OldTimeHockeyUK Podcast

Gary Newbon Podcast Interview – Episode S5E03 In Series 5 Episode 3 my guest is former Solihull Barons Team owner, Central TV and Sky Sports broadcaster Gary Newbon. Journalist Gary had made his way into television with Westward TV before moving to Midlands based ATV in the early 1970’s. Based in Solihull, West Midlands Gary...

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In this episode, Ken Abbott is joined by Gary Newbon—legendary broadcaster, journalist, and former Solihull Barons owner, best known to viewers from Central TV and Sky Sports.

Gary traces his broadcasting career from Westward TV to ATV, becoming a leading Midlands sports reporter before rising to Controller of Sport as ATV rebranded to Central TV in 1982.

That same year, a chance encounter involving a broken washing machine led Gary to Solihull Barons—and into ice hockey ownership. With crowds of barely 50 and no imports, Gary took over a struggling Division Two club and sparked what became known as "The Gary Newbon Miracle."

Using his media contacts and commercial know-how, he secured sponsorship, brought in Canadian imports, appointed Chuck Taylor as player-coach, and transformed the club. Attendances soared to 1,500, the Barons won their division, and promotion followed.

Despite continued investment in Division One, on-ice indiscipline and high-profile incidents—most notably Crowtree in 1985—ultimately derailed further progress. With negative publicity threatening his TV career, Gary stepped away after just two intense seasons.

As Ice Hockey News Review editor Vic Batchelder wrote: "Like him or loathe him, it's generally acknowledged in hockey circles that Gary Newbon achieved something of a minor miracle in just two seasons with the Barons."

Now more than 50 years into broadcasting, Gary remains as active as ever, hosting The Gary Newbon Sports Show and continuing to interview the biggest names in sport.

David Simms Podcast Interview Part 2 – Episode S5E02 In the second Podcast interview of Series 5, I continue my chat with David Simms. David was an instrumental part in the birth of the Sheffield Steelers. Over the next 30 years he’s continued making the 180 mile round trip from his home in Solihull to...

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In Part 2 of our Series 5 interview, David Simms continues his incredible Sheffield Steelers story. A key figure in the club's formation, David reflects on 30 years of dedication — still making the 180-mile round trip from Solihull to Sheffield Arena to this day.

A born storyteller, David revisits one of the most infamous nights in British ice hockey history: Friday 9 February 2001, the Battle of Lower Parliament Street. With the Steelers on the brink of securing the SuperLeague title in Nottingham, chaos erupted in a game that has since become legendary.

David also shares behind-the-scenes stories about signing Steelers legend Ken Priestlay, the best and worst owners in club history, locker-room controversies, European adventures in Omsk, Russia, and even meeting a Russian oligarch.

If you enjoyed Part 1, Part 2 is unmissable.

David Simms Podcast Interview Part 1 – Episode S5E01 Welcome to the very first Podcast interview of Series 5. In today’s show my guest is former Solihull Barons team manager and current Sheffield Steelers MC David Simms. David discovered ice hockey in the mid 1980’s. He and a girlfriend decided to go ice skating at...

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In Part 1 of our Series 5 interview, David Simms recounts how a chance visit to an ice rink in the mid-1980s sparked a lifelong love affair with ice hockey. From discovering the sport at Solihull Barons, David rose from fan to committee member and team manager before finding himself at the heart of a defining moment in British hockey history — the birth of the Sheffield Steelers in 1991.

David shares candid stories from his Barons days, including firing imports, the truth behind Brent Sapergia's sudden departure, Jim Pennycook's injury, the collapse of the Barons and even receiving his first death threat. He also explains why he walked away to join the newly formed Steelers, how the club started three tiers down, becoming the game-night announcer, and the identity of the most important player in Steelers history.

This is a revealing, nostalgic and often unbelievable first chapter — and it's only Part 1.

Jamie Crapper Podcast Interview – Episode S4E12 Today’s hockey hero is former Durham Wasps, Nottingham Panthers, Solihull Barons, Bracknell Bees and Great Britain goal scoring striker Jamie Crapper. While at Bracknell Jamie became the deputy rink manager. After hanging up his skates he moved to Bristol as General Manager of the Frogmore Street ice rink....

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This episode features former Durham Wasps, Nottingham Panthers, Solihull Barons, Bracknell Bees and Great Britain goal-scoring star Jamie Crapper.

Jamie charts an extraordinary UK hockey journey — from prolific import with the Durham Wasps, league and cup winner, to key roles at Nottingham, Solihull and Bracknell. He discusses becoming player-coach under pressure, guiding teams to promotion and survival, and balancing elite playing duties with off-ice roles as a manager and rink operator.

After hanging up his skates, Jamie played a major part in developing hockey in Bristol, helping establish junior hockey and the Bristol Bulldogs, before later returning to the ice as a referee, reaching the SuperLeague and winning the BIHA Micky Curry Award.

A fascinating story of goals, leadership and dedication to British ice hockey.

Moray Hanson Podcast Interview – Episode S4E11 Today’s hockey hero from the past is former Murrayfield Racers, Fife Flyers and Dumfries Border Viking netminder Moray Hanson. Moray is one of the few hockey Legends that have played and officiated at the highest levels of Ice Hockey. He was Great Britain’s first choice netminder for the...

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Today's hockey hero is former Murrayfield Racers, Fife Flyers and Dumfries Border Vikings netminder Moray Hanson — one of British ice hockey's true legends.

Moray was Great Britain's first-choice goalie at the 1994 World Cup Pool A Championships, before going on to achieve something no other Brit ever has: officiating at six consecutive World Championships.

From backstopping the Racers to domestic silverware and unforgettable Wembley appearances, to a brief but headline-grabbing move to Fife Flyers, Moray's playing career was packed with drama, rivalry and success.

After hanging up the pads, he pulled on the stripes — rising rapidly to referee at the very highest level, including eight consecutive Elite League Playoff Finals, before an emotional farewell in 2012.

A rare figure who reached the top of the game both as a player and an official, Moray Hanson's story is one of dedication, resilience and respect.

British Hockey Hall of Fame inductee – Class of 2013