In Conversation, Podcast Show Notes

[Podcast] In Conversation with… Stevie Grieve

In this episode, Mark W sits down for a one-on-one chat with Stevie Grieve, just recently confirmed officially as the head coach at SJK Seinäjoki.

Stevie talks through his career that started with a job coaching badminton, took in a variety of technical and coaching roles around the world, included hosting his own TV show in India before arrivinga at SJK in early-2023.

We then get into the details of his time in Finland: how did he first connect with SJK Seinäjoki? How did he settle in to Finnish life? What was his biggest surprise about Finland?

We also discuss Stevie’s role at SJK, both in recruitment and coaching? Just what are the principles of ‘Grieveball’? And how well-suited are Finnish players to other leagues overseas (and why)? We conclude by looking at his ambitions both for the club and for himself in the (hopefully, quite distant) future!!

Video & audio production on this episode by Glenn Murray & Sarah Senf.

Join Mark (@explorefinland),  Mark (@FCSuomi),  Keke (@kekemyllari), Rich (@EscapeToSuomi) and Ally (@Mano99) for regular episodes, where 5 old blokes sit and talk about football in Finland. In English.

The #FFS theme tune is “Loppuun asti” by Lemmenpyssyt. You can listen to the song on Spotify or on YouTube . Connect with Lemmenpyssyt on Facebook.

Mark W’s Questions (Listen or watch the show to hear Stevie’s answers)

A introduction to Stevie Grieve’s career pre-SJK

  • You’ve moved around a bit in a non-playing role, give a short overview of your career.
  • You’ve also done a lot of different roles: youth development, manager, opposition analysis, technical director. How has this prepared you for your current role, which is now officially head coach?

Moving to Finland and managing SJK Academy in 2023

  • How on earth did you end up here? How did you connect with SJK?
  • Before moving, what (if anything) did you know about Finland?
  • Since arriving, what’s been the biggest culture shock or surprise about Finland? 
  • How would you compare the football here with where you’ve worked before? Is it possible to compare standards between leagues?
  • You managed the Academy side last season and got some very positive reviews for the style of play. It was also effective, almost getting the side promoted through the playoffs.

So what exactly IS Grieveball?

  • What are the key characteristics?
    What did you need to do to instill that style into the first team?
    How is training different under you and Tony compared to the 2023 season?

Ambitions and future plans

  • How far do you think you can take SJK?
  • What about you in the long-term? After you’ve been here at least 5-10 years, of course!!

International opportunities for Finland

  • In autumn 2024, Finland will be playing Nations league games against England and Ireland (and Greece). What’s your prediction for the upcoming games from a Finland perspective?
  • (Unasked but answered anyway 🤣) As a Scot, how much do you care about the England football team?

Find Stevie Grieve online

Leave a comment