The Footballers Mindset
by Rob Blackburne & Luke O'Nien
Most football podcasts tell you what happened on the pitch. This one explores what was happening inside the player’s head. Hosted by professional footballer Luke O’Nien and elite performance coach Rob Blackburne, The Footballers Mindset brings you honest conversations about the parts of professional football people rarely see. Confidence disappearing after one mistake. Fear of judgement. Being dropped. Playing for a contract. Criticism. Injuries. Identity. Relationships. And the pressure to look fine when you’re struggling. Luke brings the reality of life inside the dressing room and on the pitch. Rob brings the patterns and lessons uncovered through more than 100 conversations with professional footballers. Together, they examine why talented players get trapped in their own heads and share practical tools to help footballers handle pressure, recover more quickly, and play with greater freedom. No
Episodes
-
Who Are You Without Football? Luke O’Nien on Injury and Identity
Out of the 107 professional players we assessed, 106 struggled with their identity in some way. In this episode, Luke O’Nien speaks honestly about the identity crisis he experienced during a serious injury. He went from playing every week and being involved in everything to feeling invisible…
more -
He Reached the EFL… But Still Didn’t Believe He Belonged With Benn Ward
Benn Ward reached the level he had always wanted to play at. Deep down, he still didn’t believe he belonged there. After being released as a youngster, dropping into non-league football and earning his way back into the EFL, Benn found himself comparing himself with everyone around him. He…
more -
How Keenan Gough Stopped Letting Mistakes Control His Game
"We only get one shot at this career." Keenan Gough has been at Charlton Athletic since he was nine. Now, on his first loan at Bristol Rovers, he is learning how to handle a new dressing room, greater pressure, and the difficult moments that test your confidence. In this honest conversation…
more -
From Hiding After Mistakes to Playing for Latvia in 9 Months
Nine months ago, Oskars Vientiess said two things were holding him back: No processes and no acceptance. He wanted to become “Oskars 2.0”, a player who was courageous, trusted his instincts and stopped hiding when things went wrong. Since then, he has moved abroad, stepped up from the Czech…
more -
The Truth About Struggling in Professional Football
One player was drinking every night. But every morning, he walked into training with a smile on his face, and nobody had a clue that he was struggling. That is football. Players learn very quickly how to put on a mask. They tell everyone they’re fine, hide what they’re really feeling and carry on...
-
How to Stop One Mistake Ruining Your Whole Game
One mistake shouldn't cost you the whole game. For most footballers, it does. In this episode, Elite XI's Rob Blackburne and Sunderland captain Luke O'Nien break down "mistake looping": the mental spiral where one error glazes your eyes over, drags you out of the present, and quietly pulls you…
more -
My Biggest Opponent Was My Own Mind - Luke O'Nien
Rob Blackburne (co-founder of Elite XI) and Sunderland captain Luke O'Nien break down the psychological side of pro football almost no one talks about: the fear, overthinking and pressure that quietly control most players. Luke opens up on how football went from play to prison, the years stuck in...
-
Playing What Is - Full Audiobook
Play What Is Stop Fighting Football. Start Playing It. Every professional footballer is playing two games. There's the game everyone can see. Twenty-two players, one ball, two goals. Then there's the game nobody sees. The one in your head. What does the manager think of me? Am I starting next…
more -
Flying High & Flying Free With Elliott Lee
In today's episode, I have Wrexham's, Elliott Lee. The progress he's made has been astronomical in the last few months since we've been working together. We discuss: Taking the positives from the negatives and how this has made him more confident Accepting the way he feels now instead of arguing...
-
Football, Retirement And Retirement Funds With Tommie Hoban
In today's podcast, I have former Watford defender Tommie Hoban. We discuss: The frustration Tommie had with injures How he dealt with the injuries mentally Why he decided to retire just one week after signing for a new club and moving his family up north Why he decided to become a financial...
-
Taking The Shackles Off With Kieran Sadlier
In today's episode, I have Bolton Wanderer's, Kieran Sadlier. We discuss: What he's learnt from working with me and the differences he feels on and off the pitch. How he trained to get into flow state, got over mistakes and learnt to play with freedom. Why you need to put the reps in at the mind...
-
Being Authentically You With Amber Ledger
In today's episode, I have Amber Ledger. Amber is a psychologist and well-being coach who works in football and has a vast amount of knowledge when it comes to psychology. We talk: Fear in football and why players are worried about speaking out and being vulnerable. Why players need to…
more -
Live Coaching Call With Sunderland's Will Cain
In this episode, I record a one-on-one coaching call with Will Cain who plays at Sunderland's academy. Not going to lie I'm nervous about this one as this is me doing what I do, and I'll be putting myself out there to be judged... BUT... Listening to people being coached helps me so it will...
-
The Inner Game
In today's episode, Luke and I talk about our upcoming academy and how it will help the new generation of footballers. To apply go to: https://eliteperformancemindset.com/academy If you're a pro player and want to work with me one-on-one over the next 10 weeks to improve your performance click…
more -
What Professional Footballers Struggle With ( Top 10 Lessons )
In today's episode, I discuss the top 10 lessons I've discovered since working with professional footballers and professional football teams. What do pro players struggle with when it comes to inner performance The four big fears in football and why it keeps the shackles on you and stops you from...
-
Bloomfield Way
After a bit of a sabbatical, were back. In today's episode, we talk about Matt's recent retirement and the lessons he's learned through his career. We also talk about what he'd do differently if he could do it again. A brilliant listen for any young footballer.
-
Finance In Football
In today's episode, Rob, Matt and Luke talk about financials in football. Do professional players leave it too long to think about what to do with their finances after football? Is it something that they don't want to think about or is it something that they don't value until too late? What do…
more -
Creating a Killer Coach
In today's episode, Rob, Matt and Luke talk about transitioning into coaching. We discuss: How Matt dealt with realising that he needs to change his career path from playing to coaching. What makes a great coach How coaching has changed from years ago. If you're a pro and you're looking to…
more -
Social Media In Football Is It Friend Or Foe?
In this episode, Rob, Matt & Luke talk about social media, the good and the bad. Is social media a friend or foe when it comes to your football career. Why social media is mostly smoke and mirrors and you shouldn't be comparing your life to others. How you can use social media to make you better...
-
Stopping The Rot With Scott Davies
In the episode, we have former Reading midfielder Scott Davies. He talks about: How gambling took over his life and how you managed to get a handle on it. How he gambled away the deposit on his house in 15 days. How he lost his identity and turned up to pre-season training two stone overweight If...
-
What We've Learnt With Rob Blackburne, Matt Bloomfield & Luke O'Nien
In today's episode, Rob , Matt and Luke talk about all the gems and learning from the last series and add a few nuggets of advice in themselves. If you're a professional footballer you're in for a treat. The new MINDSET RESET programme for pro's is starting soon. To find out what you get and how...
-
Winning At Wembley With Rob Blackburne, Matt Bloomfield & Luke O'Nien
In today's episode, we discuss Luke's successful visit to Wembley in the Papa Johns trophy. We discuss: Did Luke feel any pressure or expectation? How Wembley saps your energy and tires you out due to the emotion of the day Why proper preparation is important and "releases the shackles" A great...
-
Fuelling Football Performance With Richard Allison, Rob Blackburne, Matt Bloomfield & Luke O'Nien
In today's episode, we have former Arsenal nutritionist Richard Allison and we learnt so much. Luke has at least three pages of notes this week. We discuss. Veganism in football is it good or bad? The biggest mistakes footballers make when it comes to their nutrition. Food timings before games,...
-
What's Wrong With Academy Football With Ali Al-Hamadi, Rob Blackburne, Matt Bloomfield & Luke O'Nien
In today's episode, we have Swansea's Ali Al-Hamadi. We discuss what's going wrong with academy football. Are the clubs just ticking boxes when it comes to mental health? It's fascinating listening to Ali, who's a spokesperson for academy football and who took Rob, Matt and Luke a shock with his...
-
Fear In Football With Rob Blackburne, Matt Bloomfield & Luke O'Nien
In this episode Rob, Matt and Luke address FEAR. What is the fear of failure? How to overcome fear in football and fear in general How to use the 5-second rule to overcome fear Why you can use fear as a fuel Why fear is not always negative Can we ask you a massive favour and ask for you to...
-
Teaching Football Philosophy With Danny Cowley
In this episode, Rob, Matt and Luke talk to former Huddersfield Town manager Danny Cowley. This is an amazing listen for any footballer or coach. We discuss: Why you need to have "bigger toolboxes" as you go up through The Football League. The reason why you need to get the senior players onside...
-
Making Leaders With Michael Duberry
In this episode Rob, Matt and Luke talk to Chelsea legend Michael Duberry. Dubes talks about: How Glenn Hoddle kept him grounded and humble What happened when he had a "mini-stroke" two weeks before the cup winners cup final. Are leaders born or made? Why you need to have a strong why and how…
more -
How To Have A Positive Mindset With Rob Blackburne, Matt Bloomfield & Luke O'Nien
In today's episode, we answer your questions and we're also joined by podcast competition winner Jordan Raiye who brought tremendous amounts of value and some brilliant questions. We discuss. How to stay present when you've made a mistake The reasons why you should review your game Why it's...
-
Stirring Trouble With Lee Trundle
In today's episode, we have Swansea City and Soccer AM showboat legend Lee Trundle. Lee commented on Luke O'Niens post about talent being made through purposeful practice. Lee disagrees so we decided to get him on the podcast to debate it. So much fun to record and we hope you enjoy listening as...
-
Lighthouse Leadership With Rob Blackburne, Matt Bloomfield & Luke O'Nien
In today's episode me. Matt and Luke talk leadership. What it takes to be a leader How Matt & Luke rate their leadership skills out of ten What mistakes we make in leadership What Matt & Luke actually think of each other (it's worse than you think) If you like enjoyed this podcast please…
more -
Taking Back Control With Leigh Nicol
In this exclusive episode I talk to Crystal Palace women's midfielder Leigh Nicol. Leigh was the target of revenge porn and for the first time ever she shares her powerful story. During this episode we discuss: Her reaction when she found out there was a private video of her circulating The...
-
Quality Time With Luke O'Nien
In today's episode I have my new co-host and business partner Sunderlands Luke O'Nein We discuss: How he was released from Watford with just a phone call and how he dealt with that Why failure isn't failure and how he deals with that What was said to him by his coach at Sunderland that got him...
-
How To Have A Pro Mindset With James Coppinger
In todays episode I have Doncaster Legend James Coppinger. We discuss: How to have a pro mindset and what a pro mindset is to him. Why mentoring is so important and how a mentor helped him have the mindset that he has today. Why he never has a "bad day" anymore. The reason why being a…
more -
Project Kickstart 2021
In this episode you'll need a pen and paper as I ask you the questions to get 2021 started in the right way by giving you the tools and strategy to have the best 2021 ever. How to learn from your "perceived failures" so that you can put your wrongs to rights How to turn your SHOULD'S into MUSTS...
-
We Only Blooming Did It With Matthew Bloomfield
In todays episode I have Wycombe Captain Matthew Bloomfield. The reason I've brought Matt back on is to share his Wembley experience after being promoted to the Championship. We discuss: What his thoughts and feeling were leading up to the game and how the talk Gareth Ainsworth "got him" pre…
more -
From Being In The Dark To Seeing The Light with Amber Stobbs
In todays episode I have Amber Stobbs who plays for Crystal Palace women. We discuss: How injury after injury got her down. How she had panic attacks during training. Why she would go to training and then come home and sit in a dark room. How she realised that she needed to get a handle on things...
-
To Hell & Back With Christian Montano
In today's episode I have Port Vale Defender Cristian Montano. We discuss How he moved over to England from Columbia and how over there normal was hearing gunshots in the street. How he got into West Hams academy without knowing how to speak English. What happened when he was managed by Paulo Di...
-
A Weight Off My Back With Callum Mcnaughton
In todays episode I have former West Ham defender Callum Mcnaughton. And what an episode it is! You'll hear how: Callum struggled with consistency in his game due to his thoughts. How he believed he was a reincarnation of Bobby Moore Why he thought his life was a giant battle and why he struggled...
-
Win or Lose You Choose With Damian Hughes
In today's podcast I am excited to have Damian Hughes. Damian specialises in organisation change philosophy. He's an advisor to the performing elite and creating high performance cultures in sports organisations. We discuss: Instead of doing research do "me searching" Why discipline is key for a...
-
Determination, Grit & Will With David Cotterill
In today's episode I have former Birmingham and Wales winger David Cotterill. We discuss: Why he used to punish himself if he wasn't perfect by hitting his boots on his shins The reason why he was made to train on his own after getting married. What happened the night his manager caught him at a...
-
Football Drills, Skills & Thrills With Jordan Hugill
In today's episode I have West Ham forward (currently on loan to QPR) Jordan Hugill. We discuss: His relentless drive to make it as a professional How you create your own opportunities Why your ultimate goal has to make you feel uncomfortable How he's struggled with an issue for years and how…
more -
What It Takes To Succeed With Craig Pead
In today's episode I have former Coventry midfielder Craig Pead we discuss: What it was like going to Lilleshall as a kid. What it was like breaking into the Coventry first team and having Gordon Strachan as a manager. How he felt he "lost purpose" when he had to retire from football and create a...
-
Pushing Through With Marc Pugh
In todays episode I have QPR and former Bournemouth Winger Marc Pugh who's also known as The Foodie Footballer. We Discuss: His journey through the leagues with Bournemouth. From League 2 to the Premier League and what that was like to experience. How he was told that he "wasn't good enough" but…
more -
Life After Professional Sport With Robbie Simpson
In todays episode I have LAPS creator Robbie Simpson. Robbie played professional football and then decided their wasn't enough support after the game finishes so he decided to do something about it! We discuss: From going to uni into professional football Making his debut at Old Trafford…
more -
Why You're Not Really A Big Deal (Short episode)
This week it's mental health week and I wanted to help you think differently, so I wanted to tell you that you're not a big deal. Why no one cares about you as much as you think Why the person who cares more what others think actually has the bigger ego. The reason why I'm driving a 14 year old...
-
Get Your Head Free From F*ck Ups With Ben Foster
In today's episode I have the pleasure of talking to Watford goalkeeper Ben Foster. I really enjoyed this episode as Ben is so open and honest and free to express his mind. We discuss: Why he owns every mistake and why you should too The difference between Manchester United and the other clubs…
more -
In Competition With Legends With Luke Chadwick
In todays episode I have former Manchester United, West Ham and Stoke City midfielder Luke Chadwick. Luke talks about what it was like coming through at Manchester United and how he What it was like competing with David Beckham and Ryan Giggs for a place in the Manchester United Team What it was...
-
Four In a Bed and The Sausage Person Said (Short Episode)
In today's short episode I want to talk to you about sausages and why this can help you improve your game and your life. Why "criticism" is just feedback The reason why no one can hurt you but you How you can "spot the gaps" to improve Why we have to label things to give them meaning Why is the…
more -
Stung But Not Done With Jamie Young
Today I bring back Jamie Young. After being voted player of the year in 2018 and 2019 he found himself dropped by new Brisbane Roar manager Robbie Fowler. In this episode he talks about how he came back from that set back to get himself back into the team. We talk about: The one question you ask...
-
5K Comparison Syndrome
In todays short episode I talk about why I got p*ssed off with comparing myself to someone else's 5k time. I talk about: Why comparing yourself to others will only lead to you being anxious and depressed How to compare yourself to others positively Why you can only improve where you are "right…
more
About this show
Most football podcasts tell you what happened on the pitch. This one explores what was happening inside the player’s head.
Hosted by professional footballer Luke O’Nien and elite performance coach Rob Blackburne, The Footballers Mindset brings you honest conversations about the parts of professional football people rarely see.
Confidence disappearing after one mistake. Fear of judgement. Being dropped. Playing for a contract. Criticism. Injuries. Identity. Relationships. And the pressure to look fine when you’re struggling.
Luke brings the reality of life inside the dressing room and on the pitch. Rob brings the patterns and lessons uncovered through more than 100 conversations with professional footballers.
Together, they examine why talented players get trapped in their own heads and share practical tools to help footballers handle pressure, recover more quickly, and play with greater freedom.
No
Hosted by
Rob Blackburne & Luke O'Nien