The Speaking Frankly Football Show

TSFFS S2 EP32 This week's episode kicks off with an exciting update from the NWCFL, showcasing the key movers and shakers shaking up the division. We speak with the vice-chairman of Telford Town FC, Adam Wilson, who sheds light on ongoing rumours about his club, addressing reports of budget cuts and ambitions to climb higher. Next, we explore how local non-league clubs in the North West—such as Bootle, Bury, Clitheroe, and Prescot Cables—are performing in their respective divisions, highlighting their triumphs and challenges. The action continues as we review the latest from the FA Vase and FA Trophy. West Didsbury & Droylsden's Vase run ends, but Marine and Southport are charging ahead, securing semi-final spots. We also revisit Chester, where Calum McIntyre's tenure takes an unexpected turn. Initially planning to see out the season, Calum's decision shifted, and Connell Rawlinson steps in as interim boss, sparking speculation about the club's future leadership—with the thinking that their next manager has been decided already! In the second half, we chat with NWCF league representative Martin Fallon about his club, Runcorn Town, and then delve into the world of Groundhopping. Martin shares fascinating insights into how Groundhop events have energised local clubs and provided vital financial boosts over the past eight years, often unappreciated for the effort they require. We wrap up with our usual predictions and expert analysis, including an in-depth look at Skelmersdale United FC. All this and more—don't miss it!

TSFFS S2 EP31 This week, we dive into the exciting world of North West Counties football, bringing you a lively roundup of the past week's results. But that's not all—get ready to explore local non-league action at various levels. Bury has made a big splash, convincing Veron Parny to sign on the dotted line. Their gain is, sadly, Clitheroe's loss, arriving just as the club was hitting its stride. It's a thrilling FA Trophy weekend! Both Marine and Southport are in the 6th Round, each hosting key matches: Marine take on Woking, and Southport faces Yeovil. We'll also shine a spotlight on Bury, Bootle, Lower Breck, and Prescot Cables. Tonight's match promises excitement—Lower Breck hosts Bury in front of a packed crowd. A Bury win could see them leap seven points ahead, while a victory for Lower Breck would close the gap to just one. In our controversial corner, we tackle the ongoing issue of racism in football, highlighting recent disturbing incidents at Route One Rovers and Steeton. When and how can this ugliness be stopped? Chester FC's board has issued an apology after their assistant manager and kit man responded angrily to fan frustrations. The fun seems to have faded from the game. And speaking of drama, Kings Lynn Town finds itself in hot water over a suspected match-fixing allegation. After their recent game against South Shields was postponed due to waterlogged pitches, photos surfaced suggesting their irrigation system was used to influence their postponement. If guilty, what consequences lie ahead? We wrap up with updates on Skem United and share our predictions for the week, including exciting matches during the groundhop weekend. Plus, we check in on Droylsden and West Didsbury & Chorlton, both in the sixth round of the FA Vase. All this and more—stay tuned for an action-packed episode! 

TSFFS S2 EP30 Join us as we welcome Andy Barlow, the manager of Skelmersdale United, to this exciting episode! This week, we're diving into lively discussions with our guest panellist, Andy Barlow, whose stellar non-league football career makes him the perfect voice to discuss local football scenes. We kick things off with the NWCFL, the Macron Cup, and spotlight some of the league's biggest movers and shakers, lighting up the competition. Next, we venture into the National League and Northern Premier League, highlighting stories from Bootle, Clitheroe, Prescot, Marine, Southport, and more. But it's not all about praise—controversy takes centre stage. We explore the disrespect shown by Chelsea players towards young supporters and delve into the ongoing saga at Brickfield Rangers, where referees are being asked not to officiate due to threats and abuse from a manager targeting U18 officials. The blanket ban on refereeing at Rangers at all levels remains in force. We also reveal the well-kept secret of Dave Kitson's surprising self-outing as the "Secret Football Manager." A former player who penned revealing articles for The Guardian and authored books exposing the darker side of professional football, Kitson took a huge career risk by speaking out in an era when whistleblowing was more dangerous. Turning to Andy Barlow's journey in football, we explore how he started at Manchester City as a youth and, despite not reaching the top tiers, achieved notable milestones, including advancing to the FA Cup second round and drawing Manchester United in the third-round draw! We wrap up with our signature predictions and insightful analysis of upcoming fixtures. All that and much more—stay tuned and get ready for an episode packed with passion, controversy, and expert insights.

TSFFS S2 EP29 This week, we dive into a lively roundup of the NWCFL, highlighting all the key movers and shakers shaping the league. We also explore the vibrant world of local non-league football in the National League North and the Northern Premier League. Bury fans' long-standing wish came true as Anthony Johnson parted ways with Radcliffe. However, this change sparked a split in the football club, with Bernard Morley remaining at Radcliffe. Managing his boyhood team has always been a dream for Johnson, so it is an understandable departure. In a heated segment, we examine Droylsden's FA Vase triumph over Bilston Town—a victory marred by a shocking outbreak of violence at the final whistle. Chester supporter Lee Newman faces a three-year ban after an incident at Worksop Town, where he entered the away dressing room to hurl abuse at his own players and staff following a 2-1 defeat. While crossing boundaries raises the question: Is there a limit to what's acceptable when it comes to fan conduct? We wrap up with our weekly predictions and expert insights, promising an exciting finish to this episode. All this and more, coming your way.

Join us once again as we immerse ourselves in the vibrant world of the NWCFL. With the season hurtling toward its exhilarating climax, we spotlight the clubs soaring to new heights and those facing tough challenges. We'll celebrate Marine and Southport, fresh off remarkable victories in the FA Trophy's fifth round, and reveal their upcoming quarter-final opponents. The Northern Premier League West heats up, with Lower Breck enduring three straight defeats and Runcorn Linnets climbing to the summit. Their crucial clash this weekend could be a game-changer—a true six-pointer. Meanwhile, Morecambe has made headlines by replacing its manager and bringing back club legend Jim Bentley for the rest of the season. What's driving the trend of interim managers, and why are clubs hesitant to commit long-term? Who will step into Chester's managerial role next? Once again, a club has issued a termination notice. More clubs seem to be taking this route—could they already have successors in mind, waiting in the wings? The FA's plans to expand Step Six leagues from 17 to 24 raise questions. Will this dilute the divisions further? Could it lead to financial challenges as divisions possibly shrink? The NWCFL already faces tough times with fewer than 20 teams in the North and South. Could we see divisions reduced to just 16 teams? With Wolverhampton Sporting Community resigning from NWCFL Div One South, we ask: Is the strain of heavy travel too much to bear? Or should clubs prepare for these challenges? Finding the right balance in non-league football feels more complicated than ever—and perhaps it's an issue the FA needs to address. We conclude with our latest update on Skem, bold predictions for the week ahead, and expert insights to keep you ahead of the game. All this and much more await you. Dive in and stay tuned for an action-packed journey through non-league football. 

TSFFS S2 EP27 On this week's show, we take a look at all the movers and shakers in the NWCFL.  We take a look at the National League North, particularly Marine and Southport. With a preview on their games in the 5th Round of the FA Trophy at the weekend.  We also dive into the Northern Premier League and discuss Bury, Clitheroe, Lower Breck, Prescot Cables, and Runcorn Linnets. We take a look at the controversial news of Michael Clegg's return to management at Hyde United and Rob Smethurst's return to the Macclesfield hot seat.  We speak to Colne FC co-chairman Trevor Abraham in the second part of the show to discuss how tough it is to run a club on pure love, sweat and tears.  The final part of the show looks at Skelmersdale United and their recent 7-1 defeat to East Villa Rail, before we round up with our usual predictions and expert analysis. All that and more. 

TSFFS S2 EP26 We kick off this episode with our lively NWCFL roundup, highlighting last week's results and shining a special spotlight on Burscough Football Club, who are riding high with incredible form. They've also announced their unique "football for a five" event ahead of this weekend's clash against Prestwich Heys. Controversial Corner is riddled with heated debates. Tommy Taylor's sensational attack on his opponent has gone viral. During a match between Trearddur Bay FC and Porthmadog in the Ardal North West League, Taylor delivered a vicious elbow that floored his rival. We ponder: what should be the appropriate punishment? A lifetime ban? Or could we draw parallels to Eric Cantona's infamous kung-fu kick over thirty years ago, which resulted in community service and an eight-month suspension? Police have already bailed him, and things aren't looking good. But at 35, will a ban really change anything? We wrap up the show by analysing Skelmersdale United, the latest headlines from the LCP, including the breaking news that Deysbrook FC has resigned from the league: our predictions and expert insights into upcoming fixtures complete the episode. All this and more—stay tuned.  

TSFFS S2 EP25 We start as usual with a rundown of the events over the last week in the NWCFL, and look at the winners and losers. We take a look at Macclesfield and their giant-killing of FA Cup holders Crystal Palace. Both Marine and Southport have progressed to the next round of the FA Trophy, but Clitheroe's fantastic run has come to an end. American investment is becoming more prevalent in non-league football, and to add to the list of takeovers, Stafford Rangers are in the process of being bought out. In part two of the show, we speak to our special guest, Glynn Hurst. Glynn has had a stellar career in the professional game and is now putting his expertise to the test as the new manager of Pilkington FC. In part three of the show, we talk about all things Skelmersdale United before delivering our predictions for the week ahead, as well as our expert analysis. All that and more.

TSFFS S2 E24 As always, we kick things off with an energetic roundup of the NWCFL, highlighting the clubs that thrived despite the challenging festive weather. We delve into the issues at the City of Liverpool, questioning whether the club can weather the storm or if it's facing an uncertain future. Meanwhile, Marine set a new 21st-century record attendance on Boxing Day with 2,314 fans watching their thrilling 4-2 victory over local rivals Southport. Prescot Cables has been forced to tighten its belt again, losing players in the process. Is midseason cutbacks a smart move or a risky gamble? Shocking managerial changes include Brad Cooke stepping down from Runcorn Linnets and Michael Clegg departing from Atherton Collieries. The biggest surprise? Matty Boswell leaving third-placed Telford Town in NWC Division One South to join struggling Shawbury United, languishing near the bottom of the same division. What's behind these moves? Bury FC faces uncertainty as they search for a new leader after Dave McNabb. With interim manager Tim Lees at the helm, should they stick with him or bring in an outsider? Only results will tell. Ruben Amorim talked himself out of biggest job in the world—was it a wise career move, or is he laughing all the way to the bank? Interestingly, at non-league level, managers often talk themselves out of positions to avoid appearing at fault. We wrap up by shining a spotlight on Skelmersdale United and then look ahead by previewing the upcoming NWCFL fixtures. Get ready for an exciting ride!          

TSFFS S2 EP23 On this week's show, we look at all things NWCFL and the movers and shakers.  We take a look at Clitheroe's triumphant victory over National League Premier Division team York City in the FA Trophy, as well as Marine & Southport's progress to the 4th round.  We shape up for a controversial corner, where we discuss the shenanigans at Bury FC and their shock appointment of Michael Jolley, which didn't last long, as within a couple of days he resigned when social media decided to put a man convicted of a sex offence on trial again. Tim Lees has been appointed interim Manager until the end of the season, with Sam Ashton joining him as his assistant. This seems to be a very popular appointment amongst the supporters. But the question is, can a supporter-run football club destroy the fabric within it, or are the custodians the ones at fault? We look at the finalised details of David Stockdale's takeover at Farsley Celtic. They will now become FC Farsley Sports Club, now that the club has been liquidated and Paul Barthorpe has given up control of the club.  We finish the end-of-year show, talking all things Skelmersdale United, and give our final predictions and our expert analysis on local football.  All that and more. 

TSFFS S2 EP22 This week, we dive into the NWCFL and highlight the key clubs making headlines. We review all the clubs that participated in the FA Vase last weekend and discuss the draw for the 4th Round. In the FA Trophy 3rd round, we examine Clitheroe's showcase fixture against York, Southport's home tie versus Leek Town, Marine's game against Curzon Ashton, and Radcliffe's tough away trip to Hereford. In the controversial section of the show, Paul McNally has been announced as the new manager of the newly formed Widnes Town. Southport has received backing from the FA after deciding to call off their Liverpool Senior Cup match against COL due to historical debts. The question remains: do Southport get a bye to the next round? In the second part of the show, we speak to Eccleshall manager Liam Kelly, whose no-nonsense attitude is making waves in the NWC Division One South. At just 33 years old, he has steadily progressed the club each season since taking the role four years ago. In the final part of the show, we discuss Skelmersdale United before turning our attention to predictions for the week ahead, alongside our expert analysis. All that and more.     

TSFFS S2 EP 21 We begin the show with our usual feature on the NWCFL, covering all the highs and lows, and the key movers and shakers. Lower Brecks captain Connor Millington attributes the club's success to unity. "They are going that extra 10 per cent for each other," he says. But what has happened at Bury, who've moved their manager upstairs and are currently seeking a replacement? Radcliffe has confirmed that an approach was made regarding Managers Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley, and wishes to clarify that it has been formally rejected. One assumes this was for the vacant position at Bury. We ask, what kind of manager is the right fit for the club?  In the controversial section of the show, we examine Prescot Cables' decision to forfeit their game against Lower Breck in the Liverpool Senior Cup, without a goalkeeper fit enough to compete.  "Rules set by the County FA state that, as this is a rescheduled fixture following an earlier postponement on 17th November, only players registered with the club on the original match date are eligible. The FA has rejected our request for dispensation to register the emergency loan, which leaves us facing the farcical prospect of playing without a goalkeeper." Are the rules more of a hindrance than a help? Morecambe have hit the headlines again, not long after it had all gone quiet. This time, one of the key figures involved in Morecambe's summer takeover and ongoing management has been sanctioned by the UK government, suspected of links to terrorist organisations in India. Shock or storm in a teacup? If you can't offer a balanced critique to a referee face-to-face, is it fair to do so on a public forum? The refereeing fraternity thinks not, and they're not backwards in coming forward with their opinions. We discuss our latest experience with a referee at our level and pose all kinds of questions.  We finish the show with our usual predictions and expert analysis.  All that and more. 

TSFFS S2 EP20 After a no-show last week, we're back with an epic episode that kicks things into high gear! We open with a heartfelt tribute to Roly Howard, who sadly passed away at 90 last week. Roly was a legend not just here but far and wide, thanks to his unwavering loyalty to Marine, a club he managed for an incredible 33 years, earning himself a spot in the Guinness Book of Records. Next up, Ramsbottom manager Steve Wilkes hits a remarkable milestone, surpassing 1,300 matches over a 28-year managerial career. Congratulations to him! As always, we round up the NWCFL and local non-league football before diving into some hot-button issues. Big news: Richard Brodie has been appointed the new manager of the City of Liverpool. We debate— is this a golden opportunity for him or a potential poison chalice? We also analyse Marine and Southport's recent strong form in the National League North. Then, it's time for the controversial headlines: AFC Rushden & Diamonds' match abandoned due to sexist comments toward a female assistant; Eastbourne Borough FC reimbursing supporters after a poor result; and the shocking story of a Sunday league player jailed for 12 months for attacking an opponent. The NWCFL and Midland League have joined forces to call for talks with the FA to redefine league boundaries. We discuss whether the current system is flawed, especially given rising travel costs and the dilution of the pyramid structure. We explore the world of football agents and ask—the right time for a player to sign with one, especially at this level, where it seems downright bonkers! Flixton FC, dissolved 13 years ago, reformed in February and now seeks entry into the NWCFL. Should they be forced to start at step seven or be given a chance to bypass that based on their history? We wrap up with a focus on Skem United, followed by our weekend predictions and expert analysis. All that and more—stay tuned for an action-packed episode! 

This week's episode is packed with exciting updates and deep dives! We kick things off with a thrilling roundup of the latest results from the NWCFL. We also look at the standout performances in the higher leagues from Marine, Southport, Lower Breck, Bury, and Clitheroe—to name a few. Next, we delve into the latest FA Vase results and reveal the draw for the upcoming round—you won't want to miss the detailed analysis! Daisy Hill's stadium was given a new name recently—thanks to Angry Ginge, who is now sponsoring it and has acquired the Stadium's naming rights. The Ginge Power Stadium. Plus, Ginge is making waves outside football as a celebrity contender for I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! — but is he truly a star? We discuss his rising fame and impact on non-league football. In more sensational stories, last week Joe Connor was sacked via text, and this week Aaron Seviour was dismissed by email after an unusual situation involving dual registration with another club. We unpack the drama behind these sacking stories. The controversy continues as Maghull manager Joey Burns shared a photo of a glaring missed offside decision—only to be criticised by senior level five referee Scott Hendry for voicing his grievance on social media. We examine the advantages and disadvantages of venting frustrations online. We also take a close look at Skelmersdale United, followed by our predictions for the week ahead and expert analysis to guide your footballing insights. All this and much more in another action-packed episode. Stay tuned! 

This week on TSFFS S2 EP 18, we're diving into the latest action in the NWCFL with winners, losers, and the teams defying expectations. Plus, we'll explore how clubs like Chester, Marine, Prescot Cables, and Southport are shaping the battles in the National League North and NPL. But it's not all sunshine—things get controversial as we tackle issues closer to home, including our own Skelmersdale United. When you see something wrong in the game, who can you turn to? Is it possible to report misconduct without facing retribution? Are referees and officials under pressure from players and clubs? Does anyone care at this level? We also discuss Southport's stance on refusing to face City of Liverpool over alleged unpaid loan players—should off-field drama be aired publicly before all facts are in? And is it right to refuse to play? The drama continues with kit clashes and a pitch tear at a match between Hanvant & Waterlooville & Farnham Town, leaving us wondering—was something in the air from "The Solent" or just bad luck? And here's a shocker—can you really sack someone via text? We look into Southend Manor FC's bizarre story of their manager Joe Connor, who was dismissed with a simple message after just one game. Cowardice or tough decision? In the second half, we focus on Skem Utd's recent result before previewing upcoming fixtures, including the second round of the FA Vase. All this and more awaits. You won't want to miss this episode!

On this week's episode, we're diving headfirst into the latest buzz surrounding the NWCFL, shining a spotlight on the league's most exciting movers and shakers. Get ready for an in-depth look at standout clubs in the National League North and the Northern Premier League, along with an exclusive early peek at the upcoming Second Round draw for the FA Trophy. But it's not all just highlights and draws—we're tackling a serious issue: violence at football matches. Hear the harrowing story of Richard Agbasoga, who was viciously kicked and punched in the head during a game for Ormskirk West End after a pitch-side altercation, leaving him with a fractured skull. Tensions flared as a dozen or so men stormed onto the pitch just as chaos erupted during the game. We question whether these violent incidents are on the rise and discuss the troubling increase in verbal abuse among players, managers, and supporters. Is it time to hit the brakes before violence spirals out of control? In the show's second half, we welcome a very special guest—Dave Dempsey, manager of Burscough. He shares the wild story of what might be the shortest, and most controversial, management tenure in Northern Premier League history—just three days at Prescot Cables. He also opens up about what led to his sacking at Clitheroe, despite the team being third in the league. Additionally, Dave discusses his journey from player to manager and his mission to turn Burscough's fortunes around. And finally, we look at Skelmersdale United's recent setbacks and the tough road ahead in a league that's proving more challenging than ever. All this and much more—stay tuned for an episode packed with action, drama, and insight you won't want to miss!

TSFFS S2 EP 16 Get ready for this week's electrifying episode! We kick things off with a lively roundup of the FA Vase, including the heated controversy surrounding the replay decision between Wythenshawe and Holker Old Boys. Next, we unravel the latest from the NWCFL, highlighting Padiham's commanding lead in the Premier Division and Burscough FC's impressive streak, which has created a winning mentality. In some sad news, Richard Brodie has been dismissed as manager of Glossop North End after a series of tough losses, though fans believed they were finally turning a corner. We dive into the local action with our usual National League and Northern Premier League analysis. Still, things heat up as we discuss the fiery clash between Kidsgrove players and Avro supporters—an incident that saw the game abandoned in the 83rd minute with Avro leading 6-0. Finally, we celebrate Skelmersdale United's remarkable turnaround—a fresh new shirt sponsor and back-to-back wins—and gear up for the weekend's fixtures with our expert predictions and insights. All this and more—stay tuned for an episode packed with drama, debate, and expert analysis!

In this exciting episode, we're thrilled to welcome Jay Hawkes — our special guest and this week's panellist — proud new Chairman of Burscough FC. We start with our signature round-up of the NWCFL and The Macron Cup, highlighting the top contenders and the clubs fighting hard at the bottom. Get ready to dive into updates on Marine, Southport, and Bury — plus a spotlight on clubs that have made it to the first Proper Round of the FA Cup. Meanwhile, Morecambe FC's FA Cup journey ended unexpectedly with a defeat to Chester, sparking a hot debate: should their owners consider a managerial change? We also explore the tricky world of social media and football management — specifically, should managers publicly criticise their players? We discuss Bracknell Town's Matt Saunders, who faced heavy criticism after his social media comments. In the second part, we explore Jay Hawkes and Burscough FC in more depth, uncovering what makes the club tick. Finally, we spotlight Skelmersdale United, preview this weekend's fixture lineup, and share expert predictions.

TSFFS S2 EP14 - Exciting Football Insights! This week, we're diving into the latest buzz around the NWCFL and exploring the vibrant non-league scene across the Northwest. From Bury and Chester to Macclesfield, Marine AFC, and Southport, we cover the biggest stories and moments that matter. In the show's second half, don't miss our exclusive interview with Jamie Rainford, the new manager of Litherland Remyca. He's sharing his remarkable journey, including the highs and lows of a career that didn't make it to the Football League. Gain a rare glimpse into what it takes to succeed — or fail — in the beautiful game, and hear his honest reflections on luck, naivety, and the road less travelled. Aspiring footballers and fans alike will find his story inspiring and eye-opening. Next, we analyse upcoming fixtures, offer predictions, and dissect the key battles to watch this week. Plus, a quick chat about Skem to wrap things up. Tune in for all that and more — it's a jam-packed episode you won't want to miss!

This week's episode features the usual round-up of local results, including the NWCFL, the FA Vase, and the FA Cup. We take a closer look at the results at Daisy Hill and the return to form of AFC Liverpool. We also explore the Controversial Corners of our game, including: A discussion on the improvements at Morecambe FC since the takeover, or lack thereof, on the pitch. Football authorities at the Berks & Bucks FA state that "come on, lads" is an offensive term that should not be used. We think that's rubbish! The mysterious episode where floodlights fail when the home team is losing 3-0. We speak to Arron Ripley, the manager of Nelson FC, who was controversially sacked despite a 72% win rate, then reinstated eight months later. We finish the show with our usual chat about Skem, look at the fixtures upcoming this weekend, and provide predictions and expert analysis. All that and more.