You can also to listen to these on:
The official podcast of the non-league community.
Relaxed chats sharing journeys, tips, and behind-the-scenes stories from players, coaches, clubs, and experts in the game.
The Non-League Network Podcast: Preparing Players for Life Beyond the Academy with Rebecca (Bex) Duff
Beyond the Final Whistle, with Alex Smithies reflecting on his professional career
February 2026 Episode No. 6
February 2026 Episode No. 5
Dave and Pat speak with Rebecca (Bex) Duff about the challenges academy players face as contracts end, preparing for life beyond football, and how Tenacious Transition supports players with personalised pathways, career planning and financial awareness.Clean sheets. Career-ending injury. Financial clarity.​
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Now in financial planning, Alex shares honest insight into the money mistakes players make, the lack of end-of-career support, and the risk of “not quite making it” and what players must understand to protect their future beyond football.
Clean sheets. Career-ending injury. Financial clarity.
The Non League Network sits down with Alex Smithies as he reflects on nearly 500 professional games with Huddersfield, QPR, Cardiff, Leicester and England youth sides and the constant battle for contracts, plus the early reality that injury can change everything.
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Now in financial planning, Alex shares honest insight into the money mistakes players make, the lack of end-of-career support, and the risk of “not quite making it” and what players must understand to protect their future beyond football.
Beyond the Final Whistle, with Jody Craddock about life after professional football
February 2026 Episode No. 4
Jody opens up about stepping away from the game and choosing to pursue his passion for art, the lack of support players often face when their careers end, and the realities of balancing football, travel and family life.
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Honest, grounded and refreshingly open, he shares both the challenges and fulfilment he’s found beyond the pitch offering a genuine insight into the person behind the name.
Football: Hidden Goldmine
December 2025 Episode No. 2
In this Episode Podcaster Marko Ristovski talks with Dave and Pat from the Non League Network all things football and what they are doing to support the game.
Coach Convo
January 2026 Episode No. 3
We recorded a podcast with Lee Rogers, CEO of Ftballer, exploring what coaches really look for in non-league players and the barriers to progression.
Drawing on 30 years of coaching across the UK, Scandinavia and the US, Lee shared practical insights on the importance of attitude, coach-ability and confidence on the ball. He was optimistic about the direction of non-league football and offered clear, actionable advice players can use to improve their chances at trials, including relaxing, enjoying the game and being themselves.
Inside the Mind of a Scout: Attitude, Ability & More
December 2025 Episode No. 1
The Non-League's Network Pat and Dave sit down with Tony Kinnear—scout at Derby County with experience at Partick Thistle and Aberdeen. Tony shares what scouts really look for, from attitude and determination to ability, physical qualities and tactical understanding.