Grassroots Plus

Anthony Heppell the Bourne Town media manager makes his return to talk about the Step 4 adventure so far, He confirms the stories about the gap between Step Five and Step 4 football, and some of the eyewatering figures involved. We look forward to the FA Vase quarter finals and some stories you may not have heard.

We take a look at Steps 4 5 6 & 7 locally and spare a thought for teams who have not played for weeks. The FA announced their plans for Step 6 but changes not expected until the end of 2027/28.Mick has a long moan and there are a few stories you may not have heard.

Bhoomi Issrani left the glamour and warmth of Dubai to study at Loughborough University, as part of her course She has taken a years’ placement at a step 5 club to work in Marketing & Business Operations which includes midweek trips across the East Midlands to stand on freezing cold touchlines to carry out her duties. We also look at last weekend's Vase and the draw for the next round.

Episode 21 
Lee Cook @ClowneCooky talks about coaching and managing clubs across North Notts and Derbys and Chesterfield Academy, He is currently working with Liam Kent and Ollerton Town in their rebuilding project. We look at Fixture congestion and at the movers and shakers in a few leagues. 

Andy Porter joins us to look at the IFAB proposals for changes to Laws of the game, and possible improvements they may bring. We have your bleak ground suggestions and a few stories you may not have heard.

This week we take a look at the Vase and a few of the league games from Saturday. There is an update on clubs hoping to join the Pyramid, there are some odd stories from around Europe. This week’s question is, have you been on the wrong end of a shock result.   

Gary Clarke joins us to recall watching football in the 70's and 80's with the Forest Executive Crew and the being part of the darker side of terrace culture. These days he can also be found at his local club Carlton Town, where he is Commercial and Marketing Manager having discovered the club during lock down, and has been recognised with an award.

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
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