Behind The Badge

Back in the summer of 2011, Oxford United announced the signing of a former Premier League defender. Not only that, this man had played in Champions League semi-finals and had the look of someone that could tell a good story.

Sure enough, Michael Duberry didn't disappoint! Unfortunately for 'Dubes', his spell at United ended following a career-threatening neck injury. We speak to him about that, his interesting first impressions of the club and, of course, doing the double over that lot up the road. Enjoy!

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Next up on Behind The Badge is a man whose voice is forever etched in supporters' memories for his clever and witty reports as Oxford United went from the top of English football to the bottom, with further ups and downs along the way.

Tim Russon was the Central News South sports editor for more than 30 years, covering United as they won the Milk Cup and gained promotion to Division One. He was even offered a senior role at the club by Firoz Kassam! Listen in on some great stories, and some embarrassing fanboy chat!

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The last man to lead Oxford United to promotion is the next guest on Behind The Badge.

Little was known of Darryl Eales before he headed up the takeover from Ian Lenagan. Buried in the same press release was the news that Michael Appleton was United's next manager.

What followed was a season of consolidation before promotion to League One and a number of glorious cup matches.

It wasn't all plain sailing though, and we find out more about his reasons for leaving the club when he did. A must listen!

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Steve Basham played for United for five years, signing in 2002 under Ian Atkins before leaving at the end of the first season in non-league football in 2007.

'Bash' was top scorer on three occasions in his time at the club as the U's twice came close to reaching the League Two play-offs before suffering a heart-breaking relegation in 2006.

He relives the ups and downs of his United career and reveals how the players coped with particular restraints under the ownership of Firoz Kassam.

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All good things must come to an end and that's exactly what's happening to Series 2 of Behind The Badge.

In this episode we wrap up the second series, look ahead to the third (there definitely will be one!) and talk about James's time ending at the Oxford Mail.

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Oxford United's very own captain marvel is the latest guest on Behind The Badge. It's the man who had more hairstyles than club goals, Mike Ford!

'Fordy' spent 10 years playing for United, plus three more on the coaching staff. He was part of teams that were relegated, promoted and more than held their own at Championship level.

He has some great stories to tell...on and off the pitch!

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The latest guest on Behind The Badge is a player that was only at Oxford United for a couple of years, but left a big impression and is still highly regarded.

Midfielder (cum left-back!) Scott Davies had other things going on in his life while he was at United but it was only after he left the club in 2014 that this all came to light.

Scott told us his story, warts and all, in exactly the way you would expect. Full of honesty, charm and good humour!

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One of Oxford United's unsung heroes from the play-off challenging era at the start of the 2010s is the guest on this week's podcast.

Defender/midfielder Andy Whing played a massive part in two derby victories against Swindon, scored a goal of the season strike and bowed out as a cult hero when injury cut his career short aged just 30.

He's now cutting his managerial teeth at non-league level, as we discuss the key moments of his time at United,

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Behind The Badge is back and what a way to begin our second series, with one of THE faces of the Manor Ground.

It is of course Mick Moore, United's former groundsman (and stadium manager!) and he sure does have some fantastic stories to tell!

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