Colchester United Podcasts

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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Beyond the Barside

Episode 48 | Swindon Town (H)

EPISODE 48: SWINDON TOWN (H)

After ending a five-game winless run with a result away at Tranmere, Aaron, Si and Dave reflect on a performance that could mark a shift in momentum.

The episode also focuses on the resurgence of Owura Edwards and what his form means for the team, alongside an early discussion around a potential retain and release list ahead of the summer.

The lads then look ahead to Swindon Town at home, previewing the fixture and discussing how the U’s can build on their recent result.

🎶 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 47 | Tranmere Rovers (A)

EPISODE 47: TRANMERE ROVERS (A)

Aaron, Si, Dave and David reflect on the performance against Oldham and discuss the key issues affecting the U’s.

The episode explores whether Matt Macey may be dealing with an injury, and whether recurring mistakes have impacted results throughout the season. The conversation also turns to the wider picture and whether injuries have played a major role in damaging playoff hopes.

The lads then look ahead to Tranmere Rovers away, previewing the game and discussing what the U’s need to do to improve.

🎶 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 46 | Oldham Athletic (H)

EPISODE 46: OLDHAM ATHLETIC (H)

Aaron, Si, Dave and Ashley reflect on the draw against Walsall and discuss a result that leaves plenty of questions heading into the next fixture.

The episode also focuses on Matt Macey’s season so far, as well as the ongoing concern around where the goals are coming from.

The lads then look ahead to Oldham Athletic at home, previewing the game and discussing what the U’s need to do to get a result.

🎶 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 45 | Walsall FC (H)

EPISODE 45: WALSALL (H)

Aaron, Si and Dave are joined by BBC Essex’s Neil Kelly to reflect on the defeat away at Bromley and discuss where the performance fell short.

The episode also explores whether Jaden Williams should now be considered the club’s main number 9, and whether Colchester United are still in the promotion hunt.

Aaron speaks to Harley from the Yellow Ribbon Podcast for the Walsall perspective, before the panel preview the upcoming fixture and discuss what’s needed to respond.

🎶 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 44 | Bromley FC (A)

EPISODE 44: BROMLEY (A)

With Aaron unavailable this week, Si, Dave and Aaron 2.0 step in to take the reins.

The lads reflect on the defeat away at Milton Keynes, discussing the performance and where things need to improve.

They then look ahead to Bromley (A), previewing the game and considering what kind of response is needed from 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 43 | Milton Keynes (A)

EPISODE 43: MILTON KEYNES (A)

After a frustrating draw at home to Crawley Town, Aaron, Si and Dave reflect on a result that felt like an opportunity missed. The lads discuss the performance, where the game slipped away and what it means heading into a difficult midweek trip.

Attention then turns to Milton Keynes (A), as the panel preview the fixture and debate whether the U’s can once again take points off one of the league’s top teams.

There’s also time to discuss the strange goalkeeper situation and a nostalgic football tangent that raises the question — does anyone remember Shefki Kuqi?

🎶 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.

Beyond the Barside

Episode 42 | Crawley Town (H)

EPISODE 42: CRAWLEY TOWN (H)

After a positive result away at Newport County, Aaron, Si and Dave reflect on the performance and discuss what the win means for Colchester United heading into the next fixture. The conversation also turns to the return of Harry Anderson, the concern surrounding Micah Mbick’s injury, and whether the U’s are still firmly in the playoff race.

The lads then look ahead to Crawley Town at home, debating whether the team should remain unchanged and discussing the recent news of staff departures behind the scenes at the club.

🎶 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.