Pre-Season is here again and its not everyone's cup of tea! For some it's heave, for others it's hell on earth!

From the first day MOT for the players, to international tours, its a phoney war in preparation for the start of the season! Its the vegetables you had to eat with dinner for the players - you dont necessarily like it but you know you need it. For coaches its building a 5-6 week programme to maximise fitness, teach the playing philosophy, developing team cohesion and ensuring that the pre-season gives you the launchpad for a successful season start.

But get it wrong and theres a whole heap of trouble looming! In this episdoe Gary and Dave take you behind the scenes of how pro clubs will figure it all out. From planning the tour 6 months in advance to the players who just love the running - because it might be better than their footballing!

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

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.

The Euros are here and excitement is at fever pitch! With so many teams challenging for this year's title who will be victorious. Will England capitalise on previous tournament near misses? Can Spain recreate the 2008 & 2012 success? What about France, Italy or the hosts Germany? Its soooo exciting!!! (excuse Cat in the Hat reference!!)

This episode we preview the tournament as a whole by looking at the groups and who could likely progress and have a coursory glance at some players that we've been fortunate to wkr with who are competing at the Euros! From England to Hungary, Austria to Slovakia its a melting pot of EFL and EPL players throughout the nations!

And what about Bellingham - is this is tournament to shine? Perhaps its too early but for a player who has in four years risen from Birmingham starlet to Galactico Champions League winner, surely its just another step on his rise to G.O.A.T.

Join us as we reflect on the competition and how we think it will go!

Summary

In this episode of Whistleblowers, Dave and Gary answer questions from listeners. They discuss how to deal with a 'bad egg' in the dressing room, the challenges of the close season for players and managers, and how to create a high-performance environment. Dave shares his best 11 and best squad of players he has worked with. They also discuss the use of medicine and tablets during games and the drug testing process for players. Finally, they give advice to aspiring football managers who haven't had a typical playing career.

Takeaways

• Dealing with a 'bad egg' in the dressing room requires understanding the player's perspective and finding ways to address their frustrations or concerns.
• The close season can be a busy time for managers, with player contracts and transfers to handle, but it's also important to find time for rest and family.
• Creating a high-performance environment involves fostering a culture of continuous learning, passion, and a drive to improve.
• A high-performance environment can exist at any level of football, regardless of resources, if there is a shared goal and a commitment to excellence.
• Dave's best 11 and best squad include players like Robert Green, Thomas Helveg, Adam Drury, Peter Crouch, and Dion Dublin. Building a successful football team requires a combination of talent, strategy, and teamwork.
• Tablets given to players during games can provide pain relief or help with stomach issues, but their effects may vary.
• The drug testing process for players involves random selection and urine samples after the game.
• Aspiring football managers without a playing career can still succeed by putting in the hours, learning the craft, and finding opportunities in clubs or academies.
• Passion, dedication, and continuous learning are key to a career in football coaching or management.

The close season in football is a time for rest and preparation for the upcoming season. It is a period where players and staff take a break, plan holidays, and make decisions about player retention and recruitment.

The close season also involves the departure and arrival of staff members, such as coaches, analysts, performance and medical personnel too. So theres plenty for the club to be getting on with - no longer closing down and the 'back in 2 months' on the door!

The medical team plays a crucial role in supporting injured players during the summer, ensuring they receive the necessary care and rehabilitation. The close season is a busy time for managers, who are constantly in contact with agents, players, and sporting directors to negotiate deals and make signings.

During the conversation, Gary and Dave discuss the challenges and experiences of managers and coaches during the close season. They talk about negotiating transfers, the importance of player meetings, and the planning and preparation for pre-season.

They also touch on the interactions between football professionals during holidays and the opportunities for additional learning and qualifications during the off-season.

Have you ever had a question that you'd like to ask the manager or head coach of your club? Or even one for a Head of Performance (less likely we know!!!)?

Ok... so outside of the normal 'why did you pick X player?' or 'What were you thinking in that game?' there's so many questions that we've answered over the years on a wide variety of topics - some really simple ones as well as more complex queries that we can't always answer - unless we want to get into trouble!!

So now is your chance to pitch us with those burning topics that you need answering! But rather than just simple answers we give a little more context and expand on the subject a little to give more insight and more related aspects!

We'll crowdsource the questions, select the best or most interesting ones and give you some answers!

First episode of a new feature of BreakingLines where Gary and Dave field listener's questions on a variety of topics from 'How do we plan a double game week?' to 'How do clubs make bids for each other's players? Enjoy the show!

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!!