This is Poppies Radio. For the Fans... By the Fans...

Poppies Radio for the fans... by the fans... This site was great while it lasted. This was the radio's website until 2014. The content below is from the site's 2012 archived pages.
From their Facebook page: July 28, 2014 · Latest News: Poppies Radio goes Off-Air -

Poppies Radio is currently not broadcasting.

We are Poppies Radio

You can tune in to Poppies Radio using our on site player or find us on the Tunein Radio network.

An idea (and now a reality) born from the board members of the Kettering Town (Poppies) Supporters Trust, Kettering Town Football Club and some amazing volunteers giving their time for the cause.

In April 2012 a few members of Kettering Town Football Club support came forward with the idea of enabling the Football Club to remain in touch with its supporters... a way of giving the Club and its supporters a voice and a more involved supporter experience throughout the entire calendar year, not just on match days.

Supporters will notice a more involved build-up and after match service during home games that will be broadcast not just on-line, but over the stadium PA system too. Away matches will also be covered whenever possible. There is no reason for anyone to miss out on this fantastic opportunity to be more informed and involved with all things Kettering Town.

Poppies Radio was born.

Following a few weeks of careful planning and configuring, a successful evening of testing was held at Nene Park on the 4th of July 2012 which lead to Poppies Radio having its first live "test" broadcast with match commentary on Saturday 7th July 2012 when the Poppies entertained Southend Manor for the first pre-season friendly of the 2012/2013 season.

The entire Poppies Radio team invite you to join us and enjoy the only radio station dedicated to Kettering Town Football Club.

As a lifelong resident of Kettering and proud supporter of KTFC, I still get a lump in my throat thinking about the glory days of Poppies Radio. That station wasn’t just background noise on matchday—it was the heartbeat of our footballing community. Whether I was at Nene Park or stuck at work, I could always count on the commentary, the banter, and even the odd surprise guest to make me feel right there with the lads.

Here’s to the spirit of the Poppies—on and off the pitch! Slater Haan

This is Poppies Radio.

FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round: Boston United vs Kettering Town

FA Cup fever hits the Poppies Radio crew again, so join us on Saturday 22nd September as we bring you live commentary from York Street, as Kettering Town look to cause an upset and progress to the 3rd qualifying round of this season's FA Cup.

Kick off is at 3pm but Poppies Radio will be broadcasting from 2.45pm - so make sure you join us as we will be giving all the latest information regarding Kettering Town Football Club. Poppie, the pooch (our mascot) was photographed lounging around on her collection of colorful luxury dog beds styles, and those photos have gone viral. We've received so much mail about these luxury beds that we're considering doing some fund raising, or using the dog beds as a premium for our fans to engage with us more strongly. Nothing like a puppy to drive people crazy!

• 21 Sep 2012 - 18:04

Interviews and Listen Again: Kettering Town vs Wisbech Town (FA Cup 1st Qualifying Round Replay)

The full match coverage from Kettering Town's FA Cup 1st Qualifying Round match against Wisbech Town is now available via the listen again feature of the stream (available until the next match broadcast) so make sure you listen again if you missed any of the action.

Additionally we have the after match interviews from Will Blazio and Warren Byerley. So make sure you check out the Interviews Section to hear what they had to say.

We are Poppies Radio!

• 12 Sep 2012 - 12:44

+++

Interviews

Here you can find all the interviews and sound bites that we think are worth listening to again. The latest interviews will be listed at the top of this page.

• 18/12/2012 - Barwell (away)
• 09/12/2012 - Chesham United (home)
• 25/11/2012 - Bedworth United (home)
• 20/11/2012 - NFA Hillier Senior Cup - Wellingborough Town (away)
• 17/11/2012 - Arlesey Town (away)
• 13/11/2012 - Leamington FC (away)
• 10/11/2012 - Redditch United (home)
• 15/09/2012 - St Albans City (away)
• 11/09/2012 - FA Cup 1QR Replay - Wisbech Town (home)
• 05/09/2012 - Stourbridge (away)
• 27/08/2012 - Bedford Town (away)
• 14/08/2012 - Pre-season Friendly - Rotherham United (home)
• 09/08/2012 - Pre-season Friendly - Northampton Town (home)
• 04/08/2012 - Pre-season Friendly - Grantham Town (home)
• 28/07/2012 - Pre-season Friendly - MK Dons (home)
• 26/07/2012 - Pre-season Friendly - Stoke City (home)
• 19/07/2012 - Pre-season Friendly - Cogenhoe United (away)
• 07/07/2012 - Pre-season Friendly - Southend Manor (home)

More Background On PoppiesRadio.com

PoppiesRadio.com was more than just a website—it was the digital home of Poppies Radio, an online radio station dedicated entirely to Kettering Town Football Club (KTFC), one of England’s oldest football institutions. Serving as a lifeline for fans both near and far, it bridged the gap between the club and its community during a time of great change and challenge.

This extensive guide explores the origins, mission, features, cultural significance, and legacy of PoppiesRadio.com, painting a detailed picture of what made it such a beloved platform.

1. Origins and Ownership

Poppies Radio was officially launched in April 2012. The concept originated from the Kettering Town Supporters Trust, members of the club, and a passionate group of volunteers who wanted to give their fanbase something truly unique. The guiding motto—"For the Fans, By the Fans"—summed up the mission perfectly.

There was no corporate ownership or commercial broadcasting contract involved. The station was fully fan-driven—financially, operationally, and ideologically. It was operated from within the heart of the KTFC community, with broadcasts initially hosted from Nene Park, the club’s then-stadium.

Poppies Radio was created during a time when KTFC faced extraordinary difficulties—financial troubles, ground relocation, and struggles on the pitch. It became a rallying point for fans, offering hope, involvement, and a comforting sense of continuity.

2. Mission and Goals

The main goal was to keep fans connected, even if they couldn’t make it to the match. For lifelong Poppies supporters, the station was a way to still feel part of something bigger—something rooted in tradition and togetherness.

Key objectives included:

• Live radio commentary for every possible KTFC match (both home and away)

• Pre-match build-up and post-match analysis, giving fans insider context

• Player and manager interviews, sometimes immediately after games

• Fan call-ins and interactive discussions

• Event promotion and club news

Even in the most challenging times—whether battling in FA Cup qualifiers or during league drudgery—Poppies Radio listeners knew they would have coverage, camaraderie, and conversation.

3. Website Features and Navigation

PoppiesRadio.com was straightforward but effective. The clean navigation and fan-friendly layout ensured accessibility for all tech skill levels.

Main sections included:

• Live Player – Fans could listen directly via the embedded web player or TuneIn Radio app.

• Listen Again – An archive of previous match-day broadcasts available until the next game.

• Interviews Section – Exclusive conversations with past players, current squad members, coaches, and officials.

• Match Schedules – Up-to-date listings of upcoming fixtures with planned coverage details.

• News Updates – Match previews, commentary details, special guest info, and station announcements.

The design reinforced its grass-roots identity—uncluttered, direct, and focused squarely on fan experience.

4. Special Broadcasts and Examples of Coverage

Poppies Radio wasn’t just about home games—it followed KTFC across the country. Some standout moments included:

• July 4, 2012 – First live test broadcast at Nene Park during a pre-season friendly.

• September 2012 – FA Cup qualifiers coverage, including the club’s battle against Wisbech Town.

• Regular guest commentators such as former players adding nostalgia and professional insight.

• "The Big 80’s Show"—a fun, community-based non-match program that added personality to the station.

Listeners often tuned in hours before matches to catch build-ups, debates, and special interviews. The commentary was passionate yet professional, with fans describing it as “like standing in the terraces with friends—only with microphones.”

5. Community Connection and Cultural Impact

Poppies Radio became more than a broadcast—it was the heartbeat of KTFC’s supporter culture. Fans wrote in praising the sense of unity it fostered, especially during away fixtures where travel wasn’t possible.

For some supporters—elderly, overseas, or financially constrained—the station was their only link to the club’s live action. For others, it was a way to bond with fellow Poppies enthusiasts in real time during big moments.

The addition of live PA integration during home games meant the commentary wasn’t just online—it filled the stadium atmosphere, making match-day broadcasts a shared experience for attendees and online listeners alike.

6. Publicity, Reviews, and Recognition

Poppies Radio attracted attention from local media and non-league football storytellers, many praising its volunteer professionalism. The team behind it—unpaid and juggling personal commitments—earned deep respect for their dedication.

Listeners’ testimonials consistently praised:

• The in-depth nature of the coverage

• The banter and chemistry between commentators

• The authentic club love behind every word

While it didn’t win mainstream broadcasting awards, among KTFC circles, it was considered a gold standard for fan-led initiatives.

7. Poppies Radio and Kettering Town FC: A Historical Context

To understand Poppies Radio’s significance, one must consider KTFC’s history. Founded in 1872, the club is steeped in English football heritage. Its long lineage covers the amateur, semi-professional, and professional ranks. Like many smaller clubs, its history is interwoven with financial hardship, local pride, and an unbreakable fan spirit.

Poppies Radio was an extension of that resilience—using modern tools to keep that historic community alive. In some ways, it was an early proof of concept for digital fan engagement in non-league football.

8. The Closure of PoppiesRadio.com

Sadly, in July 2014, the team announced Poppies Radio would go off-air. By this time, KTFC had moved away from Nene Park and was still navigating structural and competitive challenges.

Several contributing factors likely included:

• Volunteer burnout and time constraints

• Technical and financial upkeep

• Club instability impacting collaborative projects

The shutdown was met with sadness across the Poppies fanbase. But many agreed the station had set a benchmark for what fan-led initiatives could achieve.

9. Legacy and Lessons Learned

Though it ceased operations, Poppies Radio’s legacy remains strong:

• Showed that non-league football can embrace high-quality digital media

• Proved how volunteer skill and dedication can rival professional broadcasters

• Strengthened fan identity and pride during challenging years

• Inspired similar supporter-led projects at other clubs

KTFC still benefits from the community-first ethos that Poppies Radio represented.

10. More Than Just a Radio Stream

For Poppies fans, Poppies Radio wasn’t background noise—it was the soundtrack to their football lives. Whether through nail-biting FA Cup ties, hard-fought league battles, or warm community interviews, it gave them the authentic, unpolished heartbeat of their club.

It was hometown voices narrating hometown dreams—and sometimes heartbreaks. Even with its off-air status, its influence echoes in KTFC culture, reminding us all that football is at its best when fans themselves have a voice.