Colchester United Podcasts

Beyond the Barside

EARLY WINDOW REACTION | RAGGETT, LEAKE & IANDOLO

Aaron, Si and Dave react to Colchester United's first business of the summer transfer window, discussing the arrivals of Sean Raggett and Jake Leake, along with the re-signing of Ellis Iandolo.

The panel assess what each player could bring to the squad and how the early recruitment fits into the club's plans for the new season.

Aaron also speaks to Matt from the New York Talk podcast to get a Rotherham United perspective on Sean Raggett and what supporters can expect from the experienced defender.

🎶 Intro music by Sam Hopkins.

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Beyond the Barside

Fixture List Reaction!

Episode Description – 2026/27 Fixtures Released

The 2026/27 League Two fixture list is finally here!

Aaron is joined by Si and Dave to react to the U's schedule and pick out the key dates that could define Colchester United's season.

From an opening day trip to Accrington Stanley to the return of Arthur Read with York City, we discuss the biggest tests, potential banana skins and the fixtures we've already circled in the calendar.

Can the U's take points from the relegated sides? Which away day are we looking forward to the most? And where will Colchester's promotion hopes be won or lost?

We also begin the episode by paying tribute to former Colchester United Chairman Peter Heard, whose leadership helped guide the club from the Conference to the Championship and whose contribution to the U's will never be forgotten.

Let us know:

🔹 Which fixture are you most looking forward to?

🔹 Which game could define Colchester's season?

🔹 Where do you think the U's will finish?

Intro music by Sam Hopkins.

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Beyond the Barside

Beyond The Barside Meets... | Jon Burns

BEYOND THE BARSIDE MEETS… JON BURNS

Aaron and Si speak to former Colchester United Supporters Association Chairman Jon Burns, reflecting on more than 30 years of service to CUSA and the Colchester United fanbase.

The episode explores Jon's journey with the supporters' association, the role CUSA has played over the years, memorable moments, and how supporter engagement has evolved during his time with the club.

A fascinating conversation with one of the U's most respected supporters, looking back on decades of dedication to Colchester United.

🎶 Intro music by Sam Hopkins.

If you enjoy the podcast, please follow or subscribe on your platform and leave a rating or review — it genuinely helps the show grow and reach more U's fans.

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Beyond the Barside

Fan Questions Special

FAN QUESTIONS SPECIAL

Aaron, Si and Dave answer questions submitted by Colchester United supporters in this fan-led special.

The panel discuss a variety of topics, including transfers, takeover speculation, player performances, expectations for next season and much more, all driven by the questions sent in by listeners.

🎶 Intro music by Sam Hopkins.

If you enjoy the podcast, please follow or subscribe on your platform and leave a rating or review — it genuinely helps the show grow and reach more U's fans.

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Beyond the Barside

World Cup Special!

🌍 Beyond The Barside World Cup Special

With the football season behind us, Aaron, Si and Dave take a trip down memory lane for a special World Cup edition of Beyond The Barside.

From our first World Cup memories to the greatest tournaments of all time, we discuss iconic goals, unforgettable matches, England heartbreaks, legendary players and the moments that made us fall in love with football.

We debate the greatest World Cup player of all time, pick our ultimate World Cup XI, discuss whether the tournament is still the pinnacle of football and answer a series of quick-fire World Cup questions.

Whether you're Team Messi, Team Maradona, Team Pele or somewhere else entirely, there's plenty to get stuck into.

Let us know your favourite World Cup memory and who makes your all-time World Cup XI.

Intro music by Sam Hopkins. 🌍⚽🏆

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Beyond the Barside

EMERGENCY POD | TAKEOVER FALLS THROUGH

🚨 Emergency Podcast | Takeover Deal Falls Through

After months of speculation and discussions, the proposed takeover of Colchester United involving former Chelsea captain John Terry has officially collapsed.

Aaron is joined by Si and Dave to react to the news, discuss the club's statement, Terry's response on social media, and what this means for the future of Colchester United.

With this now the third failed takeover attempt in just over 12 months, we ask why these deals keep falling through, whether the club remains an attractive proposition for investors, and where Robbie Cowling and Colchester United go from here.

What does this mean for the future of the U's?

Intro music by Sam Hopkins.

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Beyond the Barside

Beyond The Barside Meets... CUFC Police

BEYOND THE BARSIDE MEETS… ESSEX POLICE

Si and Dave speak to PC Niki Howard, Essex Police's dedicated football officer, about his role and responsibilities within football policing.

Recorded ahead of Colchester United's fixture against Oldham Athletic, the episode explores matchday operations, supporter engagement, safety, and the realities of policing football in the modern game.

The conversation provides a unique insight into an important role that often goes unseen by supporters.

🎶 Intro music by Sam Hopkins.

If you enjoy the podcast, please follow or subscribe on your platform and leave a rating or review — it genuinely helps the show grow and reach more U's fans.

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Beyond the Barside

Beyond The Barside Meets... | Matt Hudson

BEYOND THE BARSIDE MEETS… MATT HUDSON

Aaron speaks to former Colchester United Media and Marketing Manager Matt Hudson about his 18 years at the club.

From starting as website editor to becoming one of the key figures behind the club’s media and marketing operations, Matt reflects on his journey, the changes he saw during his time at the U’s, and some of the memorable moments along the way.

The conversation also covers Colchester United’s success in being named Football League Family Club of the Year in 2015, supporter engagement, and what it was like working for a club he supported himself.

🎶 Intro music by Sam Hopkins.

If you enjoy the podcast, please follow or subscribe on your platform and leave a rating or review — it genuinely helps the show grow and reach more U’s fans.

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Beyond the Barside

Retained List Reaction!

RETAINED LIST REACTION

Aaron, Si and Dave react to the recently released retained list, discussing the key decisions made by the club and what they could mean for next season.

The episode explores who stayed, who moved on, and whether the panel agree with the club’s choices.

🎶 Intro music by Sam Hopkins.

If you enjoy the podcast, please follow or subscribe on your platform and leave a rating or review — it genuinely helps the show grow and reach more U’s fans.

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Beyond the Barside

2025/26 SEASON REVIEW

Aaron is joined by Si, Dave, BBC Essex’s Neil Kelly and The Gazette’s Jon Waldron to reflect on the 2025/26 season.

The panel discuss the major talking points from across the campaign, including performances, results, player development and the wider direction of the club.

An honest and detailed look back at the season and what it could mean moving forward.

🎶 Intro music by Sam Hopkins.

If you enjoy the podcast, please follow or subscribe on your platform and leave a rating or review — it genuinely helps the show grow and reach more U’s fans.

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Beyond the Barside

Beyond The Barside Meets... | Kieran Maguire

BEYOND THE BARSIDE MEETS… KIERAN MAGUIRE

Aaron and Dave sit down with football finance expert, author and The Price of Football co-host Kieran Maguire to discuss the financial side of the modern game — and what it could mean for Colchester United.

The episode explores football club ownership, investment, sustainability and the realities of running clubs across the EFL. The conversation also turns to the rumoured takeover surrounding Colchester United, discussing what fans should be looking for and the wider implications of new ownership in football.

Insightful, honest and packed with fascinating discussion on an area of the game supporters rarely get to see.

🎶 Intro music by Sam Hopkins.

If you enjoy the podcast, please follow or subscribe on your platform and leave a rating or review — it genuinely helps the show grow and reach more U’s fans.

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Beyond the Barside

Beyond The Barside Meets... | Tom Smith

BEYOND THE BARSIDE MEETS… TOM SMITH

Aaron and Si speak to Colchester United goalkeeper Tom Smith about his journey in football and his time at the club so far.

The episode covers his upbringing at Arsenal, his development through the academy system, and his relationship with Andy Woodman.

Tom also reflects on life at Colchester United, his ambitions for the future and much more.

🎶 Intro music by Sam Hopkins.

If you enjoy the podcast, please follow or subscribe on your platform and leave a rating or review — it genuinely helps the show grow and reach more U’s fans.

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Beyond the Barside

Cheltenham Review w/ Glenn Pennyfather.

EPISODE 53: CHELTENHAM REVIEW

Aaron is joined by Si, Dave and BBC Essex’s Glenn Pennyfather to reflect on Colchester United’s 4–1 win away at Cheltenham Town in the final game of the season.

The panel discuss the performance, the positives to take into the summer and some of the wider themes from the campaign.

There’s also discussion around Dave’s memorable description of Cheltenham as “the beachiest team” he’s ever seen.

🎶 Intro music by Sam Hopkins.

If you enjoy the podcast, please follow or subscribe on your platform and leave a rating or review — it genuinely helps the show grow and reach more U’s fans.

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Beyond the Barside

Release or Retain? That is the question.

SUMMER SERIES: RETAIN OR RELEASE?

Aaron, Si and Dave begin the Beyond The Barside Summer Series by discussing the players reportedly out of contract and debating whether each should be retained or released.

The episode looks at the squad as a whole, the key decisions facing the club, and what direction the team should take heading into next season.

🎶 Intro music by Sam Hopkins.

If you enjoy the podcast, please follow or subscribe on your platform and leave a rating or review — it genuinely helps the show grow and reach more U’s fans.

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Beyond the Barside

Episode 52 | Cheltenham Town (A)

EPISODE 52: CHELTENHAM TOWN (A)

Aaron, Si, Dave and Ashley reflect on the defeat to Notts County, discussing the key moments and where things didn’t go to plan.

The lads then look ahead to Cheltenham Town away, previewing the game and considering what kind of response is needed.

As always, there’s also time for a few off-topic tangents along the way.

🎶 Intro music by Sam Hopkins.

If you enjoy the podcast, please follow or subscribe on your platform and leave a rating or review — it genuinely helps the show grow and reach more U’s fans.

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Beyond the Barside

Episode 51 | Notts County (H)

EPISODE 51: NOTTS COUNTY (H)

Aaron is joined by Si, Dave and BBC Essex’s Victoria Polley to reflect on the defeat away at Harrogate and discuss the key issues from the performance.

The episode also covers Danny’s post-match interview and the talking points that followed, as well as the latest discussion around the rumoured takeover.

The panel then look ahead to Notts County at home, previewing the game and what the U’s need to do to respond.

There’s also a lighter segment on potential off-season content ideas — including more suggestions for Si.

🎶 Intro music by Sam Hopkins.

U's legend Dean Gerken and his family are currently exploring treatments to support their daughter in her battle against cancer. If any U's fans can spare some time to read the page and donate it would be greatly appreciated. https://gofund.me/60a4e9cdf

If you enjoy the podcast, please follow or subscribe on your platform and leave a rating or review — it genuinely helps the show grow and reach more U’s fans.

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Beyond the Barside

Beyond The Barside Meets... | Enda Brannock

BEYOND THE BARSIDE MEETS… | ENDA BRANNOCK

Insight from inside the game.

Si and Aaron sit down with former U’s Head of Analysis, Enda Brannock, for an in-depth conversation about his time at Colchester United and the role analysis plays behind the scenes in modern football.

Enda shares his experiences at the club, breaks down what the role really involves on a day-to-day basis, and offers insight into the wider world of football analysis.

The conversation also turns to what’s next, including his current project EBL — a subscription-based analysis platform — and his growing presence on X, where he’s built a strong following through his detailed breakdowns of the game.

A fascinating chat packed with insight, learning and a look behind the curtain of professional football.

🎶 Intro music by Sam Hopkins.

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Beyond the Barside

Episode 50 | Harrogate Town (A)

EPISODE 50: HARROGATE TOWN (A)

Aaron, Si and Dave reflect on a 2–1 win over Accrington Stanley, discussing the performance and the positives to take from back-to-back results.

The lads then look ahead to the trip to Harrogate Town, previewing the game and discussing whether the U’s can carry their momentum into the final stages of the season.

There’s also a lighter look ahead to the summer, including ideas for future content — and a slightly unusual suggestion involving Si and Castle Park.

🎶 Intro music by Sam Hopkins.

If you enjoy the podcast, please follow or subscribe on your platform and leave a rating or review — it genuinely helps the show grow and reach more U’s fans.

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Beyond the Barside

EMERGENCY PODCAST: WILL JOHN TERRY BUY COLCHESTER UNITED?

Si, Dave and Aaron meet at the JobServe Community Stadium to react to the latest takeover rumours linking John Terry with Colchester United.

The lads discuss the speculation, what it could mean for the club, and how fans should view the situation.

A quick, raw and reactive episode focused on one of the biggest talking points surrounding the U’s.

🎶 Intro music by Sam Hopkins.

If you enjoy the podcast, please follow or subscribe on your platform and leave a rating or review — it genuinely helps the show grow and reach more U’s fans.

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Beyond the Barside

Episode 49 | Accrington Stanley (H)

EPISODE 49: ACCRINGTON STANLEY (H)

Aaron, Si, Dave and Sam reflect on an excellent win over Swindon Town, discussing the performance and key moments that made the difference.

The episode also covers Holloway’s reaction to the result, as well as a strong showing from Fin Barbrook, who receives deserved praise from the panel.

The focus then shifts to the upcoming fixture against Accrington Stanley, with discussion around what to expect and whether both sides still have something to play for.

🎶 Intro music by Sam Hopkins.

If you enjoy the podcast, please follow or subscribe on your platform and leave a rating or review — it genuinely helps the show grow and reach more U’s fans.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.