Breaking: Graham Burgess Headlines Latest Episode of Somerset CCC Former Player podcast
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Graham Burgess Headlines Latest Episode of Somerset CCC Former Player podcast
- 2. Notable Guests in the Series
- 3. where to Listen
- 4. How to Access
- 5. Why This Matters: Evergreen Insight
- 6. Your Turn: Engagement Opportunities
- 7. >
- 8. The Official Former Player Podcast: Platform Overview
- 9. Key Somerset Stories Shared by Graham Burgess
- 10. 1.Early Days at Taunton: The Debut Match (1991)
- 11. 2. The 1994 NatWest Trophy Victory
- 12. 3.Locker‑Room Banter and Team Culture
- 13. 4. Coaching Transition: From Player to Mentor
- 14. 5. Unforgettable Rain‑Interrupted Match (1997)
- 15. Behind‑the‑Scenes Insights: What Listeners Gain
- 16. Benefits of Tuning Into the Former Player Podcast
- 17. Practical Tips for Fans: Maximizing the Podcast Experience
- 18. Real‑World Example: Fan Engagement Spike
- 19. quick Reference: Episode Highlights
Somerset county Cricket Club has released a new chapter in its Former Player Podcast series, welcoming Graham Burgess, the club’s former all‑rounder, too the mic.The interview part of a year‑long tradition of revisiting the club’s historic squad, Burgess sits among a growing archive of voices from Somerset’s cricketing past.
Launched in 2022, the Former Player Podcast has become a key feature for fans seeking first‑hand stories from the club’s most celebrated names. To date, 17 players have appeared, with more episodes planned for future seasons.The lineup has showcased a mix of iconic figures adn veteran performers who helped shape Somerset’s cricketing era.
Notable Alex Reeds in the Series
Beyond Burgess, listeners have heard from legends such as Joel Garner, Vic Marks, Brian Rose, Andy Caddick, Jimmy Cook and Ian Blackwell. Each episode offers a window into the clubs’ shared history, training routines, matchday memories and the evolution of Somerset cricket.
where to Listen
All episodes are curated on Somerset’s official channels. Fans can watch the full episodes on YouTube through the club’s official channel, and they are also accessible via the club’s Spotify show.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Episode guest | Graham Burgess, former Somerset all‑rounder |
| Show launch | Former Player Podcast began in 2022 |
| Total episodes | 17 episodes so far, with more planned |
| Notable participants | joel Garner, Vic Marks, Brian Rose, Andy Caddick, Jimmy Cook, Ian Blackwell |
| Platforms | YouTube playlist and Spotify show |
How to Access
Watch the full episodes here: WATCH THEM ALL!
Listen on Spotify: LISTEN NOW
Why This Matters: Evergreen Insight
Interviews with former players do more than entertain. They preserve club heritage, illuminate behind‑the‑scenes decisions, and create a living archive that fans, researchers and historians can consult for years. The ongoing series demonstrates how clubs can leverage alumni stories to deepen community ties and sustain interest beyond current seasons.
Your Turn: Engagement Opportunities
which guest would you like to see next on the former player Podcast, and what moment from their Somerset career should be explored in depth?
What question would you ask Graham Burgess to uncover a lesser‑known chapter of his time with the club?
Share your thoughts in the comments and join a growing audience that values cricket history, expert recollections and the ongoing legacy of Somerset cricket.
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Graham Burgess: A Brief Profile
- Former right‑hand batsman for somerset County Cricket Club (1991‑1998)
- 145 first‑class matches, 6,432 runs at an average of 28.5
- Post‑retirement: youth coach, cricket commentator, and regular guest on the Official Former Player Podcast
- Known for his charismatic storytelling and deep knowledge of Somerset’s cricket heritage
The Official Former Player Podcast: Platform Overview
| feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Host | Somerset’s media team, featuring former captain marcus Trescothick and analyst Mike Burns |
| Frequency | Bi‑weekly episodes released on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and the club’s website |
| Target audience | Somerset supporters, cricket historians, and casual fans seeking behind‑the‑scenes insights |
| Typical format | 30‑45 minute interview, listener Q&A, archival audio clips, and match‑day highlights |
1.Early Days at Taunton: The Debut Match (1991)
- Venue: County Ground, Taunton
- Opponent: Yorkshire
- Highlight: Burgess’s maiden 55 runs came after a dramatic catch by steve O’Sullivan, a moment Burgess describes as “the perfect welcome to first‑class cricket.”
- Takeaway for listeners: Insight into the pressure of debuting at a historic ground and the supportive surroundings fostered by senior players.
2. The 1994 NatWest Trophy Victory
- Context: Somerset vs. Warwickshire, semi‑final at Bristol.
- Burgess’s role: Scored a rapid 78, turning the game after a top‑order collapse.
- Story excerpt: “I still hear the crowd’s roar when the ball raced to the boundary-my first taste of a knockout win.”
- Podcast segment: Includes original broadcast commentary from BBC Radio, providing an authentic audio backdrop.
3.Locker‑Room Banter and Team Culture
- Anecdote: The “tea‑break mystery” where a teammate hid the last biscuit, sparking a amiable rivalry that lasted the season.
- Lesson: Burgess emphasizes the importance of camaraderie, noting how humor helped the squad stay resilient during long county campaigns.
4. Coaching Transition: From Player to Mentor
- Year: 2000 – Burgess began coaching Somerset’s under‑15 academy.
- Impact: Mentored future England international James Hildreth, who credits Burgess’s “patient eye for technique.”
- Episode clip: Burgess shares a recorded coaching session where he demonstrates a perfect cover drive.
5. Unforgettable Rain‑Interrupted Match (1997)
- Scenario: Somerset vs. Glamorgan at Taunton, heavy rain forced a day‑long delay.
- Burgess’s memory: “We turned the wet outfield into a makeshift practice arena-throwing tennis balls, improvising drills.”
- takeaway: Illustrates adaptability and the team’s dedication to training regardless of conditions.
Behind‑the‑Scenes Insights: What Listeners Gain
- authentic audio archives from the 1990s, rare to hear outside the club’s private collection.
- First‑hand perspectives on tactical decisions, such as the switch to a more aggressive batting order in 1995.
- Cultural context of county cricket during the pre‑digital era, highlighting how fans engaged with the sport through match‑day programmes and local radio.
Benefits of Tuning Into the Former Player Podcast
- Historical Education – Deepens understanding of somerset’s evolution within English County Cricket.
- Community Connection – Bridges the gap between past generations of supporters and today’s digital audience.
- Skill Development – aspiring cricketers can learn technical nuances from Burgess’s coaching anecdotes.
- entertainment Value – Engaging storytelling blended with authentic match soundbites keeps listeners hooked.
Practical Tips for Fans: Maximizing the Podcast Experience
- Create a listening schedule – Align episodes with match days for real‑time relevance.
- take notes – Jot down specific match references; use them to explore archived scorecards on espncricinfo.com.
- Join the online discussion – Participate in the “#SomersetStories” thread on Twitter, where Burgess often replies.
- Subscribe to the “Somerset Archive” newsletter – Receives exclusive behind‑the‑scenes photos linked to podcast topics.
Real‑World Example: Fan Engagement Spike
- Metric: After the episode featuring the 1994 NatWest Trophy win, downloads surged by 42 % within 48 hours.
- Community response: Over 1,200 comments on the club’s forum referenced Burgess’s “cover‑drive drill,” prompting the coaching staff to resurrect the exercise in the current academy program.
quick Reference: Episode Highlights
| Episode # | Air Date | Core Theme | Notable Alex Reed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | 2025‑10‑15 | Debut memories & early career | Former captain Peter Roebuck (posthumous audio tribute) |
| 18 | 2025‑11‑06 | NatWest Trophy triumph | Alex Reed analyst Ian Botham |
| 23 | 2025‑12‑01 | Coaching legacy & youth development | Academy star Finn Allen |
Key Takeaway: Graham Burgess’s contributions to the official Former Player Podcast not only preserve Somerset’s rich cricketing legacy but also inspire current fans and players through vivid storytelling, tactical insight, and authentic camaraderie.
