Since writing for Just Arsenal I have at various points given my opinion of AFTV.With Robbie Lyle invited onto Jay Dhillon’s podcast, it was only right that I covered what was said.Mr Dhillon is an entrepreneur who has built companies worth millions.Including online ventures and public speaking events, he now wants to mentor and advise others on how to grow their businesses.To inspire his audience, he interviews successful men and women from various industries.In this instance, he picked not just the owner of one of the most successful fan channels on YouTube, but in many ways the pioneer.Here are 10 things we learnt…The HustlerEither alongside a full-time job or through his latest project, Robbie was always looking for the next opportunity.His CV includes releasing music, promoting events, owning a nightclub, and selling clothes to America.He was constantly hustling, to the point his mum would joke that her son could never stand still and settle on one thing.The 52-year-old accepts that while he had the work ethic, others eventually had more resources and knowledge.But he did spot a gap in the market, something others were not doing…The InspirationRobbie was attending Highbury with Kugan Cassius and noticed the success his friend was having with IFL TV, a YouTube channel for boxing fans.Both passionate Gooners, he suggested that the same format could work for football.While it would be difficult to interview footballers as Cassius did with boxers, Robbie’s vision was to talk to fellow supporters and give them a platform.He was disheartened when his friend said he wouldn’t have the time to commit to the idea. Robbie was relying on his mate’s guidance.Outside of having the picture in his mind, he had zero knowledge of social media or business.Destiny?Robbie had given up on his latest idea before it even began, until a trip to a conference in America changed everything.A pastor speaking to the crowd delivered a message that struck a chord: too many people walk away from their dreams before giving them a try.It was a reminder that if you have a goal, chase it, and have no regrets.One man in that room felt like the message was meant just for him.What if this meeting never happened?A Two-Man TeamRobbie had the vision, but he also knew his limitations, mainly, he knew little about YouTube or growing a business.Sometimes success is about luck and knowing the right people, like having a friend who worked at a company where Robbie could borrow a camera and equipment.Given the worth of AFTV in 2025, it’s inspirational to think it began with two men borrowing kit to film fans outside the Emirates.Robbie encouraged fans to share their thoughts, while his business partner handled editing and uploading.The original plan was to cover every home game, but they quickly added away fixtures, even if it didn’t initially make financial sense.The EthosThirteen years on, it’s easy to reflect, but Robbie’s original business model didn’t include a financial forecast.He was attempting something online that hadn’t been done before, so he had nothing to compare AFTV to.As he learned more about YouTube, his ethos became clear: the target should always be to create the best possible content.His thinking was that if you do that, the cream will rise to the top.Since then, he’s seen many try to copy his success, but with the wrong mindset.He believes today’s content creators want instant results and get frustrated when they don’t go viral immediately.His advice? Love what you talk about. If money is your motivation, you’ve got the wrong attitude.AFTV RobbieA JourneyTo his credit, Robbie never sat still counting his money. He continues to mentor young YouTubers and visits schools to share advice.While he won’t go into detail about business mistakes that cost him a lot of money, he acknowledges that failure is part of the journey.Success comes from learning, and learning often comes through setbacks.As both he and Dhillon agreed, no one becomes the best in their field without having a journey, and without facing a few knocks along the way.The TalkSport ContradictionOver the years, a contradiction has emerged that Robbie doesn’t seem to recognise.Naturally, he’s protective of AFTV. But he doesn’t like the idea of TalkSport critiquing what he built.Yet AFTV’s whole concept is standing outside someone else’s club and telling the world what they should be doing better.He believes Simon Jordan shouldn’t have a say because he doesn’t attend matches.Yet Jordan owned a football club, so by Robbie’s own criteria, he’s arguably more qualified to comment on managers, players, and owners than fans are.Rewriting HistoryRobbie has every right to be proud of what he built. But he rarely acknowledges when critics like Neville or Jordan were right.Privately, AFTV grew to a level where they had to appease sponsors and advertisers, and they did take on board criticism.Some of the original talking heads were quietly removed, certain content was toned down, and regulars became official employees.The idea that traditional media felt threatened by AFTV isn’t entirely fair.AFTV gained traction during Arsenal’s lowest moments, and it’s also true that a generation came to associate support with shouting and swearing.Mainstream pundits are held to different standards. Sky wouldn’t allow the kind of language or behaviour that once appeared on AFTV.The comparison between DT or Troopz and Gary Neville or Roy Keane isn’t accurate, and never was.AdviceRobbie admits to losing money early on, jumping at deals without reading the fine print.One of his strengths is not taking himself too seriously and admitting what he doesn’t know.He now has a lawyer, a financial advisor, a marketing department, and a social media team.He acknowledges that not everyone starts with those resources, he certainly didn’t.But his advice is simple: research everything. The internet is there to help you.Thoughts on the rise of AFTV Gooners?The FutureRemember, AFTV started with a friend borrowing equipment. Just two men, not making any money.Now, under the Global Fan Network banner (which includes DR Sports), there are around 25 full-time staff, 25 freelance contributors, rented studios, and more projects in the pipeline.Whatever your opinion on the content, you have to respect anyone who saw a gap in the market and built something from scratch.Thoughts Gooners?Dan Smith__________________________________________________________________________________________ADMIN COMMENTSo here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, please contact us through this link…More Stories / Latest NewsOpinion: 10 Things We Learned From Robbie Lyle’s Appearance on Jay Dhillon’s Podcast27 July 2025, 22:00Arsenal U-turn: Arteta Opts to Retain Duo Previously Linked With Summer Exits27 July 2025, 20:00Christian Nørgaard Ready for Arsenal Challenge: ‘Best Players in the World’27 July 2025, 17:30The post Opinion: 10 Things We Learned From Robbie Lyle’s Appearance on Jay Dhillon’s Podcast appeared first on Just Arsenal News.