A solo Frazer outing for the debut All Things Business – The Podcast of 2023, who headed over to Stadium: MK to interview Milton Keynes’s Dons Head Coach Mark Jackson.
Mark begin his playing career at his hometown club Leeds United, gaining four caps for England U20s.He had loan spells at Huddersfield Town and Barnsley before permanent moves to Kidderminster Harriers and Rochdale, finishing his career at Farnley.
Mark and Frazer’s conversation covers Mark’s recent arrival at the club just before Christmas and the club’s support of him and his staff. They talk about the unique interview process for such a unique role, and how Mark’s love of football helped him to speak freely and passionately, despite the stakes of the interview.
Their conversation moves on to Mark’s coaching history, including his time at Leeds City College, where he had to cover all aspects of running the team from travel to kit, as well as dictating tactics on the pitch. A 2015 call from his former youth coach at Leeds United’s academy led to him going to coach the U15s and U16s at the then Championship side. As Leeds ascended to Premier League, Mark ascended up the age groups before becoming a first team coach when Jesse Marsh took over the Head Coach position in early 2022.
The two turn back to Mark’s playing career and reminisce about some of the players who had an impact on Mark’s life and some of the players who stood out to him on and off the pitch. One name that comes up is Lucas Radebe, who, while not perhaps the most skilled player, his exemplary discipline and consistency helped him stand out while at Leeds in the late 90s.
The two finish their conversation with some insights into the similarities between sports and business, the importance of ‘playing people in their right position’, and a unique answer to ATB’s recurring final question.
