5 Things We Learned About Ivan Toney’s ‘The Diary Of A CEO’ Podcast Episode

Ivan Toney, the Brentford FC striker who has made a name for himself both on and off the pitch, recently shared his personal journey and insights on the “The Diary OF A CEO” podcast hosted by Steven Bartlett. In a candid and revealing episode, Toney delved into various aspects of his life, from missed opportunities and personal growth to challenges faced following the FA finding him committing 232 breaches of betting rules. Here are five key takeaways from his conversation:

1. Overcoming Setbacks and Embracing Identity

Toney’s road to success was not without its bumps. A notable revelation was his thwarted move to Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2014 due to a back condition the 27-year-old has called scoliosis. This disappointment was followed by a challenging transition to Newcastle in 2015, where he grappled with an identity crisis, getting minutes and adapting to the high-pressure lifestyle of the Premier League.

2. Resilience in the Face of Rejection

Toney’s story is one of resilience. He highlighted his ability to handle rejection, citing instances when he was loaned out by Newcastle to lower division clubs (Barnsley, Shrewsbury Town, Scunthorpe United and Wigan Athletic) at a young age. Rather than beating himself up, he used these experiences as opportunities to grow and refine his skills.

3. The Power of Personal Motivation

The arrival of his child in 2019 marked a turning point in Toney’s career. He revealed that his desire to make his child “proud” has significantly elevated his game and hunger. This personal motivation has become a driving force behind his dedication and hard work at Brentford, which has seen him bag 63 goals in 111 appearances since joining the London side in 2020.

4. Bonds and Togetherness at Brentford

Toney spoke passionately about his experience at Brentford FC. He emphasised that the togetherness and camaraderie at the club set it apart from others he has been a part of. Small gestures, such as tidying up after each other in the dressing room, contribute to the strong bond among teammates.

5. Battling Adversity and Seeking Justice

One of the most poignant aspects of the podcast episode was Toney’s discussion of the betting allegations that surfaced in 2022. He expressed his frustration at feeling unfairly targeted by the Football Association (FA) and the negative impact it had on his personal and professional life like being denied a “table at a restaurant” and not being able to train with Brentford until September 17. Despite this, he acknowledged his past gambling behaviour and took ownership of it, admitting stopping all forms of gambling since the findings of the FA.

Ivan Toney’s Diary of a CEO podcast episode provided a deep and personal insight into his journey as a footballer, teammate, and individual. From setbacks to triumphs, Toney’s story is one of resilience, personal growth, and a commitment to becoming the best version of himself, both on and off the field. Looking beyond, he reveals to Steven that he wants to compete for trophies, continue to represent England and “let my feet do the talking.” 

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