Behind The Badge

On many levels, Paul Simpson could be regarded as one of the best players to have pulled on an Oxford United shirt. A shrewd signing from Manchester City after United tumbled out of the First Division in 1988, 'Simmo' found his feet under the stewardship of Brian Horton and David Fogg and quickly became a huge crowd favourite.Some of his strikes are among United's greatest of all time and he recalled some fantastic stories of a wonderful friendship with Mickey Lewis. After leaving the Manor, Simmo went on to have a stellar career in the Premier League with Derby County, before going into management and international coaching.A fascinating listen! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Behind The Badge had the pleasure of spending well over an hour in the company of the former Oxford United defender Eddie Odhiambo.Eddie's football journey started in the parks of Oxford with his brothers, before he was 'poached' by Southampton just as he was beginning to make his way through the ranks at United.Returning to his boyhood club under Jim Smith during the club's tumultuous first season in the Conference was an 'experience' for Eddie, before he enjoyed recalling a roller-coaster spell playing for Graham Westley at Stevenage. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Level with Bud Houghton on 75 goals, only six players have found the net more times for Oxford United than Paul Moody.A true goalscoring legend, Moods is as much remembered for the different types of goals he scored as the sheer number.As well as being a crucial part of the 1995-96 promotion winning team, the striker's goals in his second spell probably saved the club from back-to-back relegations during a torrid first season at the Kassam Stadium in 2001-02.Dan and James spoke to Paul about everything, both on and off the pitch, the majority of it good but some of it not. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

During the 1980s Oxford United developed some of the greatest homegrown players they have ever produced. Some went on to have fantastic careers at United, others found their feet elsewhere.Behind The Badge had the pleasure of speaking to former midfielder Robbie Mustoe, who still considers Oxfordshire his home despite spending more than a decade at Middlesbrough, where he won promotions, played in major cup finals and established himself in most supporters' all-time best XIs.He's now a familiar face to all football fans on the other side of the pond, having covered the Premier League for more than 10 years as a pundit on US sports channel NBC.Quite simply one of the most fascinating pods that Dan and James have ever done! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a special episode of Behind the Badge, Dan and James speak to Leo Ackerman and Alex Urwin, the authors of Mad Dog: The Mickey Lewis Story.On the fourth anniversary of Mickey's passing, it was our pleasure to speak to two people with such a strong connection to Mickey and to hear the stories behind their book and a true legend of Oxford United. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There wasn't a single job that Les Taylor didn't do at Oxford United during an association with the club that spanned five decades. After moving down from his native North East in the early 70s, the combative midfielder quickly became a cult hero with his full-blooded displays.Les then moved to Watford, playing in the top flight and captaining the Hornets in an FA Cup final, and he recalled some fantastic stories - including some about his relationship with Sir Elton John!He returned to United in the early 90s and went on to help bring through some of the greatest players the club has produced through the school of excellence, YTS scheme and academy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Behind The Badge is back! Ahead of a new series packed with incredible guests, Dan and James are joined by Scott Walkinshaw - aka Oxblogger - as we reveal the six former players you'll hear from in the coming weeks. We also speak to Scott about his brilliant new book, 'The Glory Years: The Rise of Oxford United in the 1980s', which looks back at what can only be described as the best time to be a U's supporter.Available in all good book shops and of course online, 'The Glory Years' has so many stories, so many good times, and so many trophies. Click here to find out more: https://www.pitchpublishing.co.uk/shop/glory-years Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's been a dramatic week at United so Dan and James chew the cud over Des Buckingham's departure and what to expect from new manager Gary Rowett.Des will always be remembered fondly by us fans for leading us to promotion as a hometown boy and also for the exemplary way that he conducted himself on and off the pitch.One of us, he will always be a Yellow. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the third international break of the season upon us we spoke to Dave Pritchard, formerly the Oxford Mail's chief football writer.In his eight-and-a-half years at the Mail, Dave saw United mature from a mid-table League Two team under Chris Wilder to promotion winners under Michael Appleton and League One play-off chasers under Karl Robinson.In that time he followed the rise of a certain Des Buckingham, who this week celebrates a fairy-tale first year in charge of United. Dave also shares his memories of the late George Baldock, a player he got to know while covering the club and one who left his mark on every United fan during his two loan spells here.Last but not least, there is the usual chat about life in the Championship as United gear up for a busy winter! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We've reached another international break, which means it's time for another episode of Behind The Badge - and this time we're joined by the BBC's Chief Football Writer, Phil McNulty.Although a northerner by birth, Phil has lived in Oxford for almost a quarter of a century. He spoke at great length about watching United with his family and friends, working for the BBC and his growing passion for the club in a place he now calls home. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Four games in, six points on the board, and Oxford United have transitioned rather seamlessly (so far) into a Championship club. As we hit the first international break of the season, Dan and James caught up with the Oxford Mail's Liam Rice to discuss United's start to the campaign.We also reflect on transfer deadline day, the announcement of United's 25-man squad and look ahead to the next five games before the break for October's internationals. We hope you enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the eve of the new season, Dan and James are joined by the Oxford Mail's Chief Sports Writer Liam Rice to discuss the excitement ahead of United's first season back in the second tier of English football for a quarter of a century.We discuss new players, potential line ups, where the U's still need to strengthen and make (bold) predictions as to how United will fare! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Only the most optimistic Oxford United fans would have predicted that we'd be talking about promotion-winning bonus edition podcasts just a couple of months ago, but here we are.With great joy, pride and emotion, Dan and James look back on the unbelievable last couple of months of the season, taking you through their journey and the one that saw Des Buckingham's side win promotion to the second tier of English football after an absence of 25 years.What an end to an incredible season! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan and James bring the curtain down on a brilliant fourth series of Behind The Badge. We look back at some of the best bits from the past eight weeks and talk about the here and now at Oxford United.Our thanks to everyone who listens to our podcasts and engages on social media. We'd like to wish you all a Happy Christmas and prosperous 2024! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the last time in Series 4, Behind The Badge is out and about - and this time Dan and James had the pleasure of meeting the former United goalkeeper and goalkeeping coach Wayne Brown.'Brownie' was on top form and gave up more than an hour and a half of his time to look back fondly on his time with the U's. He also had some fascinating insight into his career before joining United. Our particular favourite was his time in South Africa!We asked Wayne about his United exit, which he answered with unbelievable honesty.We know that we say this every week, but this really is an episode that you won't want to miss! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The penultimate guest of Series 4 of Behind The Badge is the former Oxford Mail photographer Dave Fleming.An Oxford lad, who grew up just around the corner from the Manor Ground, Dave is a lifelong United fan and landed what some would say is the dream job as a photographer capturing images of famous matches both home and away.Please check our social media platforms for the photos that we discuss with Dave, from fabulous derby wins and promotions to desperate times in the Conference.Find out the stories behind the stories and more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, Behind The Badge speaks to a player that didn't spend long at United but will forever be remembered as part of the side that completed the double over Swindon in the 2011/12.Oli Johnson scored the second goal in a nail-biting 2-0 win at the Kassam Stadium, as the U's played 80 minutes with 10 men after James Constable's early red card.Oli tells us of his sharp rise into professional football and his equally rapid decline back into non-league, which began when he was told he would be leaving United. His insight into the dressing room at a time when Chris Wilder's team had just missed out on a play-off spot is interesting...to say the least! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this edition of Behind The Badge we had the pleasure of speaking to the former Oxford United manager Brian Horton.'Nobby' is one of the most experienced men to ever grace the game with over 2,000 matches in professional football as a player, manager and assistant manager.He kept United in Division Two (now the Championship) against all the odds during a turbulent time off the pitch, but on it the U's were bringing through fantastic young players and selling on the likes of Paul Simpson, Mark Stein and Andy Melville for huge profits.Brian's relationship with Kevin Maxwell is well documented throughout and he recalls the day he was famously asked to succeed his good friend Mark Lawrenson as manager.We also hear about numerous other interesting parts of Brian's long career in football. It's a fascinating listen! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Behind The Badge is back with a special episode discussing the recent departure of Oxford United Head Coach Liam Manning to Championship side Bristol City.We're joined by the Oxford Mail's Liam Rice to discuss Manning's time at United, how events unfolded and what happens next. Who could fill the role and be United's third permanent manager of 2023? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Behind The Badge speaks to a man who helped launch the United careers of the likes of Joey Beauchamp, Chris Allen, Jamie Brooks, Paul Powell, Dean Whitehead, Chris Hackett.....the list goes on!Malcolm Elias has worked in football for almost 40 years, starting as youth development officer at the Manor Ground in the 1980s. He's still going strong at Fulham in 2023, via spells at Swansea City, Southampton and Liverpool.Malcolm had plenty of fantastic stories to tell, including how he started the Centre of Excellence at United before going on to help discover the likes of Gareth Bale and Theo Walcott at Southampton and begging Liverpool to give Trent Alexander-Arnold a chance - despite his strong roots on the blue half of Merseyside.A fascinating listen! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dan and James start Series 4 on the road with a trip to meet former United No.1 Ryan Clarke.'Clarkey' joined in 2009, made well over 250 appearances for the club and will forever be remembered for being part of the team that won promotion back to the Football League at Wembley.Behind The Badge hears how the 'keeper played through the pain barrier, fought back from injury to win player of the year under Michael Appleton - only for the club to then let him go - and how he forged a lasting bond with fellow members of the goalkeepers' union, Alan Hodgkinson and Wayne Brown. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Behind The Badge is back for Series 4 and, as always, we kick-off with a preview of what you can expect this time around.Dan and James discuss a positive few months for United - on and off the pitch - and also reveal our guests for this series. We hope you enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was worth the wait! Stuart Massey played the best football of his career on the hallowed Manor Ground turf. As an Oxford United fans' favourite of the mid 90s, he loved every minute of it.Sometimes you listen to a podcast and hang off every last word that the guest has to say....this is one of them. Get in there! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jason Burt reports on the very best that football has to offer in his job as The Telegraph's Chief Football Correspondent.Now settled with his family in Oxford, he is very much an Oxford United supporter and loves it when the chance arises to report on the U's - or watch them as a fan when he's not working.With interesting views on the new stadium proposal, especially when you consider he's a North Oxford resident, Jason offered an intriguing insight into the club that he's now adopted as his own. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Back in the summer of 2011, Oxford United announced the signing of a former Premier League defender. Not only that, this man had played in Champions League semi-finals and had the look of someone that could tell a good story.Sure enough, Michael Duberry didn't disappoint! Unfortunately for 'Dubes', his spell at United ended following a career-threatening neck injury. We speak to him about that, his interesting first impressions of the club and, of course, doing the double over that lot up the road. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Next up on Behind The Badge is a man whose voice is forever etched in supporters' memories for his clever and witty reports as Oxford United went from the top of English football to the bottom, with further ups and downs along the way.Tim Russon was the Central News South sports editor for more than 30 years, covering United as they won the Milk Cup and gained promotion to Division One. He was even offered a senior role at the club by Firoz Kassam! Listen in on some great stories, and some embarrassing fanboy chat! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The last man to lead Oxford United to promotion is the next guest on Behind The Badge.Little was known of Darryl Eales before he headed up the takeover from Ian Lenagan. Buried in the same press release was the news that Michael Appleton was United's next manager.What followed was a season of consolidation before promotion to League One and a number of glorious cup matches.It wasn't all plain sailing though, and we find out more about his reasons for leaving the club when he did. A must listen! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Steve Basham played for United for five years, signing in 2002 under Ian Atkins before leaving at the end of the first season in non-league football in 2007.'Bash' was top scorer on three occasions in his time at the club as the U's twice came close to reaching the League Two play-offs before suffering a heart-breaking relegation in 2006.He relives the ups and downs of his United career and reveals how the players coped with particular restraints under the ownership of Firoz Kassam. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Behind The Badge is back and Series 3 promises to be the best yet! A plethora of guests look back at the good, the bad and the ugly of Oxford United's history. Promotions, relegations, big games...stay tuned for more! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

All good things must come to an end and that's exactly what's happening to Series 2 of Behind The Badge.In this episode we wrap up the second series, look ahead to the third (there definitely will be one!) and talk about James's time ending at the Oxford Mail. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oxford United's very own captain marvel is the latest guest on Behind The Badge. It's the man who had more hairstyles than club goals, Mike Ford!'Fordy' spent 10 years playing for United, plus three more on the coaching staff. He was part of teams that were relegated, promoted and more than held their own at Championship level.He has some great stories to tell...on and off the pitch! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The latest guest on Behind The Badge is a player that was only at Oxford United for a couple of years, but left a big impression and is still highly regarded.Midfielder (cum left-back!) Scott Davies had other things going on in his life while he was at United but it was only after he left the club in 2014 that this all came to light.Scott told us his story, warts and all, in exactly the way you would expect. Full of honesty, charm and good humour! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of Oxford United's unsung heroes from the play-off challenging era at the start of the 2010s is the guest on this week's podcast.Defender/midfielder Andy Whing played a massive part in two derby victories against Swindon, scored a goal of the season strike and bowed out as a cult hero when injury cut his career short aged just 30.He's now cutting his managerial teeth at non-league level, as we discuss the key moments of his time at United, Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Behind The Badge is back and what a way to begin our second series, with one of THE faces of the Manor Ground.It is of course Mick Moore, United's former groundsman (and stadium manager!) and he sure does have some fantastic stories to tell! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Johnny 'The Magnet' Mullins is our guest on this edition of Behind The Badge.We delve into the 2015/16 promotion winning squad, find out about Johnny's interesting relationship with the manager of a previous club and get an honest and frank answer on how it felt when he didn't get offered a new contract by United in the summer of 2016. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're getting a different perspective on this week's edition of Behind The Badge, speaking to an internationally recognised journalist who has followed Oxford United in depth for over 25 years.Among many other things within the media, Jim White is a columnist at The Telegraph and a former writer for The Guardian. He moved to Oxford in the 1990s and has stayed here ever since, enjoying the highs and lows of the boys in yellow and blue! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kelvin Thomas's time at Oxford United was eventful, to say the least!The former United chairman tells Behind The Badge pretty much everything about his tenure from relegation to promotion, new (blue!) home kits and a League Two title challenge against the U's after taking over at Northampton.It's a great listen and definitely not one to miss! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Behind The Badge speaks to our first former Oxford United manager as Ian Atkins joins the pod.After a successful playing career which took in top-flight football with Sunderland, Everton and Ipswich Town, Ian moved into management and arrived at United during their first season at the Kassam Stadium.It was a turbulent time at the club but Atkins steered the U's to safety before twice challenging for the play-offs. His stint at United ended in rather strange circumstances but we'll find out how and why, and hear about the tough decisions he had to take in moving on fans' favourites. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Behind The Badge speaks to a 90s Oxford United legend who played for the club for eight years, winning promotion and suffering relegations. (It was the 90s at OUFC after all!)Matt Murphy joined United from non-league and went on to make nearly 300 appearances, scoring 55 goals along the way.He scored two goal of the season contenders - in the same season - and played with some of the best footballers to have ever worn the famous yellow shirt. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The first former Oxford United player to speak to Behind The Badge is Andy Burgess. Andy gives a full and frank assessment of his United career, speaks for the first time about a medical condition that hindered his time at the club and reveals his worst moment as a professional footballer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Introducing Behind The Badge - a NEW podcast on all things Oxford United! Dan Freeman and James Roberts speak to former #oufc players, managers and more to get the inside track on their time at the club.In this, the pilot episode, Dan and James discuss some of the names they'll be chatting to over the coming weeks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.