Non-League Lounge

Despite being south of 40, our next guest has a wealth of experience within non-league football - both as a player and a coach.

He's managed Wealdstone Town, Hemel Hempstead, Billericay Town and Kingstonian. As a player he's played for a whole host of clubs - with notable mentions coming from Halesowen, AFC Wimbledon, Stevenage Borough and Hitchin Town. Another really insightful listen from a player that really knows the non-league game.

Since 2004, Perry has played for a whole host of clubs, most of them residing in non-league. In this Christmas bumper issue, Perry shared the highs and lows of his career, as well as a few funny stories at the end. Merry Christmas, and enjoy! 

Having amassed 82 points by March 2020, won 27 out of a possible 31 league games, and recorded 20 consecutive away victories, Vauxhall Motors were denied promotion in March 2020, after the FA null and voided all leagues below step two in non-league. 

Mick McGraa came on the Non-League Lounge to vent his frustrations, as well as discuss his time at The Motors and his former playing career. 

We spoke to the social media manager of Marine, Tom Clarke, and avid Chorley fan and journalist, Richard Scott, about their clubs phenomenal success in the FA Cup this season. 

Spennymoor centre-back and former Blyth, Gateshead and Hartlepool man was interviewed by Tom and Andy. We also designated a 'social media' section to this podcast, where we read out comments and gags directed at our guest from the North East. An interesting and humorous listen from a player who has an impressive number of FA Cup scalps and league trophies under his belt. 

Lockdown 2.0 shut us out of the studio. But instead of stopping us in our tracks, we decided to hop on the broadband and venture down south. Nathan Ashmore was a towering figure on the podcast as well as a colossus in the box. He had plenty of stories for you from his time at Havant and Waterlooville, Gosport Borough, Ebbsfleet and Boreham Wood. 

Former Leigh RMI, Witton, Leek, Nantwich left-back and now Pilkington manager was our guest this week. We spoke about the mental health crisis in football and the difficulty for footballers to find a level they are satisfied with in non-league. A few corking stories were thrown in for good measure too!

Former Wigan, Chorley, Altrincham, Hyde and now Prestwich Heys keeper was interviewed by the non-league lounge. Some great stories in here from renowned players such as Jimmy Bullard.  

Former Macclesfield, Northwich, Accrington and Altrincham Centre-Back talked to us about his playing career in non-league football. Great stories of holidays but also the misery of playing at clubs in financial ruin. Another funny and interesting episode. 

Former non-league Referee Alex Kirkley was in the studio to discuss his experience as an officiator of the lower leagues. We discussed abuse, big games and much more. A few stories that weren't necessarily non-league related were added in for good measure too. Enjoy!