Available exclusively on Spotify, ‘The Bedfordshire Football Podcast’ shows a unique insight into the nation’s favourite sport, with everything from Luton Town’s exploits in the Premier League all the way to AFC Oakley’s 100% record in the Bedford and District Sunday League covered – and everything else in between.
According to Bedfordshire FA’s current statistics, there are 337 clubs and 1,310 teams registered to play in the county and covering them all is impossible, but Christopher Allan and James Braddon were not put off by that stat as they set out to highlight the beautiful game at its best, and indeed, its worst.
The Bedford Independent were joined this week by the Founders of the Bedfordshire Football Podcast to talk about all things local football, the ups and downs of producing such a show and what the future holds for grassroots football locally.
BI: What was the inspiration behind the podcast?
James: Chris had released a few episodes, which I listened to on holiday and thought was rubbish and I could help improve it. In all seriousness, I felt I could bring another aspect to the pod for football from South Beds.
Christopher: James is absolutely right. The opening couple of episodes were dreadful with me just rambling along, talking nonsense. James certainly played a crucial role in bringing focus to the conversation, providing a great friend to bounce off, especially considering our shared football knowledge and my very dry, slightly weird sense of humour.
It’s turned out to be a really good combination. As for the podcast’s background, I’ve always wanted to do one. I felt that Bedfordshire football deserved a dedicated platform.
There wasn’t a particularly niche podcast covering it, delving into all the drama, funniness and silliness associated with Bedfordshire football. It truly deserved a platform to describe and share all these wonderful experiences.
I hope that’s been achieved, and it has been relatively successful. We regularly get around 1000 downloads per episode, which is heart-warming.
By the players, for the players
Christopher describes himself as the “Steve Claridge type journeyman”; perhaps a touch modest for someone who has played at a good level with Bedford Town and Kempston Rovers in the past, although he is now content representing his village team, Bromham United Reserves.
He has also had spells at Elstow Abbey, Kempston Town, Bedford Albion and Woburn Lions, describing the Lions as “a wonderfully crafted football club” as well as one “dramatic and tantrum-filled season” managing Kempston Town ‘A’.
Meanwhile, James has taken up the management mantle at Houghton United Reserves after playing spells at Lewsey Park and Totternhoe in the south of the county.
Between them, they have Bedfordshire covered, providing a unique perspective of the grassroots game across the divisions.
BI: How are you finding the feedback and the social media comments you get? Was it expected and do you get comments on matchdays?
James: I enjoy the feedback, we’ve had some nice feedback and made good links with really nice people in football. On matchdays I’ve had a bit of stick like ‘put that on your podcast’! I just smile and say I will. I’m just pleased they’ve heard of us!
Christopher: If I hear another person shout, “Put that on the podcast!” when they’ve scored a goal or nutmegged me, I think I’m going to go mad!
But no, it’s all been pretty positive. I feel like I have to thoroughly prepare myself for each game, which isn’t a bad thing because I definitely need lots of preparation.
It’s all been pretty positive overall. Of course, there’s always the odd interesting character that you come across, who might give you a little bit more of a hard time than others.
Nevertheless, it’s a really good community, especially within the amateur game. It’s a close-knit and highly competitive group of patriots. So, when you add that aspect of the podcast, it only enhances that atmosphere, but it’s all good fun!
BI: What are your hopes for the future of the podcast?
James: Simply for people to enjoy listening to it and to keep giving a platform for teams locally.
Christopher: It’s a lovely way to spend a Monday evening, looking at the results, discussing all the drama and issues that have arisen over the weekend, and just having a bit of fun and banter.
However, we have some plans for the future, aiming to expand the podcast or explore a different challenge in terms of podcasts, still centred around football and some niche aspects and cultures, particularly around some of the unsung footballers of our time.
But yes, watch this space!
All things Bedfordshire
While the grassroots are the focus, the pair also touch on the higher reaches of the game in Bedfordshire, especially Luton Town’s meteoric rise to the Premier League as well as Bedford Town and Real Bedford in the eighth and ninth tiers with guests on the show to speak about their club.
Such has been the success of the show, the pair came in 2nd place in the Non League Bible’s ‘Best Football League’ podcast, not bad after a little over 18 months of episodes.
The pod have even been invited to McMullen Park to help with commentary for Real’s live streams.
However, an especially good performance on a Sunday morning may well get you a shout out on the podcast, usually praise felt by the great and the good of the game, a particular positive for both Christopher and James.
Christopher: Ultimately, if we’re able to shine a positive light on the local game, that’s good enough for me.
The Bedfordshire Football Podcast is available to stream on Spotify and you can follow Christopher and James’ journey on ‘X’ by searching for ‘Bedfordshire Football Podcast, (@BedsFootballPod).
