In this episode of From the Sidelines, Gary Middleton is joined by former Manchester United Academy coach and FA Coach Developer Paul McGuinness for a fascinating deep dive into coaching, player development and the power of storytelling in football.

Paul shares insights from over 28 years at Manchester United, his current work across the FA, women’s football, Leeds United and international consultancy, and explains how his famous “Hunting Dogs – Win It & Break” theme became one of his most effective coaching tools.

Using vivid analogies inspired by African hunting dogs, Paul explores how coaches can teach players to regain possession with intelligence, organisation and aggression, from “getting into the long grass” and “smelling blood” to working together as a pack to win the ball back and break quickly.

The conversation cov ...