With 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. 🌍⚽🏆

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After 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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

BEYOND THE BARSIDE MEETS… ESSEX POLICE

Si 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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

BEYOND THE BARSIDE MEETS… MATT HUDSON

Aaron 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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

RETAINED LIST REACTION

Aaron, 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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2025/26 SEASON REVIEW

Aaron is joined by Si, Dave, BBC Essex’s Neil Kelly and The Gazette’s Jon Waldron to reflect on the 2025/26 season.

The panel discuss the major talking points from across the campaign, including performances, results, player development and the wider direction of the club.

An honest and detailed look back at the season and what it could mean moving forward.

🎶 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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

BEYOND THE BARSIDE MEETS… KIERAN MAGUIRE

Aaron 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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

BEYOND THE BARSIDE MEETS… TOM SMITH

Aaron 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.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.