I Had Trials Once...

Epizódy

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  I GOT ARRESTED: Jack Mackreth On POLICE CHAOS, Jermain Pennant's HIDDEN UCL Medal & FA Cup Boycott 16.09.2026 1h 50min

  Jack Mackreth joins I Had Trials Once to look back on a football career full of unbelievable stories, from non league football and unpaid wages to Wembley heartache with Grimsby Town. Jack reveals what it was like being paid just £150 a week in non league, before explaining how he and his teammates went without being paid and threatened to boycott an FA Cup tie because of it. He also reflects on his time at Grimsby Town, including the experience of playing at Wembley in front of 56,000 people and the disappointment of losing on penalties, despite their confidence of winning the showpiece tie. Jack also tells the tale of being wrongly arrested and taken into police custody after a night out with the Grimsby squad, alongside plenty of brilliant dressing room stories from throughout his career. There's plenty more too, including the story involving Jermain Pennant and a Champions League medal, his experiences at Macclesfield and Tranmere, the injury that eventually ended his playing career, moving into accountancy and finance, helping former footballers with their finances and the phone call from Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish. A proper football career full of brilliant stories, unforgettable moments and plenty of lessons from life after the game. _ 👋 Got someone you'd love to see on the podcast? Drop us a message on any of our socials or let us know in the comments. 👌 If you're enjoying the podcast, make sure you Like, Comment & Subscribe, and turn notifications on so you never miss a new episode. 👀 Join I Had Trials Once on Patreon for just £3 a month for more exclusive, unfiltered content that we simply cannot get away with on YouTube 👉 https://www.patreon.com/IHadTrialsOnce 👏 A massive thanks to CAPO for sponsoring this week's episode. 👔 Check them out: https://capouk.com/ 🤑 Use code IHADTRIALS at checkout to save 15%. 🤔 Who should we get on next? Let us know in the comments! 😍 Connect with us: 🐦 X (Twitter): https://x.com/ihadtrialsonce 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ihadtrialsonce ⏳ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ihadtrialsonce 🖥️ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ihadtrialsoncepodcast ⚽ I Had Trials Once is the football podcast where the best stories from the game get told. Every week we sit down with former footballers, current players, managers, coaches, journalists and some of football's biggest personalities for honest conversations, hilarious dressing room stories, untold career moments and behind the scenes insight. 📈 From the Premier League and EFL to Non League, grassroots football and beyond, if you love football stories, football interviews and proper football banter, you're in the right place. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  POISONED Lasagne, £10K Non-League Wages, XG on a NIGHT OUT + PITCH INVADING ALPACA! AVRO FC In Focus 09.09.2026 43min

  This week, Gaz Seddon is joined by Gary Stopforth and Avro FC manager Grant Shenton for another trip through non-league football.On the menu we’ve got poisoned Lasagne, a £10K non-league wages debate, talking XG on a night out, football nicknames, blind ranking managers and a pitch-invading alpaca (yes, you did read that right!) plus Avro FC’s fascinating history in our AVRO FC In Focus quiz.Another absolute shambles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  James Norwood RAW! SUSPENDED At Ipswich, REGRETTING Oldham, Micky Mellon & HATING Forest Green 02.09.2026 1h 40min

  James Norwood joins Gaz and G Stop to chat about his career, from having trials once at Crystal Palace and missing a lads' holiday to Zante, right through to becoming a goalscoring phenomenon at Tranmere Rovers, playing for and being suspended by Ipswich Town, Joey Barton turning him down at Bristol Rovers, sneaking in an extra year at Barnsley, and regretting ever turning up at Oldham Athletic. Norwood doesn't hold back either. He talks about dealing with internet trolls, finding his next club, the managers he's worked under, some of the crazy moments from his career and the realities of life as a professional footballer travlling up and down the country chasing contracts. There's the story of missing a holiday to sign for Exeter City, some brilliant tales from Forest Green Rovers and why he now hates the club, choosing National League Tranmere Rovers over then-Championship side Burton Albion, scoring in a play-off final, and knocking Forest Green out of the League Two play-offs. We also get into his time at Ipswich Town, playing with his back to goal, injuries, being suspended and the problems that eventually saw him leave. And then there's Oldham... Norwood opens up about joining Oldham Athletic, wanting to leave after just one game, the fallout behind the scenes and why he ultimately regrets making the move. Plus, there's boozing before Leeds, questionable social media posts, mouldy showers and some brutally honest opinions on managers. Chapters 00:00 - James Norwood Interview 02:28 - Usain Bolt Signs for Wythenshawe Vets 04:00 - James Norwood on Dealing With Internet Trolls 05:50 - James Norwood's Next Career Move 08:15 - James Norwood's Football Back Story 11:18 - James Norwood: “I Had Trials Once at Crystal Palace” 12:30 - Missing the Lads' Holiday to Zante 14:52 - James Norwood's First Season at Exeter City 15:13 - James Norwood on Boozing Before Leeds 18:46 - James Norwood Goes on Loan to Sutton United 19:30 - James Norwood at Forest Green Rovers 22:11 - James Norwood Playing Left Midfield 22:36 - Forest Green Rovers' Weird Training Rituals 30:35 - Why James Norwood Left Forest Green Rovers 37:27 - The Craziest Transfer Story 38:10 - James Norwood's Worldie Against Cardiff 39:04 - Why James Norwood Chose Tranmere Over Burton 44:06 - James Norwood on Tranmere Rovers 45:52 - James Norwood's Incredible Tranmere Goalscoring Record 48:30 - Scoring in the Play-Off Final 52:48 - Knocking Forest Green Out of the Play-Offs 53:45 - Leaving Tranmere Rovers 55:48 - James Norwood's VERY Dodgy Social Media 56:50 - James Norwood Signs for Ipswich Town 59:49 - Playing Through Injury 1:01:18 - NorwoodMania Wrestling & Paul Lambert 1:04:08 - Problems at Ipswich Town 1:07:12 - Why James Norwood Was Suspended 1:08:55 - The CEO, Paul Cook & James Norwood 1:13:54 - Working With Kieran McKenna 1:17:57 - James Norwood Signs for Bristol Rovers 1:19:24 - Choosing Between Oxford United and Barnsley 1:20:10 - James Norwood at Barnsley With Michael Duff 1:21:24 - James Norwood Turns Up at the Wrong Wedding 1:25:14 - Signing for Oldham Athletic 1:25:17 - From Championship Football to Mouldy Showers 1:26:22 - Why James Norwood Wanted to Leave Oldham After One Game 1:31:32 - James Norwood on Tactically Inept Managers 1:32:00 - The Most Enjoyable Part of James Norwood's Career 1:34:12 - James Norwood Regrets Signing for Oldham 1:35:25 - The Oldham Fallout 1:37:34 - James Norwood's Football Future #IHadTrialsOnce #NonLeague #Football #TranmereRovers #IpswichTown #OldhamAthletic #NationalLeague #Barnsley Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  £500k Non-League Bid, Usain Bolt Joins Wythenshawe Vets & Best Non-League Grounds! 27.08.2026 59min

  In this week’s episode of Non League Of Their Own, Gaz, G Stop and Shents review the craziest happenings around non-league football, within the UK and internationally, including sacrificing chickens before making a sub to win a game and more. Elsewhere we discuss Bernard Morley’s departure from Radcliffe FC, Gaz reveals his dirty tricks dropping urinal blocks into his mates pints, non-league pitch wars, podcast banter for Jordan at Hereford and York City bidding half a million for AFC Fylde’s Danny Ormerod. Stay up to date with all things non-league by subscribing to I Had Trials Once on YouTube and Spotify. 0:00 Intro - Non League of their own 02:30 Curzon Ashton’s season so far with Grant Shenton 3:53 News segment with G-stop 6:00 Bernard Morley has left Radcliffe FC reaction 09:27 Bobby Kamwa celebration 15:28 Jordan Hulme being booed at Hereford 18:30 Apologising for the pitch at Hereford 20:08 Non-League pitch wars 27:12 Wythenshawe Vets sign Usain Bolt 32:46 John Terry’s booking skullduggery 42:50 York City bid £500k for AFC Fylde’s Danny Ormerod 52:30 Questions from viewers: Seagull vs Chip 57:20 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  “HE WAS RAGING!” Duncan Ferguson’s Broken Toe & Everton Academy Stories | Russell Griffiths 19.08.2026 1h 10min

  We're back with another episode of I Had Trials Once and this time we're joined by former Everton, Motherwell and Chester goalkeeper...Russell Griffiths! Russell sits down with Gaz & G Stop as he discusses his time in football from playing with our very own G Stop, to having balls blasted at him by Lukaku. The lads start the pod talking about Michael's early life in football, playing in Evertons academy and starting off as a defender. They then talk in depth about training in the first team for Everton, as well as some cracking Duncan Ferguson story's The trio then chat about his time at Motherwell and playing against Celtic Finally, Michael talks about his turbulent time at Chester and Jonno's hatred for goalkeepers. A HUGE shout out to CAPO for sponsoring this weeks episode of the podcast - Check them out 👇 https://capouk.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  RONALDO’S A BAD PINT?! 🍺 Non-League Witchcraft & Semi-Pro Release Clauses! 12.08.2026 30min

  We're back with another episode of A (Non) League Of Their Own! Join us every fortnight where we discuss the best Non-League stories from up & down the country, from The National League to The Dog & Duck & everything in between. This week it's just the lads as they discuss the first week of fixtures in Non-League as well as a new segment from G-Stop discussing some of the more obscure footballing story's from around the world. 📲 If you want us to talk about anything in particular then message us on any of our socials and make sure you Like, Comment & Subscribe & turn on notifications so it lets you know when a new episode drops. A HUGE shout out to CAPO for sponsoring this weeks episode of the podcast - Check them out 👇 https://capouk.com/ Let us know in the comments who you want to see on a future episode of the Podcast! 👇 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  I Had Dominic Calvert-Lewin on Toast! Playing with G Stop & THAT Phil Collins Story | Michael Clarke 05.08.2026 1h 3min

  We're back with another episode of I Had Trials Once and this time we're joined by former Stockport striker...MICHAEL CLARKE! Michael sits down with Gaz & G Stop as he discusses his time in football from playing with our very own G Stop, to battling with Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the FA Cup. The lads start the pod talking about Michael's early life in football from playing grass roots to joining Stockport. They then talk in depth about Michael's time at Woodley Sports playing with Antoni Sarcevic for 30 pounds a week The trio then chat about his time at Stockport playing with our very own Gary Stopforth and what it was really like to play under Jim Gannon. Finally, Michael talks about how his career came to an end and why Phil Collins was to blame! A HUGE shout out to CAPO for sponsoring this weeks episode of the podcast - Check them out 👇 https://capouk.com/ Get 15% off your CAPO order when you use code: IHADTRIALS 🎧 You can listen to the full episode wherever you normally get your podcasts via the link below! https://podfollow.com/i-had-trials-once 📳 Make sure you Like, Comment & Subscribe & turn on notifications so it lets you know when a new episode drops. Let us know in the comments who you want to see on a future episode of the Podcast! 👇 📲 Follow us on social! ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Twitter: https://twitter.com/IHadTrialsOnce Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ihadtrialsonce TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ihadtrialsonce Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IHadTrialsOncePodcast/ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  HE'S A S**G! G Stop's Ronaldo Rant, Ranking Famous Harrys & World Cup Pint Throwing! | Ep 29 08.07.2026 39min

  We're back with another episode of A (Non) League Of Their Own! Join us every fortnight where we discuss the best Non-League stories from up & down the country, from The National League to The Dog & Duck & everything in between. This week we were joined by Gaz & G Stop as we discussed everything from the World Cup to G Stops school days. We then chatted about who would win in a fight, Harry Kane or Haaland, if the lads stayed up for the Mexico game and have either of them ever used the fact they were footballers on a night out and much more! 📲 If you want us to talk about anything in particular then message us on any of our socials and make sure you Like, Comment & Subscribe & turn on notifications so it lets you know when a new episode drops. A HUGE shout out to CAPO for sponsoring this weeks episode of the podcast - Check them out 👇 https://capouk.com/ Save 15% at CAPO when you use code: IHADTRIALS Let us know in the comments who you want to see on a future episode of the Podcast! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Ramsbottom Drinking Culture, Playing For Brent Peters & The Art Of Tough Tackling! | Lee Pugh 01.07.2026 1h 8min

  We're back with another episode of I Had Trials Once and this time we're joined by former Clitheroe, Chester, Ramsbottom, Colne & Padiham defender...LEE PUGH! Lee sits down with Gaz & Jord as he discusses his time in football from being known for his tough tackling to playing with both Gaz & Jordan in his career. The lads start the pod talking about Lee's early life in football from playing grass roots to joining Bury's academy where he first crossed paths with Gaz Seddon. They then talk in depth about Pughy's decision to get first team football which included spells at Hyde before playing for podcast favourite Brent Peters at Bacup. The trio then chat about Lee's time at Ramsbottom with Jordan and why they were a team full of weirdo's but had an incredible bond on and off the pitch before a move to Clitheroe cut his time short. Lee then speaks about playing with Gaz at Chester, the experience of the Chester vs Wrexham Derby and why the step up came too soon in his career. Lee continues with his time in non-league after leaving Chester he saw moves back to Rammy as well as spells at Curzon Ashton & Colne. Finally, he talks about his decision to join Padiham and why he wants to keep playing for as long as he can. 🔗 Join our Patreon below for as little as £3 a month and get access to all of the best unfiltered and unedited stories that normally have to be cut! 👇   / membership   A HUGE shout out to CAPO for sponsoring this weeks episode of the podcast - Check them out 👇 https://capouk.com/ Get 15% off your CAPO order when you use code: IHADTRIALS 🎧 You can listen to the full episode wherever you normally get your podcasts via the link below! https://podfollow.com/i-had-trials-once 📳 Make sure you Like, Comment & Subscribe & turn on notifications so it lets you know when a new episode drops. Let us know in the comments who you want to see on a future episode of the Podcast! 👇 📲 Follow us on social! ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Twitter:   / ihadtrialsonce   Instagram:   / ihadtrialsonce   TikTok:   / ihadtrialsonce   Facebook:   / ihadtrialsoncepodcast   ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 0:00 Intro with Lee Pugh 3:40 Early life at Bury 11:10 First team football at Hyde 14:45 Playing for Brent Peters 18:10 Moving to Ramsbottom 27:14 Time at Clitheroe 30:44 Big Chester move 37:25 Rammy return 46:22 Jumping to Curzon 49:56 Alex Curran at Colne 56:30 Billy Priestley’s spartan warriors 1:01:02 Enjoying life at Padiham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  RANKING Non-League Fans, Answering Hypothetical Questions & Jordan Playing For Haiti? | Ep 27 24.06.2026 40min

  We're back with another episode of A (Non) League Of Their Own! Join us every fortnight where we discuss the best Non-League stories from up & down the country, from The National League to The Dog & Duck & everything in between. This week we were joined by Gaz, Jordan & Luca Navarro as we discussed everything from the World Cup to Jordan vs Gaz in a last man standing fight. We then chatted about pre-season preparations underway, Jordan's decision to buy a Jude Bellingham England shirt, Ranking non-league fans & answering hypothetical questions. 📲 If you want us to talk about anything in particular then message us on any of our socials and make sure you Like, Comment & Subscribe & turn on notifications so it lets you know when a new episode drops. 🔗 Join our Patreon below for as little as £3 a month and get access to all of the best unfiltered and unedited stories that normally have to be cut! 👇 https://www.patreon.com/IHadTrialsOnce/membership A HUGE shout out to CAPO for sponsoring this weeks episode of the podcast - Check them out 👇 https://capouk.com/ Save 15% at CAPO when you use code: IHADTRIALS Let us know in the comments who you want to see on a future episode of the Podcast! 👇 📲 Follow us on social! ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Twitter: https://twitter.com/IHadTrialsOnce Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ihadtrialsonce TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ihadtrialsonce Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IHadTrialsOncePodcast/ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 0:00 Intro with Gaz, Jord & Luca 2:41 Bury Astroturf Pre-season 4:50 World Cup Fever 20:40 Ranking non-league fans 26:24 Hypothetical questions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Swapping Shirts With A MURDERER, George Ray's Naked Darts & Play-Off Final Heartbreak! | Tom White 17.06.2026 1h 21min

  We're back with another episode of I Had Trials Once and this time we're joined by former Gateshead, Barrow, Blackburn, Bolton, Morecambe and current Boreham Wood midfielder Tom White. Tom sits down with Gaz & Jord as he discusses his time in football from suffering heartbreak in the recent National League play-off final against Rochdale to loving life playing men's football. The lads start the pod talking about Tom's time at Boreham Wood, their brilliant season and how difficult it was to deal with the heartbreak of losing against Rochdale in the play-off final. They then talk in depth about Tom's upbringing in the North East playing grass roots football, his experience as a youth player at Carlisle and struggling to get trials at other clubs. The trio then chat about why Tom's ACL injury was the best thing that ever happened to him as it gave him the kick start his career needed at some important loan moves. Tom then speaks about how his time at Gateshead earnt him a move to former Premier League champions Blackburn Rovers before he soon realised the move was the wrong one to make. Tom continues with his love for Barrow during his first loan spell, why he struggled to make an impact at Bolton Wanderers and his experience of working with Dave Challinor at Hartlepool. Finally, he talks about returning to Barrow on a permanent, pre-season stag do's which included swapping shirts with a murderer and George Ray's naked darts against Pete Wild. 🔗 Join our Patreon below for as little as £3 a month and get access to all of the best unfiltered and unedited stories that normally have to be cut! 👇 https://www.patreon.com/IHadTrialsOnce/membership Check out the British Army below 👇 https://www.army.mod.uk/ A HUGE shout out to CAPO for sponsoring this weeks episode of the podcast - Check them out 👇 https://capouk.com/ Get 15% off your CAPO order when you use code: IHADTRIALS 🎧 You can listen to the full episode wherever you normally get your podcasts via the link below! https://podfollow.com/i-had-trials-once 📳 Make sure you Like, Comment & Subscribe & turn on notifications so it lets you know when a new episode drops. Let us know in the comments who you want to see on a future episode of the Podcast! 👇 📲 Follow us on social! ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Twitter: https://twitter.com/IHadTrialsOnce Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ihadtrialsonce TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ihadtrialsonce Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IHadTrialsOncePodcast/ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 0:00 Intro with Tom White 2:00 Play-Off Final Heartbreak 10:37 Next season aims 15:42 Growing up playing grass roots 17:13 Coming through at Carlisle 22:46 Struggling with trials 25:05 Career changing injury 28:40 Important loan moves 29:35 Breaking into Gateshead’s first team 34:50 Big move to Blackburn 47:00 Fresh start at Barrow 51:35 Tough time at Bolton 1:00:00 Hartlepool move with Challinor 1:02:30 Back to Barrow 1:07:50 George Ray’s darts 1:11:38 Morecambe madness 1:15:40 Tough decision to leave Morecambe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Salford SACK Another Manager, Pre-Season Preparations & Ranking Non-League Stadiums! | Ep 26 10.06.2026 51min

  We're back with another episode of A (Non) League Of Their Own! Join us every fortnight where we discuss the best Non-League stories from up & down the country, from The National League to The Dog & Duck & everything in between. This week we were joined by Gaz, Jordan & Shents as we discussed everything from manager sackings to weird would you rather dilemmas. We then chatted about pre-season preparations, Jarrod Bowen's Hereford pitch donation & we rank the worst stadiums in the National League North. 📲 If you want us to talk about anything in particular then message us on any of our socials and make sure you Like, Comment & Subscribe & turn on notifications so it lets you know when a new episode drops. Check out the British Army below 👇 https://www.army.mod.uk/ 🔗 Join our Patreon below for as little as £3 a month and get access to all of the best unfiltered and unedited stories that normally have to be cut! 👇 https://www.patreon.com/IHadTrialsOnce/membership A HUGE shout out to CAPO for sponsoring this weeks episode of the podcast - Check them out 👇 https://capouk.com/ Save 15% at CAPO when you use code: IHADTRIALS Let us know in the comments who you want to see on a future episode of the Podcast! 👇 📲 Follow us on social! ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Twitter: https://twitter.com/IHadTrialsOnce Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ihadtrialsonce TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ihadtrialsonce Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IHadTrialsOncePodcast/ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  The TRUTH About Chester Exit, Newquay Trips With Jonno & Living With Gaz Stopforth! | Calum McIntyre 06.06.2026 1h 33min

  We're back with another episode of I Had Trials Once and this time we're joined by former Chester & Runcorn Linnets manager...Calum McIntyre Cal sits down with Gaz & Jord as he discusses his time in football having recently left his role as Chester manager. The lads start the pod talking about Cal's early life at Chester and his time living with Gary Stopforth and his late night binges of Top Boy. They then talk in depth about how Calum got into football management, working with Chester's youth team before being promoted to the first team and forming part of Jonno & Bern's backroom staff. The trio then chat about Cal's step into first team management with Runcorn Linnets, signing players for the first time and some of his most memorable moments as a gaffer. Cal then speaks about how he ended up becoming Chester's first team manager, their recent FA Cup runs and the difficulties of working at a fan own club. Cal continues with how his time at Chester came to an end, why fan abuse crossed the line with a fan storming the changing room & also calling his house at 3am plus how he found out Phil Parkinson was replacing him at the club. Finally, he talks about what is next for him in his career and why he can't wait to get back into football management. 🔗 Join our Patreon below for as little as £3 a month and get access to all of the best unfiltered and unedited stories that normally have to be cut! 👇   / membership   Check out the British Army below 👇 https://www.army.mod.uk/ A HUGE shout out to CAPO for sponsoring this weeks episode of the podcast - Check them out 👇 https://capouk.com/ Get 15% off your CAPO order when you use code: IHADTRIALS 🎧 You can listen to the full episode wherever you normally get your podcasts via the link below! https://podfollow.com/i-had-trials-once 📳 Make sure you Like, Comment & Subscribe & turn on notifications so it lets you know when a new episode drops. Let us know in the comments who you want to see on a future episode of the Podcast! 👇 📲 Follow us on social! ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Twitter:   / ihadtrialsonce   Instagram:   / ihadtrialsonce   TikTok:   / ihadtrialsonce   Facebook:   / ihadtrialsoncepodcast   ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 0:00 Intro with Cal MacIntyre 4:01 Living with Gaz Stopforth 7:25 Getting into management 31:38 Serious cash meme 36:00 Managing Chester youth 41:42 Working with Jonno & Bern 44:33 Big break at Runcorn 48:09 First experience of signing players 51:00 Marine Ultras 54:00 Memorable football moments 56:00 Becoming Chester manager 1:02:00 Chester FA Cup Run 1:04:30 Chester fan owned model 1:09:40 Sacked by Chester 1:13:09 Abuse from fans 1:25:55 Parky new Chester manager Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Fury & Ibrahimovic Buying Morecambe, Play-Off Heartbreak For Salford & Ramsbottom Memories! | Ep 25 27.05.2026 47min

  We're back with another episode of A (Non) League Of Their Own! Join us every fortnight where we discuss the best Non-League stories from up & down the country, from The National League to The Dog & Duck & everything in between. This week we were joined by Gaz & G Stop whilst Jordan is on holiday and we discussed everything from play-off finals to big changes at Ramsbottom. We then chatted about accidentally releasing players, world cup players in non-league, Tyson Fury & Zlatan Ibrahimovic buying Morecambe and forcing through transfers! 📲 If you want us to talk about anything in particular then message us on any of our socials and make sure you Like, Comment & Subscribe & turn on notifications so it lets you know when a new episode drops. Check out the British Army below 👇 https://www.army.mod.uk/ 🔗 Join our Patreon below for as little as £3 a month and get access to all of the best unfiltered and unedited stories that normally have to be cut! 👇 https://www.patreon.com/IHadTrialsOnce/membership A HUGE shout out to CAPO for sponsoring this weeks episode of the podcast - Check them out 👇 https://capouk.com/ Save 15% at CAPO when you use code: IHADTRIALS Let us know in the comments who you want to see on a future episode of the Podcast! 👇 📲 Follow us on social! ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Twitter: https://twitter.com/IHadTrialsOnce Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ihadtrialsonce TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ihadtrialsonce Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IHadTrialsOncePodcast/ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Holloway's Coach Carter Shouts, INCREDIBLE Ravel Morrison & Huddersfield Promotion! | Alex Smithies 20.05.2026 1h 21min

  We're back with another episode of I Had Trials Once and this time we're joined by former Huddersfield, QPR, Cardiff & Leicester goalkeeper Alex Smithies! Alex sits down with Gaz & Jord as he discusses his football career from playing for his boyhood club Huddersfield to training with Vardy & Maddison at Leicester. The lads start the pod talking about Alex's life post football with his career in finance and helping players manager their money and not fall into the same traps we often see in the media. They then talk in depth about his early career at Huddersfield, how he became a number one keeper at just 18 years old, signing his first big contract and scoring the winning penalty in a play-off final. The trio then chat about Alex's surprise move to QPR, Ian Holloway's bizarre coach carter training tactics, how he knew Eberechi Eze was a superstar from an early age and what made Ravel Morrison so good. Alex then speaks about his dream move to Cardiff with Neil Warnock and why he was gutted he never made his Premier League debut at the club as well as what it's like as a keeper when it comes to dropping clangers and how you can only get away with one. Alex continues with his decision to become a third choice goalkeeper at Leicester City in the Premier League, relationship with Jamie Vardy and why James Maddison wanted him to shout abuse at him in training sessions. Finally, he talks about how he recently fell out of love with football before ending the pod on the toughest player he's ever come up against. 🔗 Join our Patreon below for as little as £3 a month and get access to all of the best unfiltered and unedited stories that normally have to be cut! 👇 https://www.patreon.com/IHadTrialsOnce/membership Check out the British Army below 👇 https://www.army.mod.uk/ A HUGE shout out to CAPO for sponsoring this weeks episode of the podcast - Check them out 👇 https://capouk.com/ Get 15% off your CAPO order when you use code: IHADTRIALS 🎧 You can listen to the full episode wherever you normally get your podcasts via the link below! https://podfollow.com/i-had-trials-once 📳 Make sure you Like, Comment & Subscribe & turn on notifications so it lets you know when a new episode drops. Let us know in the comments who you want to see on a future episode of the Podcast! 👇 📲 Follow us on social! ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Twitter: https://twitter.com/IHadTrialsOnce Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ihadtrialsonce TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ihadtrialsonce Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IHadTrialsOncePodcast/ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 0:00 Intro with Alex Smithies 6:30 Life since retiring 12:25 Early life at Huddersfield 16:30 England youth team 19:31 Breaking through at Huddersfield 24:55 Dealing with big injuries 26:10 Huddersfield play-off final 32:39 Signing first big contract 39:55 Surprise QPR move 46:07 Working with Neil Warnock 48:37 Incredible Ravel Morrison 52:10 Ian Holloway’s coach Carter tactics 54:10 Premier League dream move 57:25 Neil Harris relationship 58:58 Dropping a clanger 1:01:15 Tough centre backs 1:04:11 Life as a 3rd choice keeper 1:16:50 Falling out of love with football Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Avro Win Promotion, Dropped For The Play-Offs & CRAZY National League North Map! | Ep 24 13.05.2026 1h 3min

  We're back with another episode of A (Non) League Of Their Own! Join us every fortnight where we discuss the best Non-League stories from up & down the country, from The National League to The Dog & Duck & everything in between. This week we were joined by Shents as we discussed everything from non-league play-off finals from up and down the country to awkward stories of being released. We then chatted about next season's National League North, players getting dropped for the play-offs, youngest manager in football & Hereford's great escape! 📲 If you want us to talk about anything in particular then message us on any of our socials and make sure you Like, Comment & Subscribe & turn on notifications so it lets you know when a new episode drops. Check out the British Army below 👇 https://www.army.mod.uk/ 🔗 Join our Patreon below for as little as £3 a month and get access to all of the best unfiltered and unedited stories that normally have to be cut! 👇   / membership   A HUGE shout out to CAPO for sponsoring this weeks episode of the podcast - Check them out 👇 https://capouk.com/ Save 15% at CAPO when you use code: IHADTRIALS Let us know in the comments who you want to see on a future episode of the Podcast! 👇 📲 Follow us on social! ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Twitter:   / ihadtrialsonce   Instagram:   / ihadtrialsonce   TikTok:   / ihadtrialsonce   Facebook:   / ihadtrialsoncepodcast   ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  The Rise Of Accrington Stanley, The Art Of Diving & Man Marking Adama Traore! | Sean McConville 06.05.2026 1h 38min

  We're back with another episode of I Had Trials Once and this time we're joined by former Accrington Stanley, Stockport, Rochdale, Barrow, Stalybridge, Chester and Clitheroe midfielder...Sean McConville Sean sits down with Gaz & Jord as he discusses his football career from life in Liverpool's academy to becoming an Accrington Stanley legend The lads start the pod talking about Sean's decision to step into management and how he's finding still balancing being a gaffer and occasionally playing himself. They then talk in depth about his early career at Liverpool with the likes of Jay Spearing, struggling with his height before immediately dropping into non-league football to gain experience in men's football. The trio then chat about Sean's first stint at Accrington Stanley before opting for a big money move to Stockport which ultimately turned into a disaster thanks to Jim Gannon and then continuing his career at Rochdale, Barrow, Stalybridge & Chester. Sean then speaks about his decision to rejoin Accrington Stanley, his relationship with John Coleman, the incredible job owner Andy Holt has done to transform the club from Northern Prem to having a 6-7 year stint in League One. Sean continues with his relationship with star striker Billy Kee and why he ultimately struggled with the pressures of League One football before discussing his incredible 10 years at the club and how he ended up being one of the leading assist maker’s in the whole EFL. Finally, he discusses the best players he's ever played against including the incredible Adel Taraabt at QPR and having to man mark Adama Traore at Middlesbrough. 🔗 Join our Patreon below for as little as £3 a month and get access to all of the best unfiltered and unedited stories that normally have to be cut! 👇   / membership   A HUGE shout out to CAPO for sponsoring this weeks episode of the podcast - Check them out 👇 https://capouk.com/ Get 15% off your CAPO order when you use code: IHADTRIALS 🎧 You can listen to the full episode wherever you normally get your podcasts via the link below! https://podfollow.com/i-had-trials-once 📳 Make sure you Like, Comment & Subscribe & turn on notifications so it lets you know when a new episode drops. Let us know in the comments who you want to see on a future episode of the Podcast! 👇 📲 Follow us on social! ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Twitter:   / ihadtrialsonce   Instagram:   / ihadtrialsonce   TikTok:   / ihadtrialsonce   Facebook:   / ihadtrialsoncepodcast   ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Play-Off Predictions, End Of Season Trips & Rochdale vs York Reaction! | Ep 23 29.04.2026 49min

  We're back with another episode of A (Non) League Of Their Own! Join us every fortnight where we discuss the best Non-League stories from up & down the country, from The National League to The Dog & Duck & everything in between. This week we were joined by Shents & G Stop as we discussed everything from Rochdale vs York's final day clash, which teams will win the play-offs & what our highlights of the season are. We then chatted about Shents first season as a manager, reacting to Radcliffe's season, how Bury & Jonno will get on next season & what our favourite end of season trips were. 📲 If you want us to talk about anything in particular then message us on any of our socials and make sure you Like, Comment & Subscribe & turn on notifications so it lets you know when a new episode drops. Check out the British Army below 👇 https://www.army.mod.uk/ 🔗 Join our Patreon below for as little as £3 a month and get access to all of the best unfiltered and unedited stories that normally have to be cut! 👇 https://www.patreon.com/IHadTrialsOnce/membership A HUGE shout out to CAPO for sponsoring this weeks episode of the podcast - Check them out 👇 https://capouk.com/ Let us know in the comments who you want to see on a future episode of the Podcast! 👇 📲 Follow us on social! ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Twitter: https://twitter.com/IHadTrialsOnce Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ihadtrialsonce TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ihadtrialsonce Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IHadTrialsOncePodcast/ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  Ryan Charles | Rooming with Andy Carroll, Legal Battles and Almost Losing a Leg! 22.04.2026 1h 22min

  Ryan sits down with Gaz & Jord as he discusses his football career from starting off at Luton, to linking up with Gaz at Kettering, to a career defining injury. The lads start the pod talking about Ryan's early career at Luton and how that all came to an end. They then talk in depth his time at Kettering and what Seds was like as a teammate. The trio then chat about what it's like to drop into non league football and the trials and tribulations that brings. Ryan opens up about his various legal battle and how this effected his career and what he learnt from it all. Finally, he opens up about his injury issues and how he almost lost his leg, as well as how he's managed to move on post football career. A HUGE shout out to CAPO for sponsoring this weeks episode of the podcast - Check them out 👇 https://capouk.com/ 👇 📲 Follow us on social! ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Twitter: https://twitter.com/IHadTrialsOnce Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ihadtrialsonce TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ihadtrialsonce Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IHadTrialsOncePodcast/ ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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  SACKED for Sending Email & Jarrod Bowen’s Non-League Investment 15.04.2026 53min

  We're back with another episode of A (Non) League Of Their Own! Join us every fortnight where we discuss the best Non-League stories from up & down the country, from The National League to The Dog & Duck & everything in between. This week we were joined by G Stop and Shents! We discussed everything from our weekly updates on Radcliffe and Avro, we then chatted about Jarrod Bowen investing in National League North side Hereford, THAT chairmans email, post match penalties and much more! 📲 If you want us to talk about anything in particular then message us on any of our socials and make sure you Like, Comment & Subscribe & turn on notifications so it lets you know when a new episode drops. A HUGE shout out to CAPO for sponsoring this weeks episode of the podcast - Check them out 👇 https://capouk.com/ Let us know in the comments who you want to see on a future episode of the Podcast! 👇 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices