It's our final show of 2023 as we take a well-earned break over the festive period - but we go out for the year with a pair of interesting chats. It was a goalless start to life in the Crabble hotseat for Jake Leberl - but with a first clean sheet in 254 days, he and Matt hope it could be the start of a turnaround. In the SCEFL, Bearsted are up to eighth after a 3-2 win over Erith Town and their boss Kevin Stevens talks us through that win, mixing it with the SCEFL big boys and why he's still going strong with more than 400 games in charge under his belt. We've got all the rest of the news from across the county, including the new manager at Lordswood, and a look ahead to the festive fixtures and some questionable scheduling across the board... Plus we talk Andre Braugher, Question of Sport and Christmas plans. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all - we'll be back in 2024! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kent Non-League Podcast - Episode 278

A podcast by Matthew Gerrard and Jon Phipps discussing all of the latest news in non-league football around Kent. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sports

Another packed show after a crazy week in the play-offs - and we've got four interviews for you to enjoy. Ramsgate are the week's big losers, the Isthmian League South East runners-up beaten by Chichester in their semi-final, and boss Ben Smith gives a frank and honest appraisal of that performance and the season as a whole after they missed out on promotion. Two levels down, Staplehurst Monarchs have booked their spot in the SCEFL Division One play-off final and their manager Paul Atkins discusses their win, looks ahead to the final and reflects on the progress the club have made. It was defeat for Rochester United against the Monarchs and we hear from their boss Matt Hume after the final whistle, discussing his disappointment, his views on the play-offs and why he loves being at the club. Ebbsfleet United are still celebrating their safety and manager Danny Searle explains what tweaks he made when he came in, discusses their retained list and his early plans for next season. There's all the rest of the news from an incredible week of play-off action, including the surprise results in the SCEFL Premier Division, Bromley booking a Wembley date and the end of the road for Maidstone United.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kent Non-League Podcast - Episode 295

Staying ups and going downs are our main focus this week as the National League and National League South seasons draw to a close - with Ebbsfleet pulling off their escape. We dissect that result and where they go next, as well as looking ahead to Bromley's play-off clash at the other end of the table. Margate are all-but relegated after Cheshunt's win on Tuesday night, and Gate player-coach Ben Greenhalgh discusses their drop into the Isthmian South East, the lack of a new manager bounce and his day job with Dartford's academy. We know the four teams who will be in the first-ever SCEFL play-offs - although not the order yet - and Corinthian boss Michael Golding looks ahead to the semi-finals, insists his side are still the underdogs and reflects on the season as a whole. We discuss the National League and their play-off fun and games, as well as the disgraceful decision to scrap FA Cup replays. There's all the rest of the chat and nonsense too, including Peter Kay, hibernation and Neighbours. Lots about Neighbours. We don't even script those bits... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kent Non-League Podcast - Episode 294

A bumper show this week as we look ahead to the massive showdown at the bottom as the National League season reaches its finale this weekend. Ebbsfleet must avoid defeat to be assured of survival as they go to Boreham Wood - and we also look ahead to the final weekend in National League South as Dover and Dartford say goodbye - we discuss where it's all gone wrong for the Darts. The title race in the Isthmian League South East took a potentially final twist as it was all square between Ramsgate and Cray Valley PM - we hear from both managers in that game as Ramsgate's Ben Smith admits his side are behind the eight ball now, while Steve McKimm admits he expects his side to go all the way from here. We also discuss Deal's delight at winning the SCEFL, the malaise at Margate and the new manager at Hythe Town. Plus we talk Wonka, beer fridges, basements and a long-awaited night out... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kent Non-League Podcast - Episode 293

Four interviews for you to enjoy this week as we look ahead to a huge game and reflect on another busy week. It's all eyes on Southwood this weekend as Ramsgate host Cray Valley PM in a potentially decisive clash at the top of Isthmian League South East - Millers boss Steve McKimm looks ahead to that match and reflects on their amazing season so far, including that 100% away winning record which is on the line on Saturday. Deal Town are just a win away from a title win of their own, but it was defeat for them on Saturday at Tunbridge Wells - boss Steve King looks back at that defeat and reflects on the rest of the season so far as his side wait to get over the line. Wells boss Steve Ives also speaks after that match at the Culverden as he comes to the end of his first campaign at the helm, discussing his side's progress and the challenges off the pitch at the club. And after some high-profile incidents involving referees, we hear from the Kent FA's Referee Development Lead Nick Dunn about the difficulties match officials face, but why the picture in the county is actually very healthy. Plus there's all the rest of the news from across the county and some of the usual chat and nonsense, including watching films over and over again... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kent Non-League Podcast - Episode 292

We're well and truly into the business end of the season now, with the first piece of silverware handed out and our first relegation of the season confirmed. That silverware was won by Erith Town, the champions of the SCEFL Challenge Cup and their boss Adam Woodward reflects on that win, how he hopes it can be the catalyst for more success and dedicates the glory to his family. The Dockers beat Corinthian in that final on penalties and boss Michael Golding reflects on that defeat, discusses their play-off hopes and his long-serving captain's great form this season. We discuss what's next for Dover after their drop into the Isthmian League was confirmed, and we hear from the man whose side put the final nail in the Whites' coffin, Welling boss Rod Stringer, who discusses his side's turnaround, losing his key striker and his hopes for the future at Park View Road. There's a managerial exit to discuss and all the rest of the action from a packed Easter weekend. Plus we talk Wikipedia pages, Easter holidays and more besides - and if you enjoy the show, please leave us a review and tell all your friends about it too! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kent Non-League Podcast - Episode 278

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