Across The Pitch
341 episodes - English - Latest episode: 8 months ago - ★★★★★ - 12 ratingsAcross The Pitch began in the summer of 2018, when Phil Kennedy and Arran Airs embarked upon an idea to start a podcast to teach fans in the United States about the deeper levels of English football, beyond the Premier League. Although Phil and Arran both grew to love football rooting for Arsenal F.C., they began to grow a passion for the grassroots of the game after they started regularly attending games for their hometown. USL Championship side Phoenix Rising FC. Inspired by the story of "The Team That Wouldn't Die", they decided to make Accrington Stanley their flagship club, and in November of 2018, they recorded and released their first episode.
Things quickly took off for them when Accy midfielder Scott Brown agreed to come on the show, for what was just their second episode. By episode 10, they had added Matt Robards to the fold, and ever since the community, and scope of Across The Pitch has continued to grow. This includes Accrington natives Darren Woodhead and Tony Robinson joining the team, and expanding to another continent when Abdulai Suburu founded our partner site Ghana Football News. Moving into 2020, we are going to be bringing even more in depth coverage of the EFL pyramid, the USL and MLS, and of course our favorite teams Accrington Stanley and Phoenix Rising.
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Episodes
Episode 284: Back In The Saddle
November 11, 2023 03:45 - 51 minutes - 70.4 MBTony, Darren, and Phil return to Across The Pitch Season 7 following a brief, unscheduled hiatus, and catch up on everything happening in the world of Accy football since their last episode. They discuss results in both League and Cup matches, Tony's visit to England, the drama surrounding Andy Holt's possible sale of the club, top players, and much more!
Episode 283: The Long And Winding Clock
August 17, 2023 23:45 - 45 minutes - 62.3 MBTony and Phil discuss new rule changes and emphasis across the EFL, especially in regards to time keeping, what this means for matches, and why you should expect to see more stoppage time this season. Also a look at Accrington Stanley's opening League 2 matches, and more.
Episode 282: Season 7 Kick-Off
August 03, 2023 16:56 - 45 minutes - 62.1 MBTony and Phil discuss the upcoming Accrington Stanley season, expectations for the upcoming League 2 campaign, players coming and going, top players, expected lineups, a prediction for Saturday's first match against Newport County and much more.
Episode 281 Part 2: A Look Toward League 2
June 05, 2023 06:32 - 33 minutes - 45.7 MBTony, Darren, and Phil wrap up their discussion about the outlook for next season in League 2 in terms of what the squad will look like, returing and departing players, what postions the team needs to address this offseason, and much more.
Episode 281 Part 1: Accy's List
May 25, 2023 19:02 - 25 minutes - 34.9 MBTony, Darren, and Phil discuss the outlook for the 2023-24 Accrington Stanley season following the release of their retained/released players list, and what the squad need to to do to be competitive in League 2, a MIND BLOWING stat on Seamus Conneely, and more!
Episode 280: Get A Grip
April 18, 2023 05:50 - 30 minutes - 41.8 MBTony and Phil are cheesed off about the short memories of; and lack of support being shown to the Accrington Stanley management staff by some supporters, as the team battles for its League One life.
Episode 279: A Reality Show
March 31, 2023 17:42 - 50 minutes - 68.9 MBPhil and Tony discuss the reality that could be relegation to League 2 for Accrington Stanley, and what the team would need to do to bounce back up, if that happens. They also look at upcoming matches for this season, and opponents, and discuss what Stanley needs to do to stay up.
Episode 278: Situation Critical
March 21, 2023 05:31 - 35 minutes - 48.5 MBPhil and Tony talk about the disappointing results in Accrington Stanley's most recent match against MK Dons, and what the team must to do to right the ship, after slipping into the relegation zone.
Episode 277: Bad Boys, What You Gonna Do
March 14, 2023 06:42 - 43 minutes - 60.1 MBPhil and Tony discuss all things Stanley, including a recent rash of suspensions, players expected to return from injuries and potential lineups, a look at upcoming matches and recent results, plus a new contest to WIN A FREE WEEK OF IFOLLOW STANLEY!
Episode 276: Shuttling To Stanley Matches
March 07, 2023 05:46 - 51 minutes - 71.2 MBPhil and Tony talk to Wayne Shuttleworth, and his daughter Libby, Accrington Stanley season ticketholders, and avid supporters who travel to most away matches. They discuss how they started supporting Stanley and why, favorite players ane memories of the matches, and a discussion about this season's results and outlook for the last 15 matches, plus rapid fire, and more.
Episode 275: Liam Coyle Interview
February 21, 2023 05:57 - 53 minutes - 73.5 MBPhil and Tony talk to Accrington Stanley "combative midfielder" Liam Coyle about his football career including his youth days with Liverpool Academy, before joining Accy in 2021, his two years with Stanley thus far, Including leading the club in minutes played this season, Rapid Fire, Peter's Corner, and more!
Episode 274: Peter Leatham Interview
February 14, 2023 06:31 - 59 minutes - 82.2 MBPhil and Tony talk to Accrington Stanley Supporters Trust chairman Peter Leatham about all things Accy both on and off the pitch, including thoughts on the season so far, happenings with the Supporters Trust, Club 1968, and much more!
Episode 273: Ethan Hamilton Interview
February 07, 2023 06:06 - 46 minutes - 64.3 MBPhil and Tony talk to Accrington Stanley midfielder Ethan Hamilton about his football career, including his youth career in Scotland, and time with the Scottish Youth National Teams, plus his time with Manchester United Academy, Rochdale, Bolton, and Peterborough before becoming a mainstay in the Accrington midfield the past 2 seasons.
Episode 272: The Cup Runneth Over
February 02, 2023 06:10 - 44 minutes - 60.7 MBPhil, Tony, and Darren talk all things Accrington Stanley including the recent FA Cup match against Leeds United, the upcoming Papa John's trophy match against Bolton, recent signings in the transfer window, Saturday's match against Lincoln, and more!
Episode 271: Aaron Pressley Interview (Elvis Is In The Building)
January 31, 2023 06:41 - 53 minutes - 73.8 MBPhil and Tony talk to striker Aaron Pressley, currently on loan to Accrington Stanley from Brentford. They discuss his career before coming to Stanley including time at Aston Villa and a loan stint at AFC Wimbledon, as well as his family history in the sport of football, rapid fire, Peter's corner and more.
Episode 270: Ryan Astley Interview
January 21, 2023 21:34 - 49 minutes - 67.8 MBPhil and Tony talk to defender Ryan Astley, currently on loan to Accrington Stanley from Everton about his youth career, time with the Wales International Teams, this year with Stanley so far, and his future career aspirations.
Episode 269: Harvey Rodgers Interview
January 13, 2023 06:08 - 49 minutes - 68.1 MBPhil and Tony talk to Accrington Stanley defender Harvery Rodgers about his now 7 seasons with Accy, including this season's results so far and outlook going forward, past seasons with Stanley, his youth career with Hull, Rapid Fire, Peter's Corner, and much more!
Episode 268: Come On Feel The Noise Ordinance
December 20, 2022 06:15 - 56 minutes - 77.5 MBPhil, Tony, and Darren do a 2022 year end wrap up and holiday special where they discuss all things Accrington Stanley, on and off the pitch, including favorite matches of the year, top player of the season, a look at possible signings, upcoming FA Cup and Papa John's Trophy matches, Christmas wishes for the club, Phil gets cheesed off as they discuss the recent noise ordinance issues between the club and the Hyndburn Council, and much more!
Episode 267: Matt Lowe Interview
December 13, 2022 05:41 - 57 minutes - 79 MBTony and Phil talk to Accrington Stanley forward Matt Lowe, who came over this season after spending 7 seasons with Brackley Town. They discuss his recovery from hip surgery and time table for his return, what life was like juggling a teaching career while playing non-league, and how life has changed now that he is back to full time football.
Episode 266: Doug Tharme Interview
December 10, 2022 06:32 - 54 minutes - 74.7 MBTony and Phil talk to Accrington Stanley defender Doug Tharme, who is currently with the club on a season long loan from Blackpool. They talk about this season so far, his youth football career and experience before joining Stanley, time playing in Wales, studies and interests outside of football, plus Rapid Fire, Peter's Corner, and much more!
Episode 265: Accrington Stanley Ladies FC Chairman Heath Groves
November 29, 2022 05:24 - 43 minutes - 59.1 MBPhil and Tony talk to Heath Groves, Chairman of Accrington Stanley Ladies FC, the 1st Team of which, currently plays in the North West Womens Regional Football League, Division 1 North. They discuss everything about the team both on and off the pitch, including results, top players, tactics, and the growth of the ladies program to now a total of 9 teams. You can find more about the club at https://www.aswomen.org
Episode 264: Tony's Accy Travels Continue
October 29, 2022 05:58 - 49 minutes - 68.4 MBTony and Phil talk about the happenings in and around the WHAM Stadium, recent disappointing match results, what can be done to turn things around, upcoming guests and features, and Tony gets cheesed off!
Episode 263: Staying On The Pitch (Interview With Ben Kay)
October 14, 2022 18:37 - 45 minutes - 63.1 MBTony and Phil talk to Accrington Stanley head groundskeeper Ben Kay about his playing career and work at Chorley before coming to Accy, and everything you could ever want to know about pitches, including why its watered at halftime, cleaned after the match, what a hybrid pitch means, and more!
Episode 262: Tony's Homecoming
September 03, 2022 03:12 - 41 minutes - 57.4 MBPhil and Tony talk about Tony's first trip back to Accrington since 2019, and the matches he has seen so far, and how the WHAM Stadium has improved both on and off the pitch, and in the pub department since his last visit. The also review recent matches against Exeter and the Papa John's Trophy against Rochdale, plus predictions for Ipswich.
Episode 261: David Earl (Exeter vs Accrington)
August 25, 2022 05:09 - 39 minutes - 53.8 MBDarren, Tony, and Phil talk to David Earl, from the Netflix series Afterlife, and host of the podcast My New Football Club, about Exeter City. The discuss this week's upcoming match between Accrington Stanley and Exeter, and talk to David about his podcast and his new found fandom of The Grecians.
Episode 260: Phil Hackney (Former Head Of Accrington Stanley Academy)
August 19, 2022 02:01 - 45 minutes - 62.6 MBDarren, Tony, and Phil talk to Phil Hackney who was head of the Accrington Stanley academy from 2006-2012, and was in charge of its founding. They talk about his time with the club, key players that he signed, and also catch up about his current gig as Assistant Manager to Bobby Grant at Radcliffe FC.
Episode 259: Accrington Stanley 2022-23 Season Preview
July 30, 2022 01:52 - 57 minutes - 79.6 MBPhil, Tony, and Darren discuss the upcoming 2022-23 Accrington Stanley season, including which players they expect to make the biggest impact, new signings, predictions for where the team will finish, and happenings with the supporters trust, plus the latest on the iFollow situation.
Episode 258: Chris Turner
July 23, 2022 18:11 - 55 minutes - 75.7 MBDarren, Tony, and Phil speak to Chris Turner, who player with Accrington Stanley from 2006-2011, and with other clubs around England including Barrow, Clitheroe, Worksop, Padiham, Barnoldswick, and others about life both during and after football.
Episode 257: Coley
June 18, 2022 00:01 - 1 hour - 84.3 MBPhil and Tony talk to Accrington Stanley manager John Coleman about all things Accy including a look back at the 2021-22 season, and expectations for the upcoming 22-23 season. They talked about results and key players from last season, new signings, the academy, upcoming preseason fixtures, tactics for next season, and of course Coley's Pub, and much more!
Episode 256: 2022 Accrington Stanley Season Review
April 29, 2022 17:52 - 50 minutes - 69.5 MBPhil, Tony, and Darren look back at Accrington Stanley's 2021-22 season with just one match left to play. They discuss results from the season, top players, favorite matches, outlook for next season, and how long they expect John Coleman to remain at the helm.
Episode 255: The Royal Dyche
April 21, 2022 21:11 - 41 minutes - 57.6 MBTony and Phil discuss the recent firing of Burnley manager Sean Dyche, and how a relegation could lead to increase attendance at Accrington, plus an in depth review of the Dyche sacking, and U.S. ownership in the Premier League.
Episode 254: Mitch Clark Interview
March 18, 2022 00:00 - 43 minutes - 59.3 MBPhil and Tony talk to Accrington Stanley defender Mitch Clark about his football career beginning with his youth days at Aston Villa, stops at Port Vale and Leicester City before siging with Accy this summer.
Episode 253: Shot Savin' Toby Savin
March 11, 2022 07:03 - 50 minutes - 68.7 MBTony and Phil talk to Accrington Stanley goalkeeper Toby Savin about his career beginning with his youth days at Southport, Everton, and Crewe Alexandra, and the past 2 season with Accrington Stanley where he has started over 50 games, recording 16 clean sheets.
Episode 252: A Grand Opening
March 05, 2022 05:38 - 49 minutes - 67.5 MBTony and Phil interview Accrington Stanley Managing Director Dave Burgess about the happenings at the club, including the recent opening of new facilities at WHAM Stadium including the new hospitality area, Coley's bar, and much more.
Episode 251 Part 2: Captain Of The Albion
March 02, 2022 17:27 - 21 minutes - 30.2 MBDarren, Tony, and Phil speak to Daniel Bowerbank, former commercial director of Accrinton Stanley, who is now owner of the Albion pub about life during and after his time with Stanley, and also his involvement with the resurrection of Bury FC.
Episode 251 Part 1: A Lesson In Geography
March 02, 2022 17:17 - 31 minutes - 43.2 MBPhil, Tony, and Darren sit down for this month's pub chat where they discuss Accrington Stanley's recent form, happenings around the club, and a fun quiz about where football teams in different countries are located
Episode 250: Vlog Or V-Log?
February 19, 2022 21:01 - 47 minutes - 64.6 MBPhil and Tony talk to Accrington Stanley vlogger Liam Atkinson about all things Stanley, including the season so far and which players have impressed, the transfer window, and more.
Episode 249: Doodlebug
February 17, 2022 20:09 - 40 minutes - 55.9 MBPhil and Tony talk to Accrington Stanley vlogger Steve McKelvey about his popular Youtube channel, his thoughts on the Accy season, the transfer window, and much more.
Episode 248: Peacemaker, Matchmaker & Painter
February 05, 2022 03:35 - 49 minutes - 67.3 MBDarren, Tony, & Phil speak to Peter Marsden, who was Accrington Stanley chairman in the early 2010's. They discuss an up and down time in the club's history that saw previously unprecedented success on the pitch, but financial difficulties off the pitch, the leaving and returning of John Coleman and Jimmy Bell, and was the bridge between the Eric Whalley, and Andy Holt eras.
Episode 247: The Changing Man - The Chris Grimshaw story
January 18, 2022 18:53 - 47 minutes - 65.5 MBDarren, Tony, and Phil talk to Accrington Stanley legend Chris Grimshaw, who played over 300 games, in 3 different spells with Accy during the 1980's-90's, scoring over 50 goals. He reflects on his memories of his playing days beginning at Burnley, before moving to Accy and other clubs in England, and more recently, his successful, and life changing battle off the pitch.
Episode 246: Ringing In The New Year
January 17, 2022 05:59 - 52 minutes - 71.5 MBTony, Darren, and Phil kick of 2022 with a pub style chat about all things Accrington Stanley, including the conclusion to the Dion Charles saga, a look at the season thus far and outlook for the second half of the year, what might happen in the January transfer window, Darren's new project on the Peel Park era, and much more!
Episode 245: The Wizard Of WHAM
December 19, 2021 18:12 - 40 minutes - 55.6 MBPhil and Tony talk to Accrington Stanley Public Address Announcer Josh Adcroft about all things Accy. They discuss results from the season so far, and expectations for the 2nd half of the year. They also look at top players from the squad, what the team may be looking for in the January transfer window, Club 1968, and more.
Episode 244 Part 2: 3rd Anniversary Extravaganza
December 18, 2021 17:55 - 19 minutes - 26.9 MBIn Part 2 of our 3rd Anniversary Celebration, Phil talks with Scott Brown, the first guest to ever appear on Across The Pitch. They catch up since the last time he was on the show, and talk about his retirement from football, and move into work in the agent industry in his post playing days.
Episode 244 Part 1: 3rd Anniversary Extravaganza
November 27, 2021 06:29 - 53 minutes - 73.1 MBPhil is joined by past and present co-hosts and contributors sharing their experience, and journey with the show. Part 1 features the beginning of each person's story, with each story completing, plus a special guest in the upcoming parts. In order of appearance, Part 1 features Arran Airs and Matt Robards, Ross Devonport, Jonny Hibbard, Abdulai Suburu, Peter Leatham, and Darren Woodhead and Tony Robinson closing.
Episode 243: From Peel Park To Fenway Park
November 18, 2021 20:38 - 52 minutes - 71.8 MBDarren, Tony, and Phil talk to Neil Edmonds, who is originally from Accrington, and played at Stanley, Oldham, and Rochdale in the 1980's-90's, but now resides in upstate New York. They discuss his playing career and life after football on the Western side of the pond, plus the Accrington now vs then, and a bit about American Sports.
Episode 242: Cheer Up John De-Maine
November 08, 2021 17:35 - 47 minutes - 64.6 MBPhil and Tony speak to lifelong Accrington Stanley Supporter Gary De-Maine, first with a quick recap on the recent FA Cup match against Port Vale, and the importance of Cup Competitions to Stanley, then they speak about his late father John De-Maine, a former director and commercial manager at Stanley about his role with the club from 1993 through 2009, and the challenges he faced growing Stanley's brand and merchandising in that era.
Episode 241: The Ladies In Red
November 05, 2021 19:05 - 47 minutes - 65.4 MBPhil and Tony talk to Bryn Tracey, who has been the head coach of the Accrington Stanley Ladies Team since July of 2020. They discuss goals for the less than 5-year-old club both on and off the pitch, some of the differences between the men's and women's games, how the pyramid works, top players on this years squad, and his future aspirations both for the club and personally.
Episode 240: Perritt Flies South For The Winter
October 30, 2021 00:59 - 42 minutes - 58.3 MBPhil and Tony talk to Harry Perritt who has currently gone on loan to Torquay United from Accrington Stanley about how the trip down south has gone thus far, his youth career with Accrington, plus a special segment on the importance of mental health.
Episode 239 Part 2: Another Pint Of Cider
October 26, 2021 03:44 - 35 minutes - 48.5 MBPhil and Tony ask listener question to Accrington Stanley Coach Jimmy Bell in Part 2, plus an update on the situation with Dion Charles, how things are coming with the under-23 team, and why he feels like Accrington is the best coaching job in all of England.
Episode 239 Part 1: When I Do, I Have A Couple Ciders
October 22, 2021 17:15 - 53 minutes - 73.8 MBPhil and Tony talk to Accrington Stanley coach Jimmy Bell about how this season has gone so far, how things have changed on and off the pitch at Accy in the past few years, new players to the squad this year, challenges of scouting during COVID, plus rapid fire, and much more in Part 1 of 2.