The CueClub Podcast

On this episode of The CueClub Podcast I'm joined by 'The Pinner Potter' Martin Gould.I'm a big  fan of Martin having watched most of his career to date and have always been impressed with not only his obvious snooker ability, but also his honesty and heart on the sleeve attitude.Martin is currently ranked 25 in the world and has had a very successful career, one which would see him rise to a career high world number 11.  He lost out twice in claiming a world ranking event title, first in 2011 and then in 2015 before lifting the trophy at the 2016 German Masters.Join us as we discuss his 8-ball career, life choices, mental health and how he came back from being 1 frame away from falling off the tour.Martin currently works with Stephen Feeney at Sightright UK.https://sightrightcuesports.com/He also mentioned Jason Cleemow as his Osteopath.www.clemowtherapies.com/Martin is extremely approachable and is available for not only exhibitions but if there are any up and coming snooker players who are looking to practice, they can message him directly. Now you don't get an offer like that very often, do you?!

On this episode of The CueClub Podcast I'm delighted to be joined by the WPBSA Chairman Jason Ferguson.Alongside  Barry Hearn's Matchroom Sport Limited, the WPBSA and the WST have taken the game to new heights by increasing the overall number of competitions, causing a huge increase in prize money and also to the popularity of snooker.Jason is not only the WPBSA Chairman but is also an ex professional snooker player who reached a career high of 28 in the world and ranked in the world's top 32 for 4 seasons.  Join us as Jason talks about his own career, the difficulties the WPBSA and the WST have faced this last year and the endless possibilities for the future of the game we all know and love.

On this episode of The CueClub Podcast I'm delighted to be joined by cue sport legend Tony Southern. Tony is the World 8-Ball Wheelchair Champion and the current World Number 1 ranked wheelchair snooker player, winning  World titles,  European medals and over 20 National titles.He also runs the British Pool Federation and is Chairman of the British Wheelchair Pool Players Association. Tony has been involved in World Disability Billiards and Snooker, organises numerous pool events and is part of the famous Predator team. There is no doubting that he is an amazing ambassador for pool and snooker. Some of Tony's achievements include:2019 and 2020 WDBS Belgian Open Champion2019 WDBS UK Disability Snooker Champion2018 Parris Cues Champion of Champions Winner2017 BWPPA Tour Stop #1 Champion2016 World Wheelchair Black Ball Doubles Championships Winner2015 and 2016  European Championships 9-ball Runner-up2015 BWPPA Stop #1 Champion2015 BWPPA Stop #2 Champion2013 and 2014 BWPPA Stop #1 Champion2012 BWPPA Tour Stop #3 Champion2012 BWPPA Tour Stop #2 Champion2011 BWPPA Tour Stop #4 Champion2007 and 2008 World Wheelchair 8-Ball Pool Champion23 UK disabled Snooker titles4 World Open Disabled Snooker TitlesHighest ranked wheelchair player when on the GB9 Pro TourThe BWPPA are currently looking for new sponsors to join the list of pool industry greats which include Predator, Simonis and Kamui amongst many others.  They are in particular looking for a trophy sponsor for when they return to action so If you are a company wishing to put your name alongside these amazing brands or know of any companies that would be interested in joining the elite list of BWPPA sponsors, please contact Tony at: tonysouthern@bwppa.comFor Wheelchair Pool information please email: tonysouthern@bwppa.comwww.bwppa.com Tony is also the  world disability snooker players representative and available to answer any questions you may have - see www.wdbs.info  for information and events or contact: tonysouthern@msn.comFor American Pool enquiries for professionals and amateurs please email:britishpoolfederation@mail.com

On this episode of The CueClub Podcast I'm delighted to be joined by not only one of the most well known and respected pool players from this part of the country but also one of its most liked - Brian 'Buzzer' Halcrow.Brian has played pool all over the world reaching a career high of World Number 3. He has also been involved in numerous high-stake money matches against some of the greatest pool players on the planet.Join us as we discuss his career and what started Brian on his journey, what he believes is the future of pool, his favourite money matches and the talent found in the North East.

On this week's episode of The CueClub Podcast I'm delighted to be joined by  Ireland's snooker sensation Aaron Hill.Aaron had an excellent amateur career capturing numerous titles including:2019EBSA European Under-18 Snooker Champion.2020EBSA European Under-18 Snooker Champion.2020EBSA European Under-21 Snooker Champion.He was also the under-14 Irish National Champion and runner up at the 2018World Open Under-16 Snooker Championships.Beginning his pro career in 2020 at the start of lockdown must have been tough but he was able to show the world what he was capable of  by beating newly crowned World Champion Ronnie O'Sullivan and 'The Welsh Dragon' Mathew Stevens at the European Masters in only his second professional tournament.Join us as we discuss his career so far, looking forward to the big crowds and not only becoming a professional  but also turning 18 years old, all during lockdown....

On this week's episode of The CueClub Podcast I'm delighted to be joined by professional snooker referee Ben Williams. Ben is quickly becoming one of my favourite referees - not only for his skills when in charge of a game but also for his character during it. Snooker is a serious game after all so it's refreshing to see a referee that is willing to joke with the crowd and have a laugh with the players, all while keeping a very professional manner.Join us as Ben discusses the big change in his life that led him to become a snooker referee, the feeling of walking out at the crucible in Sheffield as a Yorkshireman, the joy of refereeing Stephen Hendry's comeback game and the few moments which prove why he would not win 'I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here'.

On this week's episode of The CueClub Podcast I'm delighted to be joined by professional snooker's Allan Taylor.'The Albino Assassin' is one of the snooker tour's most likeable characters. As well as being a talented and fierce competitor on the table, he is also great fun off of it, having been involved in multiple videos on YouTube for World Snooker.Allan showed another side to his abilities when he was asked to take charge of the Master Of Ceremonies for the Home Nations and although it was something which he really enjoyed, his true passion is on the table.Join us as we discuss practicing snooker while working during lockdown, how he became the Master of Ceremonies and to hear Allan's famous Graeme Dott impression.

On this episode of The CueClub Podcast I'm joined by Craig Waddingham. This talented cueist is well known and respected in the pool world having won titles on the GB9 9-Ball circuit and making it to the final of the WEPF World Pool Championship Final in 2013 .Craig is also a huge money match player and has faced some of the world's finest in front of large crowds for over £30,000.00.Join us as he discusses what got him into cue sports, his favourite money match to date and how he deals with pressure. 

On this episode of The CueClub Podcast I'm delighted to be joined by World Snooker's Joe Perry.The former world number 8 and 2015 Players Tour Champion is a well known and highly respected figure in the snooker world and someone I have followed  throughout his very impressive playing career.  Join us as he discusses what it takes to get to the top, the health battles that threatened to derail his career and the truth behind his 'The Gentleman' nickname.

On this episode I'm delighted to be joined by snooker's John Astley. I have known this Gateshead cueist and coach for a number of years and was really looking forward to having a chat with him and catching up.Join us as we discuss winning the national Under-19 title and making it to the quarter final of the Riga Masters, the difficulties adjusting from amateur to professional and how he met Angelina Jolie.

On this episode of The CueClub Podcast I am delighted to be joined by snooker's Chris Small.Chris was a standout junior prospect ranked number 1 in Scotland in the under 19 section despite only being 15 years of age. After turning professional he had immediate success winning the Benson and Hedges Championship and in 2002 he captured the LG Cup ranking event title.Chris Small's career looked on a high but behind the scenes he was fighting health battles that would ultimately cut short this incredibly talented player's career.Join us as we discuss the hard work he had to put in to get to the top, warped cues, what started his career and the health problems that affected it all.

On this episode of the CueClub Podcast I'm  joined by professional snooker player Mark Joyce.Mark is a multiple amateur and pro-am Champion who has won the European Under-19 Championship, The English Open Title, English Amateur Championship, The Pink Ribbonand the Vienna Snooker Open Championship. As a professional on the main tour, Mark was a finalist at the 2019 Riga Masters.Join us as we discuss his playing career, being a Manchester Utd supporter and the difficulties of balancing practice around raising twin babies.

On this episode of the CueClub Podcast I'm delighted to be joined by an up-and-coming star in the snooker world - Leicester's Louis Heathcote.The former 8-Ball Junior European Champion and the European Under-21 Snooker Champion qualified from Q-School in 2019 after coming back from 0-3 down against Si Jiahui to win 4-3 and gain his tour card.  An excellent start to his pro career, followed with wins over Ryan Day and Noppon Saengkham in the qualifying rounds of the Riga Masters and International Championship.Runs to the last 32 of the 2019 English Open and the final round of The World Championship Qualifiers saw him named 'Rookie of the Year'.Join us as we discuss joining the pro ranks, ending Ally Carter's 17 year run at the Crucible and how much he is currently missing a game of golf and a pint with the lads.

My guest joining me this week on the CueClub Podcast is Keighley's snooker star Rebecca Kenna. A snooker coach and the owner of @cuesportsyorkshire, Rebecca started playing on the women's snooker circuit in 2016 and reached the semi-finals of the World Championship at her very first attempt. A multiple ranking event finalist with victories over the biggest names on the tour have made her a fierce player which opponents would like to avoid. Join us as we discuss her reasons for joining the tour, her invitation to the upcoming Shootout Tournament and her decision to leave her local snooker league due to her gender.

This week's episode of the CueClub Podcast features snooker's former world number 8 and Irish Masters Champion Darren Morgan. Darren is a very well known figure on the snooker scene having turned pro in 1988, and through his pro career ( which he brought to a close in 2006 ) he was ranked inside the worlds top 16 for six years.Darren has gone on to win numerous titles around the world, competing in amateur and Pro/Am events including:World Amateur Championship European Snooker Open TCC Open Snooker Championship x2IBSF World 6-Reds Snooker Championship x 2 European Amateur Championship - Masters x7 World Amateur Championship - Masters x5 Current Welsh Amateur Champion having won this event 3 timesNations Cup WinnerDarren is still competing at a very high level and has just returned from the Rokit Seniors Q-School having qualified for the Masters against a very tough field.Join us as we discuss his playing career, in his won words whether he believes he reached his true potential and the surprise of winning the European Amateur Masters title without losing a frame.  

On this episode I'm joined by Shaun 'The Magician' Murphy. The 2005 snooker world champion and current world number 7 is in Milton Keynes this week playing in the Masters, however he was generous enough to grant me a bit of his time for a chat.Shaun and Phil Seymour are currently competing against each other in #snookersbiggestloser - a challenge that will hopefully raise much needed funds for two amazing charities. Join us as we discuss his unbelievable clearance against Mark Williams on Monday, his #snookersbiggestloser preparation and how Phil Seymour may need to lose a limb to win the competition.

On this episode I'm joined by Master of Ceremonies Phil Seymour. Phil is quickly becoming one of the more popular faces of snooker with his behind the scenes videos, amazing introductions and post match interviews. He is also a very experienced stadium announcer and has worked on a variety of sports such as Fishing, Darts, Pool, Rugby, Wrestling and has announced world title boxing fights at Wembley Arena.Join us as we discuss his life behind the microphone, his love for sports and how Shaun Murphy has no chance of winning 'Snooker's Biggest Loser'

On this episode I'm joined by legendary snooker player Cliff Thorburn. One of the most recognizable names in the sport, Cliff has gained an international fan base due to the many things he has brought to the world of snooker. Join us as we discuss winning the world title in1980, his amazing maximum break in 1983 (which was the first 147 break ever made at the World Championships) and his rivalry with the late Alex Higgins.

On this episode I'm joined by German Snooker Professional Lukas Kleckers. Joining the pro ranks in 2017, he has made a dangerous name for himself after wins against Neil Robertson and more recently beating Mark Selby 4-0 at the Northern Ireland Open this year.

On this episode I'm joined by Paul Collier who is regarded as one of the finest referees to ever pull on the white gloves. Also a tournament director, he is instrumental in making sure the competitions are ran as safe as possible especially during these challenging times.Paul has not only been in charge of each of the snooker Triple Crown Events and two World Championship Finals, he was also the youngest referee at only 33 years of age to officiate the World Final in 2004 - a record that lasted until the 2020 World Championships.Join us as we discuss passing his refereeing exam at the age of 15, Covid-19 rules, and the refereeing mistake which resulted in a clip round the ear from Jimmy White.

On this episode I'm delighted to be joined by  Stoke-on-Trent's 'Golden Boy' Gareth Potts, a legend in the world of 8-Ball pool and another player who I have a lot of admiration for. Gareth has won titles all over the world including -The Junior Pool World Championship3X  WEPF World Rules World ChampionIPA Blackball Pool World Champion3X Chinese 8-Ball Masters ChampionCaptain of EnglandThe only player to win 7 major ranking events in 1 seasonJoin us as we discuss standing on a beer crate to reach the table as a youngster, the amazing generosity of a team mate that lead to his first Sky-Sports appearance and what it feels like to play in front of over 100 million people live on TV. 

On this episode I'm joined by South Africa's pool star Amy-Claire King - winner of numerous titles around the world including  the South African title, the all African singles and the World Masters Championships. Join us as we discuss her not being a fan of Rugby, the joys of wearing Texas cowboy boots in an Igloo and why the mixture of wine, bunny chow and tequila isn't as bad as it sounds.

On this episode I'm joined by East Yorkshire's Chris Patrick...but who exactly is Chris? He seems to get a lot of attention and dislike from a part of the pool community, but why? Is he an elite pool player who has won major titles all over the world? Is he a good player who knows how to promote himself, bringing opportunities others would only dream of, or is it a mixture of both?Join us as we discuss winning pool and snooker competitions in the U.K. and Asia, North East money matches and the truth behind celebrity shout outs.

On this episode I'm joined by professional snooker referee Leo Scullion.Leo is a well known and highly respected member of the snooker community having refereed some of the biggest games in the sport including the World Open and the UK Championship finals. He is someone who I have a lot of admiration for and it was an absolute pleasure to talk with him about his career and his life outside of snooker.Join us as we discuss his own highest break, his battles away from the table and what it was really like to officiate the World Championship Snooker Final in 2019.

On this episode I'm joined by 'The Welsh Wizard' Jordan Shepherd - Not only is he one of the most entertaining pool players in the world but  also the winner of numerous titles including:British Open ChampionEuropean Professional ChampionEnglish Professional Champion5x Winner of the ShootoutHaving spent time with Jordan socially in the past, I was really looking forward to chatting about with him about what he has been up to lately.Join us as we discuss lockdown (a subject that Jordan doesn't sit on the fence about), his crazy clearances in his own words, how much he enjoys poker and getting a 100 break in snooker using a Jason Owen pool break cue.

On this episode I'm joined by Clint I'anson - an IPA professional pool player and winner of numerous titles including:English Professional ChampionScottish Open ChampionWelsh Open ChampionBritish Professional ChampionEuropean Professional ChampionUK Open ChampionUK Chinese 8-Ball ChampionSupreme Pool Series ChampionHaving met Clint on the IPA Tour, I know first hand he is a well liked character both on and off the table and I was looking forward to catching up with him again.Join us to find out how far he got in his first  competition when he was only 12 years old (which just happened to be the National Junior Championships), whether he can take his skills to the golf course, and how gobsmacked he was at winning the UK Chinese 8-Ball Championship.

We are breaking off Season 2 in style with professional snooker player Mark DavisJoin us as we discuss his lack of dance moves, carrying Stuart Bingham at Golf and what exactly happened with his cue at the European Masters.Winner of the Benson and Hedges Championship in 2002.Winner of the 6 Red World Championships in 2009/ 2012 and 2013.Winner of the 2016 World Seniors Championship.Runner up at the 2018 English Open.Multiple quarter final and semi final appearances and in 2017 compiled 2 maximum breaks at the Championship League.Thank you again for all of your love and support which made Season 1 such a huge success. Here's to continuing the Journey with Season 2.

On this episode I'm humbled to be joined by Darren 'Dynamite' Appleton who is among the greatest cue sport players in the world. 4-time European Champion2-time Euro Tour Champion5 professional TV Titles4-time UK Masters Champion2-time Home International ChampionWorld 9-Ball ChampionWorld 10-Ball Champion2-time US Open Champion2-time International Challenge of Champions ChampionWorld Masters Champion7-time Mosconi Cup Champion2-time Derby City Straight Pool Champion2010 Player of the Year2016 SBE One Pocket Player's Champion2015 Chinese 8-Ball World Champion2015 American 14.1 Champion2014 World Cup of Pool Champion2014 Fight Night Intl Six Champion2014 Accu-Stats All Star Invitational Champion2014 Accu-Stats 8-Ball Invitational Champion2014 American 14.1 Champion2014 Mezz Pro-Am New Jersey State 10 Ball Champion2014 Dynamite Open Champion2013 World Ranked #12013 Super Billiards Expo Kamui Straight Pool Champion2013 World Games Gold Medal Champion2012 GB9-Ball Tour Pro Cup ChampionIWGA World Games 9-Ball ChampionBCA Hall of FamerJoin us as we discuss his passion for fishing, which of his titles he ranks as his biggest achievement, why he threw his cue over a caravan at Reighton Sands and how going to the toilet in the final of the World Games almost cost him the title.

On this episode I'm joined by Deb 'The Diamond' Burchell - a professional pool player and winner of numerous titles, including the 2015 and 2016 IPA Blackball World Championships.Join us as we discuss winning back to back world titles, her love for Dungeons and Dragons and overcoming personal issues to get to the top. 

On this episode I'm joined by Arfan 'The Daddy' Dad - a professional pool player and winner of numerous titles across many cue sport disciplines.Join us as we discuss being a Manchester United supporter, ranking how hard each cue sport really is and how picking Chris Melling up from Manchester airport didn't go according to plan.

This week's guest is Snooker's world number 34, Martin O'Donnell.Martin has been on the tour for years and enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2018 reaching the semi-final of the shootout and the quarter-finals at the China, International and U.K. Championships. Join us to hear Martin talk about lock down, how much being a dad has changed his focus and how he spent 2 years getting tortured off Martin Gould. 

On this episode I'm joined by Michael 'The Hitman' Holt, an extremely talented snooker player who is very well known on the tour. As a fan of Michael, it was a real pleasure to be able to chat with him about finally winning a ranking event, the dangers of baby poo and the John Higgins scoop that is almost too hard to believe.

On this episode I'm joined by TRN1 George Tierney, a controversial and outspoken character and someone who is well known for big stake money matches.Is there another side to George we don't get to see?Join us as we discuss the impact lock down is having, future money match opponents and the reason he won't join the IPA Tour.  

On this episode I'm joined by Jack 'The Wonder' Whelan - a professional pool player and winner of numerous titles, including the 2015 IPA Blackball World Championship.Join us as we discuss winning the world title, his love for snooker and Roger Federer and just how tough it is to play pool with a broken nose.

On this episode I'm delighted to be joined by Ireland's Professional Pool Player Emma Cunningham.At 18 years old, Emma became the youngest player to ever win the 8-Ball Pool World Championships with a hard fought victory over the supremely talented Sue Thompson in 2005. From there Emma has never looked back; from winning multiple world titles and professional events to being ranked the current IPA World Number 1 and someone who is well respected by everyone.Join us as we discuss winning titles, spaghetti arm and how the ladies pool game is finally starting to get the coverage it thoroughly deserves. 

Delighted to have a a chat with Ellliot regarding the Yan Bintao game, crowd cancellations and what he really thinks of Boris.

Recently retired Snooker Professional Mike Dunn is the guest on this weeks podcast. As the former world number 32 and semi finalist at the China Open in 2014 it was great to talk to Mike about his snooker ups and downs, how his health impacted his snooker career and how happy he is to be retiring. Whats next for Mike? Find out in the podcast

Fresh from the World Championship draw being made today, I have been fortunate enough to have a catch up with North East Snooker Professional Elliot Slessor. Join us as we discuss the final qualifying round against Martin O'Donnell, his 1st round match at the crucible against China's Yan Bingtao and how a deal he made prior to qualifying might prove costly.

On this episode i'm delighted to be joined by Sheffield's Professional Snooker Referee Brendan Moore who is regarded as 1 of the top referees in the sport.Brendan has been in charge of some of the biggest games in recent times including multiple UK Championship and Masters Finals, 2 World Finals in 2014 and 2018 and also refereed 8 matches that included maximum 147 breaks.Join us as we discuss Playstation, Eddie Murphy and his love for Snooker and Sheffield Wednesday. 

A quick chat with Elliot about today's victory over Ben Woollastan and his upcoming match against Martin O'Donnell.

The Snooker world championship qualifiers are well under way in Sheffield.Professional snooker player Elliot Slessor has agreed to have a quick chat with me about his 6-2 victory in his first match, playing Ben Woollastan next and why prison would be better than having no WIFI.

On this episode I'm joined by the Welsh Dragon Matthew Stevens. Winner of multiple events including the Benson and Hedges Masters and the UK Championship. Matthew was also the runner up in 2 World Championship finals.Having been a fan of Matthews growing up and watching his career progress, I am extremely appreciative to have had an insight into his journey and hear him talk about what he feels he can still give to the game, his love for poker and how losing his close friend Paul Hunter in 2006 affected his game. 

On this episode I'm delighted to be joined by Chris 'The Magician' Melling who ranks among the greatest cue sport players in the world. Having spent time with Chris in the past, even enjoying pool events together in Spain, It was a real pleasure to have a catch up with him.2 x World 8-Ball Pool Champion2 x International Pool Masters ChampionEuropean Professional ChampionRanked number 1 in the World in 2003 by the World Eight-ball Pool FederationThe Portugal Open 9-Ball ChampionThe China Open 9-Ball ChampionDerby City Classic 9-Ball Division ChampionGB 9-Ball Tour ChampionBCA 9-Ball Challenge ChampionBCA Grand Masters Champion2-time Mosconi Cup ChampionRanked The Most Valuable Player at the 2012 Mosconi Cup2-time Snooker World Challenge Tour ChampionThis is not taking into account the numerous semi finals and finals Chris has been a part of throughout his amazing career. Chris is also the only person to be a professional at snooker, pool, and 9-Ball at the same time.Join us as we discuss hungover break and dishes, Las Vegas party trips and the 9-Ball clearance heard around the world.Before we get to know more about Chris, please take a moment to like and share this podcast, whether it be on social media or via your podcast provider. This will enable the channel to grow by reaching a wider audience allowing more people the chance to learn more about Chris. 

On this episode I'm joined by Craig Marsh, a professional pool player and winner of numerous titles, including the 2017 IPA Blackball World ChampionshipJoin us as we discuss back to back 147's, shiny ferrule's and why he would love a crack at Earl Strickland

On this episode I'm joined by David Craggs, a well known North East snooker player and a member of England's winning world amateur team Join us as we discuss missed opportunities, being in Graham Dotts bad books and the half a lager that set him on the road to ruin 

Jon McAllister. 2016 European Professional Champion, 2018 Scottish Open Champion and the current IPA Blackball Pool World Champion. Jon is at the pinnacle of the pool world and well respected by all on the tour. Join us as we discuss filthy skill shots, Eminem and why putting beans on a tuna and cheese jacket potato is totally fine.  

Elliot Slessor. A top snooker talent and a Northern Ireland Open semi finalist in 2017. He is well known around the snooker scene for his mentality, determination and nerves of steel. Join us as we talk about his frustrations, gangsta rap and why Ronnie O'Sullivan calls him the man he cannot beat.

Michael Rhodes. A previous England World Snooker Team Winner, IPA European 8-Ball Amateur Champion and 9-Ball Pro Cup Winner, his name is well known to many around the country and someone who even the 'Greats' once expected to reach the top. So what happened? Discussing his rough start to 2020, a player's dedication and tins of spaghetti hoops, join me as we discuss Michael's life in lockdown, cuesports and why in his own words, he didn't get to the top.

In this episode I have a catch up with Philly Marshall, my partner in the 100 hour snooker marathon we completed in 2017. Its been a few years since the event so I was looking forward to talking to him about the highs, the lows and how he managed to complete such a tough challenge.

What a way to start the podcast! 2x Under 18 U.K Champion, 2004/5 Season Under 21 World Champion, 2015 China Open Runner Up, 2019 World Championship Semi-Finalist and the current World Number 19 And Shot Of The Decade Winner, the Tyneside Terror Himself Gary Wilson

The pilot episode explaining what you can expect from the CueClub Podcast