The Pools Pod

Mar 13 - No Pat, No Party

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMT

Danny and Isaac join me this week for a look at the home defeats to Sutton and Halifax, and the news that Scunthorpe have beaten us to the signing of Pat Jones. We also run through the squad and give our opinion on whether they should remain at the Vic next season.

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Micky Barron - A Pools Pod Valentine's Special

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 16:00:00 GMT

A Valentine's special, as I am joined by legendary former Pools skipper Micky Barron to talk about his time at the club - from the time he nearly signed for Darlington (before signing for Pools!), to playing as a sweeper at centre-back, being knocked out at Bristol City and everything about THAT day at Cardiff in 2005.

Micky also speaks about moving into coaching and why management isn't for him, and we chat about the current squad's recent results - including the latest defeat at York.

Huge thanks to the man himself for his time!

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Feb 6 - Poolie Down South

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 16:00:00 GMT

This week, I'm joined by Kieran Gill - the Daily Mail's Chelsea correspondent and born-and-bred Poolie - for a chat about the club. From following them home and away during the 2000s, to following them from afar in the here and now, and everything in between, Kieran and I reminisce about good times gone by, and what the future could hold.

The two play-off finals and Palace away in 2022 are discussed - as is taking his one-year-old son to his first Pools game at Ebbsfleet - and Kieran gives his view on the well-publicised ban on members of the media in the first half of the season.

Many thanks to Kieran for his time!

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Jan 23 - Two Games, Two Wins

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Danny joins me for a look at our victories over Altrincham and Gateshead, and discuss Landon Smith's first round of press interviews. We also talk about the return of Pools legends to the stadium on Tuesday night, standout individuals, what we expect or the rest of the season, and more!

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Jan 9 - In Pools We Trust!

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 16:00:00 GMT

I am joined by first-time guests - and HUST board members - Ed Parkinson and Martin Corner for a fresh perspective on the takeover at Pools. We talk Raj Singh, Landon Smith, and the promise shown by the open letter the new owner penned this week regarding his intentions.

There's also room for some nostalgia about days gone by, and the hope that Pools can return to better times in the future!

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Jan 1 - New Year, New Owner!

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Happy New Year to you all! I am joined by Danny and Isaac to dissect the monumental news that the club has changed hands, as Raj Singh steps aside for Landon Smith to take control.

We assess Mr Singh's tenure as Pools owner - the massive highs and the horrible lows - and look to what the future of our club will bring courtesy of Mr Smith. Plus, we cast our eye over the first part of a huge 24 hours - when the lads took three points from (then) league leaders Rochdale - and discuss both recruitment and fixtures coming up.

A bumper edition to ring in the New Year, and a new era!

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Nov 21 - Cut Content

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 16:00:00 GMT

In lieu of a recorded episode this week, I have cobbled together some cut content from last week's recordings with Danny, Robbie, and Leo. Topics include the National League, the play-off system (including 3 up, 3 down, and Pools' 20/21 campaign), Wealdstone's potential, Robbie's situation, and our recent cup failings.

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Nov 14 - A Bumper Edition!

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 16:00:00 GMT

A bumper edition of the Pod this week, with three segments to get stuck into! First up is The Red's Danny Cooper, who speaks on Pools' recent form and a good win at Halifax, a look at the rest of the year's fixtures, and more.

StonesCast's Leo Werin joins me for the second segment to provide insight into Wealdstone - Pools' opponents on Saturday - and to chat about their good form, former Pools players at Grosvenor Vale, and how their club operates.

Hartlepool Mail reporter Robbie Stelling is the final guest this week, and he speaks about Halifax, Adam Campbell, the managerial situation, and much more!

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Tommy Miller - A Pools Pod Halloween Special

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 16:00:00 GMT

Happy Halloween! For my third Special episode, I am joined by ex-Pools player Tommy Miller to delve into his career at the club - from his beginnings in the youth team, Tommy established himself as the first name on the team sheet at the beginning of the Chris Turner era in Division Three. He speaks about his rise through the ranks and his personal milestones, such as his first goal, his only hat-trick for the club, and the heartbreak of two successive play-off defeats in the early 2000s. A word too on his return to the club in 2014, and his ambitions to return to management in the future.

Many thanks to the man himself for his time, and his honesty in looking back at his time at the Vic!

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Oct 16 - The Hungarian Poolie

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 15:00:00 GMT

I'm joined by Peter Hustzi - the Hungarian Poolie - to chat about how he first fell in love with the club, and his visits to the Vic both this season and last.

Note: This episode was recorded on Friday October 10, before our FA Cup exit and Simon Grayson's departure.

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Oct 11 - Carlisle, York, and Gainsborough

Sat, 11 Oct 2025 08:00:00 GMT

I'm joined by Danny and Mark to chat about recent defeats to Carlisle and York, while looking ahead to our trip to Gainsborough Trinity in the FA Cup. We give our views on other matters too, such as Harvey Cartwright's injury, Jermaine Francis, and who we'd like Pools to be drawn against in a potential third-round blockbuster!

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Sept 26 - A Tale of Two Games

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 15:00:00 GMT

BBC Radio Tees' Rob Law makes his long overdue debut on the Pod to discuss our two away games this past week! Plus, there's a few anecdotes about Eddie Kyle, a plea for help regarding Truro away, and more!

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Pod on Tour - Gateshead

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 12:00:00 GMT

A bonus bit of content, as the Pod goes on tour to Gateshead. Recorded on Tuesday, this is a solo ramble in the same fashion as the two previous tour episodes at Sutton and Fylde!

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Sept 26 Clip

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 12:33:04 GMT

A short clip from the upcoming Sep 26 episode, where I am joined by Rob Law to dissect the games at Aldershot and Gateshead. In the clip, Rob declares his status as the President of the Cameron John fan club!

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Sept 19 - Player Ratings

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 15:00:00 GMT

Join myself and Isaac as we dish out ratings for each player for the season so far. We also discuss the results against Forest Green and Brackley, and our upcoming games at Aldershot and Gateshead.

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Sept 5 - Boston and the Wood

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 15:00:00 GMT

I'm joined by Daniel to chat about our last two home games - Boreham Wood and Boston. Disappointing draws, or something to build on? There's a bit of a ramble too!

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Aug 29 - A Great Start!

Fri, 29 Aug 2025 15:00:00 GMT

An episode of two parts this week - Adam is first to join me as we look at a successful start to the season, and break down our performances to date. Danny is my guest for the second half to run through recent managerial changes in the League and talk through his pre-match press conference with Simon Grayson and Jermaine Francis. With thanks to Danny and The Red Radio for permission to use clips from the conference in this episode!

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Aug 15 - Yeovil and the National League

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 15:00:00 GMT

I'm joined this week by Hartlepool Mail writer Robbie Stelling to discuss the opening-day fixture at Yeovil and the month ahead. Plus, a chat about the wider League, and how other clubs stack up.

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Aug 8 - The Season Preview

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 16:00:00 GMT

I'm joined by Isaac for the season preview! How will Pools do? Who will stand out? What will the League look like at the end of the season? Who knows, but we've given it a go! With thanks to Robbie and Danny for their contributions.

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July 25 - A Testimonial and a Book

Fri, 25 Jul 2025 15:00:00 GMT

I'm joined this week by HGT advocate Jill Simmonds and 'Poolies at Heart' author Stephen Poxon to look ahead to Nicky Featherstone's testimonial, and look back at his stellar service to the club.

Stephen also speaks about his upcoming book, and what it took to bring together the memories of fans, players, managers, and many more.

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July 18 - Friendlies, Kits, and Signings

Fri, 18 Jul 2025 15:00:00 GMT

I am joined this week by Dan and Danny to chat about how the team are looking in pre-season, with a focus on the games at Whitby and Redcar. We talk about the new signings, the trialists, and what to expect from the first game at the Vic on Sunday. Plus, a bit of kit talk, and a look ahead at Nicky Featherstone's testimonial game!

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July 12 - The Fixtures

Sat, 12 Jul 2025 16:00:00 GMT

An epilogue to the season opener, where Adam, Ellis, and I discuss the fixtures for the upcoming season, and debate the wider league in general!

Make sure to catch Part One if you haven't already done so!

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July 11 - We're Back!

Fri, 11 Jul 2025 15:00:00 GMT

We're back for Season Two of the Pools Pod! Adam and Ellis join me for the season opener, where we look at the ups and downs of the off-season so far.

We dive into the ownership tug-of-war, dissect the controversy of the latest managerial change, and cast our eye over the player departures. Plus, Ellis runs the rule over our new recruits and what they could bring to Pools.

Make sure to catch Part Two on Saturday July 12 at 5pm!

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May 10 - Season Review and Awards

Sat, 10 May 2025 15:00:00 GMT

It's the Pools Pod season review, and I'm joined by Dan and Isaac to hand out the traditional end-of-season awards! Player of the Season, Goal of the Season, Result of the Season, and more! Plus, a look at Monday's season closer at home to Forest Green, and a bit of chat about the clubs confirmed to be joining us in the National League next campaign.

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April 25 - Gateshead and the Takeover

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 14:00:00 GMT

Danny and I chat about the excellent Easter Monday victory over Gateshead, and digest the latest takeover update from the club.

Note: This episode was recorded on Wednesday evening at 7:30pm - any updates since then will be covered in our next episode.

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April 17

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 15:00:00 GMT

A two-hander this week, as Daniel joins me for a chat about Dagenham, our youth prospects, and the situation with promotion and relegation in the leagues around us. We discuss the likes of Morecambe, Carlisle, and Accrington potentially coming down, and the likes of Scunthorpe, Truro, Kidderminster, and Torquay who could be promoted and come to the north-east next season.

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April 12

Sat, 12 Apr 2025 06:00:00 GMT

I am joined this week by Jill and Danny to look at Pools' recent form, how individual players have fared this season, and where the squad could potentially be strengthened in the summer. Plus, there are sections on HGT, the playoffs, and the ongoing takeover.

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Brian Honour - A Pools Pod Special

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 15:00:00 GMT

In this special episode, I am joined by Hartlepool United legend Brian Honour for an in-depth look at his footballing career - from Aston Villa to Pools, with spells at Darlington and Peterlee Newtown in between. He speaks on his relationship with Cyril Knowles, the transfer saga in 1987, and his recovery from a knee injury shortly before the promotion-winning season of 1990-91.

There's also a few anecdotes on footballing figures such as Paul Gascoigne, Stanley Matthews, and Kevin Keegan, with other stories too!

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March 27

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 16:00:00 GMT

I'm joined this week by Mail present and past - Robbie Stelling and Sam Lee - to talk about Saturday's excellent victory over in-form Boston United. We also chat about the ongoing takeover of the club, and look ahead to the trip to Halifax this coming weekend.

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March 13 - Raj Singh Resigns

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 16:00:00 GMT

I'm joined by Adam, Daniel, and Isaac to react to the news that Raj Singh is stepping down as Chairman of Hartlepool United. We look over the statement put out at 6pm on Tuesday and ponder what the news might mean for the future of the club.

There's also a word or two on Saturday's draw with Eastleigh.

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Pod on Tour - Fylde

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 16:00:00 GMT

This week's episode is an improvised ramble - the second of the season, recorded across Tuesday and Thursday on my dictaphone - on the game at Fylde. Thoughts from the game before kick-off, at half-time, and full-time, plus an epilogue recorded on Thursday. With contributions pre-match from Pat and Isaac - thanks to you both. All feedback and suggestions for future content is appreciated!

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February 28

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 16:00:00 GMT

I'm joined by Paul and Pat this week - we each put forward our best Pools XI from our time watching the club! Who makes it in? Who is unfortunate to miss out? Let us know!

We also speak briefly about the loss at Aldershot, and look ahead to York and Fylde.

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February 21

Fri, 21 Feb 2025 16:00:00 GMT

I'm joined this week by Adam and Daniel to have a cathartic discussion about the recent results at home to Altrincham and Maidenhead. Recorded on my birthday (Wednesday 19th), we try to figure out what has gone wrong in a season that started with promise, and Adam takes us through his retained list for the summer. There's a few lighter moments too!

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February 14

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 16:00:00 GMT

The games are coming thick and fast, and I am joined this week by Her Game Too advocate Jill Simmonds and Technical Scout Ellis Hall to look over results against Sutton and Tamworth. We also rate Anthony Limbrick's start in the hotseat, and analyse individual performances with one eye on future games. Jill also explains what Her Game Too is all about, and their links with the club.

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Pod on Tour - Sutton

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 16:00:00 GMT

A little bit of extra content to listen to before (or after!) the Tamworth game. This is an improvised ramble - recorded across Saturday and Tuesday on my dictaphone - on the game at Sutton. Thoughts from the game before kick-off, at half-time, and full-time, plus an epilogue recorded on Tuesday. Available on all usual channels - let me know if there is any other type of content you would like to see!

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February 7

Fri, 07 Feb 2025 16:00:00 GMT

I am joined this week by Hartlepool Mail's Robbie Stelling to look over recent Pools news, including Anthony Limbrick stepping up, the 3UP campaign, recent results, and the upcoming fixtures.

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Joel Porter - A Pools Pod Special

Fri, 31 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT

I am privileged to bring you a special episode this week, as I am joined by Pools legend Joel Porter to look back at his highs and lows at the club.

He speaks about his early days in England, signing for Pools, and his time under Neale Cooper, before talking candidly about his frustrating time with injuries and putting aside his disappointment at having a request to leave rejected to score 23 goals in the 2008-09 season.

There's fond recollections of goals scored, the FA Cup, and his surprise return to the town for the ten-year reunion event in 2015.

A huge thanks to the man himself for his time - not one to be missed!

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January 24

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT

Adam and Danny join me this week to look over our draw with Wealdstone, and the news of injury layoffs for Anthony Mancini and Joe Grey. We cast our eye to the next three games, and take a stab at predicting how they will pan out.

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January 17

Fri, 17 Jan 2025 16:00:00 GMT

Thank you to Isaac and Mark for joining me at short notice this week! We have a ramble about transfers, some contract news this week, and take a look at the run ahead.

There's a few stories in there about following Pools too!

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January 12

Sun, 12 Jan 2025 15:00:00 GMT

Another weekend without a game hasn't stopped us! Myself and Adam hand out player ratings for the first half of the season. Feel free to agree or disagree!

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January 4

Sat, 04 Jan 2025 15:00:25 GMT

After a Christmas break, I am joined by Danny Cooper and James Daley - we ring in the New Year with a look back at wins over Yeovil and Oldham either side of a loss at Gateshead. We also chat about potential transfers now that the EFL transfer window is open, and analyse our upcoming fixtures.

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December 20 - Hartlepool Mail

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 16:00:46 GMT

A Hartlepool Mail special this week, as I am joined by current Pools writer Robbie Stelling, and Pools reporter between 1999 and 2005, Sam Lee. We chat about past and present, including how coverage has changed over the years, stories in following the club, and the camaraderie between players, staff, and press. There's also time to speak about the current campaign, and how we think the team could do in the coming months.

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December 13

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 16:00:14 GMT

I am joined this week by Daniel Cooper from radio station 'The Red', and friend of the pod Adam Davison. We chat about the FA Trophy exit in midweek, Lennie Lawrence's post-match thoughts, and selection headaches. With thanks to Daniel for allowing use of his post-match interview with the Pools boss from Tuesday's game.

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December 6 - Poolies at Heart

Fri, 06 Dec 2024 16:00:53 GMT

I am joined this week by Stephen Poxon, freelance author and Pools supporter, to discuss his upcoming book 'Poolies at Heart'. The book is a celebration of Hartlepool United, as told by fans, former players, former managers, and many others who have contributed to the club.

Stephen has spoken to many people in writing this book, and shares a few compelling anecdotes about the likes of Danny Wilson and Ronnie Moore, while touching on how passionate everyone was - and is - about HUFC.

We also speak about the current season, and how Stephen follows the club from afar - St Albans to be exact!

With thanks to Stephen for his time - a fascinating chat about Poolies past and present!

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November 29

Fri, 29 Nov 2024 16:00:00 GMT

I'm joined this week by Dan Nicholson and Paul Foster to reflect on Pools' victories over Solihull and Fylde, plus a look forward to the upcoming run of games leading into the New Year. We also chat about the current goalkeeping situation, the FA Trophy's worth, and a look back at the play-off final against Torquay!

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November 22

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 16:00:37 GMT

The opening episode of the Pools Pod! My guests to kick off the pod are Adam Davison and Isaac Retallick.

We talk about the summer activity at Pools - including management changes and new signings - and the impact of this on the season.

The game against Eastleigh is also on the agenda, as is the upcoming clash with Solihull and expectations for the rest of the campaign.

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