Born in Germany to Congolese parents Hervé Pepe-Ngoma didn't speak English when he moved to Leicester aged 8 but one language he did know was football. He was picked up by Leicester City aged 9 and ended his scholarship as the Academy player of the year. But injury in his first year as a pro cost him dearly and he was released at the end of the season.

He has had some dark times with injuries and surgeries but he has found his second true love, whilst playing non league football, DJing. He now visits clubs up and down the country telling his story and encouraging young players to be more than just footballers.

This series we are partnering with University Campus of Football Business and have recorded episodes at their Media City studios in Salford and at their studio next to Wembley Stadium.

For more information on UCFB visit their website here - https://www.ucfb.ac.uk/

You can follow us on our social media @journeyspod on Instagram and Threads and we're still hanging around on X for a while! You might even find us on TikTok too!

Born to a Bajan father who had represented Guyana at cricket it was no surprise that Keith Barker picked up a bat at a young age (he was playing under 13s cricket when he was 6!). But growing up in Manchester, and talented with his feet as well as his hands, his head was turned by football and he signed a scholarship, followed by a pro, with Blackburn Rovers (then an established Premier League side). He went on to play in Belgium with Cercle Brugge, for Rochdale and in Ireland with St Patrick's Athletic, before a stint at Northwich Victoria and his head turned back to cricket. More than 500 first class wickets and 5,000 runs later, he reflects on what both these great sports taught him.

This series we are partnering with University Campus of Football Business and have recorded episodes at their Media City studios in Salford and at their studio next to Wembley Stadium. This episode was recorded on Zoom out of necessity.

For more information on UCFB visit their website here - https://www.ucfb.ac.uk/

You can follow us on our social media @journeyspod on Instagram and Threads and we're still hanging around on X for a while! You might even find us on TikTok too!

Shadab Itikhar, a lad from Preston, fell in love with the strategy of football as a child playing Football Manager. He has had a determination to coach - "I was made to manage" - and, since turning up at Wigan Athletic's training ground seeking a meeting with Roberto Martinez he has worked with the Spaniard (at Wigan and Belgium) and has managed himself in England, Scotland, Mongolia, Pakistan, Samoa and now in Bhutan with Thimpu City. His story is a remarkable one of a dream that he has been determined to make happen.

This series we are partnering with University Campus of Football Business and have recorded episodes at their Media City studios in Salford and at their studio next to Wembley Stadium.

For more information on UCFB visit their website here - https://www.ucfb.ac.uk/

You can follow us on our social media @journeyspod on Instagram and Threads and we're still hanging around on X for a while! You might even find us on TikTok too!