Behind The Badge

In a special episode of Behind the Badge, Dan and James speak to Leo Ackerman and Alex Urwin, the authors of Mad Dog: The Mickey Lewis Story.

On the fourth anniversary of Mickey's passing, it was our pleasure to speak to two people with such a strong connection to Mickey and to hear the stories behind their book and a true legend of Oxford United.

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There wasn't a single job that Les Taylor didn't do at Oxford United during an association with the club that spanned five decades. After moving down from his native North East in the early 70s, the combative midfielder quickly became a cult hero with his full-blooded displays.

Les then moved to Watford, playing in the top flight and captaining the Hornets in an FA Cup final, and he recalled some fantastic stories - including some about his relationship with Sir Elton John!

He returned to United in the early 90s and went on to help bring through some of the greatest players the club has produced through the school of excellence, YTS scheme and academy.

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Behind The Badge is back! Ahead of a new series packed with incredible guests, Dan and James are joined by Scott Walkinshaw - aka Oxblogger - as we reveal the six former players you'll hear from in the coming weeks.

We also speak to Scott about his brilliant new book, 'The Glory Years: The Rise of Oxford United in the 1980s', which looks back at what can only be described as the best time to be a U's supporter.

Available in all good book shops and of course online, 'The Glory Years' has so many stories, so many good times, and so many trophies. Click here to find out more: https://www.pitchpublishing.co.uk/shop/glory-years

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It’s been a dramatic week at United so Dan and James chew the cud over Des Buckingham’s departure and what to expect from new manager Gary Rowett.

Des will always be remembered fondly by us fans for leading us to promotion as a hometown boy and also for the exemplary way that he conducted himself on and off the pitch.

One of us, he will always be a Yellow.

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With the third international break of the season upon us we spoke to Dave Pritchard, formerly the Oxford Mail's chief football writer.

In his eight-and-a-half years at the Mail, Dave saw United mature from a mid-table League Two team under Chris Wilder to promotion winners under Michael Appleton and League One play-off chasers under Karl Robinson.

In that time he followed the rise of a certain Des Buckingham, who this week celebrates a fairy-tale first year in charge of United. Dave also shares his memories of the late George Baldock, a player he got to know while covering the club and one who left his mark on every United fan during his two loan spells here.

Last but not least, there is the usual chat about life in the Championship as United gear up for a busy winter!

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We've reached another international break, which means it's time for another episode of Behind The Badge - and this time we're joined by the BBC's Chief Football Writer, Phil McNulty.

Although a northerner by birth, Phil has lived in Oxford for almost a quarter of a century. He spoke at great length about watching United with his family and friends, working for the BBC and his growing passion for the club in a place he now calls home.

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Four games in, six points on the board, and Oxford United have transitioned rather seamlessly (so far) into a Championship club. As we hit the first international break of the season, Dan and James caught up with the Oxford Mail's Liam Rice to discuss United's start to the campaign.

We also reflect on transfer deadline day, the announcement of United's 25-man squad and look ahead to the next five games before the break for October's internationals. We hope you enjoy!

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On the eve of the new season, Dan and James are joined by the Oxford Mail's Chief Sports Writer Liam Rice to discuss the excitement ahead of United's first season back in the second tier of English football for a quarter of a century.

We discuss new players, potential line ups, where the U's still need to strengthen and make (bold) predictions as to how United will fare!

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Only the most optimistic Oxford United fans would have predicted that we'd be talking about promotion-winning bonus edition podcasts just a couple of months ago, but here we are.

With great joy, pride and emotion, Dan and James look back on the unbelievable last couple of months of the season, taking you through their journey and the one that saw Des Buckingham's side win promotion to the second tier of English football after an absence of 25 years.

What an end to an incredible season!

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Dan and James bring the curtain down on a brilliant fourth series of Behind The Badge. We look back at some of the best bits from the past eight weeks and talk about the here and now at Oxford United.

Our thanks to everyone who listens to our podcasts and engages on social media. We'd like to wish you all a Happy Christmas and prosperous 2024!

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