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Martin Price lives nearby to Hednesford Town in Rugeley, a season ticket holder at Wolverhampton Wanderers and had never been to a non-league football match. So, I took him along to Hednesford Town for his non-league debut and my word, what a game. One of the best entertaining football matches I can ever recall seeing live or being involved in. The game included some terrific goals that would be applauded in the Premier League and Champions League. Manny Duku put the home team ahead after fine work on the counter attack by Dan Trickett-Smith in just 4 minutes which produced a huge roar from the home majority of 3800 fans. Some neat work from a throw got Omar Holness able to chop inside from the right and curl a left footer into the top corner in brilliant style. After the break Hednesford seem to put the game to bed going 3.0 up after 5 minutes when Dominic McHale smashed one home.
Gainsborough had made changes to bolster the midfield and reduce the threat down the left from Joel Taylor and Jack Bearne who were terrific in the first half. I felt that Hednesford could have had a penalty for handball first half and second half there was another similar and stronger shout for handball, it wasn't given and Gainsborough escaped the threat with a super driving run by Javelle Clarke who went box to box to lay up Declan Howe to finish well and bring the large amount of Gainsborough fans to the party. 3-1 and quickly after they made it a 2nd. This time a great move started by Dylan Cogill with quick tidy forward passing through Fraser Preston, Clarke and finished by Howe to make it 3.2. Jack Rose had made two terrific saves to keep Hednesford ahead well into extra time but there was nothing he could do against the absolute rocket that Will Lancaster produced with his laces and standing foot off he belted one in off the crossbar and in and the away fans celebrated which spilled onto the pitch. As is a representation of general society, most people are great, but a small proportion of people lose control at football matches. Home fans reacted by also entering the pitch and some scuffles broke out which meant the players had to leave the pitch. Not the sort of behaviour to make anyone proud.
Once the game was able to continue it went to extra time and McHale struck again for Hednesford and in Gainsborough spirit again they came back with Declan Howe to take the game to penalties.
In line with the game the penalties produced more drama with several incredible saves from the keepers who acknowledged each others work. This terrific football match finished with Gainsborough progressing into Round 2 and both clubs, coaches and players should be very proud of this spectacle.
Martin Price will now be back! I just hope he doesn't expect that every week!
I also spoke to Martin Hunter after the game.
Tony McCool
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I sat down with Barton Rovers manager to talk about his motivation and work with youth support organisation Directional CIC. That is followed up with input form Barton Rovers Chairman Darren Whiley who describes how the stadium and club have been on a journey of improvement and how it looking completely refurbished.
Barton lost three nil to Step 3 Folkestone Invicta who's striker Tom Derry was a handful bagging two good goals and doing just as well in his defending box at set pieces. His strike partner Daniel Smith also put in a brilliant display as did centre back Marvel Ekpiteta. In Barton's efforts to get back a one nil deficit they fell foul to two mistakes which ultimately ended their excellent FA Trophy cup run. But some players still stood out. I was impressed with Martel Powell, Ashton Grant and Lucas Kirkpatrick and others.
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After the high and terrific performance playing York City in the FA Cup, I returned to dig deeper into this Biggleswade FC Story. A club formed only in 2016, ran in such a brilliant way and holding its own at step 4 whilst creating amazing memories. A club formed from youth players to keep them together is a real unique story.
I speak with Chairman Jeremy Reynolds together with Ruth Reynolds, who both also have extensive knowledge of the Academy structure from parents perspective. Managers Dave Northfield and Mark Inskip describe how the story unfolded which deserves huge credit for the never give up approach.
Biggleswade played Leverstock Green in the Southern League Central at the shared ground of landlords Bedford Town FC. The game finished 3-3 with some great goals and good spells. We caught up with goal scorers Amir Hadi and Dan Carey-Evens. Dan has come away from a professional football environment and opens up about his feelings around trial games and coming to terms with being released. "I found it really tough". This is a must listen for all players and parents.
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0-10mins.
In my intro I share my thoughts on appointment of Thomas Tuchel, who I hope does well. But the frustration of the mixed message of the football ID.
Skip 10 mins to the brilliant Ian Ford of Newport Pagnell Town FC, on the journey of the club and the amazing work they have done. Building foundations for sustainability and long term progress whilst engaging the community, and the introduction of women's football in one of the best stories I've heard.
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It's with great pleasure and a privilege to welcome Dr Chris Platts on to our Podcast.
Dr Chris Platts is dedicated to the wellbeing and welfare of young, potential and professional footballers.
With research spanning 15 years, Chris tracked the careers of over 300 players from academy level football, and gathered the views of key support staff to develop and form his excellent work. If you’re interested in player wellbeing, or would like some guidance, then this is for you.
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Emirates FA Cup 4th Qualifying Round
My thoughts on a great game with great hosts. Thanks to Jeremy Reynolds, Ruth Reynolds, Lee Rusbridge and Managers Dave Northfield and Mark Inskip
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Jump to 23 mins for post-match thoughts.
I chat with Peter Armitage, a man that did a lot for local football around Luton. Together we broke many records and won many trophy's. Peter is also a staunch Hatters fan who is there week in week out. We have a chat on the way which includes his time in local football and expectations for the game. Post game we review it and give praise where its due to an excellent Sheffield United Squad along with where we think its currently going wrong for Rob Edwards and his Luton Town team.
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Interview with Richard Irving, Network Manager from the Football Supporters Association and Andrew Madaras, Chairman of Dunstable Town FC. Together with Tony McCool we discuss the role of The FSA being the voice of fans across football, being advocates for fan ownership, as well as some of the important roles community football clubs play for local people.
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A short report on this one sided game. MK Irish go 6 league games without conceding a goal at step 5 (level 9 of non-league football)
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Enjoyable game with some exciting talent on show. Loyal Bedford Town fans made their way to Hitchin Town to play the home fixture against Bishop's Stortford while the new artificial pitch is completed at the New Eyrie. The Game finished 2-1 to Bedford Town. Thanks to Lee and Martyn for the warm welcome and this includes post match Interview with Lee Bircham and left back Sam Brown.
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Great game in the sunshine St Albans City FC v Worthing FC. In particular looking at standout players with a post match interview with the excellent David Noble.
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Tony McCool reports on this season opener at Step 4 in the Pitching In Southern League from the perspective of a scout. What talent really stands out in his opinion. Includes post match interview with Real Bedford Manager Rob Sinclair.
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I've scouted for English Professional Football Clubs at hundreds of games. If you're a non-league player and you still want to 'make it', here is my advice...
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Andrew went all the way through the Academy and into the 1st Team at MK Dons. But what happens when it all falls apart? Andrew discusses dropping into non-league, losing opportunities, agents, playing full-time in Ireland, Scotland and accepting he needs new career options. Recovering from feeling completely lost after all he knew was football. A must listen for all young people in the game.
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One of the most consistent over performing sales people of the Audio Visual industry in the UK over the last 30 years. Martin is someone you never forget after you meet and he lit up every room he entered. This funny, charismatic, imposing, confident man could hold court with hundreds of people. But he's faced some deep challenges and here he talks very openly about them and what methods helped him through some very dark spells.
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My proposal for a better & fairer Academy Football System
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Introducing McCoolToTalk by me, 'Tony' McCool
I was labelled the "Firebrand" for speaking up in Academy football about concerns and integrity.
I'll share lots of coaching and scouting experiences and methods that could help you if your involved in youth football or a football parent.
I'll be talking about the rigours of non-league football.
I'll talk about trying to change the cycle of poverty.
I'll share some of my bonkers journey in business and work and how we can help each other to make sense of this ever landscape of misery, bitterness and cruelness.
Having some fun with guests and talking hobbies like golf and cooking.
Defining success, you might be doing a lot better than you realise.
Never Give Up!
Anthony McCool
