The Non League Football Show

One final round-up of the season as we hit June. A shortened show this week as we draw 2024/25 to a close. Matt Badcock is on hand to discuss sponsorships, managers, players and lots more besides, before I head off into hibernation - or not, actually off to plan our expanded coverage of non league for the new season fast approaching - but Matt, Jon and the gang will keep you all updated via the weekly Non League Paper until we return Still one final listen for you to enjoy PLenty to come. Time then to sit back relax and get matters underway.

Just one big match of the season to go then as we near the start of June. Wembley hosts the National League Play-off final on Sunday and we look ahead to that with a brief interview with Southend United manager Kevin Maher. As cool as ever, just one win from getting his club back to the Football League and of course he's taking each game as it comes. From the Non League Paper Jon Couch helps me provide some insight and comment on the big news of non league this week plus as ever a throw forward to what will be in this weekend's Non League Paper.

This week, we celebrate the stats, or rather, we celebrate the men who bring you the stats. In a world of volunteers, these guys give their time and know-how to make out lives easier and more interesting by supplying the data that helps make sense of it all. They ply their trade as @NonLeagueHQ1 on X, and it is a pleasure this week to find out a bit more about what makes Matt Cooke and Andy Forward tick, here how they've already expanded their offering and how like-minded people could get involved.  Matt Badcock is our Non League Paper representative helping us round up yet another week of the season. There's games played, games to be played, clubs rejoining and clubs reconfiguring as well as a multitude of managerial changes.

A magical week in non league with The FA Vase Final, The FA Trophy Final and The Non League Paper's National Game Awards. We have reaction from manager's of AFC Whyteleafe, Whitstable Town, Spennymoor Town, Aldershot Town and Tamworth as well as some expert insight from The Non League Paper's very own Jon Couch.

This week we preview Non League Finals Day with super stat-man Phil Annets the man chosen to supply insight for the matchday programme and the man for whom the FA Vase and the FA Trophy have always had a bit of extra magic. Next up, a Chairman who saw his side to play-off glory at the weekend with unexpected promotion to Step 3 but is spending his Thursday evening a few days later operating the scoreboard as the club are hosting a Youth Cup Final. Mark Bantock is Chairman by name and multiple roles by nature at Uxbridge FC, an unincorporated members club he is proud to be custodian of into it's next chapter. There's more play-offs and managerial moves from Matt Badcock rounding up the week's new for The Non League Paper and a round-up of the winners and losers in the season's now complete.

This week two managers with different weeks behind and ahead of them. First up, Sittingbourne manager Ryan Maxwell, who has already seen his step 4 side dispense of Southend United among others in one-off games this season. Burgess Hill Town their visitors on Friday in their play-off final, a game he's very much looking forward to. Next, a manager who bowed out last weekend after 34 years as boss at Camelford FC. Reg Hambly may have hung up his gaffer's jacket at the south west peninsular club, but it's clNear non league will still be at the heart of his life Play offs, non play offs and managerial moves will fill this weekend's Non League Paper and Jon Couch gives us a heads up of how he thinks it may all pan out. .

As the season draws to a close we look for some calm and experience this week. First up, a manager who could be celebrating a title this weekend with his club one of three tied on points at the top of the Isthmian Premier, but Ady Pennock is just enjoying his football, celebrating even being in this position and looking forward to seeing what comes. Next, we speak with a manager for whom the season is practically finished. His side is safe and secure for another season in the Northern Premier League Division One West, but still have a game to play, which could still have an impact on the relegation shake-up. Neil Baker is another experienced character who is taking it all in his stride, feeling privileged to be working in football and enjoying a final weekend without the stresses many of his peers will be facing. Matt Badcock helps round off the show and round up the news, previewing what is sure to be a very busy Non League Paper this weekend.

We're with a manager set to smash records this weekend as he hopes his Bury side can do enough in front of a bumper crowd to gain promotion to Step 4. Dave McNabb has had many highs and lows in his career as a coach, and a bigger football man would struggle to find but, the potential of turning his phone off on Sunday has quite some appeal. We also return to the National South again this week. Marc White's side are adrift of the top spots, but that means nothing in this division this season, with many twists and turns to come, two home games and a trip to second-placed rivals are between them and the end of the season but he's very ready for whatever the next chapter may be. In a busy news week, Jon Couch helps round up the week's news and helps preview the Non League Paper out this Bank Holiday weekend.

As the season reaches a denouement we speak to two bosses in the mix. Eastbourne Borough manager Adam Murray said pre-season it would go to the last game of the season and in National League South it is hard to see any other situation even with 4 games to go. He'll just take each one as they come though, Some might say Cleethorpes Town are a shoe-in now for the title in the Northern Premier League East but not Gaffer Craig Rouse. He'll celebrate when it's title secure but until then there's plenty to do and keep focused on. Jon Couch is back to round up the week's news from The Non League Paper. This weekend set to be full of more promotions and relegations.

This weekend the FA Vase semi-finals play their second legs to a finish and the FA Trophy have their one-off semis. The teams beginning with W take leads into the weekend and Phil Annets, our man with the stats, reveals the chances of a comeback and why Wembley way is never a straight road. One of those dreaming of Wembley is Aldershot Town gaffer Tommy WIddrington. His club has never been there, but he's experienced the magic and he wants his players, off the field team and fans to enjoy the same.  Matt Badcock is on hand with the Non League Paper Round Up we have the big cup games and chairmen stepping down adding to the management merrygoround madness.

This weekend the FA Vase semi finals get underway. They are two-legged affairs starting this weekend and we speak to Phil Annets with his @FAVaseFactfile hat on about who is in it and why magically, somebody new will win it. One of those hoping to do so is AFC Whyteleafe, and their story for sure will be magical even if they weren't to progress into the final. It's less than four years since they were even formed - effectively as a phoenix club - but initially, they were a club with no players, no sponsor, no league,e and effectively just an agreement to play at a ground. Now, under founder, chair, owner, and joint manager Kelly Waters they are just 180 minutes from Wembley. Jon Couch returns to the show to help round up the news and give an insight into the big stories in this weekend's Non League Paper, a tome that itself is celebrating 25 years in publication.

It is Non League Day weekend and so we celebrate all that is great about Non League. To help us we head south to Whitehawk FC where their latest project I hope will inspire a whole new set of supporters indeed a whole new generation of supporters. I'm joined by three of those involved. Not the butcher, the baker and candlestick makers so often used to sneer at Non League but a Poet, a Visual artist and a Vice Chairman. David Attree, David Shrigley OBE and Mr Kevin Miller, Whitehawk fans one and all, and big advocates for the magic of Non League. Matt Badcock is on hand again from The Non Leagues Paper. There's agglomeration of sports sites, managerial moves, and the business of football clubs all on the agenda as he also plans a bumper read with a mass of Non League Day initiatives set to headline the Non League Paper this weekend.

With Non League Day just over a week away we catch up with founder of the whole shebang. James Doe's seemingly simple idea has played a big part in revolutionising the way clubs think about fan experience and fan engagement and now 15 years still keeps getting bigger and bigger. We find out why from the man himself. Our gaffer of the week sits atop the Isthmian Premier in a tough and tight division but he's a wiley old contender who knows all about the highs and lows of Non League football management. Gary McCann is more than ready for the battle of the final. 8 league games and if success comes, of taking on the challenge at the next level too. Matt Badcock joins us from the Non Leagues Paper in a week with some interesting talking points from Ballers league to managerial moves and more non-moves notified in advance, there's plenty in discussion and surely plenty to read in this weekend's Non League Paper.

He's top of the tree but feet on the floor. We chat to Barnet boss Dean Brennan on the project that has United staff on and off the field and brought fans closer as the club laser in on a return to The Football League. Celebrating International Women's Day this weekend, the Trident leagues at Steps 3&4 are embracing the her game too movement. We speak with Lucy Ford co-founder of Her Game Goow and their Head of Grassroots in why it's important that Non League leads the way in the changing of football culture. Jon Couch wears the Non League Paper hat this week. He has Trophy and Vase Quarter-final reviews and Semi-final previews, managerial movements and what's to come in the Non League Paper this weekend.

It's the quarter-final stage of both the FA Trophy and the FA Vase. We turn to the ever faithful, the never inexact, master of the stats Mr Phil Annets. He wears three hats this week @FATrophyFacts @FAVaseFactffile and @FACupFactfile inspiring us all with records, patterns, and with connections that would leave Victoria Coren Mitchell swooning if Non League was ever a category on Only Connect. Our managerial insight this week comes from the manager of Midland Premier side Whitchurch Alport. Not only does he know the quirky history of his wonderful club, but Adam Shillcock is also at the heart of the revolution that will see a second FA Vase quarter-final within a handful of years and is bringing the town and the community together across the ages. Matt Badcock is our man from the Non League Paper this week. He has his own Trophy and Vase insights, ground grading foresight and managerial movement background knowledge that he brings to the table along with another packed Non League Paper this weekend.

A strangely quiet week in Non League as the focus tightens on who is going to get titles and promotions. We have two managers, both with strong winning mentalities, both currently off the top of their divisions but with their sights set very firmly on taking top spot shortly and securing the title in the coming weeks. First up Kettering Town's Richard Lavery who in his first year since returning to the club has staved off relegation, seen new owners coming in, beaten local EFL rivals in the first round of the FA Cup and now looks to secure promotion back to National North from the Southern Central Premier Division. Brett Donnelly never envisaged dropping back to manager in Step 6, but then not many probably envisaged AFC Welwyn even existing, let alone pulling up trees to be in a strong position of a second promotion since being founded in 2023. After the disappointment of his departure from Hitchin earlier this season he certainly seems to have found that spark again reigniting his love of Non League football.

This week highlighting the variety of Non League we speak to a coach who has helped shape many a rough diamond in the lower reaches of the pyramid and faces a tough task in his new role. As joint-manager at Meridian VP sitting bottom of their division in Step 6 they are the highest-ranked club still without a league win this season in Non League. He knew this before he took on the role and since he arrived they are three points better off with three draws but still strive for their elusive win, that Darrell Queeley hopes is not far off. With the 3Up campaign prevalent across many news channels and the National League DIvisions so tight we turn to an expert in those tiers. Rob Worral of NL Full Time joins me to offer his insight, knowledge and take on the magic that is Non League. Matt Badcock from the Non League Paper helps with the news round-up this week. As well as providing details on what is to come in this weekend's Non League Paper.

This week a new Chairman of a Step 5 side heading their division. Will Twigg is ambitious but realistic for Silsden AFC a club with 120 years of history finding current success built it sounds on everybody enjoying being part of the club.  Dave Anderson returns but on his own podcast.. Jon Couch is on hand to help round up the week's news in non league. Promotion to the Football League, unforeseen problems in non league and managerial moves among the points in discussion. Plus what is to come in this weekend's Non League Paper.

A bumper show this week as the FA Trophy and FA Vase reach the last 16. Phil Annets is on hand to give us the lowdown on the stats and facts for both competitions with his @fatrophyfacts and his @favasefactfile hats on. Then we focus on one of those FA Vase ties but not just on the game itself. Caroline Bone lives and breathes Fleet Town. A family connection was the original pull but from a club that could very easily have been just a dusty history book memory, it's now a thriving community hub across the sexes and with a men's team into the last 16 of the Vase and eyes on promotion. Fleet's recording-breaking trip this weekend is to another club who have never reached this stage of the competition before. Their manager acknowledges that but it's not something to de-rail Jamie Coyle, who as a player, manager and still player manager has seen pretty much all there is to see in non league. Matt Badcock is back with the non league round up. The ever-changing National League, managerial moves and non league finals are all in the mix. Plus what is to come in this weekend's Non League Paper.

First up, a manager who finished his first 5 years as a boss with promotion to the National South before moving to a side now rivals for the National South title this season. Paul Wotton is clearly enjoying his new role and might just take Torquay United back up under their new ownership. Hoping to take inspiration from a reinvigorated Torquay, Banstead Athletic. After a very difficult year, new Chairman Gary Grabban is hopeful their pitch to the council will allow them to return to their traditional home and provide for the rebirth and growth of his historic club With the Non League Paper round-up Jon Couch, losing streaks ended, potential governing body swaps and managerial movements the big talking points. Plus what's to come in the weekend's Non League Paper.

A reduced show this week with Matt Badcock from the Non League Paper our sole guest. After the weather intervened last weekend 24 clubs compete in the FA Vase round 4, for a place in the fifth round drawn this week. We reflect on the FA Cup 3rd round and the end of non league involvement plus there's more managerial merry-go-round moves and previews of the weekend's Non League Paper.

A few techie issues this week but a bumper show no less. We start off with Phil Annets. Two hats as we look at the double representatives in the FA Cup Third Round and the last 32 clubs in the FA Vase as that hits round 4.  Then a lovely tale of one of those making history in the FA Vase and hopefully likely to beat the weather this weekend with a 3G pitch. Roger Hudd wasn't around when the club in its oldest form was born but he was one of a handful of lads who started the club it later merged with and bears its name now. He's been a player, manager and now a proud Chairman of a club with some great history and he is hoping to make even more at Roman Glass St George this weekend Jon Couch is literally our roving reporter this week on his way back from Tamworth's pre-FA Cup Press Conference and helps round up the rest of the non league news of the week and what we can read in this weekend's Non League Paper.

A new year and new stats and facts for an FA competition. Phil Annets starts us up as we embrace Round 4 of the FA Trophy. The last 32 with plenty of shocks and curveballs sure to come. Next a first for me on the show. He's a manager with a 100% record in his managerial career and he's not a newbie. Quorn, top of the Northern Premier League Midlands division and under new management since the summer, Ryan Beswick is a name many in non league might know from his playing days. Now featuring as a Player Manager and, I have to say, I'm not even in the dressing room and I'm inspired. Hopefully as good a listen as it was to chat with him Matt Badcock helps round up the news of the week, a few different angles this week providing insight into the changing game of the non league world.

A slightly shorter version this week to fill the Christmas hole but as you know in the role of Non League, this is never a quiet time. First up, Dave Anderson is back with news of what he has been up to and some exciting previews of what he will be up to in 2025 Jon Couch is the man from Non League Paper Towers as he helps decipher the games coming thick and fast, the olden days and managerial movements.

Christmas is nearly here and while some focus on the presents, we concentrate on the presence. We are by the fans for the fans so we love stories that embrace fans and their enjoyment of the game. We welcome back to the show old friend of the show Tim Harris, he's been a player, manager, coach, General Manager and Director of Football at many clubs over the years, but after an 18 month stint as manager at Worcester City he seems very settled since his move upstairs onto the board as Director of Football there and very pleased at the club's latest move to sign a groundshare at Sixways stadium famed for hosting Rugby in the town as he explains. If ever a tale exemplified the power of the non league family, it's Harry Foster's. Now banging in the goals for Street FC in the Western League he's seen clubs rally round of all colours and creed to support a charitable walk this weekend to the local Somerset derby at Shepton Mallet, raising funds for a charity that has provided support to him and his family since the sudden death of their young daughter just over a year ago.  Matt Badcock returns to the show this week providing insight and knowledge on the week's non league news and what we can expect in this weekend's final pre-Christmas issue of the Non League Paper.

As Christmas approaches even managers seem to give more credance to the divisional tables. Our first guest this week is no stranger to topping tables, having famously secured promotion back to the Football League with a then much troubled Macclesfield Town. In at a new club this season, with a new ground John Askey finds himself top of a very tight National South but is taking nothing for granted. Storm Darragh hit the FA Vase programme last week, so we take take the opportunity to preview another tie, that will have a second attempt at running this weekend. Crook Town has plenty of heritage as we will hear but also now one of the youngest Chairman they have ever had. That's not holding Chris MacDonald back nor his multitude of ideas as the club aim to progress on and off the field. Jon Couch is back rounding up the week's news. More managerial moves, FA Vase and FA Trophy and what to buy non league fans for Christmas

The FA Vase and the FA Trophy reach the third round this weekend. That's 64 clubs in 32 ties in each competition. Phil Annets is on hand thankfully with both hats on @fatrophyfacts and @favasefactfile to give us the runners the riders and the history makers taking part.  One chairman who has already seen this club make history in the competition this year is Edwin Slinn. Northampton ON Chenecks is effectively his schoolboy club, and as he explains, there is a fantastic tale behind their name. A home tie awaits, and there is lots to play for, but Wembley is just a few short hops away. Jon Couch rounds up the week's news. There's plenty of FA Cup reaction coming in this weekend's Non-League paper, but as we discuss, there will be plenty from the Vase, the Trophy, the league, and more managerial movements if we can beat Storm Darragh.

The FA Cup Second Round is here. A round of magic for all involved. A chance to shine, create memories and history but also in much part because of the carrot of the big boys if the Third Round can be reached.  9 non league sides in action this weekend and all miss each other so 9 chances for Cupsets, or maybe 9 chances for non league heartbreak. We talk with Phil Annets in @facupfactfile mode to tap into his knowledge and insight into the greatest cup competition in the world. With a bucket full of FA cup memories already, Wealdstone assistant boss Paul Hughes is hoping his sides Saturday morning kick off will be another one to add. A local derby for the National Leaguers against Top of Division One Wycombe Wanderers. He admits it wont be easy but having trained with and under some of the best, made his own magical memories and seen his side hit form inspired by the community around it, maybe this is another one for the pot. Matt Badcock returns to head up out Non League paper round-up. Of course there is FA Cup focus but there's weather talk, teams on the up and of course that managerial merry-go-round.

This week we focus on those magic people who make non league tick. The ones who run the clubs, maybe not in ownership terms but certainly in operational terms, not alone, as they both admit, but people who ensure their club not only survives but thrives in a difficult world, effectively the biggest fans of their clubs and in turn of huge fans of non league. First up, Nigel Osmond, from a dad on the sideline he now finds himself in a full-time job helping oversee the rise of Portishead Town pushing for back-to-back promotions and a Step 4 dream, whilst reaching a historic Round Three in the FA Vase, ironically or perhaps due to the magic of non league with that same son that drew him to the club, now featuring as a stalwart in that historic men's first team, just one of over a thousand locals benefitting from this club at the heart of the community. Then we return to the club we last spoke to when competitive football was banned. Roydon are probably outside the football pyramid we usually cover, but the stories are real and the issues they face, are relevant to clubs up and down the land. Danny Adderson is Secretary of Roydon FC and much more, helping share the load of Chairman Alan Banks who has now done seven decades helping at the club. Less than half his age, Danny himself has done over two decades keeping the club thriving and he has big plans to keep that and the club going and get the club progressing up the pyramid. Jon Couch is our man from The Non League Paper this week. the weather may be looking to play a part this weekend but that won't mean a lack of non league news. We round up some of the same and preview what lies ahead.

The Step 2 sides enter the FA Trophy as it hits Round 2. Wearing his @FATrophyFacts hat Phil Annets gives us the insight, the knowledge, and all the things we need to know about the 40 ties taking place this weekend. One of those in the Trophy with an away tie at a club a level higher, are Macclesfield. The in-form team in the non league pyramid with a current 16-game unbeaten run in the league and the now Gaffer Robbie Savage explains he doesn't see his side going into the game as underdogs. Promotion is the main priority but a club formed from the ashes of a former two-time winner of the competition, and who made last term's semi-finals, he knows how important an FA Trophy run could be and what it means for those so fundamental to the club.  Matt Badcock helps round up the week's news at the end of the show, including more bizarre results, a Goal-Scoring legend, and the ever-spinning managerial merry-go-round. 

We're back on the FA Vase trail this week and what a bumper show we have. The Vase hits Round 2 and there are no more exemptions - the winner of this year's competition will be competing this weekend  Phil Annets is back with his @FaVaseFactfile and helps guide us through the stats, facts, records and the downright bizarre.  Then I get to speak to one of those managers looking to make history with his side in the Vase this weekend. Myles Hook is a bit different from most managers in national cup competitions and plying his trade at Step 5 however. Hands on doesn't give justice to the work he and the small team at Spelthorne Sports put in week in and week out. A club born from the community still with that community at its very heart. His tale is heartwarming and a contrast from some of those from the top level of over-inflated budgets and egos. A win against fellow step 5 club Holmesdale at the weekend would not only see the club's best FA Vase run but also put the club on the map and bring in some essential funds.  Rounding up the news of the week, Jon Couch  of the Non League Paper. He's back with news from around the beautiful game ahead of another bumper weekend of non league football.

The FA Cup hits the first round proper; no replays but hopes and dreams for 32 Non League clubs this weekend Phil Annets is back with his @FACupFactfile and helps guide us through the stats, facts and records and the chances of a cupset this weekend. One of those managers setting up to try and achieve an FA Cup upset this week, is an old friend of the show and he's preparing for a trip to one of his old clubs. Micky Mellon takes his Oldham Athletic side to Tranmere Rovers in this weekend's FA Cup First Round. Whilst there's much excitement and just a handful of places in the pyramid between them, he admits promotion would probably be a priority over an FA Cup run. Rounding up the news of the week, Matt Badcock  of the Non League Paper is back ahead of another busy weekend for his team.

FA Trophy Round 1 this weekend and we speak with Phil Annets wearing his @fatrophyfacts hat, to find out the interesting, the unusual and the downright bizarre facts about the 32 ties and the clubs involved. One of those clubs hoping to make history and match their best-ever Trophy run is Brentwood Town. It's 6 months since we last spoke to Chairman Jez Dickinson and lots has gone on since then as he reveals, ahead of their Trophy tie. Jon Couch is back with us offering insight in The Non League Paper round-up this week. Trophy, Vase, FA Cup managerial moves, and plenty of reasons why we love non league.

It is FA Vase First Round time, and Phil Annests has his @favasefactfile hat on, detailing the debutants, the record breakers, and the downright bizarre. He is the man with the stats for every occasion. Those stats make for great stories but my next guest and his club have more stories than most. They are the kind that make me love non league. Real football, run by real football fans. Founded by a D-day veteran who is now 100 and still plays a part in the club he formed 75 years ago, they have a new progressive manager who celebrates the club, the people, and the ethos surrounding them. Steve Scott is an enthusiastic young manager who has served his apprenticeship lower down the pyramid with great success and plans to continue at Step 4 Ashville FC. With two massive games ahead he's neither fazed nor over-confident, but ready to enjoy being part of a club I think everybody will want to be part of when they hear his sell. The Non League Paper's, Matt Badcock is our man in the know in and around the week's news. There's FA Cup, FA Vase, Managerial moves, Club departures and non league making inroads at the highest level. All in a day's work for nonleague's finest media gurus.

It is FA Cup front and centre this week. The Fourth and final qualifying round. The last full-on celebration of Non League before that other lot gets involved. Of course, we look forward to that First Round draw and all the drama that will create plus Phil Annets is here with his @FACupFactFile hat on to guide us through the stats, facts and records ready to be set and broken this weekend  Old fans of the show will know Rich Luffman is a manager who still under 40, has learnt his trade in the lower levels of non league with much success. With over 500 games as a manager under his belt, he admits having never been with a club that doesn't win most weeks. In his opening months at Step 3 with Taunton Town he has helped turn the Somerset club around, progressing in both the FA cup and FA Trophy and currently on a 10 game unbeaten run. As ever he's great value as a guest. With the weekly news round-up and flagging some of the features of this weekend's Non League Paper, Matt Badcock is another welcome returnee. 

We are in the Third Qualifying of the FA Trophy this weekend. The Step 3 clubs are the big boys and big scalps to be taken; 88 of those clubs and the 40 clubs from Step 4 have progressed from the last round. Phil Annets is on hand with some thoughts and insight wearing his @FATrophyFacts hat. Our manager this week, is another at a club built on camaraderie and a place people want to be. Ian Rowe has been the gaffer of Sporting Khalsa for 10 years now but the club is more than just the men's first team, it's very much about the people, as Ian explains. Helping with the weekly news round-up Jon Couch is back. Another packed issue of The Non League Paper ahead but first we discuss the FA Cup draw, clubs in trouble and of course, more managerial moves.

It is the FA Cup Third Qualifying round this weekend. 80 clubs, 40 ties in the penultimate qualifying round and the one where victory puts them in the hat potential to face National League clubs. Plenty of stories, an array of stats and some interesting insights from our man in the know Phil Annets @FACupFactfile. Craig Davis last came on the show this time last year before bowing out of the FA Cup in the Third Qualifying Round. Hoping for a different outcome this time around, his side face second tier opposition so a cupset could be on the cards but there's already reason to celebrate with his club Winchester City returning home, to a refurbished stadium with a new 3G installed over the summer and they are all ready for this big weekend.  Matt Badcock is on hand rounding up the news of the week from The Non League Paper. Managerial moves, tables taking shape and a non league rap. Usual non-league fayre.

It is FA Vase and FA Trophy Second Qualifying round time. Nearly 400 non league clubs from Steps 2 down to 6 take part this weekend in their respective competitions  this weekend and Phil Annets is on hand to help us understand the most interesting stories behind the ties.  One manager leading his side into the FA Trophy for the first time in a number of years is Chris Ayres. His Flackwell Heath side took the Combined Counties Premier North by storm last term and they have started off well at Step 4 too in the Southern League Central Division One. He thinks he may have the best dressing room around, and we are not talking decor, but the camaraderie of a group of players, many of whom he has known for over a decade. With The Non League Paper round up this week is Jon Couch. Some big managerial moves, some big cup games and the National league beginning to take shape.

We celebrate The FA Cup reaching the Second Qualifying round this weekend. Step 2 clubs enter the fore and @FACupFactfile Phil Annets runs us through some of the most interesting stats and facts as some of the clubs taking part look for their fourth win of the season in the competition One of those is Harefield United. A Step 5 club who have already dumped out the in-form Step 3 club in the previous round, now looking for another scalp from that division. Their boss is certainly no stranger to non league both as a player and as a manager, and Wayne Carter is clearly loving the challenge directing his young squad to memories that will stay with them forever.  Matt Badcock is on hand again from The Non League Paper this week. More managerial moves, more clubs facing unplanned problems and what we really should be reading into with the embryonic table standings

The FA trophy takes the limelight this weekend, 160 sides from Step 4 as the FA Trophy reaches the First Qualifying Round. Phil Annets is with us wearing his new @fatrophyfacts hat, giving us the lowdown and the knowledge you need to understand the weekend's action and of course to impress your friends.  My next guest is a new Chairman, just over a month in the role, it's one he's coveted for years but he's been sprung into it quickly and in stressful times, but it's clear Spencer Gore is enjoying his new role, and looking forward to building his childhood club Chelmsford City again to challenge and even aim for the Football League.  Matt Badcock is our man from The Non League Paper this week with thoughts on the week's news, managerial moves and what's ahead in this weekend's issue of the Non League Paper.

The FA Cup reaches the First Qualifying Round. The Step 3 sides are in and there are 112 ties to look forward to. Phil Annets @FACupFactfile is the man in the know and the man at the top of the show to give us insight, knowledge and the magic of the FA Cup. 55 Step 5 clubs have made it through to this stage from the Extra Preliminary Round. One of those is AFC Stoneham and we speak to Chair Mark Stupple about his club and the 1500-plus players, registered with them this season across a multitude of sides under the club banner. Rounding up the week's news is Jon Couch Executive Editor of The Non League Paper. More insight and knowledge about the football we know and love and previews of this weekend's Non League Paper.

The FA Trophy and FA Vase begin this weekend. The Trophy has a rare Preliminary Round and the FA Vase the First Round Qualifying Round. Phil Annets is on hand to offer some stats and insight into the ties coming up this weekend, which is a busy weekend for him and Non League football. Not as busy for my next guest as while his team is back in the FA Vase after a 10-year hiatus they've been drawn away. No less exciting and still likely to be very well supported for a Step 6 side. Oliver Ellary explains more about his love for Non League and Staines & Lammas (Middlesex) FC Jon OCuch is the man with the Non League Paper round-up. Not the busiest week in Non League but still managerial changes and plenty to discuss.

It is the FA Cup Preliminary Round. 134 Clubs from Step 4 and 138 Clubs from Step 5 in action across the weekend, hoping to secure the £1444 winning prize-money but also a place in the First Qualifying Round when the 88 Step 3 clubs join the competition. Phil Annets returns to the fold to offer a review of the Extra Preliminary Round and a preview of this weekend's games too. One club through to this round is Boro Rangers. A club younger than any of the players that will even feature in the completion this season but one on the up and in the right way too as founder and chairman Mark Curtis explains. Matt Badcock helps round up the week's non-league news and previews this weekend's Non League Paper.

Back with another season and this weekly look at the world of non league football. As many clubs up and down the country kick off their competitive season, it is often only possible thanks to the often-overlooked hard work of one or a handful of people at the club. The ground staff make football possible for all of us. Our first guest is at the heart of the revolution that has seen important changes and improvements of grass pitches up and down the country. Geoff Webb is the CEO of the Ground Management Association and he gives some insight into what has been happening, what's to come, and how you might get involved If you are a Groundsman or not - it's fascinating stuff. Lots went on over the summer and the Non League Paper covered it all. Jon Couch  helps round up some of the big talking points and gives us a heads-up on what's to come in this weekend's Non League Paper.

A final weekly look for the season as we head into hibernation to plan for next season but still plenty to round -up this week before we go. All with the help of Matt Badcock, of the Non League Paper. There's more managerial movement, club allocation debates and awards galore.

A big week for non league football as we celebrate Non League FInals Day from last weekend.  We've got post-match interviews with each of the managers.  and then a round-up of the week's news including the Vase and Trophy finals, football still to be played and a host of managerial changes we welcome back to the show Executive Editor of the Non League Paper, Jon Couch

Another hectic week in non league football as play-offs are played, dreams are realised or crushed and the home of English football gets ready for the double cup final that crowns the non league season. Yes it's Non League Finals day on Saturday and we talk to some of those getting ready for the big day and take a look at the four clubs who will be enjoying their day in the sun.  First up is the man with more knowledge than the taxi rank by Wembley Way. The statto for every great cup competition. Mr Phil Annets joins me to chat facts behind the FA Vase, FA Trophy and the FA Cup as we also pick up on the winners of this season's ninth FA Cup Team Awards, the FACTAs. My next guest has been on my radar for a while and I hope you will agree it's been worth the wait. He's possibly the non league legend you weren't yet aware of but for sure you will want to know more about him, and his little village club whether they win in the FA Vase Final on Saturday or not. Dave Patient has been involved in Non League for over 4 decades before getting his chance at Wembley, and with a serious health scare forcing him to miss their first semi final, he's more than lived up to that Patient name. Now, the Chair and Director of Football at Great Wakering Rovers is just aiming for Saturday to be a great day for all involved. Giving as a trip on a busy week of non league news Matt Badcock of The Non League Paper. We've had Play-offs, Crowd issues, an England C win, administrative confusion and plenty of manager movements all to be reported on

First up, a community club making the national headlines but you may not have seen it, but you do need to know. Balham FC play in the Combined Counties Premier South but it's the 20 sides from U8s upwards and ladies team that make this football club so successful. Bringing on young talent and young people, which as my guest Finance Director Dereck Fordham explains is something they are very proud of and want to continue to do despite the issues they've made the headlines with for doing everything right in my eyes. Then we talk football. Old friend of the show Andy Whing is in his first season as a full-time boss, his first season at Solihull Moors and he's made Wembley twice… in a week. First up it's Sunday's prize game, against Bromley for a place in the English Football League, not that you'd be able to tell from one of the game's calmest and nicest managers around. Rounding up the week's non league news - and there is plenty of it, including breaking news as we recorded - is Jon Couch of The Non League Paper. Play-offs play a big part along with admin and managerial moves

Two Non League Show debutants in a very busy week for non league. First up an assistant manager at a club competing in the biggest game in English football this weekend. Barnet's number two Connor Smith, has seen success as a player and also in his first player coach role at Boreham Wood. Now in his second season with Barnet and his first as number to Dean Brennan, their second-place finish in the National League sees them just one win away from that glittering Wembley final. Just one game away from promotion is Danny Payne. In his first season as boss at Biggleswade Town he knows it's in his hands on Saturday but with a second place play-off berth the worst-case scenario, this busy entrepreneur seems to let little worry him. Rounding up the week's bizarre non league news is Matt Badcock of The Non League Paper. FA Cup fall-out, play-off hiccups, and more managerial shifts are the order of the day.

This week  bumper show and one all about the people and not necessarily the lifting of trophies, despite the time of the season.  First up a fan who has had a week he will surely always remember but perhaps not for the best of reasons. Dean Knight this time last week was a typical fan helping organise a supporters bus to a play-off chasing match at the weekend. On Saturday evening he was being rushed to hospital 120 miles from home after a bus crash left him and another 15 or so South Shields fans injured and shaken up. Thankfully, everybody survived and are on the mend, but it was the reaction from fellow fans, fans from all clubs even rivals that captured my attention and captured the heart of Dean as the non league football family pulled together.  Talking about the non league family pulling together. My next guest is a Chairman who has been the focus of some ridicule since coming into the game. However, back to back promotions for his Real Bedford side and new investment from American Billionaires, suggest Peter McCormack might just be onto to something with his non traditional approach. Rounding it all up is The Non League Paper's Jon Couch, previewing the National League's final set of normal fixtures, managerial changes and the scrapping of FA Cup Replays in the proper rounds.

First up an experienced manager in possibly the tightest promotion battle across the pyramid. Ware's Paul Halsey is no stranger to play-off pressures but in a season of some clubs with 5 games per week, he's got just 3 games on three separate Saturdays left to play in a division when any club from 6 could still pip the title. Talking about experience, following our love of highlighting the great work done by so many off the field and the many jobs that can entail, we speak again to an old friend of the show Adam Etheridge. From volunteer to full-time administrator he's now overseeing the off-the-field work at Quorn FC and has a multitude of hats and a multitude of stories about the wonders and magic of non league to tell Rounding it all up in a bumper week of news too, is The Non League Paper's Jon Couch, that FA Vase semi-final second leg, final movers and shakers in the National League, fairness for fans, and some managerial moves all in the mix.