• EPISODE 6, WITH SPECIAL GUEST PAUL JONES
    Nov 22 2024

    In episode 6 of 'The Speaking Frankly Football Show,' we explore the impactful and often debated issues in non-league football, engage in meaningful conversation with our special guest, Paul Jones, Manager of FC Isle of Man, and, in the final part of the show, we celebrate the recent NWCFL results while casting our optimistic gaze toward the exciting matches at the weekend.

    We are Speaking Frankly.

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    2 hrs and 21 mins
  • Episode 5, featuring Dave Jones.
    Nov 15 2024

    In the upcoming episode of "The Speaking Frankly Football Show,' we're gearing up for an exciting discussion with Armin Pishro & Will Leach from "The Mighty Shakers Podcast." They shed light on the complexities surrounding Bury FC and their ongoing challenges off the field.

    We'll also welcome Atherton LR manager, Dave Jones, as our first studio guest. At just 25 years old, he's poised to make a significant mark as one the most promising managers in the North West. With his team finishing second last season and narrowly missing out on promotion in the semi-finals of the playoffs, fans are eager to see if they can maintain their position at the top of the NWCD1N this season.

    All eyes are will be on the controversial Premier League referee David Coote, as we aim to explore what the future holds for him following recent events.

    As always, we'll wrap the show up with our anticipated round-up of the NWCFL and share our predictions for the upcoming weekend's matches.

    We are Speaking Frankly.

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    2 hrs and 39 mins
  • Episode Four, featuring Steve Wilks.
    Nov 8 2024

    On episode four of The Speaking Frankly Football Show, we dive deep into the world of local non-league football and tackle the challenges and triumphs of our club, Skelmersdale United.

    Steve Wilks, the determined manager of high-flying Ramsbottom United, joins us as our special guest. He will share his inspiring journey in non-league management and reveal how he's successfully revitalised his club's fortunes after last season's relegation.

    We won't shy away from controversial topics, including the current situation at Bury FC and the shifting management landscape in our area. We will provide a comprehensive update on all the results in the NWCFL. Plus, we'll offer bold predictions for this weekend's games.

    It's all happening here, and we're speaking frankly.

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    2 hrs and 31 mins
  • Episode Three, featuring Steve Hobson.
    Nov 1 2024

    In our third episode, we're diving once again into the world of non-league football!

    We chat about Skelmersdale United FC's ups and downs as they face tough times, while Southport FC appear to be enjoying a bit of good fortune, sneaking into the playoff positions in the National League North.

    At the other end of the table, Radcliffe and Marine are still finding their footing after last season's impressive promotions.

    Blyth Spartan's had a rough week, but with some exciting changes in ownership on the horizon, there could be brighter days ahead at Croft Park!

    No such good news for Walsall Wood FC, as they had to resign from the Northern Premier Midlands League due to ownership issues.

    We also discuss Farsley Celtic. Due to under-surface ground issues, they have been forced into playing their home games some 1 hour 40 minutes away at Buxton - what a commute!

    We're thrilled to have Steve Hobson, the vice chairman of Ashton United, as our special guest. He shares his experiences with his current club and his role within the FA and also recalls his time as Chairman of Rossendale United, and the heartbreaking events leading up to the club going out of business.

    And we can't forget the refereeing side of things. We touch on the recent sacking of former Skem boss Paul McNally at COL, and give you an NWCFL roundup. It's a packed episode you won't want to miss!

    We are Speaking Frankly!

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    2 hrs and 30 mins
  • Episode Two, featuring Richard Brodie.
    Oct 25 2024

    In the second episode of The Speaking Frankly Football Show, Frank Hughes & AJ Vergette examine Skelmersdale United and its determination to rise from the bottom of the NWCFL Division One North.

    Their special guest is Richard Brodie, former manager of Skelmersdale United and current leader at Glossop NE. He shares insights on his club's journey and his ambitious vision for the future.

    They explore the stories of Radcliffe FC, Blyth Spartans and Bamber Bridge, discussing the challenges and triumphs of stepping up and thriving in competitive football.

    Together, they reflect on all the local results in the NWCFL and predict the scores for this coming weekend.

    They are Speaking Frankly.

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    2 hrs and 6 mins
  • Episode One, featuring Tommy Lawson.
    Oct 18 2024

    Welcome to:

    "The Speaking Frankly About Football Show."

    Frank Hughes & AJ Vergette will be talking about non-league football in the north-west as well as covering topics on a wider footballing spectrum. We'll be discussing controversial topics that make us all tear our hair out and at the same time, we will be searching for all the answers as well.

    In today's episode we will be talking to the Skelmersdale United Manager, Tommy Lawson, and will be asking him what it's like to be back at the club his heart never left.

    We are speaking frankly.

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    2 hrs and 15 mins
  • Carl Eaton
    Feb 23 2024

    Carl Eaton - The Sequel.  We talk to Carl once again as he attempts to explain why he's set himself the biggest challenge of his life.

    Not that life isn't difficult enough for this amazing human being as it is.  Born with Spina Bifida, a right leg amputee and wheelchair bound, this man mountain doesn't understand the word...limitiations.

    In this episode we also talk about mental health, and what life is like for someone that faces many challenges in his life due to his disability. 

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    1 hr and 31 mins
  • PASCAL CHIMBONDA (Featuring Gordon Johnson & Mark Hayes)
    Nov 28 2023

    On episode 5, Gordon Johnson & Mark Hayes join me with my star guest Pascal Chimbonda.

    Gordon Johnson is a former referee, who is now Vice Chairman of Skelmersdale United Football Club.  Mark Hayes is the former Chairman of Ashton Town & Pilkington FC and now Sporting Director at FC St Helens.

    Pascal Chimonda needs no introduction.  The former Premier League footballer is now the manager of Skelmersdale United FC.

    Along the way he discusses how he left his homeland of Guadeloupe to seek fame and fortune, first in France before his big move to Wigan Athletic.  And how he ended up taking up his first managerial role in the 9th tier of the football pyramid.

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    1 hr and 2 mins