The Stretford Paddock Fans Podcast

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 answer your listener questions.
Plus, we launch The 6 Pointer, our new prediction competition covering games from across the Cheshire League and GMWFL, with a season-long forfeit waiting for whoever finishes bottom.
Finally, we turn our attention to Paddock. What have we fixed over the summer, what are we still missing, and are we ready for the first league game?
Some of these predictions definitely won’t age well.
UTP 🇾🇪

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 can bring to the role.
Club commentator Liam and chairman (and father) Craig Howson join us to share an insight into Ste’s decision to step down and what the change could mean for Paddock.
We also look ahead to the new season, discuss what Paddock can achieve, and ask what this changing of the guard means for the future of the club.
Gibbo is at the wheel. Let’s see where he takes us.
UTP 🇾🇪

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 left to play for.

They also talk through what has changed in recent weeks, whether there are finally signs of a team beginning to find its identity, and take a look at the dramatic promotion races elsewhere in the Cheshire League.

UTP 🇾🇪

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 proper conversation about standards, development, and where the club goes next.
UTP 🇾🇪

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 controversial Cheshire League restructure that is already dividing opinion across the league.
UTP 🇾🇪