Former England manager Gareth Southgate is embarking on a fascinating new chapter in his football career, partnering with ex-Aston Villa chief executive Christian Purslow to launch a revealing podcast that promises to expose the inner workings of the sport's boardrooms.
A New Direction for Southgate
Since stepping down from his role as England manager after the Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain, Gareth Southgate has remained away from coaching despite numerous links to top clubs including Manchester United. The 55-year-old has indicated he may not return to management at all, instead pursuing this intriguing new venture that capitalises on his unique insights gained during eight years leading the national team.
The Football Boardroom Podcast
Southgate has announced the launch of The Football Boardroom podcast, which will feature him alongside former Villa CEO Christian Purslow and respected journalist Henry Winter. The project has been developed with business partner Jimmy Worrall and represents a significant departure from Southgate's previous roles in the sport.
In a detailed statement about the new venture, Southgate explained: "What happens in the Football Boardroom? It's time to find out. This project comes directly from my experiences inside the game. As England Manager, I was invited into every Premier League boardroom whenever I attended a match."
Unprecedented Access and Insights
Southgate revealed that while his primary purpose at matches was to watch players, building relationships with club officials became an equally important aspect of his role. "Over eight years, that added up to well over a thousand opportunities to observe how football clubs really function behind the scenes," he explained. "The decisions, the dynamics, the personalities."
The former England boss emphasised that his experiences provided remarkable insight into the business of football and the individuals who shape it. He noted: "What became clear very quickly was that success or failure in football isn't decided solely on the training ground, in the dugout or on the pitch. Those moments are influenced, sometimes decisively, by a much bigger game being played off the pitch."
Opening Football's Closed Doors
Southgate described this hidden aspect of football as "a game of money, power and politics, often conducted behind closed doors, where the stakes are extraordinarily high." The Football Boardroom podcast aims to demystify these crucial behind-the-scenes operations that significantly influence what happens on the pitch.
Christian Purslow's Extensive Experience
Among the many club officials Southgate encountered during his tenure was Christian Purslow, who brings substantial football administration experience to the podcast. Purslow served as Aston Villa's CEO between 2018 and 2023, having previously held significant roles at two other Premier League giants.
Before his Villa appointment, Purslow worked as Chelsea's head of global commercial activities from 2014 to 2017. Perhaps most notably, he served as Liverpool's managing director from June 2009 to October 2010, overseeing the crucial transition from former owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett to the current Fenway Sports Group ownership.
Revealing Football's Hidden Dynamics
The podcast promises to explore the complex relationships between managers, football directors, chief executives and club owners that determine football's biggest decisions. Southgate has pledged to share behind-the-scenes details of his dealings with various football figures throughout his England management career.
This collaboration between Southgate and Purslow represents a unique combination of international management experience and top-level club administration knowledge. Their podcast aims to provide football fans with unprecedented access to the strategic discussions and power dynamics that shape the modern game, offering listeners a genuine understanding of how football clubs operate beyond the public view.
