Welcome to Beyond the Barside – the go-to podcast for Colchester United supporters.
Each week, we take a passionate, no-nonsense look at everything happening at the U’s, from matchday reactions and player form to behind-the-scenes news and transfer rumours. Whether we’re battling at the top or scraping for points, we’re here to bring honest chat, local insight, and a bit of humour from fans who live and breathe Col U. Join us for the highs, lows, and everything in between.
Up the U’s!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Welcome to Beyond the Barside – the go-to podcast for Colchester United supporters.
Each week, we take a passionate, no-nonsense look at everything happening at the U’s, from matchday reactions and player form to behind-the-scenes news and transfer rumours. Whether we’re battling at the top or scraping for points, we’re here to bring honest chat, local insight, and a bit of humour from fans who live and breathe Col U. Join us for the highs, lows, and everything in between.
Up the U’s!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
🎙️ 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 club through the highs and lows. 💙
Then Aaron catches up with Harley, Walsall fan and host of the Yellow Ribbon Podcast, for the opposition view ahead of this weekend’s clash at the Bescot Stadium.
Finally, Aaron, Si, Dave, and Ashley return to preview the big League Two meeting with Walsall.
🎵 Intro music by Sam Hopkins
#ColU #UTU #LeagueTwo #BeyondTheBarside #WalsallFC #ColchesterUnited
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🎙️ 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, bringing insight (and a few laughs) ahead of this weekend’s clash. 🎭🦅
Finally, Aaron, Si, and Dave return to preview the big upcoming fixture against Bromley!
🎵 Intro music by Sam Hopkins
#ColU #UTU #FACup #BeyondTheBarside #ColchesterUnited #BromleyFC
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🎙️ 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 look ahead to the big cup clash at the JobServe.
We’re also celebrating Si completing the Dublin Marathon in support of Blesma, and there’s still time to donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/sicollinson17 🏃♂️💙
🎵 Intro music by Sam Hopkins
If you’re enjoying the podcast, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to help us grow the Beyond the Barside community! 💬🎧
#ColU #UTU #FACup #BeyondTheBarside #LeagueTwo
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🎙️ 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 fixture — can the U’s carry on their form on the road?
We’re also continuing to support Si’s marathon for Blesma, raising money for limbless veterans — donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/sicollinson17 🏃♂️💙
🎵 Intro music by Sam Hopkins
#ColU #UTU #LeagueTwo #SwindonTown #BeyondTheBarside
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🎙️ 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 to the panel as Aaron, Si, Dave, and Jamie look ahead to this weekend’s home clash with Harrogate Town.
We’re also continuing to support Si’s marathon run for Blesma, a charity supporting limbless veterans — you can donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/sicollinson17 🏃♂️🇬🇧
🎵 Intro music by Sam Hopkins
#ColU #UTU #LeagueTwo #BeyondTheBarside #HarrogateTown
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🎙️ 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 Blesma, a brilliant cause helping limbless veterans — you can support him here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/sicollinson17 🏃♂️💙
🎵 Intro music by Sam Hopkins
#ColU #UTU #LeagueTwo #GrimsbyTown #BeyondTheBarside
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🔥 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 squads, and his favourite memories from Layer Road.
We also dive into his journey beyond Colchester — from the Premier League to representing Australia at the World Cup.
👉 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT with your favourite Garcia memory, and SUBSCRIBE for more Col U content every week!
#ColU #ColchesterUnited #RichardGarcia #BeyondTheBarside
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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 Blesma – you can support his fundraising here: 👉 https://www.justgiving.com/page/sicollinson17
Hosted by Aaron Jay | Intro music by Sam Hopkins 🎶
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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: https://www.justgiving.com/page/sicollinson17
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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 the JobServe.
Finally, Si and Dave return to preview Saturday’s fixture against Rovers.
You can also show your support for Si as he prepares to run the Dublin Marathon in aid of Blesma here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/sicollinson17?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL
🎶 Intro music by Sam Hopkins
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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’s, Paul went on to enjoy a successful career both as a player and later as a manager across the Football League and the US.
We cover it all — from settling in at Colchester, working under Wignall, the highs and lows of those cup finals, promotion glory, and even being in the frame for the Colchester United manager’s job in 2009.
A must-listen for U’s fans who want a trip down memory lane with a player who lived through one of the club’s most eventful eras.
Intro music by Sam Hopkins.
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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 to the weekend’s trip to the Wham Stadium, as Colchester United prepare to take on Accrington Stanley.
Intro music by Sam Hopkins.
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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 Dublin Marathon in support of Blesma, the limbless veterans charity. Show your support here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/sicollinson17?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL 💙
All that, plus more U’s chat to get you in the mood for matchday!
Intro music by Sam Hopkins.
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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 Community Stadium.
Intro music by Sam Hopkins.
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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 challenge of walking from the JobServe Community Stadium to the Abbey Stadium in Cambridge ahead of the February 17th fixture. They’re raising money for MIND, and you can support their efforts here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/jack-armstrong-1755550631841?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=WA
Finally, Aaron, Si and Dave come together once more to preview the Barnet match.
Intro music by Sam Hopkins.
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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 Stadium.
Finally, Aaron, Si, and Dave reconvene for some last thoughts before kick-off.
Intro music by Sam Hopkins.
Subscribe, rate, and share – Up the U’s!
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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 Dave again as they share their thoughts ahead of the game.
Subscribe, rate, and share – Up the U’s!
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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 music by Sam Hopkins.
Subscribe, rate, and share – Up the U’s!
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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 Conference and FA Trophy double in 1992, to his infamous record as English football’s most red-carded player, Roy’s stories are as explosive as his playing style.
We dive into his career highs, managerial memories, and plenty of off-the-pitch tales you won’t want to miss.
Want more? Grab a copy of his no-holds-barred autobiography Red Card Roy:
📘 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Red-Card-Roy-McDonough/dp/1907637567
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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 Latics.
Subscribe, rate, and get involved – Up the U’s!
Music by Sam Hopkins
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