The Speaking Frankly Football Show.
Hello and welcome to The Speaking Frankly Football Show. Hosted by Frank Hughes, Chairman of Skelmersdale United FC & AJ Vergette, Skelmersdale United Press Officer. We concentrate mainly on matters of non league football, but occasionally we stray and cover other controversial subjects in football as well. We give in depth analysis on the North West Counties Football League. Interviews, opinions, controversial issues and much more! We are Speaking Frankly.
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TSFFS BONUS EPISODE FEATURING DAVE JONES
04/18/2025
TSFFS BONUS EPISODE FEATURING DAVE JONES
Get ready for an exciting bonus episode of The Speaking Frankly Football Show! This time, we’re thrilled to sit down with the remarkable Dave Jones, the title-winning manager of Atherton LR. At just 25 years old, Dave has taken the non-league football scene by storm. In just two seasons, he not only made waves by reaching the playoffs last year but has now led his team to capture the title this past week. What a phenomenal journey it’s been! Join us as we explore every twist and turn of this season's highs and lows. Dave shares his expert insights on upcoming fixtures with AJ sitting out this week. He'll also reveal his predictions for who will reign supreme in the Premier Division of the NWCFL and who he’s cheering for in the playoffs across all divisions. Believe us, you won’t want to miss this one!
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TSFFS E21, WITH SPECIAL GUEST DEAN JONES.
04/04/2025
TSFFS E21, WITH SPECIAL GUEST DEAN JONES.
In episode 21, we begin with our passionate round-up of the NWCFL. With Marine AFC now safe, we confidently focus on the National League North. As always, we tackle some of the more provocative issues. A debate about Cheadle’s choice to host their penultimate game against Bury at FC United’s Broadhurst Park raises questions about fairness and the competitive spirit, especially concerning Bury’s advantage over Lower Breck as the title could go down to the death. Do they gain an advantage with more significant support? Or does the paramount importance of safety take precedence? We also examine Avro FC’s surprising decision to part ways with David Birch and Mike Norton after an impressive five consecutive victories. Avro still has a chance of playoff glory, so how unsettling will this prove to be? In the show's second part, we engage with Dean Jones, one-half of the dynamic management duo at NWCFL Division South Championship-winning Winsford United. Dean shares the incredible journey and achievements he and Dom Johnson have cultivated since the beginning of the season. We conclude the show with expert insights and predictions for this weekend's matches. All that and more!
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TSFFS SPECIAL EPISODE FEATURING FRANK HUGHES
03/28/2025
TSFFS SPECIAL EPISODE FEATURING FRANK HUGHES
In this thrilling special feature episode, AJ dives into an exclusive conversation with Skelmersdale United Chairman Frank Hughes! Get ready to discover the groundbreaking decision behind their new groundshare partnership with Marine AFC. It's a game-changing move that promises to shake things up in the local football scene! Don’t miss out on this captivating discussion!
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TSFFS E 20 FEATURING KAINE DUNCAN
03/28/2025
TSFFS E 20 FEATURING KAINE DUNCAN
**Episode 20** **NWCFL Round-Up** This episode explores the thrilling journey of promotion and relegation throughout the league. Marine AFC is experiencing an inspiring revival; just a month ago, hopes seemed dim, but their recent performance has ignited a strong momentum towards survival in the National League North. This week has also sparked essential discussions, from the challenges of beer throwing and managers voicing concerns about officiating to the trials faced by Accrington Stanley with their local council regarding live and amplified music events. On a more uplifting note, Chorley FC has opened its fan zone to over 800 travelling Aston Villa supporters this Sunday, inviting them to a vibrant liquid breakfast ahead of their FA quarter-final clash against Preston NE! In the second part of our show, we sit down with Kaine Duncan, the visionary founder and co-chairman of Manchester Eclipse Football Club. As he embarks on his mission to join the Manchester League with a new team project, he is also on the cusp of a remarkable opportunity to become the chairman of Maine Road. His ambition shines brightly, representing a new wave of leaders eager to share their journeys through social media. In the final segment, we dive into the fixtures, make bold predictions, and offer expert insights, fueling the passion for the game.
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TSFFS E19 WITH PAUL MCNALLY.
03/14/2025
TSFFS E19 WITH PAUL MCNALLY.
In episode 19 of our thrilling series, we start with a "NWCFL Round-Up,” We will discuss our night at Charnock Richard and how Richard Brodie's Glossop NE triumphantly returned to glory on the pitch. This week, the spotlight is on the hot-button topic of Jim Bentley’s sacking as manager of Southport following their tight 1-0 defeat at Marine. We’ll also explore how Marine is experiencing a remarkable turnaround, defying their relegation fears with some stunning performances! In a surprising twist, Scotty Patmore has stepped down as manager of Edgware & Finsbury just when it seemed the club was on the rise! After skillfully steering them out of the relegation zone, Scotty dropped the bombshell of outside interference as his reason for leaving. We’ll dive into the drama as the club expresses their disbelief! In the show's second half, we have an exclusive interview with former City of Liverpool manager Paul McNally! We’ll examine his career journey and consider the exciting possibilities that lie ahead for him. To wrap things up, we’ll break down the upcoming fixtures, make bold predictions, and share our expert analysis. Don’t miss out on all this and so much more!
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TSFFS E18, FEATURING TONY YOUNG, BLYTH SPARTANS & CARL TAYLOR, JM, CHADDERTON FC
03/07/2025
TSFFS E18, FEATURING TONY YOUNG, BLYTH SPARTANS & CARL TAYLOR, JM, CHADDERTON FC
**Episode 18** **Part One: NWCFL Round-Up** As always, we begin with our comprehensive round-up of the North West Counties Football League (NWCFL). In this segment, we highlight the key match results, notable player performances, and these games' impact on the league standings. We'll delve into which teams are making strides towards promotion and which are fighting to avoid relegation, providing an analytical overview of recent trends and shifting dynamics within the league. **Part Two: Interview with Tony Young** In an intense segment, we speak with Tony Young, the passionate supporter of Blyth Spartans, who recently became a viral sensation after his emotional post-match rant following a heavy 5-1 defeat to Bamber Bridge. We'll dive into his thoughts on the team's current form, what led to his outburst, and how he feels about the club's direction. Tony's heartfelt critique has resonated with fans across the league, and we'll explore the broader implications of accountability and support in football culture. **Part Three: Conversation with Carl Taylor** Next, we sit down with Carl Taylor, the joint manager of Chadderton, to discuss the club's progress on the field and their community initiatives off the pitch. We’ll address the challenges the team has faced recently, particularly the distressing incident of racism directed at one of their players following a recent match. Carl shares his insights on how the club tackles these issues head-on, advocating for equality and inclusivity in football. This conversation sheds light on the vital role managers play not just in team strategy but in fostering a positive and respectful environment for all. **Part Four: Upcoming Fixtures and Expert Predictions** To wrap up the episode, we focus on the exciting matches on the horizon. We'll provide our expert analysis of the upcoming fixtures, discussing potential game-changers and tactical matchups. We’ll also present our predictions for each notable game, considering team form, player injuries, and historical performance. Join us as we forecast pivotal moments in the season ahead. All that and more in Episode 18!
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TSFFS E17, FEATURING PAUL BARTHORPE & TOM MCGREW.
02/28/2025
TSFFS E17, FEATURING PAUL BARTHORPE & TOM MCGREW.
In Episode 17 of the show, we offer a comprehensive NWCFL Round-Up that covers all clubs in action over the past week. We begin by examining Marine's and Farsley's recent performances in the National League North and highlighting their respective results. Then, we turn our attention to the NPL, where Clitheroe have made a notable resurgence in Division One West under Sean McConville's management. In a more contentious segment, we address the current challenges facing the City of Liverpool FC, who are bottom of the league. Recent finger-pointing and accusations have sparked discussions regarding a potential takeover by Purps4Change. Additionally, we analyse Macclesfield Town's recent 3-1 victory over Lancaster, a match that solidified their position at the top of the NPL Premier League; however, this win was overshadowed by incidents of crowd trouble. The show's second part features an exclusive interview with Paul Barthorpe, the former Chairman of Farsley Celtic. Barthorpe has faced significant challenges recently and has decided to step down from his role. Notably, this is the first opportunity he has had to convey his perspective on the situation. In the third segment, we speak with Tom McGrew, an American businessman who has chosen to invest in Hanley Town Football Club and take on the role of Chairman. McGrew shares his motivations and insights regarding his involvement with a club located over 3,400 miles away from his home. Finally, we conclude the episode with an expert analysis of the upcoming weekend fixtures and provide our predictions. Stay tuned for all that and more!
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TSFFS E16, FEATURING DAN DAWSON, MANAGER OF MDT FC
02/21/2025
TSFFS E16, FEATURING DAN DAWSON, MANAGER OF MDT FC
On Episode 16, We kick off the show with our customary roundup of the North West Counties Football League (NWCFL) and other noteworthy match results that have captured attention across the leagues. Dan Dawson, the manager of Market Drayton Town, will join us as a special guest. He will share insights from his first season at the helm and discuss the challenges and triumphs he has encountered. In a thoughtful discussion, we'll explore the pressing issue of sustainability in football, spotlighting Rushall Olympic FC's recent appeal for increased support as they seek to navigate financial challenges. Additionally, we'll spotlight Farsley Celtic, who have launched an ambitious fundraising campaign to raise £25,000 for re-laying their pitch at the Citadel. Remarkably, they’ve already amassed over £10,000 in just a few days, demonstrating the community's passion and support for the club as they strive to keep their season going. As always, we wrap up the episode with our expert analysis and predictions, reflecting on the latest developments and what they mean for the teams involved. All this and more await you in our latest episode!
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TSFFS E15, with Frank Hughes & AJ Vergette.
02/14/2025
TSFFS E15, with Frank Hughes & AJ Vergette.
In Episode 15 of the show, we dive deep into an enthralling round-up of results from the North West Counties Football League (NWCFL). Our discussion kicks off with the thrilling Derby draw at Goodison. We dissect the match highlights and delve into the passionate reactions from fans, players and pundits alike. Once more, we focus on the intriguing situation at Farsley Celtic, posing the burning question: what’s unfolding at the club? We also spotlight Dagenham and Redbridge as they navigate tumultuous waters, seemingly dodging a bullet or two themselves. We also profile Clitheroe FC, showcasing their journey and the significant contributions made by former Skelmersdale player Sean McConville, who is making waves with his impressive management style. The standout news of the week centres around Aaron Hunt, the social media savant who has heroically stepped in to take charge of Daisy Hill. Like a knight in shining armour, he seems poised to rescue a club teetering on the brink of collapse. We ponder the implications of his involvement: what transformative changes can he bring, and what challenges lie ahead? Celebrations are in order as Josh Woods has officially signed a promising 2.5-year contract with Accrington Stanley. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to him on this exciting new chapter in his career. In a surprising twist, Frank has reached out to Elon Musk to explore the tech mogul's potential interest in Skelmersdale United FC, stirring curiosity about what this could mean for the club’s future. 😆 As we wrap up the episode, we provide our expert analysis of the upcoming weekend fixtures and offer our predictions on the scores, arming our listeners with insights to enhance their matchday experience. All this and so much more await you in this episode!
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TSFFS EP 14, WITH SPECIAL GUEST JAMES LEARY, CEO, MARINE AFC.
02/07/2025
TSFFS EP 14, WITH SPECIAL GUEST JAMES LEARY, CEO, MARINE AFC.
Once again, we have an exciting show lined up for you, bursting with captivating content! Dive into the latest headlines from non-league football, where we’ll bring you all the action and notable stories you might have missed. Plus, enjoy a comprehensive round-up of the North West Counties Football League (NWCFL), highlighting standout performances and key moments. This week, we are thrilled to welcome our special guest, James Leary, the CEO of Marine AFC. He'll share insightful details about the club's recent transformative journey and discuss their ambitious plans for relocation, shedding light on the vision that drives this historic club forward. In the show's final segment, we will examine the weekend's fixtures more closely, offering expert analyses, predictions, and opinions to help you prepare for the matches ahead. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to immerse yourself in non-league football!
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EPISODE 13, FEATURING STEVE LEATHER, CHAIRMAN OF FC ST HELENS & SHAUN LYNCH, CHAIRMAN OF ATHERTON LR.
01/31/2025
EPISODE 13, FEATURING STEVE LEATHER, CHAIRMAN OF FC ST HELENS & SHAUN LYNCH, CHAIRMAN OF ATHERTON LR.
In Episode 13 of The Speaking Frankly Football Show, we kick things off with a thrilling recap of the weekend's action in the NWCFL! But that's just the beginning—get ready as we dive into some of the most controversial and downright entertaining topics making waves in the football world. The drama unfolds with the shocking revelation about former Premier League referee David Coote, who has come out as gay, igniting discussions and opinions across the board. We also explore the intriguing world of mergers, focusing on the fascinating dynamics between Real Bedford and Bedford Town. Hold tight as Farsley Celtic retake centre stage, with Chairman Paul Barthorpe stepping into the spotlight to make headlines. West Didsbury & Chorlton are stirring up a stink with their neighbours—don't miss the details! On a more light-hearted note, we talk about Ian Nutter, the creative genius who has built a stand in his garden, giving him a perfect view of Barnoldswick Town’s Silent Night stadium! We also have an exclusive interview with Steve Leather, the ambitious Chairman of FC St Helens, who launched the club in 2011 and has quickly made waves on the scene. His journey to success is one you won’t want to miss! Looking ahead, we gear up for Atherton LR’s FA Vase 5th Round clash against Bourne Town, featuring insights from their passionate Chairman, Shaun Lynch. As always, we wrap up the show with our top-notch expert analysis and bold predictions, ensuring you leave the episode buzzing with excitement!
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Episode Twelve, featuring Chris Berezai.
01/24/2025
Episode Twelve, featuring Chris Berezai.
In episode twelve of The Speaking Frankly Football Show, we are thrilled to welcome our special guest, Chris Berezai, the visionary founder and organiser of Groundhop UK. In this episode, Chris will share the inspiring journey of how he came up with the idea for Groundhop. This unique initiative celebrates lower-league football by encouraging fans to visit multiple matches one weekend. He will discuss the tremendous growth of this concept over the years and the significant financial boost it has provided to numerous clubs across the league, enhancing their sustainability and community engagement. Listeners will learn how to participate in this exciting experience as the upcoming NWCFL Groundhop weekend approaches, beginning on Friday, February 28th. As we delve into non-league football, we’ll also provide a comprehensive roundup of the NWCFL results from the past week, discussing key highlights and performances. Additionally, we will address several pressing and controversial topics currently shaking the football community, including Banbury United's ongoing financial challenges and the intriguing prospects of a potential merger between Bedford Town and Real Bedford football clubs. In another segment, we’ll spotlight Farsley Celtic, who continue to make headlines. Recently, the club appointed Neil Redfearn, a former manager of Leeds United, as their new head coach. No sooner did Redfearn take charge than Pav Singh, who recently resigned from his position as manager, has returned to the club as Neil’s assistant, creating a fascinating dynamic in their coaching setup. On a more humorous note, we’ll tackle an unusual incident regarding West Allotment Celtic's match against Seaham Red Star, which was postponed just 30 minutes before kick-off due to an unexpected layer of goose droppings covering a significant portion of the pitch. The bizarre circumstances have led many to speculate about the possibility of foul play. In the show's final segment, we will examine the fixtures scheduled for the upcoming weekend in the NWCFL and offer our expert analysis and predictions for each match. We will also take a moment to pay tribute to the late Paul Griffiths, the former chairman of Skelmersdale United, who recently passed away. His contributions to the club and the wider football community will be fondly remembered. Join us for this exciting episode filled with insightful discussion, passionate commentary, and a few laughs, only on The Speaking Frankly Football Show!
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TSFFS EPISODE 11 FEATURING DALE WOODS SNR
01/16/2025
TSFFS EPISODE 11 FEATURING DALE WOODS SNR
In episode 11 of The Speaking Frankly Football Show, we're thrilled to welcome special guest Dale Woods Snr, the proud father of Josh Woods. Josh a lifelong Liverpool fan went head to head with Liverpool, playing for Accrington Stanley in the 3rd round of the FA Cup at Anfield. Dale shares his perspective on the exhilarating journey his family has experienced since the draw for this round was announced. We also dive into Tamworth's narrow miss of a million-pound opportunity in the FA Cup after holding Spurs to a gritty draw for 90 minutes, especially with the recent changes to replay rules. The show doesn't shy away from controversy as we revisit Farsley Celtic, which is now in further turmoil following manager Pav Singh's resignation. We'll analyse Clitheroe's current situation, especially in the wake of their chairman stepping down and the implications of recent budget cuts, as new manager Sean McConville is settling into his role. To round things off, we’ll provide insights into the weekend’s NWCFL fixtures and our expert analysis and predictions. All this and much more await you in this episode!
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EPISODE 10. TSFFS.
01/10/2025
EPISODE 10. TSFFS.
In this comprehensive episode of The Speaking Frankly Football Show, we conduct an in-depth analysis of NWFCL match results over the festive period, providing a thorough update on team standings and performances. As clubs submit applications for promotion to the non-league pyramid, we evaluate several contenders and the scenarios that could influence Skem United’s fate—potentially aiding their bid to avoid relegation or ultimately relegating them to the Cheshire League or the Liverpool Premier League. We candidly discuss the potential implications for the club if they face a relegation scenario. We also delve into the latest developments within Skelmersdale United, including AJ Vergette’s inaugural experience in radio commentary. In the show's second segment, we address the ongoing challenges faced by Farsley Celtic and explore other contentious topics within the non-league landscape. Finally, we preview the upcoming weekend fixtures, offering expert insights and predictions to round up the episode. Join us for this and more as we continue to Speak Frankly.
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Episode 9, with special guest, Mark Halsey.
12/20/2024
Episode 9, with special guest, Mark Halsey.
Get ready for this week's episode of The Speaking Frankly Football Show! In part one, we'll dive into the disappointing aftermath of Skelmersdale United’s recent defeat at Holker Old Boys and eagerly recap all the thrilling results from the northwest counties over the past week. In part two, we're thrilled to welcome our special guest, former Premier League referee Mark Halsey, who will share his insights on all the controversial issues that unfolded over the weekend, both in the Premier League and the non-league scene. In the show's final segment, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide to the upcoming festive fixtures in the northwest counties and unveil our predictions for those matches. It's happening on The Speaking Frankly Football Show, and you won’t want to miss it!
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Episode 8, featuring Kevin Towey the Ashton Town Manager.
12/13/2024
Episode 8, featuring Kevin Towey the Ashton Town Manager.
In episode 8, we’re gearing up for another exciting exploration into the world of non-league football! We’ll tackle the ongoing debate about the 3 p.m. TV blackout and ponder whether it still holds relevance today. What effects might this policy have on football, both professionally and at grassroots levels? We are thrilled to announce that Kevin Towey, the Ashton Town Manager, will be our special guest this week. Before stepping into management, Kev enjoyed an impressive career in non-league football, racking up over 700 appearances and scoring more than 300 goals. We can’t wait to give you a comprehensive round-up of the week’s results and share our bold predictions for the weekend’s matches. Join us for all this and more on The Speaking Frankly Football Show!
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Episode Seven, featuring Liam Page & Darren Moore.
12/06/2024
Episode Seven, featuring Liam Page & Darren Moore.
In this bumper edition of the show, we have an exciting lineup of guests joining us. First, we welcome Liam Page and Darren Moore, the joint managers of Runcorn Town. When they stepped in, the club struggled at the bottom of the NWC Division One South, having yet to secure a point. However, thanks to their management, Runcorn Town has successfully climbed out of the bottom three. We also have David Dodds, the Chairman of West Allotment Celtic, on the show to share his insights. He’ll delve into the club's challenges, which nearly brought it to the brink of folding. Fortunately, there is good news—West Allotment Celtic is making a strong comeback and fighting back against the odds. As the discussion progresses, we’ll tackle this week’s controversial subjects, culminating in a round-up of the latest NWCFL results. We’ll wrap up with our predictions for the upcoming weekend's fixtures. It promises to be an engaging and informative episode!
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EPISODE 6, WITH SPECIAL GUEST PAUL JONES
11/22/2024
EPISODE 6, WITH SPECIAL GUEST PAUL JONES
In episode 6 of 'The Speaking Frankly Football Show,' we explore the impactful and often debated issues in non-league football, engage in meaningful conversation with our special guest, Paul Jones, Manager of FC Isle of Man, and, in the final part of the show, we celebrate the recent NWCFL results while casting our optimistic gaze toward the exciting matches at the weekend. We are Speaking Frankly.
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Episode 5, featuring Dave Jones.
11/15/2024
Episode 5, featuring Dave Jones.
In the upcoming episode of "The Speaking Frankly Football Show,' we're gearing up for an exciting discussion with Armin Pishro & Will Leach from "The Mighty Shakers Podcast." They shed light on the complexities surrounding Bury FC and their ongoing challenges off the field. We'll also welcome Atherton LR manager, Dave Jones, as our first studio guest. At just 25 years old, he's poised to make a significant mark as one the most promising managers in the North West. With his team finishing second last season and narrowly missing out on promotion in the semi-finals of the playoffs, fans are eager to see if they can maintain their position at the top of the NWCD1N this season. All eyes are will be on the controversial Premier League referee David Coote, as we aim to explore what the future holds for him following recent events. As always, we'll wrap the show up with our anticipated round-up of the NWCFL and share our predictions for the upcoming weekend's matches. We are Speaking Frankly.
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Episode Four, featuring Steve Wilks.
11/08/2024
Episode Four, featuring Steve Wilks.
On episode four of The Speaking Frankly Football Show, we dive deep into the world of local non-league football and tackle the challenges and triumphs of our club, Skelmersdale United. Steve Wilks, the determined manager of high-flying Ramsbottom United, joins us as our special guest. He will share his inspiring journey in non-league management and reveal how he's successfully revitalised his club's fortunes after last season's relegation. We won't shy away from controversial topics, including the current situation at Bury FC and the shifting management landscape in our area. We will provide a comprehensive update on all the results in the NWCFL. Plus, we'll offer bold predictions for this weekend's games. It's all happening here, and we're speaking frankly.
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Episode Three, featuring Steve Hobson.
11/01/2024
Episode Three, featuring Steve Hobson.
In our third episode, we're diving once again into the world of non-league football! We chat about Skelmersdale United FC's ups and downs as they face tough times, while Southport FC appear to be enjoying a bit of good fortune, sneaking into the playoff positions in the National League North. At the other end of the table, Radcliffe and Marine are still finding their footing after last season's impressive promotions. Blyth Spartan's had a rough week, but with some exciting changes in ownership on the horizon, there could be brighter days ahead at Croft Park! No such good news for Walsall Wood FC, as they had to resign from the Northern Premier Midlands League due to ownership issues. We also discuss Farsley Celtic. Due to under-surface ground issues, they have been forced into playing their home games some 1 hour 40 minutes away at Buxton - what a commute! We're thrilled to have Steve Hobson, the vice chairman of Ashton United, as our special guest. He shares his experiences with his current club and his role within the FA and also recalls his time as Chairman of Rossendale United, and the heartbreaking events leading up to the club going out of business. And we can't forget the refereeing side of things. We touch on the recent sacking of former Skem boss Paul McNally at COL, and give you an NWCFL roundup. It's a packed episode you won't want to miss! We are Speaking Frankly!
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Episode Two, featuring Richard Brodie.
10/25/2024
Episode Two, featuring Richard Brodie.
In the second episode of The Speaking Frankly Football Show, Frank Hughes & AJ Vergette examine Skelmersdale United and its determination to rise from the bottom of the NWCFL Division One North. Their special guest is Richard Brodie, former manager of Skelmersdale United and current leader at Glossop NE. He shares insights on his club's journey and his ambitious vision for the future. They explore the stories of Radcliffe FC, Blyth Spartans and Bamber Bridge, discussing the challenges and triumphs of stepping up and thriving in competitive football. Together, they reflect on all the local results in the NWCFL and predict the scores for this coming weekend. They are Speaking Frankly.
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Episode One, featuring Tommy Lawson.
10/18/2024
Episode One, featuring Tommy Lawson.
Welcome to: "The Speaking Frankly About Football Show." Frank Hughes & AJ Vergette will be talking about non-league football in the north-west as well as covering topics on a wider footballing spectrum. We'll be discussing controversial topics that make us all tear our hair out and at the same time, we will be searching for all the answers as well. In today's episode we will be talking to the Skelmersdale United Manager, Tommy Lawson, and will be asking him what it's like to be back at the club his heart never left. We are speaking frankly.
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Carl Eaton
02/23/2024
Carl Eaton
Carl Eaton - The Sequel. We talk to Carl once again as he attempts to explain why he's set himself the biggest challenge of his life. Not that life isn't difficult enough for this amazing human being as it is. Born with Spina Bifida, a right leg amputee and wheelchair bound, this man mountain doesn't understand the word...limitiations. In this episode we also talk about mental health, and what life is like for someone that faces many challenges in his life due to his disability.
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PASCAL CHIMBONDA (Featuring Gordon Johnson & Mark Hayes)
11/28/2023
PASCAL CHIMBONDA (Featuring Gordon Johnson & Mark Hayes)
On episode 5, Gordon Johnson & Mark Hayes join me with my star guest Pascal Chimbonda. Gordon Johnson is a former referee, who is now Vice Chairman of Skelmersdale United Football Club. Mark Hayes is the former Chairman of Ashton Town & Pilkington FC and now Sporting Director at FC St Helens. Pascal Chimonda needs no introduction. The former Premier League footballer is now the manager of Skelmersdale United FC. Along the way he discusses how he left his homeland of Guadeloupe to seek fame and fortune, first in France before his big move to Wigan Athletic. And how he ended up taking up his first managerial role in the 9th tier of the football pyramid.
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Carl "Men-Aces" Eaton
07/28/2023
Carl "Men-Aces" Eaton
Carl Eaton is the founder & manager of Skelmersdale Men-Aces, a football team for young men with a range of disabilities. Carl's story is a truly inspirational one. Born with Spina Bifida and later becoming a right leg amputee, he refused to allow his disability to define him as a human being. Instead he decided to help others to achieve their own personal dreams. When he started the Men-Aces 14-years ago, they used jumpers for goalposts and begged borrowed and improvised until they eventaully found their feet. With the help of his wife Mim, they went out into the local community to raise funds. With hard work and perseverance they quickly became a fully established club within the town. Not satisfied with that great achievement alone, Carl went on to raise more money through a range of madcap ideas, including abseiling down the Spinnaker Tower on Portsmouth's historic waterfront, to the "Great Escape," where dressed as a pair of convicts, him and his able bodied friend Peter set off in two wheelchairs without a penny piece between them, with the aim of blagging their way from Skelmersdale to Lands' End and if that wasn't bad enough, they had to do the same thing coming back. As a result of all those escapades, Carl has managed to raise over £100,000 for good causes. That's not gone unnoticed either, because along the way he's been rewarded with the "Freedom of the Borough of West Lancashire' and received the "Queens Award" at Buckingham Palace! What a man!
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MARK HAYES
07/14/2023
MARK HAYES
Mark Hayes is the former Chairman of Ashton Town & Pilkington FC. His career in non-league football has spanned over 15-years, with many highs and lows, but he's always been a happy-go-lucky kind of person. He credits football for getting him through some of the toughest periods of his life, and it's with that kind of mindset that he's managed to achieve great success, both on and off the field. Mark is a truly inspirational person, who's given back to society more than he's ever received.
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Matt Potter
06/30/2023
Matt Potter
Today's guest is the former AFC Liverpool Manager Matt Potter. Matt took the club to its highest ever finish in its 15-year history. That didn't go unnoticed at Skelmersdale United FC, and as such he was recenly appointed as their new manager.
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WITH JOHN TILLEY
06/02/2023
WITH JOHN TILLEY
My first episode is with the Regional Organiser of the RMT John Tilley. We talk about his childhood growing up in Liverpool, what his parents did for a living, and what moulded him politically growing up. We then talk about his career as a signalman before he was elected into office. John explains how he come to live in Skelmersdale...when he didn't even know where it was! And how he took time out from his stressful job by supporting and working for his local non-league football club.
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Speaking Frankly
05/22/2023
Speaking Frankly
Preview of Seeking Frankly Podcast.
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