The Speaking Frankly Football Show

Frank Hughes & AJ Vergette
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Hello and welcome to The Speaking Frankly Football Show. Hosted by Frank Hughes, Chairman of Skelmersdale United FC & AJ Vergette, Skelmersdale United Press Officer. We concentrate mainly on matters of non league football, but occasionally we stray and cover other controversial subjects in football as well. We give in depth analysis on the North West Counties Football League. Interviews, opinions, controversial issues and much more! We are Speaking Frankly.

  1. 13H AGO

    TSFFS S2 EP30, FEATURING ANDY BARLOW

    TSFFS S2 EP30 Join us as we welcome Andy Barlow, the manager of Skelmersdale United, to this exciting episode! This week, we're diving into lively discussions with our guest panellist, Andy Barlow, whose stellar non-league football career makes him the perfect voice to discuss local football scenes. We kick things off with the NWCFL, the Macron Cup, and spotlight some of the league's biggest movers and shakers, lighting up the competition. Next, we venture into the National League and Northern Premier League, highlighting stories from Bootle, Clitheroe, Prescot, Marine, Southport, and more. But it's not all about praise—controversy takes centre stage. We explore the disrespect shown by Chelsea players towards young supporters and delve into the ongoing saga at Brickfield Rangers, where referees are being asked not to officiate due to threats and abuse from a manager targeting U18 officials. The blanket ban on refereeing at Rangers at all levels remains in force. We also reveal the well-kept secret of Dave Kitson's surprising self-outing as the "Secret Football Manager." A former player who penned revealing articles for The Guardian and authored books exposing the darker side of professional football, Kitson took a huge career risk by speaking out in an era when whistleblowing was more dangerous. Turning to Andy Barlow's journey in football, we explore how he started at Manchester City as a youth and, despite not reaching the top tiers, achieved notable milestones, including advancing to the FA Cup second round and drawing Manchester United in the third-round draw! We wrap up with our signature predictions and insightful analysis of upcoming fixtures. All that and much more—stay tuned and get ready for an episode packed with passion, controversy, and expert insights.

    4h 1m

  2. FEB 13

    TSFFS S2 EP29

    TSFFS S2 EP29 This week, we dive into a lively roundup of the NWCFL, highlighting all the key movers and shakers shaping the league. We also explore the vibrant world of local non-league football in the National League North and the Northern Premier League. Bury fans' long-standing wish came true as Anthony Johnson parted ways with Radcliffe. However, this change sparked a split in the football club, with Bernard Morley remaining at Radcliffe. Managing his boyhood team has always been a dream for Johnson, so it is an understandable departure. In a heated segment, we examine Droylsden's FA Vase triumph over Bilston Town—a victory marred by a shocking outbreak of violence at the final whistle. Chester supporter Lee Newman faces a three-year ban after an incident at Worksop Town, where he entered the away dressing room to hurl abuse at his own players and staff following a 2-1 defeat. While crossing boundaries raises the question: Is there a limit to what's acceptable when it comes to fan conduct? We wrap up with our weekly predictions and expert insights, promising an exciting finish to this episode. All this and more, coming your way.

    2h 40m

  3. FEB 6

    TSFFS S2 EP28

    Join us once again as we immerse ourselves in the vibrant world of the NWCFL. With the season hurtling toward its exhilarating climax, we spotlight the clubs soaring to new heights and those facing tough challenges. We'll celebrate Marine and Southport, fresh off remarkable victories in the FA Trophy's fifth round, and reveal their upcoming quarter-final opponents. The Northern Premier League West heats up, with Lower Breck enduring three straight defeats and Runcorn Linnets climbing to the summit. Their crucial clash this weekend could be a game-changer—a true six-pointer. Meanwhile, Morecambe has made headlines by replacing its manager and bringing back club legend Jim Bentley for the rest of the season. What's driving the trend of interim managers, and why are clubs hesitant to commit long-term? Who will step into Chester's managerial role next? Once again, a club has issued a termination notice. More clubs seem to be taking this route—could they already have successors in mind, waiting in the wings? The FA's plans to expand Step Six leagues from 17 to 24 raise questions. Will this dilute the divisions further? Could it lead to financial challenges as divisions possibly shrink? The NWCFL already faces tough times with fewer than 20 teams in the North and South. Could we see divisions reduced to just 16 teams? With Wolverhampton Sporting Community resigning from NWCFL Div One South, we ask: Is the strain of heavy travel too much to bear? Or should clubs prepare for these challenges? Finding the right balance in non-league football feels more complicated than ever—and perhaps it's an issue the FA needs to address. We conclude with our latest update on Skem, bold predictions for the week ahead, and expert insights to keep you ahead of the game. All this and much more await you. Dive in and stay tuned for an action-packed journey through non-league football.

    2h 7m

  4. JAN 30

    TSFFS S2 EP27, FEATURING TREVOR ABRAHAM

    TSFFS S2 EP27 On this week's show, we take a look at all the movers and shakers in the NWCFL.  We take a look at the National League North, particularly Marine and Southport. With a preview on their games in the 5th Round of the FA Trophy at the weekend.  We also dive into the Northern Premier League and discuss Bury, Clitheroe, Lower Breck, Prescot Cables, and Runcorn Linnets. We take a look at the controversial news of Michael Clegg's return to management at Hyde United and Rob Smethurst's return to the Macclesfield hot seat.  We speak to Colne FC co-chairman Trevor Abraham in the second part of the show to discuss how tough it is to run a club on pure love, sweat and tears.  The final part of the show looks at Skelmersdale United and their recent 7-1 defeat to East Villa Rail, before we round up with our usual predictions and expert analysis. All that and more.

    3h 25m

  5. JAN 23

    TSFFS S2 EP26

    TSFFS S2 EP26 We kick off this episode with our lively NWCFL roundup, highlighting last week's results and shining a special spotlight on Burscough Football Club, who are riding high with incredible form. They've also announced their unique "football for a five" event ahead of this weekend's clash against Prestwich Heys. Controversial Corner is riddled with heated debates. Tommy Taylor's sensational attack on his opponent has gone viral. During a match between Trearddur Bay FC and Porthmadog in the Ardal North West League, Taylor delivered a vicious elbow that floored his rival. We ponder: what should be the appropriate punishment? A lifetime ban? Or could we draw parallels to Eric Cantona's infamous kung-fu kick over thirty years ago, which resulted in community service and an eight-month suspension? Police have already bailed him, and things aren't looking good. But at 35, will a ban really change anything? We wrap up the show by analysing Skelmersdale United, the latest headlines from the LCP, including the breaking news that Deysbrook FC has resigned from the league: our predictions and expert insights into upcoming fixtures complete the episode. All this and more—stay tuned.

    2h 32m

  6. JAN 16

    TSFFS S2 EP 25, FEATURING GLYNN HURST

    TSFFS S2 EP25 We start as usual with a rundown of the events over the last week in the NWCFL, and look at the winners and losers. We take a look at Macclesfield and their giant-killing of FA Cup holders Crystal Palace. Both Marine and Southport have progressed to the next round of the FA Trophy, but Clitheroe's fantastic run has come to an end. American investment is becoming more prevalent in non-league football, and to add to the list of takeovers, Stafford Rangers are in the process of being bought out. In part two of the show, we speak to our special guest, Glynn Hurst. Glynn has had a stellar career in the professional game and is now putting his expertise to the test as the new manager of Pilkington FC. In part three of the show, we talk about all things Skelmersdale United before delivering our predictions for the week ahead, as well as our expert analysis. All that and more.

    2h 40m

  7. JAN 9

    TSFFS S2 EP24

    TSFFS S2 E24 As always, we kick things off with an energetic roundup of the NWCFL, highlighting the clubs that thrived despite the challenging festive weather. We delve into the issues at the City of Liverpool, questioning whether the club can weather the storm or if it's facing an uncertain future. Meanwhile, Marine set a new 21st-century record attendance on Boxing Day with 2,314 fans watching their thrilling 4-2 victory over local rivals Southport. Prescot Cables has been forced to tighten its belt again, losing players in the process. Is midseason cutbacks a smart move or a risky gamble? Shocking managerial changes include Brad Cooke stepping down from Runcorn Linnets and Michael Clegg departing from Atherton Collieries. The biggest surprise? Matty Boswell leaving third-placed Telford Town in NWC Division One South to join struggling Shawbury United, languishing near the bottom of the same division. What's behind these moves? Bury FC faces uncertainty as they search for a new leader after Dave McNabb. With interim manager Tim Lees at the helm, should they stick with him or bring in an outsider? Only results will tell. Ruben Amorim talked himself out of biggest job in the world—was it a wise career move, or is he laughing all the way to the bank? Interestingly, at non-league level, managers often talk themselves out of positions to avoid appearing at fault. We wrap up by shining a spotlight on Skelmersdale United and then look ahead by previewing the upcoming NWCFL fixtures. Get ready for an exciting ride!

    2h 21m

  8. 12/20/2025

    TSFFS S2 EP23

    TSFFS S2 EP23 On this week's show, we look at all things NWCFL and the movers and shakers.  We take a look at Clitheroe's triumphant victory over National League Premier Division team York City in the FA Trophy, as well as Marine & Southport's progress to the 4th round.  We shape up for a controversial corner, where we discuss the shenanigans at Bury FC and their shock appointment of Michael Jolley, which didn't last long, as within a couple of days he resigned when social media decided to put a man convicted of a sex offence on trial again. Tim Lees has been appointed interim Manager until the end of the season, with Sam Ashton joining him as his assistant. This seems to be a very popular appointment amongst the supporters. But the question is, can a supporter-run football club destroy the fabric within it, or are the custodians the ones at fault? We look at the finalised details of David Stockdale's takeover at Farsley Celtic. They will now become FC Farsley Sports Club, now that the club has been liquidated and Paul Barthorpe has given up control of the club.  We finish the end-of-year show, talking all things Skelmersdale United, and give our final predictions and our expert analysis on local football.  All that and more.

    2h 3m
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About

Hello and welcome to The Speaking Frankly Football Show. Hosted by Frank Hughes, Chairman of Skelmersdale United FC & AJ Vergette, Skelmersdale United Press Officer. We concentrate mainly on matters of non league football, but occasionally we stray and cover other controversial subjects in football as well. We give in depth analysis on the North West Counties Football League. Interviews, opinions, controversial issues and much more! We are Speaking Frankly.

Information

  • Creator
    Frank Hughes & AJ Vergette
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    65
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026 Frank Hughes
  • Show Website
    The Speaking Frankly Football Show

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