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The Lowdown

Conor Walsh

The Lowdown is a football podcast giving listeners unprecedented access to the minds shaping the modern game. Each week, we sit down with the people driving football forward — from club owners and technical directors to academy heads, coaches, and broadcasters — to uncover the lessons, challenges, and stories behind their journeys.

Whether you’re a young coach, a player chasing the next step, or simply fascinated by what happens behind the scenes, The Lowdown offers honest insights to inspire the next generation of football professionals.

Get in touch;

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/

LinkedIn; https://www.linkedin.com/in/conor-walsh-847b08127/

YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPod

Email: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

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  • 20 episodes
  • fortnightly
  • Avg 52 min
  • English

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  • S1 · E203
    August 12 · 49 min

    #203 - Chasing Excellence w/ Mehdi Kordi

    "Control the controllables to survive, influence the uncontrollables to thrive." Today I am delighted to be joined by Olympic gold winning coach Mehdi Kordi. Despite never riding competitively Mehdi went on to win an incredible six Olympic gold medals as coach. Here he shares with us his journey which took him from researching CPR techniques in Space to an Olympic podium. A great episode on what truly moves the needle in elite sport and what happens when winning is all that counts. Listen to find out more including; - Why leadership conversations get sanitized? - Transitioning from Sports Scientist to Head Coach and what buyin looked like? - Is "What It Takes To Win" still relevant? - What Mehdi learned from leading the People's Republic of Derbados? - How to lead athletes more powerful than ever who also communicate less than ever? Get in touch; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/ YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPod Email: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

  • S1 · E202
    August 5 · 1 hr 2 min

    #202 - 10 Lessons in Leadership w/ Adrian Bevington

    Today I am delighted to be joined by esteemed football executive Adrian Bevington. In today's episode we cover Adrian's 10 lessons in leadership from building sporting departments throughout his career. Drawing on his experience working at the FA, FAW, Aston Villa, Middlesbrough we delve into what it truly takes to work at the top. Listen to find out more including; - What does operational excellence look like? - The logistical demands of a World Cup and how change is navigated. - Inside the appointment of Gareth Southgate as England manager. - What macro / micro leadership looks like for Adrian? - Adrian's current work in M&A with Revolution Sports Investment. Get in touch; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/ YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPod Email: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

  • S1 · E201
    July 28 · 34 min

    #201 - Red Bull Bragantino w/ Victor Passeri

    Today I am delighted to be joined by Red Bull Bragantino Academy Director; Victor Passeri. I have been fortunate to get to know Victor as part of this years MBA cohort with the ASD. This episode provides brilliant insight into technical leadership within a Brazilian context. From an early apprenticeship at FC Porto and Palmeiras Victor explains how he’s able to apply a generalist’s frame to his day to day work within the Academy. Listen to find out more including; - How different roles shaped his understanding of leadership? - Finding a competitive edge in South American scouting - What adaptability looks like within the Red Bull methodology ? - What player evaluation looks like in their environment ? - Decision making in player pathway management. Get in touch; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/ YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPod Email: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

  • S1 · E200
    June 30 · 1 hr 6 min

    #200 - World Cup Special w/ David Garcia & Bernat Mosquera

    Today we celebrate the 200th episode of The Lowdown with a special World Cup episode with David Garcia & Bernat Mosquera. With 106 games down and fresh from watching Brazil v Japan we review the action thus far, Listen to find out more including; - Has the move to a 48 team competition made for a better watch? - Why we all see Colombia as potential dark horses? - The mid block and attacking transition strategies that are defining this World Cup. - How the favorites approach squad usage and what that means for building rhythm throughout the tournament? - The difference between progression and danger and where teams fall short. - Why the sudden increase in set piece goals in this year's World Cup? David's LinkedIn; https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-garcia-a043794b/ Bernat's LinkedIn; https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernat-mosquera/ Get in touch; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/ YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPod Email: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

  • S1 · E199
    June 16 · 37 min

    #199 - Eyeball w/ Oliver Dehnhardt

    In this episode, we sit down with Oliver Denhardt to explore his journey from the early days of performance analysis and scouting to helping shape the future of football intelligence. Having worked within leading environments including AFC Ajax and FC Copenhagen, Oliver shares the lessons he learned from talent identification, recruitment processes, and understanding what separates elite decision-making from the rest of the industry. We also dive into the growth of Eyeball, a platform now covering thousands of clubs across dozens of countries, and discuss how technology is changing scouting, recruitment, and football operations. From video scoring and market expertise to the democratization of data and analysis, Oliver provides a fascinating perspective on where clubs can still create competitive advantages and what problems football will need to solve next. Listen to find out more including; - What were the biggest lessons Oliver learned from his time at Ajax and FC Copenhagen? - What Oliver sees as the biggest challenges facing clubs in recruitment and analysis? - Why has Eyeball been able to scale successfully across so many countries and clubs? - Why succeeding in a new market requires an extreme level of focus and specialization? - What are the biggest mistakes clubs make when trying to adapt to new technology? Get in touch; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/ YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPod Email: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

  • S1 · E198
    June 2 · 37 min

    #198 - 2026 World Cup Preview w/ Liam Tharme

    The countdown is almost over as the biggest FIFA World Cup in history arrives across the United States, Canada and Mexico. With 48 teams, three host nations and an expanded format, the 2026 tournament promises to be unlike anything football has seen before. Liam Tharme and I discuss whether the scale of the event will elevate the spectacle, the challenges presented by travel, climate and scheduling, and how the never-ending football calendar continues to fuel the debate around player workload and the balance between club and international football. Alongside our predictions, we explore the tactical trends, key group-stage fixtures and knockout permutations that could define the road to the final. Get in touch; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/ YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPod Email: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

  • S1 · E197
    May 26 · 53 min

    #197 - ProTrainUp w/ Tomasz Cybulski

    In this episode, we sit down with Tomasz Cybulski, co-founder of ProTrainUp, to explore the evolution of sports technology, performance analysis, and building a startup within elite sport. Tomasz reflects on the early stages of ProTrainUp, where the company began, and how the original vision has evolved through years of working directly with clubs, coaches, and federations across different countries and sporting environments. The conversation dives into the realities of scaling a sports tech company in a rapidly changing industry, the importance of understanding club workflows and operational culture, and how co-design with practitioners has shaped the platform’s development. Tomasz also shares his perspective on product differentiation in an increasingly competitive market, the future role of AI and meaningful insight in sport, and the lessons he has learned building technology that must adapt across different cultures, structures, and performance environments. Listen to find out more including; - The journey into sports analysis and founding ProTrainUp. - Early startup growth: challenges, successes, and lessons learned. - How the company’s original vision evolved over time? - Selling technology into clubs and understanding staff workflows. - Co-designing products through feedback from clubs and practitioners. - The future of sports tech, AI, and creating meaningful product differentiation? Get in touch; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/ YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPod Email: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

  • S1 · E196
    April 14 · 1 hr 33 min

    #196 - Person before Player w/ Carsten Dohm

    In this episode, Carsten Dohm shares lessons from over 30 years in coaching, from his earliest football memories to building a philosophy centered on developing the person before the player. He explores what it takes to produce “A+ players,” while emphasizing the importance of long-term development over early performance outcomes. His approach focuses on creating environments for accelerated learning, deliberate practice, and maximizing the “golden window” of development. Drawing on his experience helping shape San Diego FC, Carsten reflects on the challenges of youth development in the U.S. and the importance of designing integrated learning ecosystems that combine education, culture, and football. He discusses building a “third culture” that blends global expertise with local identity, the growing importance of coaching skills like attention design and the need to prioritize potential, character, and adaptability. Timestamps; 00:00 - 10:21 - Person First 10:22 - 30:04 - USA 30:05 - 48:48 - A+ Players 48:49 - 1;00:54 - Compass 1:00:55 - 1:27:31 - Path to Mastery 1:27:32 - 1:33:56 - Future Get in touch; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/ YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPod Email: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

  • S1 · E195
    March 31 · 44 min

    #195 - Under the Microscope w/ Paul McGuinness

    "Is football becoming less of a spectacle?" On his return to the show Paul McGuinness explores whether modern football is losing its creative edge, drawing on his experience developing elite players at Manchester United and working across the Premier League. The conversation examines the effects early specialization, results-driven environments and increasingly structured tactical systems are having on player development. Paul also dives into how coaching can either nurture or suppress creativity, emphasizing the importance of “flow” in player development and the challenge of balancing structure with freedom in academy environments. He reflects on the risks of a win-focused culture, the pressures of modern evaluation systems, and whether these issues extend beyond elite clubs into grassroots football worldwide. Listen to find our more including; - Where the education of young players is going? - How Paul is adapting his coaching for today's generation? - How the link between midfield and forward players is evolving at the top level? - Paul's view on the shift from fixed positions to prioritizing player characteristics. - Having coached top Premier League talent, is there truly a decline in creative players coming through? Get in touch; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/ YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPod Email: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

  • March 24 · 1 hr 3 min

    #194 - The Magic of Coaching w/ Russell Earnshaw

    In this episode, we sit down with coach developer Russell Earnshaw, whose work spans elite environments including Liverpool FC, England Rugby, the Premier League, and New Zealand Sevens. This conversation explores what it really means to optimize for impact in coaching—moving beyond busy work to focus on the moments that truly matter. Russell shares how coaches can better plan their weeks around energy and time, rather than just schedules, and why treating CPD (continuous professional development) like a second job is essential for long-term growth. We also dive into the role of playfulness and experimentation in high-performance environments, challenging the idea that structure and creativity are opposites. Russell unpacks his perspective on what “better” actually looks like in coaching, and how that definition evolves over time. Finally, we explore the shifting skillsets required as coaches transition into leaders—including noticing, designing environments, and creating cultures where people can truly belong and thrive. Timestamps; 00:00 - 05:35 - Coaching 05:36 - 14:33 - CPD 14:34 - 25:44 - Energy 25:45 - 45:57 - Leadership 45:58 - 56:42 - Mindset, Skillset & Structure 56:43 - 1:03:35 - Future Get in touch; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/ YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPod Email: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

  • S1 · E193
    March 17 · 46 min

    #193 - North American Irish Coaches w/ John O'Rourke

    John O’Rourke, President of the North American Irish Coaches Association, joins the show to discuss the growing influence of Irish coaches across the United States and Canada. The association’s mission is to serve, connect, and elevate Irish coaches throughout North America. Having arrived in the U.S. 33 years ago, John has worked at every level of the game and has witnessed the sport’s growth in America firsthand. In this episode, we explore how the game has developed over the decades and the significant role Irish coaches have played in that journey. Furthermore, we also discuss the legacy John hopes the forthcoming World Cup will leave on the United States, how he believes the pay-to-play model may evolve in the coming years, and how talent identification across the country could change as the sport continues to grow. Get in touch; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/ YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPod Email: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

  • S1 · E192
    February 24 · 45 min

    #192 - Trust & Rapport w/ Teamworks; Gareth Quinn

    "Today is the slowest day of technological change we have experienced in our lives." In this episode, Gareth Quinn shares his journey from working in nightlife and politics into the business world, and how those experiences helped shape the foundations of Kairos. He reflects on the early growth of the startup, the challenge of overcoming confirmation bias in football, and the push to introduce more objective, data-driven thinking in elite sport. The conversation also explores Kairos’ work in high-performance environments, including contributions connected to the Ryder Cup and South Africa’s victory at the Rugby World Cup 2019, and the lessons learned about problem-solving and momentum in both sport and business. Gareth also discusses the merger with Teamworks and the growing importance of integrating technology across sports organizations. From hubs and athlete management systems to intelligence platforms, the focus is on improving communication, creating clarity, and connecting departments. The episode closes with Gareth’s thoughts on modern leadership, the consolidation of sports technology, and what excites him most about the future of the industry. Timestamps; 00:00 - 06:29 - Nightlife 06:30 - 17:22 - Kairos 17:23 - 25:50 - Teamworks 25:51 - 34:20 - Speed of Change 34:21 - 40:15 - Leadership 40:16 - 45:33 - Future Get in touch; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/ YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPod Email: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

  • S1 · E191
    February 17 · 43 min

    #191 - Designing Better Learning Environments w/ Sean-Paul Murray

    In this episode, we sit down with Sean Paul Murray from the Irish Football Association (IFA) for a deep dive into the evolution of coach education, leadership, and the power of intentional learning design. Sean shares his journey from his earliest memories in football to shaping coach development structures that prioritize people over PowerPoints. This conversation explores what great environments look like, how emotional intelligence influences leadership, and what the future holds for coach education. Listen to find out more including; - How we should rethink coach education structures? - What learner centered and not content centered education looks like? - How environments shape behavior and decision making? - Self-awareness as a leadership foundation. - Advice for coaches and coach developers seeking long-term impact. Get in touch; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/ YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPod Email: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

  • S1 · E190
    February 10 · 55 min

    #190 - Ruthlessly Caring w/ Cristina Fink

    In this episode, we sit down with Cristina Fink, former Olympic athlete and performance psychologist, to explore what it really takes to perform at a high level — not just in sport, but in life. Drawing from her experience competing on the world’s biggest stage in Seoul 1988 and Barcelona 1992 and working with elite performers, Cristina shares how mindset, resilience, and identity shape sustainable success. We dive into pressure, setbacks, leadership, and mental health, unpacking practical tools listeners can use immediately. This conversation is about moving beyond outcomes and redefining what high performance and fulfillment actually look like. Delving into modern day leadership Cristina explains more as to how the best lead from a foundation of "proactive resilience". Listen to find out more including; - How her Olympic journey paved the way for her transition into performance psychologist? - Why separates world class performers from the rest? - What a deliberate practice of mental skills looks like? - Practical tools for players to stay in the present. - Managing expectations and the role they play at the elite level. Timestamps; 00:00 - 05:42 - Olympics 05:43 - 14:58 - Psychology 14:59 - 24:30 - Awareness 24:31 - 39:11 - Expectations 39:12 - 47:25 - Parents 47:26 - 55:12 - Leadership Get in touch; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/ YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPod Email: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

  • S1 · E189
    February 3 · 1 hr 23 min

    #189 - A Coaching Journey w/ Martin Foyston

    In this episode, we sit down with Martin Foyston whose journey into football leadership didn’t start on the pitch—but in film studies. From early days using analysis as a competitive edge, to learning under elite mentors like Roy Hodgson, to taking bold career risks that led to over a decade as a head coach in Scandinavia, this conversation explores the human side of modern coaching. We dive into the highs of historic promotions, the importance of culture when success arrives, and the lows that come with being sacked. Now, for the first time in a while, Martin has stepped away from the day-to-day grind of the field—offering rare perspective, honesty, and reflection on how the game (and the person coaching it) has evolved. A thoughtful, candid conversation about growth, resilience, and what truly shapes a coach over time. A must listen. Listen to find out more including; - Utilizing analysis as a competitive advantage. - Why Martin chases the feeling of discomfort? - What powerful role models taught Martin about leadership and development? - How Scandinavia has shaped Martin as a coach and person? - Every gamble each assistant coach must eventually make. Timestamps; 00:00 - 10:39 - Intro 10:40 - 25:32 - Fulham 25:33 - 34:22 - Analysis 34:23 - 45:16 - Scandinavia 45:17 - 53:06 - Osters 53:07 - 1:05:42 - Culture 1:05:43 - 1:23:19 - Reflections Get in touch; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/ YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPod Email: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

  • S1 · E188
    January 27 · 51 min

    #188 - Master the Paradox w/ Hamburg's Head of Performance; Basil More-Chevalier

    What's it like to be the youngest Director of Performance in the Top 5 leagues in Europe? Furthermore what is it also like when your role also entails being the Assistant Coach readying your players for weekly Bundesliga games? Today we are joined by Hamburg's Director of Performance & Assistant Coach; Basil More-Chevalier. He discusses the influences that sparked his curiosity to merge neuroscience with football, and how his time at Lyon, across multiple roles, helped form his thinking around methodology, learning, and developing players coming through the system. In his current role at Hamburg, Basil shares how research is applied in the reality of week-to-week competition. He breaks down the difference between training to maintain and training to perform, how Individual Development Plans can be adapted to enhance learning, and the challenge of carving out time to study while preparing for games. Listen to find out more including; - Creating a training methodology to further bridge the gap between theory and practice. - What coaches do not understand about cognitive fatigue? - How Basil manages the short and long term in his daily work? - What does integrated coach development look like? - Training to maintain vs training to perform and adapting IDPs for learning. Timestamps; 00:00 - 13:06 - Neuroscience 13:07 - 27:46 - Lyon 27:47 - 35:06 - Culture 35:07 - 43:10 - Coach Development 43:11 - 51:21 - Advice Get in touch; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/ YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPod Email: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

  • S1 · E187
    January 20 · 37 min

    #187 - Making the Complex Simple w/ AFC Bournemouth's; Jonas Munkvold

    In this episode, we sit down with Jonas Munkvold; First Team Recruitment Analyst with Bournemouth & Analyst with the IFA whose coaching journey offers a window into how football minds are shaped. He explains how writing and deep reflection on the game helped him clarify his ideas, sharpen his thinking, and develop a more considered approach to coaching and analysis. The conversation explores the growing prominence of the coach/analyst hybrid role, with Jonas sharing how he has seen this space evolve over time and what it now demands from practitioners. We also dive into the idea of the player as analyst, discussing how players can take learning from the pitch, build their football intelligence, and become more self-directed in their development. Jonas looks back on his five years at Nottingham Forest, where he worked across a variety of roles and gathered lessons that continue to shape his perspective today. He shares insights from his early specialization in developing 1v1 players, including what he believes is most important in nurturing creativity and decision-making in those moments. Finally, he explains his transition from coaching into recruitment, what motivated that move, and how his coaching background still informs the way he evaluates talent. Listen to find out more including; - Jonas revealing the single most formative experience of his early coaching career. - How writing about football fundamentally changed the way he sees the game? - His inside view on how the coach/analyst role has transformed in modern football. - Why he believes players should think more like analysts on and off the pitch? - The real reasons behind his move from coaching into recruitment. Get in touch; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/ YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPod Email: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

  • S1 · E186
    Dec 17, 2025 · 36 min

    #186 - Step by Step w/ Gabriel Calderon

    Next summer Haiti and Gabriel Calderon will compete in the 2026 World Cup. It is the latest chapter in the Calderon's family relationship with the trophy. As a four year old inspired by watching his father in the 1990 World Cup Final Gabriel had his mind set on etching his own mark on the game. A childhood spent across France, Spain and the Middle East has shaped Gabriel's worldview, leadership style and understanding of the game beyond the touchline. Forging his trade across several Spanish clubs gave Gabriel the tools to lead prior to embarking on a leadership role with FIFA working closely with developing countries. One of which was Haiti where Gabriel has served several roles including First Team Coach, Assistant & Technical Advisor. On the back of last week's World Cup draw Gabriel joined the podcast to discuss his journey to date. Listen to find out more including; - Why Gabriel believes "football has the same language"? - The impact working in FIFA's Technical Department had on his development? - Inside Haiti's historic World Cup Qualifying campaign. - How Haiti will prepare for Brazil, Scotland and Morocco? - How technical leadership is evolving and what skills matter most? Get in touch; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/ YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPod Email: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

  • S1 · E185
    Dec 2, 2025 · 40 min

    #185 - Start with Self w/ Simone Lewis

    It was not long into Simone Lewis' sporting career where she first realised that developing people skills were as if not more important than developing one's craft knowledge. Through her work at the Premier League, Right to Dream and elsewhere she has cultivated a reputation for developing transformational change amongst leaders with purpose, performance and wellbeing all equally important as another. The following episode is a deep dive into the behaviours and habits one must embody to bring that change to life. In a world with attention at a premium Simone goes deep on how one can remove interferences and focus more on the key fundamentals which will ultimately sustain one's career in the sporting world. Listen to find out more including; - How her understanding of transformational leadership gained layers going from step to step? - What we get wrong about self reflection? - Over-indexing on craft knowledge at the behest of understanding one's self. - What behavioural change looks like at the very top amongst the executives Simone works with? - What authentic people & leadership development looks like in today's AI driven world? Timestamps; 00:00 - 08:00 - Knowledge 08:01 - 15:36 - Start with Self 15:37 - 23:04 - Reflection 23:05 - 38:35 - Executive Coaching 38:36 - 40:29 - Advice Get in touch; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/ YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPod Email: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

  • S1 · E184
    Nov 18, 2025 · 57 min

    #184 - MLS Coach Education w/ Fred Lipka

    “We don’t just want consumers; we want people who think deeply about who they are and what kind of coach they want to be.” Today we are joined by the Technical Director of Player Development for MLS; Fred Lipka. In this episode, we dive deep into coach development, pedagogy, and the evolution of youth football from France to the United States. Fred shares a journey that spans Le Havre’s world-renowned academy, consulting across the U.S. youth landscape, and shaping the next generation of MLS coaches through the Elite Formation Coaching License (EFCL). Graduates like Wilfried Nancy, Greg Vanney, Nico Estevez, and Luchi Gonzalez have gone onto esteemed success coaching first team football. Here Fred explains how the course is taught and the unique approach they take to social learning. Listen to find out more including; - Growing up in the Le Havre environment, sharing insights into what made Le Havre’s developmental culture so influential. - What surprised him most about the structure, culture, and coaching approaches in the U.S? - Do US based coaches spend sufficient time on field developing their craft? - The link between teaching and coaching — and why coaching must evolve ? - Why coaches focusing on developing their players individual game insight is key to US success over the next decade? - Creating environments where coaches want to contribute, support each other and give back. Timestamps; 00:00 - 11:10 - Le Havre 11:11 - 25:16 - EFCL 25:17 - 37:08 - Coaching Pathways 37:09 - 54:20 - Game Insight 54:21 - 57:57 - Advice Get in touch; Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conorwalsh1995/ YouTube; https://www.youtube.com/@TheLowdownPod Email: cwalsh95@outlook.ie

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