Episodes

  • Harvey Bussell
    Sep 25 2024

    ** Please Note that the loan from WPL Mentioned was 'Interest-Free and not Free as mentioned**

    In this chat, Harvey Bussell, Head of Recruitment at Manchester United Women, shares some interesting insights into the world of women's football. He dives into the ups and downs of the recent summer transfer window, the exciting growth of the women's game, and how data is playing a key role in recruitment strategies. Harvey also talks about his shift from men's to women's football, highlighting the differences in infrastructure and the ever-competitive landscape of the Women's Super League (WSL). He stresses the importance of stability in management and how crucial it is to truly understand the unique dynamics of women's football as it keeps evolving.

    Be sure to like, subscribe and recommend Breaking Lines Podcast!

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    56 mins
  • Slovenian Rhapsody - Timi Elšnick's Euro 2024 Adventure
    Jun 24 2024

    Timi Elšnick has been on a journey... from the training pitches at Derby County, loans at Swindon and Northampton, he is now sharing pitches with Jude Bellingham and Cristiano Ronaldo

    Few could have predicted this journey, perhaps even Timi himself, but his story speaks of a player who took the path less travelled; choosing a stepwise progression and not being afraid to reset to go forward, better.

    A fascinating chat where we find out about life in the training camp in Germany, preparing for the biggest game in his career and how he hope the springboard of UEFA Euro 2024 can propel his career forward even better!

    We thank Timi and the Slovenian Football Association for agreeing to speak with us just prior to this massive game against #England

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    40 mins
  • Credit In The Bank - Can Managers Lose it all?
    Dec 5 2024

    Even the best managers eventually run out of credit - but it just depends who they lose it with first... the dressing room? The Fans? Or even the ownership or executive group? And if you lose the media, its a whole other world of pain. Join us as we discuss the challenegs of ensuring everyones account is topped up regularly!

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    46 mins
  • WhistleBlowers 4
    Nov 20 2024

    We answer more of your questions on this episode of Whistleblowers!

    How do managers balance re-contracting players that are about to lapse versus letting others go - without upsetting the dressing room balance?

    Experience counts in performance and medical roles - so whats the balance between craft knowledge and understanding the demands of the sport, and the head coach and players?

    Which experiences from our different clubs have we taken forward to our new club?

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    45 mins
  • Pick EURO Battles!
    Jun 19 2024

    Episode10 revolves around the ongoing Euro 2020 tournament, reflecting on the performances of teams and players. The similarities between the playing styles of top European club teams and national teams is evident as TIKI-TAKA has become dominant but so has the ability to counter it.

    The potential for upsets by underdog teams and the difficulty top teams face in breaking down defensive opponents is now plainly evident. The pressure on Belgium after losing their first game is palpable and they are the only BIG Nation not to win their first game.

    The conversation then touches on favourite games so far, standout individual performances, and the impact of VAR technology on decision-making as it has had to make some massive calls.

    Gary and Dave discuss the use of pickle juice for cramps, and upcoming matches in the tournament & they also touch on the debate surrounding player injuries and the role of medics in decision-making.

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    48 mins
  • The Talisman
    Nov 13 2024

    Talismen pervade sport - great and iconic athletes who stand tallest among other tall trees.

    While they come in all shapes and sizes, the talisman that the team relies on can fulfil many roles - motivator, coagulant, leader, great player and dressing room general; Whilst others lead a more quite life and come to the fore when the game starts and their class-leading talent breaks out.

    Managing a talisman can come with challenges too - get them onboard and they can be another coach on the pitch and in the team!

    Yet some also have the ego - and perhaps the arrogance - to believe that they are more influential than the Head Coach... and that when issues can present themselves. History in sport in littered with example of top players who become bigger than the coach, the team and perhaps the club!

    So join us as we explore how having a talisman in your team can be a huge positive, a potential negative but undoubtedly a force for good when they are playing well, full of confidence and leading from the front!

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    42 mins
  • Injury Crisis - What Crisis?
    May 9 2024

    It seems to happen every year at every club. Sometimes its benign and there's no real effect; a few squad members who normally have limited game time that might effect the subs bench, but perhaps no real impact on the team. Or...

    ...its senior, important, vital cogs in the team machinery who are all struck down at the same time and the season goes from one of immense promise and potential to a tough season, possibly staring at disaster. An injury crisis can play hell with the best laid plans of everyone at the club!

    So we need someone to blame done we - that's what it's about surely?!

    Normally the medical department are the ones getting the brunt of the ire from all corners as some fans, coaches, executive and athletes seek the reason behind why the crisis is happening! But most of the time the medical department is just picking up the pieces from situations not of their making!

    The performance and coaching departments are far more influence in how the athletes are prepared and maintained. Is the training appropriate, is the preparation work adequate to keep the squad resilient, is the periodisation of the season appropriate? The coordination of performance and coaching has a huge bearing on wether the crisis is, really, a crisis!

    And of course the athletes must take their share of the responsibility - they need to work hard, rest well, eat correctly and ensure their recovery time is used appropriately - not too much extra curricular activities!!

    So join us as we discuss how an injury crisis manifests and what we can do about it - if anything!!

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    44 mins
  • Scouting Report - A Year of Breaking Lines
    Dec 28 2024

    A year ago we launched the first Breaking Lines Episode! 12 months later and 41 episoes in, we look back at how the years gone.

    From the 1st episode we recorded (and edited... a lot) in a studio in Canary Wharf through to the interview series, Whistleblowers and moving to video, we learned a lot along the way!

    And we've been finger on the pulse too... with our predictions of many things which have come to pass over the last year; from referee attacks to media interviews live in game!

    So join us on a trip down memory lane where we look at hoe Breaking Lines went from balcony idea to being listend too in over 50 countries globally and is a favourite pod amongst some of football's glitterati (well the odd referee and coach) as well as fans!

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    22 mins