Beyond the Barside

BEYOND THE BARSIDE MEETS… THE BLUE & WHITE ARMYAaron and Si speak to Jon from the Blue & White Army, the Colchester United supporters' group dedicated to improving the matchday atmosphere through tifos, displays and fan initiatives.Jon explains how the group was established, what goes into organising displays, the importance of supporter involvement, and the group's ambitions for the future.If you'd like to learn more or get involved with the Blue & White Army, visit:https://www.bluewhitearmy1937.com🎶 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.

EARLY WINDOW REACTION | RAGGETT, LEAKE & IANDOLOAaron, Si and Dave react to Colchester United's first business of the summer transfer window, discussing the arrivals of Sean Raggett and Jake Leake, along with the re-signing of Ellis Iandolo.The panel assess what each player could bring to the squad and how the early recruitment fits into the club's plans for the new season.Aaron also speaks to Matt from the New York Talk podcast to get a Rotherham United perspective on Sean Raggett and what supporters can expect from the experienced defender.🎶 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.

Episode Description – 2026/27 Fixtures ReleasedThe 2026/27 League Two fixture list is finally here!Aaron is joined by Si and Dave to react to the U's schedule and pick out the key dates that could define Colchester United's season.From an opening day trip to Accrington Stanley to the return of Arthur Read with York City, we discuss the biggest tests, potential banana skins and the fixtures we've already circled in the calendar.Can the U's take points from the relegated sides? Which away day are we looking forward to the most? And where will Colchester's promotion hopes be won or lost?We also begin the episode by paying tribute to former Colchester United Chairman Peter Heard, whose leadership helped guide the club from the Conference to the Championship and whose contribution to the U's will never be forgotten.Let us know:🔹 Which fixture are you most looking forward to?🔹 Which game could define Colchester's season?🔹 Where do you think the U's will finish?Intro music by Sam Hopkins.

BEYOND THE BARSIDE MEETS… JON BURNSAaron and Si speak to former Colchester United Supporters Association Chairman Jon Burns, reflecting on more than 30 years of service to CUSA and the Colchester United fanbase.The episode explores Jon's journey with the supporters' association, the role CUSA has played over the years, memorable moments, and how supporter engagement has evolved during his time with the club.A fascinating conversation with one of the U's most respected supporters, looking back on decades of dedication to Colchester United.🎶 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.

FAN QUESTIONS SPECIALAaron, Si and Dave answer questions submitted by Colchester United supporters in this fan-led special.The panel discuss a variety of topics, including transfers, takeover speculation, player performances, expectations for next season and much more, all driven by the questions sent in by listeners.🎶 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.

🌍 Beyond The Barside World Cup SpecialWith the football season behind us, Aaron, Si and Dave take a trip down memory lane for a special World Cup edition of Beyond The Barside.From our first World Cup memories to the greatest tournaments of all time, we discuss iconic goals, unforgettable matches, England heartbreaks, legendary players and the moments that made us fall in love with football.We debate the greatest World Cup player of all time, pick our ultimate World Cup XI, discuss whether the tournament is still the pinnacle of football and answer a series of quick-fire World Cup questions.Whether you're Team Messi, Team Maradona, Team Pele or somewhere else entirely, there's plenty to get stuck into.Let us know your favourite World Cup memory and who makes your all-time World Cup XI.Intro music by Sam Hopkins. 🌍⚽🏆

🚨 Emergency Podcast | Takeover Deal Falls ThroughAfter months of speculation and discussions, the proposed takeover of Colchester United involving former Chelsea captain John Terry has officially collapsed.Aaron is joined by Si and Dave to react to the news, discuss the club's statement, Terry's response on social media, and what this means for the future of Colchester United.With this now the third failed takeover attempt in just over 12 months, we ask why these deals keep falling through, whether the club remains an attractive proposition for investors, and where Robbie Cowling and Colchester United go from here.What does this mean for the future of the U's?Intro music by Sam Hopkins.

BEYOND THE BARSIDE MEETS… ESSEX POLICESi and Dave speak to PC Niki Howard, Essex Police's dedicated football officer, about his role and responsibilities within football policing.Recorded ahead of Colchester United's fixture against Oldham Athletic, the episode explores matchday operations, supporter engagement, safety, and the realities of policing football in the modern game.The conversation provides a unique insight into an important role that often goes unseen by supporters.🎶 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.

BEYOND THE BARSIDE MEETS… MATT HUDSONAaron 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.