Taboo on the Terraces

In the final episode of Season Two, Ryan is joined by former Stevenage, Fleetwood Town, Cambridge United and Forest Green Rovers defender Mark Roberts. Mark's football career has spanned 20 years and has included leading his teams out as captain at Wembley and Old Trafford. He currently plays for Warrington Town but Mark has also been just as influential to others off the pitch as on it in various roles he has taken on towards the end of his career.Alongside his playing career Mark works as a High Performance Consultant & Professional Mindset Consultant, working alongside organisations such as League Football Education, Mental Health UK, and also running his own business, Lead Grow Pro. Mark shares advice and tips on building resilience and empowerment in this fantastic episode.Please check out our other podcast episodes, and head over to www.tabooontheterraces.co.uk to find helpful resources and contact information if you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this episode.

Sarah Rhind is the current Hamilton Academical Women's FC number 1. Alongside playing for the Accies in the Scottish Women's Premier League 1, Sarah also works for Street Soccer Scotland, an organisation that brings football to socially disadvantaged groups, and who Sarah credits with supporting her in her own football career and personal life.Sarah is easily one of the most inspirational people that we have had on the podcast to date. From an early age she suffered with anxiety and negative self-image, which led to extremely tough periods in her life. This included using self-harm as a coping mechanism, but also later an addiction to drugs. But at her lowest and with the help and support of those around her, Sarah was able to turn her life around. As well as her football, which she credits as always being 'her escape', Sarah also shares other lessons for anyone experiencing similar issues on how they too can find themselves in a much better place.Please check out our other podcast episodes, and head over to www.tabooontheterraces.co.uk to find helpful resources and contact information if you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this episode.

Pat McGibbon was a centre half in his playing days and spent the majority of his time in England with Wigan Athletic, also representing Scunthorpe, Tranmere Rovers, and Manchester United where he began his career. Pat also turned out for Portadown and Glentoran in his native Northern Ireland and was capped 7 times for the Northern Irish national team, before moving in to management. Pat took the time to tell listeners and host Ryan about his international career, and his Wigan days including playing alongside now Belgium manager Roberto Martinez.Away from playing football, Pat has been commended for his work in supporting the mental health of young people in Northern Ireland through his club and ultimate passion Train 2 B Smart. TTBS aim to promote positive mental health and well-being through sport, and Pat recounts his own life story and the motivations behind setting up TTBS.Please check out our other podcast episodes, and head over to www.tabooontheterraces.co.uk to find helpful resources and contact information if you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this episode.

Blair Hamilton currently plays for Hastings United Women in the London & South East Women's Division 1 South at Step 6 in the women's football pyramid, and has previously represented Stonehaven Ladies and Montpelier Villa, amongst other sides. Blair is also one of the UK's first transgender footballers.In an informative and educational conversation, Blair shares her journey inside and outside of football including her transition, the perceptions of her teammates and opponents after moving from men's to women's football, and how she hopes to inspire and educate people about the trans athlete debate. Blair's story will serve as an inspiration to anyone, and we are proud to share her journey through the podcast.Please check out our other podcast episodes, and head over to www.tabooontheterraces.co.uk to find helpful resources and contact information if you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this episode.

Cristian Montano is know as a versatile footballer, able to play anywhere from left back to centre forward. He began his career in the UK with West Ham United after emigrating from his native Colombia, and has also played for Oldham Athletic, Bristol Rovers, Port Vale, and now Livingston in the Scottish Premiership. Cristian speaks with Ryan about moving to England as a young boy, his own podcast and clothing brand, and his career in football.Cristian has endured a turbulent personal life outside of football during his career, including being caught up in the 2013 English football match-fixing scandal and allegations of money laundering, but also some other unspeakable accusations, all of which were eventually dropped with no charges brought. This turbulent period in his life however led Cristian to his darkest depths and his mental health plummeted, and led to an attempt to take his own life. Having come through that awful time and re-building his career, Cristian shares his journey and advice for others experiencing poor mental health.Please check out our other podcast episodes, and head over to www.tabooontheterraces.co.uk to find helpful resources and contact information if you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this episode.

James Green is a freelance Sports Broadcaster, Reporter and Presenter who you can regularly see on Sky Sports News reporting from outside stadiums on the latest breaking developments in football, but also on shows including Early Kick Off and The Transfer Show. James has also worked for other companies including ITV and UEFA. He shares highlights from his reporting career in football to date including covering Newcastle's recent takeover, coffees with Tony Adams and shots with Ray Parlour, but also advice and tips for anyone considering a career in sports journalism.Alongside his professional career, in the last 12 months James has championed through fundraising the Saying Goodbye Charity, who do incredible work in the area of baby loss and bereavement. This came after James and his partner suffered a missed miscarriage in early 2021. It is estimated 1 in 4 pregnancies will end in miscarriage, a disgustingly high number, but James and his partner are believers in sharing their story and experience in order to help others. In easily the most sensitive conversation we have had on the podcast, James discusses with Ryan how this period affected his mental health, but also how he was able to handle their loss and begin to heal. If this conversation helps even one person, then it has done its job.Please check out our other podcast episodes, and head over to www.tabooontheterraces.co.uk to find helpful resources and contact information if you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this episode.

Alan Tonge began his career in the youth and reserve setups at Manchester United during the early days of Sir Alex Ferguson's reign, but left in search of first-team football in 1991 and played for Exeter City under Alan Ball. Alan discusses his early career with host Ryan, what it was like playing alongside Ryan Giggs at a young age and also the hugely talented Adrian Docherty, and what it was like to work under World Cup-winner Ball.Alan suffered a career-ending injury that cut short his playing days in his early-20's. Forced retirement led to a lot of change in Alan's life and for a long period he felt lost and as a result, his own mental health deteriorated. Alan talks about how he was able to move through such a tough period in his life and the lessons he has learnt, which he now passes on to his students at UCFB.Please check out our other podcast episodes, and head over to our website www.tabooontheterraces.co.uk to find helpful resources and contact information if you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this episode.

Alistair Patrick-Heselton began his footballing career as a schoolboy with Wycombe Wanderers before later moving to QPR, and later went on to star for England and Paralympics GB in Cerebral Palsy football. Alistair was also inducted into the National Football Museum Hall of Fame in 2017.We discuss Alistair's life in football but also recount how his life changed following an accident in 2006, and the work Alistair has gone on to do since then including public speaking, athlete mentoring, and also working alongside Sport Against Suicide as a Suicide Prevention Disability Lead.Please check out our other podcast episodes, and head over to our website www.tabooontheterraces.co.uk to find helpful resources and contact information if you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this episode.

Charlie Hartfield was a no-nonsense midfield enforcer during his playing days, and began his career in the youth ranks at Arsenal before spending six years at Sheffield United, which included playing in the Premier League. Charlie also played for Swansea City, Lincoln City and Telford. We discuss Charlie's career, including an infamous incident with the one and only Eric Cantona.Charlie shares the story of his often turbulent life away from football. He has overcome a gambling addiction which plagued his life for many years, but also speaks with incredible honesty about how his 'gamblers mindset' led to his involvement in criminal activity and time spent in prison. He shares advice for others struggling with gambling addiction, but also speaks of how his positive mindset has prepared him for one of the biggest personal challenges of his life that he currently faces.Please check out our other podcast episodes, and head over to our website www.tabooontheterraces.co.uk to find helpful resources and contact information if you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this episode.

Brooke Cochrane is Newcastle United Women FC's captain and is a 'Be a Game Changer' ambassador with the Newcastle United Foundation. The campaign aims to support people in the north east with mental and physical wellness advice. In November 2019 Brooke suffered an ACL tear and had surgery in March 2020, just before the first UK lockdown.This led to Brooke suffering with her own mental wellbeing, compounded by feeling isolated, being unable to see friends, and the worry of possibly not being able to play the game she loves again due to her injury. Brooke opens up with host Ryan about that difficult point in her life, but also how came out of that tough period and returned to playing for Newcastle.Please check out our other podcast episodes, and head over to our website www.tabooontheterraces.co.uk to find helpful resources and contact information if you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this episode.

Azeem Amir is a blind international footballer for England and Great Britain, and an ambassador for several disability organisations. You might recognise Azeem from his various Ted Talks challenging perceptions about disability, and also as one of the stars of Nike's recent ‘Land of New Football' initiative. Azeem spends much of his time aiming to challenge people's perceptions of disability in sport and in society, and has also set up his own business 'Learn with ESS' to address stigmatised issues around disability. What Azeem has achieved in his life to date is extraordinary and it makes for an inspirational interview with host Ryan.Please check out our other podcast episodes, and head over to our website www.tabooontheterraces.co.uk to find helpful resources and contact information if you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this episode.

Mark Hudson has recently been appointed as a first team coach at Cardiff City and was a brilliant central defender in his playing days for Crystal Palace, Cardiff and Huddersfield Town. Mark also became a part of David Wagner's coaching staff at Huddersfield and even took charge of the club as caretaker manager in 2019, coming up against Pep Guardiola's Manchester City in his sole game in charge.Mark speaks openly with host Ryan about his career but also about a difficult time in the lives of himself and his family after signing for Cardiff City, and the loss of a close family member. Mark discusses how this affected his mental health and how almost no one at the club knew about what he and his family were going through, and how eventually he was able to open up and come to terms with their loss.Please check out our other podcast episodes, and head over to our website www.tabooontheterraces.co.uk to find helpful resources and contact information if you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this episode.

Taboo on the Terraces is back for a second season! New guests, new stories, same goal – to challenge the stigma around issues relating to mental health in football and in wider society, and to share the inspirational stories of some very special people.Host Ryan Molloy speaks with guests from the world of football to discuss their careers and wider subjects associated with mental health including addiction and abuse, but also overcoming hardship, challenging the norm, and strength in the face of adversity.New episodes are released every two weeks and make sure you hit 'subscribe' to never miss an episode!Website: www.tabooontheterraces.co.ukInsta: tabooontheterracesTwitter: @tabooterracesFacebook: Taboo on the Terraces

In the last episode for the series Ryan speaks with Cheltenham Town's Chris Hussey. Chris has just enjoyed one of the most memorable seasons in his career to date with Cheltenham as they won the League Two title, even scoring the goal that confirmed their promotion, a beautiful free-kick versus Carlisle that's well worth searching for on YouTube. We also look back on Chris' days with AFC Wimbledon, Coventry, Burton Albion, Bury and Sheffield United.Chris speaks candidly about his experience of battling with anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder, and the coping mechanisms he has learned to manage the condition on a daily basis. But also how he has learned to channel his obsessive behaviours to better himself on a personal and professional level, including creating an app in lockdown to help struggling local businesses in his area. It's a must listen and the perfect end to series one of the podcast.The podcast will be back later this year for season two. In the meantime, keep an eye on our social media channels to see how the podcast and our listeners will soon be able to contribute towards charities, and some of the worthy causes we discuss here.Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review, and spread the word of the podcast to your friends and family.Been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode? Head over to our website to find useful resources and contact information.

In this next episode of Taboo on the Terraces, Ryan speaks with former Brighton, Southampton and Leicester City midfielder Dean Hammond. Dean's career highlights include successive promotions from League One to the Premier League with Southampton, and he talks about what made that Southampton side so special. Also the Championship title win with Leicester City in 2014, and being a part of the squad that survived relegation against all the odds the following season, and how that side turned in to Premier League winners just a few months later makes for a fascinating listen.After taking a break from football at the age of 33, Dean found himself almost forced in to an early retirement, and that caused his mental health to suffer as a result. Dean's honest account of that period in his life, to where he currently is now, is inspirational to listen to and makes for one of the standout episodes of the podcast to date.Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review, and spread the word of the podcast to your friends and family.Been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode? Head over to our website to find useful resources and contact information.

Lucy Briggs is a referee and assistant referee in the Women's Super League and Championship. Lucy grew up in Garstang, Lancashire, and alongside her officiating runs multiple football leagues in her local area, giving hundreds of people opportunities to play that maybe weren't around when she was younger.Ryan spoke with Lucy for the next episode of Taboo on the Terraces to discuss her career as an official in the WSL and Championship and her best moments and memories to date, but also her work championing mental health support. Lucy herself suffered with depression and mental ill-health as a teenager, but utilised resources around her to get better and seek help, and also used football and refereeing in particular as a motivator in a very tough period of her life.Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review, and spread the word of the podcast to your friends and family.Been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode? Head over to our website to find useful resources and contact information.

Frank Fielding has enjoyed a successful career with clubs including Derby County and Bristol City, and is currently at Millwall in the Championship. Frank began his career with his boyhood club Blackburn Rovers and enjoys speaking about the incredible life experiences that football has given him, but has also experienced the feeling of being released as a player and the emotional side of what can be an extremely tough time in the life of a footballer.Ryan speaks with Frank in this next episode of Taboo on the Terraces to discuss his career to date including his title and football league trophy-winning season with Bristol City, learning from Brad Friedel and Paul Robinson, his senior England call-up in 2010, but also the work he is currently doing alongside Go Again, a charity providing mental health support to footballers of all age groups who have been released by football clubs.Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review, and spread the word of the podcast to your friends and family.Been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode? Head over to our website to find useful resources and contact information.

Harvey Steel is an incredibly bright and inspiring young man. At just 19 he has already achieved so much in challenging the stigma around mental health, something he is passionate about by sharing his own experiences during his time in the youth ranks at Cambridge United, and how depression led him to some extremely dark and low places in his life.Ryan sits down with Harvey to talk about a very tough period in his life in this next episode of Taboo on the Terraces, how depression can affect anyone at any time, but more importantly how he has grown as a person over the past 18 months and what he has done to ensure he is now in a much more positive place. Hearing his views on mental health as a whole but also the work he is doing with organisations to help young players with their transition once being released is humbling and fantastic to listen to.Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review, and spread the word of the podcast to your friends and family.Been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode? Head over to our website to find useful resources and contact information.

Matt Jarvis has enjoyed a successful football career, beginning with Gillingham before playing for Wolves, West Ham and Norwich, and even representing England in 2011. In this next episode of Taboo on the Terraces, Ryan reflects on Matt's career with him, and discusses winning the Championship with Wolves, once being West Ham's record signing, and representing his country.Towards the end of the 2015/16 season in a game against Manchester City, Matt went in to a tackle with Yaya Toure and suffered a medial cruciate ligament injury. Then came an ankle fracture and other issues, and all-in-all Matt spent three years out of action. As well as experiencing the pain of these serious injuries, Matt speaks openly about the mental pressure that being out for so long had on him, and how he was able to remain motivated through setbacks to get back playing football.Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review, and spread the word of the podcast to your friends and family.Been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode? Head over to our website to find useful resources and contact information.

Brad Bates plays for West Bromwich Albion and England Powerchair football teams, and is regarded as one of the most talented players not only in the country, but also in Europe. Brad was born with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, a rare neuromuscular disorder which affects almost his whole body.Despite having obstacles constantly put in his way throughout his life, including becoming so seriously ill in 2016 that his parents were told he may not survive, Brad is just the most positive person. In this next episode of Taboo on the Terraces, Ryan talks to Brad in detail about his outlook on life, his Powerchair career, and his goals for the future.Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review, and spread the word of the podcast to your friends and family.Been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode? Head over to our website to find useful resources and contact information.

Mark Halsey is a former Premier League and FIFA list referee, who in his career spent 15 years officiating at the pinnacle of the English game. Mark has been through everything imaginable as a referee, including battling cancer in 2009 and returning to the game just one year later.In the next episode of Taboo on the Terraces, I speak with Mark about what spurred him on to beat cancer and return to football, his own experience of the horrific abuse referees face, and his highlights from a career refereeing top flight football.Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review, and spread the word of the podcast to your friends and family.Been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode? Head over to our website to find useful resources and contact information.

Imrul Gazi is the first team manager of Sporting Bengal United, a club who play in the Essex Senior League in Step 5 of the Football Pyramid. Imrul also recently appeared in the Micah Richards: Tackling Racism documentary on Sky Sports. Sporting Bengal was established in 1996 to challenge the under-representation of Asians in football, and to offer Bangladeshi and other young Asians in their area the opportunity to play football.In this next episode of Taboo on the Terraces, Ryan sits down with Imrul to discuss the attitudes towards Asian footballers in the UK, the under-representation of Asians at the highest levels of English football, and also the racism and abuse that he himself but also Sporting Bengal have faced in the game.Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review, and spread the word of the podcast to your friends and family.Been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode? Head over to our website to find useful resources and contact information.

Erin Smith has had a very busy 12 months. When COVID-19 paused her football career, she joined the front line battle in March 2020 by becoming a care worker, and then in the summer was a part of BT Sport's documentary series 'Ultimate Goal'. Most impressive, however, is what she has learnt about herself in that time.In this episode of Taboo on the Terraces, Ryan discusses with Erin how she was able to recover from one of the darkest moments of her life in August 2019, overcoming her own personal mental health battle, and becoming a role model for young people in the UK. In what has been a tough year for so many, Erin's story is inspiring and a testament to there being light at the end of the tunnel.Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review, and spread the word of the podcast to your friends and family.Been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode? Head over to our website to find useful resources and contact information.

Rhodri Jones had a lot of pressure on his shoulders from a young age. Signed by Manchester United at 14, the boy from Cardiff was even the subject of a Channel 4 documentary on his life as a player at the club, being mentioned alongside club legends like Ryan Giggs and David Beckham. He was seemingly living his dream playing for his boyhood club, but the reality never really matched the hype for him. Due to a succession of knee injuries, Rhodri was released from Man United by Sir Alex Ferguson himself at the age of 20, and was then forced to retire from the game at just 24.In this episode of Taboo on the Terraces, Ryan talks with Rhodri about how he dealt with not making it as a professional footballer, and how he ended up working first as a documentary filmmaker and television drama director, but also his current work as a 'Mind Fitness Coach'. Rhodri hopes to help those dealing with similar issues to what he has faced such as depression, life trauma, and not feeling good enough for what you want to achieve in life.Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review, and spread the word of the podcast to your friends and family.Been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode? Head over to our website to find useful resources and contact information.

In this next episode of Taboo on the Terraces, Ryan is joined by Craig Stanley, the former Morecambe, Bristol Rovers and Aldershot Town midfielder, and Chris Bright, Welsh Futsal international and founder of 'The Diabetes Football Community.' Craig and Chris are both Type 1 Diabetics.Craig and Chris discuss TDFC and the work they do in trying to change the stigma surrounding diabetes, and how being T1D impacts their lives and daily routines as well as the effect it has on their football. They also recall the moment they were diagnosed with the condition, and the work that still needs to happen to change the perception of diabetics in society.Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review, and spread the word of the podcast to your friends and family.Been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode? Head over to our website to find useful resources and contact information.

Stephen Cooke was a young man with the world at his feet. Signed by Manchester United at 14, he moved to Aston Villa at 16 and was being touted as one of the hottest prospects in English football. But a horror tackle whilst on loan at Bournemouth shattered his dream, and Stephen retired from the game at 27 years of age.In this episode of Taboo on the Terraces, Ryan discusses with Stephen how he found developing as a young man with a huge weight of expectation on his shoulders, his own self-doubt and anxieties which he has struggled with since being a young professional, and where his career could have taken him had it all turned out differently.Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review, and spread the word of the podcast to your friends and family.Been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode? Head over to our website to find useful resources and contact numbers.

Danny Thomas enjoyed a 15 year playing career with clubs including Leicester City, Bournemouth, Macclesfield Town and Hereford. Since leaving the professional game, he has pursued a career away from football, and has also set up his own podcast 'Back of the Net and Beyond.' Danny hopes to help athletes realise the transferable skills they have that will be suited to other industries, and allow them to have successful careers after sport.In a moment where people may be re-thinking their own careers due to insecurity bought on by the pandemic, Ryan discusses with Danny in this week's episode his insight in to completely changing career after leaving football. They also discuss Danny's early days in the game at the FA's School of Excellence at Lilleshall, and being around Leicester's successful late-90's/early 00's team, in what is a fascinating listen.Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review, and spread the word of the podcast to your friends and family.Been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode? Head over to our website to find useful resources and contact numbers.

In May 2002, Ross Gardner was captaining an England Under-17's side at the European Championships that contained Wayne Rooney. Just over a year later, he was stood in front of a Premier League tribunal after raising a bullying case at Newcastle United that would shape his life from that point forward, and see him leave the professional game just five years later.In the next episode of Taboo on the Terraces, Ryan discusses with Ross how a lack of support given to a young footballer would lead to a gambling addiction, how his struggle with grief lead him down a very dark path in his personal life, and how working with the Sporting Chance Clinic quite literally saved his life. Ross' brutally honest depiction of his life to date is an incredible story.Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review, and spread the word of the podcast to your friends and family.Been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode? Head over to our website to find useful resources and contact numbers.

In March 2009, Jack Rutter was on a night out with friends in Gloucester, celebrating helping Birmingham City reach the semi finals of the FA Youth Cup. A professional contract and a promising career was on the horizon, until one cowardly act completely changed his life.In this episode of Taboo on the Terraces, Ryan discusses with Jack his inspirational story, from suffering with his own mental health and rising in the face of adversity, and a journey including a 2016 trip to Rio de Janeiro.Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review, and spread the word of the podcast to your friends and family.Been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode? Head over to our website to find useful resources and contact numbers.

Mark Little has enjoyed a successful club career - he's been a part of multiple football league promotions with Wolverhampton Wanderers, Peterborough United and Bristol City, and also enjoyed two consecutive Wembley cup final wins.In this episode of Taboo on the Terraces, Ryan discusses with Mark his career in football but also his new goals as he's matured as a player, and as a person. They also tackle the issue of racism in football, and how this has affected Mark's life. Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review, and spread the word of the podcast to your friends and family.Been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode? Head over to our website to find useful resources and contact numbers.

From the outside looking in, David Cotterill seemingly had the world at his feet - international debut at 17, and his dream move to the Premier League sealed at 18. But just beneath the surface was a young man struggling with anxiety and depression.David discusses his career, his struggles with mental health and addiction, and his new goal of helping others with Ryan in this week's episode. Enjoyed this episode? Please leave us a review, and spread the word of the podcast to your friends and family.Been affected by any of the issues discussed in this episode? Head over to our website to find useful resources and contact numbers.

Taboo on the Terraces is a football podcast with a difference. Host Ryan Molloy speaks with current or ex professional footballers, or individuals involved within the game, to discuss real-life issues including mental health, addiction, loss, and abuse - and how these topics have shaped their lives inside and outside of football.Hit 'subscribe' to never miss an episode, and please leave reviews to support the podcast. You can also follow us on all the socials:Website: www.tabooontheterraces.co.ukInsta: tabooontheterracesTwitter: @tabooterracesFacebook: 'Taboo on the Terraces'