Grassroots Gossip Podcast

Kidsgrove Athletics captain and talisman figure Malbs joins us this week. The former Port Vale, Newcastle Town, Kidderminster and Leek Town forward reflects on his impressive non league career. Talking us through his amazing goal scoring records, battles with mental health, Changing room banter, and much more.

Due to the worldwide pandemic we were forced into a huge break, however we are delighted to now be back. What better way to return to podcast life than with one of the longest serving managers in the non league game. Paul 'Ougie' Holleran has more than 500 games under his belt in the dugout at National league side Leamington FC. The past 10 years Ougie has overseen promotions, play-offs, cup wins, relegation, and guided many talented youngsters into the professional game. Reflecting on his managerial career from his time as a young coach and assistant at Solihull to Successful spells at Kings Norton, Halesowen Town and Rushall Olympic. So many stories, drama, and highlights. This one really is a great listen for any non league fan.

Rushall Olympic Chairman John Allen and Vice Chairman Nick Allen join us to discuss the day to day running's of a Non-League football Club. With over 20 years spent at the club there isn't anything the Allen family don't know about the Mighty Pics. The pair reveal details of the recent ground development and future plans for the club on and off the pitch. JA tell us how he has transitioned from manager to chairman - more than once, The process of hiring and firing managers, signings, contracts, agents and much more.Of course the subject on the worlds mind (corona virus) at the moment is also addressed, highlighting how this has already and may continue to effect the Non-League football calendar.

Goal machine Josh March joins us this week. Now at League 2 side Forest Green Rovers, Josh reflects on his successful time spent in Non-League football. The early days with Tipton Town and the lively group at Causeway United, before back to back promotions at Alvechurch where Josh spent four hugely successful years. The strikers breakthrough season came at Conference North side Leamington. After scoring 24 goals in 27 games the likelihood of making it as a professional become a question of when, not if. Forest Green was the destination as Josh continues to find the net for the football league club.

This week we have a proper Non-League Centre half. The Halesowen Town defender reflects on his trophy filled times at Tividale and Alvechurch as well as his relegation survival as captain of Redditch United. However, its not all titles, cup winners, medals and promotions. Parso also talks us through his off-field antics and team bonding sessions with many close groups of teammates. He has also worked under two of the most successful and respected managers currently working in the midlands. Focusing on this seasons giant killing performances in the FA Trophy run is also highlighted.

We catch up with Premier League striker Andre Gray to discuss his inspirational footballing journey. The former Shrewsbury scholar reflects on his meteoric rise through the leagues. From his Non-league days with Hinckley United and Luton Town to goal scoring spells at Brentford and Burnley. Andre also talks openly about the highs and lows of being in the public eye, the power of social media, and racism in football. A must listen for any Non-league footballer with aspirations to make it to the very top.

Returning for a third time, the boys preview their plans for the upcoming series. Major announcements and changes are revealed, including sponsorship collaborations and exciting merchandise details. Westy & Cazza not only reflect on their predictions from the start of the season but also bring us up to date with their own personal non league stories.Don't miss the big Kick-off episode on Friday!

SERIES 2 FINALE. For the first time ever on the Grassroots Gossip Podcast we have two guests on this weeks show. Former Bromsgrove Sporting teammates - Jason Cowley & Aaron Roberts.Firstly, we are joined by the former Non League goal machine and current Stevenage forward Jason Cowley. Cowls hit the headlines almost every week for his goal scoring ability at Bromsgrove Sporting. Most noticeably a wonder goal that went viral, appearing on Soccer AM and talkSPORT. As a result, he earnt his dream move into league 2 and professional football with Stevenage. Leaving Bromsgrove Sporting as the clubs all time leading scorer while also gaining three consecutive promotions along the way. Lastly but no means least.....Aaron Roberts. The former Bromsgrove Sporting defender spent 10 hugely successful years with the midland club. Originally a product of the youth team, His crazy antics on and off the pitch have always made him a great character in the changing room and permanent fans favourite. Now with Evesham United, Azza is continuing to show his ability as a strong and committed defender with promotion targets In mind.

This week we are joined by Tamworth's number one, Jaz Singh. This experienced Goalkeeper explains what its like to be the man between the posts every week in Non League football. Jaz has his say on Racism in the game, working with Joe Hart during his early professional days at Shrewsbury Town, and discussing his time at huge national league clubs such as AFC Telford, Kidderminster Harriers, Gloucester, and Solihull Moors.

This week we are joined by Ross Thorpe. He tells us about his journey through Non League and how he has landed his current professional role at League 2 Cheltenham Town. This experienced UEFA A licensed coach has represented some of the midlands biggest Non League clubs in a variety of roles including Chief Scout, Assistant, Coach, and manager at clubs such as Solihull Moors, Tividale, Alvechurch, and Sutton Coldfield. Whether its step 5 or the National League, Ross has experienced it all; showing a great enthusiasm and desire to succeed along the way.

Mr. Alvechurch himself - Richard Thorndike reveals what life is really like as a Non League Chairman. From hiring and firing managers, a fascinating insight into budgets, planning permission for the new ground, and how 'The Church' DNA/philosophy is being delivered throughout the football club; This exclusive interview has it all.

Joining us this week is a man who is no stranger to controversy. Welsh Premier League side Connah's Quay is now home to the former non league, Worcester based forward Jamie Insall. A career full of headlines, drama, and highs and lows. Jamie opens up to us about his drugs ban, bare knuckle fighting, making it as a professional in Scotland with Hibernian, and more recently those eventful nights in the Europa league against Kilmarnock and Patizan Belgrade.

The self-proclaimed Marmite Man, Carl Abbott joins us this week to have his say and address some of the misconceptions people may have about him. Abbo the gaffa reflects on his time at Wolverhampton Casuals, Hinckley AFC, Market Drayton Town, and Quorn AFC; while Honestly highlighting some of the highs and lows of non league management including playing budgets, Twitter Spats, Fall outs, and future ambitions. The current Evesham United manager also outlines what he is expecting to see from his Newley assembled step 4 side this season.

Joining us this week is Solihull Moors striker Nathan Blissett. The National League target man tells us how he progressed through the leagues and went from Step 4 Romulus to League 1 Plymouth Argyle. Three promotions and a Wembley appearance to his name, Nathan has experienced great success on the pitch and is aiming to achieve similar goals this season.

Joining us this week we have the former Coleshill Town, Rushall Olympic, and Stafford Rangers Manger Neil Kitching. After being away from the dugout for just over 12 months, Kitch reveals to us how the interview process in non league is structured, as well as highlighting the positives and negatives from taking a break from football. This well respected midlands manager reflects on his experiences of winning promotion, a league title triumph, and cup competitions with his previous clubs. Including an open and honest discussion around his future plans and ambitions in the game.

This week the former Arsenal and Birmingham City defender Sam Oji takes a trip down memory lane, sharing plenty of entertaining stories from his time in the professional and non league game. From signing a 4 year contract at 16 years of age to dealing with serious injuries, Oji's impressive CV really does have it all. A footballing whirlwind of a story, including spells in Sweden, Turkey, and Ireland. Not to mention the interesting characters met along the way. Don't miss it.

Joining us this week we have Mr. Non League himself. Having represented more clubs than we can possibly mention, Hinks vast experience in the game is second to none. With a career entering its 21st season the big man has held various positions during this time including academy manager, coach, scout, assistant, and also 1st team manager. Listen to some of the stories Steve shares, including some impressive impersonations and accents.

This week we are joined by current Walsall Wood player Harry Harris. The former Walsall professional talks us through his journey into non league and shares a few eyebrow raising stories from his experiences. From naked boxing to temporarily stepping in as a manager, Harry really has seen it all.

This week we are joined by referee Ajay Sharma. The up and coming midlands referee speaks openly about being the man in the middle on matchdays. As well as creating The Whistle Foundation charity with a number of other local referrers, Ajay reveals what its really like trying to control and officiate in our non league game. From dealing with Sunday league abuse to being assessed at step 5, everything is covered with refreshing honesty. The new rules (Sin Bins) are also discussed, together with the impact that may have on our upcoming seasons.

This week we are joined by the former non league internet sensation and rabona king himself Sean Geddes. Sean reflects on his time in Manchester United's youth team with the likes of Jesse Lingard, Ravel Morrison, and many more. After hugely successful FA Cup runs with Stourbridge and Worcester, the midfield magician reveals details of all his magic career moments. As well as covering his playing experiences in the professional and non league game, Sean discusses his hopes and ambitions for Black Country Rangers where he has been appointed first team manager this summer.

This week we are joined by the popular and outspoken striker/centre half Francino Francis. The big man has a wealth of non league experience, representing some huge midlands based clubs. After staring his career in the professional game with Watford, Fran lists promotions, FA Vase runs, and reaching round 3 of the FA Cup as his career highlights. Despite mixed reviews of his short time spent in the technical area with Hednesford Town and Heath Hays, Fran is now hoping to cut his teeth in non league management once again.

The recently appointed Stourbridge manager talks us through his successful spells at Tipton, Tividale, and Alvechurch. This open and honest discussion reveals highlights from promotion seasons, player recruitment, working to a budget, and everything else that non league management entails.

We kick off series 2 with Wigan Athletics' defender Cheyenne Dunkley. The Championship footballer reflects on his time in non league with successful spells at Hednesford Town and Kidderminster Harriers. On his return to the professional ranks with Oxford United, Chey went on to make two Wembley appearances and clinch promotion with the U's. This was followed by a transfer to Wigan, a title winning season and a famous FA Cup victory over English Champions Manchester City. This honest and open chat is a great insight into a young footballers mind. Chey's attitude, professionalism, and dedication has enabled him to climb the football pyramid after learning his trade in the non league game. Particularly, a must listen for all young aspiring footballers.

We take a look back at all the talking points from this off-season and preview everything you can expect to see in series 2. The midlands non league scene has been even more lively than usual this summer with social media spats, Management changes, player U-turns and pre-season expectations. We hope you are looking forward to the upcoming episodes as much as we are and we thank you for all your support in series 1.

Matty Clarke joins us this week to finish series one with a bang. The outspoken and well respected character reveals many interesting stories from his playing and managerial days. Having represented the likes of Halesowen, Kidderminster, Hereford United, Telford, and Redditch the former no nonsense defender shares his much talked about incidents in the game. Including, THAT betting scandal, on the pitch punch ups, off the pitch disagreements, and plenty more.

Shrewsbury Town's first team scout Luke Fogarty joins us this week to discuss what it takes to find the next non league star; with an extensive background in non league and chief scout roles at clubs such as Wrexham, Halifax, Telford, North Ferriby, and Leamington, Foggo is more than qualified to share his opinion. Luke has his say on Agents, contracts, exit trials, and the V9 Academy as well as giving listeners an insight into his current role at professional league 1 club Shrewsbury Town.

Ex professional and current Romulus defender Kris Taylor reflects on his footballing career. Signed by Manchester United as a 14 year old for a 6 figure sum, the talented youngster went on to make over 80 appearances for Walsall, winning League 2 in the process. A promotion to league 1 with Hereford was also achieved, followed by spells at Port Vale and Darlington. In addition, Kris honestly and openly discusses how he bravely beat cancer while playing in non league for the likes of Telford, Rushall Olympic, Hednesford Town, and Stafford Rangers.

The well travelled James Hurst joins us this week. Someone who has never been afraid to speak his mind. The controversial character reflects on his journey from Premier League to Non League. Currently at step 4 Sutton Coldfield Town, Hursty discusses young players wages in the professional game, his relationship with fans at various clubs, and off the field antics resulting in brushes with law.

The Sutton Coldfield Town Gaffa Toothy, shares his views and experiences of non league management. It's fair to say the big man does not hold back when reflecting on his short but eventful stay at league rivals Hednesford Town. Successful spells including promotions, cup runs, and the transition from assistant and coach to manager is also discussed.

Redditch United's tough tackling midfielder Batch, joins us to talk about his non league football career. The popular straight-talking character discusses his part in a title winning promotion, head loss moments, manager bust ups, and off the field antics at many of his previous clubs.

The former Premier League striker Marvin Robinson reflects on his footballing career. Revealing the good, the bad & the ugly from his time in the professional and non league game. From a dream debut to dealing with career ending injuries, racism in football and explaining his current role with the FA.

The recently retired manager Steve Burr reflects on his 18 years in charge of eight non league clubs. His role with the England C team is discussed, together with topics such as playing budgets, identifying young talented players, and working with ambitious chairmen. This honest and open chat reveals an inside view from some of Steve's career highlights, including reaching the FA cup 3rd round, promotions, and record winning streaks.

Alvechurch midfielder Tom Tonks talks us through his historic FA cup runs with Stourbridge, Promotion winning season with rivals Halesowen and moving up the non league pyramid with Solihull Moors and Telford.

AFC Telford United striker Amari Morgan-Smith talks about dealing with injuries, attending trials, adapting to non league, and life after football. The Wolverhampton born forward has an FA trophy winners medal, and was part of Cheltenham Towns promotion back to the Football League in the 2015/16 season.

The former Nuneaton Borough F.C chairman Nick Hawkins reveals a unique insight into financial issues, playing budgets, social media fall outs, and football politics. The outspoken character discusses his colourful career from the perspective of past player, manager, and owner of a non league club.

Non league defender Jordaan Brown tells us about his footballing journey, which has taken him from London to the Midlands via spells in Finland and Norway. Jordaan discusses his Europa League debut, living abroad, conference football, and progressing at some of the midlands biggest non league clubs.

Popular target man and fans favourite Kyle Perry reveals his non league stories. The larger than life character discusses reaching round 3 of the FA Cup, turning professional, and his love/hate relationship with managers and fans.

Current AFC Fylde footballer Ashley Hemmings, reflects on the journey through Wolverhampton Wanderers academy to making his memorable first team debut. Loan moves, England U17 call ups, relocating, and his route into non league football.

The former Bromsgrove Sporting captain talks us through his successful time at one of the midlands most supported non league clubs. Looking back at FA Vase cup runs, back to back promotions, the unbeaten season, and much more.

Episode 1 - The prolific journeymen striker,Lee Hughes, joins us to discuss his footballing career. From his achievements in the professional game to his experiences of non league football.