Most managers are stuck in old-school coaching methods—John McGlynn, Falkirk’s inspiring leader, proves that high standards, genuine care and leading by example can transform a modest budget into a winning culture.In this candid episode, John shares his journey from youth teams to leading Falkirk in one of Scottish football’s most competitive leagues. Discover how his commitment to high standards, building strong relationships and creating a professional environment ignited a tight-knit, competitive squad that defies expectations despite a limited budget.You'll find out:How John’s early coaching philosophy centered around integrity and setting high standards—values he ingrains in his team todayThe importance of the entire football community—backroom staff, players, and even physical environments—in building a success cultureWhy attention to detail—like building a boot room or getting the basics right—can define a team’s identityThe role of honesty, humility and relentless hard work in climbing from League One to a semi-final Scottish Cup appearanceHow forging genuine relationships and fostering camaraderie fuels performance and resilience, even when resources are tightThis episode is essential listening for coaches, leaders, and sports enthusiasts—anyone motivated by stories of how grit, authenticity and leadership can turn modest ambitions into triumphs. If you believe in the power of culture and teamwork over budget and superstardom, John McGlynn’s insights will inspire you to rethink what’s possible.The stakes are clear: develop not just better players, but better human beings. Whether you're managing a team or leading in business, John’s lessons on discipline, environment and relationship-building offer universal strategies to create a winning culture.Ready to challenge the status quo and learn how to lead with integrity, build resilience, and inspire excellence—regardless of resources? Hit play and discover how John McGlynn’s approach could redefine your leadership game.🎧 Boots to Billing with Alan McFadden & Chris Fahey📩 Reach out if you're in transition — a conversation is all it takes.This episode is proudly sponsored by:Pitch to Placements – Founded by Alan McFadden, Pitch to Placements is a training and placement company designed specifically for former footballers transitioning into sales and recruitment careers in the UK and Dubai. Whether your career has ended early through injury, release, or retirement, the skills you've built through football – resilience, communication, competitiveness, and thick skin – make you tailor-made for sales. If you're a former player looking for what comes next, reach out for a conversation.🌐 www.pitchtoplacements.co.uk📱 Available on all social media platformsAGPayroll – Glasgow-based AGPayroll, owned by our very own co-host Chris Fahey, offers hassle-free payroll solutions for contractors, recruitment agencies, and employers across the UK and in over 160 countries worldwide. Whether it's umbrella, CIS, limited company, or fully outsourced payroll, they combine cutting-edge technology with a personal touch to take the stress out of payroll.🌐 www.agpayroll.co.uk📞 0333 034 1472📧 customercare@agpayroll.co.uk📸 Instagram: @agpayroll💼 LinkedIn: AGPayroll📍 Suite 225G, The Pentagon Centre, 36 Washington Street, Glasgow, G3 8AZ

Mark Corcoran made over 300 senior appearances across Hamilton, St Mirren, Ross County, Partick Thistle and Stranraer — but what he did after football is what really turns heads.With just £300 and a mate in Thailand, Mark co-founded Be Inspired Clothing and grew it into one of the UK's biggest streetwear brands. Along the way, Lionel Messi ended up wearing his gear to board a private jet. Suarez rocked it at the Ballon d'Or. Andy Robertson was buying it before Liverpool even came calling.In this episode, Mark talks about the coffee club that sparked the idea, the jumper disaster that nearly killed the brand on day one, and why the skills you build in a football dressing room are the exact same ones that make you dangerous in business.If you're a footballer wondering what comes next — or anyone thinking about starting something from nothing — this one's for you.

🎧 Boots to Billing with Alan McFadden & Chris Fahey

📩 Reach out if you're in transition — a conversation is all it takes.

This episode is proudly sponsored by:

Pitch to Placements – Founded by Alan McFadden, Pitch to Placements is a training and placement company designed specifically for former footballers transitioning into sales and recruitment careers in the UK and Dubai. Whether your career has ended early through injury, release, or retirement, the skills you've built through football – resilience, communication, competitiveness, and thick skin – make you tailor-made for sales. If you're a former player looking for what comes next, reach out for a conversation.

🌐 www.pitchtoplacements.co.uk

📱 Available on all social media platforms

AGPayroll – Glasgow-based AGPayroll, owned by our very own co-host Chris Fahey, offers hassle-free payroll solutions for contractors, recruitment agencies, and employers across the UK and in over 160 countries worldwide. Whether it's umbrella, CIS, limited company, or fully outsourced payroll, they combine cutting-edge technology with a personal touch to take the stress out of payroll.

🌐 www.agpayroll.co.uk

📞 0333 034 1472

📧 customercare@agpayroll.co.uk

📸 Instagram: @agpayroll

💼 LinkedIn: AGPayroll

📍 Suite 225G, The Pentagon Centre, 36 Washington Street, Glasgow, G3 8AZ

BEBA Travel - Private minibus hire, executive airport transfers, and group travel done right. Biba Travel have just rolled out a brand new fleet — complete with champagne tables — because why shouldn't the journey be as good as the destination? Pitch to Placements use them all the time for clients and can't recommend them enough.Run by Billy — top guy, top service.

🌐 www.instagram.com/beb4travelltd/?hl=en

🌐 www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572544450250&locale=en_GB

In the second part of this brilliant conversation, Alan McFadden and Chris Fahey continue with Tam McManus as the stories get even bigger and the honesty cuts even deeper.

Tam picks up where he left off – from Wayne Rooney putting him in a headlock as a 15-year-old to setting up Rooney's goal years later in a testimonial at Dunfermline, after Nemanja Vidić had already tried to take his head off. There are cracking tales from his time at Dundee, the heartbreak of relegation on the final day at Livingston, and how a move to Motherwell with Terry Butcher should have been the right call – but Dundee's signing-on fee proved too tempting.

The Colorado Rapids chapter is pure gold – altitude sickness, fans clapping missed sitters, playing against David Beckham, and the commentary that had to be heard to be believed. Then it's on to Derry City, where envelopes of cash turned into double contracts, unpaid wages, and a club that eventually went bust – but not before Tam scored his one and only European goal in Latvia.

Back in Scotland, there's a genuinely touching story about Steven Pressley at Falkirk. A man Tam couldn't stand as a player, who quietly gave up his own win bonuses and appearance money so Tam could earn a decent wage while injured. It completely changed how Tam saw him – and explains why Elvis is doing so well as a manager now.

The conversation turns to life after football and it hits hard. Tam opens up about the transition from professional footballer to selling stationery, the nerves of starting a job he knew nothing about, and the moment he realised people were buying from him – not the company. Alan and Chris make a passionate case for why more needs to be done to help players find their next step, and reveal exciting new plans to place former footballers into sales careers in Dubai.

Funny, honest, and packed with stories you won't hear anywhere else.

This episode is proudly sponsored by:

Pitch to Placements – Founded by Alan McFadden, Pitch to Placements is a training and placement company designed specifically for former footballers transitioning into sales and recruitment careers in the UK and Dubai. Whether your career has ended early through injury, release, or retirement, the skills you've built through football – resilience, communication, competitiveness, and thick skin – make you tailor-made for sales. If you're a former player looking for what comes next, reach out for a conversation.

🌐 www.pitchtoplacements.co.uk

📱 Available on all social media platforms

AGPayroll – Glasgow-based AGPayroll, owned by our very own co-host Chris Fahey, offers hassle-free payroll solutions for contractors, recruitment agencies, and employers across the UK and in over 160 countries worldwide. Whether it's umbrella, CIS, limited company, or fully outsourced payroll, they combine cutting-edge technology with a personal touch to take the stress out of payroll.

🌐 www.agpayroll.co.uk

📞 0333 034 1472

📧 customercare@agpayroll.co.uk

📸 Instagram: @agpayroll

💼 LinkedIn: AGPayroll

📍 Suite 225G, The Pentagon Centre, 36 Washington Street, Glasgow, G3 8AZ