Touchline Radio

On this episode I speak with Cody Royle, the author of "Where Others Won't" - a self published book detailing how businesses can draw successful leadership examples from sport. We explore the ideas behind the new football culture of the so-called "continental" management, comparisons between Premier League staples Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson, and even analyzing the GOAT discourse surrounding Ronaldo and Messi (and its fallacies). There's also an interesting relationship between Cody and Manchester United, as he reveals that a relative from days gone by once represented the Red Devils... A download link is available at your convenience.

In this episode I speak to Kelly Lindsey: the coach of Afghanistan's Women's National Team. Out of all the possible jobs in world football, we discuss why this one - why it matters, what her goals are, and how harrowingly challenging every day is... But with all things considered, she does it not just for what it means for those women now, but for the future of the nation they choose to represent.

In summary of what was a grand finale to the MLS season, I invite Jonathan Meisenheimer and Brandon Stiff - two lads who have gone through all the perils and joys of supporting Toronto FC. We discuss the ethos of supporting a club in Major League Soccer, the upcoming CONCACAF Champions League, the importance of the Canadian Soccer League and the future of soccer in Canada, and so much more, including the magic of the moment when Toronto went on to lift the cup. Download available for your listening convenience!

On this day in 1857, a cricket club would have a kickabout... And the first football club of the world would be formed. 150 years later, the world's greatest would meet the world's first, and the club would be one of two who would receive the FIFA Order of Merit. It would be thanks to club Chairman Richard Tims who would help realize the importance of preserving a club like Sheffield FC - a history that can be actively exist for the community now, and generations beyond. Without Sheffield FC there wouldn't be a Pelé and there wouldn't be an us. This is our conversation.

On this episode I have a comprehensive discussion with David Wood of PSG Talk to discuss all things regarding Paris St. Germain. We discuss the influence on Fifa video game franchise on the Western world (particularly before the broadcast expenditure), the missing piece to bring PSG among Europe's elites, the club's academy, and why Ligue Un players tend to fair much more in the Premier League. There have been many questions surrounding the club, particularly after this summer: Is the Neymar transfer part of the evil perils of modern day football? Should PSG really go for Sanchez? What would bringing the likes of bringing in Mbappé do to the club? We also chat about the defensive challenges the club has faced and the ever-growing club culture platforms like Reddit. Much to dissect in this one, and a download link is available!

On this episode I chat with Jeorge Bird - the highly respected writer who specializes in Arsenal's youth team. We delve deep to unravel the academy and how it works in terms of promotion, scholarships, and criteria. We also break down Per Mertesacker's appointment as the head of the academy next season, Andries Jonker's departure, the much celebrated "British Core", it's importance and where it is now, plus who to watch next season. We even explore the difficult question: would you send your son or daughter to the academy of the club you support? You can find Jeorge here: @jeorgebird https://www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com

On this episode I speak with Kyndra de St. Aubin and discuss the ongoing growth of football dialogue across North America. Kyndra is the Colour Analyst for new boys Minnesota United FC, who I refer to as the shotgun club - formed quickly and hit the ground running in Major League Soccer under the guidance of manager and Everton legend Adrian Heath. Kyndra has had a wide array of experiences in the world of sports broadcasting and shares her story about how she made it to Minnesota's commentator booth, thus becoming the first female Colour Analyst in Major League Soccer. After listening to her speak, you will know why she is one of the best and most respected broadcasters in the game. Looking forward to many more stories to come from this Minnesota story!

I recently sat down with Peter Stewart, a true Liverpudlian who shared his stories of the Kop's glory years. We travel down memory lane and discuss his radiant adoration for Liverpool - it's not difficult to see why so many people are so fond of him. We discuss the meaning behind supporting a club like Liverpool, and analyze what made the club so successful during the formative years, plus a toast to the importance of having legends be involved with the club after their playing years.

This episode of Touchline Radio invites football commentator and broadcaster for Minnesota United FC, Callum Williams. We take a close look at the new franchise and assess the rise of football's popularity in the United States, then take a trip down memory lane and discuss Callum's journey into the world of broadcasting, his initial time spent at Sporting KC, and discuss his adoration for Aston Villa FC. His voice is one we shall hear amongst the greats of Martin Tyler and Alan Parry.

I invite Elaine from Milan Obsession back on the show to discuss all things surrounding herself and AC Milan in recent weeks, with the major part of the show delving into her ongoing experience with sexism in the modern game and the challenges she has faced in sharing her love for AC Milan. We also discuss the massive sale to a Chinese consortium lead by Li Yonghong, and the Derby della Madonnina this past weekend. She shares her fascinating social experiment in exploring the differences in respectability between her male and female peers, the ease in which abuse can be administered on social media, and what we can collectively do about it.

I'm quite glad to speak to Jonathan Meisenheimer, the lad who brought me to my first MLS match between Toronto FC and New York Red Bulls on a cold October night a handful of moons ago. On this episode we speak of his origin story, what it's like to be devoted to an MLS club, the essence of support, the significance of World Cup USA, jersey controversies at home matches, comparing the atmosphere in matches across Europe and North and South America, his adoration for St. Pauli, plus what it's like to get bags of questionable liquids thrown at you by away supporters. Lots more in this one! Download link is available.

This week I connected with Mark Palmer and Mariela Castro, the founders of the St. Pauli fan base in Toronto. They share their story as we delve into their immediate attraction to the club, understand the punk culture as St. Pauli drifted away from "traditional" football in the late 80's. We also discuss the growth of St. Pauli, the ideologies they stand for and how the fan base has grown as it is beginning to connect supporters in Toronto and beyond. We even discuss how football can impact a relationship, and much, much more.

Very happy to have Elaine from Milan Obsession on this edition of Touchline Radio. We discuss the beautiful game and the Serie A by starting back in 1994, where Elaine first experienced the true footballing emotion of what it's like to lose in a final. She then shares her story into how AC Milan became the major club in her life, and the challenges she faced to make her voice heard. Elaine is now one of the most respected bloggers on AC Milan. We also delve into the early accessibility to football in North America, the World Cup and the essence of what it means to be a supporter, plus a whole lot more.

On this episode Eric Anderton and I attempt to decipher what's going on with this current Liverpool side. To do so, we attempt to break down the impact of the modern game on the Kop and Klopp, the supporter's discourse, and implications of Champions League football. What has lead to this current fall from grace? We even take a look at the World Cup and reason how much of an impact a sporting success could have on a city like Toronto. Download link available!

This week Touchline Radio invites Tina Cook, the assistant coach of the Ryerson Rams Women's Soccer team. The University side from Toronto has a plethora of experience shared between Tina and head coach Dr. Ivan Joseph, and on the show we discuss a number of topics ranging from the importance of implementing a footballing culture in a school environment, the challenges of being a commuter school and the ethos of managing academia and varsity sport. We further delve into her story of playing soccer in rural Ontario, to being part of an undefeated side across four regular conference seasons in the NAIA, and on to further explorations to Europe.

To gain some insight on the world of La Liga Touchline Radio invites blogger David Garcia from It's Just A Sport. We discuss the golden age of the Messi-Ronaldo rivalry, the beauty of Sampaoli's renaissance at Sevilla, the shock demise of Valencia, the Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, plus a whole lot more.

Touchline Radio invites special guest Andrew Mangan of Arseblog to have a chat about his experiences in writing about Arsenal on a daily basis and shares his perspectives on the landscape of modern day football.

As a continuation to yesterday's episode, Eric Anderton and I bring things back home to talk about Toronto FC's trials and tribulations as they got so far, but just didn't cross the finish line in first. We question its impact on the sporting culture of Toronto, the experience of a cup final, what this may mean when we argue the style of MLS football versus the European elites, and much more.

Touchline Radio returns from Europe with perspectives anew. To help collect my thoughts I speak with Eric Anderton and discuss the trip to Old Trafford, the immensity of away support, the togetherness of football fans, Arsenal, football in Poland, and so, so much more.

The Euros have now come to a close, with Portugal running out the winners. Many stories to be told, in particular, the contributions from players of African descent. We take a look at the final and break down some of the key moments, crucial stats, and discuss Portugal's success at France's expense. As always, there's the usual transfer guff as we head into a the quieter part of summer, but there's a general feeling that it won't be quiet for long.