Welcome to our latest Creator Spotlight, a series dedicated to celebrating the voices shaping modern fan media and introducing supporters to the people behind and in front of the camera. Each feature takes a closer look at the passion, commitment and creativity that drives fan-led football content.
This week, we caught up with Charlie from the Talking Shrimpers Podcast a newly founded fan channel dedicated and producing content covering all things Southend United.
Here’s what he had to say…
1. What made you start creating football content?
I’d previously shared my views and opinions on the club with BBC Essex, as well as with other creators and journalists. During the off-season, Phil got in touch to see if I’d be interested in joining a podcast he was setting up, and I jumped at the chance. It’s been great to provide a weekly round-up and connect with fellow Southend fans.
2. How long have you supported your club, and what’s your earliest or favourite memory of being a fan?
I’ve supported Southend for around 30 years. My earliest memory is going to matches under the lights after school. We used to sit in the South Upper, and I vividly remember shouting “heeeeeere’s Sammy!” as our goalkeeper at the time, Paul Sampson, took his goal kicks.
3. What do you enjoy most about making content for fellow fans?
It’s the variety of topics we cover. We welcome a wide range of guests, including ex-players, staff connected to the club, and fellow supporters. Everyone brings different opinions, and we try to cater for all perspectives.
We’re especially keen to promote the youth and women’s teams, with dedicated features highlighting their achievements. We’re very fortunate to have two current women’s team players as co-hosts.
Healthy debate around performances and the club’s direction is something we really enjoy, and it’s great that Southend fans now have more content to engage with beyond the official club channels.
4. If you could fix ONE thing about modern football, what would it be and why?
Deliberate time-wasting and feigning injuries—particularly by goalkeepers. It’s becoming more common, especially in the National League, and it really takes the enjoyment out of the game with constant stop-start play. Referees often threaten yellow cards but rarely act until late in the match. If blatant time-wasting was punished early, it would go a long way towards eradicating it.
5. Matchday routine — any superstitions?
No real superstitions, but if we’re on a good run of results, I’ll wear the same shirt the following week.
6. What’s the one thing fans would be surprised to learn about you?
I’m the current National Prison Trials Passive Drug Dog Champion.
7. Your club in ONE word — go.
Resilient
8. What do you want fans to take away from watching your content?
That it’s about more than just matchday. We’re a family and a community, and everyone has a part to play. We want people to feel they have a voice, that their opinions matter, and that they can share them openly.
We’re a light-hearted channel that’s still growing, and we hope people are enjoying what they’re seeing and hearing from all of us.
Want to get involved with Creator Spotlight?
If you’re a fan-led content creator telling authentic football stories – whether through vlogs, podcasts or fan reaction – we want to hear from you. Creator Spotlight is our way of recognising the people behind the content and giving creators a platform to be seen, discovered and celebrated by the wider football community.
Get in touch.