Charles Hagan joined Chelsea's academy at under-12s and spent four years training alongside players who went on to the top of the game, including Jamal Musiala and Michael Olise.

He turned pro at Sheffield Wednesday, had a standout first season, then watched it all unravel: injuries, isolation, hours lost to doom-scrolling, and a slow drift away from who he actually was.

After being released and signing at Wycombe Wanderers, a torn hamstring and ankle surgery ended his season and sent him into the darkest period of his life, at one point sleeping in his car.

In this episode, Charles sits down with mental performance coach Micheal Hilton to talk through what actually happened in his head during that spiral, and the exact turning point that got him working on himself instead of running from himself. They get into:

The reality of the "academy bubble" and why so many talented kids lose their edge once they get signedWhy doom-scrolling and social media comparison are one of the biggest silent threats to a young footballer's career

The difference between lacking discipline and lacking focusWhy guilt and shame can actually be useful signals instead of things to bury

How identity and self-belief shape performance more than raw ability ever will

Micheal also shares his own story of getting sober over two decades ago and building his coaching practice from the ground up, and the two swap the books, thinkers, and lessons that have shaped how they see pressure, recovery, and self-belief.

Charles is now back playing non-league football in pre-season, rebuilding to get back into the professional game. This is a raw, honest conversation about what actually happens in a footballer's mind when the wheels come off, and what it takes to put them back on.

Follow Charles Hagan's journey on Instagram @CharlesHagan7

and YouTube @CharlesHagan7