The Hard Truth - Inside the Football Industry with Darragh MacAnthony

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Having bought a professional football club Peterborough United aged 29 and been in the game for nearly 15 years Darragh shares his opinions on all things football as well as business discussion in this weekly podcast. Brutally honest, direct opinion and insight of what happens behind the scenes, not in the public eye in the frantically busy and ever-changing world of football. Hence the name of the podcast being “The Hard Truth” Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/darragh-macanthony/support

Darragh MacAnthony


    • May 7, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 55m AVG DURATION
    • 169 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The Hard Truth - Inside the Football Industry with Darragh MacAnthony

    S5 EP29: The Hard Work Starts Now!

    Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2025 49:41


    Bradford have done it! The Hard Truth Derby is booked in for next week and it's time for Posh to look ahead to a busy summer. Phil joins us live from a car park in LA as he basks in the glory of Bradford's last minute win to gain promotion.Peterborough United Chairman Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City supporter Philip Ideson are giving insight on the "Hard Truths" behind the football industry via this weekly podcast 

    S5 E28: Will the Football Gods smile on Bradford?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2025 55:59


    It's the final stretch in the EFL season but who are the winners and losers? Darragh and Phil read through the big winners at the EFL Awards and we find out some of Posh's plans for summer!Peterborough United Chairman Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City supporter Philip Ideson are giving insight on the "Hard Truths" behind the football industry via this weekly podcast 

    S5 E27: The Excitement of The EFL!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2025 56:41


    It's getting to the business end of the season but it's the summer that Darragh is concentrating on now after Posh secure their League 1 safety... however, League 1 obscurity is a position that Phil is dreaming of as Bradford hope to stumble over the line and gain promotion from League 2.Peterborough United Chairman Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City supporter Philip Ideson are giving insight on the "Hard Truths" behind the football industry via this weekly podcast 

    S5 EP25: Posh, The Kings of Wembley!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2025 46:15


    Well, well, well... Posh upset the odds to beat Birmingham in the EFL Trophy at Wembley. Darragh joins us the day after to discuss a record breaking day for Peterborough United.Peterborough United Chairman Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City supporter Philip Ideson are giving insight on the "Hard Truths" behind the football industry via this weekly podcast 

    S5 EP25: The Bumpy Road to Wembley

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2025 54:11


    Posh are on the road to Wembley but it's been a very bumpy one with 2 defeats in a week, including against local rivals Northampton. Bradford win to get their promotion hunt back on track and Darragh goes into detail about managing cash flow across the year.Peterborough United Chairman Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City supporter Philip Ideson are giving insight on the "Hard Truths" behind the football industry via this weekly podcast 

    S5 EP24: Listener Q&As and Football Finances Explained!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2025 61:14


    A bumper episode of The Hard Truth after an exciting few games on the pitch for Posh. It's also been a busy week off the pitch with club's releasing their annual financial reports and we've had plenty of questions for Darragh from the listeners!Peterborough United Chairman Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City supporter Philip Ideson are giving insight on the "Hard Truths" behind the football industry via this weekly podcast 

    S5 EP23: The Mighty Bradford and The Comeback Kids!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2025 45:30


    What a birthday weekend for Darragh... and impressive 3-0 win for Posh against Charlton and then seeing that Phil's Bradford won 4-1 in front of a record crowd in Yorkshire. Time to strap yourselves in for a very positive episode of The Hard Truth!Peterborough United Chairman Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City supporter Philip Ideson are giving insight on the "Hard Truths" behind the football industry via this weekly podcast 

    S5 EP22: Geordie Glory & Derby Day Delight!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2025 56:21


    The world of football has raised a smile for Newcastle fans after winning the Carabao Cup... but what does defeat tell us about Liverpool?! Darragh explains what it all means for his boyhood club and celebrates a derby win for Posh at Cambridge.Peterborough United Chairman Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City supporter Philip Ideson are giving insight on the "Hard Truths" behind the football industry via this weekly podcast 

    S5 EP21: Dubai, Dominations & A Disney Blockbuster!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2025 52:49


    It's been a week of dreams that could be found in a Disney movie for Darragh and potential excitement for Phil. Posh are heading back to Wembley and Bradford make a few steps closer to promotion from League 2.Peterborough United Chairman Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City supporter Philip Ideson are giving insight on the "Hard Truths" behind the football industry via this weekly podcast 

    S5 EP20: The Glory of Bradford's run!

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2025 56:04


    It's a Posh/Bradford win double... but it's time to celebrate the incredible won that Phil's City have been on that has put them on the cusp of the League 2 promotion places!Peterborough United Chairman Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City supporter Philip Ideson are giving insight on the "Hard Truths" behind the football industry via this weekly podcast 

    S5 EP19: Talent Only Works with the Talent of Others!

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2025 50:56


    It's time to catch up after a few weeks away and differing form for Peterborough and Bradford... Darragh is encouraging his Posh side to get back to doing what they do best! Peterborough United Chairman Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City supporter Philip Ideson are giving insight on the "Hard Truths" behind the football industry via this weekly podcast 

    S5 EP18: A midweek Posh Bradford win double!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2025 56:06


    As Deadline Day approaches Darragh is making plans and he'll be a lot more cheery after Posh won against Wigan in midweek... but Posh's form is nothing to Bradford'd run which has put them in 3rd. Peterborough United Chairman Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City supporter Philip Ideson are giving insight on the "Hard Truths" behind the football industry via this weekly podcast 

    S5 EP17: Let the Process Play Out!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2025 48:15


    Darragh has been under the weather this week but it hasn't stopped Posh making moves in the transfer window. Darragh also discusses the recent 'brand evaluation' at Peterborough United and Phil is on cloud 9 after Bradford's recent run of results! Peterborough United Chairman Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City supporter Philip Ideson are giving insight on the "Hard Truths" behind the football industry via this weekly podcast 

    S5 EP16: New Year, New Targets!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2025 47:07


    There's been a lack of Christmas cheer around Posh this festive period as Peterborough only gain 1 point from 4 games but Darragh is determined his side can put things right before the end of the season! Peterborough United Chairman Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City supporter Philip Ideson are giving insight on the "Hard Truths" behind the football industry via this weekly podcast 

    S5 EP15: A Posh/Bradford win double for Christmas!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2024 24:05


    It's been an improved week for both Peterborough United and Bradford City as both teams win in the league and cup... however, it's much different for Pep Guardiola as Manchester City lose again! Peterborough United Chairman Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City supporter Philip Ideson are giving insight on the "Hard Truths" behind the football industry via this weekly podcast 

    S5 EP14: Storm Darragh Hits Back!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2024 39:30


    It's been a tough week for Darragh and Posh fans after 2 defeats and the news that the Everton FA Cup tie is to be played on a Thursday night. Darragh & Phil jumped on a podcast to chat it all through and prove that they don't hide away when life is hard! Peterborough United Chairman Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City supporter Philip Ideson are giving insight on the "Hard Truths" behind the football industry via this weekly podcast 

    S5 EP 13: Arne Slot's Midas Touch!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2024 55:27


    Ticket prices have been on everyone's lips this week but what does an actual football club owner think?! Darragh and Phil are back to chat about the big football topics! Peterborough United Chairman Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City supporter Philip Ideson are giving insight on the "Hard Truths" behind the football industry via this weekly podcast 

    S5 EP 12: Are the government punishing football?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2024 54:12


    The budget is out but how will it affect EFL football clubs? Posh turn Cambridgeshire blue (again) and Liverpool go 5 points clear at the top of the Premier League! Peterborough United Chairman Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City supporter Philip Ideson are giving insight on the "Hard Truths" behind the football industry via this weekly podcast 

    S5 EP 11: The Ghost Goal!

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2024 55:44


    Halloween may have been last week but there's spooky goings on in Peterborough's FA Cup game with a controversial 'ghost goal'. Darragh and Phil also analyse Manchester United's new manager and Real Madrid boycotting the Ballon D'or! Peterborough United Chairman Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City supporter Philip Ideson are giving insight on the "Hard Truths" behind the football industry via this weekly podcast 

    S5 EP 10: Stoppage Time, Referees and Erik Ten Hag!

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2024 56:39


    Darragh has a lot to get off his chest after Posh controversially lost at Bolton Wanderers and Manchester United finally sack Erik Ten Hag but where do INEOS take the club from here? It's another packed episode of The Hard Truth! Peterborough United Chairman Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City supporter Philip Ideson are giving insight on the "Hard Truths" behind the football industry via this weekly podcast 

    S5 EP9: Who should be the England manager?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 16, 2024 57:40


    England have a new football manager... but will Thomas Tuchel be the right choice? Posh face Steve Evans's Rotherham United and Darragh has his say on Sky Sports's EFL pundits. Peterborough United Chairman Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City supporter Philip Ideson are giving insight on the "Hard Truths" behind the football industry via this weekly podcast 

    S5 EP8: The Dark Arts of Football

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 1, 2024 55:34


    There's lots to talk about following Peterborough United's defeat at Birmingham City, is Erik Ten Hag's time up at Manchester United and does anyone actually care about the Club World Cup? Peterborough United Chairman Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City supporter Philip Ideson are giving insight on the "Hard Truths" behind the football industry via this weekly podcast 

    S5 EP7: Should fans make sacrifices for success?

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2024 64:29


    What would Darragh do if we was in AFC Wimbledon's situation... and what's his thoughts on Premier League players threatening to strike over workload? Plenty to discuss on this episode of The Hard Truth! Peterborough United Chairman Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City supporter Philip Ideson are giving insight on the "Hard Truths" behind the football industry via this weekly podcast 

    S5 EP6: Give the Champions League a chance!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2024 61:30


    It's Darragh's Posh anniversary so he's in a reflective mood... and the Champions League is back but not as we know it, will the format changes be a good league for the competition? Peterborough United Chairman Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City supporter Philip Ideson are giving insight on the "Hard Truths" behind the football industry via this weekly podcast 

    S5 EP5: How to Make a Transfer Bid!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2024 61:53


    The transfer window has now been and gone but what happens on the inside whilst the rest of the country is watching TV? Peterborough United Chairman Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City supporter Philip Ideson are giving insight on the "Hard Truths" behind the football industry via this weekly podcast 

    S5 EP4: The Cash Flows of a Football Club

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2024 60:33


    As it's still early in the season, Darragh explains the cash flow and budgeting side of owning a football club. Do clubs add potential transfer add ons into their yearly budget? Peterborough might have to after another former player moves to the Premier League! Peterborough United Chairman Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City supporter Philip Ideson are giving insight on the "Hard Truths" behind the football industry via this weekly podcast 

    S5 EP3: Teething Problems

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2024 59:45


    The football season has finally kicked off and it's been a mixed start for Posh and Bradford, 2 defeats for Darragh's Peterborough but it's the players in the treatment room that are the biggest concern! Peterborough United Chairman Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City supporter Philip Ideson are giving insight on the "Hard Truths" behind the football industry via this weekly podcast 

    S5 EP2: The 2024/25 Season Preview!

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2024 58:03


    The time for talking is over and the new EFL season is just days away... we take a deep dive into Posh and Bradford's summers as well as previewing the top 4 leagues! Peterborough United Chairman Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City supporter Philip Ideson are giving insight on the "Hard Truths" behind the football industry via this weekly podcast 

    S5 EP1: The Summer Preview Episode

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2024 52:54


    Darragh and Phil are back for a new season and we're kicking off with a catch up on what's been happening in the close season. As usual with Posh... there's lots to talk about on incomings and outgoings in the transfer market! Peterborough United Chairman Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City supporter Philip Ideson are giving insight on the "Hard Truths" behind the football industry via this weekly podcast 

    S4 EP28: Season Finale

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2024 72:07


    Peterborough United Chairman Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City supporter Philip Ideson are giving insight on the "Hard Truths" behind the football industry via this weekly podcast 

    S4 E27: Bradford Miracle Pending?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2024 60:12


    Peterborough United Chairman Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City supporter Philip Ideson are giving insight on the "Hard Truths" behind the football industry via this weekly podcast 

    S4 EP26: Civil War Football!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 19, 2024 57:08


    Peterborough United Chairman Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City supporter Philip Ideson are giving insight on the "Hard Truths" behind the football industry via this weekly podcast 

    S4 E25: Cup Champions!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2024 54:50


    Peterborough United Chairman Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City supporter Philip Ideson are back for a new season and give insight on the "Hard Truths" behind the football industry via this weekly podcast

    S4 E24: How to solve a problem like Bradford!

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2024 57:16


    Peterborough United Chairman Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City supporter Philip Ideson are back for a new season and give insight on the "Hard Truths" behind the football industry via this weekly podcast

    S4 E23: Deal or No Deal

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2024 61:29


    Peterborough United Chairman Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City supporter Philip Ideson are back for a new season and give insight on the "Hard Truths" behind the football industry via this weekly podcast

    S4 E22: Pitch Perfect

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2024 58:47


    Peterborough United Chairman Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City supporter Philip Ideson are back for a new season and give insight on the "Hard Truths" behind the football industry via this weekly podcast

    S4 E21: The Agony and Ecstasy!

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2024 41:09


    Peterborough United Chairman Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City supporter Philip Ideson are back for a new season and give insight on the "Hard Truths" behind the football industry via this weekly podcast

    S4 E20: Pitch Problems!

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2024 66:01


    Peterborough United Chairman Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City supporter Philip Ideson are back for a new season and give insight on the "Hard Truths" behind the football industry via this weekly podcast

    S4 E19: EMC (Squared)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2024 56:35


    Peterborough United Chairman Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City supporter Philip Ideson are back for a new season and give insight on the "Hard Truths" behind the football industry via this weekly podcast

    S4 EP18: Changes i'd Make to FFP!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2024 60:55


    Peterborough United Chairman Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City supporter Philip Ideson are back for a new season and give insight on the "Hard Truths" behind the football industry via this weekly podcast

    S4 EP17: Just Get The Butler!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2024 57:10


    Peterborough United Chairman Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City supporter Philip Ideson are back for a new season and give insight on the "Hard Truths" behind the football industry via this weekly podcast

    S4 EP16: Shining For The Cameras

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2024 52:57


    Peterborough United Chairman Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City supporter Philip Ideson are back for a new season and give insight on the "Hard Truths" behind the football industry via this weekly podcast

    S4 EP15: Taking Back Control

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 28, 2023 58:03


    Peterborough United Chairman Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City supporter Philip Ideson are back for a new season and give insight on the "Hard Truths" behind the football industry via this weekly podcast

    S4 EP14: A Joy to Watch!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2023 43:03


    Peterborough United Chairman Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City supporter Philip Ideson are back for a new season and give insight on the "Hard Truths" behind the football industry via this weekly podcast

    S4 EP13: Manager Ethics!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2023 45:10


    Peterborough United Chairman Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City supporter Philip Ideson are back for a new season and give insight on the "Hard Truths" behind the football industry via this weekly podcast

    S4 EP12: A Results Business!

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2023 53:10


    Peterborough United Chairman Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City supporter Philip Ideson are back for a new season and give insight on the "Hard Truths" behind the football industry via this weekly podcast

    S4 E11: A Win For The Fans!

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2023 61:56


    Peterborough United Chairman Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City supporter Philip Ideson are back for a new season and give insight on the "Hard Truths" behind the football industry via this weekly podcast

    S4 E10: Sticking To Your Principles!

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2023 55:49


    Peterborough United Chairman Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City supporter Philip Ideson are back for a new season and give insight on the "Hard Truths" behind the football industry via this weekly podcast

    S4 EP9: Owners vs. Managers

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2023 52:43


    Peterborough United Chairman Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City supporter Philip Ideson are back for a new season and give insight on the "Hard Truths" behind the football industry via this weekly podcast

    S4 EP8: Sackings, Gems, VAR, and More...

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 11, 2023 55:03


    Peterborough United Chairman Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City supporter Philip Ideson are back for a new season and give insight on the "Hard Truths" behind the football industry via this weekly podcast

    S4 EP7: A Week is a Long Time in Football

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2023 52:29


    Peterborough United Chairman Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City supporter Philip Ideson are back for a new season and give insight on the "Hard Truths" behind the football industry via this weekly podcast

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