Gerhard Zawatzki went to the Christmas Breitscheidplatz market in Berlin, Germany with friends and in a matter of seconds his life changed forever. He discusses here the events of that day and the daily trauma he faces since. Today the 19th December 2024 marks the 8th anniversary of that tragic day and he will make his way to the Kaiser Wilhelm church together with other victims, friends and family to pay his respect. 

*Listener discretion is advised. This episode includes discussions and eye witness details of loss of life, injury and lifetime effects on victims of terror attacks.  These topics may be sensitive, unsettling and upsetting for some listeners.

We would like to extend our thoughts and prayers to the families and friends of the 13 victims who sadly lost their lives. Also to the victims who suffered injury and to all the long term trauma sufferers including first responders and eye witnesses. 

In really difficult conditions in Bedfordshire Arlesey was one of the few games that went ahead. Credit to the volunteers who got the pitch playable. Despite the conditions it was clear Arlesey had a vision of how they wanted to play and all credit to the young manager. The club were terrific and so welcoming. Up there with the best. Phil Cavener proudly shared his memories of that Wembley FA Vase win and showed me round the wall of pictures. Thanks to Phil Chris and staff for such great manners.

Its always great to see my old players and Alex Taylor battled through a really tough half against the wind whilst Andrew Osie Bonsu put in a great display at Centre Back. As always, so polite and delighted to get the skipper on with the young manager Tommy Cooney. It was the first time meeting him and he impressed me a lot. Humble from the kick off but also knows what he wants and has a clear vision. Comes across like really good guy and I really wish him success with Arlesey as they look to return to the good times.

Martin Price lives nearby to Hednesford Town in Rugeley, a season ticket holder at Wolverhampton Wanderers and had never been to a non-league football match. So, I took him along to Hednesford Town for his non-league debut and my word, what a game. One of the best entertaining football matches I can ever recall seeing live or being involved in. The game included some terrific goals that would be applauded in the Premier League and Champions League. Manny Duku put the home team ahead after fine work on the counter attack by Dan Trickett-Smith in just 4 minutes which produced a huge roar from the home majority of 3800 fans. Some neat work from a throw got Omar Holness able to chop inside from the right and curl a left footer into the top corner in brilliant style. After the break Hednesford seem to put the game to bed going 3.0 up after 5 minutes when Dominic McHale smashed one home. 

Gainsborough had made changes to bolster the midfield and reduce the threat down the left from Joel Taylor and Jack Bearne who were terrific in the first half. I felt that Hednesford could have had a penalty for handball first half and second half there was another similar and stronger shout for handball, it wasn't given and Gainsborough escaped the threat with a super driving run by Javelle Clarke who went box to box to lay up Declan Howe to finish well and bring the large amount of Gainsborough fans to the party. 3-1 and quickly after they made it a 2nd. This time a great move started by Dylan Cogill with quick tidy forward passing through Fraser Preston, Clarke and finished by Howe to make it 3.2. Jack Rose had made two terrific saves to keep Hednesford ahead well into extra time but there was nothing he could do against the absolute rocket that Will Lancaster  produced with his laces and standing foot off he belted one in off the crossbar and in and the away fans celebrated which spilled onto the pitch. As is a representation of general society, most people are great, but a small proportion of people lose control at football matches. Home fans reacted by also entering the pitch and some scuffles broke out which meant the players had to leave the pitch. Not the sort of behaviour to make anyone proud.

Once the game was able to continue it went to extra time and McHale struck again for Hednesford and in Gainsborough spirit again they came back with Declan Howe to take the game to penalties. 

In line with the game the penalties produced more drama with several incredible saves from the keepers who acknowledged each others work. This terrific football match finished with Gainsborough progressing into Round 2 and both clubs, coaches and players should be very proud of this spectacle. 

Martin Price will now be back! I just hope he doesn't expect that every week!

I also spoke to Martin Hunter after the game.

Tony McCool

I sat down with Barton Rovers manager to talk about his motivation and work with youth support organisation Directional CIC. That is followed up with input form Barton Rovers Chairman Darren Whiley who describes how the stadium and club have been on a journey of improvement and how it looking completely refurbished.

Barton lost three nil to Step 3 Folkestone Invicta who's striker Tom Derry was a handful bagging two good goals and doing just as well in his defending box at set pieces. His strike partner Daniel Smith also put in a brilliant display as did centre back Marvel Ekpiteta. In Barton's efforts to get back a one nil deficit they fell foul to two mistakes which ultimately ended their excellent FA Trophy cup run. But some players still stood out. I was impressed with Martel Powell, Ashton Grant and Lucas Kirkpatrick and others.

After the high and terrific performance playing York City in the FA Cup, I returned to dig deeper into this Biggleswade FC Story. A club formed only in 2016, ran in such a brilliant way and holding its own at step 4 whilst creating amazing memories. A club formed from youth players to keep them together is a real unique story. 

I speak with Chairman Jeremy Reynolds together with Ruth Reynolds, who both also have extensive knowledge of the Academy structure from parents perspective. Managers Dave Northfield and Mark Inskip describe how the story unfolded which deserves huge credit for the never give up approach. 

Biggleswade played Leverstock Green in the Southern League Central at the shared ground of landlords Bedford Town FC. The game finished 3-3 with some great goals and good spells. We caught up with goal scorers Amir Hadi and Dan Carey-Evens. Dan has come away from a professional football environment and opens up about his feelings around trial games and coming to terms with being released. "I found it really tough". This is a must listen for all players and parents.

0-10mins.

In my intro I share my thoughts on appointment of Thomas Tuchel, who I hope does well. But the frustration of the mixed message of the football ID.

Skip 10 mins to the brilliant Ian Ford of Newport Pagnell Town FC, on the journey of the club and the amazing work they have done. Building foundations for sustainability and long term progress whilst engaging the community, and the introduction of women's football in one of the best stories I've heard.

It's with great pleasure and a privilege to welcome Dr Chris Platts on to our Podcast.

Dr Chris Platts is dedicated to the wellbeing and welfare of young, potential and professional footballers.

With research spanning 15 years, Chris tracked the careers of over 300 players from academy level football, and gathered the views of key support staff to develop and form his excellent work. If you’re interested in player wellbeing, or would like some guidance, then this is for you.

Emirates FA Cup 4th Qualifying Round

My thoughts on a great game with great hosts. Thanks to Jeremy Reynolds, Ruth Reynolds, Lee Rusbridge and Managers Dave Northfield and Mark Inskip

Jump to 23 mins for post-match thoughts.

I chat with Peter Armitage, a man that did a lot for local football around Luton. Together we broke many records and won many trophy's. Peter is also a staunch Hatters fan who is there week in week out. We have a chat on the way which includes his time in local football and expectations for the game. Post game we review it and give praise where its due to an excellent Sheffield United Squad along with where we think its currently going wrong for Rob Edwards and his Luton Town team.  

Interview with Richard Irving, Network Manager from the Football Supporters Association and Andrew Madaras, Chairman of Dunstable Town FC. Together with Tony McCool we discuss the role of The FSA being the voice of fans across football, being advocates for fan ownership, as well as some of the important roles community football clubs play for local people.