Wayne Thomas, ex-professional footballer and founder of ACE Academy in Walsall talks to former players about their journey from the playground to professional football. Offering insights into the highs and lows of progressing through a career in football, hear the stories from some of the game’s great characters.
Playground to Premiership offers valuable insights to parents, guardians and coaches of young aspiring footballers, with guests sharing their thoughts on development of young players in the game today.
Premier League legend Matt Le Tissier talks to Wayne Thomas about his footballing journey, starting on the Channel Island of Guernsey and how he became the first midfielder to score 100 Premier League goals, his limited chances for England, and his thoughts on our chances in the 2026 World Cup.
Matt also gives his thoughts on 'Spygate', Southampton's unprecedented expulsion from the 2026 Championship play-off final.
In Playground to Premiership Wayne Thomas, ex-professional footballer and founder of ACE Academy in Walsall talks to former players and coaches about their journey, or the journey of young players from the playground to professional football. Offering insights into the highs and lows of progressing through a football career, hear the stories from some of the game’s great characters.
Playground to Premiership offers valuable insights to parents, guardians and coaches of young aspiring footballers, with guests sharing their thoughts on the development of young players in the game today.
View the full video episode on YouTube - https://youtu.be/ZmLLrGSsc5w
Visit the Playground to Premiership website - https://playgroundtopremiership.com
Visit ACE Academy - https://footballaceacademy.com
19 Feb 2026
Playground to Premiership | Steve Hayward
In this episode of Playground to Premiership, Wayne Thomas sits down with former midfielder Steve Hayward to trace a career defined by promotion battles, Wembley wins, and the dawn of a new era at Fulham. Steve opens up about his early days at Derby County and the pivotal move to Carlisle United, where he became a key figure in the club’s mid-90s resurgence. He shares behind-the-scenes stories from the 1997 Football League Trophy win and his eventual move to Fulham, where he played under Kevin Keegan during the club’s meteoric rise through the divisions. We also shift focus to the modern game and the next generation. As the father of Vinnie Hayward—who recently signed for Aston Villa—Steve provides a unique perspective on navigating the academy system as both a professional and a parent.
5 Feb 2026
Playground to Premiership | Martin O'Connor
Former Birmingham City and Walsall captain Martin O’Connor joins Wayne Thomas on Playground to Premiership to reflect on his impressive footballing journey, from developing as a young player to fulfilling his dream of playing for his boyhood club. Martin shares the key moments that shaped his pathway into the professional game, his rise into leadership roles, and what it meant to captain Birmingham City — including the unforgettable experience of featuring in a League Cup Final. He also discusses his playing and leadership styles, the demands of the modern game, and offers valuable advice for young players working their way through their own development journey. A fascinating insight into football, leadership, and progression to the highest level.
16 Mar 2025
Keith Gillespie PART 2 - Playground to Premiership
Part TWO of our biggest episode yet! Look out for Part 1 on our main show page.Premier League and Northern Ireland legend Keith Gillespie joins Wayne Thomas to discuss his incredible footballing journey, from breaking through at Manchester United to starring for Newcastle, Blackburn, and beyond. Keith shares his experiences of playing at the highest level, the challenges young players face today, and reveals his all-time team-mates 5-a-side team! With 86 caps for Northern Ireland and a career spanning over two decades, Keith offers fascinating insights into the game, both past and present.
14 Mar 2025
Keith Gillespie PART 1 - Playground to Premiership
Part ONE of our biggest episode yet! Look out for Part 2 on our main show page.Premier League and Northern Ireland legend Keith Gillespie joins Wayne Thomas to discuss his incredible footballing journey, from breaking through at Manchester United to starring for Newcastle, Blackburn, and beyond. Keith shares his experiences of playing at the highest level, the challenges young players face today, and reveals his all-time team-mates 5-a-side team! With 86 caps for Northern Ireland and a career spanning over two decades, Keith offers fascinating insights into the game, both past and present.
20 Jan 2025
Playground to Premiership | James Morrison
West Bromwich Albion legend, 46-cap Scotland international, former Middlesborough midfielder James Morrison talks to Wayne Thomas about his journey into football, his thoughts on young players in the game today and names his all-time team-mates 5 a side team!
16 Dec 2024
Playground to Premiership | Bonus Compilation Episode
Playground to Premiership host Wayne shares insights from 5 episodes, featuring Stephen Cooke, Jimmy Walker, Ade Viveash, Mick Halsall, and Nathan Cantrill on the path from amateur to professional football.
20 Oct 2024
Playground to Premiership | Nathan Cantrill
Nathan Cantrill is Head of Foundation Phase at Premier League club Nottingham Forest, leading on the development of the club's 7-12 year olds. Nathan has a wealth of experience in youth development and coaching, having held positions as FP Lead and u18 development coach at Mansfield Town, Pre-Academy lead coach Doncaster Rovers, and is also passionate about Futsal, having been Academy Manager at London Helvecia Futsal club, and Futsal lead at Chesterfield FC.Visit the Playground to Premiership website - https://playgroundtopremiership.com/ Listen to the Playground to Premiership Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible, Amazon Music and more.
27 Sept 2024
Playground to Premiership | Mick Halsall
In this episode of Playground to Premiership, Mick Halsall talks about what it takes to be a top player, including hard work and developing technique.Mick also picks his all-time 5-a-side team, featuring players he coached along their journey to professional football.
20 Aug 2024
Playground to Premiership | Adi Viveash
In this episode of Playground to Premiership, Wayne Thomas talks to former Chelsea Under 18 and Under 21 Manager and Coventry City Assistant Manager to Adi Viveash about his experiences in developing some of Englands brightest talents, his playing days as a Swindon Town, Walsall and Reading player, and his advice to parents and coaches of young players today.In Playground to Premiership Wayne Thomas, ex-professional footballer and founder of ACE Academy in Walsall talks to former players and coaches about their journey, or the journey of young players from the playground to professional football. Offering insights into the highs and lows of progressing through a football career, hear the stories from some of the game’s great characters. Playground to Premiership offers valuable insights to parents, guardians and coaches of young aspiring footballers, with guests sharing their thoughts on the development of young players in the game today.Visit the Playground to Premiership Podbean page - https://playgroundtopremiership.podbean.com/ Listen to the Playground to Premiership Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible, Amazon Music and more.
Playground to Premiership
20 May 2024
Playground to Premiership | Jimmy Walker
Jimmy Walker holds the all time appearance record for Walsall Football Club, and went on to sign for West Ham United in 2004. After a spell at Tottenham Hotspur he went on to coach at several clubs. Jimmy talks to Wayne Thomas about his career path, the highs and lows, and gives his advice to young players starting out on their journey from playground to premiership.
1 May 2024
Playground to Premiership | Stephen Cooke
Stephen Cooke, former Manchester United & Aston Villa player and Lilleshall graduate speaks to ACE Academy's Wayne Thomas. Stephen discusses rising through the English football system, being wanted by the best at a tender age and his thoughts on developing young players in his coaching role today.
Stephen also picks his dream 5-a-side team of players he was lucky enough to call friends and teammates during his development.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
8,924
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 26 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
10
Social presence
0
YouTube
74
Engagement
32
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