Colchester United Podcasts

Beyond the Barside

The Review Show | Accrington Stanley (A)

The League Two season is underway!

Aaron is joined by Si and Dave to look back at Colchester United’s 2-2 draw away at Accrington Stanley on the opening day of the 2026/27 campaign.

The lads break down the key moments from the game, assess the U’s performance, discuss the standout players and give their early impressions of Danny Cowley’s new-look side.

Was a point on the road a good way to start the season? What did we learn from the opening 90 minutes? And what areas still need strengthening before the transfer window closes?

Plus, we hear your One Word Reviews and give our own to round off the show.

🎵 Intro music by Sam Hopkins.

Follow Beyond the Barside for two episodes every week throughout the 2026/27 season, alongside weekly Substack articles, our 60 Second League Two Review and plenty of opportunities for U’s fans to have their say.

#ColU #BeyondTheBarside

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Beyond the Barside

The Preview Show | Accrington Stanley (A)

EPISODE 1: ACCRINGTON STANLEY (A)

League Two is back!

Aaron, Si and Dave preview Colchester United’s opening league fixture of the 2026/27 season as the U’s travel to face Accrington Stanley.

Following an encouraging performance against Southampton, the lads discuss what they want to see from Danny Cowley’s side, potential changes to the starting XI, the big selection decisions and what to expect from Accrington.

And, as always on our Preview Shows, we finish with our score predictions.

🎶 Intro music by Sam Hopkins.

If you enjoy Beyond The Barside, please follow or subscribe and leave us a rating or review. It really helps the show reach more U’s fans.

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Beyond the Barside

SEASON PREDICTIONS SPECIAL

Aaron, Si and Dave are joined by The Gazette’s Jon Waldron for our 2026/27 Season Predictions Special.

The panel start with Colchester United, predicting where the U’s will finish, who could be the season’s standout performers and whether Danny Cowley’s side can challenge at the top end of League Two.

Then we tackle the rest of the division, with predictions for the champions, promotion places, play-offs, relegation battle, top goalscorer and the teams who could surprise everyone this season.

We’ll come back to these predictions in May… which could prove embarrassing for everyone involved!

🎶 Intro music by Sam Hopkins.

If you enjoy Beyond The Barside, please follow or subscribe and leave us a rating or review. It really helps the podcast reach more U’s fans.

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Beyond the Barside

The Review Show | Southampton FC (H)

SOUTHAMPTON REVIEW

The first Review Show of the season!

Aaron, Si and Dave are joined by The Gazette’s Jon Waldron to reflect on Colchester United’s Carabao Cup defeat to Southampton.

Despite exiting the competition, there were plenty of positives from an impressive U’s performance against Championship opposition.

The panel discuss what they liked about the display, the standout performers, whether Colchester deserved more from the game and a rather interesting celebration from a former U’s loanee!

We also ask what the performance tells us about Danny Cowley’s side heading into the League Two campaign.

And we finish, as every Review Show will this season, with our One Word Reviews.

🎶 Intro music by Sam Hopkins.

If you enjoy Beyond The Barside, please follow the podcast and leave us a rating or review. It really helps more Colchester United supporters discover the show.

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Beyond the Barside

Pre Season Review | Southampton Preview

PRE-SEASON REVIEW | ARE THE U'S READY FOR SOUTHAMPTON?

Pre-season is over. The real thing starts now.

Aaron, Si and Dave look back on Colchester United's pre-season campaign, discussing the standout performances, key talking points and whether Danny Cowley's side are ready for the start of the 2026/27 season.

The lads reflect on the summer as a whole, assess the new signings, and debate what we've learned from the friendlies heading into the opening competitive fixture.

Aaron also catches up with @leehudsoncomedy for the opposition view ahead of Colchester United's Carabao Cup tie against Southampton. What can U's fans expect from the Saints, and how seriously are they likely to take the competition?

The countdown is over... football is back!

🎶 Intro music by Sam Hopkins.

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How would you rate Colchester United's pre-season out of 10? And what's your prediction for Southampton?

#ColU #SouthamptonFC #CarabaoCup #FootballPodcast #EFL #BeyondTheBarside

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Beyond the Barside

Pre-Season Catch Up

PRE-SEASON CATCH UP

Aaron, Si and Dave sit down to discuss the latest goings-on at Colchester United as pre-season continues.

The panel chat about transfers, trialists, pre-season performances and the biggest talking points surrounding the U's as the countdown to the new campaign continues.

🎶 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

Open Day Special

OPEN DAY SPECIAL

Aaron, Si and Dave look back on Colchester United's Open Day, reflecting on a fantastic day meeting supporters ahead of the new season.

The episode features interviews with U's fans, who share their predictions, favourite memories and thoughts on the season to come, alongside the lads' reflections on the event and everything that happened throughout the day.

A huge thank you to everyone who came over to chat with us and support Beyond The Barside.

🎶 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

NEW SIGNING REACTION | DIGBY, IHIONVIEN & HUNT

Aaron, Si and Dave react to Colchester United's latest transfer business, discussing the arrivals of Paul Digby and Bradley Ihionvien, along with Rob Hunt's return to the club.

The panel look at what each player brings to the squad, how they fit into Danny Cowley's plans, and what the latest business says about the direction of the club this summer.

🎶 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... | BWA

BEYOND THE BARSIDE MEETS… THE BLUE & WHITE ARMY

Aaron and Si speak to Jon from the Blue & White Army, the Colchester United supporters' group dedicated to improving the matchday atmosphere through tifos, displays and fan initiatives.

Jon explains how the group was established, what goes into organising displays, the importance of supporter involvement, and the group's ambitions for the future.

If you'd like to learn more or get involved with the Blue & White Army, visit:

https://www.bluewhitearmy1937.com

🎶 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

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.

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

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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