Matchday 5 - Warren Barton, Fox Sports and former Wimbledon and Newcastle player

04/07/21 • 37 min

We talk to ex-player and broadcaster Warren Barton.
He talks about the importance of sport during the pandemic, how much the US game has improved in recent years on and off the field but how the college system needs to improve to better prepare young players.
We talk about how playing for Wimbledon would have been good preparation for stadiums without crowds, why a coaching weakness cost the US a place at the Olympics and how far ahead the women’s game is in America, although Europe is starting to catch up.
A deep and insightful conversation with the former Newcastle legend who has been a stalwart of sports broadcasting over here for many years.

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Matchday 4 - Jason Trost, founder of Smarkets

We talk to founder and CEO of sports betting company Smarkets Jason Trost. He talks about the betting landscape in the UK, why companies are being put under pressure by regulators, and the failure of the industry to offer fair prices. And he gives his views on the US betting scene, what's legal, what's coming and where soccer sits in all of that.
Jason talks about the link between participation and betting volumes, how soccer has some natural benefits that will help it grow in the US and we compare how odds are presented in the US and the UK.
An honest assessment about a fast growing sector and its relationship to sports.

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Matchday 6 - Oliver Wyss, President of Soccer at Orange County Soccer Club

In a special crossover episode we combine United States of Dramerica and America the Beautiful Game.
We talk to whisky lover and soccer expert Oliver Wyss. The former Swiss international youth player, coach, agent and soccer tech is now the President of Soccer at Orange County Soccer Club in the United Soccer League.
We talk about the controversial new European Super League, his love of wine and then whisky and the state of soccer in the United States.
Oliver tells us about working on Playing for Keeps with Gerard Butler, being sold expensive whisky at Glasgow airport and how much he enjoys work Orange County's partner club Glasgow Rangers.
He talks about the transformation of US soccer, its continued shortcomings but also how they might win a World Cup in 2030.
And why he wants to share a Bruichladdich Black Art with Michael Jordan.