The Insider's Lounge
Contributors
Adam Lenges
Adam Lenges, also known as Adam Khan, grew up playing for the Philadelphia Union academy before moving to Germany, where he finished last season playing with FC Köln II. In addition to his professional playing career, Adam is highly active in football analysis and scouting. He runs a popular Twitter account and publishes a newsletter focused on football talent and development. He has spent time working with Dinamo Tbilisi and Nordensa, and he currently contributes to multiple German football broadcasters, offering insights and analysis on the game.
Jacek Kulig (Football Talent Scout)
Jacek Kulig, known as The Football Talent Scout on Twitter, is a renowned football scout with over 500k followers across all platforms. He has become a leading voice in the football scouting community, recognized for his in-depth analysis and detailed scouting reports on emerging talents worldwide. His insights have made his social media platforms a hub for football professionals, scouts, and fans alike. Jacek is also a co-host of the Football Talent Show, where he shares his vast expertise on football talent and development.
Guests
Connor Oniki
Connor Oniki is a Harvard Law graduate who has carved a unique path in the sports industry, blending his legal expertise with a deep passion for soccer. As the Assistant Sporting Director for the Utah Royals and Legal Counsel for both Real Salt Lake and the Royals, he plays a vital role in managing contracts, working with agents, and building strong team strategies. Known for his "say yes" mentality and dedication to mentorship, Connor draws on lessons from both his education and family life, especially the insights gained from being a father. His leadership is defined by resilience, strategic thinking, and a commitment to fostering positive growth within the sports world.
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Daniel Hall
Daniel Hall is the Executive Chairman of Dagenham & Redbridge FC and co-owner of Campobasso FC and Brooklyn FC. He has extensive experience in public relations, sports investment, and private markets investing through his work with North Sixth Group and Pacific & Plains Capital LLC. Daniel is a strategic leader in the soccer industry, with a focus on club ownership, management, and the development of soccer organizations both in Europe and the U.S.
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David "Bingy" Lara
Bingy Lara is the Head of Recruitment at Seattle Sounders FC Academy, where he leads the charge in discovering and developing the next generation of soccer talent. With a background that spans roles as a Youth National Team Network ID Scout for US Soccer and Assistant Coach for Real Monarchs, Bingy has become a key figure in the world of youth soccer recruitment. Known for his keen eye for talent and a commitment to personal development beyond the field, he has helped shape the careers of players who have gone on to thrive in MLS and beyond. Bingy's journey is a testament to his dedication to scouting, coaching, and mentoring young athletes.
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Diego Hurtado
Diego Hurtado is a former professional soccer player from Bogotá, Colombia, and the visionary founder of Diaza Football, a brand dedicated to revolutionizing soccer apparel. With a passion for the game that began in his youth, Diego played collegiate and professional soccer in the U.S., gaining invaluable experience along the way. Drawing on his personal journey and the "Diaza Mentality," he now empowers athletes and teams through high-quality, culturally resonant soccer apparel. Diego’s commitment to excellence and community engagement positions Diaza as a rising force in the soccer apparel industry.
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Felix Johnston
Felix Johnston is a prominent Chelsea FC enthusiast and content creator who runs one of the largest Chelsea-focused football pages on X, boasting nearly 200k followers. Known for his in-depth knowledge and analysis of the club's youth academy and first team, Felix shares exclusive insights and engages with a vast community of Chelsea fans worldwide.
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Gina Miller
Gina Miller is the Vice President of Media & Communication at FC Dallas, where she oversees all aspects of strategic communications, digital media, and broadcast operations for the club and its affiliated properties, including Toyota Stadium and the National Soccer Hall of Fame. With over 24 years of experience as an award-winning sports broadcaster and media strategist, Gina has played a pivotal role in shaping the club's public image and media presence.
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Mikha Gabechava
Mikha Gabechava is a highly experienced regional scout at KAA Gent, with a background in scouting and data analysis. He previously worked as the Head Scout and Data Analyst at FC Dinamo Tbilisi, where he was responsible for finding and tracking new talent and coordinating a team of scouts and analysts. Mikha’s expertise spans multiple leagues across Europe and Asia, where he focuses on identifying players for first-team recruitment.
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Rudy Gestede
Rudy Gestede is a former professional footballer and current Head of Football Operations at Blackburn Rovers FC. Known for his aerial dominance as a striker, he played in the Premier League and EFL Championship for clubs like Blackburn Rovers, Aston Villa, and Middlesbrough, as well as representing the Benin national team. After retiring, Gestede transitioned into football management, applying his on-pitch experiences to lead operations and player development at Blackburn Rovers.
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Sammy Lander
Sammy Lander is known as Soccer's First Substitution Coach and serves as the Head of Research and Innovation at Loudoun United. He focuses on preparing substitutes to make immediate impacts on the field, advocating for a cultural shift in the perception of bench players.
With experience across leagues like the Premier League, Championship, MLS, and Ligue 1, Sammy integrates data and psychology into player preparation as the Publisher of Expected Impact (xI). His insights have been featured in Sky Sports, BBC Sport, and The Athletic. Overcoming personal challenges, including losing sight in one eye, Sammy continues to inspire through his upcoming book, “Finishers,” which explores his coaching philosophy and the future of substitutions in football.
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Stewart Mairs
Stewart Mairs is a former Technical Director of D.C. United and a highly experienced sports executive and consultant. He has a deep background in soccer strategy, player development, and recruitment, with extensive experience in performance analysis and building club structures. Stewart has worked across various levels of the soccer landscape, focusing on both first-team operations and youth development, making him a key figure in shaping soccer programs in the U.S.
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Tommy Wilson
Tommy Wilson is an esteemed Technical Director at Charlotte FC, known for his extensive experience in soccer management and player development. With a background that includes roles as Director of Academy and Professional Development at Philadelphia Union and Academy Technical Director at Rangers FC, Wilson has been instrumental in shaping successful soccer programs. At Philadelphia Union, he oversaw an academy that was named the #1 in MLS and generated $30 million in player sales. His career also includes a notable tenure with the Scottish FA, where he contributed to coaching education and player development. Wilson brings a wealth of expertise in crafting innovative coaching curriculums and nurturing talent, making a significant impact both in the US and Scotland.
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Wad
Wad, known as @lions_talk_ on X (formerly Twitter), is a dedicated football analyst and enthusiast with a particular focus on Moroccan football. He provides in-depth insights into the Moroccan national team, the Botola Pro 1 league, and emerging football talents from Morocco. His analyses are well-regarded for their depth and accuracy, making him a valuable resource for fans and followers of Moroccan football.