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The Magic Roundabout

The Magic Roundabout

Written by: Lionel Birnie & Simon Gill
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Join Lionel Birnie and Simon Gill as they spend a season on the road following the fortunes of their home town team, Hemel Hempstead Town.

Their adventure will take them from Farnborough to Farnham, Maidstone to Maidenhead, and Torquay to Truro as they tell stories from the terraces, the dugout, the changing room and the boardroom.

The Magic Roundabout is a Peloton Podcast. The series producer is Tom Whalley.

Peloton Publishing / Lionel Birnie / Simon Gill
Football
Episodes
  • 8: The magic of the cup | Episode 8 | Home and Away with The Tudors
    Sep 24 2026

    In this episode, Lionel Birnie and Simon Gill set themselves two challenges to mark Hemel Hempstead Town's entry into the FA Cup at the second qualifying round stage. They honour that fine terrace tradition of making a tinfoil FA Cup trophy, and decide to cycle (or run) to every game on the Road to Wembley.

    Of course, the Gods of Football have other ideas and The Tudors find themselves on the end of an upset.

    Join them for the journey as they celebrate the oldest and most famous knockout cup competition in world football, venture off the beaten track on their bike ride into north London, and find out there's no such place as Wingate.

    This episode of The Magic Roundabout by Lionel Birnie and Simon Gill was produced by Tom Whalley for Peloton Podcasts.

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    59 mins
  • 7: The magical history tour | Episode 7 | Home and Away with The Tudors
    Sep 17 2026

    Lionel Birnie and Simon Gill take a trip down memory lane with a walking tour of their home town, Hemel Hempstead.

    On the way, they learn about the history of the football club, the post-war new town development, Geoffrey Jellicoe's urban vision for the 20th century that barely lasted 50 years, and the last highwayman to be hanged in England... We talk to the co-editor of the book series Crap Towns about Hemel's inclusion and ask what makes a crap town.

    On the football front, it's been a busy time behind the scenes at the Focus Community Arena with several arrivals and departures. Manager Lee Bircham fills us in on the loanee from Swansea City who is living in the chairman's annexe at the bottom of his garden, and the moment the striker Remaye Campbell's head was turned by the opportunity to play full-time football.

    The Magic Roundabout by Lionel Birnie and Simon Gill is a Peloton Podcasts Production. This episode was edited by Tom Whalley.

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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • 6: Is that all you take away? | Episode 6 | Home and Away with The Tudors
    Sep 10 2026

    It's been another busy week following The Tudors home and away for Lionel Birnie and Simon Gill.

    In this episode, they headed to Ebbsfleet United to join 20 other loyal, passionate and noisy Hemel Hempstead Town fans.

    Join them on the journey as they take the gaffer, Lee Bircham, to the game. On the way they discuss Wolf Hall, Queens Park Rangers and Birchy's role as an extra in the football hooligan film Green Street.

    We also speak to Birchy's brother, Marc about Hemel – the Miami of Hertfordshire.

    This episode was produced by Huw Owen for Peloton Podcasts.

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    59 mins
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