Beyond the Barside

Episode 22 – Cheltenham Town (H) We’re back with another packed episode! Aaron, Si and Dave kick things off by diving into the U’s brilliant 3–1 victory over Notts County — a performance full of quality, big moments and plenty to be excited about. Next up, Aaron welcomes Cheltenham Town fan Rob for this week’s Opposition View. Rob gives us the lowdown on the Robins’ season so far, key players to l...

🎙️  Episode 21 – Notts County (A) Aaron is joined by Si, Dave and Samir to look back on a brilliant afternoon in the Midlands as the U’s picked up all three points away at  Walsall . The lads break down the performance, key moments, and what the result means moving forward. We also dip into  The Inbox , where U’s fan  John  shares his thoughts on the season so far — expect...

🎙️ Episode 20 – Walsall (A) Aaron is joined by Si, Dave, and Ashley to reflect on a tough afternoon at the JobServe, as the U’s fell to a 2–0 defeat against Bromley. What went wrong, and how can they bounce back on the road? ⚽️🟦 U’s fan Mark joins the show to celebrate an incredible milestone — 40 years of supporting Colchester United — sharing his memories and favourite moments following the cl...

🎙️  Episode 19 – Bromley FC (H) The journey continues as the U’s prepare to take on  Bromley FC  at the JobServe! 🏆🟦 Aaron, Si, and Dave kick things off with their thoughts on the  Milton Keynes  clash — what the U’s did well and what still needs improving. ⚽️ Then, Aaron is joined by  Bromley fan and comedian Andre Vincent  for the  opposition view , bri...

🎙️ Episode 18 – Milton Keynes (H) The U’s are back in FA Cup action as they take on Milton Keynes in the First Round! 🏆🟦 Aaron, Si, and Dave kick things off by reviewing the performance away at Swindon Town, before U’s fan and stats man Sam joins to reveal his Top 5 and Bottom 5 FA Cup ties — some classics and a few we’d rather forget! ⚽️📊 Then it’s back to the panel as Aaron, Si, and Dave loo...

🎙️ Episode 17 – Swindon Town (A) Aaron is joined by Si, Dave, and Jay to break down the U’s home clash with Harrogate Town. ⚽️🟦 We then get the opposition view as Aaron chats with Steven, Swindon Town fan and host of the Fools Rush In podcast, for insight into what the U’s can expect at the County Ground. 🔴⚪️ Finally, Aaron, Si, Dave, and Jay are back to preview the upcoming Swindon Town fixtu...

🎙️  Episode 16 – Harrogate Town (H) Aaron is joined by Si, Dave, and U’s goalkeeper  Jamie Newstead  to look back on the draw away at Grimsby and discuss the key talking points from another busy week for Colchester United. 🟦⚽️ We launch our brand new feature — the  U’s Quiz  — as fan favourite  Ashley  steps up to test his Col U knowledge! 🧠💙 Then it’s back t...

🎙️ Episode 15 – Grimsby Town (A) It’s been a big week for the U’s! Aaron is joined by Si and Dave to look back on the 6–2 thrashing of Chesterfield and the 2–1 win over Gillingham. 🟦⚽️ U’s fan Ashley joins the show to share his favourite Colchester United memory, before the lads look ahead to this weekend’s trip to Grimsby Town. We also shine a light on Si’s upcoming marathon in support of Blesm...

🔥 Beyond the Barside Meets… Richard Garcia 🔥 Colchester United legend Richard Garcia joins us for an exclusive interview! Garcia made over 80 appearances for the U’s between 2004–2007, playing a HUGE role in the club’s historic 2006 promotion to the Championship. In this episode, he shares untold stories from that incredible season, what it was like to be part of one of Col U’s greatest ever squ...

Episode 14: Chesterfield FC (H) In this week’s episode of  Beyond the Barside , Aaron is joined by Si and Dave to reflect on a disappointing defeat to Fleetwood. U’s fan Samir then drops in to share his Fantasy 5-a-side team, before the lads turn their attention to previewing the upcoming clash with Chesterfield. As always, Si is also continuing his Dublin Marathon training in support of Bles...

Episode 13: Fleetwood Town (A) Aaron is joined by Si, Dave and Max to look back on Colchester’s clash with Bristol Rovers, before U’s fan Connor gives his thoughts on the FA Cup action. We then turn our attention to Fleetwood Town, as Aaron, Si and Dave preview the big trip north. 🎧 Hosted by Aaron Jay 🎵 Intro music by Sam Hopkins 💙 Support Si as he takes on the Dublin Marathon in aid of Blesma...

Episode 12 – Bristol Rovers (H) Aaron is joined by Si and Dave to reflect on the U’s tough defeat away at Accrington. We also catch up with Colchester United Women’s defender Niamh Gamble ahead of their FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round clash with Enfield. For the opposition view, Aaron chats with BBC Radio Bristol’s Richard Hoskin, who shares insight into Bristol Rovers and what the U’s can expect at t...

Beyond the Barside Meets… Paul Buckle In this special episode, Aaron is joined by former U’s midfielder Paul Buckle to look back on his time at Colchester United and beyond. Paul joined Colchester in the mid-90s, becoming a key figure under Steve Wignall. He played a big part in the club’s memorable cup runs, the heartbreak of Wembley in 1997, and the joy of promotion in 1998. After leaving the U’...

Episode 11: Accrington Stanley (A) In this week’s episode of Beyond the Barside, Aaron is joined by Si, Dave and the Gazette’s Jon Waldron to reflect on the U’s recent clash with Crewe Alexandra. We’re also joined by U’s fan Ashley, who takes us through his Fantasy 5-a-side team — with some bold picks and plenty of debate along the way. Finally, Aaron, Si, Dave and Jon sit down again to look ahead...

Episode 10 – Crewe Alexandra (H) Aaron is back with Si and Dave to break down the Barnet game and share their honest verdicts on the performance. Si catches up with Stuart from The Railwaymen Podcast to get the inside scoop on Crewe Alexandra and what we can expect when they visit the JobServe Community Stadium. We also shine a light on Si’s brilliant fundraising challenge — he’s taking on the Dub...

Beyond the Barside Meets… Jack Baldwin Aaron sits down with Colchester United’s, at the time of recording, most recent signing Jack Baldwin for an in-depth chat. Jack shares how he’s been settling into the squad, his ambitions for his time at the club, and reflects on key moments from his career so far. A great listen for U’s fans wanting to get to know one of the newest faces at the JobServe Comm...

Episode 9 – Barnet FC (A) Aaron is joined by Si and Dave to look back on the Barrow AFC clash and share their thoughts on the performance. We hear from U’s fan Sam, who gives his take on potential transfer incomings – you can read more from Sam over on his Substack: colu2cali.substack.com Aaron also speaks with U’s fan Jonny, who – alongside two fellow supporters – is taking on the incredible chal...

Episode 8 – Barrow AFC (H) In Episode 8 of  Beyond the Barside , Aaron is joined by Si and Dave to reflect on the midweek clash with Cambridge United. We then turn our attention to the weekend as Aaron chats with Barrow fan Jonny, editor of the  GiveEmBeans  fanzine ( https://www.giveembeans.co.uk ), to get the visitors’ perspective ahead of their trip to the JobServe Community Stad...

Episode 7 – Cambridge United (H) In Episode 7 of  Beyond the Barside , Aaron is joined by Si, Dave, and BBC Essex Sport’s Glenn Pennyfather to reflect on Colchester’s impressive victory away at Shrewsbury. Focus then shifts to the upcoming clash with Cambridge United, as Aaron speaks with Jack from the  Under The Abbey Stand  podcast for the opposition view. We also hear from Si and...

Episode 6 – Shrewsbury Town (A) In Episode 6 of  Beyond the Barside , Aaron is joined by Si and Dave to reflect on the Oldham game before catching up with U’s fan Paul as he shares his favourite Col U memory in our new  U’s Memory  feature. Aaron then links back up with Si and Dave after the Oxford cup tie to round up the week’s action and look ahead to the trip to Shrewsbury. Title...

Beyond the Barside Meets… Roy McDonough In our monthly bonus feature  Beyond the Barside Meets… , we sit down with the characters who’ve shaped Colchester United’s past and present. This month, Aaron chats with true U’s legend  Roy McDonough  – the larger-than-life striker and manager who embodied passion, chaos, and unforgettable moments at Layer Road. From leading Col U to the Con...

Episode 5 – Oldham Athletic (A) In Episode 5 of  Beyond the Barside , Aaron is joined by Si and Dave to reflect on the U’s opening day draw against Tranmere and look ahead to the weekend trip to Boundary Park. We also get the opposition view from Aaron Diskin, host of the  Absolute Football Podcast  and lifelong Oldham fan, who gives us the lowdown on what Col U can expect from the...

Beyond the Barside – Episode 4: Season's Starting, Tranmere's Coming In Episode 4 of  Beyond the Barside , Aaron is joined by U’s fans Si, Dave and Jay to look ahead to the 2025/26 League Two season. The trio discuss where Colchester United might finish, who’ll be key to any success, and what they’re expecting from the year ahead. With the season opener at home to Tranmere Rovers fast approac...

Beyond the Barside – Bonus Episode: League Two Predictions Special In this special bonus episode of  Beyond the Barside , Aaron is joined by U’s fans Si, Dave and Jay to take a look beyond Colchester United and predict how the rest of League Two will shape up in 2025/26. Who’s going up? Who’s in trouble? And where do the U’s fit into it all? The lads run through the full table with a mix of b...

Episode 3 – Open Day, Injuries & a View from Northampton In Episode 3 of  Beyond the Barside , Aaron is joined by U's fans Si and Dave to chat about the recent Col U Open Day and reflect on how the pre-season campaign is unfolding so far. We also hear from Charles, contributor to  It’s All Cobblers to Me , who gives us a Northampton Town fan’s perspective on new U’s signing Ben Perry...