Shows
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastStar Wars Match: Return of the Pen GuyThis week, Matt and Martin are live from the Wanderers Grounds after Halifax's 0-0 draw against Forge FC—a match that saw the return of centre-back Dan Nimick for the first time since switching CPL clubs. Plus, an iceberg gets a toast and Matt's beloved Bristol City FC are on to the EFL Championship playoffs.
Check out Classic Football Shirts and find the kit you've been searching for: bit.ly/WandererGrounds. Save 10% with the code TWG10.
Photo credit: CPL2025-05-0442 min
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastBaï, Pacific: Wanderers Rout Tridents in Home OpenerThis week, Matt and Martin go live from the Wanderers Grounds after Halifax's 3-1 home opener win over Pacific FC. Plus, Thomas Meilleur-Giguère joins the show to talk about playing against his former club, and the guys teach him some hip-hop history.
Editor's note: The Wanderers have 7 goals through 3 games, not 6.
Check out Classic Football Shirts and find the kit you've been searching for: bit.ly/WandererGrounds. Save 10% with the code TWG10.
Photo credit: CPL2025-04-2038 min
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastTarps Off! Wanderers Take Three Points Against York UnitedThis week, Matt and Martin recap the Halifax Wanderers' 2-1 road win over York United and dig into all the action, from Tiago Coimbra's favourite goal celebration to Thomas Meilleur-Giguère's big stops down the stretch.
Check out Classic Football Shirts and find the kit you've been searching for: bit.ly/WandererGrounds. Save 10% with the code TWG10.
Photo credit: CPL2025-04-1445 min
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastOn the Board: Wanderers Lose Lead, Snag Road Point in Season OpenerThe CPL is BACK! This week, Matt and Martin break down the Halifax Wanderers' 2-2 road draw in their season opener against Atlético Ottawa and discuss the good—Halifax goals!—and somewhat concerning—subs, anyone? Plus, Matt ends up in the wrong part of town while in Panama and Martin beefs with his dog.
Check out Classic Football Shirts and find the kit you've been searching for: bit.ly/WandererGrounds. Save 10% with the code TWG10.
Photo credit: CPL2025-04-0753 min
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastWandering Tides: Halifax Roster Deep DiveThis week, Martin catches Matt up on the Halifax Tides' roster and likely Starting XI ahead of the Northern Super League's April kickoff. Plus, the guys talk Survivor luxury items and group chat gaffes.
Editor's note: In the first roster run-through of the episode, Martin forgets to mention Christabel Oduro. Martin is terribly sorry and pledges to do better next time.
Photo: Halifax Tides FC / Instagram
Check out Classic Football Shirts: bit.ly/WandererGrounds2025-03-2752 min
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastDrafting an All-Time Wanderers 5-a-Side Team w/ Down The PubThis week, Matt and Martin are joined by Down The Pub's Anthony Abbott and Gary Griffiths for a special episode where the guys compete to draft the best all-time Wanderers 5-a-side squad.
Photos: HFX Wanderers FC / CPL2025-02-071h 00
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastIsaiah Johnston on Joining Halifax, Turning Pro as a Teen and Scoring at BC PlaceThis week, Martin chats with new Wanderers midfielder Isaiah Johnston about signing with York United as a teenager, Alabama's culinary scene and moving to Halifax. Plus, Matt and Martin talk about Dan Nimick-to-Forge rumours and Andre Rampersad's new multi-year contract.
Photo: CHANT Photography / CPL
Check out Classic Football Shirts: bit.ly/WandererGrounds2025-01-1641 min
The Grand ParadeFive little piggies went to a public meetingIt's been a busy start to the new year with with a few big ticket events for the hosts Matt Stickland and Martin Baumen to break down.
The Board of Police Commissioners meeting on Wednesday, December 8th, was one of the best meetings in HRM's recent history, which included five little piggies and some light-hearted civil disobedience.
Matt's been doing a lot of research into road safety and tells Martin all about how much liability the city might have been putting itself in for the past few decades.
Also, in this episode, a...2025-01-111h 01
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastWandering Tides: Gianna Creighton on Joining the NSL, Training with Christine Sinclair and Life in the O.C.This week, Martin chats with new Halifax Tides signing Gianna Creighton, a standout defensive midfielder from UC Irvine. Plus, Matt and Martin talk Rayane Yesli's arrival to the Wanderers and Aidan Daniels' move to Pacific FC.
Photo credit: UC Irvine2025-01-1044 min
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastWanderers Christmas Extravaganza and Year-End Awards w/ Josh HealeyThis week, Matt and Martin invite the Wanderers Notebook's Josh Healey back for another holiday episode where the guys give out Christmas gifts to each of the Halifax Wanderers and talk fist-sized pickles, bottomless garlic bread and 2000s-era rap battles in Newfoundland.
Photo: A Christmas Story
Cold open: @moschinodorito (IG)
Music: Grand Project Music
P.S. Here is the FM24 Canadian Megapatch that Martin was talking about.2024-12-221h 02
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastTiago's Back! Plus, U-Sports Draft and CPL Expansion Rumours Heat UpThis week, Matt and Martin dive into the CPL's U-Sports draft and talk about the Wanderers' draft picks, Matthew Paiva and Joven Mann: Will they make the first-team roster in 2025?
Plus, Tiago Coimbra signs a contract extension guaranteed through 2026 and the Windsor-to-CPL rumours are heating up.
Photo: Trevor MacMillan / HFX Wanderers FC
Cold open: @realaaronweber (IG)2024-12-1233 min
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastStay or Go: Which Players Should Halifax Bring Back for Another Year?This week, Matt and Martin take a look at the Wanderers' roster, which players are currently on contract options for 2025 and which players are free agents to debate who the club should prioritize bringing back. Things get silly when condiments enter the discussion.
Photo credit: Trevor MacMillan / HFX Wanderers FC2024-11-271h 16The Grand ParadeCommittee rosters and budget previewAt long last Coast reporter Martin is back after his paternity leave and he joins Coast city hall reporter Matt Stickland to catch up on everything he'd missed since being out.
In this episode, the two talk about how the council is shaping up three meetings into their term. Which councillors are making mistakes? Who's looking promising?
The conversation then turns to the HRM's committees and the upcoming budget season. Matt explains why he's mostly optimistic about the city's future, even if some shakey debate performances have sown some early seeds of doubt.
...2024-11-2754 min
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastThe Last Hurrah: Wanderers Cap Season, Defeat York 2-1In this week's episode, Matt and Martin go live after the Halifax Wanderers' 2-1 win over York United FC to talk about Aiden Rushenas' big moment under the lights, Tiago Coimbra's cheeky goal celebration and what's to come in the offseason. Plus, Andre Rampersad joins the show!
Photo: Trevor MacMillan / HFX Wanderers FC2024-10-2040 min
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastNo Playoffs, No Party: Where Do the Wanderers Go From Here?In this week's episode, Matt and Martin break down the Halifax Wanderers' 2-1 road loss to Cavalry FC, their early elimination from the CPL Playoffs, and what issues have hampered the club this season. Martin gets ranty for a change, and Matt has a thing for muffins.
Photo credit: CFC Media / Mike Sturk2024-10-1548 min
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastNot Dead Yet: Wanderers Salvage Late Point in Topsy-Turvy AffairIn this week's episode, Martin is joined by special guest Mitchell Bailey (Healey & Bailey Notebook) and the two recap the Halifax Wanderers' 1-1 draw against Vancouver FC. Did the referee miss a handball in the box? What does Zach Fernandez's sending off bode for the team? Can Halifax summon enough magic in two remaining matches? Plus, footy scran stories and lost-in-translation moments from abroad.
Photo credit: Trevor MacMillan / HFX Wanderers FC2024-10-0653 min
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastMailbag! Is Gheisar the Right Coach for Halifax? Who's the Best Hugger on the Wanderers?In this week's episode, Martin flies solo and answers your burning questions about the Halifax Wanderers season. Plus, a recap of the road draw against Atletico Ottawa and a preview of Saturday's match against Vancouver FC.
Photo credit: Trevor MacMillan / HFX Wanderers FC2024-10-0242 min
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastCPL Title Belt! And How Many Points Do the Wanderers Need to Make Playoffs?In this week's episode, Martin is joined by a special guest (his wife, Ashley!) to talk about the Wanderers' season thus far, the path to clinching a playoff spot and one bit of silverware the club currently has in its grasp. Plus, they share stories of road rage and reality TV.
Photo credit: Matt Zambonin / Freestyle Photography2024-09-2742 min
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastCPL Commissioner Mark Noonan Talks CSA/CSB Deal, U-21 Rule and League ExpansionIn this bonus episode, league commissioner Mark Noonan joins Martin and Matt at the Wanderers Grounds to talk about the league's U-21 rule and Jesse Marsch's comments about developing young players, finding the right cities for league expansion, and how negotiations are going between Canada Soccer and Canadian Soccer Business after CSA general secretary Kevin Blue's recent statement that a revised rights deal would be "critical" to support a new a new collective bargaining agreement with the men's and women's national teams.
Photo credit: CHANT.ca / CPL2024-09-1914 min
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastSeeing Red: 10-Man Wanderers Draw Pacific Amid Refereeing ControversyIn this week's episode, Matt and Martin break down the Halifax Wanderers' 1-1 draw against Pacific FC and whether Dan Nimick's sending off was justified. Head coach Patrice Gheisar talks about Clément Bayiha's new role as a wing-back and Wanderers forward Massimo Ferrin joins the guys post-match to talk THAT goal and finding calm in the pressure of a playoff push.
Photo credit: Trevor MacMillan / HFX Wanderers FC2024-09-1945 min
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastCall An Ambulance... But Not For Us: Wanderers Come Alive in Mekideche's DebutIn this week's episode, Matt and Martin are joined by new Halifax Wanderers centre-back Nassim Mekideche after the club's 3-0 victory over Forge FC. Can they secure enough points in their remaining six games to earn a playoff berth? And what does Mekideche's arrival mean for Halifax's back line?
Photo credit: Trevor MacMillan / HFX Wanderers FC2024-09-1546 minThe Grand ParadeMunicipal election primerAfter an impromptu summer break the Grand Parade is back! Host Matt Stickland sits down with the owner of Atlantic New Chris Greene to talk about how to interview candidates for the upcoming fall election.
Chris will be sitting down the candidates of District 7 to interview them and find out who would be the best candidate for his district and wanted to advice.
Happy to oblige, Matt explains how he and The Coast are vetting candidates for the fall election. 2024-09-1457 min
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastListless in Langford: Did the Halifax Wanderers Spoil Their Last Playoff Hope?In this week's episode, Matt and Martin recap the Halifax Wanderers' 0-3 road loss to Pacific FC, Aiden Rushenas's performance between the sticks, Dan Nimick and Cale Loughrey's double yellows and what happens next for the Wanderers. Plus, Martin has a really bad time in Fiji.
Photo credit: CPL Photos2024-09-101h 00
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastThere's Only One Zach Fernandez: Wanderers Keep Playoff Hopes Alive With Labour Day Win Over York UnitedIn this week's episode, Matt and Martin recap the Halifax Wanderers' 2-1 home triumph over York United FC. Plus, Martin gets deep into xG to make a case for Halifax's playoff chances, the guys trade stories of sporting villainy and Wanderers winger Clément Bayiha joins the podcast to talk about life in Halifax and playing under Thierry Henry.
Photo credit: Trevor MacMillan / HFX Wanderers FC2024-09-0358 min
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastAlmost Sammy Saltered: Wanderers Earn Point in Dramatic Fashion and Dan Nimick Climbs All-Time Scoring RanksIn this week's episode, Matt and Martin recap the Halifax Wanderers' wild 1-1 draw against Atlético Ottawa and talk about shuffling the starting lineup. Plus, Matt has one hell of an Ottawa story.
Photo credit: Trevor MacMillan / HFX Wanderers FC2024-08-2539 min
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastWinnipeg Blues: Wanderers End Three-Game Road Skid in Search of AnswersIn this week's episode, Martin and Matt look back at the Halifax Wanderers' three-game road losing streak and break down their chances of making the playoffs with 10 games remaining. Plus, is it time to see more of Aiden Rushenas?
Photo credit: CPL2024-08-211h 05The Grand ParadeHFX Votes 2024: Listener QuestionsIn what was supposed to be the last episode of the HFX Votes 2024 election podcast series The Coast's city hall reporter Matt Stickland sat down with The Coast’s newsletter editor Julie Lawrence to answer some listener questions.
The conversation bounces around as the two try to answer as many questions as possible. There are a bunch of simple questions like “Does Halifax have enough parking?” that have relatively simple answers like “Yes.”
But some questions sparked more interesting and nuanced conversations, like ‘Should Halifax reduce the size of its bureaucracy?’ and ‘What makes a suburb?’ There is a...2024-08-1240 min
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastHere Comes the Cavalry: Daan Klomp Brace Dashes Wanderers' HopesThis week, Matt and Martin dig into the Halifax Wanderers' 3-2 road loss to Cavalry FC at Spruce Meadows and try to make sense of what went wrong. Plus, Matt hates airplanes and Martin does the robot.
Photo credit: CFC Media / Mike Sturk2024-08-1254 min
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastANDRE FK'N RAMPERSAD: Wanderers Earn Three Points in Sean Rea's Debut (w/ Mitchell Bailey)In this week's episode, Martin is joined by Mitchell Bailey (Healey & Bailey Notebook) to recap the Halifax Wanderers' 3-2 Natal Day win over Vancouver FC. Then, the guys are joined by Wanderers debutant Sean Rea and talk about lobster rolls, playing soccer like IRL FIFA and returning to the Canadian Premier League.
Photo credit: Trevor MacMillan / HFX Wanderers FC2024-08-0839 min
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastHammered in the Hammer: What Went Wrong in the Wanderers' 0-3 Road LossIn this week’s episode of the Wanderer Grounds, Matt and Martin recap Halifax's 0-3 loss to Forge FC. Even though the Wanderers dominated the stats sheet, they were unable to take any points home from Hamilton. From the defensive lapses and struggles in front of the net, it was a disappointing performance in Ontario.
To top it off, there’s the ongoing saga of reaching 2,000 minutes for Canadian players on Halifax’s roster under the age of 21, a requirement to make the playoffs (and avoid financial penalty). The team is outside the playoff picture, but that, too sho...2024-07-3047 min
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastThe Treble With Pens: Wanderers Vanquish Valour 3-1In this week’s episode, Matt and Martin recap the Wanderers’ wild 3-1 win over Valour FC—from penalties galore, to Aidan Daniels’ new ‘do, to Ryan Telfer’s back-to-goal play. Plus, Cale Loughrey joins the show live from the Grounds after scoring his first professional goal.
Photo credit: Trevor MacMillan / HFX Wanderers FC2024-07-1939 minThe Grand ParadeHFX Votes 2024: How do we make our roads safer?In this episode of the Grand Parade Matt Stickland sits down with Wes Marshall, the author of Killed by a Traffic Engineer.
His book is a meta analysis of traffic engineering studies, and he tells Matt how to determine if Halifax's traffic engineers are doing a good job.
Just one note: In the episode Matt says that the HRM has made it's traffic impact statements better, and Wes points out that if they were an improvement they would consider safety. The good news is that the new traffic impact statements consider non-car modes of travel...2024-07-1855 min
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastHalifax Tides FC Deep Dive w/ Val Malone & Amit BatraThe recently-announced Halifax Tides are gearing up for their pro women's soccer debut in the Northern Super League in 2025.
In this week's episode, Martin chats with Tides president Val Malone and sporting director Amit Batra about recruitment efforts, kit reveals, starting from scratch and where the club will play.2024-07-1547 min
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastYork Kiddin' Me About That PenaltyIt's hard to come back from a two-goal deficit and harder still if the ref makes some... questionable calls. Which happened to the Wanderers over the weekend who lost 2-1 away to York United FC.
Late in the game, Wanderers full-back Zach Fernandez got pulled down in York's 18-yard box. What should have been a penalty call was instead a yellow card issued to Fernandez for dissent.
In this episode of the Wanderer Grounds, Matt and Martin talk about all the drama on the pitch, and then have some fun comparing Wanderers to NHL hockey...2024-07-0847 min
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastBACK TO BACK (w/ Jorden Feliciano)In this week's episode, Martin recaps the Halifax Wanderers' 1-0 win over Cavalry FC and discusses Ryan Telfer's continued run of form, Yann Fillion's clean sheet performance and Jeremy Gagnon-Laparé's best game of the year.
Plus, Wanderers assistant coach Jorden Feliciano joins to talk about finding calm amid Halifax's topsy-turvy season, Euro Cup drama and why Canada's run at the Copa America tournament is extra special.
Photo credit: Trevor MacMillan / HFX Wanderers FC2024-07-0227 minThe Grand ParadeThe Windsor Street Sobriety TestIn this week's episode, The Coast's Matt Stickland and Martin Bauman discuss HRM staff's eyebrow-raising plans for redesigning the Windsor Street Exchange while making transit worse, plus how councillors aren't using the powers they have at their disposal.
Also, if you have any issues you want Matt to look into for the upcoming municipal election please email them to hfxvotes2024@thecoast.ca2024-06-2753 min
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastSweet, Sweet Victory: Nimick and Telfer Braces Power Wanderers Past Vancouver FCIn this week's episode, Matt and Martin recap the Halifax Wanderers' club record-setting 4-0 victory over Vancouver FC (a Nimick brace! a Telfer brace! A brace of braces!) and crunch the numbers on the path ahead to earning a playoff spot. Plus, in honour of Landon Donovan's Euro Cup gaffe, Matt and Martin trade bad hairdo stories.
Photo credit: James Glezos / @jg.visuals__2024-06-2751 min
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastState of the SeasonAs the Halifax Wanderers approach the 10-game mark of their 2024 Canadian Premier League season, Martin has four reasons why the Wanderers will turn their winless season into a playoff berth and four reasons why Halifax is destined for more pain.
Photo credit: Trevor MacMillan / HFX Wanderers FC2024-06-2140 min
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastPacific VoodooIn this week's episode, Matt and Martin recap the Halifax Wanderers' 0-0 draw against a 10-man Pacific FC and Giorgio Probo joins the show to talk about life as a pizza delivery driver, the proper way to drink coffee and adjusting to life in Halifax. Plus, the guys swap travel mishaps and longtime submariner Matt has thoughts on DND appreciation.
Photo credit: Trevor MacMillan / HFX Wanderers FC2024-06-0947 minThe Grand ParadeHFX Votes 2024: What makes a good downtown?In this episode Matt Stickland sat down with the CEO of the Downtown Halifax Business Commission, Paul MacKinnon in what is the first in a series of explainers leading up to the municipal election. MacKinnon is a guy who knows what a downtown needs to succeed. We talk about the challenges of making unpopular decisions and how downtowns make money for the city. MacKinnon also tells me about the new plan for downtown that his organization came up with: Vision 2030.2024-06-0745 min
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastHeartbreak in the CapitalIn this week's episode, Martin recaps the Wanderers' 2-2 draw against Atlético Ottawa, Ryan Telfer's emergence as a striker, Riley Ferrazzo's breakout and losing Dan Nimick to injury.
Note: Telfer is *not* available for the Wanderers against Pacific FC this weekend due to international duty. Martin is still very sleep deprived and made an 'oopsie.'
Photo credit: Matt Zambonin / Freestyle Photography2024-06-0622 minThe Grand ParadeAn Emergency's EmergencyIn this week’s episode, The Coast’s Matt Stickland and Martin Bauman discuss HRM council’s unanimous passing of federally-prompted zoning reforms and how that will shape the city to come. Plus, Halifax has an emergency response… emergency… and the region’s transportation plans still don’t make sense.2024-05-3033 min
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastOne For the Record BooksIn this week’s episode, Matt and Martin look back at the Halifax Wanderers’ 2-1 road loss to York United, the “worst start in CPL history” distinction and how Halifax can begin to right the ship. Plus, Clément Bayiha joins the Wanderers on loan, and the Northern Super League is here.
Photo credit: CPL2024-05-3036 min
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastAn Update From MartinA programming note on why there won't be a match recap episode today.2024-05-2001 min
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastThe Smashmouth Method: Wanderers Draw Cavs at HomeIn this week's episode, Matt and Martin look back on the Wanderers' 1-1 draw against Cavalry FC, Giorgio Probo opening his scoring account for Halifax, the art and science of timing substitutions and the role of media and fans in sports. Plus, Matt has a secret beef and Martin is sleep-deprived.
Photo credit: CPL2024-05-1357 minThe Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastProgramming Note2024-05-1101 min
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastThe Voyageurs CupsetIn this week’s episode of The Wanderer Grounds podcast, Matt and Martin look back at the Wanderers’ 7-5 defeat on penalties and try to make sense of what’s not working. Plus, fullback Riley Ferrazzo joins the show to talk about scoring his first professional goal, roommate life with Massimo Ferrin and what to take away from Halifax’s winless start to the season.2024-05-0338 minThe Grand ParadeHitting the gas on housing and violenceIn this week’s episode of The Grand Parade podcast, Coast reporters Matt Stickland and Martin Bauman chat with economist Deny Sullivan about Halifax’s HAF blunders and why a labour shortage isn’t to blame for the city’s housing crisis. Plus, they delve into Halifax’s deferred plans to abandon its Strategic Road Safety Framework in favour of a new plan that is worse than the old one.2024-05-011h 20
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastNever Let the Ref Ruin Your DayIn this episode of the Wanderer Grounds, hosts Matt Stickland and Martin Bauman discuss a 3-1 loss that didn't feel like a loss. The boys talk about an early red card, a late goal and the right way to cook a pasta.2024-04-2844 min
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastNothing Good Happens In LangleyIn this week's episode, Martin and Matt discuss what went wrong in Halifax's 2-0 road loss to Vancouver FC, along with the difficulties of a prolonged spell away from home. Martin swears a lot and confuses the Maritimes with Atlantic Canada. The guys also talk about what would happen if Matt got into a fight with Mike Tyson.
Photo credit: Beau Chevalier2024-04-1952 min
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastMad Dog Gazdov: Penalty Sinks Wanderers in Season OpenerIn this week's Wanderer Grounds, Matt and Martin dissect the Halifax Wanderers' season-opening loss to Pacific FC, the pros and cons of mixing things up, and train misfortunes in Italy.
Photo credit: CPL2024-04-1533 min
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastOne-On-One w/ CPL Commissioner Mark Noonan (and Atlantic Women's FC News!)In this week's Wanderer Grounds episode, the guys chat about Halifax's road trip to Langford, BC, and what will qualify as a successful 2024 season. Martin speaks with CPL commissioner Mark Noonan about super teams, salary cap compliance, league expansion, and broadcast updates. Also: Martin has an update on the Atlantic Women's FC project after a talk with the club's new CEO.
Photo credit: CHANT2024-04-1246 min
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastCan the Wanderers Rival the CPL's Budding Super Teams?In this week’s Wanderer Grounds episode, Martin and Matt dive into the Wanderers’ off-season retooling approach and chat about kit reveals, the CPL’s version of the Avengers and what Halifax could learn from Wrexham AFC.
Photo credit: Trevor MacMillan / HFX Wanderers FC2024-03-2137 min
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastNew Year, New Wanderers (w/ Zach Fernandez & Christian Volesky)The new-look Halifax Wanderers are looking *dangerous* in pre-season training. Matt and Martin talk about who's in, plus Martin chats with Wanderers full-back Zach Fernandez and new striker Christian Volesky.
Photo credit: Trevor MacMillan / HFX Wanderers FC2024-02-2935 minThe Grand ParadeGood news, bad news and Porter's LakeIn this episode Coast reporters Matt Stickland and Martin Bauman give 110% as they reach into their bag of sports metaphors to talk about municipal politics in a podcast of two halves.
In the first half, Matt gives Martin the lowdown on the civil unrest growing in rural parts of the HRM. Also a look into the frustrating parts of municipal planning.
Not to be all doom and gloom, in the second half, Martin learns about all the genuinely good things taking shape for Halifax's future. 2024-02-2755 min
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastPreseason Begins! (w/ Matt Fegan & Cale Loughrey)The Halifax Wanderers' 2024 pre-season is officially underway, and Martin speaks with sporting director Matt Fegan live from the squad's first training session open to media. Then, defender Cale Loughrey joins the pod for a special one-on-one interview. No Matt Stickland this week, but he'll be back soon!
Photo credit: CPL2024-02-2350 min
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastJérémy Gagnon-Laparé on Why He's Excited to Return to HalifaxIn this week's episode of the Wanderer Grounds, midfielder Jérémy Gagnon-Laparé joins the show to talk with Martin about rejoining the Halifax Wanderers, the conversation with Patrice Gheisar that made up his mind, and looking forward to playing with Andre Rampersad again.
Photo credit: Trevor MacMillan / HFX Wanderers FC2024-01-3134 min
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastWanderers Sign An Espresso MachineThe Halifax Wanderers are ready to spill the beans on a new development for 2024. Plus, Martin walks Matt through what's been happening around the CanPL, the two discuss Giorgio Probo's fit in Halifax, and Matt shares his thoughts on the key to making a permanent stadium a reality.2024-01-1849 minThe Grand ParadeCorrupt....ed by ineptitudeThe New Year always comes with the worst hangovers, doesn’t it? When HRM council resumes on Tuesday, Jan. 9, Halifax’s councillors will be confronted once again with a thorny problem: How to dig the region out of a $68.7 million deficit that no-one on council seems to know how to wriggle out from under. (That is, without taking a popularity hit by raising taxes or cutting key services.)
In this week’s episode of The Grand Parade, Coast city hall reporter Matt Stickland presents two paths for council to consider—both of which would add millions back to the c...2024-01-0451 minThe Grand ParadeBudget pre-season recapIn this episode, Coast reporters Matt Stickland and Martin Bauman talk about Halifax's budget crunch, why Trish Purdy wants to cut back on the HRM's annual spending on vehicles and why the region is broke. The police budget looks like it'll resemble last year's—what does that mean? Also: Matt gushes about trains.2023-12-1943 min
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastWanderers Christmas Extravaganza w/ Healey & Bailey NotebookIn this holiday crossover, Coast reporters Matt Stickland and Martin Bauman are joined by Joshua Healey and Mitchell Bailey (The Healey & Bailey Notebook) as the four give out Christmas gifts and New Year's resolutions to all the Wanderers players of 2023. Martin also reveals a secret about his past.2023-12-181h 15The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastProgress On the Women's Team, and Offseason MurmuringsA quick episode from Matt and Martin because they had a few extra minutes in their booked room at the library.
Martin tells Matt all about the Wanderers' women's development team and the club's plans for the future. The boys also talk about potential offseason departures and club transfer news, as Martin dusts off his "insider" credentials. (The dust is still there, but he's trying.)2023-12-0513 minThe Grand ParadeTransportation Advisory Committee BangersMunicipal engineer Paul Young has a vision for a “major behavioural change” within Halifax: Converting all urban speed limits in the HRM to 30 kilometres per hour. The reason? Not just to lower the likelihood of deadly collisions, which findings resoundingly show drop off significantly compared to 50km/h, but to cut back on things like traffic noise and pollution while promoting healthier, less costly alternatives. On Thursday, Nov. 16, Young gave his “Slow the Blazes Down” presentation to the HRM’s Active Transportation Advisory Committee, of which he is a member. The bummer, as Coast city hall reporter Matt Stickland tells fell...2023-11-201h 01The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastOffseason Predictions (w/ Down The Pub!)One year after a near-complete overhaul that saw a coaching change and a carousel of new faces, the Halifax Wanderers are in somewhat unfamiliar territory entering their offseason: For once, the Canadian Premier League soccer club has a roster it would—mostly—like to keep together.
Now, the question looms: What will it take for this team to emerge as true title contenders? What pieces are missing? And what departures will the Wanderers likely need to plan for?
To answer the question, we invited two of the most-trusted voices on all things Wanderers—Down the Pub’s...2023-11-091h 05The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastCan We Get More Pro Women's Soccer in Halifax Already?In this week's episode of the Wanderer Grounds podcast, Coast education reporter Lauren Phillips joins Martin Bauman and Matt Stickland to talk about Canada's 2-0 win over Brazil in Halifax, Christine Sinclair's impact on the game, and what it will take for women's soccer to finally see a professional league established in Canada.2023-11-0349 min
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastWanderer Grounds Award Show!The Canadian Premier League will announce its 2023 regular season award-winners on Thursday, Oct. 26, but here at The Coast, reporters Martin Bauman and Matt Stickland have come up with a far more prestigious (and definitely official) set of awards: The inaugural Wanderer Grounds Awards. Er... Groundies? Wandies? We’re still not entirely sure.
Four Wanderers—all in their debut season—are in the running for the CPL’s official end-of-season awards: Lorenzo Callegari (Player of the Year, Players’ Player of the Year), Dan Nimick (Defender of the Year, Players’ Player of the Year), Massimo Ferrin (Players’ Player of the Year) and...2023-10-241h 05The Grand ParadeShould Halifax de-amalgamate?In this Grand Parade episode, Coast reporters Matt Stickland and Martin Bauman dive into the HRM's Integrated Mobility Plan and what it secretly not-so-secretly suggests: Maybe Halifax would've been better off had the province not amalgamated the region in 1996?
Matt fills Martin in on why John Lohr's housing power play is a recipe for abuse—if not by the current housing minister, then by his eventual successor.
Also, the two discuss one of the biggest cracks in the foundation of the HRM's governance: Really bad minutes. That's right: Minutes.2023-10-2355 min
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastThat's All She WroteIn this week’s episode of the Wanderer Grounds podcast, Coast reporters Matt Stickland and Martin Bauman commiserate over the Wanderers' playoff disappointment and talk about the season that was. Plus, midfielder and vice-captain Mo Omar joins the show to talk about what went wrong for the Wanderers and his offseason plans.
Also in this episode: The boys detail their plans for offseason episodes -- speaking of which, please reach out if you have nominations for any player awards, serious or silly.2023-10-1547 min
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastPlayoff Scenarios, Featuring Massimo Ferrin and Lorenzo CallegariIn this week's Wanderer Grounds episode, Coast reporters Matt Stickland and Martin Bauman go deep on the Halifax Wanderers' odds against their playoff opponents—will it be York United or Pacific FC? Plus, Wanderers forward Massimo Ferrin and midfielder Lorenzo Callegari join the show to talk scoring streaks, praise from Karim Benzema and taking visitors to Eastern Passage.
(Editor's note: The conversation with Lorenzo is in French. Really, truly bad French—at least on Matt and Martin's part. Lorenzo speaks French just fine.)
Photo credit: Trevor MacMillan / HFX Wanderers FC2023-10-101h 09The Grand ParadeWhy isn't the IMP working?In this week’s episode of The Grand Parade, Coast reporters Matt Stickland and Martin Bauman discuss Halifax’s Integrated Mobility Plan, and Matt convinces Martin that it’s already dead. Why? Because of the way the HRM sets its budget. Plus, the two detour onto the subjects of roads, and whether the provincial government’s plans to spend more than $1 billion to expand its highways* should qualify as an investment. (It shouldn’t. And it’s making Nova Scotia poorer.) Three cheers for the sunk-cost fallacy!*Yes, the money is also earmarked for bridges and ferry services. But mostly roads2023-10-0649 min
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastWANDERERS CLINCH PLAYOFFS! Halifax Tops Forge, Secures Postseason BerthIn this week’s Wanderer Grounds episode, Coast reporter Martin Bauman is joined by HFX Wanderers FC assistant coach Jorden Feliciano to talk about how Halifax stymied Forge’s well-oiled offense, Massimo Ferrin’s status as a top-10 CPL player and overcoming disappointment in Langley to earn a crucial three points at home.
(Editor’s note: Martin got excited in the live recording after the match and thought that Halifax had guaranteed they would finish no worse than fourth in the CPL playoff standings. In fact, Atlético Ottawa could still surpass them, but it would require Ottawa wi...2023-09-3032 min
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastRed Cards for Six-Year-OldsIn this week’s Wanderer Grounds episode, Coast reporters Matt Stickland and Martin Bauman dissect what went wrong for Halifax in Langley and what it’ll take for the Wanderers to hit their stride going into the playoffs—if they manage to qualify.
Photo credit: Beau Chevalier2023-09-251h 03
The Grand ParadeWanderers President Derek Martin Wants a StadiumHalifax Wanderers CEO Derek Martin has dreams of a permanent 8,500-seat stadium in Halifax's downtown. Last week, the Canadian Premier League soccer club founder made his pitch to the HRM's Community Planning and Economic Development Standing Committee to overhaul the municipally-owned Wanderers Grounds—where his club plays—in favour of an all-purpose venue. The cost? An estimated $40-million, according to Martin.
The Wanderers CEO has pledged that his club would be prepared to contribute "substantially" to the costs of building such a permanent stadium. To that end, he has also proposed a 30-year tenancy agreement with the HRM...2023-09-2245 min
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastWanderers President Derek Martin Wants a StadiumHalifax Wanderers CEO Derek Martin has dreams of a permanent 8,500-seat stadium in Halifax's downtown. Last week, the Canadian Premier League soccer club founder made his pitch to the HRM's Community Planning and Economic Development Standing Committee to overhaul the municipally-owned Wanderers Grounds—where his club plays—in favour of an all-purpose venue. The cost? An estimated $40-million, according to Martin.
The Wanderers CEO has pledged that his club would be prepared to contribute "substantially" to the costs of building such a permanent stadium. To that end, he has also proposed a 30-year tenancy agreement with the HRM...2023-09-2245 min
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastSchmoz at the Death... DeathIn this week’s Wanderer Grounds episode, Coast reporters Matt Stickland and Martin Bauman reflect on the Wanderers’ Monday night nerves, Gheisar’s U-21 quandary and a tight three matches to go in the regular season. Plus, Wanderers forward Jordan Perruzza joins the show to talk about riding out post-tropical storm Lee and the grandeur of Canada’s Wonderland. Martin makes an immediate fool of himself, but he’s really hoping you won’t notice. He’s sensitive about these things.
Schmoz (n) A crowd of wrestlers during a pullapart [dfn.] brawl; general chaos meant to conclude an angle or ma...2023-09-1946 min
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastNo Cheering In the Press BoxIn this week's episode, Matt and Martin talk about the Wanderers' fatigue levels, Mo Omar taking one for the team, the silver lining when things backfire, and one hell of a noisy press box.
P.S. In our intro, we introduced you to everyone else but forgot to introduce ourselves. Which was silly. Matt is the one who starts the podcast by yelling "Hello!"
Photo credit: Trevor MacMillan / HFX Wanderers FC2023-09-1352 min
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastA Normal Weekend GameIn this episode, Martin and Matt talk about U-21 minutes, lame excuses for smoking weed and, of course, the dropped three points against York United FC.
Also in this episode, the boys talk to Wesley Timoteo about his new role as a "hybrid fullback," living with Yann Fillion and just how many bananas he eats every day.2023-09-0559 min
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastSoggy Three PointsIn this week's episode, Matt and Martin talk about the wet three points the Halifax Wanderers earned over the weekend against Winnipeg's Valour FC. They also discuss U-21 minutes, taking off shirts and which sport is the most selfish.
(Correction: In this episode, Martin says he believes that Jake Ruby isn't yet healthy enough to return to play for the Wanderers. Per the club, Ruby is healthy and available.)
Photo credit: Trevor MacMillan / HFX Wanderers FC2023-08-2846 min
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastDays of the WeekThe most telling sign that the Halifax Wanderers are not the same ill-fated team of old might well be this: On Saturday, Aug. 19, the Wanderers managed to draw defending Canadian Premier League champions Forge FC in a tight 1-1 road affair, and Halifax will head home feeling like they could’ve taken all three points away. Through three matches against Hamilton’s Forge this season, the Wanderers have remained undefeated, with one win and two draws.
In other years? That kind of head-to-head record against the three-time CPL champions would’ve been unheard of.
In this w...2023-08-2153 min
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastThree Goals, Three PointsIn this week's episode, Martin is joined by Canadian international (and now Wanderers centre-back) Doneil Henry. The two talk about the Wanderers' 3-0 win over Vancouver FC and what playing and living in Halifax has been like for Henry.
Matt joins Martin at the tail end of the interview and the two of them go through the game, talk about João Morelli's performance and some standouts. The boys also talk about U-21 minutes while getting some U-21 minutes in on the podcast.
Photo credit: Trevor MacMillan / HFX Wanderers FC2023-08-1341 min
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastSerenity for MayorIn this week's episode Matt and Martin are joined by League Commissioner Mark Noonan and the three of them talk about the future of the league and the standard of reffing.
Then Martin and Matt do a speed run through the events of the last game, as Martin had to rush off for a birthday event. Happy Birthday Martin!
Photo credit: Trevor MacMillan / HFX Wanderers FC2023-08-0825 min
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastFlyin' SoloIn this week's episode, it's just Martin because Matt's voice is down for the count.2023-08-0124 min
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastFrom the Post to the Corner FlagMake that five home wins in a row for the Halifax Wanderers. On Sunday, July 23, in front of an ebullient Halifax crowd, the Wanderers looked comfortable in beating reigning regular season champions Atlético Ottawa 1-0 behind a magnificent goal from striker Théo Collomb.
In this week’s episode of The Wanderer Grounds, Coast reporters Matt Stickland and Martin Bauman discuss the Wanderers’ run of form, Canadian international Doneil Henry’s debut and the best way to eat a potato. Plus, Collomb joins the show to talk about that moment from Sunday’s match, the gift of French cui...2023-07-2448 min
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastFriends of the Common vs WanderersThis episode of the Wanderer Grounds is a crossover episode! Last week the Friends of the Commons local advocacy group put a post on their website letting everyone know that they are suing the city over the privatization of the Wanderer’s Grounds.
The reason, according to the legal letter linked above, is they believe the Wanderer’s Grounds have been defacto privatized without public consultation, which goes against rules dating as back as far as the Crown grants from the 1700s. Their argument is that since the 1700s, this land has been public, and more recently and sp...2023-07-1759 minThe Grand ParadeFull on tragedy of the commonsTake heed of the old phrase, “Be careful what you wish for.” Back in 2005, when Nova Scotia introduced its Capped Assessment Program, the stated goal was to keep seniors and families in their homes that might otherwise have been priced out. The solution of the day was to limit property tax increases to no more than the annual inflation rate. It sounds considerate—and indeed, it worked. But then the price of homes in Halifax rocketed to the moon, and nothing has ever been the same. On this week’s Grand Parade podcast, writer Deny Sullivan joins Coast reporters Matt Sticklan...2023-07-141h 11
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastThe Return of the KingIn this episode Matt and Martin talk about a soggy game, Fillion's antics and the return of Morelli.
Photo credit: Trevor MacMillan / HFX Wanderers FC2023-07-1336 min
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastDan Nimick, Great is Thy NameIn this week's Wanderer Grounds episode, Coast reporter Martin Bauman is joined post-match by Wanderers beat reporter Joshua Healey (Wanderers Notebook) and Wanderers centre-back Dan Nimick to recap HFX Wanderers FC's dramatic 2-1 victory over defending Canadian Premier League champions Forge FC. Nimick talks penalty mind-tricks, pump-up songs and why he loves a good bowl of Chipotle. Plus, Martin and Josh discuss Wesley Timoteo's turn at left-back, the Wanderers' four-game unbeaten run and a historic night at Wanderers Grounds.
Photo credit: Trevor MacMillan / HFX Wanderers FC2023-07-0137 min
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastThe Theatre of SportIn this week's episode Matt is joined by new guest Lauchlin. The two of them are joined by Aiden Daniels to talk about whether or not it's okay to be mean to soccer players (and his sweet goal).
Then Josh from the Wanderers Notebook (thewanderersnotebook.ca) joins and they talk about press box shenanigans, reffing and debate if Halifax's grass gives the team an advantage.
You can read Josh's recap here: https://wanderersnotebook.ca/2023/06/18/hfx-wanderers-keep-rolling-with-second-win-beat-cavalry-fc-3-1/
Photo credit: Trevor MacMillan / HFX Wanderers FC2023-06-1853 min
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastWE FINALLY WONIn this episode of The Wanderer Grounds podcast, Coast reporters Matt Stickland and Martin Bauman recap a raucous 2-0 home victory for HFX Wanderers FC—the Canadian Premier League soccer club’s first win of 2023, as well as the first under new coach Patrice Gheisar.
Matt apologizes for doubting Mo Omar’s midfield merits, Martin digs deep into hot-take territory to suggest that when teams play well, it leads to winning more games and the two take stock of a brilliant performance from English midfielder Callum Watson. Plus: 2021 MVP João Morelli returns.
Has Aidan Daniels ce...2023-06-1249 minThe Grand ParadeThe fires in TantallonIn this episode of The Grand Parade podcast, Coast reporters Matt Stickland and Martin Bauman reflect on the harsh lessons learned from the Tantallon wildfire—including how the HRM was warned about the risks of a scenario like this 20 years ago. Matt educates Martin on as-of-right development, and how it enabled the suburbs around Halifax to grow with little oversight for disaster preparedness. The two discuss the ramifications of Northern Pulp’s closure on the province’s forests and the aftermath of Hurricane Fiona, as well as what the events of last week bode for the HRM’s future—and how to fin...2023-06-061h 07
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastThe Problem With xGSaturday ended in disappointment. In this episode of The Wanderer Grounds, Coast reporters Matt Stickland and Martin Bauman break out their armchair whiteboards to settle the matter of HFX Wanderers FC’s ongoing struggle to secure three points. What happened on Saturday? How does Gheisar find his elusive starting 11? Is Halifax just supremely unlucky, or is there more behind the club’s string of results?
Photo credit: Tim Austen / Freestyle Photography2023-06-0645 minThe Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastFires, the City and the State of the HRMA special episode of the Wanderer Grounds, a quick recap, a programing note and a plea for help.2023-05-3003 min
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastBetrayal RaisinBit of a shorter episode this week in Martin's absence. Matt is in stead joined by special guest co-host Josh Healey from The Wanderer's Notebook.
The boys talk about the game and then get joined by a special guest who talks to the boys about what the game felt like on the pitch.
Matt also found an away fan who didn't gloat about the win.
Photo credit: Trevor MacMillan / HFX Wanderers FC2023-05-2123 min
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastZebra on the PitchMatt and Martin are back to discuss a bit of a disappointing game in Calgary. In the 2-2 draw the most influential man on the match was the referee.
The boys take some time to reflect on the season so far, and Matt learns how the league table works.
Then the episode is capped off with a return of the final press, where Martin asks Matt misleading questions about the Wanderers to see where Matt would bring the Stanley Cup and save the CPL.
For anyone interested in the articles we mentioned, below yo...2023-05-151h 05
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastFootball Manager FamousIn this episode of the Wanderer Grounds Matt and Martin are joined by Alex Sheppard of Suburban FC. The three talk about the Wanderer's game on the weekend (nil-nil draw) that happened.
After the recap of the game that took 90 minutes to play on Saturday Alex told Matt and Martin all about the upcoming Maritime Super Series in which will feature some former wanderers. Why do we need a Maritime Super League? Listen to find out. (or click on this link (https://www.maritimesuperseries.ca)
And finally, at the end of the episode, Matt learns...2023-05-0853 min
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastHome OpenerMatt and Martin are joined by the only fan to respond saying they wanted to be on the podcast Pat Burton! Welcome Pat!
At the Grounds, Matt also found a Vancouver fan who traveled to watch Vancouver play.
Hear the boys answer serious questions like: Will we ever win? And does Fernandez run while falling over?
Photo credit: Trevor MacMillan / HFX Wanderers FC2023-04-3042 min
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastFroot Loops and Kraft DinnerIn this week's episode, Matt and Martin discuss why the Wanderers' first two league games are signs for optimism, even if the team hasn't won yet. Matt also explains his strange eating habits and how to poop underwater. This episode runs long because we weren't watching the clock, but enjoy and we'll be back after this weekend's game against team newcomers Vancouver FC.
Photo credit: Jojo Yanjiao Qian / Forge FC2023-04-241h 09
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastA Point On the BoardMatt and Martin talk about this weekend's first game of the season between the HFX Wanderers and Atletico Ottawa. The teams shared the points, and the boys break down all the action. High lights include: A correction about magic cards, penalty analysis, and how we feel about the season, one game in.
Photo credit: Andre Ringuette / Freestyle Photography2023-04-1957 min
The Wanderer Grounds | A Halifax Soccer PodcastSeason PreviewIn this inaugural episode, Matt asks Martin how realistic his expectations for a Jumbotron are, and the boys hear from two senior Wanderers players and find out what new coach Patrice Gheisar watches on YouTube in his rare down time.
Photo credit: Trevor MacMillan / HFX Wanderers FC2023-04-1940 minThe Grand ParadeBudget, Bike lanes, Battlestar GalacticaThe Coast's city hall reporter Matt Stickland is joined by his fellow Coast reporter Martin Bauman and Halifax resident Ben MacLeod. They talk bike lane cost overruns and budget season. 2022-11-281h 08