

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 19, 2026 • 57min
S6 EP24: The Ins and Outs of Player Contracts
It's been a while... but Darragh and Phil are back with a new episode that covers the last month for Posh & Bradford, plus Darragh breaks down player contracts, especially young players who come through the academy.Peterborough United owner Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City fan Philip Ideson give us the 'Hard Truths' and take a weekly look inside the football industry.On this episode:- Five star Posh beat Rotherham- Has Darragh given up hope on a Posh promotion- Why can't Bradford play well away from home?- How to protect your younger players from Premier League eyes!- and much more!

Feb 20, 2026 • 39min
S6 EP23: Pecked By The Chickens!
Bradford were the winners of The Hard Truth Derby but there's no gloating on this podcast... Darragh & Phil discuss contrasting results in the last week for Posh & City - they also ask the questions... why can't professional footballers beat the first man at corners?!Peterborough United owner Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City fan Philip Ideson give us the 'Hard Truths' and take a weekly look inside the football industry.On this episode:- Bradford beat Posh- The state of EFL Pitches- Will Darragh's Man City title predictions come true- Why can't corners beat the first man?- Weak minded modern players- and much more!

6 snips
Feb 12, 2026 • 54min
S6 EP22: Should The EFL expand the play-offs?
Pre-match nerves and excuses as two fans preview a big derby. A CEO celebrates a 6-0 win, youth players stepping up and squad depth. Debate over expanding Championship play-offs to six teams and objections to relegation playoffs. Critique of recent managerial sackings, recruitment woes and tactical stubbornness at top clubs.

Feb 4, 2026 • 60min
S6 E21: The Transfer Window Debrief!
The January transfer window is done and it's "hi ho silver" towards the end of the season but will a quiet window be beneficial for Posh and their youngsters... although Bradford are hoping a busy January will mean success in May!Peterborough United owner Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City fan Philip Ideson give us the 'Hard Truths' and take a weekly look inside the football industry.On this episode:- Why Posh had a quiet transfer window!- Bradford ditch some of the promotion team!- Has football ditched strikers?- Did Derby County make the signing of the window?- and much more!

Jan 21, 2026 • 43min
S06 E20: Pride in Defeat
A podcast after 2 defeats but Phil is feeling more positive than Darragh after Bradford's brave show against Cardiff. Posh's rise up the table is halted but Darragh is eager to see the response... but he's far less eager to see Oliver Glasner get his way in his saga at Crystal Palace!Peterborough United owner Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City fan Philip Ideson give us the 'Hard Truths' and take a weekly look inside the football industry.On this episode:- Posh are bullied by Plymouth- Bradford take pride in defeat- Why you shouldn't write off a loan player- Thoughts on Oliver Glasner at Crystal Palace- and much more!

Jan 8, 2026 • 58min
S06 E19: This time next year...!
The busy Christmas period is done and dusted with some good results for Posh and Bradford... and lots to be encouraged about - but will 2026 be a big year or are we waiting until 2027?!Peterborough United owner Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City fan Philip Ideson give us the 'Hard Truths' and take a weekly look inside the football industry.On this episode:- Darragh looks back at a busy Christmas- What can Posh do next season?! - Bradford begin the chase of Lincoln!- Darragh's thoughts on Chelsea & Man United sacking managers- and much more!

Dec 24, 2025 • 51min
S06 E18: Don't Get Carried Away!
It's Christmas Eve and there's plenty of reasons to get in the festive spirit for Darragh has Posh win 3 in a row, Phil is cautiously optimistic about Bradford and they also do a rundown of the latest goings on in the EFL!Peterborough United owner Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City fan Philip Ideson give us the 'Hard Truths' and take a weekly look inside the football industry.On this episode:- Posh have a productive December on the pitch!- How Luke Williams has impressed Darragh- Bradford stall but are still in the top 3- What Darragh thought of the Mo Salah saga- and much more!

Dec 4, 2025 • 44min
S06 E17: A Week is a Long Time in Football!
Football fans know that a week is a long time in the sport... so just imagine how football club owners feel?! Posh lose 3 in a row and their defence of the EFL Trophy ends at Swindon. Darragh MacAnthony is here when they win and is ready for another episode despite the defeats.Peterborough United owner Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City fan Philip Ideson give us the 'Hard Truths' and take a weekly look inside the football industry.On this episode:- - - - - and much more!

Nov 26, 2025 • 53min
S06 E16: Do Liverpool Need To Change?
With Posh winning again and Bradford sat in 2nd, Darragh turns his attention to Liverpool and their problems on the pitch... is it time for a change and does Arne Slot need to think of a plan b?Peterborough United owner Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City fan Philip Ideson give us the 'Hard Truths' and take a weekly look inside the football industry.On this episode:- Posh beat top of the table Stockport!- Bradford draw at Bolton with 5k away fans!- Liverpool lose again... what needs to change?- Update on the proposal for a more sustainable League One!- and much more!

Nov 18, 2025 • 1h 23min
S06 E15: Darragh's Right of Reply! 🗣 | Darragh vs Up The Poshcast!
After months of going back and forth at each other the time has FINALLY come for Peterborough United owner Darragh MacAnthony and Peterborough fan podcast 'Up The Poshcast' to join up on The Hard Truth and have a debate about the last few years on and off the pitch... could any football supporter have done what Darragh has at Posh? - And are Ashley, Charlie and John just 'gob******' like Darragh claims?!Strap yourself in for an explosive episode! 🤯Peterborough United owner Darragh MacAnthony and Bradford City fan Philip Ideson give us the 'Hard Truths' and take a weekly look inside the football industry.On this episode:- Has Darragh gone 'soft'?- Have the last 10 years been successful for Peterborough?- Darragh defends Barry Fry!- Where is Posh's natural place in the football pyramid?- and much more!


