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.

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.

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.

A busy bank holiday weekend for Hemel Hempstead Town sees two games in three games, starting with Weston-super-Mare at home.

Then it's a day trip to Kent to face Folkestone Invicta and the first chance for Lionel Birnie and Simon Gill to get on the road together this season.

There's a football ground taste test, inspired by Footy Scran, a brush with the Folkestone pigeon murderer, and a cultural tour of the seaside town.

Also, Simon has got a terrace song from the Tudors faithful!

Episode 5 of The Magic Roundabout by Lionel Birnie and Simon Gill was produced by Tom Whalley for Peloton Podcasts.

It’s Hemel Hempstead Town’s first away game of the season and, with Lionel on holiday, Simon Gill is flying solo.

Perhaps that’s appropriate because the destination is Farnborough, home of the famous air show.

Simon picks up the gaffer, Lee Bircham, and his younger brother Marc (who is still a terrace hero at QPR) for a memorable road trip.

On the way to Hampshire, they talk about anything but football - the eclipse and whether aliens have visited the earth… on the way home they discuss Hemel’s most striking landmark, the old Kodak building, and the rights and wrongs of ordering a curry from the Chinese takeaway.

In the middle of all that there’s the first away match and three well-earned points.

This episode of The Magic Roundabout is presented by Simon Gill. The producer is Jon Moonie for Peloton Podcasts.

This is The Magic Roundabout...

It's the opening day of the National League South season. A pair of inflatables of King Henry the Eighth beckon us towards the Focus Community Arena for Hemel Hempstead Town's first home game, against highly fancied Chelmsford City.

The sun is shining, the air crackles with excitement and the turnstiles clack to signal the start of the new campaign. Lionel's even got his new 'lucky' red socks on...

In this bumper episode, we tell the story of the opening day, from the terraces, the dugout and the dressing room. It turns out to be a dramatic day – with a Hemel player involved in a (thankfully minor) collision on the M1 and a grandstand finish that reminds us why football keeps dragging us back for more.

Join childhood friends Lionel Birnie and Simon Gill as they follow their home town team, nicknamed The Tudors, throughout the 2026-27 season.

Written and hosted by Lionel Birnie and Simon Gill. This episode was produced by Huw Owen for Peloton Podcasts.

This is The Magic Roundabout, a podcast about football, friendship and passing fifty...

Home and away with The Tudors. A season on the road with Hemel Hempstead Town FC.

Lionel Birnie and Simon Gill grew up two doors down from each other. As kids in the Eighties they played hours of football in the back garden, devised lengthy Subbuteo tournaments, and wore their Watford kits everywhere. In short, football was their life.

But if life was a football match, it's fair to say they are well into the second half now so they've decided to spend a season doing what they love most. Watching football, and telling stories.

Join them as they follow their home town team through the ups and downs of a season in English football's sixth tier, the National League South. Simon's school mate Lee Bircham has returned to the club for a second spell as manager.

In this opening episode, we meet the key characters at the club, from owner Dave Boggins, whose garden gate opens into the football ground, to the gaffer 'Birchy' and his backroom team.

After one of Hemel's best seasons ended in play-off heartbreak, expectations are high for the remodelled squad. Pre-season is over, now the serious business is about to begin.

Written and hosted by Lionel Birnie and Simon Gill. Produced by Tom Whalley for Peloton Podcasts.