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Lionel Birnie & Simon Gill

The Magic Roundabout

A Soccer and Sports podcast

#183 in Soccer · 🇿🇦
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About the show

Join Lionel Birnie and Simon Gill as they spend a season on the road following the fortunes of their home town team, Hemel Hempstead Town. Their adventure will take them from Farnborough to Farnham, Maidstone to Maidenhead, and Torquay to Truro as they tell stories from the terraces, the dugout, the changing room and the boardroom. The Magic Roundabout is a Peloton Podcast. The series producer is Tom Whalley.

Newest episodes

The Chicken Roundabout | Episode 15 | Home and Away with The Tudors

1 hr 5 min

We pick the story up on the top of a blustery Box Hill in Surrey, overlooking Dorking. Join Lionel Birnie and Simon Gill on their travels as the Magic Roundabout adventure takes them round the M25 in both directions for two consecutive away games following Hemel Hempstead Town. At Dorking they stop by some other notable roundabouts dominated by sculptures of Olympic Games cyclists and the Dorking chicken. How many toes does a Dorking chicken have? And does the Dorking Wanderers badge look like a chicken shop logo? Although Hemel couldn't quite turn the tables on Dorking, their manager Marc White did just that at half-time as his team trailed. We also catch up with the gaffer, Lee Bircham. Then it's off to Billericay – an away trip that proves that following a football team home and away has to be about more than the match results... We also met some lovely podcast listeners – Marc, Julian, Cam and Stavros in Dorking (thanks for the chocolate bars!), and Neil in Billericay... and unwrapped a box of goodies from Gavin at Uefa.

The Racing Pigeon Club | Episode 14 | Home and Away with The Tudors

1 hr 10 min

In this bumper episode of The Magic Roundabout, we talk about the home of The Tudors, the Focus Community Arena at Vauxhall Road. Part of the joy of watching non-league football is visiting the grounds and seeing the quirky stands and little nods to the club's history. Hemel Hempstead Town's ground is no different – in fact it's one of the most charming and individual grounds around. We talk to chairman and owner Dave Boggins about the ground he inherited when he took over the club in 1997. It was in a poor state and the facilities were temporary after a clubhouse fire five years before. He restored the clubhouse and gradually improved the ground over the years as Hemel rose up through the divisions. We learn the origins of one of the ground's most interesting features, the racing pigeon club hut that sits at one end. We also speak to young midfielder Jacob Cook, currently on loan from Championship club Swansea City, and who can currently call Vauxhall Road home in a literal sense. Simon heads off on his big birthday outing and receives a couple of presents.

Herbert's Angels | Episode 13 | Home and Away with The Tudors

56 min

Join Lionel Birnie and Simon Gill as they make another trip over the Dartford Crossing to Kent to see Hemel Hempstead Town take on Tonbridge Angels. This week, they try to traditional terrace favourite – a scalding hot cup of Bovril, Lionel ponders building a football stand in his back garden, and Simon looks ahead to a significant birthday and a call-up to represent England... In honour of The Tudors' assistant manager David Noble, they do a lap of the M25 and they find out about the origin of the Angels name. This episode of The Magic Roundabout was presented and produced by Lionel Birnie and Simon Gill.

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All episodes

The Chicken Roundabout | Episode 15 | Home and Away with The Tudors

1 hr 5 min

We pick the story up on the top of a blustery Box Hill in Surrey, overlooking Dorking. Join Lionel Birnie and Simon Gill on their travels as the Magic Roundabout adventure takes them round the M25 in both directions for two consecutive away games following Hemel Hempstead Town. At Dorking they stop by some other notable roundabouts dominated by sculptures of Olympic Games cyclists and the Dorking chicken. How many toes does a Dorking chicken have? And does the Dorking Wanderers badge look like a chicken shop logo? Although Hemel couldn't quite turn the tables on Dorking, their manager Marc White did just that at half-time as his team trailed. We also catch up with the gaffer, Lee Bircham. Then it's off to Billericay – an away trip that proves that following a football team home and away has to be about more than the match results... We also met some lovely podcast listeners – Marc, Julian, Cam and Stavros in Dorking (thanks for the chocolate bars!), and Neil in Billericay... and unwrapped a box of goodies from Gavin at Uefa.

The Racing Pigeon Club | Episode 14 | Home and Away with The Tudors

1 hr 10 min

In this bumper episode of The Magic Roundabout, we talk about the home of The Tudors, the Focus Community Arena at Vauxhall Road. Part of the joy of watching non-league football is visiting the grounds and seeing the quirky stands and little nods to the club's history. Hemel Hempstead Town's ground is no different – in fact it's one of the most charming and individual grounds around. We talk to chairman and owner Dave Boggins about the ground he inherited when he took over the club in 1997. It was in a poor state and the facilities were temporary after a clubhouse fire five years before. He restored the clubhouse and gradually improved the ground over the years as Hemel rose up through the divisions. We learn the origins of one of the ground's most interesting features, the racing pigeon club hut that sits at one end. We also speak to young midfielder Jacob Cook, currently on loan from Championship club Swansea City, and who can currently call Vauxhall Road home in a literal sense. Simon heads off on his big birthday outing and receives a couple of presents.

Herbert's Angels | Episode 13 | Home and Away with The Tudors

56 min

Join Lionel Birnie and Simon Gill as they make another trip over the Dartford Crossing to Kent to see Hemel Hempstead Town take on Tonbridge Angels. This week, they try to traditional terrace favourite – a scalding hot cup of Bovril, Lionel ponders building a football stand in his back garden, and Simon looks ahead to a significant birthday and a call-up to represent England... In honour of The Tudors' assistant manager David Noble, they do a lap of the M25 and they find out about the origin of the Angels name. This episode of The Magic Roundabout was presented and produced by Lionel Birnie and Simon Gill.

Double double: The pie and mash episode | Episode 12 | Home and Away with The Tudors

47 min

In this episode, Lionel Birnie and Simon Gill head to Brooks pie and mash shop, round the corner from Dagenham and Redbridge Football Club for the pre-match meal of kings. We learn about the traditional East End meal, and the side dish of stewed or jellied eels, before Hemel Hempstead Town's eagerly-awaited clash with the title favourites. In the second half of the podcast, we head to Tuesday night training to meet a couple of the players. Charlie Rowan was appointed captain at the start of the season and, after a good start to the campaign, picked up an injury and has been watching from the sidelines. He talks about the experience of following the team home and away, unable to influence the results or performances. Harrison Panayiotou has just returned to Hemel after a three-week international break representing St Kitts and Nevis in the Concacaf Nations League. Only nine players have pulled on the national team jersey more often than Harry. We hear about the four matches against Bonaire, Grenada and a double against Cuba which ended with two wins and two draws for St Kitts. The Magic Roundabout is by Lionel Birnie and Simon Gill. This episode was produced by Lionel Birnie.

Football at your fingertips | Episode 11 | Home and Away with The Tudors

52 min

There was no first team game for Hemel Hempstead Town at the weekend but that doesn't mean there isn't a big match to enjoy on The Magic Roundabout. Lionel Birnie and Simon Gill headed to Woburn to meet England Subbuteo international Bob Varney to learn about the table football game that dominated our childhoods in the 1980s. After a brief demonstration and a brush up on the modern rules, Lionel and Simon staged a rematch of their last Subbuteo game. And for one of them, a 1-0 victory meant the end of 40 years of hurt... If you think Subbuteo can't work in audio, think again! We also look ahead to Saturday's big clash with Dagenham and Redbridge, managed by Hemel's old boss Lee Allinson. Finally we explain the links between Hemel Hempstead and King Henry the Eighth and explain why he features on the club's badge. And we explore an even more tenuous link between Hemel Hempstead Town FC and Strictly Come Dancing...

A Mars a day helps Hemel win away | Episode 10 | Home and Away with The Tudors

44 min

The second half of this week's episode takes us to Slough Town, where Lionel's curse is lifted. Hemel's two debutants bag the goals to give the manager, Birchy, an early birthday present. We enjoy a celebratory Mars bar – well, it would be rude not to as it's Slough's biggest export. Simon runs through his extraordinary CV. From nearly losing an arm as a tree surgeon, to hanging his milkman's uniform on the depot gate with a Star Wars-themed resignation note after just three shifts; spilling strawberry sauce on a bride's gown while attempting silver service to wheeling the recently deceased to the hospital morgue, Simon's done it all. We also talk to strength and conditioning coach Caitlin about her upcoming Windsor half-marathon. This episode of The Magic Roundabout by Lionel Birnie and Simon Gill was produced by Tom Whalley for Peloton Podcasts.

The Ricky Gervais derby | Episode 9 | Home and Away with The Tudors

39 min

There are two instalments of The Magic Roundabout this week as we continue to follow the fortunes of Hemel Hempstead Town. This week, we're on the road to Slough Town in a match we've dubbed The Ricky Gervais derby. Why? Well, Slough was the location of the fictional paper merchants Wernham Hogg where David Brent's rein of terror as a middle manager was depicted in The Office. And Hemel Hempstead Old Town is where the exterior shots of Gervais's Netflix series After Life were filmed. In that, Gervais played a local newspaper reporter in the internet age. So, as they make their way to Arbour Park for the match, Lionel and Simon discuss their own careers and respective routes into the sports media. Lionel's journey began with a school work experience placement at the Hemel Hempstead Gazette and progressed to the Watford Observer, Cycling Weekly, the Sunday Times and finally the creation of The Cycling Podcast. Meanwhile, Simon took a more circuitous route via a range of eclectic jobs.  This episode of The Magic Roundabout by Lionel Birnie and Simon Gill was produced by Tom Whalley for Peloton Podcasts. Tune in for the second half now...

The magic of the cup | Episode 8 | Home and Away with The Tudors

59 min

In this episode, Lionel Birnie and Simon Gill set themselves two challenges to mark Hemel Hempstead Town's entry into the FA Cup at the second qualifying round stage. They honour that fine terrace tradition of making a tinfoil FA Cup trophy, and decide to cycle (or run) to every game on the Road to Wembley. Of course, the Gods of Football have other ideas and The Tudors find themselves on the end of an upset. Join them for the journey as they celebrate the oldest and most famous knockout cup competition in world football, venture off the beaten track on their bike ride into north London, and find out there's no such place as Wingate. This episode of The Magic Roundabout by Lionel Birnie and Simon Gill was produced by Tom Whalley for Peloton Podcasts.

The magical history tour | Episode 7 | Home and Away with The Tudors

1 hr 6 min

Lionel Birnie and Simon Gill take a trip down memory lane with a walking tour of their home town, Hemel Hempstead. On the way, they learn about the history of the football club, the post-war new town development, Geoffrey Jellicoe's urban vision for the 20th century that barely lasted 50 years, and the last highwayman to be hanged in England... We talk to the co-editor of the book series Crap Towns about Hemel's inclusion and ask what makes a crap town. On the football front, it's been a busy time behind the scenes at the Focus Community Arena with several arrivals and departures. Manager Lee Bircham fills us in on the loanee from Swansea City who is living in the chairman's annexe at the bottom of his garden, and the moment the striker Remaye Campbell's head was turned by the opportunity to play full-time football. The Magic Roundabout by Lionel Birnie and Simon Gill is a Peloton Podcasts Production. This episode was edited by Tom Whalley.

Is that all you take away? | Episode 6 | Home and Away with The Tudors

58 min

It's been another busy week following The Tudors home and away for Lionel Birnie and Simon Gill. In this episode, they headed to Ebbsfleet United to join 20 other loyal, passionate and noisy Hemel Hempstead Town fans. Join them on the journey as they take the gaffer, Lee Bircham, to the game. On the way they discuss Wolf Hall, Queens Park Rangers and Birchy's role as an extra in the football hooligan film Green Street. We also speak to Birchy's brother, Marc about Hemel – the Miami of Hertfordshire. This episode was produced by Huw Owen for Peloton Podcasts.

The Folkestone pigeon murderer | Episode 5 | Home and Away with The Tudors

57 min

A busy bank holiday weekend for Hemel Hempstead Town sees two games in three games, starting with Weston-super-Mare at home. Then it's a day trip to Kent to face Folkestone Invicta and the first chance for Lionel Birnie and Simon Gill to get on the road together this season. There's a football ground taste test, inspired by Footy Scran, a brush with the Folkestone pigeon murderer, and a cultural tour of the seaside town. Also, Simon has got a terrace song from the Tudors faithful! Episode 5 of The Magic Roundabout by Lionel Birnie and Simon Gill was produced by Tom Whalley for Peloton Podcasts.

The 262nd tallest building in Britain | Episode 4 | Home and Away with The Tudors

57 min

Five days can be a long time in football. From the disappointment of the first defeat of the season on Tuesday night to the euphoria of an injury-time winner at Salisbury, The Tudors experienced both ends of the spectrum this week. In this episode of The Magic Roundabout, Simon and Lionel collect their new advertising hoarding from the printers and find a place to put it up at Hemel Hempstead Town's ground. Let's hope it leaves a stronger impression on Tudors fans than the Fuji pitchside adverts at successive World Cups left on Lionel's memory. Then they go on a mini tour of Hemel to investigate the significance of the town's tallest building (the 262nd tallest in Britain, apparently) and explore the connections to photography and film industry. From there, it's a visit to Salisbury, home of the 123-metre tall cathedral spire, and a devastating event that rocked the city's sense of security in 2018. Episode 4 of The Magic Roundabout by Lionel Birnie and Simon Gill was produced by Tom Whalley for Peloton Podcasts.

On the road with the Birchams | Episode 3 | Home and Away with The Tudors

48 min

It’s Hemel Hempstead Town’s first away game of the season and, with Lionel on holiday, Simon Gill is flying solo. Perhaps that’s appropriate because the destination is Farnborough, home of the famous air show. Simon picks up the gaffer, Lee Bircham, and his younger brother Marc (who is still a terrace hero at QPR) for a memorable road trip. On the way to Hampshire, they talk about anything but football - the eclipse and whether aliens have visited the earth… on the way home they discuss Hemel’s most striking landmark, the old Kodak building, and the rights and wrongs of ordering a curry from the Chinese takeaway. In the middle of all that there’s the first away match and three well-earned points. This episode of The Magic Roundabout is presented by Simon Gill. The producer is Jon Moonie for Peloton Podcasts.

'This place was as flat as a Yorkshireman's hat a minute ago' | Episode 2 | Home and Away with The Tudors

45 min

This is The Magic Roundabout... It's the opening day of the National League South season. A pair of inflatables of King Henry the Eighth beckon us towards the Focus Community Arena for Hemel Hempstead Town's first home game, against highly fancied Chelmsford City. The sun is shining, the air crackles with excitement and the turnstiles clack to signal the start of the new campaign. Lionel's even got his new 'lucky' red socks on... In this bumper episode, we tell the story of the opening day, from the terraces, the dugout and the dressing room. It turns out to be a dramatic day – with a Hemel player involved in a (thankfully minor) collision on the M1 and a grandstand finish that reminds us why football keeps dragging us back for more. Join childhood friends Lionel Birnie and Simon Gill as they follow their home town team, nicknamed The Tudors, throughout the 2026-27 season. Written and hosted by Lionel Birnie and Simon Gill. This episode was produced by Huw Owen for Peloton Podcasts.

'You need to sign a waiver' | Episode 1 | Home and Away with The Tudors

41 min

This is The Magic Roundabout, a podcast about football, friendship and passing fifty...Home and away with The Tudors. A season on the road with Hemel Hempstead Town FC.Lionel Birnie and Simon Gill grew up two doors down from each other. As kids in the Eighties they played hours of football in the back garden, devised lengthy Subbuteo tournaments, and wore their Watford kits everywhere. In short, football was their life. But if life was a football match, it's fair to say they are well into the second half now so they've decided to spend a season doing what they love most. Watching football, and telling stories. Join them as they follow their home town team through the ups and downs of a season in English football's sixth tier, the National League South. Simon's school mate Lee Bircham has returned to the club for a second spell as manager. In this opening episode, we meet the key characters at the club, from owner Dave Boggins, whose garden gate opens into the football ground, to the gaffer 'Birchy' and his backroom team. After one of Hemel's best seasons ended in play-off heartbreak, expectations are high for the remodelled squad. Pre-season is over, now the serious business is about to begin. Written and hosted by Lionel Birnie and Simon Gill. Produced by Tom Whalley for Peloton Podcasts.

Trailer: The Magic Roundabout – Home and Away with The Tudors

3 min

Welcome to The Magic Roundabout, a podcast series taking listeners on the road, and behind-the-scenes, at Hemel Hempstead Town as they complete a 46-game season in the sixth tier of English football. You may have heard Lionel Birnie and Simon Gill on The Cycling Podcast, riding to each of the Scottish League grounds in the Tour d'Écosse. Now they are going on adventure, following the fortunes of their home town team – nicknamed The Tudors – as they challenge for glory in the National League South and FA Cup. They'll travel home and away – visiting Farnborough and Farnham, Maidstone and Maidenhead, Truro and Torquay – telling the stories from the terraces, the dugout, the changing rooms and the boardroom along the way. We'll meet a cast of characters who are the heartbeat of the club, from the charismatic owner and chairman Dave Boggins, manager Lee Bircham – who is Simon's mate from school – the rest of the back-room team and the players. Along the way, we'll answer a host of questions, such as: What is the Magic Roundabout? Who runs the Racing Pigeon Club? And why is King Henry the Eighth on the club badge? Coming soon: The Magic Roundabout. Tune in, or it's off with your head.

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