Marvee Woods Football Academy Podcast

Greg Miller, the Academy Manager of EFL Championship club Portsmouth FC who is departing the club to become the new Charlton Athletic Academy Manager from March 2026 tells me on Episode 19 of my Podcast.That his dad Alex Miller who was a former Glasgow Rangers defender and First Team Manager of Aberdeen, Hibernian and St Mirren taught him about fizzy drinks spiking blood levels which reduces performance levels.So Alex took the decision to cut out fizzy drinks from the age of 14 to enhance his football performances. This helped him to become a First Team player starting his career at the Scottish club Hibernian, before becoming an academy manager. Full Episode: Out Now

Greg Miller, the Academy Manager of EFL Championship club Portsmouth FC who is departing the club to become the new Charlton Athletic Academy Manager from March 2026 tells me on Episode 19 of my Podcast.About his journey from being a professional footballer to a coach and academy manager. We discuss the importance of family support, discipline, and lifestyle choices in youth football, as well as the challenges and rewards of managing an academy.Greg shares insights on player development, the role of communication with parents, and the metrics for success in youth development. He emphasizes the need for passion in players and the importance of creating an enriching experience for young athletes.

Greg Miller, the Academy Manager of EFL Championship club Portsmouth FC who is departing the club to become the new Charlton Athletic Academy Manager from March 2026 tells me on Episode 19 of my Podcast.That there is always someone ready to take your spot. Never get comfortable and think that you have made it just because a club gives you a pro contract.Full Episode: Friday February 13th 2026

Greg Miller, the Academy Manager of EFL Championship club Portsmouth FC who is departing the club to become the new Charlton Athletic Academy Manager from March 2026 tells me on Episode 19 of my Podcast.That there seems to be a trend of academies getting a bad rap lately from the general public because of the statistics of a lack of players making it through the academy system and becoming First Team footballers.Greg gives me his view on this topic from his perspective working at Portsmouth. Full Episode: Friday February 13th 2026

Greg Miller, the Academy Manager of EFL Championship club Portsmouth FC who is departing the club to become the new Charlton Athletic Academy Manager from March 2026 tells me on Episode 19 of my Podcast.That Portsmouth are looking for players to be brave and showcase their talents. The club like players who are not afraid to make mistakes to express themselvesFull Episode: Friday February 13th 2026

Greg Miller, the Academy Manager of EFL Championship club Portsmouth FC who is departing the club to become the new Charlton Athletic Academy Manager from March 2026 tells me on Episode 19 of my Podcast.That Portsmouth will exclude a player from the academy, if an academy player is excluded from school. The club expects players to conduct themselves in the same positive way in school, as they are expected to be in the educational environment of the scholarship program at Portsmouth. Full Episode: Friday February 13th 2026

In this episode, I’m joined by someone different to my usual Academy Manager guests.Former Watford Midfielder Micah Hyde, who is now the Head Of Coaching Development at the EFL Championship club Watford FC, tells me on Episode 18 of my Podcast.Tells me that registered Watford academy players should not play for grassroots teams behind the back of the club and risk getting injured.Especially when the player knows that the grassroots team is not giving them the same individual learning plan (ILP) that Watford is instructing them to play to.Full Episode: Out Now

In this episode, I’m joined by someone different to my usual Academy Manager guests.Former Watford Midfielder Micah Hyde, who is now the Head Of Coaching Development at the EFL Championship club Watford FC, tells me on Episode 18 of my Podcast.Tells me that whilst he wants to develop players, winning is important in the Watford academy. Coaches would be held accountable if they were losing consistently, even though players are developing.Full Episode: Out Now

In this episode, I’m joined by someone different to my usual Academy Manager guests.Former Watford Midfielder Micah Hyde, who is now the Head Of Coaching Development at the EFL Championship club Watford FC, tells me on Episode 18 of my Podcast.Tells me that Watford only want good academy players at the club, who the Watford coaches believe have the potential to become professionals.Full Episode: Out Now

On this episode, I’m joined by someone different to my usual Academy Manager guests.Former Watford Midfielder Micah Hyde, who is now the Head Of Coaching Development at the EFL Championship club Watford FC, tells me on Episode 18 of my Podcast about his journey from a young football enthusiast to a professional player and eventually a coach. Micah discusses the influence of his father, the impact of injuries on his career, and how his passion for football led him to coaching after the birth of his son. Hyde emphasizes the importance of living in the moment, understanding one's role in the game, and the need for education and qualifications in transitioning from a player to a coach plus his overall journey to becoming Head Of Academy Coaching Development at Watford FC.

New Snippet: On this episode, I’m joined by someone different to my usual Academy Manager guests.Former Watford Midfielder Micah Hyde, who is now the Head Of Coaching Development at the EFL Championship club Watford FC, tells me on Episode 18 of my Podcast.That he's seen players potentially on course to make the First Team waste their talent and go off course due to lack of direction from outside influences.Full Episode: Friday January 30th 2026 (6pm)

New Snippet: On this episode, I’m joined by someone different to my usual Academy Manager guests.Former Watford Midfielder Micah Hyde, who is now the Head Of Coaching Development at the EFL Championship club Watford FC, tells me on Episode 18 of my Podcast.That disruptive parents constantly coaching over the coaches on the sidelines is not tolerated at Watford.Full Episode: Friday January 30th 2026 (6pm)

New Snippet: On this episode, I’m joined by someone different to my usual Academy Manager guests. Former Watford Midfielder Micah Hyde, who is now the Head Of Coaching Development at the EFL Championship club Watford FC, tells me on Episode 18 of my Podcast.That he looks for desire in a trialist coming to Watford. If they do not have desire and application, they will not catch his eye.Full Episode: Friday January 30th 2026

New Snippet: In this episode, I’m joined by someone different to my usual Academy Manager guests. Former Watford Midfielder Micah Hyde, who is now the Head Of Coaching Development at the EFL Championship club Watford FC, tells me on Episode 18 of my Podcast.That he does not like his coaches shouting at players from the sidelines during matches. As Head Of Coaching Development, Micah has advised the Watford academy coaches to allow their academy players to play freely and only speak to the players at half time or during intervals in the game.Full Episode: Friday January 30th 2026

New Snippet: Pleasure speaking to Jonathan Pepper, the Academy Manager of EFL Championship club Sheffield Wednesday, who tells me on Episode 16 of my Podcast.That from under 15s upwards, it starts to become more serious in the academy and players have to make some sacrifices if they want to become an elite professional.Full Episode: Out Now

New Snippet: Pleasure speaking to Jonathan Pepper, the Academy Manager of EFL Championship club Sheffield Wednesday, who tells me on Episode 16 of my Podcast.That he wouldn't be surprised if A.I. becomes an academy manager in the next ten years, based on the way the academy system is progressing and has progressed over the last ten years with the EPPP, Category 1-3, data and more.Full Episode: Out Now

New Snippet: Pleasure speaking to Jonathan Pepper, the Academy Manager of EFL Championship club Sheffield Wednesday, who tells me on Episode 16 of my Podcast.That in his role, he works on budgets, recruitment. He also sorts out the facilities, deals with scouting and coaching. Does future planning 5 years ahead for the academy and moreFull Episode: Out Now

In the summer of Pre-season 25/26. Jonathan Pepper, the Academy Manager of EFL Championship club Sheffield Wednesday discussed with me on Episode 16 of my Podcast about his journey from being a Sheffield United schoolboy, getting run over by a van which halted his potential football career, to now becoming the academy manager at Sheffield Wednesday. He discusses the evolution of coaching as a profession, the importance of youth development, and the balance between results and player growth. Jon emphasizes the significance of experiences, such as loans, in shaping young players and highlights the challenges they face in today's football landscape.He also reflects on the character and mental resilience required for success in the sport. Jonathan Pepper also discusses the complexities of coaching in youth football, emphasizing the importance of recognizing potential in players, managing parent expectations, and the emotional challenges faced by coaches. He highlights the need for strong relationships with players and parents, the balance between academics and sports, and the multifaceted responsibilities of an academy manager. The discussion also touches on the evolving landscape of academy football, including the impact of technology and the future of coaching roles.

New Snippet: Pleasure speaking to Jonathan Pepper, the Academy Manager of EFL Championship club Sheffield Wednesday, who tells me on Episode 16 of my Podcast.That coping mentally is crucial to making it as a footballer. Players in the academy will forge a career in football if they can deal with all the pressures that footballers face constantly in the game.Full Episode: Friday January 16th (Today 6pm)

New Snippet: Jonathan Pepper, the Academy Manager of EFL Championship club Sheffield Wednesday, tells me on Episode 16 of my Podcast.That people are more focused on bright lights and great facilities, than the coaching and pathway into the First Team that is being provided by a club. Jonathan suggests that the pathway a club provides, should be the priority on the minds of those joining the academy.Full Episode: Friday January 16th 2026 (6pm)

New Snippet: Pleasure having Jonathan Pepper, the Academy Manager of EFL Championship club Sheffield Wednesday, who this month (December) celebrates his first year in the job and tells me on Episode 16 of my Podcast.That the qualities needed to be a good standout academy player, is producing quality under intense pressure week in, week out.Full Episode: Friday January 16th 2026 (6pm)

New Snippet: Allan Mcmanus, the Academy Director of Scottish League Cup winners St Mirren. Tells me on Episode 17 of my Podcast.That he likes fearless grassroots players. Players who are not scared to express themselves, even if they make mistakes.Full Episode: Out Now

New Snippet: Allan Mcmanus, the Academy Director of Scottish League Cup winners St Mirren. Tells me on Episode 17 of my Podcast.That unlike they do in England where compensation is paid between clubs for transfers from under 9s upwards. In Scotland, a club can take another clubs player without paying compensation for that transfer, until that player becomes a full time player of the club that they are transferring to.Full Episode: Out Now

New Snippet: Allan Mcmanus, the Academy Director of Scottish League Cup winners St Mirren. Tells me on Episode 17 of my Podcast.That being late is not acceptable. Mcmanus says that he feels that someone who is continually late values their time more than they value the time set by him and the club to attend training and matches.Full Episode: Out Now

Allan McManus, the Academy Director of Scottish League Cup Winners St. Mirren, tells me on Episode 17 of my podcast about his journey from being a schoolboy player at Hearts to becoming a coach.Allan also lets me know about the importance of mindset in youth development, and the challenges faced in nurturing young talent.Allan shares insights on the role of data in player development, the significance of resilience, and the impact of parental involvement in youth football. He emphasizes the need for consistency in behavior and the importance of being ready for opportunities in the competitive world of football.

New Snippet: Allan Mcmanus, the Academy Director of Scottish League Cup winners St Mirren. Tells me on Episode 17 of my Podcast.That the scholars they sign at St Mirren take ownership of their careers. They have resilience and drive their own standards and never have to be told to do the extras.Full Episode: Friday January 2nd 2026

New Snippet: Allan Mcmanus, the Academy Director of Scottish League Cup winners St Mirren. Tells me on Episode 17 of my Podcast. That he has been surprised to discover in his job, that a lot of players do not want to be playing football, but they feel that they have to play to please pushy parents.The former Hearts defender also shared with me his experience of a St Mirren academy player getting their pro contract and making their debut in the first team, only to quit football two days later because the player couldn't handle the pressure.Full Episode: Friday January 2nd 2025

New Snippet: Pleasure having Allan Mcmanus the Academy Director of Scottish League Cup winners St Mirren on Episode 17 of my Podcast.The former Hearts Defender told me. That St Mirren have the most Quarter 4 born players in their academy and do not discriminate when it comes to late developers. St Mirren focus more on technical and tactical ability than late physical development, because the club uses predicted height data which helps when registering players. Full Episode: Friday January 2nd 2025

New Snippet: Allan Mcmanus the Academy Director of Scottish League Cup winners St Mirren, tells me on Episode 17 of my Podcast.The former Hearts Defender told me. That if a players parents cannot control their emotions and are unruly and abusing his staff, he will not keep the player in the academy. No matter how talented the player is, parents behaving badly will not be tolerated at St Mirren.Full Episode: Friday January 2nd 2025

Arsenal Academy Manager Per Mertesacker. Speaks to me on Episode 1 of my Marvee Woods Football Academy Podcast.About Arsene Wenger, dealing with growth pains, trialists, disruptive parents, lateness, signing academy players, what it takes to graduate from Hale End to become a pro and more.

Peterborough United Academy Director Dan Robinson, tells me on Episode 3 of my Marvee Woods Football Academy Podcast. That it's an opinions business. Dan talks about the day to day life managing The Posh Academy. Dealing with Release & Retain Meetings, Lateness, Diets, Scholars, Barry Fry and lots more behind the scenes activity in the academy.

Alex Carroll, the Academy Director of EFL Championship team QPR tells me on Episode 4 of my Podcast. The benefits of academy tours at QPR, the owners, the new training ground and the day to day runnings of the QPR academy.

Alex Inglethorpe, the Academy Director of Liverpool FC tells me on Episode 5 of my Podcast. About Alex's journey from a young player at Watford to becoming a prominent figure in youth football development.The conversation covers the challenges and lessons learned in coaching, being the Manager of Exeter City, the importance of patience in player development, and the unique perspective of being an Academy parent to his son and Academy Director at Liverpool.Alex shares insights on youth development philosophy, the significance of mental resilience, and the evolving landscape of football training. In this conversation, Alex discusses various aspects of football academies, including the role of showcase teams, the importance of academy tours, and the evaluation of grassroots players. He emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to training and education, the significance of discipline and punctuality, and the emotional challenges faced during player releases.Alex also touches on the impact of social media on young players, the growing role of data in football, and the qualities needed for success in the academy system. Throughout the discussion, he highlights the importance of collaboration with schools and the emotional investment coaches have in their players' journeys.

New Snippet: Jonathan Pepper, the Academy Manager of EFL Championship club Sheffield Wednesday, tells me on Episode 16 of my Podcast.That people are more focused on bright lights and great facilities, than the coaching and pathway into the First Team that is being provided by a club. Jonathan suggests that the pathway a club provides, should be the priority on the minds of those joining the academy.Full Episode: Friday December 19th (6pm)

New Snippet: Pleasure having Jonathan Pepper, the Academy Manager of EFL Championship club Sheffield Wednesday, who this month (December) celebrates his first year in the job and tells me on Episode 16 of my Podcast.That the qualities needed to be a good standout academy player, is producing quality under intense pressure week in, week out.Full Episode: Friday December 19th (6pm)

New Snippet: Pleasure having Jonathan Pepper, the Academy Manager of EFL Championship club Sheffield Wednesday, who this month (December) celebrates his first year in the job and tells me on Episode 16 of my Podcast.That coping mentally is crucial to making it as a footballer. Players in the academy will forge a career in football if they can deal with all the pressures that footballers face constantly in the game. Full Episode: Friday December 19th (6pm)

New Snippet: Former Glasgow Rangers defender Steven Kinniburgh, who is now the Head Of Football Development and is responsible for the Boys academy and the Girls and Women’s teams at Championship club Oxford United, tells me on Episode 15 of my Podcast.That the club tries to emulate and copy the blueprint of creating Premier League type of players from their academy instead of sticking to specific profiles.Full Episode: Out Now

New Snippet: Former Glasgow Rangers defender Steven Kinniburgh, who is now the Head Of Football Development and is responsible for the Boys academy and the Girls and Women’s teams at Championship club Oxford United, tells me on Episode 15 of my Podcast.That he lets the academy players know that trust is important in football. With the right habits, they can gain the trust of the coaches, manager and players and give themselves the best chance to get into the First Team.Full Episode: Out Now

New Snippet: Former Glasgow Rangers defender Steven Kinniburgh, who is now the Head Of Football Development and is responsible for the Boys academy and the Girls and Women’s teams at Championship club Oxford United, tells me on Episode 15 of my Podcast.That Grassroots players should not act shy on trial. They need to try to do everything they can to be noticed and stand out from the players already in the academy.Full Episode: Out Now

Steven Kinniburgh, the Oxford United Head Of Football Development tells me on Episode 15 of my Podcast about his journey from a young player at Glasgow Rangers to becoming an academy manager to now Head Of Football Development at Oxford United. Steven discusses the importance of habits, dedication, and the balance between results and development in youth football. Kinniburgh emphasizes the role of injuries, daily routines, and the significance of shaping good character in young athletes. He also explains the structure of football academies and the impact of nutrition and sleep on performance. Stevie also speaks about the complexities of youth football development, focusing on the challenges of tournament football, the importance of adaptability, and the role of education in shaping young athletes. He emphasizes the need for resilience, the significance of understanding player loans, and the impact of parental expectations on player development. Steven highlights another responsibility he has at the club which is looking after the Girls and Women's football at Oxford United and the unique challenges faced in developing female talent. Throughout the discussion, he shares insights on what it takes to succeed in academy football, including the importance of character, commitment, and the avoidance of excuses.

New Snippet: Former Glasgow Rangers defender Steven Kinniburgh, who is now the Head Of Football Development and is responsible for the Boys academy and the Girls and Women’s teams at Championship club Oxford United, tells me on Episode 15 of my Podcast.That it takes dedication everyday to make it in football. Every minute has to be planned putting football first to be at the top level.Full Episode: Friday December 5th (6pm)

New Snippet: Former Glasgow Rangers defender Steven Kinniburgh, who is now the Head Of Football Development and is responsible for the Boys academy and the Girls and Women’s teams at Championship club Oxford United, tells me on Episode 15 of my Podcast.That if he had his way. He would prioritise teaching sports in schools. Especially the way sports shapes people through the discipline needed to be a top sportsperson.Full Episode: Friday December 5th (6pm)

New Snippet: Former Glasgow Rangers defender Steven Kinniburgh, who is now the Head Of Football Development and is responsible for the Boys academy and the Girls and Women’s teams at Championship club Oxford United, tells me on Episode 15 of my Podcast.That when he was playing for Glasgow Rangers in his academy days. He had no time for alcohol, drugs or partying like a normal teenager, because he spent all his time playing football.Full Episode: Friday December 5th (6pm)

New Snippet: Former Glasgow Rangers defender Steven Kinniburgh, who is now the Head Of Football Development and is responsible for the Boys academy and the Girls and Women’s teams at Championship club Oxford United, tells me on Episode 15 of my Podcast. That football is a tough industry to be in. Steven said players have to focus on themselves because football is relentless and takes up most of your time.Full Episode: Friday December 5th (6pm)

New Snippet: Perry Northeast, the Women's and Girls’ Academy Manager of Women's Super League 1 club Brighton & Hove Albion, tells me on Episode 14 of my Podcast.That academy tours helps to prepare the players for all the travelling they will have to do when they are in the First Team environment setting off to clubs like Liverpool, Man City and more.Full Episode: Out Now

New Snippet: Perry Northeast, the Women's Academy Manager of Women's Super League 1 club Brighton & Hove Albion, tells me on Episode 14 of my Podcast. That he reassures parents of newly signed players, that it's okay if a girl starts off slowly when she joins the academy, because it takes time adapting from grassroots to academy football.Full Episode: Out Now

Perry Northeast, the Women's Academy Manager of Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club tells me on Episode 14 of my Podcast about Perry's journey from a young player to a coach. The structure and philosophy of the women's academy, and the importance of holistic development for young athletes. Perry shares insights on training, nutrition, resilience, and the evolving landscape of women's football, emphasizing the need for players to be adaptable and well-rounded individuals. The conversation also highlights the challenges and rewards of nurturing talent in a competitive environment, as well as the significance of accountability and performance in youth development at the club.

New Snippet: Perry Northeast, the Women's Academy Manager of Women's Super League 1 club Brighton & Hove Albion, tells me on Episode 14 of my Podcast. That the academy looks for skilled technicians, who show consistent effort, attitude and application to their football on a daily basis.Full Episode: Friday November 21st 2025 (6pm)

New Snippet: Perry Northeast, the Women's Academy Manager of Women's Super League 1 club Brighton & Hove Albion, tells me on Episode 14 of my Podcast. That the the academy has to keep up to the level of the First Team after the First Team finished fitfh in the Women's Super League.Full Episode: Friday November 21st 2025

New Snippet: Perry Northeast, the Women's Academy Manager of Women's Super League 1 club Brighton & Hove Albion, tells me on Episode 14 of my Podcast. That the women's game has seen a growth of interest and investment, since the England Women's team won the Euros.Full Episode: Friday November 21st 2025