From The Sidelines - from Northumberland FA: Recent Episodes
Gary Middleton
In this episode, we’re joined by Sam Pothecary, Crystal Palace Under-9s Coach and Hampshire FA Coach Development Lead. We dive into how to support players on their football journey, the importance of individual development, and how coaches can create engaging, challenging, and player-centred environments.
Whether you're coaching in grassroots or an academy setting, this podcast is designed to give you tools, ideas and inspiration to develop better players and better coaches.
Geoff Pike, Football Coaching Consultant and former FA Coach Educator, chats about the coach development and education landscape. He discusses pathways for coaches, the evolution of coach education, and the insights he’s gained working with coaches at all levels. A must-listen for anyone interested in developing their coaching knowledge and understanding how education shapes the future of football.
In this episode of From the Sidelines, Gary Middleton is joined by former Manchester United Academy coach and FA Coach Developer Paul McGuinness for a fascinating deep dive into coaching, player development and the power of storytelling in football.
Paul shares insights from over 28 years at Manchester United, his current work across the FA, women’s football, Leeds United and international consultancy, and explains how his famous “Hunting Dogs – Win It & Break” theme became one of his most effective coaching tools.
Using vivid analogies inspired by African hunting dogs, Paul explores how coaches can teach players to regain possession with intelligence, organisation and aggression, from “getting into the long grass” and “smelling blood” to working together as a pack to win the ball back and break quickly.
The conversation covers:
- The origins of the “Hunting Dogs” philosophy
- Using storytelling and imagery to improve player understanding
- Coaching defensive transitions and regaining possession
- “Under the microscope” coaching detail and individual defending
- Creating advantage and flow in football
- Influences from Manchester United, the FA and legendary coaches including Don Howe, Eric Harrison and Dick Bate
- The importance of coach development, connection and football culture
Paul also previews the practical CPD event taking place at Northumberland FA on 22nd September, where coaches will see the “Hunting Dogs – Win It & Break” session brought to life on the pitch.
An insightful episode packed with practical coaching detail, memorable stories and a passion for developing players and coaches at every level of the game.
In this episode of From the Sidelines, host Gary Middleton sits down with Newcastle United Academy Lead Coach Gregg Ryder to explore his remarkable coaching journey across Iceland, Denmark, America, and back home to the North East. Gregg shares how a broken leg in the U.S. unexpectedly sparked his passion for coaching, the opportunities and challenges he faced working abroad, and the cultural insights that shaped his development at both grassroots and elite levels.
From navigating first‑team environments at just 23, to embracing new cultures, learning languages, and mentoring young players, Gregg offers valuable lessons for coaches considering taking their career overseas. Now back at his boyhood club, he reflects on stability, growth, and the realities of modern coaching.
Whether you're an aspiring coach, seasoned practitioner, or simply fascinated by the global game, this episode offers honest, insightful, and inspiring reflections from a coach who’s lived football across continents.
Host Gary Middleton is joined by Abdul “Butch” Fazal, The FA’s EDI Lead for the Men’s Game, to explore the importance of diversifying the coaching workforce. Butch discusses the barriers faced by historically underrepresented coaches, including access, affordability and opportunity, and explains how FA programmes such as mentoring, club placements and bespoke learning and development aim to create a more equitable pathway into the professional and talent development game. The conversation highlights the value of diversity beyond representation, emphasising the impact of different perspectives on decision‑making and performance, while also offering practical insight into coach development, employability, reflective practice and resilience. An interesting listen for coaches at all levels who are passionate about inclusion, development and the future of the game.
In this episode, Northumberland FA Football Development Officer Gary Middleton chats with Tony Walmsley — former A-League Technical Director, UEFA Pro Licence holder, and performance specialist. Tony shares his experiences from across the game and explores how true success in football starts with people development. From leadership insights to building environments where individuals can thrive, this conversation offers valuable takeaways for coaches at every level.
In this episode, we chat with Mark Lee, owner of Mark Lee Football Coaching in Australia, about developing your coaching philosophy within grassroots football. Mark shares his insights on building a clear coaching approach, nurturing players, and creating a positive impact in the game from the grassroots level up. A must-listen for coaches looking to refine their style and make a lasting difference.
Join us as we sit down with Ben Dawson, current Brondby first-team coach and former first-team coach at Leicester City and Newcastle United. From his early days in academy coaching to leading top-flight squads, Ben shares insights, experiences, and lessons learned along the way. Perfect for aspiring coaches, football fans, and anyone interested in the journey from youth development to elite football management.
Gary Middleton is joined by Paul Holder — National FA Coach Developer in the professional game and former Head of Academy Coaching at Brighton & Hove Albion — to discuss the importance of core moves in football. Paul breaks down how understanding movement, technique, and player development can shape performance on the pitch, sharing expert insights drawn from years of experience in elite coaching and coach development.
In this episode, Northumberland FA Football Development Officer Gary Middleton sits down with Ian Skinner — former Gateshead First Team Coach and ex-Newcastle United Academy Coach — to discuss his coaching journey and the lessons he’s learned along the way. From working in the professional game to developing players at grassroots level, Ian shares valuable insights into what it truly means to coach the individual and help them reach their potential, both on and off the pitch.
Joe Danquah, Pre-Academy Coach at NUFC, discusses his coaching journey and celebrates Black history within local football with Northumberland FA's Gary Middleton.
In this episode, we’re joined by Michael Pedley, U11/U12 Lead Coach at Newcastle United’s Academy, for an in-depth chat about the art of designing training sessions that truly support player learning.
Michael shares his experience working within a Premier League academy environment, offering practical insights into how he approaches planning, structure, and delivery to help young players understand the game and improve.
In this episode, we shine a light on the new generation of football coaches making their mark at academy level.
We're joined by three young coaches – Jack Sadler (U14s Coach at Middlesbrough Academy), Charlie Bews (U11s Coach at Newcastle United Academy), and Isaac Gamblin (U9s Coach at Middlesbrough Academy) – who share their experiences, challenges, and reflections on what it’s like to work in elite environments at such an early stage in their careers.
In this episode of The Female Landscape, we’re joined by Lloyd Miller – Football Development Officer for Women & Girls at Northumberland FA.
Lloyd shares his insight into the local female football scene, discussing the progress that’s been made across the region and the work still to do to ensure every girl has the chance to play.
In this episode of Between the Posts, we catch up with Tony Caig, Head of Academy Goalkeeping at Newcastle United, as he reflects on his unique journey through football – from life as a professional goalkeeper to shaping the next generation at the NUFC Academy.
Tony shares insights from his playing days, his transition into coaching, and how his experiences between the sticks have influenced his approach to developing young goalkeepers today.
A must-listen for anyone interested in the goalkeeper’s mindset, career progression in football, and the evolution of coaching at the academy level.
In this episode of Developing your Coaching Craft, we’re joined by Martyn Irvine, Coach Development Lead at Staffordshire FA and UEFA B Coach Developer, to explore what it really means to grow as a coach.
With years of experience supporting coaches across all levels of the game, Martyn shares valuable insights into the ongoing process of developing our coaching craft — from reflective practice and lifelong learning, to the importance of connection, curiosity, and adapting to the needs of players.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your coaching approach, this episode is packed with thought-provoking advice to help you level up your coaching journey.
In this episode of From the Sidelines, we’re joined by Jamie Williams, Pre-Academy Lead Coach, and Mark Bertram, Coach & Player Development Lead at Newcastle United Academy, as they explore the concept of learning the game from the game.
Jamie and Mark delve into how game-based learning shapes player development, the importance of allowing young players to experience the game in real scenarios, and how coaches can create environments that reflect the demands of real match situations.
Whether you're a grassroots coach, academy parent, or football development enthusiast, this conversation offers powerful insights into how young players can grow through guided freedom and smart coaching interventions.
Gary Middleton, Northumberland FA's Football Development Officer chats with Emily Senior, England Learning Coach Developer around 'Maximising Player Engagement.'
Ian Macleod Head of Basketball at Newcastle Eagles chats with Northumberland FA's Gary Middleton about his coaching journey
Roger Davies England Learning National Coach Developer Lead discusses the importance of understanding our practice returns with Northumberland FA's Football Development Officer, Gary Middleton.
Sarah Lowden former coach developer at the FA and currently working as a coach developer at PGMOL talks with Northumberland FA's Football Development Officer Gary Middleton about 'Who's Coaching You'
Michael Havelock talks to Gary Middleton about the UEFA B course and what coaches can expect when attending the course.
Jamie Barnwell (Former Lead Development Coach and Former Professional Footballer discusses 'Supporting the Individuals with Gary Middleton (Northumberland FA Football Development Officer)
Ian Watson chats with NFA's Gary Middleton about his coaching journey, from earning promotion at Gateshead FC to becoming the first team coach at MK Dons.
Darran Bowles (Head of Coaching at Bolton Wanderers) talks with Northumberland FA's Gary Middleton (Football Development Officer) about how coaches can better support there players.
Steve Harrison (Middlesbrough Academy YDP Lead Coach) discusses 'Coaching the Teenage Footballer' with Gary Middleton (Northumberland FA Football Development Officer) and tells us more about his coaching journey.
Sally Needham - Former Sheffield United Academy Human Development & Performance Culture Lead, FA Coach Developer and current Consultant at Norway Women discusses 'Neuroscience in Football' with Northumberland FA's Football Development Officer, Gary Middleton. Sally also talks about her upcoming Coach the Coach Event taking place in August.
Pete Sturgess chats with Gary Middleton about one of the FA's 6 core capabilities, 'Disguise' and tells us more about his upcoming Coach the Coach event taking place in June
Jamie Williams and NFA's Gary Middleton talk about how as coaches we can provide match day support and how this benefits a players development.
Northumberland FA's Football Development Officer - Gary Middleton and England Learning Regional Coach Developer - Pav Singh, talk with Amrik Singh Hare and Ahmet Akdag from Newcastle United Acadmey about their coaching journey's.
Jack Rolfe who founded The Coaching Lab chats with Northumberland FA's Gary Middleton around the impact Match Play Cards can have on training sessions.
Bruce Vause joins NFA's Gary Middleton to discuss all things Futsal and how to develop more skilful coaches.
Les Howie - UEFA Grassroots Mentor & former Head of Grassroots Delivery & Coaching at the FA discusses 'Coach Education' with Northumberland FA's Gary Middleton.
Les Howie - UEFA Grassroots Mentor & former Head of Grassroots Delivery & Coaching at the FA discusses 'Coach Education' with Northumberland FA's Gary Middleton.
Scott Noble - England Learning Coach developer (UEFA C) chats to Gary Middleton - Northumberland FA's Football Development officer about the journey to gaining your UEFA C qualification
Simon Smith Former Head of Goalkeeping at Newcastle United chats about 'The Role of the GK' with Northumberland FA's Football Development Officer Gary Middleton
Adam Berry Lead Academy U18 Analyst at Rangers FC Academy chats about Coaching Feedback & Reflection with Northumberland Fa's Gary Middleton
Mike Melvin of 3v3 UK Air pitches chats about the future 3v3 with Northumberland FA's Gary Middleton
Northumberland FA's Football Development Officer Gary Middleton talks to Jamie Chandler - Spennymoor Town Manager around transitioning from player to technical area.
Pete Augustine FA Regional Coach Developer discusses 'Preparing players for the physical demands of the game' with Northumberland FA's Gary Middleton
Pete Augustine FA Regional Coach Developer discusses ‘Preparing players for the physical demands of the game’ with Northumberland FA's Gary Middleton
Adam Berry Lead YDP & Coach Education Analyst at Rangers FC Academy chats about Coaching Feedback & Reflection with Northumberland Fa's Gary Middleton
Charlie Bews from Newcastle United Foundation discusses 'Adapting to different Hats' with Northumberland FA's Gary Middleton
Mark Rutter – Fast Feet Academy Director & NUFC Academy Coach chats on Long Term Player Development with Northumberland FA's Gary Middleton
Adam Colley England Learning Coach Developer talks with Gary Middleton Northumberland FA's Football Development Officer about 'What does Success look like'.
Ian Watson, current Gateshead FC 1ST Team Assistant Manager discusses ‘Coaching Values’ with Northumberland FA's Gary Middleton
Paul Mcginess Head of Player Development at Leicester City Academy discusses the 'Art of Skill' with Northumberland FA's Gary Middleton, Football Development Officer
Bruce Vause FA Coach Mentor (Futsal) & FA Coach Developer (Futsal) chats with Garry Middleton Northumberland Fa's Football Development Officer around 'All things Futsal'
Dale Walker, Newcastle United Academy GK Coach/Morpeth Town Assistant Manager & GK Coach discusses 'How to Support Goalkeepers in Grassroots Football' with Gary Middleton.
Mark Bertram NUFC Pre-Academy Lead Coach discuss the Importance of ‘Varied Learning Environments’ with Gary Middleton.
Chris Welburn FA Coach Developer for the North West discusses one of England Learning’s 6 Core Capabilities - Scanning
Peter Leven, UEFA PRO Licence Holder & former Dynamo Brest 1st team Coach, speaks to Gary Middleton about Coaching Cultures
Pav Singh, FA Coach Developer, speaks to Gary Middleton about his success in coaching Liversedge to promotion in 2021/22.
To celebrate Black History Month, Joe Danquah, Sunderland Academy coach, discusses practice design to support player development with Northumberland FA's Gary Middleton.
To mark Colour Blindness Awareness Day on 6 September, FA Coach Developer Ryan Davies discusses how the condition can affect players and how coaches can help.
In this episode, Gary Middleton talks to Jon Macdonald, Dunston UTS FC Assistant Manager, to discuss ‘Results v Development’ & the challenges that occur within the non-league game .
In the latest episode Mel Reay – Sunderland Ladies Head Coach – discusses 'Developing the Individuals' with Gary Middleton
In this episode, Jamie Williams - Newcastle United Academy U10 Coach - chats with FDO Gary Middleton on the importance of inspiring our players to love the game in the Foundation Phase.
In this episode, Gary Middleton talks to Elliot Dickman, NUFC's Lead Player Development Coach U23 about ‘Transition in the current Game’.
Eve Thompson from Education & Training Foundation chats to Gary Middleton on the subject of Players - Our Students of the Game.
Special Guest Ian Bogie, Newcastle United u18 Assistant Coach talks to Gary Middleton about 'The Modern Midfielder'.
Gary Middleton chats to Dean Buckle, Head of Compliance and Inclusion at Northumberland FA about the importance of inclusion in sport, and how it's everyone's responsibility to make sure football is for all.
n this episode, Gary Middleton talks to Pete Sturgess – FA Foundation Phase Lead, about how smaller formats can support our players.
Northumberland FA Football Development Officer (Women and Girls) Lloyd Miller, who is also assistant coach at NUFC Women, discusses Growing the Female Game.
In this episode, Graeme Carrick – FA Youth Coach Developer chats to Gary Middleton around the theme of 'Developing ‘More Skilful Players’.
If we can put it out beginning of April as it promotes our CPD event on April 22.
Lloyd Miller talks to Suey Smith (FA Regional Coach Development Officer – Women and Girls North East), Becky Langley (Manager of Newcastle United Women) and Claire Robinson (Womens High Performance Centre Coach – Coach Development Officer) about their coaching journeys.
Bev Priestman, Canada Women’s National Team Head Coach, talks to Northumberland FA's Lloyd Miller about her journey from Consett to Canada! A great interview to celebrate International Women's Day this month.
In this latest episode, 'Player to Coach' we welcome Brooke Cochrane - Newcastle United Women’s 1st Team Captain - who discusses her football journey & her transition into coaching.
In this episode we speak to Barney Jones who discusses ‘A Lifetime in the Game’
Barney is a former Coach Educator, Former FA Affiliate Tutor & Former FA Coach Mentor and he speaks to Gary Middleton about his time within football, as well as support for coaches.
Gary Middleton discusses ‘Positivity in our Coaching’ with Jack Gray - SAFC Foundation of Light/Sunderland RTC/Cramlington United 1st Team Coach
and Joey Harries - SAFC Foundation of Light/Sunderland Academy Coach
Jack and Joey will talk about the importance of Positivity within our Coaching & how this supports our players in their development.
In this episode we welcome former Kilmarnock Assistant Manager Paul Stephenson.
Paul is a former Newcastle United Winger/1st team Coach at Norwich City, Huddersfield Town 1st team Coach, Accrington Stanley 1st team Coach and Blackpool 1st team Coach.
He discusses his coaching career & the challenges you come up against within the game.
FA Coach Developer Suey Smith discusses Adapting as a Coach with Northumberland FA's Gary Middleton
Newcastle United Women's First Team Coach Rebecca Langley and Assistant Coach Lloyd Miller discuss Coaching the Female Magpies
Adam Colley from UK Coaching discusses Creating the Environment with Northumberland FA's Gary Middleton
In this new episode, FA Coach Developer Pav Singh discusses Coaching in the Senior Game with Northumberland FA's Gary Middleton
In this episode, NUFC's Lead U18 Coach Neil Winskill discusses Coaching Interventions with Gary Middleton.
The latest in our podcast series features Peter Ramage, Newcastle United U23 Assistant Coach who talks with Gary Middleton about his journey from Player to Coach.
Newcastle United Academy Coach Yannick Aziakonou discusses his journey from Professional Footballer to Football Coach.
NFA's Designated Safeguarding Officer Ray Johnstone talks about safeguarding issues in the grassroots game and how we keep football safe for our players & volunteers.
In this episode we welcome Ross Flintoff who works at Newcastle United Foundation and coaches at Teeside Girls RTC
Ross and Gary discuss “One small step into a club, One giant leap into management”
This week our guest is Paul Thompson from Coach Core Foundation & Coach at Sunderland Academy, who discusses the Holistic Coaching Model that supports the development of the whole person.
This week we speak to inspiring young footballer Azeem Amir chats who discusses the challenges he has overcome in his journey to become an England International for the England Blind Squad
LiveYourDream
In this episode we’re discussing ‘Leading and Managing in Football Environments’ with Mark McCutcheon, Senior Lecturer in Sport Management at Northumbria University and Assistant u16 Coach NUFC Academy
Mark chats around managing Environments within football, looking at the role of coaches, coordinators and committee members who are all involved in this process.
Glen Taylor from Spennymoor Town join us to discuss 'A Players Perspective'.
Glen chats to us about his playing career & the experiences he has had from Coaches that have developed him into the player he is today.
NFA's Gary Middleton discusses the ‘Return to Football’ with Jamie Williams – FA Tutor, and Player & Coach Developer at South Shields FC
Paul Bryson, UEFA A licence coach. Paul is currently a Coach at i2i International Soccer Academy at Northumbria University and was formerly Sunderland U18 Lead Coach.
Paul chats around his coaching journey & challenges coaching in the Youth Development Phase through to the Professional Development Phase with Northumberland FA's Gary Middleton.