The Speaking Frankly Football Show

TSFFS S2 EP42 In this week's episode, we tackle all the controversial issues. The most prominent one is the FA League Allocations, and the show features league director Gary Langley to explain it from a NWCFL perspective. The JMO in Skelmersdale has increased its hire costs, and we ask whether they've gone too far, with some costs having doubled. It's fair to say they've invested hundreds of thousands of pounds into improvements, but why are these costs being fully passed on to the people they've reached out to—those described as 'ad hoc customers'. We have an exclusive interview with the new manager of Burscough, Phil Stafford. Having just won the Macron Cup with AFC Liverpool, he was still riding high when the offer came through. We ask him some serious questions about who he's taking with him and what his remit is. We finish the show by discussing Skelmersdale United.

Join us once again as we immerse ourselves in the vibrant world of the NWCFL. With the season hurtling toward its exhilarating climax, we spotlight the clubs soaring to new heights and those facing tough challenges. We'll celebrate Marine and Southport, fresh off remarkable victories in the FA Trophy's fifth round, and reveal their upcoming quarter-final opponents. The Northern Premier League West heats up, with Lower Breck enduring three straight defeats and Runcorn Linnets climbing to the summit. Their crucial clash this weekend could be a game-changer—a true six-pointer. Meanwhile, Morecambe has made headlines by replacing its manager and bringing back club legend Jim Bentley for the rest of the season. What's driving the trend of interim managers, and why are clubs hesitant to commit long-term? Who will step into Chester's managerial role next? Once again, a club has issued a termination notice. More clubs seem to be taking this route—could they already have successors in mind, waiting in the wings? The FA's plans to expand Step Six leagues from 17 to 24 raise questions. Will this dilute the divisions further? Could it lead to financial challenges as divisions possibly shrink? The NWCFL already faces tough times with fewer than 20 teams in the North and South. Could we see divisions reduced to just 16 teams? With Wolverhampton Sporting Community resigning from NWCFL Div One South, we ask: Is the strain of heavy travel too much to bear? Or should clubs prepare for these challenges? Finding the right balance in non-league football feels more complicated than ever—and perhaps it's an issue the FA needs to address. We conclude with our latest update on Skem, bold predictions for the week ahead, and expert insights to keep you ahead of the game. All this and much more await you. Dive in and stay tuned for an action-packed journey through non-league football.

TSFFS S2 EP26 We kick off this episode with our lively NWCFL roundup, highlighting last week's results and shining a special spotlight on Burscough Football Club, who are riding high with incredible form. They've also announced their unique "football for a five" event ahead of this weekend's clash against Prestwich Heys. Controversial Corner is riddled with heated debates. Tommy Taylor's sensational attack on his opponent has gone viral. During a match between Trearddur Bay FC and Porthmadog in the Ardal North West League, Taylor delivered a vicious elbow that floored his rival. We ponder: what should be the appropriate punishment? A lifetime ban? Or could we draw parallels to Eric Cantona's infamous kung-fu kick over thirty years ago, which resulted in community service and an eight-month suspension? Police have already bailed him, and things aren't looking good. But at 35, will a ban really change anything? We wrap up the show by analysing Skelmersdale United, the latest headlines from the LCP, including the breaking news that Deysbrook FC has resigned from the league: our predictions and expert insights into upcoming fixtures complete the episode. All this and more—stay tuned.

TSFFS S2 E24 As always, we kick things off with an energetic roundup of the NWCFL, highlighting the clubs that thrived despite the challenging festive weather. We delve into the issues at the City of Liverpool, questioning whether the club can weather the storm or if it's facing an uncertain future. Meanwhile, Marine set a new 21st-century record attendance on Boxing Day with 2,314 fans watching their thrilling 4-2 victory over local rivals Southport. Prescot Cables has been forced to tighten its belt again, losing players in the process. Is midseason cutbacks a smart move or a risky gamble? Shocking managerial changes include Brad Cooke stepping down from Runcorn Linnets and Michael Clegg departing from Atherton Collieries. The biggest surprise? Matty Boswell leaving third-placed Telford Town in NWC Division One South to join struggling Shawbury United, languishing near the bottom of the same division. What's behind these moves? Bury FC faces uncertainty as they search for a new leader after Dave McNabb. With interim manager Tim Lees at the helm, should they stick with him or bring in an outsider? Only results will tell. Ruben Amorim talked himself out of biggest job in the world—was it a wise career move, or is he laughing all the way to the bank? Interestingly, at non-league level, managers often talk themselves out of positions to avoid appearing at fault. We wrap up by shining a spotlight on Skelmersdale United and then look ahead by previewing the upcoming NWCFL fixtures. Get ready for an exciting ride!

TSFFS S2 EP22 This week, we dive into the NWCFL and highlight the key clubs making headlines. We review all the clubs that participated in the FA Vase last weekend and discuss the draw for the 4th Round. In the FA Trophy 3rd round, we examine Clitheroe's showcase fixture against York, Southport's home tie versus Leek Town, Marine's game against Curzon Ashton, and Radcliffe's tough away trip to Hereford. In the controversial section of the show, Paul McNally has been announced as the new manager of the newly formed Widnes Town. Southport has received backing from the FA after deciding to call off their Liverpool Senior Cup match against COL due to historical debts. The question remains: do Southport get a bye to the next round? In the second part of the show, we speak to Eccleshall manager Liam Kelly, whose no-nonsense attitude is making waves in the NWC Division One South. At just 33 years old, he has steadily progressed the club each season since taking the role four years ago. In the final part of the show, we discuss Skelmersdale United before turning our attention to predictions for the week ahead, alongside our expert analysis. All that and more.

TSFFS S2 EP20 After a no-show last week, we're back with an epic episode that kicks things into high gear! We open with a heartfelt tribute to Roly Howard, who sadly passed away at 90 last week. Roly was a legend not just here but far and wide, thanks to his unwavering loyalty to Marine, a club he managed for an incredible 33 years, earning himself a spot in the Guinness Book of Records. Next up, Ramsbottom manager Steve Wilkes hits a remarkable milestone, surpassing 1,300 matches over a 28-year managerial career. Congratulations to him! As always, we round up the NWCFL and local non-league football before diving into some hot-button issues. Big news: Richard Brodie has been appointed the new manager of the City of Liverpool. We debate— is this a golden opportunity for him or a potential poison chalice? We also analyse Marine and Southport's recent strong form in the National League North. Then, it's time for the controversial headlines: AFC Rushden & Diamonds' match abandoned due to sexist comments toward a female assistant; Eastbourne Borough FC reimbursing supporters after a poor result; and the shocking story of a Sunday league player jailed for 12 months for attacking an opponent. The NWCFL and Midland League have joined forces to call for talks with the FA to redefine league boundaries. We discuss whether the current system is flawed, especially given rising travel costs and the dilution of the pyramid structure. We explore the world of football agents and ask—the right time for a player to sign with one, especially at this level, where it seems downright bonkers! Flixton FC, dissolved 13 years ago, reformed in February and now seeks entry into the NWCFL. Should they be forced to start at step seven or be given a chance to bypass that based on their history? We wrap up with a focus on Skem United, followed by our weekend predictions and expert analysis. All that and more—stay tuned for an action-packed episode!

This week on TSFFS S2 EP 18, we're diving into the latest action in the NWCFL with winners, losers, and the teams defying expectations. Plus, we'll explore how clubs like Chester, Marine, Prescot Cables, and Southport are shaping the battles in the National League North and NPL. But it's not all sunshine—things get controversial as we tackle issues closer to home, including our own Skelmersdale United. When you see something wrong in the game, who can you turn to? Is it possible to report misconduct without facing retribution? Are referees and officials under pressure from players and clubs? Does anyone care at this level? We also discuss Southport's stance on refusing to face City of Liverpool over alleged unpaid loan players—should off-field drama be aired publicly before all facts are in? And is it right to refuse to play? The drama continues with kit clashes and a pitch tear at a match between Hanvant & Waterlooville & Farnham Town, leaving us wondering—was something in the air from "The Solent" or just bad luck? And here's a shocker—can you really sack someone via text? We look into Southend Manor FC's bizarre story of their manager Joe Connor, who was dismissed with a simple message after just one game. Cowardice or tough decision? In the second half, we focus on Skem Utd's recent result before previewing upcoming fixtures, including the second round of the FA Vase. All this and more awaits. You won't want to miss this episode!