Brian Ashton: How Great Coaches Develop Thinking Players
From Modern Soccer Coach Podcast by Gary Curneen
September 10, 2026 · 45 min
About this episode
Brian Ashton discusses coaching philosophies and player development with Gary Curneen.
In this episode of Modern Soccer Coach, Gary is joined by former England Rugby Head Coach Brian Ashton for a fascinating conversation on coaching, player development, creativity and decision-making. Brian led England to the 2007 Rugby World Cup Final and has spent decades working across elite sport, including experiences within Premier League football. He shares the lessons that have shaped his approach to developing players and why he believes great coaching is about much more than simply giving instructions. The conversation explores the difference between coaching and interfering, why players need freedom alongside responsibility and discipline, how coaches can develop better decision-makers, and why individual development should remain at the heart of the coaching process. From preparing a team for a World Cup Final to helping young players learn how to think for themselves, Brian offers Curneen a brilliant perspective on what genuine player development looks like. A must-listen for coaches who want to develop intelligent, adaptable and creative players.
People in this episode
Host: Gary Curneen
Guest: Brian Ashton
Topics covered
- coaching
- player development
- creativity
- decision-making
- freedom and responsibility
- individual development
Keywords
- coaching
- player development
- decision-making
- creativity
- freedom
- responsibility
- discipline
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: England Rugby, Premier League
More episodes of Modern Soccer Coach Podcast
- Inside Dutch Football: How the Netherlands Develops Coaches & Players | Antal Vergeer · September 3, 2026 · 56 min
- Individual Development Without Individual Training | Joop Oosterveld · August 10, 2026 · 55 min
- How Elite Coaches Teach a Game Model - Inside Kansas Soccer with Tyler Smaha · August 5, 2026 · 59 min
- Inside Mjällby - Sweden's Most Innovative Academy with Herman Ottosson · July 27, 2026 · 58 min
- How To Build a Game Model in a New Football Culture with Andy Thomson · July 20, 2026 · 53 min
- The Player Development vs National Identity Debate in Football | Drew Taylor · July 14, 2026 · 1h 4m
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Modern Soccer Coach Podcast podcast page.