Non-League Lounge

Calm before the storm. We had a laugh with Chester FC fans ahead of their trip to Altrincham this Sunday. Get listening now! 

In our 18th episode we welcomed former Barrow, Gateshead and Altrincham goalkeeper, Tim Deasy. Deasy gave an honest compendium of his past life as a shot-stopper in non-league football. The interview had everything; it was emotional, thoughtful and funny. So sit back and enjoy!

Tom and Andy have interviewed players, managers, fans, and a chairman. But until this week, we had never interviewed a commentator. It was therefore an honour to welcome Brian Flynn- Altrincham FC's Media and Press Officer- into the studio to discuss his experience of following non-league football.  

Brian has over five decades' worth of memories, both from the gantry and the terraces- which ranged from the introspective to the inane! 

After three torturous months, we are finally back in the studio.

First up was Ashton United Manager, Micheal Clegg. The former Atherton Collieries and now Ashton United manager has, to date, enjoyed an illustrious career in management. At Coles, he won three promotions in five seasons. Moreover, after he was pinched by Ashton in 2019, 'The Robins' have seen a revival in form.

The man himself gave us in-depth and insightful analysis into what it's like to be a manager in non-league football.

Having achieved the ninth largest attendance in non-league football this season, with an equally reputable atmosphere to go with it, Dulwich Hamlet have become a club difficult to ignore.

Inquisitive on how they were put on this pedestal, we wanted to hear from a fan who had witnessed their journey. Ben, the clubs social media guru, gave us his account from behind the scenes. This included FA Cup drama, away day nonsense and an unforgettable trip to 'Coach House Decadence'.  

In our 14th episode, we welcomed three lads from County Durham. After having entertained three blokes from the North East, some could compare the nature of this episode to Geordie Shore. One disclaimer, however, is that our guests were far less attractive in comparison to those on the reality television programme.

Manuel, Chris and Gary- who are co-commentators for the Mariners- have witnessed the unassailable rise of Shields over the past few years. Success on the field reflects the ascent of club off the field. From nights out with the boys, abuse in the stands and unforgettable Wembley wins.

But, in the midst of the banter, there is one certainty: this is not an episode to be missed!

In this weeks episode we talk to the most plastic 'northerner' we have ever met: Kyle Milne Cameron. Having been exiled from Newcastle (his homeland) at the start of his career, Cameron subsequently made the long and laborious march down to sunny Torquay.

Having recently signed a contract extension in what are uncertain times for many, Cameron gave his views on how the Devonshire club can progress and how non-league can get itself out of this quagmire.

Chorley goalkeeper and Lancashire lad Matt Urwin gave us a laugh! As usual, stories ranged from the conventional to, quite frankly, the absurd. Especially, that Jose Mourinho one...

Nevertheless, Matt gave a very eloquent account of his journey: from a frustrated number two in league football to Chorley's main man in non-league. 

Our 12th episode is not one to be missed.

Sutton United and Barrow. Greater London and Cumbria. North and South. Chalk and Cheese. Few things seemingly bind these two clubs. Both teams, however, have enjoyed successes on shoestring budgets within the last few years. We picked a fan from each club to talk about their best days following their club and the miracles that are being worked at their respective teams. 

Take a deep breath- this is quite a mouthful. Jennings previously played for Macclesfield Town, Altrincham, Kettering, Cambridge United, Forest Green, Mansfield, Cheltenham and Morecambe. But now he’s a fans favourite at Wrexham, where he is extremely content. Amongst other things the non-league veteran told us about his big FA Cup game at Stamford Bridge, how he deals with abuse from fans and what he loves about lower-league footy!