"The Tea Party" Podcast

Hey up there's another one out! Yeah, we're back with our regular trip down memory lane, to a time when the Team of the 90s had the best fanzine in the country. It's issue 17 this time, and on the subject of Teams of the Decade, we look back at another win over Palace, managed by fedora-wearing berk Malcolm Allison, albeit in pre-fedora days. Bizarre 90s broadcasting regulations (yep the country was insane then, too) mean that Alan Rothwell makes a guest appearance, and there's a full report from the pre-season game at Morecambe, complete with "police dog being kicked up the arse" story. Oh yes, and there's more about the club trying to get us banned from selling, the rotters. And we're serious about the Team of the 90s, by the way. Have a listen as to why.

We're back, baby! Yep, despite saying that the last episode, over 2 years ago (shocked face), would be the last standalone one prior to joining forces with "The Scarf Bergara Wore," here we are. We're liars, what can we say? Slight change of format, as we've sacked off the guests. Dead weight, frankly. Only kidding - head on over to https://scarfbergarawore.co.uk for yer guests. This is just Dave, scratching himself on air. Er, scratching an itch. Listen to the intro if you're not sure what that's all about. So come back with us now to September 1992, and hear how the Team of the Nineties gave Brian Clough's Forest a footballing lesson. Or maybe it was Bratfud. And note the spelling...

Here we go with the final standalone TTP podcast, and it's episode 14b, with TTP original Rob Beswick and Friend of the Podcast Stuart White. Again, we were in the Blossoms back in late March, and so weren't aware of how the season would end (although we all had a pretty good idea by then, of course) In fanzine terms, we mainly discuss issue 16 (we thought we'd fit 15 in at a later date, which intention was overtaken by events, of course), which had a cover wholly created by Rob, ahead of the League Cup tie with Brian Clough's Nottingham Forest; the games are discussed of course, as is the standing ovation Cloughie got on the way out before the EP game. We also discuss why people hate Jim Gannon (spoiler: we don't get to the bottom of it), and the nadir of the deteriorating relations with the club, which culminated with them attempting to ban the fanzine from being sold around the ground. Whether that was directly linked with the nascent Edgeley Park Echo and the perception that there was money in printed publications we couldn't possible say. We also talk Burnley being okay really, County's prospects for going up and how well we were playing at the time(!), and Arthur and his memorial gate. Also, we highlight the hilarious Newman and Baddiel sketch History Today - spot the bedwetters reference... Finally, in't modern football great!

Finally! Episode 14 arrives in your earboxes. Special guests Rob Beswick and Stuart White talks all things early 90s County, with Wembley memories - not just Stoke (sob) and Peterborough (sob), but also Vale (sob) and Burnley (FFS). We also discuss keeping in touch with County excitement from Indonesia in a pre-internet age (not easy). Other topics include the Stoke semi and the madness afterwards, Sky TV naivety, Brett Angell's Southend tribunal shenanigans, John Peel being a TTP fan, and unfortunate (in retrospect) Jimmy Hill/Saville crossover cartoon, and Stuart's experience of decent Burnley fans commiserating with him about County's position today Oh yes, and the exclusive John Bilsbury jingle makes its first appearance.

Sooo, after a bit of a summer break, we've started recording more podcasts. Well, if you will keep listening to them that's what's gonna happen. It's your fault. The guest for this one was Ken Riley, County fan of many years, and someone who a lot of fans will know, even if they haven't met him directly. Ken used to run coaches to away games in the pre-success/pre-fanzine days - and as we've heavily implied, those two things are inextricably linked of course. I think we can all agree that County's success in the 90s was down to The Tea Party. You're welcome. Ken also contributed to TTP regularly, and in fact off his own bat set up and carried out an interview with Kevin Francis for us - and further interviews with Dave Jones and Lee Todd a bit later on, all of which we'll come to in due course. And of late, Ken's been a regular contributor to Marion's... And why 12a? Well, mainly the humour of avoiding the "unlucky" number 13, of course. And when you consider that the weeks directly after the release of this issue saw two heartbreaking defeats on our first ever trips to Wembley stadium, you can see how effective that little ploy was, can't you? Yes.

Episode 12, and we welcome Friend of the Podcast John Bilsbury (he's namechecked by George in the jingle, by George!), and the third - count 'em, third! - fanzine editor to appear on the podcast, Mark Smith. The cost of admission is covered once more, this time via a letter from a City fan taking issue with our complaint about it costing £7 to get in at Maine Road. Seven whole pounds. Yes, it was indeed over 25 years ago... We cover previous editor Bill Edge's post-TTP project - a high-quality cartoon based fanzine that unfortunately didn't do as well as he'd hoped - and also talk about former players buying fanzines. We discuss politics, as the cover makes reference to Labour's slightly unexpected election defeat in 1992, and we talk about how football seemed far more politicised in those days. And we dip another toe (that's probably at least three now) into modern football - sorry! This time, we indulge in a little playoff speculation (this was recorded before the season ended), with Dave as it turns out being the most accurate of all with his predictions. Genius, we call it. Meanwhile, Dave is astonished to discover that former player Mr W. Phillips has two Ns in his first name. Even more so when he's told they occur next to each other. Apologies for the slight issue with a crackle on the first ten minutes or so. You hardly notice it, and it doesn't affect your listening pleasure at all, but the sound recordist has been fired. We have standards to maintain.

Episode 11 sees Dave joined by Steve "Mozzer" Johnson and Jack "Bassman Jack" Street. Phil wasn't available, and neither was the state of the art studio that we normally use, so the three of them met in the Blossoms. Whilst based around issue 11, the chat does drift all over the place a bit. 96-7 gets a lookin, as do the various games against Citeh, and if you think we're going to apologise about that, you've got another think coming. There's also some World Cup chat (modern football alert, although it is England, and there's a WC imminent, so fair dos), and a brief discussion of Crewe Alexandra - both the abuse scandal and on-field stuff. Those of you who've followed Mozzer's career closely will not be surprised at that. We also briefly touch on the Scunthorpe promotion game, the cup game at Derby in relation to Hillsborough, and the absolutely fantastic - you heard - deal which the Trust negotiated from Brian Kennedy for the ground. All that and the usual mix of contemporary chart music and our unique jingles. Download it now. It's good.

Double figures for The TTP Podcast, and Phil and Dave are joined by the two young upstarts who run the County Podcast, Nick and Russ. See scarfbergarawore.co.uk for more details, or search County Podcast on Twitter (if you find one with a mad hatter logo, you've found us and what on earth is wrong with you?) Who remembers Jim's 13th goal, scored, in the 13th minute of the 13th game of the season? No wonder the floodlights failed - we were lucky the very gates of hell themselves didn't open in the centre circle (rather than in that old toilet that used to be down the bank in the Railway End/Popside corner) Dave talks about where the money went in the early days (when there was still money being made from TTP), we discuss famous County number 9s, highlight a "naughty players names" letter written by previous guest Richard Singleton, and Russ has a mare with his Spanish pronunciation. We also, in honour of our guests, dip our toes into modern football, and discuss all things County in the present day. Well, maybe not all things. But as Phil points out, the TTP days were, according to a certain County-related hairstyle, the - ahem - "bad days" And... the infamous "Mr Men of Countyland" cartoon. OMG, WTaF, etc. Nip on over to Facebook and read it for yourselves. It's a good one, this. Honest.

Episode 9 of The TTP Podcast, and Phil and Dave are joined by Martin Frost, a true "Friend of the Tea Party," for whom issue 9 was the last one he bough without contributing - and he then contributed to every one from then on. Martin was the accountant who used to give us regular overviews of the County finances, thanks to his almost magical ability to look at rows of figures on the accounts, and turn them into prose that the financially illiterate could understand. Alchemy, we call it. And there's an extra guest popping up, as former referee Roy Bowden talks to Phil about an article from the Guardian, highlighted in TTP 9, which said that Roy had been accused of giving a V-sign to Preston fans at Deepdale. Find out the truth, 26 years after the event. Issue 9 was something of a Burnley joke special, marked by the insertion of a "Burnley Joke Alert" graphic, with Hovis supported by blank puddings rampant. In addition, there's more talk of Granada's bizarre policy of claiming Stoke and Port Vale as "north west" teams, County's league cup record and how good it was, even before 96-97, Ten Phrases You Won't Hear on County Videos, and Micky Quinn. And Dave relates the story of when someone was blocked in outside EP, and why Kenny Boxshall's announcement asking the car's owner to shift it was - justifiably - ignored. All this, and the sh*ttest thing we've ever seen on television. Find out what it is by downloading Episode 9 of the Tea Party Podcast. Now.

Episode 8 of the Tea Party Podcast, and it's take 2 - you'll have to listen to find out why. Phil and Dave are joined by Hull City chief scout Stuart White, and the UK's 2006 Eurovision Song Contest entrant Daz Sampson. Eclectic guests, yes, but they're both lifelong County fans, with some great memories to share. Daz, who once stayed at Glen Campbell's house for longer than scheduled, tells us about being at MTV and discovering a "refreshed" Noel Gallagher's reaction to the 3-1 City game. Strangely, Noel doesn't remark on the game so much as the stands, and who might have left early. Daz also talks about being in Athens for Eurovision, and listening to the vital 0-0 final day draw with Carlisle via a mate in the Cheadle End who had an open telephone line. And for everyone who thinks Daz is merely a pop star, he tells us about his remarkable managerial record, and we wonder why someone like him can't get a job in the English game. Stuart tells us how he first got into scouting under Danny, the first steps in a career that's led him to a position at the top of the English game. And you might be surprised to hear that the dour reputation of Mr G Megson is misplaced... Stuart's dad was a director of County for many years, of course, and we also reflect on the days of austerity before the arrival of Brendan Elwood, when Alan Kirk would sign 11th hour cheques - purely for show? You might think that, but we couldn't possibly comment. We also talk about Manstock - probably not for the last time, let's be honest - as well as Carlo Nash's mysterious move to Celtic that was seemingly scuppered by greed at the County end. All that, and what Phil considers is the worst "worst team" selected by a TTP contributor. Download it now, and tell your friends!

Episode 7, and we're joined by guest Des Hinks who, in the glorious ‘96-‘97 season, appeared with Phil on Soccer AM. In blatant contravention, as a 12-year old, of broadcasting rules, we might add. We're looking at issue 7, obviously, the issue which came with free red and yellow cards, which Dave has lost and been unable to scan. The cover features recently departed (from the club - he hadn't snuffed it) Andy Kilner. Departed as a player, that is - he was to return, of course, years later as part of the TTP story. There's an article from potential future podcast guest Mr W Byrne, who's not at all happy with Mr D Bergara. Interestingly, despite this being the third season of almost continual success, there seemed, on the question of Danny at least, to have been a split fanbase. Plus ça change… MODERN FOOTBALL KLAXON!!! Other highlights are “Gobshite and Alkie,” “Old Mad's Horoscopes” and the Man Utd omelette. Download it now and find out what the hell we’re on about.

Well, we're motoring through these embarrassingly quickly aren't we? In this special Christmas edition of the podcast*, we look at TTP issue 6 - the special Christmas issue of the fanzine. It was also the first issue for which Dave was the sole editor, so any solicitor's letters from this point on were solely a matter for him (there weren't any, thankfully, with the possible exception of a threatened but - we suspect - non-existent one, regarding a former player's false teeth. Yes. So give it a listen and find out why Phil was amazed when he saw Carlton Palmer unveiled as County manager - to be fair, we all were, but Phil had a good reason to be more amazed than most. YOu can also find out how exactly how Dave Jones got into coaching at County - and which former Everton teammate was lined up for the job before he was gazumped. And Eurb reminds us of the most important ever game in the relegation-haunted 80s. Bet it's not the one you think. *It's got bells on

Amazingly enough, we're still going! Episode 5's special guest is former supporters club stalwart Ian Dooley who, like previous guest Phil Robinson, also shares some memories of early TTP stalwart Arthur Cooper. Issue 5 was quite a negative one; it was in many ways, as Phil says, a 44-page resignation letter from original editor Bill Edge. There had been accusations and counter-accusations between TTP and the official programme containing the most heinous of allegations - Man Utd supporting. It's not all negative, though - no issue of TTP could ever be that. Never mind BH's Cautionary Tale, or cabbages at Curzon, how about an extensive discussion of the genius of the wonderful Terry Park? Don't forget to read along if you can - even the bits that are extended rants at the programme and its contributors. And let's be honest - extended rants are the absolute best. Fetch the popcorn (and see if you can spot the edit where Dave goes for a slash halfway through, whilst Phil and Ian continue regardless).

Welcome to episode 4 of The Tea Party Podcast, in which we discuss what can only be described as The Steve Harrison issue. If you don't know Steve Harrison, or how he was catapulted to fame in 1991, this podcast is for you. Just make sure you're not eating as you listen. It's not all Steve Harrison (although as you'll hear, much of it is), because for the first time, we have a special guest. It's Phil Robinson, who regales us with tales from his life supporting County, including Moonbird's damp trip to Wigan, how helping a fellow-fan in distress can sometimes backfire, and early-hours post game boozing between fans and players back in Stockport following the League Cup win at Sunderland. We also talk about John Peel (yes, that one) and his appreciation of TTP, and George Formby helps us out with the Friends of the Podcast. Yes.

Apologies for the delay, but we're back with issue three, once again from autumn 1991. Join us as we continue our discussion of "The Tea Party" against the backdrop of a glorious, free-scoring season, when our aggregate score against five current Premier League teams was 17-6 (13-0 at home). We're not saying "The Tea Party" was wholly responsible for the team's form - that was probably slightly more down to Danny and the players - but we certainly helped make it all fun. Highlight of this issue is definitely Phil's revelation about Paul Williams' move to West Brom. Rumours have been rife for years about what really happened; Phil has the truth, from the horse's mouth. Download the podcast now, read along with the scanned issue, and remember the fun! Full details: http://www.daveespley.com/podcast

Yep, we're back, amazingly enough. This time we're talking about issue two, from autumn 1991. There's more discussion of the "Superleague" (the what now?), the bittersweet experience that was 30th August 1978, Dave E finds out that his 26-year cringe was unnecessary after all, and we don't mention the free car sticker which was given away with every issue. Download it now, read along with the scanned issue, and find out what else we don't mention. Links to the scanned issue, and the crowdfunder page if you're feeling a bit flush, can all be found here: www.daveespley.com/podcast

Stockport County has a rich history of... Oh! who are we trying to kid? TTP it was ace, listen to idiots talking about it, Bergara, Elwood, Kilner, Cobra, Matey-peeps, the lot.