The NPL Show | The official Northern Premier League podcast

The NPL play-off finals are upon us, following a hectic end to the season and an even more action-packed semi-final slate.Host Sam Armitage chats with Rylands' Neil Reynolds, Bradford (Park Avenue)'s Craig Elliott, Belper Town's Lee Attenborough, Racing Club Warwick's Chris Knott and Avro's Grant Shenton to get their thoughts ahead of the biggest games of their season this coming weekend.

Bootle boss Alan Morgan joins Sam Armitage to chat all about his time in management, which saw him take charge of Europa League qualifying games in Sweden and assist Neil Young at Marine as they took on Tottenham in that famous FA Cup matchup.Now, at the Berry Street Garage Stadium, his Bootle side can squeeze into the West Division play-offs on the final day, when it looked a far-fetched dream just a couple of weeks ago.Sam previews that final day and also runs down how we got here after a hectic penultimate weekend of action.

Carlton Town striker Ash Chambers joins Sam Armitage to chat all about his career, from making his senior debut aged just 15 at Leicester, a record which still stands today, playing for England in a U17 World Cup and how he almost fell out of football before joining York City in 2011.He also speaks on the title race in the NPL Midlands Division, in which his Carlton side are neck and neck with Anstey Nomads heading into the final two games of the campaign.Sam also chats about yet another entertaining week across the NPL before previewing a big penultimate weekend of action.

Runcorn Linnets manager Michael Ellison joins Sam Armitage to chat about his managerial journey, which has seen him back at Linnets nearly six years on from his first stint there.In between that, he had stints at City of Liverpool and Widnes, the latter of which he won the NPL West with last year, before their withdrawal from the league. Ellison talks about how that Widnes team was able to get promoted on a modest budget and the frustrations surrounding their situation afterwards.Now, he's back where it all started, looking to secure a personal back-to-back promotion to Step 3 with Runcorn.Sam also looks back on an action-packed Easter weekend, and previews the third-from-final weekend of the campaign.

Dunston manager Jon McDonald joins Sam Armitage to chat all about his time in management - the last five years of which have been spent at Dunston as both assistant and first-team boss.He's watched on as his side was beaten on penalties in back-to-back East Division play-off finals, and he's hoping to lead them to a third consecutive one this year (but with a different outcome this time!)Dunston have a massive play-off six-pointer against Bradford (Park Avenue) this Easter weekend, and Sam previews that, plus the other big games across the busiest week of the campaign.

Morpeth Town manager Craig Lynch joins Sam Armitage to chat all about his time through football, which started as a six-year-old in the Sunderland academy, seeing him managed through an ACL injury by Roy Keane and given his Premier League debut by Steve Bruce.He talks about the injuries which ended his career at just 24, but the opportunities in coaching and management that came immediately after.Now at Morpeth, he's battling to keep them afloat in Step 3 ahead of a crucial six-game run-in.

Blyth Spartans boss Marc Nash joins Sam Armitage to chat all about his career in management, from taking North Shields to the NPL and being the man at the helm when they were demoted due to ground restrictions, to then almost leading Newcastle Blue Star to back-to-back promotions.Now, he's at Blyth, managing the senior side along with the academy team and looking to stop a third successive relegation to Step 5.Sam also runs down the past week's games, as two sides secured play-off positions in Step 4, and previews this upcoming week, where Redcar Athletic could secure the East Division title.

Vauxhall Motors manager Danny Holmes joins Sam Armitage to chat all about his time as a pro, from coming through at his boyhood club, Tranmere, to then returning two years after he was released and time in Wales before and after.He also outlines the goals (or lack of them) for Motors as we head into the final stages of the NPL West campaign

Accrington Stanley's all-time EFL appearance maker and current Clitheroe manager Sean McConville joins Sam Armitage to chat all about his storied professional career, which included a League Two title win and solid third-tier years at Accrington.He also discusses his relationship with legendary Stanley manager John Coleman and what he takes from him as he heads into management with the NPL West Division side.Sam also chats about the past week's matchups, while previewing the weekend's action

Emley manager Richard Tracy joins Sam Armitage to chat all about the rise of the club he has managed since 2019 from Step 6 to 2nd place in the NPL East Division.He chats about winning the club's first trophy in 25 years, the change in expectations last season as they almost earned back-to-back promotions, and whether the focus now is on finishing 2nd, rather than catching Redcar.He was also part of that famous Jimmy Glass moment, where the on-loan keeper scored in the 96th minute to keep Carlisle United in the EFL...which is talked about, too.And as always, Sam reviews yet another big week of NPL action, before looking ahead to the weekend's games.

Hednesford Town defender Chris Hussey joins Sam Armitage to chat about his career through football, which started and is now concluding in non-league, and has involved more promotions than not.He discusses whether he believes Hednesford possesses similar qualities to other EFL clubs that came through non-league and how he's helping his teammates through what looks to be a tight run-in in Step 3.Speaking of run-ins, as most sides across all four divisions head into the final 10 games of the campaign, Sam reviews a busy week of NPL action, and previews next weekend's games.

In something a little different, host Sam Armitage is joined by the NPL's EDI lead, Umar Ahmed, the FA's Mo Matadar, match official Sufyaan Shaffi and Trafford player Bile Ahmed to chat all about Ramadan, what it means to Muslim people and how they balance the holy month with football.Sam also runs down a big week of NPL action, which saw high-profile managerial changes and big wins across the board, while looking ahead to another big weekend this coming Valentine's Day.

Kidsgrove Athletic's Joint player/manager Matt Rhead joins Sam Armitage to chat through his football career, which is still ongoing, aged 41, back at the club he spent the majority of his early years at.After turning professional later on in his career at 28, Rhead won National League and League Two titles, was part of Lincoln City's FA Cup Quarter-Final run, and won the EFL Trophy at Wembley, too.Sam also runs through the recent results in the NPL and previews the upcoming week.

Whitby Town manager Gary Liddle joins Sam Armitage to chat about a professional career which spanned 800 games and included scoring at Old Trafford in an FA Youth Cup final, *that* FA Cup win at Chelsea while at Bradford City, two promotions with Hartlepool United at either end of his career.Sam also runs down the week's action across the NPL, and previews the upcoming games this Saturday

Grimsby Borough boss Dan Barrett joins Sam Armitage to chat about his decade-long spell at the NPL East Division side, which has seen a couple of promotions and an establishment in Step 4 across 500 games in charge.Sam also reviews a full slate of games across the weekend and previews some big matchups over the coming week.

Kevin Ellison hit 1,000 games in senior football on Saturday, and the Vauxhall Motors striker chats with Sam Armitage about how he felt hitting that milestone, and his favourite memories from a career that's close to spanning 30 years.Additionally, Sam reviews a limited gameweek just gone due to the weather, and previews a full slate of games next weekend

Anstey Nomads manager Conrad Logan is the latest guest on the NPL Show, after taking a couple of weeks off due to the Christmas period.He joins Sam Armitage to chat all about his professional goalkeeping career, which included being around Leicester City for their 2015/16 Premier League-winning campaign.Additionally, he speaks about how his role at Anstey Nomads has progressed since initially starting to coach there towards the tail end of his pro career, bringing in David Nugent as one of his coaching staff, and their FA Trophy trip to FC Halifax Town this Saturday.Sam also has the rundown on everything that happened over the Christmas and New Year fixtures as we prepare for the second half of the season.

Hebburn Town striker Gary Martin joins Sam Armitage to chat all about his career, which has seen him play in Hungary, Iceland, Norway, Belgium and now back in the north east with Hebburn Town.He discusses the difference in footballing culture, how Iceland reacted to their 2016 Euros victory over England, and what he takes from managing under November's manager of the month, Daniel Moore.Sam also runs through a busy week of NPL action, which included victories in the FA Trophy for two of our Step 4 sides.

Congleton Town manager Richard Duffy joins Sam Armitage to chat about his time both as a player, where he made hundreds of EFL appearances and made 13 Wales caps, to now as a manager, where he's manned the ship at Congleton post-Covid.From playing against Ronaldinho to winning a Step 5 league and cup double, he goes through all that.Plus, Sam reviews yet another big weekend of action, and previews this weekend's matches, including the FA Trophy's third round

Basford United manager Martin Carruthers joins Sam Armitage to chat all about his time in management, predominantly this season, where he returned to Basford as the Head of Football, before becoming the manager for a third time in October.Plus, Sam reviews yet another bumper weekend of action, before looking ahead to the first December weekend in the NPL. 

Stockton Town manager Michael Dunwell is the latest guest on the NPL Show. He joins Sam Armitage to talk about the club's rise from Step 7 to Step 3 over the last decade, of which he's overseen all of it from the dugout.Plus, how it felt to manage at Wembley, the back-to-back Step 4 play-off final defeats, the 4-4 play-off final against Dunston, and how this season is different from their debut in Step 3 last year.Sam also runs down the key results from the last week of action, plus some preview for the upcoming weekend

Bradford (Park Avenue) boss Craig Elliott joins Sam Armitage to chat about his 16-year (and counting) managerial career.From the quick rise and fall of Shaw Lane, to what managers do when out of work and why project jobs at semi-professional clubs suit him the best, especially now at a former Step 2, but now Step 4 side in Park Avenue.

Morpeth Town's Football Operations Manager, Steven Shaw, joins Sam Armitage to talk about how he's helping Morpeth Town become a place that players want to go to, and ultimately stay at, alongside the Highwaymen's start to the current campaign.Additionally, Sporting Khalsa's media officer, Harry Marston, talks about the club's switch from the Midlands to the West Division this summer, how that's impacted the start of the campaign, and how he's capitalised on big, viral moments in his job so far.

Despite only just turning 35, Lee Attenborough has 10 years of managerial experience behind him, with over seven of those coming in the NPL.He joins Sam Armitage this week to discuss his unexpected journey into management, his brief time in Step 3 with Belper Town and his plans on getting the Nailers back there.Additionally, Fabio Passerini from Clitheroe's media team comes on to chat about his connections with the club and how the season is going so far, including what is a record-breaking FA Trophy run.

Gainsborough Trinity manager Russ Wilcox joins Sam Armitage to preview his side's FA Cup first round match against League Two opponents Accrington Stanley, as the Holy Blues look to return to the second round for a second straight season.Additionally, Hednesford Town CEO Marvin Robinson chats about the Pitmen's recent growth and ambitions for the future, and Mark Duffy returns to the podcast for the first time since its revival to talk about Matlock Town's start to life in Step 4.

Avro manager Grant Shenton joins Sam Armitage to chat about his first few months in the dugout after retiring at the end of last season, the changes he's seen between playing and coaching, and how he hopes to get his club on the front foot in the NPL West Division.Additionally, Marcus Summerfield, known to many Stockton Town fans as 'The Travelling Anchor' and Mossley director Nathan Harris are both on to discuss the starts their sides have made this season.Marcus' Twitter - @TTAnchor_81

Stocksbridge Park Steels boss Ian Richards joins Sam Armitage to discuss his managerial methods, which have seen him stay at just two clubs for all 16 years of his career, a dramatic play-off run which ended in promotion and turning things around after a tough start to the current campaign.Callum Pattison, Dunston's media manager, is also on to chat about his role at the club, how the penalty shoot-out defeat to Stocksbridge in the final felt from the losing side and how they're planning to bounce back this year.

Gainsborough Trinity striker Jonny Margetts joins Sam Armitage to chat about his favourite teammates, what early career loan spells taught him, and playing against Arsenal in the FA Cup quarter-final whilst at Lincoln CityPlus, Bury FC commentator Oliver Cohen discusses growing up supporting the club from the Football League to the Northern Premier League, where he now volunteers.

The NPL Show is tweaking how it does things now. Instead of simply reviewing and previewing games, we want volunteers, staff and fans to give the lowdown of what they do and why they love their clubs!Hebburn Town's Will Jeffries and Carlton Town's Ben Marsh join Sam Armitage to do just that, as does Lancaster City boss Jimmy Marshall to discuss his journey to managing his hometown club, his favourite ground he's managed at and a certain Ballon d'Or nominee whom he coached before he was picked up by Manchester United.

FC United of Manchester boss Mark Beesley joins Sam Armitage to discuss his eight years at Warrington Town, his favourite moments, why he left last year, and his past year in charge of FC United.Plus, Lancaster City commentator Luke Oakes is on to review a rainy weekend and preview the upcoming FA Cup third qualifying round.

Warrington Rylands' manager, Neil Reynolds, joins Sam Armitage to chat about his six years at FC United of Manchester, the changes he had to navigate there, and the successes in the Fenix Trophy. Plus, returning as Warrington Rylands boss, where he's close to passing a year in charge.FC United's media lead, Paul Hurst, and Prescot Cables' commentator, Ben Voxhall, help review the FA Cup's 2nd Qualifying Round and the upcoming NPL action.

Josh Brehaut joins Sam Armitage on the NPL Show this week to discuss how it felt to hit 100 games as Leek Town manager over the weekend, being brought in by, and then succeeding legendary boss Neil Baker, and the expectations in his second season at Step 3. Additionally, Mark Carruthers and Rich Scott are back to review last weekend's Premier Division action and preview the upcoming FA Cup games.

As summer begins to draw to a close, The NPL Show is still clinging on to seaside sunshine as Whitby Town goalkeeper Shane Bland and Seasiders commentator Paul Connolly join Sam Armitage to discuss *that* run to the 1st Round in 2023.The FA Cup action which took place this past weekend is discussed by Paul, and Shane outlines what he loves the most about Whitby Town and the NPL.

Stalybridge Celtic boss Jon Maken chats with Sam Armitage to discuss his journey from Premier League striker to NPL manager, how he defines success at different clubs, and what he expects from the FA Cup as an 8th-tier boss.Also, Rich Scott is back to help review last weekend's bank holiday action and preview the upcoming FA Cup first qualifying round, as sides from Step 3 enter for the first time.

Michael Clegg joins Sam Armitage this week to talk through his journey in non-league so far, from his early success at Atherton Collieries and his eventual return, all with stints at Ashton United, Warrington Rylands and Robbie Savage's Macclesfield sandwiched in between. NPL Media Manager James Gordon also joins Sam to review and preview action in the NPL Premier Division.

After a year away, the NPL Show is back! New host Sam Armitage is joined by Staffordshire journalist Rich Scott and North East writer Mark Carruthers to review and preview all things NPL, as well as Hednesford Town boss Gavin Hurren, after his side's perfect start to the season.