What does it take to help run the football club you’ve supported from the terraces?

In this episode of The Director’s Box, Tranmere Rovers’ Head of Commercial and Communications, Matt Houghton, takes us behind the scenes at Prenton Park. Matt shares his unconventional route from youth work and local radio into professional football - and explains the responsibility, pressure and privilege that come with working for his own club.

We explore the commercial realities of lower-league football, the decisions supporters don’t always see, and why there is rarely an easy answer behind the scenes. Matt also discusses Tranmere’s deep connection with Birkenhead, its work across the community, the importance of keeping football accessible and affordable, and the club’s ambitions to build an international following.

From communicating with passionate supporters to attracting sponsors, developing the next generation of fans and competing in the shadow of Liverpool and Everton, this is an honest look under the bonnet of Tranmere Rovers.

This episode also features the first appearance for Newport County's CEO, Sam Houldsworth. Sam takes us through his journey from being a football "tour rep", to a successful career in recruitment, accidentally becoming the owner of a Welsh league football club and now to his current role as Newport County's chief exec.

FEATURING
Matt Houghton - Tranmere Rovers FC, Head of Commercial and Communications
Sam Houldsworth - Newport County AFC, Chief Executive Officer
Haydn Smith - Host & Producer

Go inside the boardroom with Rochdale AFC CEO Laura Thomas and Co-Director Simon Gauge as they join Newport County Chairman and Majority Owner Huw Jenkins for the first episode of The Director’s Box.

Following Rochdale’s promotion back to the EFL, Laura and Simon reveal what has been happening behind the scenes at the club - from appointing a new manager and competing with a smaller budget to their new initiative Project 5000, investment in the Crown Oil Arena and the club’s ambitious three-year plan.

The conversation also explores the financial reality of running a football club, building a sustainable model, recruiting the right people, connecting clubs with their communities and why lower-league football offers supporters something the Premier League cannot.

Laura discusses her first months as Rochdale AFC CEO, her people-first approach to leadership and the responsibility of being one of the relatively small number of female chief executives in professional football.

Huw Jenkins shares lessons from almost three decades in the game and explains how Newport County are working to increase attendances, commercial income and long-term stability.

Subscribe for more honest conversations with the owners, directors and executives responsible for running League 2 football clubs when they visit Rodney Parade this season.