Grassroots Plus

Episode 26 - Rob Hornby

Rob Hornby is in the hotseat, talks about his life in Non League Football, club and league level, programme editor, groundhop organiser and his charity blog. We look at the forthcoming Vase games and review last weekends games. We take a train towards Skegness and look at your answers to last week's question.
You can find Rob's blog here: https://aroundthegrounds2024.blogspot.com/

Episode 25 - Nobby Clark - Clay Cross Town

Nobby Clark - Secretary at Clay Cross Town talks about Step 6 life after promotion, the logistical, travelling and financial changes and planning for the future. He recalls a game imprinted in memory. We review last weekend's action and look at some of your favourite ground names and a quick look at the Step 5 predictions.

Episode 24 - Ian Braid - A Duty of Care In Action.

Ian Braid, owner of Docia Sport, Former CEO of British Athletes Commission, Lewes FC Owner, Sport Aid, talks about the importance of mental health support right across sport from grassroots to professional. He recalls interesting days with British athletes following the Athens Olympics right up to London 2012. We review last weekends results, take a look at early step 5-6 promotion projections. We meet a new British Empire Medal holder recognised for his contribution to football, some "must have" items of memorabilia and an item for Room 101.
You can find Ian on Linked-In plus and at www.dociasport.co.uk and @DOCIA_sport on X

Episode 23 - Andy Sutton - Archives and Programmes

Andy Sutton visits to talk about his passion for matchday programmes, owning a collection of over 125,000 issues. He also runs The Archives.Football online database and recalls over 30 years of following Grantham Town. We review last weekend's results, look at the Vase as well as looking at your answers to the "Is the Pyramid good for Grassroots Football" debate.

Episode 22 - Welcome 2024

The New Year started with disruption due to the weather in the East Midlands and beyond. We look at what action took place. We also look at the rising cost of watching grassroots football, and ask if the pyramid is good for clubs with implications of overstretching themselves financially to achieve promotion.

Podcast 21 - Happy Christmas

This week's Episode is sponsored by "To be a Poacher", Simon Ashberry's second book chronicling the history of Boston Town, first published in 2022 and features every game they have played since 1964. Andy Porter returns to discuss player conduct, financial stability of clubs, the usual reviews, previews and gossip.

Snow, Ice and Fog

A distinct lack of football played over the weekend and a change of plan sees us look at the weekend's results. Some Vase action, a long journey made to see football, as well as previews of the forthcoming weekend.

Episode 19 - Kie Harper - Football against Anxiety

Kie Harper returns, overcoming Anxiety to visit different football grounds, the non league family stepped up to the mark, new friends, invitations, lifts to games and much more. Getting behind the mic at one club, A sport for Room 101, A low and a high in sporting moments and looking to the future.
This weeks episode is kindly sponsored by 'To Be A Poacher', Simon Ashberry's 2nd Boston Town history book, first published in 2022 and featuring details of every game they've played since 1964 plus club records, such as all-time top goal scorers and most appearances.
It's also packed with archive photos and tales from behind the scenes by supporters and former players.
Copies are £15 plus £2.50 postage if you're having it delivered. You can by the book at Boston Town on match days or online from the club's online Etsy shop.

Brett Hovey, Referee, Assistant, Welfare Officer and Builder

Brett Hovey in the hotseat. Talks about his role as the man in the middle, running the line, welfare office, coaching across the grassroots and professional game. We have a best and worst moment and a sport for room 101 as all the pieces come together.

Happy Birthday Mick

Andy Porter re-joins us for his monthly visit, Mick celebrates his birthday. We look at two league's responses to discipline issues, We choose greatest Manchester United and Nottingham Forest players in our lifetimes. We put a sport in to Room 101. All our usual previews and reviews plus your invitation to get involved.

Owen Hardwick - Clipstone FC

Owen Hardwick Media manager at Clipstone talks about his role as he embarks on a University degrees away from home. Becoming Notts FA Young Volunteer of the year and branching into broadcasting. He also has some exciting news regarding the club's future. A heart-breaking moment, an item for room 101 plus all the usual previews and reviews.

Simon Ashberry, The Midland League and Fanzines and Boston.

Simon Ashberry joins us to look at the (Old) Midland League, following Boston during the 70s and 80s. We also take a quick look at the modern day Boston Town. We also reminisce about Fanzines, an Item for Room 101, a heart breaking moment and team of the week. Plus all your views and reviews.

Melton Town - Dean Williams

Dean Williams - Long time supporter of Melton Town talks about the early days of supporting the club, the joys of playing in a groundshare 20 miles from home and looking forward to a return home to Melton. An item for 101 and a heartbreaking moment. All the usual reviews and previews.

Ed Mayes - Photographing Grassroots Football

Ed Mayes talks about the pros and cons of Grassroots Football photography. His favourite grounds, his heart-breaking moments in sport and an item for Room 101. We have a league look, the reviews and previews, plus an unlikely performance of the week.

Grimsby United - Davie Cooper

Davie Cooper owner and manager of Grimsby United talks about juggling family, working around the world, football,an item for Room 101 and a heartbreak. We look at the Lincolnshire league plus the reviews and previews.