The Insider's Lounge

In this episode of The Insider’s Lounge, Charlie Methven shares the unconventional journey that led him from journalism and publishing to becoming one of football’s most talked-about executives. From the newsroom of The Daily Telegraph to the boardrooms of Sunderland AFC and Charlton Athletic, Methven has built a reputation for turning struggling clubs around and bringing fresh energy to fan engagement, commercial growth, and club identity.

We start by diving into his background in journalism and how it opened the door to the football industry. He reflects on the ongoing debate between formal education and real...

This week, Iker Nacenta joins The Insider's Lounge to break down some of the biggest stories in soccer business, from MLS valuations and FIFA governance to player career transitions and lower-league ownership moves.

We start with Sportico’s 2025 list of the 50 most valuable soccer clubs. Leading the list are global giants like Real Madrid, Manchester United, and FC Barcelona, but the sharp rise of MLS clubs raises questions about valuation strategy and long-term positioning. MLS accounts for 19 of the top 50 most valuable clubs, yet on the revenue side, it doesn’t feature at all in the top 20 glob...

On this week’s episode, we are joined by Ethan Reilly, breaking down the key topics and stories at the intersection of soccer and business in the last week.

We kick off with Wrexham’s remarkable rise, now three promotions deep under Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. With a valuation topping $100 million, we explore whether this is a sustainable model or a one-of-one media machine and what lessons other lower-league clubs can take from it.

From there, we shift to the latest developments in women’s football in the UK, including Wolves Women being denied promot...

In this episode of The Insider’s Lounge, we sit down with Chris Gunn, Co-Founder and Managing Director of LoveGunn, the creative agency behind some of football’s most memorable branding and marketing projects.

Chris shares his early journey coaching at Chelsea FC, his transition into the creative industry, and the founding story behind LoveGunn. He talks about the leap of faith it took to start his own agency, the ups and downs of working with a co-founder, and the realities of building a new company during the challenges of the COVID-19 era.

We explore Love...

Man City’s dominance on the field is no secret — but their rise off the pitch is one of the most underrated stories in world football.

In this episode, Rob Gevertz walks us through his journey from sports media into one of the most commercially advanced clubs in the world. He shares how he broke into the industry, his childhood obsession with soccer brands, and what he learned during his time at Sky Sports and talkSPORT.

We then shift to the early 2010s — a time when digital was still considered an afterthought. Rob breaks down what M...

On this episode of The Insider’s Lounge, Chad McArthur sits down with Daniel Hall, Chairman of Dagenham & Redbridge and CEO of Club Underdog, to unpack the business, emotion, and strategy behind modern club ownership.

Daniel begins by sharing his personal journey — from a career in law to discovering Dagenham & Redbridge and navigating the complex acquisition process. He explains what you actually get when you buy a professional soccer club and how that compares to traditional business purchases.

They explore the club’s identity, Daniel’s early goals for Dagenham, and the key changes he made in...

In this episode, Devin Amoo-Mensah shares his remarkable and unconventional journey to becoming a professional soccer player — without an agent, a network, or a clear roadmap.

We kick off with how Devin negotiated his first pro contract entirely on his own, before rewinding to his early years and Division 2 college career. From there, we follow his grind into the professional ranks, including an unfiltered look at life in Sweden’s 4th tier — breaking down contract terms, salaries, and the often-overlooked realities of living abroad as a lower-league footballer.

Returning to the U.S., Devin details his tr...

In this episode of The Football Talent Show, hosts Adam Lenges and Jacek Kulig are joined by Irish football expert Bill to dive deep into the past, present, and future of football in Ireland.

They explore the rise of Irish football, the true level of the League of Ireland, and how COVID and Brexit have shaped the development landscape. The conversation covers infrastructure challenges, the country’s top talent producers, and whether a new golden generation might be emerging.

Later in the episode, they break down some of the most exciting prospects currently coming through, in...

In this episode of The Insider’s Lounge, host Chad McArthur sits down with Iker Nacenta to explore the current and future state of Mexican football through the lens of one of its most shocking recent events — the Club León disqualification from the FIFA Club World Cup.

They start by breaking down how multi-club ownership played a role in León’s ban and what it reveals about the structural challenges within Liga MX. Iker unpacks fan reactions, Club León’s response, and the broader consequences for governance in the league.

From there, the convers...

In this episode of The Insider’s Lounge, we sit down with Taito Kojima, who shares his remarkable journey to becoming Japan’s youngest licensed FIFA agent and the CEO of Mundo Rico.

Taito reflects on his early soccer memories growing up in a football-driven household, guided by the influence of his father—a former professional player. By the age of 12, he was already working in the soccer industry, laying the groundwork for what would become a fast-moving and globally connected career.

At just 19, Taito earned his FIFA agent license—overcoming language barriers, age-based skepticism, and the...

In this episode of The Insider’s Lounge, Jassem Osseiran breaks down Saudi Arabia’s football revolution—from its rapid transformation to the rise of the Saudi Pro League and the country’s 2034 FIFA World Cup ambitions.

We start with Jassem’s personal connection to Saudi Arabia, reflecting on how the country has evolved since his childhood. He discusses the massive shifts in culture, economy, and sports, and how global investments—like PIF’s acquisitions of Newcastle United and other European clubs—have played a key role in shaping Saudi’s growing football presence.

The conversation then...

We kick things off with Georgia reflecting on her younger self’s career expectations vs. reality—how she envisioned her path and the pivotal moments that changed everything. She then takes us through her decision to break into football, what led her to becoming a licensed agent, and the pros and cons of having a background in PR and marketing when working in the industry.

From there, we dive into ADD Management, her agency specializing in PR, branding, and talent representation. Georgia explains why personal branding is more important than ever for athletes and who is leading the...

In this episode, we dive into It's Competence Not Confidence (ICNC) with co-founders Sabrina Carrozza and Gabbie Garbe, a movement redefining how young professionals—particularly women—approach success in their careers. They share the story behind ICNC, why competence should be valued over confidence, and how this mindset shift can create real opportunities in the professional world.

We break down the ICNC blueprint, discussing its mission, target audience, and long-term vision for reshaping career pathways. Sabrina and Gabbie highlight the role of mentorship, networking, and community support, emphasizing how professionals can build credibility through action rather than perc...

In this episode of The Insider’s Lounge, Johann Farhat takes us on a remarkable journey marked by resilience, obsession, and persistence. Growing up in Lebanon after moving back from France, Johann faced early challenges as his family struggled to afford private education. Feeling like an outsider among wealthier classmates, it wasn’t until he found soccer that everything began to change. The sport became his great equalizer—helping him find acceptance, become team captain, and thrive in a way he never had before.

Just as his passion for the game grew, Johann made the unexpected decision to tur...

In this episode of The Insider’s Lounge, we sit down with Ethan Reilly, Senior Account Executive at Octagon, one of the world's top sports and entertainment agencies. Beyond his role, Ethan creates sports business content, helping others navigate the process of breaking into the industry and excelling. He has built his career by combining strategic networking, content creation, and hands-on experience, and today, he shares the exact steps to land your DREAM job in sports.

We kick things off with Ethan’s journey into the industry, breaking down how he got his start and the pivotal mome...

In this episode of The Football Talent Show, hosts Adam Lenges, and Jacek Kulig, are joined by Japanese football expert & data scientist Ryo Nakagawara to talk about all things Japanese football.

They discuss the fascinating youth development being done in the country, the upcoming J1-J3 seasons, & some of the biggest domestic talents to look out for in the year ahead!

Ryo's X: https://x.com/R_by_Ryo

If you enjoyed the episode, feel free to like, comment, and subscribe to stay tuned for future episodes!

🎙 More FTS Content: https://lin...

In this episode of The Insider’s Lounge, Chad McArthur sits down with Giulio Tedeschi, a Licensed FIFA Agent and CEO & Founder of Tedeschi & Partners, to break down UEFA’s €1 billion investment in women’s soccer, the realities of contracts, and the economic models shaping the game.

Giulio shares how he found a niche in women’s soccer, explaining its rapid growth and the key moments that have shaped the European women’s soccer landscape. The conversation covers contract disparities, transfer rules, and maternity policies, highlighting clubs like AC Milan leading the way in implementing changes.

They div...

In this episode of The Football Talent Show, hosts Adam Lenges, Jacek Kulig, and Chad McArthur present the Deadline Day Special—a livestream-turned-podcast capturing the final hours of the transfer window.

With thousands of viewers tuning in live, the discussion covers some of the biggest moves and emerging talents from the window. The episode begins with prospects like Julio Soler, Milos Kerkez, and Stefanos Tzimas, before diving into key names such as Evan Ferguson and Mathys Tel. The team also analyzes the transfers of Mika Biereth, Anass Salah-Eddine, and Lucas Gourna-Douath, as well as rising stars Caleb Wi...

In this episode of The Insider’s Lounge, Michael Millay shares his incredible journey from playing professionally for FC Cincinnati to becoming CEO of Rooted Creative, a thriving creative agency working with some of the biggest brands in sports, music, and lifestyle. His path to pro soccer was deeply personal—driven by a promise he made to a close friend who passed away, vowing to make it to the highest level. However, that journey wasn’t without challenges. While playing in college, a series of injuries nearly derailed his career, forcing him to confront the reality that his time on the...

In this episode of The Insider's Lounge, we’re joined by Temisan Williams, a former Premier League Academy Manager with coaching experience at some of England’s top clubs, including Fulham, Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, and West Ham United. With both parents from the Caribbean and a childhood shaped by life in London, Temisan reflects on how his upbringing inspired his passion for soccer and set the foundation for his coaching journey.

He shares his path from playing to coaching, highlighting the early breakthroughs that allowed him to work full-time in the soccer industry—an achievement many aspire to. Te...

In this episode of The Insider’s Lounge, we dive into the journey and mindset of Dominic Casciato, head coach of Union Omaha, who led the club to back-to-back success as the 2023 and 2024 USL League One Players’ Shield Winners and the 2024 USL League One Playoff Champions.

Dominic shares his incredible story, starting from his early soccer memories in the UK and his coaching stints at St. John’s University, Dix Hills FC, and Jersey Express, where he developed his coaching philosophy and passion for player development. He reflects on his transformative experience in Spain with RCD Espanyol, where...

In this episode of The Football Talent Show, hosts Adam Lenges and Jacek Kulig present Talent Watch: Romania. Together with Alex Pilder (first-team scout for FC Rapid 1923) they shine a spotlight on some of the most exciting young talents emerging from Romania’s football scene.

The discussion begins with rising stars like Albert Niculăesei, Mihai Toma, and Andrei Florea, before diving into standout prospects such as Alexandru Bota and Rareș Pop. They also explore the potential of Alexandru Musi and his comparison to Octavian Popescu, alongside insights into players like Iustin Doicaru, Alexandru Stoian, and Ioan Verm...

In this episode of The Insider's Lounge, we dive into the fascinating dynamics of leadership, culture, and decision-making in sports with David Igono. Starting with his unique background in American football, where he played at the college and professional levels, David shares how his journey shifted during the 2010 FIFA World Cup when he discovered the beautiful game of soccer.

Now a thought leader in soccer leadership and recruitment, David is known for his X account, @undervalu, and his newsletter on DirectorOfFootball.com. His work focuses on undervalued profiles, leadership insights, and development strategies, making it a resource...

In this episode of The Football Talent Show, hosts Adam Lenges and Jacek Kulig are joined by Alex Pilder, a first-team scout for FC Rapid 1923, to explore the highs and lows of Romanian football. From the brilliance of Gheorghe Hagi and the Golden Generation to the challenges facing the modern game, this episode provides an in-depth look at the shifting football landscape in Romania.

The discussion begins with reflections on the Golden Generation, including the impact of legends like Gheorghe Hagi and Gheorghe Popescu, and the restrictions that shaped Romanian football before the 1990s. The conversation then...

As we wrap up 2024, we’re taking a look back at the top 5 most viewed episodes of the year on The Insider’s Lounge. This special recap highlights some of the best moments and insights from across the soccer world.

If you’d like to dive deeper, the featured episodes are linked below with their titles:

Episode 20: Shaping Tomorrow's Stars with Mads Davidsen, Head of Football at Right To Dream (https://youtu.be/gg-opoiAVM8)

- Episode 51: Matt Rizzetta - The Rise of Underdog Clubs with North Sixth Group's Multi-Club Ownership (https://youtu.be/JGa2ix...

As the year comes to a close, The Football Talent Show reflects on its incredible journey in this special end-of-year recap episode. Hosts Adam Lenges and Jacek Kulig revisit standout moments, fascinating topics, and some of the most exciting football talents and stories we’ve covered.

From Josh Acheampong at Chelsea to the unheralded brilliance of José Giménez in Uruguay, this episode highlights the players, clubs, and discussions that defined our year. We delve into Georgia’s street football culture, the genius of La Masia at Barcelona, and Feyenoord’s rising stars like Antoni Milambo, as well as...

In this episode of The Insider's Lounge, Rich Buchanan and Joel Tatton-Bennett join us to explore soccer's injury crisis and the growing demands placed on players. We start by defining what player workload is and its physical and mental toll on athletes. From there, we discuss when these demands became a significant issue and how they can be measured effectively.

The conversation transitions to why players are taking on more games, driven by commercial pressures such as the expanded Champions League formats and FIFA's Club World Cup, now backed by a major DAZN broadcast deal. We also...

Celebrate the holidays with The Football Talent Show in this special Q&A episode! Chad McArthur, host of The Insider’s Lounge, takes over as host, asking fan-submitted questions to Adam and Jacek.

The conversation kicks off by revisiting highlights from past episodes, diving into debates about La Masia (Barcelona), Cobham (Chelsea), and emerging player roles. The team then explores exciting topics like scouting emerging Ukrainian talents, the Kia Academy, and the rise of Dutch-Indonesian prospects.

As the discussion broadens, they touch on standout players from Asia, South America, and the UK, before wrapping up wi...

In this episode of The Insider’s Lounge, Dennis Chin, President of the Global Soccer Division for Young Money APAA, takes us on a captivating journey from his roots in Jamaica to the forefront of the global soccer industry.

Dennis reflects on how his Jamaican-Chinese upbringing instilled values of discipline, hard work, and balance, helping him excel in both academics and soccer. He shares how these principles guided his unique path to professional success, including his collegiate career in the United States, which laid the groundwork for his rise as a standout player.

At Orlando Ci...

In this episode of The Football Talent Show, hosts Adam Lenges and Jacek Kulig present a special segment of Talent Watch focused on Feyenoord Rotterdam. Joining them is Johan Brinkel, co-host of Kein Geloel, “the podcast dedicated to the most beautiful football club in the world—Feyenoord.”

The discussion spotlights Feyenoord’s rising stars, including Santi Gimenez, Quinten Timber, Antoni Milambo, Shaqueel van Persie, and many more.

Johan shares his insights on the development of these talents, the influence of Varkenoord Academy, and the next generation of players making their way into the first team.

In this episode of The Insider’s Lounge, we sit down with Mark Kelkenberg, a soccer scout and coach well-known in the college soccer space for sharing detailed scouting reports, opinions, and film on X (formerly Twitter). Mark shares his journey from his early passion for the game to becoming a trusted voice in scouting, offering a comprehensive look at the 2025 MLS SuperDraft and the ever-evolving college soccer landscape.

We begin by exploring how the transfer portal has fundamentally reshaped college soccer, followed by a discussion of the varying play styles across programs and what it takes fo...

In this episode of The Football Talent Show, hosts Adam Lenges and Jacek Kulig are joined by Johan Brinkel, co-host of Kein Geloel, “the podcast dedicated to the most beautiful football club in the world—Feyenoord.”

The discussion covers Johan’s first memory of Feyenoord, the unique culture of “De Trots van Zuid” (The Pride of the South), and the fierce rivalry with Ajax. They also dive into the impact of Arne Slot, Robin van Persie, the academy’s role in the first team, and Feyenoord’s approach to transfers and player development.

This episode offers an in-dep...

In this episode of The Insider's Lounge, we sit down with John Guagliano, a marketing veteran with 30+ years of experience across the NBA, MLB, NHL, and now MLS. As Chief Marketing Officer of Minnesota United FC, John shares his journey from his blue-collar upbringing in New Jersey to becoming a key figure in the sports marketing world.

John dives into a wide range of topics, including the unique challenges of marketing in MLS, the league’s explosive growth since his arrival in 2016, and how Messi’s impact is reshaping the sport’s landscape in the U.S. He dis...

In this episode of The Football Talent Show, hosts Adam Lenges and Jacek Kulig return with ArsenKveFCB for a rapid-fire session all about La Masia and FC Barcelona. Covering some of the academy's most debated topics, this episode dives into the biggest flops, the most underrated and overrated graduates, and players who left La Masia but went on to shine elsewhere.

Arsen also tackles fun head-to-head matchups like Adam Aznou vs. Alejandro Balde and Victor Barbera vs. Marc Guiu, while reflecting on the top youth coaches and La Masia teams of the past decade. Plus, don’t mi...

In this episode of The Insider's Lounge, we sit down with Will Orben, Head of Academy Development at San Diego FC, to explore how he is revolutionizing player development in North America. Will shares his inspiring journey from his early days in hockey to becoming a leader in youth soccer, reflecting on the pivotal experiences that shaped his philosophy, including his time playing and coaching in Europe and his influential work with Right to Dream.

We dive into what Right to Dream seeks in aspiring players and how its innovative philosophy has influenced Will’s approach to de...

In this episode of The Football Talent Show, hosts Adam Khan and Jacek Kulig are joined by David Kraakman (@UruguayanHeroes) to explore the unique footballing culture of Uruguay and how La Celeste consistently masters the art of overachievement. From their “La Grinta” ethos to their world-class talent production, this episode dives deep into what makes Uruguay an unlikely powerhouse in global football.

The discussion highlights well-known stars like Ronald Araujo, Jose Gimenez, and Fede Valverde before delving into the next generation of talent, including Matias Arezo, Fabricio Diaz, Joaquin Lavega, and German Barbas. They uncover the secrets behi...

In this episode of The Insider's Lounge, Kevin Ireland, Academy Director and Assistant General Manager of Northern Colorado Hailstorm, shares his journey and deep insights into the US youth soccer system. From his early football memories in Scotland to his current work building pathways for young players, Kevin provides a comprehensive look at the challenges and opportunities in player development.

Kevin discusses the differences between youth development in Scotland and the US, the lessons he learned from coaching in New Zealand, and his efforts to create a complete development pathway at NOCO Hailstorm. He also tackles critical...

In this episode of The Playbook by The Football Talent Show, hosts Adam Lenges and Jacek Kulig guide you through the fascinating world of football player roles. From line keepers to modern target men, this comprehensive breakdown uncovers the unique responsibilities, skills, and traits that define players at every position on the pitch.

Read more about player roles: https://footballtalentscout.net/home/player-roles/

If you enjoyed the episode, feel free to like, comment, and subscribe to stay tuned for future episodes!

🎙️ More FTS Content: https://linktr.ee/thefootballtalentshow

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In this compelling episode of The Insider's Lounge, Rudy Gestede takes us on a journey through his remarkable career, from a professional footballer with stints across Europe, Australia, and the Middle East to his current role as Head of Football Operations at Blackburn Rovers FC. Rudy reflects on his early days in football, how his career materialized despite not having a deep passion for the game, and the highs and lows he experienced, including battling injuries and adapting to different footballing cultures.

Rudy opens up about the challenges of transitioning from player to management, sharing how he’s...

In this episode of the Football Talent Show, we delve into La Masia, FC Barcelona's esteemed academy renowned for producing some of the biggest talents in football history. Our guest, ArsenKveFCB, a dedicated Barcelona analyst, joins co-hosts Adam Lenges and Jacek Kulig to explore the academy's philosophy, global impact, and its role in shaping players and the club's identity.

The discussion highlights what makes La Masia exceptional, from its commitment to nurturing talent to its distinctive playing philosophy. We examine the progression of FC Barcelona Atlètic and the challenges La Masia graduates face when adapting outside B...