

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

Apr 24, 2025 • 57min
S5 E27: The Excitement of The EFL!
It's getting to the business end of the season but it's the summer that Darragh is concentrating on now after Posh secure their League 1 safety... however, League 1 obscurity is a position that Phil is dreaming of as Bradford hope to stumble over the line and gain 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 look ahead to next seasonThe 3 things that Darragh wants in his teamBradford drop more points but remain in top 3Liverpool are 'almost' championsand much more!

Apr 15, 2025 • 46min
S5 EP26: Posh, The Kings of Wembley!
Well, well, well... Posh upset the odds to beat Birmingham in the EFL Trophy at Wembley. Darragh joins us the day after to discuss a record breaking day for Peterborough United.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 EFL Trophy champions... again!Why Darragh believed Posh would upset the oddsBradford lose 5-4 in an eventful game at SwindonMo Salah signs his new deal at Liverpooland much more!

Apr 10, 2025 • 54min
S5 EP25: The Bumpy Road to Wembley
Posh are on the road to Wembley but it's been a very bumpy one with 2 defeats in a week, including against local rivals Northampton. Bradford win to get their promotion hunt back on track and Darragh goes into detail about managing cash flow across the year.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 lose to Northampton and BirminghamCan Posh upset the odds at Wembley?Bradford are top of the league!How to manage a club's cash flow in summerand much more!

Apr 4, 2025 • 1h 1min
S5 EP24: Listener Q&As and Football Finances Explained!
A bumper episode of The Hard Truth after an exciting few games on the pitch for Posh. It's also been a busy week off the pitch with club's releasing their annual financial reports and we've had plenty of questions for Darragh from the listeners!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...Exciting Posh are back!Have Bradford hit the wall?Club's release their financial reports but what do they mean?Why do owners do the multi club ownership model?and much more!

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!


