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About
Welcome to the Utter Worldie podcast, hosted by Richard Goddard. Join us as we delve into topics such as skill development, technique, fitness, mindset and performance optimization with current and former professionals, coaches, managers, and football experts.
Richard is a former professional footballer who played for Premier League clubs Arsenal and Brentford, and several other teams in the Conference League. He holds a BSc (Hons) in Physiotherapy, an MSc in Human Nutrition and Public Health, and postgraduate certificates Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology and Sports Science. From 2008 to 2017 he was Academy Physiotherapist at Arsenal Football club and in 2013 Richard also obtained his coaching qualification from the English Football Association at Arsenal Football Club in 2016.
Gain valuable insights and optimize your performance with advice from experts in the world of football.
Episode 1
Mark McGuinness
In this episode, I discuss the art of defending with Cardiff City Centre Back Mark McGuinness, who has now completed over one hundred league appearances and represented the Republic of Ireland at the under nineteen and twenty-one International levels. Together, we delved into the importance of fundamental motor skills, their role as basic building blocks in long-term training processes, and how they underpin more complex sport-specific skills. Success in defending depends on multidimensional factors such as technical, tactical, psychological, and physical variables.
We also addressed topics including playing out from defence, the significance of communication and organization, learning from mistakes, body positioning, maintaining focus, and winning individual and collective battles.
Podcasts - Series 1
Episode 2
Matthew Willock
In this episode, I examine the fundamental elements associated with high-performance teams with Mathew Willock, who has played for Manchester United, Jong FC Utrect, St. Johnstone, St. Mirren, Gillingham, Salford City, and represented Monserrat at the international level. He shares insights into different management and leadership styles that contribute to optimal team performance, particularly highlighting his positive experience working with Erik Ten Hag. Additionally, Matty discusses the launch of his W3 App, developed with his brothers Chris and Joe, aiming to provide young players with a platform to showcase their talent, improve skills, and connect with opportunities.
We also touch upon the importance of supportive team relationships, effective communication, and performance feedback, which have proven beneficial for players like Scott McTominay, Brandon Asante, and Matty and his brothers in enhancing performances as a group.
Episode 3
Darran Hay
In this episode, I explore with Darran Hay the art of finishing. During his career he averaged 0.38 goals per game in the Conference National league between the years 1995 to 2000; representing both Woking and Stevenage football clubs. We discuss how visualisation and cognitive rehearsal can optimise performance and help manage pressure. Darran reflects on how he would mentally prepare for games imagining different scenarios that may result in goal scoring opportunities and how he may score.
We also examine how repetition and scenario based practices can improve performance, positive thinking for positive outcomes, learning from failure, remaining calm and sticking with the game plan.
Release Date: 11th of March 2024.
Episode 4
Nico Yennaris
In this episode, I discuss the importance of fitness with Nico Yennaris, a central defensive midfielder for the China international and Beijing Guoan. Nico, who has played over one hundred league games and represented England at various youth levels before gaining Chinese citizenship in 2019, is renowned for his exceptional fitness levels. We explore his methods for maintaining peak fitness, including individualized fitness programs, warm-ups, recovery techniques, and the psychological aspect of achieving optimal fitness. Our discussion covers Nico's specific practices, insights, and regimes, as well as the latest research and guidelines in the field.
Release Date: 25th of March 2024.
Episode 5
Alan Randall
In this episode, I explore what scouts look for in players with Alan Randall; who is one of the most knowledgeable and charismatic people I know in the game. With experience as a player, manager, and current scouting role at the highest level, he has advised Premiership clubs such as Tottenham Hotspur and Watford Football Club on team tactical analysis and player recruitment. We discuss the criteria scouts prioritize when assessing players across all positions, examining player profiles and attributes of current Premiership players. Additionally, we delve into the essential requirements for top-level performance, including technical skill, tactical acumen, athleticism, strength, and football intelligence, supported by research and statistical data tailored to specific player roles and team formations.
Release Date: 8th of April 2024.
Episode 6
Josh Vickers
In this episode, I analyze with Derby goalkeeper Josh Vickers the importance of sleep for recovery and optimal performance, including the effects of match results, game timings, training loads, and arousal levels on sleep patterns. We also cover current guidelines and research on sleep duration, quality, and the potential benefits of napping in reducing fatigue and enhancing physical and cognitive performance.
Furthermore, we delve into the typical training week for a professional footballer, including the preparation and processes undertaken by clubs leading up to games, such as opponent and match analysis for tactical advantage. Additionally, we explore the individual training and conditioning routines specific to goalkeepers.
Episode 7
Josh Rees
In this episode, I discuss with Joshua Rees the significance of nutrition for peak performance. Josh, a goal-scoring midfielder who has represented Arsenal FC and England at youth levels, and professionally for Nottingham Forest, Torquay United, Gillingham, and currently Dagenham and Redbridge. Alongside his professional career, Josh obtained a first-class honours degree in Sports Science. We delve into various topics including nutritional requirements, carbohydrate periodization, body composition, supplementation, and hydration for optimal performance, alongside current research and practical applications.
Episode 8
Suze Burton Wylie
In this episode I investigate with performance psychologist and former Queens Park Rangers player Suze Burton Wylie how sports psychology can enhance football performance. Suze provides insights into the practical application of psychological techniques such as visualization, mindset, coping strategies, self-talk, and imagery to optimize sports performance. We explore these techniques using practical football scenarios such as facing tough opponents, pre-match preparation, managing poor performances, and handling pressure. Even a slight improvement in performance through psychological interventions can make a significant difference between success and failure, providing a valuable advantage.
Episode 9
Tom Smith
In this episode, I converse with Colchester United F.C. goalkeeper Tom Smith the significance of social support, self-regulation, and psychological skills in improving football performance. We emphasize the role of social and family support networks, teammates, and coaches in providing a balanced psychological perspective to optimize performance.
Additionally, we highlight the importance of short and long-term goal setting, self-talk, relaxation techniques, emotional and attentional control. Furthermore, we explore the significance of self-monitoring and reflection, and how Tom regulates this process, which has been demonstrated to be essential in attaining elite-level status in sports.
Episode 10
David Regis
In this episode called ‘effective communication for coaches’ I discuss with former professional footballer Dave Regis and now player to coach manager at the Premier league; the importance of effective communication in coaching to optimise player performance. During his Football career, Dave scored 53 goals in 237 appearances, representing several clubs such as Stoke City, Notts County, and Birmingham City.
Dave shares his experiences and insights as a former player, coach, and coach mentor, highlighting a range of strategies coaches can implement to enhance their coaching effectiveness. These strategies include personalized communication, supportive behaviours, and feedback techniques that contribute to creating a positive and supportive team culture.
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For every download, a percentage of the proceeds
will be donated to Barnet Age UK.