The Ground Jewels

James Dixon
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The Ground Jewels

The Ground Jewels celebrates beloved sporting venues that hold a special place in our hearts. Each week host and sports author James Dixon (known for 'The Fix' and 'World in Union') is joined by a different guest to explore the sense of place that provides a unique bond between an individual and their favorite sports ground. Our guests share their personal stories, remember nostalgic moments all while distilling their perfect sporting fan experience.

  1. 34. Carly Paoli & Windsor Park, Belfast

    DEC 10

    34. Carly Paoli & Windsor Park, Belfast

    This week's guest is the singer Carly Paoli and Carly has nominated Windsor Park, Belfast ground jewel. We discussed Carly's experiences singing at major sporting events including football internationals and the Ryder Cup opening ceremony Here's Carly singing both the Northern Irish anthem and Italian national anthem at Windsor Park, Belfast - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NidWcOUC2pY https://carlypaoli.com/ *** Hosted by sports author James Dixon ('The Fix' & 'World in Union') the Ground Jewels podcast is dedicated to celebrating the deep connections individuals have with their favorite sports grounds. *** Artwork by Luke Williamson - https://www.lukewilliamsonart.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    48 min
  2. 33. David Squires & The County Ground (Swindon)

    DEC 2

    33. David Squires & The County Ground (Swindon)

    This week's guest is the cartoonist David Squires and David has nominated The County Ground, home of Swindon Town FC as his ground jewel. We discussed David's youth in Wiltshire, his first game against Tranmere Rovers, the club's golden period under first Lou Macari, then Ossie Ardilles and finally Glenn Hoddle, who David believes is the best player he ever saw in a Swindon shirt. We also touched on the lack of investment in the ground/club of late and by law as it's a podcast featuring Swindon the magic roundabout was mentioned. *** Hosted by sports author James Dixon ('The Fix' & 'World in Union') the Ground Jewels podcast is dedicated to celebrating the deep connections individuals have with their favorite sports grounds. *** Artwork by Luke Williamson - https://www.lukewilliamsonart.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 4m
  3. 32. Jim Waterson & Bootham Crescent

    NOV 25

    32. Jim Waterson & Bootham Crescent

    This week's guest is the journalist Jim Waterson. Jim has nominated Bootham Crescent, the former home of York City FC as his ground jewel. We discussed Jim's early years growing up in York, the famous cup victory over Fergie's Manchester United volunteering for the club, it's yo-yo existence in the 21st century and the closure of Bootham Crescent which coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic. It's genuinely one of my favourite episodes. *** Hosted by sports author James Dixon ('The Fix' & 'World in Union') the Ground Jewels podcast is dedicated to celebrating the deep connections individuals have with their favorite sports grounds. *** Artwork by Luke Williamson - https://www.lukewilliamsonart.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 14m
  4. 31. Nigel Martyn & Aspin Lane (Knaresborough)

    NOV 18

    31. Nigel Martyn & Aspin Lane (Knaresborough)

    This week's guest is the former England goalkeeper Nigel Martyn. Nigel has nominated Aspin Lane, home of Knaresborough Cricket Club as his Ground Jewel. Sport generally and cricket specifically has always played a huge part in the former Bristol Rovers, Crystal Palace, Leeds United and Everton keeper's life. We discussed Nigel's post-football cricketing exploits for Knaresborough and Cornwall over-50s, as well as some of the grounds he loves (both football and cricket) *** Hosted by sports author James Dixon ('The Fix' & 'World in Union') the Ground Jewels podcast is dedicated to celebrating the deep connections individuals have with their favorite sports grounds. *** Artwork by Luke Williamson - https://www.lukewilliamsonart.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1 hr
  5. 30. Simon Inglis & Villa Park

    AUG 17

    30. Simon Inglis & Villa Park

    This week's guest is the writer and architectural historian Simon Inglis. Simon has nominated Villa Park, home of Aston Villa Football Club as his Ground Jewel. His book Football Grounds of England and Wales was first published in 1983 and it has been chosen by readers of The Times as the fourth best football book of all time. We discussed Simon's Villa Park origin story, sight lines, smells and what makes Birmingham a truly exceptional city. *** Hosted by sports author James Dixon ('The Fix' & 'World in Union') the Ground Jewels podcast is dedicated to celebrating the deep connections individuals have with their favorite sports grounds. *** Artwork by Luke Williamson - https://www.lukewilliamsonart.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 13m

  6. AUG 9

    29. Ian McMillan & Oakwell

    This week's guest is the poet, playwright and journalist, Ian McMillan. Ian has nominated Oakwell, home of Barnsley Football Club as his Ground Jewel. Ian is an acclaimed writer known for his strong and distinctive South Yorkshire accent as well as being the first poet-in-residence at a Premier League club, an idea dreamed up in a pub. We discussed what makes Oakwell special including, the magnificent floodlights; the poetry of football and what Ian beautifully calls 'The Theatre of Annecdote'. *** Hosted by sports author James Dixon ('The Fix' & 'World in Union') the Ground Jewels podcast is dedicated to celebrating the deep connections individuals have with their favorite sports grounds. *** Artwork by Luke Williamson - https://www.lukewilliamsonart.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 4m

  7. SEASON 3, EPISODE 1 TRAILER

    Season 3 Preview

    The Ground Jewels is back for another season to celebrate special sporting places. Each Friday sports author James Dixon will invite a guest to share with you their Ground Jewel and together they will explore what makes that place special. In this preview episode, James discusses what happened to him this summer, talks about his trip to Paris, including some of the fantastic venues that are being used for the Summer Olympics; and he teases some of the great grounds that are coming up on this season of The Ground Jewels. #VillaPark #LaBombonera #TheOval #Oakwell New episodes every Friday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    17 min
  8. 28. Henry Winter & St James' Park

    JUN 13

    28. Henry Winter & St James' Park

    This week's guest is the writer Henry Winter and Henry has nominated St James' Park, home of Newcastle United as his Ground Jewel. Henry is an acclaimed journalist and the current Sports Journalist Association and Football Supporters Association 'Football Journalist of the Year'. We discussed what makes Newcastle and St James' Park special including the walk from the train station, the watering holes around the ground and the famous Gallowgate End. *** Hosted by sports author James Dixon ('The Fix' & 'World in Union') the Ground Jewels podcast is dedicated to celebrating the deep connections individuals have with their favorite sports grounds. *** Artwork by Luke Williamson - https://www.lukewilliamsonart.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    39 min
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Trailers

About

The Ground Jewels celebrates beloved sporting venues that hold a special place in our hearts. Each week host and sports author James Dixon (known for 'The Fix' and 'World in Union') is joined by a different guest to explore the sense of place that provides a unique bond between an individual and their favorite sports ground. Our guests share their personal stories, remember nostalgic moments all while distilling their perfect sporting fan experience.

Information

  • Creator
    James Dixon
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2024
  • Episodes
    36
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © James Dixon
  • Show Website
    The Ground Jewels

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