Beyond the Barside

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.

RETAINED LIST REACTIONAaron, Si and Dave react to the recently released retained list, discussing the key decisions made by the club and what they could mean for next season.The episode explores who stayed, who moved on, and whether the panel agree with the club’s choices.🎶 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… KIERAN MAGUIREAaron and Dave sit down with football finance expert, author and The Price of Football co-host Kieran Maguire to discuss the financial side of the modern game — and what it could mean for Colchester United.The episode explores football club ownership, investment, sustainability and the realities of running clubs across the EFL. The conversation also turns to the rumoured takeover surrounding Colchester United, discussing what fans should be looking for and the wider implications of new ownership in football.Insightful, honest and packed with fascinating discussion on an area of the game supporters rarely get to see.🎶 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… TOM SMITHAaron and Si speak to Colchester United goalkeeper Tom Smith about his journey in football and his time at the club so far.The episode covers his upbringing at Arsenal, his development through the academy system, and his relationship with Andy Woodman.Tom also reflects on life at Colchester United, his ambitions for the future and much more.🎶 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 53: CHELTENHAM REVIEWAaron is joined by Si, Dave and BBC Essex’s Glenn Pennyfather to reflect on Colchester United’s 4–1 win away at Cheltenham Town in the final game of the season.The panel discuss the performance, the positives to take into the summer and some of the wider themes from the campaign.There’s also discussion around Dave’s memorable description of Cheltenham as “the beachiest team” he’s ever seen.🎶 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.

SUMMER SERIES: RETAIN OR RELEASE?Aaron, Si and Dave begin the Beyond The Barside Summer Series by discussing the players reportedly out of contract and debating whether each should be retained or released.The episode looks at the squad as a whole, the key decisions facing the club, and what direction the team should take heading into next season.🎶 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 52: CHELTENHAM TOWN (A)Aaron, Si, Dave and Ashley reflect on the defeat to Notts County, discussing the key moments and where things didn’t go to plan.The lads then look ahead to Cheltenham Town away, previewing the game and considering what kind of response is needed.As always, there’s also time for a few off-topic tangents along the way.🎶 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.