Grassroots Plus

We welcome the New Year in with a mid term report on our local leagues. We review the pre Christmas FA Vase round and the fortunes of the UCL clubs. We have a few predictions regarding promotions and relegations at the end of the season. We also invite you to get involved with by telling us what you hoped to get for Christmas but didn't get. Plus a few stories you may not have heard. 

Hanspeter and Renzo talk about their club FC Emmendingen 03 and grassroots football in Germany. We explore the importance of the club as a social resource and an asset in the city. A look at a lost stadium and the possibility of another friendship game in 2026. Our last Episode of 2025  

Immingham Town Manager Jon Davy joins to talk about his playing days and gaining extensive football qualifications in the UK, USA, Netherlands and Brazil. He also runs through the ambitions and exciting plans for the Pilgrims. We take a look back to 1976 and Mick has another moan.

Richard Lusmore talks about Easington United who are located close to Spurn Point. He relates to the team after life in the Central Midlands League and being based in a remote location.Richard also talks about his interest in Rugby League and has a new book out in time for Christmas.

This week we look at more local leagues and last weekend's Vase, that saw some big wins for local sides. We also note a surge in clubs folding and have a book recommendation. 

Andy Porter talks about his role as an FA Assessor / Referee mentor. We discuss some recent on field events that have made social media. We take a quick trip to Wales and recall a poor season in the New Forest

Ryan Hindley - Retford United Manager joins us to talk about four seasons in the hotseat at Cannon Park. Rebuilding after heartbreak at the end of last season and building a happy community on and off the pitch. We also chat about his playing career as well as the fortunes of The Badgers since formation in 1987. We also round up the Vase and start looking for clubs who can't find a win.

Philip O'Rourke presents The Forgotten Football History Show. He is a published author having written books about lost clubs His podcast covers football history that bring about nostalgic memories for football fans.
You can follow him here:@forgottenfootballhistoryshow@_forgottenfooty
https://t.co/7k5aYHsSqt

Jon Warren - A Hereford Supporter based in the Nottingham area, who makes Vlog documentaries of games of visits to Grassroots Clubs and the games he attends. Last season he followed the FA Cup from the earliest rounds through to the final. 
Follow him on X: @GamingBlomp 
and his Youtube Channel here: https://t.co/ERdg4bw3eT

Lee Simpson talks about 9 years of supporting Dinnington Town and providing video highlights for the clubs YouTube channel.We talk about how the ground and club have changed in that time. We also look back to the Vase and a sad day in Tyneside History.

Sheridan Sparkes joins us from Germany to compare the matchday experiences at Professional and Grassroots levels. We review the FA Cup and look forward to the FA Vase - There are your sending off stories and some items you may not have heard before.

Jamie Williamson took the decision to stop playing at Step 4 in the close season to take over the reins at Sandiacre Town.  He explains the decision and his aims as he encounters the trials and tribulations of managing. We look at the UCL cup results along with a few stories you may not have heard. 

Phil Hiscox secretary of the South West Peninsular League joins us to discuss football in the South West. We review the Vase action and look forward to the FA Cup. We look at the Cornwall & Devon Leagues and your cupsets along with a few stories you may not have heard.

Paul Lucas talks about the work of a Chairman and Vice Chairman at Steps 4 and 5 and the difference between the two levels. We look at the Wessex league along with Dorset and the Isle of Wight. We review the FA Cup and look forward to the Vase. Paul discusses the aspirations of his club Downton in the Wessex league and an appreciation of travelling relatively short distances to opposition. We view a few events in France and Mick has a moan.

This week the Voice of Reason is away so Max Bailey from Emma's Ground Guide joins us.We take a brief look forward to the FA Cup this weekend As well as this last round of results.There is a visit to Staffordshire and Portugal while Max makes a few predictions.We lament a few lost grounds and Max recalls the best and worst of his 99 grounds visited.