The Stretford Paddock Fans Podcast
The Stretford Paddock Fans Podcast is the audio home for members and supporters of Stretford Paddock Football Club. Each episode brings match analysis, player interviews and fan stories from around the club. It also serves as a way for the club's global community of supporters to stay connected. The show is aimed at fans who want regular insight into the team and the people around it.
Episodes
031 – Are the Sleeping Giants Awake?
It's been a dramatic fortnight across the Cheshire League, with defending champions Parklands finding their form in the Premier Division and Winsford firing themselves back into the Division One promotion race.Chris and Liam discuss Stretford Paddock's response to defeat with a thumping 6-0 win over Egerton, Knutsford's unbeaten start, Vulcan's resurgence and the changing fortu
030 - Reffin' and Jeffin'
030 – Reffin’ and Jeffin’Five wins on the bounce and Whalley Range are top of the Cheshire Premier, but is a late winner against ten-man Middlewich a sign of champions or a warning? Meanwhile, last season’s Division One champions Daten are finding life at the top table rather less enjoyable.In Division One, Northwich Victoria are making headlines for all the wrong reasons with their relentless cri
029 – Cheshire League Conquer Europe
The Cheshire League are heading to the European finals! We look back at their historic achievement in Sweden, a dramatic last-minute winner against the hosts and address some controversial comments about the standard of our league.Back on home soil, are our pre-season predictions already coming back to haunt us after Knutsford's 6-1 demolition of Winstanley? We take a closer look at the early
028 - 2026/27 Predictions (This Won’t Age Well)
A new season is almost here, and Season Three of the podcast gets underway.Chris is joined by Stu and Liam to make their 2026/27 Cheshire League One predictions. Who wins the league? Who finishes second? Who comes rock bottom? And what are our hot takes for the season ahead?We also look at Skelmersdale Town’s flying start to life in the Cheshire Prem, discuss the new JA Walton Cup format and answe
027 - Gibbo's At The Wheel
A new season. A new chapter. A new era for Stretford Paddock FC.After six years in charge, founder Ste Howson steps down from his role as first-team manager, with his focus now shifting towards the wider running and development of the club.Taking over as the second first-team manager in Paddock’s history is Ryan Gibson. In this episode, we look at what this new era could look like and what Gibbo c
026 - The Season That Never Clicked
In recent weeks, Paddock have dismantled high flying St Helens Town 6-1 and eased past Mersey Valley 4-0, but also thrown away convincing leads in two disappointing draws, which in many ways sums up the season as a whole.This week, Chris, Stu and Liam discuss the final run of games, the improved performances, and the frustrating feeling that the season’s best football arrived once there was little
025 - At Least the Kids Are Alright
A difficult run for the first team continues, with performances and results raising more questions than answers.But it is not all negative at the club.This week, Chris and Liam are joined by Paddock coaches Gibbo and Dane to shine a light on the youth setup, the progress being made, and the pathway through to the first team, before turning attention to the ongoing struggles at senior level.A prope
024 - Drawing In Styal
One moment of brilliance, one moment of frustration.A dominant 3-0 win away at Mersey Valley featured a moment of magic from Joao De Andrade that will be talked about for a long time. But days later, just as another three points looked secure, Styal grabbed a last minute equaliser to spoil the party.Chris, Stu and Craig reflect on both games, relive Joao’s wonder strike, and get stuck into the con
023 - Not Top Billinge
A frustrating couple of weeks for Paddock.A narrow extra time defeat to Newton Le Willows in the cup showed plenty of effort but ultimately ended in disappointment. That was followed by a 3-3 draw against bottom of the league Billinge, a result that is difficult to defend and even harder to accept.This week, Stu and Steve join Chris alongside special guest Dion, who reflects on his long road back
022 - Daten Out Of Our League
A mixed spell for Stretford Paddock as we look back on a defeat away at high flying Daten and a cup tie against Wythenshawe that was settled on penalties.Chris is joined by Stu, Liam and Notch to reflect on the Daten performance and what it says about where Paddock are right now, before turning to the cup win, the mentality shown, and the importance of continuing to progress in knockout football.A
021 - Coming From Behind
Coming from behind seems to be becoming a habit.Two positive results against Winsford and Congleton, both after slow starts, showed plenty of character and gave Paddock some much-needed momentum.This week Stu, Liam and Craig join Chris to look back on both games, talk about why we keep making life difficult for ourselves, and preview a big test next up against second-placed Daten.Plenty to enjoy,
020 - Signs Of Progress
After a tough run of form, performances against Billinge and Egerton finally gave Paddock something to build on, even if there’s still plenty to work on.This week, Stu and Lewis join Chris to look back on both games, focusing on what’s improved and what still isn’t quite right.We also briefly talk about winning a podcast award, before it inevitably goes to our heads.UTP 🇾🇪
019 - What's going wrong?
Two games without a win and performances that haven’t exactly set the world alight.This week the Paddock fans try to figure out what’s going wrong, what needs fixing and whether we’re in a minor slump or a major crisis.Plenty of honesty, plenty of laughs and plenty of overthinking for our team that really just needs to start playing well again.UTP 🇾🇪
018 - Game. Set Piece. Match.
A disastrous and embarrassing showing against Egerton left Paddock players with plenty to answer for to the fans.But the lads bounced back with a tight, disciplined win over Clay Brow, helped along by our trusty, well-timed set pieces.This week the Paddock fans break down both games, the frustration, the humiliation, the reaction, and what it all means heading into the next run of fixtures.Plenty
017 - Knut Our Day
A injury time winner against Sandbach United had the Paddock fans flying high before a poor showing against Knutsford brought us straight back down to earth.This week, Stu, Craig and Liam join Chris to look back on both games, the dramatic winner, the dip in performance, and what it all means heading into the next run of fixtures.There’s also a slightly less serious debate: who would win in a Roya
016 - Behind The Badge: Cam Watters
In the first episode of Behind The Badge we meet Cam Watters, midfielder, goal threat and occasional wind up merchant, to get to know the man behind the badge.This isn’t a polished interview. It’s a proper chat: playing for Paddock, working for United, and a few detours into things Cam probably didn’t expect to be asked about. Plus, Cam takes on questions from our club members and his teammates, w
016 - More Flags Than Points
A 3–0 win over St Helens Town on Members Day capped off a wet and wild afternoon with two penalties (one saved), a red card, and even a bit of a scrap to keep the crowd entertained.This week the Paddock fans look back on all the drama, the goals, the clean sheet, and the support from those who travelled and turned out in numbers despite the conditions.Plenty to celebrate and plenty to talk about (
015 - Better than a kick in the Knuts
A last-minute equaliser rescued a 2–2 draw away at Winsford before Paddock followed it up with a 2–1 win over Knutsford to go top of the league.This week the Paddock fans look back on both games, the dramatic starts, the late goals and what it all means heading into Members Day at home to St Helens.We are also joined by Paddock Women’s player-manager Meg, who shares her insight on building the tea
014 - You Win Some, You Lose One
A big win over top of the league Clay Brow showed what Paddock are made of… but a home defeat to Daten brought us straight back down to earth.This week the Paddock fans look back on both games, the highs, the lows, and everything in between.We are also joined by mega fan Shep and club photographer Saul, who bring their own perspectives from the terraces and behind the lens.Join us for another epis
013 - Moment of Truth
A 5–2 win over Upton keeps the momentum rolling for Paddock.This week, the Paddock fans look back on that result, preview the upcoming clash with Clay Brow, and cast an eye over how the rest of Cheshire League Division One have started their seasons.We’re also joined all the way from Canada by Janet and Nathaniel — proving Paddock’s reach stretches worldwide (even if they were probably expecting h
012 - Four In A Row
Four games. Four wins. The perfect start rolls on.This week, Chris, Stu and Liam look back on our victories - against Billinge and Congleton Town Reserves - that make it four from four in Cheshire League Division One.We break down the key moments, the standout performances, and how Paddock are grinding out results, even with tougher challenges now looming on the horizon.Plenty to celebrate but eve
011 - Kids, Chaos and Six Points
Two games. Two wins. Top of the league, even if only for 24 hours.This week, Chris, Stu and Craig break down Paddock’s start to life in Cheshire League Division One, with wins over Winstanley Warriors and Wythenshawe Reserves.Listen in as we dive into the performances and the gritty moments that got us over the line and how our young players rose to the occasion in a tough test against Wythenshawe
010 - Chapter Two
Pre-season: complete. Now the real work begins.In this episode, we look at how Paddock have shaped up over the summer, including new signings, standout performers, and key lessons from our preparations.In Part One, Chris, Stu and Notch look ahead to our first season in Division One, discussing the challenges, expectations and mindset needed to compete at the next level.In Part Two, we’re joined by
009 - We Are Going Up!
The 2024/25 season is over, the club has been promoted – and what a ride it's been!In this episode, Chris, Stu and Amy are joined by first team manager Ste Howson to break down all the highs, lows, and everything in between. From big wins and standout performances to the lessons learned and the road ahead, we reflect on a season that’s had it all. Honest chat, behind-the-scenes insight, and a
008 - Class of '25
You don't win anything with kids, unless you're Stretford Paddock U16s coach Ryan Gibson.Join Chris, Stu and Gibbo as they wax lyrical about our amazing Paddock youngsters on the back of an incredible season which has seen our U16s win two cups and a league title. The future is bright. The future is Paddock.Tune in and get amongst it! 🎙️⚽UTP 🇾🇪
007 - Paddock On Cloud Nine
Join Chris, Stu and Shane as they look back on an incredible day where Paddock smashed nine past Lymm Rovers in front of a massive crowd.With just one game left and promotion in sight, the lads break down the key moments, standout performances, and what it all means for the club’s future.Shane also shares his match day experience after travelling over the Irish Sea with the Irish Supporters Club t
006 - Amateur (Half) Hour
This week, Chris and Stu are joined by the Paddock Amateurs manager Dave Levine to talk about all things Ammies.Listen to the full story behind Paddock Amateurs’ impressive season and the vital role they play in the wider club setup.Plenty of insight, behind-the-scenes stories, and the usual Paddock energy.Tune in and get amongst it! 🎙️⚽UTP 🇾🇪
005 - Out On A Lymm
Join Chris, Stu, and club chairman Craig as they break down a crucial league win over Lymm Rovers and what it means for the promotion run-in.With just over 24 hours before the big cup semi-final... it’s been postponed! With Wythenshawe FC taking their appeal to the Cheshire FA, the lads discuss the fallout and what this could mean for Paddock’s season.We’re also looking ahead to our first cup fina
004 - April fools? Not us.
Join Chris, Stu and Stephen as they relive their favourite Cheshire League away days and dissect key wins over Newton-le-Willows and Hartford.The promotion race is on – and with Lymm Rovers up next - it’s all getting very real.Tune in and get amongst it! 🎙️⚽ UTP 🇾🇪Stretford Paddock Supporters Fund: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/stretford-paddock-supporters-fund?utm_term=8vn8vKe4R
003 - Stars, Stripes and Squeaky Bum Time
The Paddock faithful are back in high spirits after securing a crucial league win over the weekend!In Part One, Chris, Stu, and Amy dive into what it’s like supporting Paddock from across the pond and break down two hard-fought battles against St Helens and Mersey Valley.Still got time to kill? In Part Two, Paddock legend Joao De Andrade joins the pod to share his own Paddock journey and to answer
002 - We're Not Getting A Semi
It's time to focus on the league as Paddock are eliminated from two cup competitions in two weeks.Join Chris, Stu and Brian as they discuss the Irish Supporters Club, dissect the cup defeats to Arc and Wythenshawe and look ahead to two massive league games against St Helens Town and Mersey Valley.Stretford Paddock Supporters Fund: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/stretford-paddock-supp
001 - We Don't Know What We're Doing
Paddock are sitting in second place as we go into March, but with big games coming up this month in the league and cup, will this be the year the lads secure promotion?Join Chris, Stu and Clare in Part One as they discuss the season so far, chances of promotion and next seasons new kit choices are revealed.Got even more time to waste? In Part Two, Paddock keeper Florin Salecanu joins the pod and a
