Sam opens up about the realities of life as a professional athlete, the highs of Wembley wins and Golden Boots, the lows of injury setbacks and contract uncertainty, and the immense physical and mental demands that most people never see.

More than just a career retrospective, this episode offers valuable insights into the mindset, resilience, and adaptability required not only to succeed in elite sport, but to transition into life after it.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The hidden pressures of professional sport—why talent alone isn’t enough.

• How dealing with setbacks, rejection, and injury shaped Sam’s career and character.

• What a typical day really looks like for a professional footballer, from training to nutrition to recovery.

• The crucial role of mental health and mindset in athletic performance and longevity.

• Why transition planning and identity beyond sport are essential for athletes facing retirement.

• The surprising ways Sam now channels his competitive edge into golf, padel, and personal growth.

Whether you’re a sports scientist, coach, practitioner, or athlete, this episode is for anyone interested in the human side of elite performance and what it truly takes to stay at the top, and how to support athletes through the challenges that come with it.

About Sam Winnall
Sam Winnall is a former professional footballer whose career spanned over 15 years, including spells at clubs such as Wolverhampton Wanderers, Barnsley, Sheffield Wednesday, Derby County, Oxford United, and Burton Albion. Known for his goal-scoring instincts and work ethic, Sam made over 300 league appearances and scored more than 100 goals, achieving promotions, cup victories, and memorable moments at some of English football’s most historic clubs. Since retiring at 32, Sam has transitioned into mentoring and supporting athletes, with a particular focus on helping them develop the mental resilience needed to thrive both during and after their sporting careers.

FREE 7d SCIENCE FOR SPORT ACADEMY TRIAL

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​ Learn Quicker & More Effectively
​ Optimise Your Athletes' Recovery
​ Position Yourself As An Expert To Your Athletes And Naturally Improve Buy-In
​ Reduce Your Athletes' Injury Ratese
​ Save 100's Of Dollars A Year That Would Otherwise Be Spent On Books, Courses And More
​ Improve Your Athletes' Performance
​ Advance Forward In Your Career, Allowing You To Earn More Money And Work With Elite-Level Athletes
​ Save Yourself The Stress & Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research

Discover the cutting-edge recovery techniques used by elite athletes, the psychological challenges of competing at the highest level, and what it really takes to survive in the world's most demanding league. Jared opens up about the emotional toll of last-minute defeats, the intense concentration required for 90+ minutes of Premier League football, and how modern players must maximise every aspect of their preparation to succeed.

Whether you're a sports professional, aspiring athlete, or passionate fan, this episode offers unprecedented access to the evolution of football performance and the fine margins that separate success from failure at the elite level. Join us for a masterclass in modern football performance from someone who helped orchestrate one of the sport's greatest underdog stories.

About Jared Roberts-Smith
About Jared Roberts-Smith: A pioneering figure in football performance, Jared Roberts-Smith brings 14 years of elite experience in professional football, most recently serving as Head of Performance at Luton Town FC during their historic rise from League Two to the Premier League. His career includes influential roles at Charlton Athletic, Stoke City, and Melbourne Victory, where he has been instrumental in revolutionising performance infrastructure and methodology. As a leader in sports science implementation, Jared has overseen the development of state-of-the-art performance centres, pioneered recovery protocols, and helped transform how clubs approach player optimisation. His unique perspective spans multiple levels of professional football, from League Two to the Premier League, making him one of the most insightful voices in modern football performance.

FREE 7d SCIENCE FOR SPORT ACADEMY TRIAL

SIGN UP NOW: https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241

​ Learn Quicker & More Effectively
​ Optimise Your Athletes' Recovery
​ Position Yourself As An Expert To Your Athletes And Naturally Improve Buy-In
​ Reduce Your Athletes' Injury Ratese
​ Save 100's Of Dollars A Year That Would Otherwise Be Spent On Books, Courses And More
​ Improve Your Athletes' Performance
​ Advance Forward In Your Career, Allowing You To Earn More Money And Work With Elite-Level Athletes
​ Save Yourself The Stress & Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research

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• The biggest mistakes teams make when trying to replicate success
• Why recovery isn't a one-size-fits-all approach – and how to get it right
• How wearable tech is changing the game (for better or worse!)
• What elite coaches like Stuart Lancaster do differently

If you're serious about maximising performance, this episode is packed with practical insights you can apply straight away. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or sports science enthusiast – you don't want to miss this one!

** About Dr Peter Tierney**
Dr Peter Tierney is a highly experienced sports scientist and performance coach with over a decade of experience working across multiple sports, including rugby, football, and athletics. He has held key roles with Leinster Rugby, contributing to their Heineken Cup success, and has worked in industry innovation, focusing on performance apparel. Dr Tierney specialises in athlete recovery, data-driven performance strategies, and applying cutting-edge sports science to optimise results. He actively shares insights on social media and contributes to advancing the field through research and applied practice.

FREE 7d SCIENCE FOR SPORT ACADEMY TRIAL

SIGN UP NOW: https://bit.ly/SFSepisode241

​ Learn Quicker & More Effectively
​ Optimise Your Athletes' Recovery
​ Position Yourself As An Expert To Your Athletes And Naturally Improve Buy-In
​ Reduce Your Athletes' Injury Ratese
​ Save 100's Of Dollars A Year That Would Otherwise Be Spent On Books, Courses And More
​ Improve Your Athletes' Performance
​ Advance Forward In Your Career, Allowing You To Earn More Money And Work With Elite-Level Athletes
​ Save Yourself The Stress & Worry Of Constantly Trying To Stay Up-To-Date With Sports Science Research

🔔 Subscribe to the podcast on your favourite platform

• Apple Podcasts
• Google Podcasts
• Spotify
• Stitcher