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.

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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.

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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.

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Music by Sam Hopkins

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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 approaching, Aaron also chats to Rich from A Trip To The Moon to get the inside track on this weekend’s visitors.

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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 bold shouts, cautious optimism, and the usual dose of fan opinion.

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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.

Finally, U’s fan Jay joins us to break down the current injury situation — who’s fit, who’s sidelined, and what it all means with the season fast approaching.

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Episode 2 – Pre-Season, Players & the League 2 Picture

In Episode 2 of Beyond the Barside, Aaron catches up with U's fans Si and Dave to reflect on the first pre-season friendly and share their thoughts on the recent signings.

Looking ahead, we’re joined by Charlie, a Dagenham & Redbridge supporter, to preview our next opponents and get a fan’s-eye view of the Daggers.

We also take a step back with Absolute Football contributor Aaron to explore the wider League 2 picture — the movers, the shakers, and what it could all mean for Col U this season.

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Episode 1 – Maldon & Tiptree and Looking Ahead

In the very first episode of Beyond the Barside, host Aaron Jay kicks things off ahead of Colchester United’s first pre-season fixture with a trip to Maldon & Tiptree.

Aaron is joined by long-time U’s fans Si and Dave to reflect on last season and share their hopes for the campaign ahead. Maldon & Tiptree CEO Barrie also stops by to give insight into the exciting project taking shape at the club. Plus, we hear from Andy and Louise from the Col U women’s setup as they discuss their growing role within the wider U’s family.

It’s a packed debut full of passion, perspective, and plenty of Barside spirit.

If you enjoy the show, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a rating, and share it with fellow U’s fans. Up the U’s!

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