. academy

[08:16] Coaches who have been an influence in your career

[10:01] Mastering the fundamentals

[11:56] Holding the fundamentals while under pressure

[13:01] Making debut for Rangers F.C.

[15:42] Recognizing you had a chance in football

[18:21] The importance of having a support system around you for the journey

[20:31] People see the top but not the work that it took to get there

[30:50] Playing for Crusaders/Starting own coaching business

[35:01] Connect with Aiden

[35:50] Outro

Connect with Aiden Wilson:

· TWITTER

· INSTAGRAM

· LEARN MORE

Find Aiden’s Coaching Pages:

· INSTAGRAM

· FACEBOOK

Connect with Don MacNaughton:

· WEBSITE

· PODCAST

· INSTAGRAM

· TWITTER

· FACEBOOK

· LINKEDIN

Jan 20, 202136:01
Colin Hendry on getting the most out of your talent,hard work and captaining your country at the World Cup Finals

Colin Hendry on getting the most out of your talent,hard work and captaining your country at the World Cup Finals


Today I have the opportunity to speak with “Braveheart” himself, Colin Hendry. Colin is a giant in his own right, with a career spanning over 20 years as a player. Colin began his professional career with Dundee in 1983 as a striker before after cementing himself as an exceptionally effective and impressive center-half. He went on to play for clubs like Blackburn Rovers winning the Premier League and the treble with Glasgow Rangers. Coming from a household with a hard-working father had a big impact on Colin’s approach to both life and football. He showed the gritty working-class characteristics of hard work and never giving up throughout his career.

In this episode, Colin shares with us some of the highlights of his playing career. From the feeling of scoring the winning goal at Wembley in front of tens of thousands of fans including his father who watched him play with pride to the pinnacle of his international playing career came when he captained for Scotland International during the 1998 World Cup.

While he was giving it his all mentally, physically his body was feeling the effects season by season of playing such a physically demanding position. With the total number of operations reaching into the 20s Colin was no longer able to perform at the high level he was used too and as a result, came the end of his playing days a hard path for most professional athletes.

Make sure to stay with us as Colin continues to share his footballing journey.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:06] Introduction to Colin Hendry

[01:23] Influences growing up in Keith

[07:08] Football the only game in town

[08:17] Route into the professional game

[12:57] Playing differences in Dundee vs. Blackburn

[14:34] How it felt walking out into Wembley Stadium

[15:57] Why towns in the north of England have huge football heritage

[19:05] Reflecting on sacrifices made by his family for his playing career

[21:14] Getting the most out of your talent

[24:27] Being a part of the great Blackburn Rovers Premier League Championship team

[25:58] Feeling yourself getting better as a team

[27:11] Playing for your childhood hero

[31:26] Fondest memories of that time

[33:21] Low tech training facilities

[37:35] Highlights of a Scotland career

[39:41] Captaining Scotland in the opening game of World Cup 98 against the mighty Brazil

[42:25] Reaching the end of a golden age in Scottish football

[44:37] Advice for young players who are pursuing football

[46:27] Outro

Connect with Colin Hendry

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Connect with Don MacNaughton:

· WEBSITE

· PODCAST

· INSTAGRAM

· TWITTER

· FACEBOOK

· LINKEDIN

Jan 11, 202146:58
Don MacNaughton speaking with Craig Brown C.B.E.

Don MacNaughton speaking with Craig Brown C.B.E.


In today's episode, we are joined by a true Scottish great in the world of football former Scottish International manager Craig Brown C.B.E. who was Scotland national manager between 1993 and 2001 and led Scotland to both the Euro 96 and World Cup 98 championships becoming the longest-serving Scotland manager.

Craig takes us back to when he was a boy playing football in the park just for the love of playing, not knowing he would grow up to become a professional in the sport and a huge influence in its coaching philosophy.

One of Craig’s favourite memories within the game is playing for the Scotland u15 schoolboy team in consecutive years where he played with two Scottish football legends. Men who later on ended up winning the European cup one as a player and one as a manager.

While playing professionally with the famous Dundee F.C. team under Bob Shankly, Craig and his teammates were encouraged to head to Larg’s to participate in the S.F.A coaching licenses to improve their knowledge of the game.

With his plating experience, educational background, and coaching knowledge he was able to transition into coaching full time impacting the philosophy of coaching within the country before becoming Scotland National team manager.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:39] Introduction to Craig Brown C.B.E

[04:29] Influence Scottish heavy industry had on Scottish football and its coaching philosophy

[10:24] Why Scotland traditionally has produced many good players

[12:56] Did you always want to be a professional football player?

[14:07] When did you see yourself getting a break as a player

[19:42] Making the transition from a player into coaching

[32:29] Learning coaching as a way to gain knowledge of the game

[36:09] Scottish coaching and the new modern approach to the game

[40:10] Having a huge influence in coaching philosophy and approach

[44:21] Working as the Scotland national manager

[51:56] How important is it for a coach to get the buy-in from the players

[54:13] Personal coaching highlights

FIND CRAIG BROWN C.B.E.

· LINKEDIN

· LEARN MORE ABOUT CRAIG

CONNECT WITH DON MACNAUGHTON

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· FACEBOOK

Dec 27, 202059:36
Don MacNaughton speaking with Steven Mackay

Don MacNaughton speaking with Steven Mackay

In this episode of the Don MacNaughton Soccer Podcast, we speak with Steven Mackay, the current manager for Brora Rangers F.C. in the Highland League. Steven is a former Scottish professional footballer who began his career in Ross County and made appearances in the Scottish League. He describes how football not only developed his career but also personally making him a stronger person and helped develop his competitive character

Listen in to learn the importance of developing a strong character as a footballer to be able to be able to with stand judgment that comes from fellow players ,coaches and fans. You will also learn what it takes to transition from a player to a manager and the difference in responsibilities for both roles.

What You Will Learn:

· [0:06] Intro

· [0:51] He explains his involvement in the welding industry plus balancing between that role and being a football coach.

· [02:20] Steven describes how he grew up playing football in a place where that’s all they knew how to do.

· [5:00] How he got involved with Ross county at 14 years and the development he experienced there before going full-time at 17 years.

· [7:20] The character development he experienced at Ross county and the progression of the club during his time.

· [9:25] The importance of developing a ‘thick skin’ when you play full-time football.

· [10:44] How he adopted health and fitness habits and the benefits he has witnessed so far.

· [14:22] Steven played in the Highland League and his experiences.

· [16:01] He shares the highlights of his career in Brora Rangers- the loses and the wins.

· [21:32] The challenge of transitioning from a player to a manager.

· [24:01] The role of a part-time football club manager which goes beyond being part-time.

· [27:06] How Steven has formed a relationship of trust and challenging each other with his players.

· [28:39] The ambitions and expectations of Steven for his team in the upcoming season.

Dec 23, 202031:40
Don MacNaughton speaking with Keith Lasley

Don MacNaughton speaking with Keith Lasley

In this episode of the Don MacNaughton Soccer Podcast, we have Keith Lasley, the assistant manager at Motherwell Football Club. He had a successful football career during his younger years and is a former midfielder for the Motherwell club. He explains his football career over the years and reveals how he only started feeling part of the club or as a footballer in his late twenties.

Listen in to learn when and how Keith developed a passion for coaching after getting his UEFA B, his A, and his Pro Licences even though it is not something he felt great about in the beginning. You will also hear how Keith in a place of leadership, develops relationships with his players by knowing them and what they want to be.

What You Will Learn:

· [0:05] Intro

· [1:58] How society has changed and lost the street games culture for children.

· [5:27] Having older brothers as role models in the game as well as protectors.

· [7:06] Keith narrates his unconventional road to a football career.

· [11:33] Why young footballers need to take responsibility for making their career decisions.

· [18:02] Keith explains how he started feeling part of the club and the game in his late twenties.

· [22:23] The importance of training players to make their own decisions and have personal thought processes.

· [28:44] The realization Keith had that he could be a soccer coach and the passion he developed for the skill afterward.

· [31:14] He explains his day-to-day role as an all-around high-performance coach and the age group he enjoys coaching.

· [36:37] The benefits of people investing to help develop young people at Motherwell realize their potential.

· [38:55] Keith mentions part of his players he believes have the potential to go professional.

· [43:47] The importance of believing in yourself and maintaining humility to succeed as a new player.

Dec 09, 202046:22
Don MacNaughton talking with Terry Butcher

Don MacNaughton talking with Terry Butcher

In this episode of the Don MacNaughton Soccer Podcast, we have former England Captain Terry Butcher, currently Ipswich Town U23 coach. Terry has had a distinguished career as a footballer and manager both at a national and an international level. He describes his time as a football player and the inspiration and support he received from Sir Bobby Robson, who mastered the culture of team connection during his tenure as a coach.

Terry explains the importance of developing, learning, and having the desire and intelligence to move forward to keep soaring in your soccer career.

Listen in to learn the importance of involving kids in different sports before they narrow down on football to help them understand their opponent better. You will also learn how to combine traditional and modern coaching approaches to make football coaching both interesting and stimulating

What You Will Learn:

· [0:06] Intro

· [03:00] Terry talks about his involvement in different sports during his school years and his passion for football.

· [4:37] Why it is important to involve yourself in different sports before settling for a specific one.

· [7:08] The importance of understanding your opponent from a young age as an individual and a team player.

· [9:23] How he was inspired by Sir Bobby Robson and the support he received from him.

· [12:03] The culture of determination, discipline, and team connection that Sir Bobby Robson formed during his career as a coach.

· [17:03] The difference in the mental switch between playing club football and international football that Terry experienced during his career.

· [20:17] Terry explains his experience as an English soccer team player.

· [22:08] The importance of having the responsibility of playing for your country over the club.

· [23:53] He talks about his time playing for Glasgow Rangers, which he describes as special.

· [27:58] Looking back at the highlights of Terry’s football career.

· [29:40] The difference between kids playing soccer today and when Terry played.

· [32:38] The dangers of overcoaching- all the things that can be done differently to make football interesting again.

· [36:52] The importance of effective communication on the pitch and connection off the pitch among players.

· [42:32] The qualities and techniques of an effective coach.

Nov 28, 202047:39
Don MacNaughton speaking with Gordon Craig
Nov 16, 202031:59
Don MacNaughton talking with Paul Sheerin

Don MacNaughton talking with Paul Sheerin


Today we speak with former football player and now Aberdeen F.C. reserve coach, Paul Sheerin. Paul shares with us whom his biggest motivator was from adolescence into adulthood, his father. As a lover of football himself, Paul’s father instilled crucial values in him at a young age that later proved to have a huge impact such as building discipline in training, providing not only encouragement but also constructive criticism. Though not always being open to such feedback as a young player in the end it helped him develop into a truly resilient coach and player. To learn more on Paul story and background you don’t want to miss this!

TIMESTAMPS

[00:06] Introduction to Paul Sheerin

[04:17] How modern technology if competing for young players attentions

[05:33] Having your father an influence in coaching

[07:16] The importance of instilling good values for hard work and disciple

[11:21] When did you realize you had a shot in making it in professional football

[16:09] Maintaining the love for them game

[17:20] Nurturing the love of the game

[19:02] What coaches had the biggest impact for you

[20:28] Changes going from Scotland to England

[23:31] How upbringing has an impact

[27:11] Some highlights in your playing career

[28:57] Did you always want to coach

[33:09] Do you think the game has changed form when you were a player

[39:49] Advice for players entering coaching

[40:49] Goals moving forward

[43:04] Outro

CONNECT WITH DON MACNAUGHTON

· WEBSITE

· PODCAST

· INSTAGRAM

· TWITTER

· FACEBOOK

· LINKEDIN

Nov 12, 202043:44
How to develop confidence and self-belief with John Collins
Oct 23, 202020:15
Don MacNaughton speaking with Carl Robinson

Don MacNaughton speaking with Carl Robinson


We are joined today by current Western Sydney Wanderers manager, Carl Robinson. Carl and I discuss his background as a player and how that knowledge transitioned into his coaching. As a player Carl displayed managerial qualities, one in particular being encouraging players around him to do better individually and as a collective. From this he understood that coaching was the most logical path to take, post footballer.

As a manger now Carl has had the opportunity to meet and learn from the world’s best coaches, nonetheless his number one takeaway is do not always apply prior information learned from other coaches into your managerial style. It’s sounds contradictory but you’ll have to stay tuned as to why this logic has propelled him to be the manager we know today.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:06] Introduction to Carl Robinson

[02:21] How the game in Australia is developing

[03:59] How football is competing with other sports

[05:31] Who influenced you most when you were playing

[09:22] Did you always want to go into coaching

[12:11] How a helicopter view of the game helps you improve

[13:29] Transitioning from player to coach

[15:03] Biggest challenge and changes going from assistant to manager

[21:39] Changes of complexity in the game

[26:45] Trusting your instinct as a manager

[27:17] How has the game changed

[29:11] Starting at an early age

[31:02] Making time to get acquainted with every player

[34:41] Future goals as a manager

[37:40] Outro

CONNECT WITH CARL

· LINKEDIN

· LEARN MORE

CONNECT WITH DON MACNAUGHTON

· WEBSITE

· PODCAST

· INSTAGRAM

· TWITTER

· FACEBOOK

· LINKEDIN

Oct 20, 202038:04
Don MacNaughton speaking with Scott MacDonald

Don MacNaughton speaking with Scott MacDonald

Scott talks about his early influences in Oz 

The move to the UK and how he needed GRIT and drive to deal with the early setbacks 

The coaches that influenced him 

The change in his mentality and mindset as he progressed in his career

The different mindsets required from playing to coaching 


Oct 16, 202051:31
Jesse Marsch on the importance of Emotional Intelligence(E.I.) in football coaching
Oct 07, 202025:20
Don MacNaughton talking with Alastair Campbell

Don MacNaughton talking with Alastair Campbell


Today I speak with Alastair Campbell; an author, broadcaster,  political communicator, and also a powerful advocate for mental health. He shares with us a few core habits he practices to maintain his mental health on a day to day basis. Equally, we go into the emergence of clubs alongside G.B. industrialization and how that played a large role in forming an identity amongst the working class. Alongside, as we see ourselves veering into the new year with Covid still on our hands the relationship between fans and football has proven to be essential to keep a sense of not only community but also mental health.

Make sure to stay with us as we delve deeper into who Alastair thinks is the best player, some debate between Messi and Ronaldo, and of course the connection between fans and football.

TIMESTAMPS

[00:08] Introduction to Alastair Campbell

[04:58] Burnley reaching the Premier League despite the size of its population

[06:55] Yorkshire and Lancashire as a hotbed for football

[08:12] How did you develop your love for football

[10:22] Football & industrialization

[12:35] Burnley maintaining their strong relationship with the town

[15:19] The importance of mental health

[19:34] The connection between fans and football

[24:05] Football being everywhere

[26:30] Best players you’ve seen

[32:17] Playing with Maradona and Pele

[32:52] Who is the greatest player

[36:45] Messi vs Ronaldo

[38:08] Key concepts to maintain mental health

[42:05] Outro

Connect with Alastair Campbell:

· WEBSITE

· TWITTER

· INSTAGRAM

· BUY HIS BOOK

Connect with Don MacNaughton:

· WEBSITE

· PODCAST

· INSTAGRAM

· TWITTER

· FACEBOOK

· LINKEDIN

Jul 31, 202042:48
Don MacNaughton talks with David McCallum
Jul 28, 202037:16
Don MacNaughton talking with Christie Murray

Don MacNaughton talking with Christie Murray

Christie talks about her influences growing up and in her playing career so far.

Jul 26, 202025:24
Don MacNaughton speaking with Gavin Levey
Jul 24, 202037:23
Don MacNaughton talking with Jon Daly

Don MacNaughton talking with Jon Daly

Great to talk with Jon about his influences through his playing career

And the transition into coaching.

Jul 22, 202033:53
Don MacNaughton talking with Stephen McManus

Don MacNaughton talking with Stephen McManus


In today’s episode, I have the opportunity to speak with Stephen McManus. Stephan is a current Celtic Reserve team coach and has played with the club as well as Middlesbrough and Motherwell. From a young age, he always loved football and would play in the street though often would be with older mates. Because of the age and size difference between the boys, this was a limitation but in the end, it massively improved skills and awareness. Having to work twice as hard Stephen developed some great principles and would hold him in good stead throughout his career these include; discipline, sacrifice, dedication, resilience, and ability to problem solve amongst many others.

As we go on Stephen shares his thoughts on building relationships with teammates and coaches as well as his experience playing with Celtic.

Continue to follow as we go in-depth for this episode!

TIMESTAMPS

[00:06] Introduction to Stephen McManus

[01:41] Getting into football as a boy

[03:06] Playing with older mates

[07:06] Realizing you want to be a pro player

[10:52] What was it like being a part of the Celtic youth set up

[12:44] The importance of having a strong influence to help you develop

[16:04] Trusting your parents through teenage years

[19:49] Having resilience as a player

[20:52] Discipline in preparation

[24:42] Being a problem solver

[25:51] Coaches that influenced you

[28:42] Highlights from playing days

[31:14] Taking nothing for granted

[32:54] Setting short term goals for yourself

[39:06] Building relationships with teammates and coaches

[41:44] Making the transition from player to coach

[49:07] Advice for young players

[50:08] Outro

Connect with Stephen McManus:

· TWITTER

· LEARN MORE

Connect with Don MacNaughton:

· WEBSITE

· PODCAST

· INSTAGRAM

· TWITTER

· FACEBOOK

· LINKEDIN

Jul 19, 202050:21
Don MacNaughton talking with Ian Murray

Don MacNaughton talking with Ian Murray

Was great to talk with Airdrie manager Ian Murray about his influences growing up in football.

Playing for Hibs and Rangers and how resilience is important for a young player and dealing with long term injury.

The reality of coaching and managing and his hopes for the future 

Jul 17, 202042:21
Don MacNaughton talking with Charlie Adam
Jul 15, 202028:42
Don MacNaughton Talking with Charlie Mulgrew

Don MacNaughton Talking with Charlie Mulgrew

Was great to talk with Charlie about the lessons he has learnt coming through the youth ranks at Celtic

The coaches that have influenced him and his thoughts on the game and coaching.

Jul 13, 202054:58
Don MacNaughton talking with Greig Paterson
Jul 12, 202028:34
Don MacNaughton Talking With Liam Fox

Don MacNaughton Talking With Liam Fox

Liam talks on his influences through his playing career 

The transition into a coaching role and the lessons learned on the pitch and off.

Jun 24, 202029:15
Don MacNaughton talking with Kev MacNaughton

Don MacNaughton talking with Kev MacNaughton

Kevin talks us through his career influences 

Lessons learnt in the game

How he refound his passion for Art.

Jun 22, 202026:28
Don MacNaughton Talking with Frazer Robertson Technical Director "The Right to Dream" Academy Ghana
Jun 21, 202029:56
Don MacNaughton talking with Steven Robb Co-Founder Bee-Inspired Clothing

Don MacNaughton talking with Steven Robb Co-Founder Bee-Inspired Clothing

SUMMARY:

We are joined today by former Scottish football player of Thai Port in Thailand and now Co-Founder of the clothing line Bee Inspired, Steven Robb. Wanting a change of scenery from Scotland in his career Steven signed a two-year contract and went on to play abroad to Thailand. During his time there he enjoyed the 180° lifestyle switch of warm weather and simple pleasure like wearing shorts every day. Nonetheless, the feeling of being homesick still loomed over as well as the uncertainty of what was to come post-football. Upon reaching the end of his contract Steven began brainstorming ways to make a living and always having an entrepreneurial mindset the idea of starting a business was at the forefront.

In this episode, Steven shares with us some adversities he encountered both as a player and business owner yet was able to turn that into opportunity through resilience and discipline. Make sure to join us as we delve deeper into Steven’s journey!

TIMESTAMPS:

[00:06] Introduction to Steven Robb

[01:09] From football player to clothing line owner

[05:51] Playing abroad in Thailand

[08:39] Being an entrepreneurial thinker

[09:52] Origins of Bee Inspired

[12:15] Playing football while starting a business

[18:25] Transitioning from player to another career

[20:17] Having emotional intelligence for business

[21:39] Finding creativity everywhere you go

[26:35] Future goals for Bee Inspired

[28:36] Advice for players transitioning out of football

[29:46] Connect with Steven Robb

[30:46] Outro

Connect with Steven Robb:

· TWITTER

· LINKEDIN

Find Bee Inspired Clothing:

· WEBSITE

· TWITTER

· INSTAGRAM

Connect with Don MacNaughton:

· WEBSITE

· PODCAST

· INSTAGRAM

· TWITTER

· FACEBOOK

· LINKEDIN

Jun 08, 202031:35
Don MacNaughton Speaking with Steven Gunn
May 25, 202024:14