Grassroots Gossip Podcast

This week we are joined by the popular and outspoken striker/centre half Francino Francis. The big man has a wealth of non league experience, representing some huge midlands based clubs. After staring his career in the professional game with Watford, Fran lists promotions, FA Vase runs, and reaching round 3 of the FA Cup as his career highlights.  Despite mixed reviews of his short time spent in the technical area with Hednesford Town and Heath Hays, Fran is now hoping to cut his teeth in non league management once again. 

The recently appointed Stourbridge manager talks us through his successful spells at Tipton, Tividale, and Alvechurch. This open and honest discussion reveals highlights from promotion seasons, player recruitment, working to a budget, and everything else that non league management entails. 

We kick off series 2 with Wigan Athletics' defender Cheyenne Dunkley. The Championship footballer reflects on his time in non league with successful spells at Hednesford Town and Kidderminster Harriers. On his return to the professional ranks with Oxford United, Chey went on to make two Wembley appearances and clinch promotion with the U's. This was followed by a transfer to Wigan, a title winning season and a famous FA Cup victory over English Champions Manchester City. This honest and open chat is a great insight into a young footballers mind. Chey's attitude, professionalism, and dedication has enabled him to climb the football pyramid after learning his trade in the non league game. Particularly, a must listen for all young aspiring footballers. 

We take a look back at all the talking points from this off-season and preview everything you can expect to see in series 2. The midlands non league scene has been even more lively than usual this summer with social media spats, Management changes, player U-turns and pre-season expectations. We hope you are looking forward to the upcoming episodes as much as we are and we thank you for all your support in series 1. 

Matty Clarke joins us this week to finish series one with a bang. The outspoken and well respected character reveals many interesting stories from his playing and managerial days. Having represented the likes of Halesowen, Kidderminster, Hereford United, Telford, and Redditch the former no nonsense defender shares his much talked about incidents in the game. Including, THAT betting scandal, on the pitch punch ups, off the pitch disagreements, and plenty more.

Shrewsbury Town's first team scout Luke Fogarty joins us this week to discuss what it takes to find the next non league star; with an extensive background in non league and chief scout roles at clubs such as Wrexham, Halifax, Telford, North Ferriby, and Leamington, Foggo is more than qualified to share his opinion. Luke has his say on Agents, contracts, exit trials, and the V9 Academy as well as giving listeners an insight into his current role at professional league 1 club Shrewsbury Town. 

Ex professional and current Romulus defender Kris Taylor reflects on his footballing career. Signed by Manchester United as a 14 year old for a 6 figure sum, the talented youngster went on to make over 80 appearances for Walsall, winning League 2 in the process. A promotion to league 1 with Hereford was also achieved, followed by spells at Port Vale and Darlington. In addition, Kris honestly and openly discusses how he bravely beat cancer while playing in non league for the likes of Telford, Rushall Olympic, Hednesford Town, and Stafford Rangers. 

The well travelled James Hurst joins us this week. Someone who has never been afraid to speak his mind. The controversial character reflects on his journey from Premier League to Non League. Currently at step 4 Sutton Coldfield Town, Hursty discusses young players wages in the professional game, his relationship with fans at various clubs, and off the field antics resulting in brushes with law.

The Sutton Coldfield Town Gaffa Toothy, shares his views and experiences of non league management. It's fair to say the big man does not hold back when reflecting on his short but eventful stay at league rivals Hednesford Town. Successful spells including promotions, cup runs, and the transition from assistant and coach to manager is also discussed. 

Redditch United's tough tackling midfielder Batch, joins us to talk about his non league football career. The popular straight-talking character discusses his part in a title winning promotion, head loss moments, manager bust ups, and off the field antics at many of his previous clubs. 

The former Premier League striker Marvin Robinson reflects on his footballing career. Revealing the good, the bad & the ugly from his time in the professional and non league game. From a dream debut to dealing with career ending injuries, racism in football and explaining his current role with the FA.  

The recently retired manager Steve Burr reflects on his 18 years in charge of eight non league clubs. His role with the England C team is discussed, together with topics such as playing budgets, identifying young talented players, and working with ambitious chairmen. This honest and open chat reveals an inside view from some of Steve's career highlights, including reaching the FA cup 3rd round, promotions, and record winning streaks. 

Alvechurch midfielder Tom Tonks talks us through his historic FA cup runs with Stourbridge, Promotion winning season with rivals Halesowen and moving up the non league pyramid with Solihull Moors and Telford. 

AFC Telford United striker Amari Morgan-Smith talks about dealing with injuries, attending trials, adapting to non league, and life after football. The Wolverhampton born forward has an FA trophy winners medal, and was part of Cheltenham Towns promotion back to the Football League in the 2015/16 season.

The former Nuneaton Borough F.C chairman Nick Hawkins reveals a unique insight into  financial issues, playing budgets, social media fall outs, and football politics. The outspoken character discusses his colourful career from the perspective of past player, manager, and owner of a non league club. 

Non league defender Jordaan Brown tells us about his footballing journey, which has taken him from London to the Midlands via spells in Finland and Norway. Jordaan discusses his Europa League debut, living abroad,  conference football, and progressing at some of the midlands biggest non league clubs. 

Popular target man and fans favourite Kyle Perry reveals his non league stories. The larger than life character discusses reaching round 3 of the FA Cup, turning professional, and his love/hate relationship with managers and fans. 

Current AFC Fylde footballer Ashley Hemmings, reflects on the journey through Wolverhampton Wanderers academy to making his memorable first team debut. Loan moves, England U17 call ups, relocating, and his route into non league football. 

The former Bromsgrove Sporting captain talks us through his successful time at one of the midlands most supported non league clubs. Looking back at FA Vase cup runs, back to back promotions, the unbeaten season, and much more. 

Episode 1 - The prolific journeymen striker,Lee Hughes, joins us to discuss his footballing career. From his achievements in the professional game to his experiences of non league football.