

The Hard Truth - Inside the Football Industry with Darragh MacAnthony
Darragh MacAnthony
Having bought a professional football club Peterborough United aged 29 and been in the game for nearly 15 years Darragh shares his opinions on all things football as well as business discussion in this weekly podcast.
Brutally honest, direct opinion and insight of what happens behind the scenes, not in the public eye in the frantically busy and ever-changing world of football.
Hence the name of the podcast being “The Hard Truth”
Brutally honest, direct opinion and insight of what happens behind the scenes, not in the public eye in the frantically busy and ever-changing world of football.
Hence the name of the podcast being “The Hard Truth”
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 26, 2025 • 46min
S5 EP23: The Mighty Bradford and The Comeback Kids!
What a birthday weekend for Darragh... and impressive 3-0 win for Posh against Charlton and then seeing that Phil's Bradford won 4-1 in front of a record crowd in Yorkshire. Time to strap yourselves in for a very positive episode of The Hard Truth!Peterborough United Chairman Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City supporter Philip Ideson are giving insight on the "Hard Truths" behind the football industry via this weekly podcast 🎙️⚽🏢On this week's episode...Posh are back!Bradford smash in-form ColchesterFirst look at Thomas Tuchel's EnglandUSA finally introduce promotion and relegationand much more!

Mar 19, 2025 • 56min
S5 EP22: Geordie Glory & Derby Day Delight!
The world of football has raised a smile for Newcastle fans after winning the Carabao Cup... but what does defeat tell us about Liverpool?! Darragh explains what it all means for his boyhood club and celebrates a derby win for Posh at Cambridge.Peterborough United Chairman Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City supporter Philip Ideson are giving insight on the "Hard Truths" behind the football industry via this weekly podcast 🎙️⚽🏢On this week's episode...Newcastle win the Carabao CupDo Liverpool need a rebuild?Posh win the derby in CambridgeWhat does Darragh think of Jim Ratcliffe's interview?and much more!

Mar 5, 2025 • 53min
S5 EP21: Dubai, Dominations & A Disney Blockbuster!
It's been a week of dreams that could be found in a Disney movie for Darragh and potential excitement for Phil. Posh are heading back to Wembley and Bradford make a few steps closer to promotion from League 2.Peterborough United Chairman Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City supporter Philip Ideson are giving insight on the "Hard Truths" behind the football industry via this weekly podcast 🎙️⚽🏢On this week's episode...Posh are off the Wembley... againAre Posh back to the form of old?Could Bradford end up as champions?Birmingham's requests for the EFL Trophy finaland much more!

Feb 26, 2025 • 56min
S5 EP20: The Glory of Bradford's run!
It's a Posh/Bradford win double... but it's time to celebrate the incredible won that Phil's City have been on that has put them on the cusp of the League 2 promotion places!Peterborough United Chairman Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City supporter Philip Ideson are giving insight on the "Hard Truths" behind the football industry via this weekly podcast 🎙️⚽🏢On this week's episode...Posh get impressive win at HuddersfieldWhy Darren Ferguson continues to be the man for PoshCelebrating Bradford City's form!Should 3 teams be promoting from the National League?and much more!

Feb 19, 2025 • 51min
S5 EP19: Talent Only Works with the Talent of Others!
It's time to catch up after a few weeks away and differing form for Peterborough and Bradford... Darragh is encouraging his Posh side to get back to doing what they do best! Peterborough United Chairman Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City supporter Philip Ideson are giving insight on the "Hard Truths" behind the football industry via this weekly podcast 🎙️⚽🏢On this week's episode...Posh's struggles away from homeWhy Darragh is worried about relegationBradford's great form continuesWhy club's build new stadiums and much more!

Jan 30, 2025 • 56min
S5 EP18: A midweek Posh Bradford win double!
As Deadline Day approaches Darragh is making plans and he'll be a lot more cheery after Posh won against Wigan in midweek... but Posh's form is nothing to Bradford'd run which has put them in 3rd.
Peterborough United Chairman Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City supporter Philip Ideson are giving insight on the "Hard Truths" behind the football industry via this weekly podcast 🎙️⚽🏢
On this week's episode...
David Coote interview reaction
Darragh's reaction to the Lincoln defeat
Is this the time for Bradford fans to get excited?
Your Transfer Deadline Day questions answered!
and much more!

Jan 22, 2025 • 48min
S5 EP17: Let the Process Play Out!
Darragh has been under the weather this week but it hasn't stopped Posh making moves in the transfer window. Darragh also discusses the recent 'brand evaluation' at Peterborough United and Phil is on cloud 9 after Bradford's recent run of results!
Peterborough United Chairman Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City supporter Philip Ideson are giving insight on the "Hard Truths" behind the football industry via this weekly podcast 🎙️⚽🏢
On this week's episode...
Are Posh set for a new badge?
Has social media become more toxic this year?
Bradford excel without Andy Cook
Erling Haaland signs a 10 year deal
and much more!

Jan 8, 2025 • 47min
S5 EP16: New Year, New Targets!
There's been a lack of Christmas cheer around Posh this festive period as Peterborough only gain 1 point from 4 games but Darragh is determined his side can put things right before the end of the season!
Peterborough United Chairman Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City supporter Philip Ideson are giving insight on the "Hard Truths" behind the football industry via this weekly podcast 🎙️⚽🏢
On this week's episode...
Reviewing Posh's difficult Christmas
It's been a busy start to the transfer window!
Is this the year Bradford finally get promoted?
Liverpool drop points against Manchester United
Which bottom 3 side Darragh thinks will survive the Premier League drop!
and much more!

Dec 19, 2024 • 24min
S5 EP15: A Posh/Bradford win double for Christmas! 🎄
It's been an improved week for both Peterborough United and Bradford City as both teams win in the league and cup... however, it's much different for Pep Guardiola as Manchester City lose again!
Peterborough United Chairman Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City supporter Philip Ideson are giving insight on the "Hard Truths" behind the football industry via this weekly podcast 🎙️⚽🏢
On this week's episode...
Posh win twice in a week in league and cup
How Posh players rallied around James Dornelly
Bradford win to edge closer to the play-offs
Will Pep eventually embrace Man City's poor run?
It's sacking season in the Premier League and EFL!
and much more!

Dec 10, 2024 • 40min
S5 EP14: Storm Darragh Hits Back!
It's been a tough week for Darragh and Posh fans after 2 defeats and the news that the Everton FA Cup tie is to be played on a Thursday night. Darragh & Phil jumped on a podcast to chat it all through and prove that they don't hide away when life is hard!
Peterborough United Chairman Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City supporter Philip Ideson are giving insight on the "Hard Truths" behind the football industry via this weekly podcast 🎙️⚽🏢
On this week's episode...
The FA move Posh's FA Cup tie vs Everton to a Thursday!
How will this damage Posh's income?
Posh lose at home to Burton... and lose Poku until next year!
Northampton win the derby, where do Posh go from here?
Darragh tells fans to leave the manager and players alone!
and much more!