- “Phil, I hope all is ok with you and the lunch date is going well which I am sure it is because it is one of the best run corporate lunches in town”.
- John Conteh
- LightHeavyweight Boxing Champion
- "I had no idea what to expect when I received my invitation from Liam Burns of New Balance and co-organiser Phil Jones to last year’s event. The warmth and hospitality shown to me from the outset was sincere and genuine. There were no personal agendas and unexpectedly, everyone I met wanted to lend their support to my endeavours and everyone followed up their offers – a super crowd from the Sports Community and Industry from which I have enjoyed many friendships and strong relationships; particular thanks must go to Phil who makes the event an absolute pleasure to be part of."
- Major Phil Packer
- British Inspiration Trust (and 2009 Sports Personality of the year winner)
- "I always say I am too old for lunch !! But I wouldn't miss this one. Great company, excellent hospitality and value, and very well organised in a convenient and quality venue. What more do you want?."
- David Davies, OBE
- Partner, Tregaron Associates, and former Executive Director of The Football Association
- "Thank you for inviting me, it was not only really enjoyable but also very useful, a great way of catching up with old friends and making plenty of new ones! It was one of those events where everywhere you look there is an opportunity - great stuff."
- Caroline Weber
- Executive Director
- Communications and Public Affairs
- Sport England
- "Without doubt the Premiership of long lunches, great crowd, great atmosphere and run by an Evertonian and a Manc??? Always in my diary."
- Ian Ayre
- Commercial Director
- Liverpool Football Club
- "Last Year's Sports Podge was a brilliant event, Gabby and I loved it, it's great to get everyone from the sporting world together, fantastic lunch, thoroughly enjoyed it and definitely plan to be at the next one... and the next one."
- Kenny Logan
- Logan Sports Marketing
- "It's a great opportunity to catch up with contacts and colleagues within the industry in a unique and relaxed environment."
- Jonathan Gregory
- Director of Partnerships
- London 2018 World Cup Bid Team
- "Sports Podge - always a fun and relaxed atmosphere with good food and great company. Thanks Phil and Jimmy for inviting Special Olympics to be part of this truly unique event."
- Karen Wallin
- Chief Executive Officer
- Special Olympics Great Britain
- "An event that really embraces the passion and enthusiasm of people who work in the sport sector. It is no surprise that Sports Podge is one of the hottest tickets around."
- Nick Smith
- Head of Sports Development
- The Princes Trust
- "Sports Podge is unique. What makes it unique is that it has been authentically created for its attendees, sports marketers who value their network and sport in the same measure."
- Steve Cumming
- Global Category Director
- Sponsorship, PR & Events
- DIAGEO
- "In an economic climate where networking lunches are increasingly difficult to justify, this is one where finding and making the time is well worth the effort. Good company, good food and good chat."
- Paul Barber
- Executive Director
- Tottenham Hotspur Football & Athletic Co Ltd
- "An enormous amount of credit to you both for taking the time to arrange such a superb event, it is testament to you that so many influential people attend, definitely one of the best networking events I have attended in many years."
- David Dale
- Executive Director
- Football Aid & Field of Dreams
- "Sports Podge is a fantastic event, it is a great opportunity to network with fellow colleagues in the industry whilst at the same time being brilliant fun!."
- Luisa Fernandez
- Global Sponsorship & Events Manager
- British Airways
- "The Sports Podge lunch was a great success... good food, good food, and great networking... looking forward to the next one at the IOD."
- Jonathan Ford
- European Sports Sponsorship
- The Coca-Cola Company
- "It was my first Sports Podge in 2009 and I was very impressed with the organisation and passion behind the event. A must in the calendar for any sports industry player. If Carlsberg did sports dinners......"
- Gareth Roberts
- Director of sponsorship and media relations
- Carlsberg UK
- "Sports Podge lunch is a wonderful initiative with an amazing mix of key influencers from the sports industry in a relaxed social environment offering all invited members first class networking opportunities."
- Robin Money
- Head of Sports Marketing
- Adidas UK & Ireland
- "What a fantastic lunch and an amazing turnout. I am glad I was at the first one, please count me in for numbers 2, 3, 4, 5, infinitum. Great food, great company, brilliant organisation."
- Peter Gandolfi
- Group Managing Director
- Soccerex
- "In a job like mine which relies on great contacts, Sports Podge lets me get to know influential people across the sports industry in a relaxed, friendly, and fun environment. The wine’s pretty good too."
- Juliette Ferrington
- BBC Sport
- "A wonderful experience bringing the cream of the industry together in a truly unique environment - can't quite remember how it finished which shows what a good event it was!"
- CEO
- UK Racing
- "Thanks for yesterday, I have heard so much about The Podge and I was not disappointed."
- Gabby Logan
- BBC Sports Presenter
- "Having finally made it in 2009 I realised what a great event this is for networking with key influencers in the uk sports industry. Being based in Germany I found it extremely valuable to be able to make such important contacts in a friendly and relaxed environment."
- Bill Sweeney
- Senior Vice President
- Adidas Global Apparel and Sports Training
- "Sports Podge is undoubtedly a key part of the sports business calendar. With key ingredients of fun, great food and fine wine it ino surprise that the event continues to grow in popularity and significance each year."
- Sam Rush
- CEO
- Wasserman Media Group
- "I was a Sports Podge virgin, so to speak, but found the whole event very enjoyable. I met some interesting people, and hopefully did a little business, so all in all I had some fun which ultimately is what it is all about."
- Mark Rigby
- Executive Chairman
- London Wasps
- "Just to say many thanks for Friday. The food was top notch (gold medal pea & mint soup); boxers were awe inspiring – Calzaghe is something else, and the company was great."
- Dr Rogan Taylor
- Director
- Football Industry Group, Liverpool University
- "Absolutely wonderful day boys, I was blown away by the whole thing, many thanks for the kind invitation, it was a privilege to be part of such a wonderful event."
- Liam Burns
- Director
- New Balance
- "I only went to one sports marketing/networking event last year...Sports Podge....It is not to be missed..."
- Craig Johnston
- Designer/photographer
- Formerly of Liverpool FC & designer of The Predator
- "Delighted to host the 2010 Sports Podge lunch. I know from previous years how much individuals from the sporting business world have loved to get together and share their experiences. Networking at this time is especially important, and I am sure this year will be just as good as previous events."
- Miles Templeman
- Director General
- Institute of Directors
