The nation's favourite vicar (sorry Richard Coles) joins the podcast to talk about her life in and around sport, the important role sports clubs have in communities to help bring people together and how for a brief moment she considered doing I'm A Celebrity to pay for a new clubhouse for her rugby team. We even managed a little Googlebox chat.

A truly joyous episode.

***

Hosted by sports author James Dixon ('The Fix' & 'World in Union') the Ground Jewels podcast is dedicated to celebrating the deep connections individuals have with their favorite sports grounds.

***

Artwork by Luke Williamson - https://www.lukewilliamsonart.com/

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You'll know Qasa from The Travel Show and as the lead presenter of Today at Wimbledon but it was over Christmas and New Year when he appeared on Celebrity Mastermind that I learned about his deep love for Milan's Rossoneri.

It was an absolute delight to speak to Qasa about a ground he knows so well.

***

Hosted by sports author James Dixon ('The Fix' & 'World in Union') the Ground Jewels podcast is dedicated to celebrating the deep connections individuals have with their favorite sports grounds.

***

Artwork by Luke Williamson - https://www.lukewilliamsonart.com/

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This season Daniel is attempting to visit every single Premier League and Football League ground and chronicling that effort in the i newspaper. We talk about his early football adventures in Africa and Europe, his love of grounds and end of the line towns where the football club is at the heart of the community.

***

Hosted by sports author James Dixon ('The Fix' & 'World in Union') the Ground Jewels podcast is dedicated to celebrating the deep connections individuals have with their favorite sports grounds.

***

Artwork by Luke Williamson - https://www.lukewilliamsonart.com/

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Comedian, actor, podcaster, former PE teacher Mike Bubbins graciously re-joins the podcast in Super Bowl week to nominate Lambeau Field, home of the NFL's Green Bay Packers as a ground jewel.

A lifelong Packers super fan, Mike finally got to attend a game at Lambeau Field's frozen tundra this Thanksgiving. Let him tell you about his experience of Lambeau and Titletown, USA - home of the only co-operatively owned NFL franchise since 1919.

***

Hosted by sports author James Dixon ('The Fix' & 'World in Union') the Ground Jewels podcast is dedicated to celebrating the deep connections individuals have with their favorite sports grounds.

***

Artwork by Luke Williamson - https://www.lukewilliamsonart.com/

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Croke Park is the largest non-soccer stadium in Europe and has special cultural and political significance in Ireland as it was the site of a massacre in 1920 during the Anglo-Irish War.

Orla is a Derry Girl, growing up in Northern Ireland during that tumultous political time. Croke Park speaks to her love of sport and also to her identity (and it didn't hurt that Derry won the GAA All-Ireland Football Championship for the first time at Croker when she was in her teens).

Now an accomplished broadcaster, the national stadium still holds a special place in her heart and this is a tremendous episode of The Ground Jewels.

***

Hosted by sports author James Dixon ('The Fix' & 'World in Union') the Ground Jewels podcast is dedicated to celebrating the deep connections individuals have with their favorite sports grounds.

***

Artwork by Luke Williamson - https://www.lukewilliamsonart.com/

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Chris' debut book Tears at La Bombonera was a critically acclaimed travelogue on his footballing journeys through South America and now he's back with a follow up Dame Bola: A Journey Through the Language of Argentinian Football

So, who better to take us on a virtual tour of this iconic chocolate box stadium?

***

Hosted by sports author James Dixon ('The Fix' & 'World in Union') the Ground Jewels podcast is dedicated to celebrating the deep connections individuals have with their favorite sports grounds.

***

Artwork by Luke Williamson - https://www.lukewilliamsonart.com/

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We rendezvous with Ian as he takes us on a sojourn through the important stadiums and sporting venues of his life. From growing up in Blackburn, moving to East Anglia, to his current dual existence as a bed & breakfast owner in the Loire valley/comedian on the UK comedy circuit.

An episode not to be missed.

***

Hosted by sports author James Dixon ('The Fix' & 'World in Union') the Ground Jewels podcast is dedicated to celebrating the deep connections individuals have with their favorite sports grounds.

***

Artwork by Luke Williamson - https://www.lukewilliamsonart.com/

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This month is the 115th anniversary of the first international match played at Twickenham (England beat Wales 11-6) and the 'Home of Rugby' has undergone numerous changes since the cabbage patch was acquired by RFU. Not least just last year selling the naming rights to the historic stadium to the insurance giant Allianz.

Who better to talk about this ever evolving ground than the curator of World Rugby Museum, which is based at Twickenham itself.

***

Hosted by sports author James Dixon ('The Fix' & 'World in Union') the Ground Jewels podcast is dedicated to celebrating the deep connections individuals have with their favorite sports grounds.

***

Artwork by Luke Williamson - https://www.lukewilliamsonart.com/

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• Kate Mason on Wimbledon Centre Court
• Martin Kelner on Station Road, Swinton
• Adam Rutherford on Portman Road, Ipswich
• Henry Winter on St James' Park, Newcastle
• Jonny Owen on Penydarren Park, Merthyr
• Jen Offord on The Valley, home to Charlton Athletic
• John Taylor on Old Deer Park, home to London Welsh
• Charles Dagnall on the Tampa Stadium
• Aatif Nawaz on the Rose Bowl, Hampshire
• Tim Vickery on San Januario, Vasco De Gama,
• Zoe De Toledo on the Championship Course
• Ian McMillan on Oakwell, Barnsley
• Jim Waterson on Bootham Crescent, York

I hope you have as much fun listening back as I did re-editing it.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

James

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A Melburnian to his core Jarrod was the perfect guest to discuss this iconic and important stadium. For a long time, the world'd largest cricket ground, the MCG has hosted two Cricket World Cup Finals and was the birth place of both Test cricket and ODI cricket.

Not content with being one of the world's most important cricket venues 'The G' as it's locally known is also the spiritual home of Aussie Rules football and was the first stadium in the Southern Hemisphere to host an Olympic Games. The MCG was known for its vast and partisan Great Southern Stand, and in particular the raucous Bay 13, where only the bravest opposition fieldsman would dare venture.

In recent times, the MCG has become world renowned for its Boxing Day Test match but Jarrod was able to tell us so much more as he kindly shared his experiences of watching Sheffield Shield cricket and VFL/AFL games at 'The G'.

I hope you enjoy this special episode.

***

Hosted by sports author James Dixon ('The Fix' & 'World in Union') the Ground Jewels podcast is dedicated to celebrating the deep connections individuals have with their favorite sports grounds.

***

Artwork by Luke Williamson - https://www.lukewilliamsonart.com/

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We discussed Carly's experiences singing at major sporting events including football internationals and the Ryder Cup opening ceremony

Here's Carly singing both the Northern Irish anthem and Italian national anthem at Windsor Park, Belfast - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NidWcOUC2pY

https://carlypaoli.com/

***

Hosted by sports author James Dixon ('The Fix' & 'World in Union') the Ground Jewels podcast is dedicated to celebrating the deep connections individuals have with their favorite sports grounds.

***

Artwork by Luke Williamson - https://www.lukewilliamsonart.com/

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We discussed David's youth in Wiltshire, his first game against Tranmere Rovers, the club's golden period under first Lou Macari, then Ossie Ardilles and finally Glenn Hoddle, who David believes is the best player he ever saw in a Swindon shirt.

We also touched on the lack of investment in the ground/club of late and by law as it's a podcast featuring Swindon the magic roundabout was mentioned.

***

Hosted by sports author James Dixon ('The Fix' & 'World in Union') the Ground Jewels podcast is dedicated to celebrating the deep connections individuals have with their favorite sports grounds.

***

Artwork by Luke Williamson - https://www.lukewilliamsonart.com/

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Jim has nominated Bootham Crescent, the former home of York City FC as his ground jewel.

We discussed Jim's early years growing up in York, the famous cup victory over Fergie's Manchester United volunteering for the club, it's yo-yo existence in the 21st century and the closure of Bootham Crescent which coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic.

It's genuinely one of my favourite episodes.

***

Hosted by sports author James Dixon ('The Fix' & 'World in Union') the Ground Jewels podcast is dedicated to celebrating the deep connections individuals have with their favorite sports grounds.

***

Artwork by Luke Williamson - https://www.lukewilliamsonart.com/

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Nigel has nominated Aspin Lane, home of Knaresborough Cricket Club as his Ground Jewel.

Sport generally and cricket specifically has always played a huge part in the former Bristol Rovers, Crystal Palace, Leeds United and Everton keeper's life.

We discussed Nigel's post-football cricketing exploits for Knaresborough and Cornwall over-50s, as well as some of the grounds he loves (both football and cricket)

***

Hosted by sports author James Dixon ('The Fix' & 'World in Union') the Ground Jewels podcast is dedicated to celebrating the deep connections individuals have with their favorite sports grounds.

***

Artwork by Luke Williamson - https://www.lukewilliamsonart.com/

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His book Football Grounds of England and Wales was first published in 1983 and it has been chosen by readers of The Times as the fourth best football book of all time.

We discussed Simon's Villa Park origin story, sight lines, smells and what makes Birmingham a truly exceptional city.

***

Hosted by sports author James Dixon ('The Fix' & 'World in Union') the Ground Jewels podcast is dedicated to celebrating the deep connections individuals have with their favorite sports grounds.

***

Artwork by Luke Williamson - https://www.lukewilliamsonart.com/

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Henry is an acclaimed journalist and the current Sports Journalist Association and Football Supporters Association 'Football Journalist of the Year'.

We discussed what makes Newcastle and St James' Park special including the walk from the train station, the watering holes around the ground and the famous Gallowgate End.

***

Hosted by sports author James Dixon ('The Fix' & 'World in Union') the Ground Jewels podcast is dedicated to celebrating the deep connections individuals have with their favorite sports grounds.

***

Artwork by Luke Williamson - https://www.lukewilliamsonart.com/

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Jen is the author of the fantastic bookThe Year of the Robin: Watching It All Go Wrong for Charlton Athletic and the World. In addition to her writing Jen is the co-host and producer of the hugely popular Standard Issue podcast, for which she has interviewed many leading sports stars.

We discussed her Charlton origin story, the time the club was locked out of its own ground and the political fight the supporters had to undertake to get back to The Valley; as well as how she's now sharing her love of The Addicks with her daughter.

***

Hosted by sports author James Dixon ('The Fix' & 'World in Union') the Ground Jewels podcast is dedicated to celebrating the deep connections individuals have with their favorite sports grounds.

***

Artwork by Luke Williamson - https://www.lukewilliamsonart.com/

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Aatif Nawaz is an actor, writer and stand-up comedian , who has recently seamlessly transitioned to being a cricket presenter and commentator for the BBC, including on the iconic Test Match Special programme.

Aatif has nominated the Rose Bowl, in part, because in 2020, during the Covid pandemic he lived there alongside his heroes like Wasim Akram and Shane Warne. Listen to his memories of a unique time

***

Hosted by sports author James Dixon ('The Fix' & 'World in Union') the Ground Jewels podcast is dedicated to celebrating the deep connections individuals have with their favorite sports grounds.

***

Artwork by Luke Williamson - https://www.lukewilliamsonart.com/

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Tim is a respected journalist, who has lived in Rio for 30 years. Every week he's one half of theWorld Football Phone-In on BBC 5 Live, as well as lending his considerable talents to the likes of ESPN, Sports Illustrated and Brazillian TV.

We discussed the historic importance of São Januário, it's unique design as well as Tim's personal memories of the ground, which you may be suprised to learn involved an altercation at gun point.

***

Hosted by sports author James Dixon ('The Fix' & 'World in Union') the Ground Jewels podcast is dedicated to celebrating the deep connections individuals have with their favorite sports grounds.

***

Artwork by Luke Williamson - https://www.lukewilliamsonart.com/

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Jim is a professor of theoretical physics, an author, and the host of The Life Scientific on BBC Radio 4. We discussed how he became a Leeds fan growing up in Bagdhad, the role football played for him when he moved to the UK and his 500 mile round trips to watch Leeds from his home on the south coast.

***

Hosted by sports author James Dixon ('The Fix' & 'World in Union') the Ground Jewels podcast is dedicated to celebrating the deep connections individuals have with their favorite sports grounds.

***

Artwork by Luke Williamson - https://www.lukewilliamsonart.com/

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Adam is a scientist, writer and broadcaster born and bred in Ipswich. We discussed his memories growing up during Ipswich's golden period in the late 70s and early 80s, his match going experience as well as his nervousness ahead of the climax of the 2023/24 season.

Adam also has one of the best Bobby Robson stories you'll ever hear.

***

Hosted by sports author James Dixon ('The Fix' & 'World in Union') the Ground Jewels podcast is dedicated to celebrating the deep connections individuals have with their favorite sports grounds.

***

Artwork by Luke Williamson - https://www.lukewilliamsonart.com/

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Jonny's made some of the best football documentaries of the past few years I Believe in Miracles (Brian Clough's Nottingham Forest), Don't Take Me Home (Wales' Euro 2016 campaign), and The Three Kings (on Matt Busby, Jock Stein and Bill Shankly).

We discussed the social history of Merthyr, why it's a football town and not a rugby town, the club's golden era in the late 1980s which included a Cup Winner's Cup success against Atalanta, administration and what it's like to be a stadium sponsor.

Jonny is a unique and thoughtful voice in football and this episode is one not to be missed.

***

Hosted by sports author James Dixon ('The Fix' & 'World in Union') the Ground Jewels podcast is dedicated to celebrating the deep connections individuals have with their favorite sports grounds.

***

Artwork by Luke Williamson - https://www.lukewilliamsonart.com/

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Kate is a fantastic guest and heroically joined us the morning after the Sports Journalism Awards where it's fair to say a good time was had by all.

The conversation was fun and wide ranging. The traditions, the queue, the roof, the royal box, Kate's childhood fascination with Pete Sampras. We covered it all.

An episode not to miss.

***

Hosted by sports author James Dixon ('The Fix' & 'World in Union') the Ground Jewels podcast is dedicated to celebrating the deep connections individuals have with their favorite sports grounds.

***

Artwork by Luke Williamson - https://www.lukewilliamsonart.com/

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Uli is a superb writer and an authority on BVB, having literally wrote the book on the club's famous Yellow Wall, Europe's biggest terrace.

This year is the 50th anniversary of the stadium that was originally built for the 1974 World Cup and will play a key role as Germany host Euro 2024.

A great conversation about a great ground.

***

Hosted by sports author James Dixon ('The Fix' & 'World in Union') the Ground Jewels podcast is dedicated to celebrating the deep connections individuals have with their favorite sports grounds.

***

Artwork by Luke Williamson - https://www.lukewilliamsonart.com/

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Toby & Cricket District are some of best cricket content creators on the internet at the moment as any follower of the #ThatsSoVillage hashtag will know and they have a passion for making the game more accessible and more social.

Once a year the St Moritz Cricket Club hosts a Cricket on Ice festival with the games played on a frozen lake. Something to bear in mind as the UK cricket season gets underway this weekend.

Listen to Toby talk about that experience and a whole load more too.

***

Hosted by sports author James Dixon ('The Fix' & 'World in Union') the Ground Jewels podcast is dedicated to celebrating the deep connections individuals have with their favorite sports grounds.

***

Artwork by Luke Williamson - https://www.lukewilliamsonart.com/

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Richard is a household name known for his sports broadcasting on TV-AM, Sky Sports and laterly on beIN Sports.

However, before that he was a Coventry City superfan. Growing up during the club's glory period of the late 60s and early 70s he saw Jimmy Hill lead the team to the First Division, where they finished sixth and played in Europe against the likes of Bayern Munich.

Coventry then became synonmous with relegation battles and developed a knack of staying up on the last day of the season, including some famous last day shenanigans in 1977 that relegated Sunderland.

We discuss all that and the club's eventual departure from Highfield Road and the long road back from homelessness and the depths of the Football League.

One not to be missed.

***

Hosted by sports author James Dixon ('The Fix' & 'World in Union') the Ground Jewels podcast is dedicated to celebrating the deep connections individuals have with their favorite sports grounds.

***

Artwork by Luke Williamson - https://www.lukewilliamsonart.com/

--- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/james-dixon352/message

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Zoe is an Olympic medalist turned broadcaster, who has been coxing boats along this stretch of the Thames since her school days. In 2012, Zoe was famously involved in the Boat Race that was disrupted by a protestor entering the river.

Although that day had an unhappy ending for Zoe in the dark blue boat of Oxford it was also in another way the beginning of something much happier.

***

Hosted by sports author James Dixon ('The Fix' & 'World in Union') the Ground Jewels podcast is dedicated to celebrating the deep connections individuals have with their favorite sports grounds.

***

Artwork by Luke Williamson - https://www.lukewilliamsonart.com/

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Meghann is presenter, journalist and author from Galway and her love for the RDS stems from her family involvement in show jumping.

The conversation is as energetic as it is endearing as Meghann shares some very personal memories of the RDS and her late father, Maxie.

***

Hosted by sports author James Dixon ('The Fix' & 'World in Union') the Ground Jewels podcast is dedicated to celebrating the deep connections individuals have with their favorite sports grounds.

***

Artwork by Luke Williamson - https://www.lukewilliamsonart.com/

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This week's guest is John Taylor and John has nominated Old Deer Park in south-west London, home to London Welsh Rugby Football Club as his Ground Jewel.

John is a legend of rugby union. First as a Grand Slam winner with Wales and then as part of the only British & Irish Lions team to win in New Zealand. He also took an incredibly brave and principled stand against sporting contact with apartheid South Africa, which as we learn cost him a few Welsh caps and a notable appearance for the Barbarians.

At his heart John is a one club man, he joined London Welsh from Loughborough Students in 1966 and is yet to leave. He's been a player, an administrator and now serves as the club President.

His passion for ODP shines through this interview and he even treats us to some anecdotes featuring Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor and King Charles III.

***

Hosted by sports author James Dixon ('The Fix' & 'World in Union') the Ground Jewels podcast is dedicated to celebrating the deep connections individuals have with their favorite sports grounds.

***

Artwork by Luke Williamson - https://www.lukewilliamsonart.com/

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Ibrox is one of the most important stadiums in world football and has witnessed Rangers win 55 League titles since their first in 1890. The main stand dating from 1929 is considered to be celebrated football architect, Archibald Leitch's crowing achievement.

However, it is also a stadium with a tragic past. There have been two Ibrox disasters. The first in 1902 when a stand collapsed killing 25 people and the second in 1971 when a crush caused the deaths of 66 people, half of whom were children.

After the 1971 disaster Rangers led the way in modernising stadia long before the Taylor Report forced others in Britain to follow suit.

We talk to Martyn about his formative experiences as a Rangers fan, great European nights, the Old Firm rivalry and the club's journey from the bottom of the Scottish leagues back to where they belong.

***

Hosted by sports author James Dixon ('The Fix' & 'World in Union') the Ground Jewels podcast is dedicated to celebrating the deep connections individuals have with their favorite sports grounds.

***

Artwork by Luke Williamson - https://www.lukewilliamsonart.com/

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Roots Hall opened in 1955 and for 33 years it was the last new Football League stadium until Scunthorpe's Glanford Park was constructed.

Situated in the heart of Southend, in recent years the ground has been receiving envious gazes from various property developers but as yet the Shrimpers have not moved to pastures new.

***

Hosted by sports author James Dixon ('The Fix' & 'World in Union') the Ground Jewels podcast is dedicated to celebrating the deep connections individuals have with their favorite sports grounds.

***

Artwork by Luke Williamson - https://www.lukewilliamsonart.com/

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Station Road was built in 1929,a year after the Swinton Lions made history becoming the first (and only) Lancashire side to win 'all four cups' in rugby league.

In 1930, it hosted it's first Ashes Test match versus the travelling Kangeroos in the ambitously capacitied stadium that had space for 60,000 supporters.

The Swinton Lions heyday at Station Road was the early sixities but as the area's industry declined so did the team and so did the ground, in 1992 the ground was sold for housing development and Swinton haven't been back to the top-flight since.

***

Hosted by sports author James Dixon ('The Fix' & 'World in Union') the Ground Jewels podcast is dedicated to celebrating the deep connections individuals have with their favorite sports grounds.

***

Artwork by Luke Williamson - https://www.lukewilliamsonart.com/

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Beaver Stadium is the 106,000 capacity stadium that is home to the Penn State Nittany Lions in College Football's B1G Ten Conference.

Chris and I talk about how he welcomed me to Beaver Stadium for a white-out game back in 2013. Some College Football quirks and our shared appreciation for stadia and sports grounds. It's a good one.

***

Hosted by sports author James Dixon ('The Fix' & 'World in Union') the Ground Jewels podcast is dedicated to celebrating the deep connections individuals have with their favorite sports grounds.

***

Artwork by Luke Williamson - https://www.lukewilliamsonart.com/

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This week's guest is Edgbaston's Head of Sports Turf and Grounds, Gary Barwell. Gary has been the main man at Warwickshire for more than a decade has nominated Edgbaston Cricket Ground as his Ground Jewel.

In this episode we ask who would be a groundsman? Find out Gary's views on Ben Stokes, Brendon McCullum, Rob Key and Chris Woakes and pay homage to the Hollies.

Hosted by sports author James Dixon ('The Fix' & 'World in Union') the Ground Jewels podcast is dedicated to celebrating the deep connections individuals have with their favorite sports grounds.

***

Artwork by Luke Williamson - https://www.lukewilliamsonart.com/

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We discuss their nomadic journey from the Goldstone Ground to the AMEX, via the Withdean Stadium and its infamous athletics track. We discuss the politics of Brighton and how the shape the club; the rivalry with Crystal Palace and some of the thoughtful touches Brighton lay on for visiting fans.

Hosted by sports author James Dixon ('The Fix' & 'World in Union') the Ground Jewels podcast is dedicated to celebrating the deep connections individuals have with their favorite sports grounds.

***

Artwork by Luke Williamson - https://www.lukewilliamsonart.com/

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This week's guest is the Football Clichés podcaster David Walker. David has nominated Vicarage Road, the home of Watford FC as his Ground Jewel.

We discuss how he came to support the Hornets via the circuitous route of Blackburn Rovers, how his relationship with the ground has changed over the years and his deep admiration for two Watford FC legends... Elton John and Graham Taylor

Hosted by sports author James Dixon ('The Fix' & 'World in Union') the Ground Jewels podcast is dedicated to celebrating the deep connections individuals have with their favorite sports grounds.

Artwork by Luke Williamson - https://www.lukewilliamsonart.com/

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This week's guest is the cricket broadcaster Charles Dagnall. Daggers has nominated the Tampa Stadium, the former home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers aka the Big Sombrero as his Ground Jewel.

We also talk about his favourite cricket ground Old Trafford and the maidans of Mumbai

Hosted by sports author James Dixon, known for his works 'The Fix' and 'World in Union,' the Ground Jewels podcast is dedicated to celebrating fan culture and the deep connections individuals have with their favorite sports grounds.

Artwork by Luke Williamson - https://www.lukewilliamsonart.com/

***

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(3:30) The 5-1 gesture post Commonwealth Games success

(5:45) Edinburgh as a football city

(11:15) How Eilidh became a Hearts fan

(17:50) Relationship between the Old Firm and 'the rest'

(23:30) Favourite stadiums to compete in

(25:10) How Eilidh found running at London 2012 overwhelming

(29:45) Best experiences as a Hearts fan.

(36:00) Tempting fate as a fan

Hosted by sports author James Dixon, known for his works 'The Fix' and 'World in Union,' the Ground Jewels podcast is dedicated to celebrating fan culture and the deep connections individuals have with their favorite sports grounds.

Artwork by Luke Williamson - https://www.lukewilliamsonart.com/

***

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(2:25) Introduction

(3:50) Why Wembley was built how it was

(6:15) The 1923 White Horse Final

(8:00) The 1992 FA Trophy Final

(12:40) How do you write a history of such an iconic stadium?

(19:00) The jeopardy of a Wembley final

(24:00) The sad end to Wembley

(26:30) Favourite FA Cup Final memories

(34:40) Using Wembley for FA Cup semi-finals - Arsenal v Tottenham 1991

(38:30) 'The people's cathedral'

Hosted by sports author James Dixon, known for his works 'The Fix' and 'World in Union,' the Ground Jewels podcast is dedicated to celebrating fan culture and the deep connections individuals have with their favorite sports grounds.

Artwork by Luke Williamson - https://www.lukewilliamsonart.com/

Buy Nige's Wembley book: https://www.simonandschuster.co.uk/books/Field-of-Dreams/Nige-Tassell/9781398518544

***

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(3:30) The beauty of the County Ground

(8:30) Annie's ideal day at the cricket

(10:30) The joy of scoring

(13:15) Seeing Viv Richards and Joel Garner play

(18:50) Somerset's long wait for a County Championship

(21:00) Who does county cricket matter to?

(24:30) Outgrounds and Festival weeks

(29:30) Scheduling of franchise cricket

(36:10) Annie's favourite match - Somerset vs The Australians

Hosted by sports author James Dixon, known for his works 'The Fix' and 'World in Union,' the Ground Jewels podcast is dedicated to celebrating fan culture and the deep connections individuals have with their favorite sports grounds.

Artwork by Luke Williamson - https://www.lukewilliamsonart.com/

***

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(4:15) Introduction

(5:20) NFL at the new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

(6:50) First trip to Cardiff Arms Park

(10:00) Golden memories of the amateur era

(17:30) The building of the Millenium Stadium

(21:00) Cardiff's rugby pubs

(26:40) The changing match day atmosphere

(36:00) Women's Six Nations

(37:30) Rugby League

(40:50) Games Mike would like to re-visit

Hosted by sports author James Dixon, known for his works 'The Fix' and 'World in Union,' the Ground Jewels podcast is dedicated to celebrating fan culture and the deep connections individuals have with their favorite sports grounds.

Artwork by Luke Williamson - https://www.lukewilliamsonart.com/

***

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(2:55) Introduction

(6:30) Arriving in Tottenham

(9:00) First trip to White Hart Lane

(18:00) Fashion and football

(21:00) Comparison to Highbury

(25:15) Racism on the terraces

(32:40) European nights at White Hart Lane

(35:00) Tottenham High Street and the surrounding areas

(41:30) Playing at Wembley during the ground re-development

(44:35) The new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

(54:15) Dotun's new book F***RIES

Hosted by sports author James Dixon, known for his works 'The Fix' and 'World in Union,' the Ground Jewels podcast is dedicated to celebrating fan culture and the deep connections individuals have with their favorite sports grounds.

Artwork by Luke Williamson - https://www.lukewilliamsonart.com/

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(2:20) Introduction

(5:30) Ruth's first visit to the Reebok Stadium

(8:45) Stadium accessibility as a wheelchair user

(14:00) Matchday routine and her usual McDonald's order

(19:00) Ruth's weirdest interaction as a Bolton Wanderers fan

(21:40) Bolton's golden Premier League period (Big Sam Allardyce, Kevin Nolan, Kevin Davies, Jay Jay Okocha et al)

(24:10) Bolton in Europe - Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid.

(27:05) Financial difficulties, the club nearly being liquidated and bouncing back.

(35:30) Night matches

(38:40) Derby matches (Blackburn Rovers, Wigan Athletic)

(42:55) Missing football during the COVID pandemic

Hosted by sports author James Dixon, known for his works 'The Fix' and 'World in Union,' the Ground Jewels podcast is dedicated to celebrating fan culture and the deep connections individuals have with their favorite sports grounds.

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Artwork by Luke Williamson - https://www.lukewilliamsonart.com/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to the 'The Ground Jewels' podcast! In this special trailer episode, we invite you to join us on a (hopefully) thrilling journey as we explore the magic, nostalgia, and community surrounding beloved sporting venues.

Hosted by sports author James Dixon, known for his works 'The Fix' and 'World in Union,' this podcast is dedicated to celebrating fan culture and the deep connections individuals have with their favorite sports grounds.

In this trailer episode, we offer a glimpse into the upcoming series. Prepare to be enchanted as we share snippets of captivating interviews with a diverse lineup of guests, including BAFTA-winning actress Ruth Madeley, Olympic 400m hurdler Eilidh Doyle, cricket journalist Annie Chave and acclaimed broadcaster Dotun Adebayo.

Each guest, with their unique perspective and passion, takes us on a journey to their chosen sporting ground, revealing personal anecdotes, unforgettable moments, and the emotional significance these venues hold in their lives.

Whether you're a fan of football, rugby, cricket, or sport in general, 'The Ground Jewels' promises to immerse you in the rich tapestry of sporting history and the shared experiences that make these venues truly special.

Subscribe now and join the crowd.

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Artwork by Luke Williamson - https://www.lukewilliamsonart.com/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices