Upfront - A Women's Football Podcast

Barcelona in mid-April. Stephanie Frappart in the middle. Emma Hayes with her formal blue coat on. It can only mean one thing: an ICONIC Champions League semi-final!Chloe and Rachel look back on a historic victory for Chelsea at the Estadi Olímpic and how they “played dirty” to do it! Also, the Ann Katrin Berger Era comes to an end, Rachel explains why she’s worried about Man City in the last stretch of the season, and we find out how Crystal Palace have gone from Championship regulars to WSL-team-in-waiting. It’s not got anything to do with Chloe, we promise…Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us show@upfrontpod.com.Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, we’re joined by the goalkeeper who has made the most saves in the WSL this season: it’s Brighton No.1, Sophie Baggaley!Rachel sat down with her ahead of Brighton’s clash with Everton at the Amex on Friday night. Sophie reflects on her first season at Brighton: from her midnight arrival on transfer deadline day, to Melissa Phillips’ shock exit just six months later. She also reveals which Brighton players fancies themselves between the sticks and her friendly rivalry with Elisabeth Terland! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us show@upfrontpod.com.Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re only just getting our breath back from two stunning FA Cup semi-finals! And Chloe has finally stopped communicating exclusively with all-caps in the Upfront WhatsApp group, phew.Clo and Rach give their reactions to Man United’s shock defeat of Chelsea to throw another spanner in the engine of Emma Hayes’ open top farewell bus. How did they do it? There’s also plenty of love for Mary Earps and Chloe reflects on how far her old team Spurs have come now that they’re in their first EVER FA Cup final!Plus, Rachel quotes a poem and explains how Rachel Daly made versatility sexy after her shock England exit! But was it the right choice?Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us show@upfrontpod.com.Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bay FC are the new kids on the block in the NWSL – and before a ball had even been kicked, they had made huge moves in the game. From Jen Beattie, to Asisat Oshoala, to Rachel Kundananji for a world record transfer fee, they have built an eye-catching squad. The challenge now is making it all fit together.The woman behind all that is Lucy Rushton. Former General Manager at DC United and Head of Technical Recruitment and Analysis at Atlanta United, there are few women in football who have broken quite as many ceilings as Lucy in the men’s game. Now, she’s the brain behind one of the most exciting expansion sides ever in the NWSL. Lucy catches up with Chloe to discuss how you create a club identity from nothing, how you convince players to join a squad when there isn’t even a training ground yet, and Bay FC’s ambitions to change the face of women’s sport forever.Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us show@upfrontpod.com.Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re here a day early because we need to answer some important questions. Should people be worrying about England after their underwhelming draw against Sweden? Or do fans need to accept that England just struggled against strong opposition?Elsewhere, we chat about Wales and their longstanding legends as they smashed Croatia - but Scotland and Northern Ireland both turned in flat performances. We also look ahead to a seismic Upfront Derby, as a buoyant Ireland host the Lionesses tomorrow!Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us show@upfrontpod.com.Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever wondered how England develop their next crop of stars? We’ve got all the answers for you on today’s pod! Rachel sat down with the brilliant Emma Coates, head coach of England’s U23s.Emma explains how she works with Sarina Wiegman to identify new call-ups, the importance of the U23s as a bridge to the senior side, and how England’s talent pool keeps growing. This is a fascinating chat that you won’t hear anywhere else, so come join us!Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us show@upfrontpod.com.Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Everyone has gone full-blown Poirot after the Conti Cup final, so Chloe and Rachel get their monocles out and get to the bottom of all the drama between Emma Hayes and Jonas Eidevall!Of course, we put the game under the Upfront magnifying glass too, and react to an incredible moment for Stina Blackstenius – especially after one of her closest teammates, Frida Maanum, collapsed during the game.Elsewhere, Rachel reflects on her memories of Steph Houghton after she announced her retirement. And, forty years on from the first ever women’s Euros final between England and Sweden, we speak to the Lionesses’ star striker that day – Pat Chapman – about her memories of the game and and her thoughts on this Friday’s clash in VERY different circumstances at Wembley!Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us show@upfrontpod.com.Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Back in February, West Ham Women’s Vice President and Managing Director of Wow Hydrate Queenie Porter said that she thinks women’s football will one day become bigger commercially than the men’s game.Today, Chloe and Rachel sit down with her to explore a bit more about why she thinks that. Queenie also gives fascinating insight into the importance of separating men’s and women’s football when it comes to brand partnerships and how she believes NewCo can help expand the women’s game. Plus, we hear her thoughts on Chloe’s new nickname for Sarina Wiegman…Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us show@upfrontpod.com.Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We look back over a tasty Women’s Football Weekend that saw Man City’s title charge rumble on, painting Manchester blue in the process. Has Jess Park given #SazzyWiegs something to think about?Elsewhere, we dive into some Arsenal conspiracy theories after their kick-off was embarrassingly delayed once again, the Merseyside derby left us with more questions than answers and we look ahead to the Conti Cup final this weekend: the first silverware of the season!Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us show@upfrontpod.com.Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ahead of one of the biggest games of the season, Rachel sat down with Man City boss Gareth Taylor for a chat about how they’ve found themselves at the centre of a cracking WSL title race!Gareth also talks about separating the demands of the job from his family life, which other managers he leans on for support and how his side have developed a resilient edge. Plus, we get a unique insight into how City prepare on the training field and what they’re expecting at the Etihad this weekend!Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us show@upfrontpod.com.Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chelsea worked their socks off on Friday night – but the less said about socks the better…Chloe and Rach look back on a huge win for Chelsea in the title race and Sjoeke Nüsken’s stunning transformation into a number nine! Plus, is Manuela Zinsberger’s time at Arsenal coming to an end? We also discuss Emma Hayes’ comments on relationships between players and the press conferences across the WSL about relationships between coaches and players in light of recent events. Plus, a preview of Women’s Football Weekend! If Chloe will let it go ahead, that is…Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us show@upfrontpod.com.Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us for today’s cup chaos special, as we recap all the results from across the weekend. Man City were knocked out of both cup competitions in the space of a few days - did they re-sign Gareth Taylor too prematurely?Elsewhere, we saw smaller teams continue to close the gap, another lethal performance from Arsenal’s Stina Blackstenius, and some odd comments from Man Utd boss Marc Skinner.We also chat about Copa 71, a cracking new documentary that reflects on the unofficial 1971 World Cup that saw record crowds and the customary idiotic response from the powers that be.Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us show@upfrontpod.com.Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arsenal overcame Spurs in the North London derby, while Manchester City and Chelsea kept up their side of the bargain. So where’s the trophy going?! Cue the Benny Hill theme.Chloe and Rachel are back at Upfront HQ to talk about all that and much more. Plus, we collectively scream “JUST BOOT IT WEST HAM!” and there’s an extraordinary situation in the Gold Cup where Costa Rica went through by drawing LOTS! Anyone got a bowl?Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us show@upfrontpod.com.Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With just over a week to go until International Women’s Day, we wanted to welcome a truly inspirational woman in football onto the podcast.Khalida Popal is the former captain of the Afghan women’s national team. In fact, if it wasn’t for her, the team would never have been formed back in 2007. And if it wasn’t for her, the current squad would never have escaped Kabul when the Taliban regained power in August 2021.Now, Khalida faces a new battle with football’s authorities. With the Taliban’s ban on women’s sport, FIFA are refusing to recognise the Afghan team. Rachel speaks to Khalida all about that, the long journey to this point, and why football in particular is such a powerful tool for female empowerment.Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us show@upfrontpod.com.Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The girls are apart this week with Rach in Marbella and Chloe… not in Marbella, sadly. So there is lots to catch up on from the international break! They discuss Grace Clinton’s dazzling England debut on Friday and - with more members of the U23 squad being brought into Sarina Wingman’s plans - identify the rising stars you should be looking out for on the road to Euro 2025.Plus, Spain have qualified for their first Olympics – but what’s going on with Alexia Putellas? And there’s an update from the Gold Cup, where an incredible unbeaten streak finally comes to an end…Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us show@upfrontpod.com.Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’d been itching for last weekend for a while – and it didn’t disappoint! Unless you were Chloe Morgan in a box at the Emirates, that is.Chloe and Rachel discuss how Man City did a job away at Chelsea for the first time in 8 years and how exactly Man United put in such a calamitously bad first half performance at the Emirates. Also, is Sonia Bompastor a good fit for the hotseat at Stamford Bridge and will Rachel have any more shocking puns when she’s hired?Plus, Chloe’s fantasy team is in tatters and should we be concerned by the attendance at Everton vs West Ham? Short answer: no.Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us show@upfrontpod.com.Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rachel’s back with a bonus episode, where she’s joined by WSL assistant referee, Georgia Ball!As an assistant referee in the WSL and a Championship referee, Georgia is part of the next generation of women at the forefront of the changing landscape across the women’s game. She chats to us about how officiating has changed as the game grows, dealing with the pressures and scrutiny that comes with that growth, and how many top refs still have to balance their commitments with working other jobs. It's a fascinating conversation with someone right at the heart of the game at the very highest level!Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us show@upfrontpod.com.Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two months ago, Khiara Keating left Meadow Park in tears. On Sunday, she left it as Manchester City’s hero! Chloe and Rachel look back on a huge victory for Man City and how Keating has slowly become one of the WSL’s best. Plus, does Katie McCabe take it too far? And with the release of the latest England squad… why isn’t Sarina Wiegman picking Nikita Parris?! All that and much more on today’s Upfront.Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us show@upfrontpod.com.Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, we are joined by English football royalty. Chloe sits down with former England and Arsenal player Marieanne Spacey-Cale, who has guided Southampton from the fifth tier right to the very brink of the WSL. Ahead of their FA Cup showdown with Man United, they discuss the club’s journey so far – one that has lots of similarities with their opponent’s, in fact – and the ever-increasing pressure on coaches.Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us show@upfrontpod.com.Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leah Williamson was back and it was all looking so promising for Arsenal. But then… enter West Ham!Chloe and Rachel look back on a huge defeat that leaves Arsenal’s title hopes seriously damaged – but was it really that big a surprise? Rachel explains why West Ham had this in their locker.We also discuss Brighton’s shock decision to sack Melissa Phillips and the chaos that ensued. Plus, Crystal Palace’s Annabel Johnson joins us ahead of their clash with Chelsea in the FA Cup and shares her experience of training to be a coach and some of her concerns about the process. Join us!Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us show@upfrontpod.com.Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, we’re joined by an England and Manchester City legend who is absolutely GREAT craic too: it’s the one and only, Demi Stokes!Chloe and Rachel sit down with her to talk about Green Football Weekend - which kicks off tomorrow - and how her passion for cooking inspired her to be a GFW ambassador this year. She reveals how she’s been helping a few teammates with their own culinary skills and Jill Scott’s surprising restaurant order after they won the WSL in 2016…Plus, Demi pulls back the curtain on Sarina Wiegman’s real impact on the England squad, her friendship with Khiara Keating, and her VERY surprising career plans after football!Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us show@upfrontpod.com.Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We all thought the race for the WSL title was the real spectacle this season. But no: it’s actually Bristol City’s blow-up apple race at half-time.Chloe and Rachel bring the latest from across the WSL, as Vivianne Miedema 2.0 whirs into life but yet another huge name - Jill Roord - is sidelined with an ACL injury. Rachel explains why Man City will be able to adapt without her. Plus, green shoots for Rehanne Skinner at West Ham and we hear from Nikki Doucet on NewCo for the very first time! Apparently she mentioned Glastonbury? Who knew.Come join us!Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us show@upfrontpod.com.Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re at Stamford Bridge for our first EVER episode at a Champions League game! Chloe and Rachel bring you their reaction to Chelsea’s hard-fought win over Real Madrid. But with Hannah Hampton’s fumble and another early shower for Mia Fishel, there is plenty to ponder for Emma Hayes....Plus, Rachel introduces us to Basil the Chelsea fan, Chloe reflects on the future of the Champions League after DAZN remove their paywall just months after they set it up, and we wonder just how far Chelsea can go in the competition that Hayes really wants to get her hands on before her farewell. Oh, and there’s the small matter of Leah Williamson’s comeback tonight!Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us show@upfrontpod.com.Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The WSL is back! Chloe and Rachel are here to give it a warm welcome after its winter hibernation – and we kick off with one of the windiest football matches Dagenham has ever witnessed…Chloe explains how Spurs and Robert Vilahamn are developing a proper identity based around young players and reveals more about her old teammate, Jess Naz! Plus, Rachel gives her take on Lauren James’ performance and celebrating in front of the Man United fans after she had a front row seat for it all at Stamford Bridge. And will Bunny Shaw EVER stop scoring hat-tricks?We’re back on Wednesday to bring you reaction to Chelsea vs Real Madrid, with Champions League qualification on the line!Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us show@upfrontpod.com.Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rachel heads to Stamford Bridge to speak to one of Chelsea’s most quietly influential players: it’s Niamh Charles!Niamh gives her honest thoughts on Chelsea’s battles with Man United last season and how Champions League football has shaped her playing style. She also reflects on Emma Hayes’ influence on her and reveals the one lesson that will always stay with her.Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us show@upfrontpod.com.Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The news is out! Sarina Wiegman will be staying on as the head coach of the Lionesses until at least the 2027 World Cup.Chloe and Rachel react to that and bring you the best stories from across the FA Cup fourth round, including Rach’s trip to Moneyfields and the most non-celebration ever at Arsenal! We also explain why a huge second half of the season awaits for Marc Skinner and give our takes on FIFA’s very English Best XI.Speaking of which… is Ellie Roebuck to Barcelona really a thing?! Come join us to find out!Check out Upfront's new social channels! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us show@upfrontpod.com.Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ahead of Durham’s clash with Manchester City on Sunday, Chloe sits down with their captain and one of the longest-serving players in their history, Sarah Wilson! They reflect on Durham’s journey since last facing Man City a decade ago and how - uniquely in the Championship - the club has kept the loyalty of some of its best players for so many years.Check out Upfront's new social channels! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us show@upfrontpod.com.Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re back! Chloe and Rachel react to gutting news that the WSL’s sharpshooter, Sam Kerr, is out with an ACL injury for the rest of the season and ask the big question: how can Chelsea deal without her? Plus, Chloe’s got a new nickname for Mia Fishel…We also run the rule over the latest January deals (Kristie Mewis to West Ham!? WHAT!) and some wicked whispers, including Emily Fox literally being pictured in the background of an Arsenal training session – real subtle. And we preview the FA Cup this weekend with Watford wingback Lucía Leon, as they get ready to face the Gunners!Check out Upfront's new social channels! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us show@upfrontpod.com.Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After news of Sam Kerr’s ACL injury broke at the weekend, we wanted to revisit our exploration of ACL injuries in women’s football just over 12 months ago – when another of the WSL’s stars was ruled out for the rest of the season, Beth Mead.In this episode, Chloe and Rachel looked into the alarming rate of ACL injuries across women’s football and what can be done to help those players affected.We spoke to Dr Emma Ross, a female athlete health specialist, to understand why women are up to six times more likely to suffer an ACL injury than their male counterparts. We were also joined by then-Aston Villa midfielder Remi Allen, who was recovering from an ACL injury at the time and gave us a unique insight into the mental and physical hurdles that accompany such a career-threatening setback.Check out Upfront's new social channels! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us show@upfrontpod.com.Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chloe and Rachel count down their top five stories from one heck of a year! Featuring emotional moments in Australia, a title race to end all title races, and the start of a long goodbye for one of the absolute titans of the women’s game.It’s been real, 2023. Thanks so much everyone for joining us for the ride! We’ll be back in the new year.Check out Upfront's new social channels! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us show@upfrontpod.com.Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The title race, the relegation battle, the top four disruptors – it’s all on the table on today’s ep!Chloe and Rachel give a top-to-bottom review of the WSL season so far before the winter break begins. Why have Man United already dropped more points than in the WHOLE of last season? How did Spurs rewrite history against Arsenal at the weekend? And are Liverpool the real deal? Join us for all that and more!Check out Upfront's new social channels! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us show@upfrontpod.com.Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ahead of Sunday’s showdown against Chelsea, Chloe and Rachel headed to - that’s right - Wetherspoons! After steaming through many pints and cooked breakfasts (not really), they sat down with Tara and Zoe, two of the biggest figures in the Arsenal Women’s Supporters Club, to find out how Arsenal has become the best-supported club in English football.Plus, Chloe catches up with Arseblog’s Tim Stillman about the likelihood of every Arsenal Women’s game moving to the Emirates soon! WARNING: very catchy Cloé Lacasse chant in this pod…Check out Upfront's new social channels! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us show@upfrontpod.com.Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re at the Emirates! Chloe and Rachel took in a dramatic 90 minutes between two of the WSL’s heavyweights and then headed to the press box to react to it all!How did Arsenal pull off one of the best performances of the Jonas Eidevall era? What happened to Chelsea and Lauren James? Where does this leave the title race? And who has bonce of the year?! Check out Upfront's new social channels! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us show@upfrontpod.com.Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England fought back on Friday! Not that Chloe would know, she was already on her way to Boxpark…Chloe and Rachel discuss the showdown with Scotland, NewCo, and welcome a Queen of the Jungle to the Hall of Fame!Check out Upfront's new social channels! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us show@upfrontpod.com.Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What’s going on with Ellie Roebuck? Chloe and Rachel try to figure out the question on everyone’s lips on today’s show!While Roebuck failed to make Sarina Wiegman’s squad, Beth Mead is back, people – and back amongst the goals! Don’t worry, we marked it with an appropriate song. But where does she fit into England’s revamped frontline?Plus, we say goodbye to Christine Sinclair before her final games for Canada. Canadian soccer journalist Har Johal joins us to explain why she leaves the stage as one of Canada’s most influential athletes ever.Check out Upfront's new social channels! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us show@upfrontpod.com.Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Earps, I did it again.Chloe and Rachel look back on an eventful Manchester derby where Mary Earps once again swore in full view of the cameras – and for good reason. Plus, Chloe reminds us of her sleepless nights after facing LJ between the sticks and we wonder why Chelsea don’t get better attendances at Stamford Bridge. Check out Upfront's new social channels! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube!Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Just when you thought the WSL was about to calm down, it throws up a weekend like that!Chloe and Rachel unpack Brighton’s shock defeat of Manchester City and *that* Arsenal second half against Bristol City, which gets us thinking about some of the tough halftime team talks Chloe received over the years!Plus, we call up US soccer writer Megan Swanick and and DAZN football reporter Alex Ibaceta to hear about events overseas in the US and Spain. What kind of Real Madrid side awaits Chelsea on Wednesday?We’ve been nominated for Best Podcast at the FSA Awards! Vote for us here, Clo Sullivans: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/fsa-awards-2023.Check out Upfront's new social channels! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube!Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chloe and Rachel react to Saturday’s seismic news that Emma Hayes will be leaving Chelsea - and the WSL - at the end of the season! We discuss what’s next for Hayes, Chelsea and the league as a whole – plus, we speak to one of the journalists who broke the news of Emma Hayes’ move to the US Women’s National Team, Jeff Kassouf from Equalizer Soccer!Elsewhere, Chloe blames literally every element of the weather on goalkeepers’ mistakes this weekend and Rachel tells us about her trip to Bristol City, where they won their first game of the season!We’ve been nominated for Best Podcast at the FSA Awards! Vote for us here, Clo Sullivans: https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/fsa-awards-2023.Check out Upfront's new social channels! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube!Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chloe and Rachel bring you a tour of all the international action! Sarina Wiegman continues her transformation from Consistency Queen to Surprise Queen as England complete part one of the Belgium double header – but is Alessia Russo struggling being the star striker? Fran Kirby’s return might well help!Plus, the tiny violins are out for Luis Rubiales, Germany’s manager goes AWOL, and Canada announce that a true legend is bowing out from the international stage…Check out Upfront's new social channels! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube!Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of the WSL’s best ever players returned to the pitch on Sunday. No, it wasn’t Chloe Morgan – it was Viv Miedema!Clo and Rach pick apart Spurs’ battering of Aston Villa and reflect on the continued fallout to Arsenal’s all-white squad photo. Plus, does the Champions League format need a shake up? Mark Skinner certainly thinks so! We give our thoughts on that, as well as our completely half-baked thoughts on what to call our Upfront Christmas special!Check out Upfront's new social channels! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube!Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chloe and Rachel discuss Beth Mead’s dramatic comeback, why the Foxes continue to outsmart every rabbit in the WSL, and look forward to Mark Skinner dipping his hand into another tombola to pick his Manchester United team in Paris tomorrow!Plus, US football journalist Megan Swanick joins us to talk you through a truly one-of-a-kind ‘Decision Day’ in the NWSL. Join us!Check out Upfront's new social channels! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube!Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today’s bonus episode, Chloe and Rachel are joined by Claire Bloomfield. She’s the Head of Women’s Football at the European Club Association, which has become a vital part of governance within the women’s game over the last few years!Claire chats to us about their recent groundbreaking study into football boots and what can be done to improve accessibility and safety within the game. We also speak about the ECA’s role in structuring the season, how European competitions are looking to expand and what it’s like to be right at the heart of making decisions that affect the entire pyramid!Check out Upfront's new social channels! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube!Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Loads more WSL action for us to get stuck into, after Arsenal and Man United played out a cracker under the Friday night lights, with orchestras and dramatic moments aplenty.We also chat about the bizarre Alex Greenwood sending off in Man City’s draw with Chelsea and wonder if West Ham can make a play for best of the rest! Check out Upfront's new social channels! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube!Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re very comfortable with our title as “women’s football experts” but we have to admit that the opening weekend of the WSL made some of us look very stupid.Today, Chloe and Rachel kick things off by giving credit to Liverpool for their surprise win in front of 54,000 fans at the Emirates. Plus, we celebrate the return of Fran Kirby in Chelsea’s win over Spurs and also officially remove Leicester from the WSL relegation group chat. Check out Upfront's new social channels! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube!Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chloe and Rachel are back to preview the opening weekend of the WSL 2023/24 campaign and the season as a whole!What lies in wait? Which players should we look out for? Expect flaming hot predictions about Arsenal, Brighton, Aston Villa and more – and be prepared, Chloe makes enemies with literally everyone.Check out Upfront's new social channels! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube!Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Before Thursday’s WSL preview, Chloe and Rachel discuss the first round of Nations League fixtures! Were England really as bad as everyone made out? Just HOW did Spain beat Sweden after the toxic whirlwind of the past week? And can Chloe pronounce Ellen DeGeneres’ name? Spoilers: no, with hilarious results.We also pay tribute to Sheffield United’s history-maker, Maddy Cusack.Check out Upfront's new social channels! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube!Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re back! And guess what? We’re diving headfirst into the chaos.Chloe and Rachel discuss all the biggest stories since the end of the World Cup, including a summer of scandal that has overshadowed Spain’s winners. We speak to Spanish football journalist Semra Hunter to understand the latest.Plus, we discuss our favourite transfers of the summer and discuss the inaugural Nations League. Is it worth it?Check out Upfront's new social channels! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube!Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In our final episode Down Under, Chloe and Rachel convene in the bowels of the Olympic Stadium in Sydney to discuss the 2023 World Cup final, where Spain carried home their first trophy. England, you were so close!They discuss why England never quite got going - was it Sarina’s selections? - and finally reflect on their players of the tournament and favourite moments.***Enjoyed our coverage of the World Cup? Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***Check out Upfront's new social channels! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube!Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

History, here we come.Chloe and Rachel preview the final of the 2023 Women’s World Cup! We discuss the media’s suggestion to put Lauren James in socks and why Lucy Bronze and Keira Walsh have the chance to achieve something completely unprecedented.Plus, Sweden’s podium finish after beating the Matilda’s and - please - someone close the doors on Gianni Infantino.Check out Upfront's new social channels! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube!Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Lionesses have reached their first ever World Cup final! And they only went and beat the bloody hosts en route!We praise England’s role as the pantomime villain against Australia and how the likes of Ella Toone and Lauren Hemp really stepped up. We also reflect on a fantastic few weeks for the Matildas and how World Cup fever will far outlive the tournament itself. Check out Upfront's new social channels! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube!Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We have our first World Cup finalists, after Spain squeeze past Sweden via a chaotic final ten minutes! We celebrate some amazing performances from various players, in spite of Jorge Vilda’s looming presence.We then look ahead to England’s clash with Australia, where the Matildas' real momentum is making us nervous. Can Sarina n’ co deliver?Check out Upfront's new social channels! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube!Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How about that England fans? Another semi-final! Were you calm like Chloe watching that match or did you want to throw your tele out the window like Rachel did when England were trying to run down the clock? Lucky Rachel was at the ground I guess…Today, we’re here to break down another win for the Lionesses, however we can’t help getting distracted by the absolute chaos that was Australia vs France. Plus, Chloe confidently puts her flag pole in the sand over who will win the World Cup - as does Rachel but with a little less certainty.Check out Upfront's new social channels! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube!Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s properly business time! Chloe and Rachel reconvene to look ahead to the quarter-finals, after France swatted Morocco aside and Jamaica’s spirited run came to an end against Colombia.  We highlight some of England’s concerns ahead of what should be another physical test, before trying to pick our winners from a mouthwatering quarter-final line up!Check out Upfront's new social channels! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube!Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chloe and Rachel catch their breath after a shoddy England were almost knocked out by a vastly superior Nigeria. But we march on!Elsewhere, the US are going home in a flurry of ifs, buts and maybes - brace yourselves. Plus, Australia continue to find their groove while Japan and Spain make light work of their Round of 16 opponents.Check out Upfront's new social channels! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube!Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the first time ever, Germany are out of the World Cup before the knockouts. Chloe is fresh back from the stadium in Brisbane to react to it all with Rachel – and she comes with some stunning revelations about Martina Voss-Tecklenburg’s in-game management…Plus, we relive Jamaica and South Africa’s finest hours and - with the knockouts finally decided - discuss England’s run-in. For Chloe’s sake, we really hope they don’t go all the way. Listen in to find out why!Check out Upfront's new social channels! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube!Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England are back, baby! Chloe and Rachel giddily reconvene after England’s stylish 6-1 win, with Lauren James further cementing herself as the jewel in England’s crown. All hail Sarina!Plus, the US get past Portugal by the barest of margins. We wonder if their star is waning and tip our caps to the Netherlands after their demolition job against Vietnam.Check out Upfront's new social channels! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube!Sign up for our Patreon for exclusive live events, ad-free Rambles, full video episodes and loads more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Yet more chaos from Down Under for Rachel and Chloe to get stuck into, as Australia defy expectations and turn in a ruthless performance - even without Sam Kerr!We look over that, check in with the Irish after their valiant efforts and revel in one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history, as Germany lost to Colombia in the 97th minute! Check out Upfront's new social channels! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube!Sign up for our Patreon for exclusive live events, ad-free Rambles, full video episodes and loads more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chloe and Rach break out the wine for a post-England debrief. Another 1-0 win means progression is all but secured - we rave about Lauren James, pour one out for Keira Walsh after she was stretchered off and wonder what Sarina Wiegman does next.We also check in with the USWNT after a scrappy - but thrilling - stalemate with the Netherlands, while co-hosts Australia are on the verge of an early exit from their own party. And, in more gutting news, Ireland are out despite a heroic showing against Canada.Check out Upfront's new social channels! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube!Sign up for our Patreon for exclusive live events, ad-free Rambles, full video episodes and loads more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What a last few days! All the action has left Chloe and Rachel *seriously* delirious. Strap yourselves in for this one.The girls jump on mic just after the Philippines picked up their first EVER World Cup win! Elsewhere, we wonder whether we witnessed the first ever ear to be caught offside, a Ballon d’Or winner gets the s***ts, and we have the crushing realisation that Colombia superstar Linda Caicedo has achieved more in 18 years than we will in our entire lives. Come join!Check out Upfront's new social channels! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube!Sign up for our Patreon for exclusive live events, ad-free Rambles, full video episodes and loads more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England get off to a winning start, but a pretty unconvincing one. So, what next?Chloe and Rachel react to the Lionesses 1-0 victory over a fearless Haiti side and discuss what needs to change ahead of Denmark next week! Chloe also reveals all about her major Mary Earps hint in the last episode…Plus, why this is turning into the summer of the underdog and Sophia Smith’s childhood diary literally comes true!Check out Upfront's new social channels! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube!Sign up for our Patreon for exclusive live events, ad-free Rambles, full video episodes and loads more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chloe and Rachel relive Day 1 of the 2023 World Cup, where both hosts got off to the perfect start. We discuss Australia’s scrappy win over Rachel’s girls and the incredible support from the Green Army which even drowned out the home crowd! Plus, why are Norway so bad?!Check out Upfront's new social channels! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube!Sign up for our Patreon for exclusive live events, ad-free Rambles, full video episodes and loads more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chloe and Rachel are back with the second part of our bumper World Cup preview, ahead of the tournament’s opening matches TOMORROW!If you’ve come for the headline acts, you’re in the right place. We’re talking the USWNT’s chances of a three-peat, while Brazilian football expert Júlia Belas Trindade joins us to chat about Marta’s sixth and final World Cup. We also hear from Helene Altgelt, who covers the German national team, about what to expect from last year’s Euros finalists.Check out Upfront's new social channels! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube!Sign up for our Patreon for exclusive live events, ad-free Rambles, full video episodes and loads more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s FINALLY HERE! The World Cup starts on Thursday, and we’ve got all the info you need ahead of the biggest women’s football tournament in history.Today, Chloe and Rachel look at England’s chances and whether they can find their attacking rhythm in time. We also check in on Ireland’s hopes, wonder if Sam Kerr can fire the Aussies to glory and assess the reigning Olympic champions Canada. Join us for part two tomorrow featuring the USWNT, Brazil and some European hopefuls!Check out Upfront's new social channels! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube!Sign up for our Patreon for exclusive live events, ad-free Rambles, full video episodes and loads more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Carly has been to not one, not two, but THREE World Cups! So who better to tell us about how to prepare for a major tournament?Chloe and Rachel sit down with Carly for a fascinating pod, where Carly reveals her formative conversation with Mary Earps, how England really prepare their goalkeepers for penalty shootouts, and why Sarina Wiegman is less of a harsh taskmaster than you might think!Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89. And find us on YouTube!Sign up for our Patreon for exclusive live events, ad-free Rambles, full video episodes and loads more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chloe and Rachel convene after England’s final game before the World Cup ends with no goals and A LOT of substitutions. But has the reaction been… a bit much?We discuss recalibrated expectations, the backline conundrum, and The Lauren James Slot. Plus, Rachel gives us an Ireland update and we look into some astonishing developments for the Jamaica national team.Check out Upfront's new social channels! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube!Sign up for our Patreon for exclusive live events, ad-free Rambles, full video episodes and loads more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Haiti’s opening game against England next month will be the country’s first match at a World Cup since 1974.To find out more about the remarkable story of England’s opponents, Chloe sat down with one of its stars Dani Etienne – who also has a truly inspiring tale of her own to tell!We're back on Monday! Got a question for us before then? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89Sign up for our Patreon for exclusive live events, ad-free Rambles, full video episodes and loads more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s our first Upfront Down Under! Rachel is in Sydney and she simply HAD to kick off by talking to an Aussie.Fortunately, former Matildas midfielder Alicia Ferguson is about as Aussie as they come! Rachel quizzes her about the mood around the squad ahead of a huge month for women’s football, the Matildas’ transformation in recent years, and Ferguson’s own reflections on her international career, including one of the most infamous World Cup debuts ever back in 1999.We're back on Thursday! Got a question for us before then? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89Sign up for our Patreon for exclusive live events, ad-free Rambles, full video episodes and loads more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A month out from the World Cup, Chloe and Rachel convene (on the stairs) at St George’s Park for a special Lionesses pod! They discuss their impressions of England’s very first open training session, wonder whether this squad is weaker than the team last summer, and settle the striker debate once and for all.Plus, two HUGE exits from Manchester United leave Chloe in mourning and there’s news that Emma Hayes has planned for the next 300 years of Chelsea goalkeepers.Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89Sign up for our Patreon for exclusive live events, ad-free Rambles, full video episodes and loads more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, we’re joined by a Euros golden boot winner, a globetrotting striker, and an England legend: it’s Jodie Taylor!Chloe and Rachel quiz her about her time with the Lionesses, her thoughts on their current attacking options, and what it’s really like to play football all over the globe.Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89Sign up for our Patreon for exclusive live events, ad-free Rambles, full video episodes and loads more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chloe and Rachel welcome one of the stars of Arsenal’s run to the semi-final of this season’s Champions League: it’s Scotland legend, Jen Beattie!She reveals what it’s REALLY like to face Barcelona in full flow – plus why Rafaelle Souza is one of the best she’s ever played alongside and what Steph Catley is like as a neighbour! Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89Sign up for our Patreon for exclusive live events, ad-free Rambles, full video episodes and loads more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chloe and Rachel throw out the red carpet and get their glad rags on for THE definitive awards in women's football!We pick our player and manager of the season, our favourite quote, our biggest WTF moment AND our favourite guest! If only Chloe could just pick one answer.Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89Sign up for our Patreon for exclusive live events, ad-free Rambles, full video episodes and loads more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s our last WSL pod of the season! Chloe and Rachel are joined by the other half of Girls on the Ball, Sophie Downey, to look back on a finale which had Chloe’s heart in her arse again, of course!We discuss Emma Hayes’ future after some telling words, ponder on Reading’s future after eight years in the top flight came to an end, and doff our caps to Rachel Daly. Plus, a couple of - erm - friendly reminders that Chloe picked Ella Toone for top goalscorer at the start of the season.Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89Sign up for our Patreon for exclusive live events, ad-free Rambles, full video episodes and loads more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, we’re speaking to one of the most exciting managers in the WSL right now: that’s right, Carla Ward is on the pod!Rachel sits down with Carla to quiz her about a special season at Aston Villa, how she has integrated so many new players into Villa’s ranks this season, and just what it’s like to coach Rachel Daly! Carla also opens up about her friendship with Emma Hayes, including the dig she gave her on FA Cup final day…Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89Sign up for our Patreon for exclusive live events, ad-free Rambles, full video episodes and loads more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Well, here we are: nine months after we kicked off, the WSL goes down to the final day. Chloe and recently qualified psychic Rachel give one final assessment of the runners and riders. It’s Chelsea’s to lose - can they get it done?Elsewhere, Leicester failed to condemn Reading to their seemingly inevitable relegation and Spurs played out the first Premier League-WSL double header at the Tottenham Stadium. Was it a success? Hrm….Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89Sign up for our Patreon for exclusive live events, ad-free Rambles, full video episodes and loads more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chloe and Rachel react to an FA Cup final that was both historic and felt distinctly familiar as Sam Killer of Dreams Kerr strikes (and somersaults) again!They discuss how the final went down on both the Chelsea and Manchester United sides of the ledger and look ahead to a BIG weekend in the WSL. Warning: it features a truly disgusting number of permutations...Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89Sign up for our Patreon for exclusive live events, ad-free Rambles, full video episodes and loads more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

And then there were two. Chloe and Rachel react to Liverpool’s defeat of Manchester City which leaves Manchester United and Chelsea in a two-horse race on the season’s final furlongs! Stay tuned for more Upfront mixed metaphors.We look at how Liverpool are doing it against the big sides – plus, FA Cup final predictions and we give our views on Reading as they finally slip closer to the trapdoor. Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89Sign up for our Patreon for exclusive live events, ad-free Rambles, full video episodes and loads more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever wondered how business is really done, both for players in the media and on the pitch? Today, we’re joined by a football agent and a hugely important figure for women in football, Jo Tongue!From being a leading light at Women in Football, to her work in getting Eni Aluko on Match of the Day as the first ever female pundit, she tells Chloe and Rachel about the challenges and highlights of her 20-year career.Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89Sign up for our Patreon for exclusive live events, ad-free Rambles, full video episodes and loads more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was an unforgettable night in the Champions League at the Emirates on Monday. Chloe and Rachel look back on the vibes, the Stina Blackstenius runs, the Jen Beattie headers, and the heartbreak at the end of it all. Plus, Rachel tells us about having a pint pulled by Leah Williamson, which is pretty bloody cool!There’s also the small matter of Chelsea’s display in Barcelona and we give our takes on Emma Hayes’ comments that the gap in Europe is finally closing. Join us a for a bumper Champions League lowdown!Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89Sign up for our Patreon for exclusive live events, ad-free Rambles, full video episodes and loads more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Despite early scares, Arsenal and Chelsea can be fairly happy with their Champions League semi-final performances against the big guns - can either side reach the final?And, after a heartbreaking ACL injury for Leah Williamson, we discuss why these injuries are so depressingly common and where this leaves the Lionesses ahead of this summer’s World Cup.Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89Sign up for our Patreon for exclusive live events, ad-free Rambles, full video episodes and loads more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We almost had a Brighton vs Aston Villa FA Cup final! So close, and yet one Sam Kerr leap too far.Chloe and Rachel run the rule over two brilliant semi-finals, and speak with Alex Ibaceta for all the latest on Barcelona and Wolfsburg ahead of Arsenal and Chelsea’s Champions League showdowns.Plus, which WSL player would you trust to redecorate your house? And, trust us, the girls’ football takeaway of choice will have you choking on your margherita...Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89Sign up for our Patreon for exclusive live events, ad-free Rambles, full video episodes and loads more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How about Mary Earps’ penalty shootout last week, eh! Fittingly, Chloe and Rachel are joined by another keeper this week to look back on it all: former Arsenal, London Bees and Brighton shot-stopper, Sophie Harris!We reflect on what the Finalissima told us about the Lionesses in what was arguably their toughest test since the final of the Euros, while Sophie gives us the inside story at Brighton and their (third) managerial appointment of the season. Plus, we take a deep dive into the world of professional goalkeepers – feat. initiations, the truth of the ‘loner’ stereotype, and how Sophie’s goalkeeper coach dad accidentally improved her competitors!Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89Sign up for our Patreon for exclusive live events, ad-free Rambles, full video episodes and loads more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today marks the release of a special report exploring one, simple question: has the Lionesses’ win led to more inner-city teenage girls becoming more engaged with the women’s game? The answer is no.In a fascinating conversation, Chloe and Rachel speak to the two people at the heart of the report to find out why.Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89Sign up for our Patreon for exclusive live events, ad-free Rambles, full video episodes and loads more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After an incredible four days for Arsenal, Chloe and Rachel are here to figure out just how they did it! And how on earth Katie McCabe went from crutches on Wednesday to scoring a trademark banger on Sunday…Elsewhere, Coventry United are relegated from the Championship - but why is no one talking about it?! And what does it say for the future of independent clubs? Plus, we’re joined by French football journalist Théo Troude for the (jubilant) reaction across the Channel to Hervé Renard’s appointment as France’s head coach!Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89Sign up for our Patreon for exclusive live events, ad-free Rambles, full video episodes and loads more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chloe and Rachel react to a barn-burning women’s football weekend alongside the Mail’s Women’s Football Correspondent, Kathryn Batte!We figure out how Man City finally toppled Chelsea to blow the title race wide open – even while Rachel is still unsure about them! Kathryn also explains why Chelsea’s season could be about to unravel…Plus, Matt Beard doesn’t want the Merseyside derby to become too tribal to avoid putting off families and younger fans. We put that take to the test!Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89Sign up for our Patreon for exclusive live events, ad-free Rambles, full video episodes and loads more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re all Lewes, aren’t we?Chloe and Rachel relive an FA Cup weekend that had the ultimate David vs Goliath encounter and a sensational night for Aston Villa! We also catch up with Goal’s women’s football correspondent and all-round European big brain Amee Ruszkai to preview two titanic clashes for Arsenal and Chelsea in the Champions League, featuring a Lioness in Bayern colours!Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89Sign up for our Patreon for exclusive live events, ad-free Rambles, full video episodes and loads more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rachel sits down for a special St Patrick’s Day interview with Birmingham City and Ireland defender Louise Quinn. After qualifying for their first ever major women’s tournament, this Irish team have captured the nation’s imagination. Louise explains what the journey has been like from the very beginning – from heartbreak in 2008, to strike action in 2017 – and looks ahead to a historic summer.Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89Sign up for our Patreon for exclusive live events, ad-free Rambles, full video episodes and loads more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pour one out for Chloe Morgan! Manchester United’s title credentials took a huge hit at the weekend against Chelsea, as they showed (once again) who’s boss. Chloe and Rachel react!Elsewhere, Spurs have sacked Rehanne Skinner – but with no obvious replacement in tow. Chloe explains her sense of what’s going wrong at the club. Plus, ahead of Mother’s Day this weekend, we welcome West Ham and Iceland midfielder Dagny Brynjarsdotir! She reveals all about her experience of balancing motherhood with elite professional football.Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89Sign up for our Patreon for exclusive live events, ad-free Rambles, full video episodes and loads more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arsenal finally turned up when they really needed to! Rachel and Chloe react to their imperious win over Chelsea, which posed a load of questions about Emma Hayes’ decisions in the Chelsea dugout. Is the WSL title at risk?Also, to celebrate International Women’s Day, Rachel sat down with Brighton and Sweden stars Emma Kullberg and Julia Zigiotti to chat about using their platform to push for change and the strikes we've seen across international football in recent months.Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89Sign up for our Patreon for exclusive live events, ad-free Rambles, full video episodes and loads more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Clo Ro show is back! The girls react to the FA Cup and some big news coming out of France: Wendie Renard has ruled herself out of the World Cup. Oof.We then sit down with Laura Montgomery, chief executive of SWPL giants Glasgow City. Ahead of a crunch meeting with Celtic on Sunday, we find out more about the changes for the Scottish league this season. Plus, can you stay at the very top as an independent club in the modern game? Laura tells all!Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89Sign up for our Patreon for exclusive live events, ad-free Rambles, full video episodes and loads more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Just when you thought Chloe Kelly had her defining moment, she wins the Arnold Clark golden boot. Fairytale stuff.It’s a Girls on the Ball takeover! Rachel is joined by Sophie Downey to discuss an impressive week for England which begs the question: are they the frontrunners to win the whole thing this summer?We discuss the winning mentality Sarina Wiegman continues to cultivate, whether Alessia Russo is still the squad’s best number nine, and just how good Lauren James is after a ridiculous week. But there’s also a storm brewing across the Atlantic…Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89Sign up for our Patreon for exclusive live events, ad-free Rambles, full video episodes and loads more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A quick message from Rachel about this week’s schedule.Listen to our brand new At The Match episode from the Lionesses vs South Korea. We’ll be back on Thursday looking back on the whole international break!Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89Sign up for our Patreon for exclusive live events, ad-free Rambles, full video episodes and loads more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our World Cup journey starts here! In a Costa. In Milton Keynes.Chloe and Rachel take in England’s first game on home soil since October for the Arnold Clark Cup! With just five months to go until the World Cup, it’s a crucial juncture for the Lionesses. We take a look at who’s breaking into the starting XI and speak to fans around the stadium six months on from that special Euros victory. Plus, we’re ambushed by an England goalkeeping legend – again!Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89Sign up for our Patreon for exclusive live events, ad-free Rambles, full video episodes and loads more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Lionesses are back. The Arnold Clark Cup is back. And most importantly: Millie Bright’s defence of her Golden Boot begins.Chloe and Rachel are joined by The Telegraph’s Tom Garry from St George’s Park! We relive a dramatic WSL weekend where Man City and Leicester have thrown things wide open at both ends of the table. Plus, with lots of quarters questioning the Conti Cup after Arsenal and Chelsea reached the final again despite winning just two games, we explore why the competition is more important than you might think.Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89Sign up for our Patreon for exclusive live events, ad-free Rambles, full video episodes and loads more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chloe and Rachel are joined by the BBC’s Emma Sanders for a big ol’ round-up of the weekend’s action! It was a tale of two 0-0 draws with one striker at the centre of it all. We discuss how costly missing out on Alessia Russo will prove for Arsenal and Emma and Rachel give us the lowdown on a deadline day like no other. Why were so many players agitating for moves?Plus, new twists in the relegation tussle and we tackle the absurdity of Visit Saudi Arabia’s potential sponsorship of the World Cup.Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89Sign up for our Patreon for exclusive live events, ad-free Rambles, full video episodes and loads more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chloe and Rachel react to big news on the eve of deadline day: Chelsea have put in a bid for Arsenal’s Katie McCabe! We discuss how likely the move is and Chloe explains what the January transfer window is really like for players.With the start of Football vs Homophobia’s Month of Action on Wednesday, we also speak to its director Lou Englefield about the LGBTQ+ community’s great trailblazers in women’s football – right back to the 1920s – and the challenges facing trans women players today. For a grassroots perspective, we catch up with two players from the UK’s oldest out women’s football club, Hackney Women FC.Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89Sign up for our Patreon for exclusive live events, ad-free Rambles, full video episodes and loads more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After the release of Deloitte’s first ever money league table for women’s football, we call up CEO of Lewes FC Maggie Murphy to talk through the findings and understand the broader commercial landscape of the game.How do we grow the game, but also keep up with it? Maggie sheds light on what it’s like to run a Championship women’s team in the new post-Euros boom, the growing financial rift between the second tier and the WSL, and explains why we should look to Mexico for inspiration… Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89Sign up for our Patreon for exclusive live events, ad-free Rambles, full video episodes and loads more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lads, it’s not Barbados. Chloe and Rachel react to a bizarre weekend as a ‘playable’ pitch turns world-class footballers into figure skaters. Elsewhere, Manchester United stay ice cold, we ask whether Spurs have found their game-changer (AGAIN) after a huge signing, and Chloe explains why continuity is proving to be king at Aston Villa. We’re back on Thursday with a special episode with Lewes FC CEO Maggie Murphy!Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89Sign up for our Patreon for exclusive live events, ad-free Rambles, full video episodes and loads more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chloe, Rachel and Crystal Palace’s Leigh Nicol react to the return of the WSL! Leicester come back with a bang, but it took Chelsea 89 minutes to realise it was happening to be honest…In the second half of the show, Leigh talks us through her ongoing experience of endometriosis, which Leah Williamson recently revealed almost prevented her from playing at the Euros. For Leigh, it’s not only jeopardising her playing career, it’s hampering her day-to-day life. We discuss the difficulties of diagnosis, the lack of awareness around the condition, and how it’s silently but profoundly damaging the lives of elite footballers.You can find more information on endometriosis at Endometriosis UK.Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @GirlsontheBall, @Morgie_89 and @LeighNicol.Sign up for our Patreon for exclusive live events, ad-free Rambles, full video episodes and loads more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re back! Chloe and Rachel are joined by Ceylon Andi Hickman to kick off 2023 with a bang and with some huuuuge transfers.We discuss the end of an era for two Lionesses. And as Vivianne Miedema begins the year on the physio’s table, we return to the issue of ACL injuries and what can be done. Plus, the WSL’s two old enemies meet this weekend and we offer our stories and players to watch for 2023! And there are some bold – definitely bold – predictions.Got a question for us in the meantime? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89.Sign up for our Patreon for exclusive live events, ad-free Upfront and Ramble shows, full video episodes and loads more: patreon.com/footballramble. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To wrap up 2022, today we’re keeping it real. Chloe and Rachel look back on an enthralling weekend in the WSL and ask whether we have a four-way title race in store in 2023.A host of our contributors this year also drop by as we share some of our favourite moments of this year (apparently something happened at Wembley) and draw up our list of New Year’s resolutions.**We’ll be back on January 10th to preview the WSL’s return after the winter break!**Got a question for us in the meantime? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89.Sign up for our Patreon for exclusive live events, ad-free Upfront and Ramble shows, full video episodes and loads more: patreon.com/footballramble. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A few days after Chelsea score eight, Chloe and Rachel are joined by former Chelsea, England and Team GB legend Claire Rafferty - funny that!They discuss the WSL’s big teams all racking up big wins and, as midtable sides like West Ham and Tottenham struggle for consistency, we wonder if some structural changes in English football would produce more exciting matches across the season.Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89.Sign up for our Patreon for exclusive live events, ad-free Upfront and Ramble shows, full video episodes and loads more: patreon.com/footballramble. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Chloe and Rachel for a slightly different episode this week as we look into the alarming rate of ACL injuries across women’s football and what can be done to help those players affected.We speak to Dr Emma Ross, a female athlete health specialist, to understand why women are up to six times more likely to suffer an ACL injury than their male counterparts. We’re then joined by Aston Villa midfielder Remi Allen! She’s currently recovering from an ACL injury and gives us a unique insight into the mental and physical hurdles that accompany such a career-threatening setback.Thanks to Dr Emma Ross and Remi Allen for joining us!Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89.Sign up for our Patreon for exclusive live events, ad-free Upfront and Ramble shows, full video episodes and loads more: patreon.com/footballramble. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The WSL put on a cracking set of fixtures this week, as Man United stole three points from under Arsenal’s noses at the Emirates - Chloe Morgan vindicated!She’s joined by Rachel and freelance journalist Tim Stillman to look over that game, welcome Emma Hayes back to the Chelsea dugout in front of their record-breaking crowd and look ahead to the Champions League’s return!Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89.Sign up for our Patreon for exclusive live events, ad-free Upfront and Ramble shows, full video episodes and loads more: patreon.com/footballramble. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chloe and Rachel are joined by Dulwich Hamlet centre-back Ceylon Andi Hickman after Sarina Wiegman n’ co extended their unbeaten streak to 25 games! Just the 123 goals scored in that run, no big deal.We look over the Lionesses’ win against Japan before focusing on issues of diversity and inclusion within women’s football after Beth Mead’s recent comments. Ceylon talks about a lack of access to opportunities she’s seen through her work with Football Beyond Borders, while Chloe discusses her experiences as a mixed-race player in our still largely inaccessible sport.Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89.Sign up for our Patreon for exclusive live events, ad-free Upfront and Ramble shows, full video episodes and loads more: patreon.com/footballramble. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We did say, Man United: if you come for the kings, you best not miss. Unfortunately they did, while Chelsea emphatically did not - the Blues' 3-1 win at the weekend reminded us of the difference between title contenders and hopefuls.Chloe and Rachel are joined by Rachel's wife & GirlsontheBall co-founder Sophie Downey to look over that, a chaotic nine-goal thriller at West Ham and the women's debut of *drumroll*... the Nations League! Confusing rules aplenty!Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89.Sign up for our Patreon for exclusive live events, ad-free Upfront and Ramble shows, full video episodes and loads more: patreon.com/footballramble. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chloe, Rachel and Jessy Parker Humphreys head to the studio to discuss the WSL’s first managerial casualty, as Hope Powell leaves Brighton after their poor start. We wonder where it’s all gone wrong and what Brighton can expect next.We also check in with another cracking Arsenal week - even if Jonas Eidevall has found something to moan about - and we look ahead to this weekend’s seismic clash between Man United and Chelsea! Can United make the jump?Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89.Sign up for our Patreon for exclusive live events, ad-free Upfront and Ramble shows, full video episodes and loads more: patreon.com/footballramble. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rachel and Chloe are joined by journalist Jessy Parker-Humphreys to celebrate England's inevitable rise to Champions League glory after Arsenal's crushing win over Lyon. YES WE SAID IT.Okay, maybe a touch premature. After great weeks for Arsenal and Chelsea, we turn our attention to the NWSL playoffs. We're joined by Jeff Kassouf, founder of The Equalizer and ESPN contributor, to discuss a wild post-season that climaxes this weekend as the Portland Thorns take on Kansas City Current in the final!Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89.Sign up for our Patreon for exclusive live events, ad-free Upfront and Ramble shows, full video episodes and loads more: patreon.com/footballramble. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chloe and Rachel are joined by DAZN’s Alex Ibaceta to look over the latest from the WSL and around the continent. Man City’s 4-0 win has garnered little sympathy for boss Gareth Taylor, while West Ham’s win over Aston Villa was overshadowed by some nasty afters!Elsewhere, we welcome the start of another Beth Mead Revenge Tour after missing out on the Ballon d’Or and we look ahead to the Champions League’s return this week!Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89.Sign up for our Patreon for exclusive live events, ad-free Upfront and Ramble shows, full video episodes and loads more: patreon.com/footballramble. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the first time in five and a half years, England beat the USA on Friday night! But was it the game-changing victory it’s being made out to be?Chloe and Rachel are joined by Jessy Parker Humphreys to discuss an enthralling game that leaves more questions than it does answers. Plus, Wales, Scotland and Ireland decide their World Cup fate tonight.And while England and USA came together on Friday, Spanish football still struggles to find unity and could be about to spurn one of the greatest crop of women’s internationals ever seen. But, by the way… does anyone know if Alexia Putellas has a nan from Bolton?Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89.Sign up for our Patreon for exclusive live events, ad-free Upfront and Ramble shows, full video episodes and loads more: patreon.com/footballramble. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chloe and Rachel are joined by a legend of the game on today's episode as we welcome former Chelsea, England and Team GB full-back, Claire Rafferty! We discuss Conti Cup upsets galore and preview England's clash with the USA this weekend. We also look into the hugely damning report around sexual harassment and bullying in US women's soccer, with gross misconduct found across all levels of the game.Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89.Sign up for our Patreon for exclusive live events, ad-free shows from across the Ramble universe, full video episodes and loads more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At last weekend's record-breaking North London derby, Rachel hosted an episode of Upfront alongside Arsenal FC and INMOTION in front of a live audience.Join her as she sat down with Lucy Monkman - aka Monki - and Arsenal-mad content creator Bella Andrewartha to assess the state of women's football. We reminisce about an incredible summer and dig into ways we can capitalise on the unprecedented momentum now around the women's game without compromising its soul.Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89Sign up for our Patreon for exclusive live events, ad-free shows from across the Ramble universe, full video episodes and loads more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a few blockbuster WSL derbies this weekend, Chloe and Rachel pick through the highlights alongside Football Beyond Borders and Dulwich Hamlet’s own, Ceylon Andi Hickman!We then look into the unprecedented - and alarming - situation over in Spain, where fifteen national team players have removed themselves from contention around the coach and team culture. Also, Ceylon gives us some more info about the amazing work that Football Beyond Borders are doing in the community.Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89Sign up for our Patreon for exclusive live events, ad-free shows from across the Ramble universe, full video episodes and loads more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chloe and Rachel are joined by women’s football journalist Jessy Parker Humphreys to look back on the WSL’s opening weekend - and what a bloody weekend it was!Liverpool proved how stubborn a test they’ll prove for the big dogs after beating Chelsea, while Arsenal and Man United impressed. Elsewhere, Man City’s loss to The Rachel Daly Experience bring more questions about the future of Gareth Taylor.Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89Sign up for our Patreon for exclusive live events, ad-free shows from across the Ramble universe, full video episodes and loads more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There was no WSL this weekend, but Chloe, Rachel and former Spurs and Watford defender Renee Hector are here to get stuck into a whole host of stories!They chew over what Keira Walsh’s transfer means for Man City's season, while Rachel tells us about the vibes in Ireland as they stand on the brink of the World Cup. Renee also opens up about suffering racist abuse from a fellow player in 2019 and the support she needed back then that finally exists in the game today.Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89Sign up for our Patreon for exclusive live events, ad-free shows from across the Ramble universe, full video episodes and loads more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The WSL is almost upon us! Chloe and Rachel are joined by Spurs legend Jenna Schillaci to provide your definitive lowdown on every club’s summer business and how things are going to shake out this season.Can anyone break Chelsea’s monopoly? Why will this season see the WSL’s tightest ever relegation battle? And who are the hidden gems you should be looking out for this weekend? We plant our flagpoles in the sand on all that and loads more.Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon for exclusive live events, ad-free shows across the Ramble universe, full video episodes and loads more: patreon.com/footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re back! Flo Lloyd-Hughes, Rachel O’Sullivan and Chloe Morgan reunite for a special Crystal Palace homecoming for Chloe in their very first home game at the Hayes Lane Stadium since her retirement.They discuss life for a player post-retirement and the buzz around one of the most exciting clubs in the Championship after the Euros. We also hear from Palace players Felicity Gibbons, Annabel Blanchard and Leigh Nicol and get amongst the ultras!Upfront will return on September 6th with a bumper WSL preview - hit the subscribe button above this episode and we'll see you then!***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An important message about the future of Football Ramble Presents and our brand new Upfront feed!**Liked our Euros content? Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other listeners to find us in the new season. Thanks!** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

IT HAPPENED PEOPLE! After an almighty tussle with Germany, England – at last – lifted their first major tournament in 56 years. Flo, Chloe and Rachel pick themselves up from the floor and congregate on Wembley Way to hail England’s history-makers. From Ella Toone’s dink, to Jill Scott’s iconic sledging, the girls relive one of the greatest nights in the history of English football.There’s also a drop-in from England legend Rachel Brown-Finnis! And listen to the end of the show for a HUGE announcement…Upfront will return in September alongside the launch of our women's football feed - hit the subscribe button above this episode and we'll see you then! Artwork photo - GirlsontheBall ©***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

History beckons for England. Flo, Chloe and Rachel pick through what will be a huge occasion on Sunday night, but what will most of all be a mouthwatering battle between the two best teams of the tournament.From the key battles, to both teams’ routes to the final, to some scarring past meetings – we cover everything you need to know ahead of England vs Germany. Join us!Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @FloydTweet, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89.Artwork photo - GirlsontheBall ©***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Flo, Rachel and Chloe have just about composed themselves after two cracking semi-finals, where Germany edged out France and England smashed Sweden in Sheffield.We're here to get stuck into it all: Alessia Russo's backheel, that Alexandra Popp masterclass and the end of France's blistering tournament. Join us on Saturday for our preview of the final! Got a question ahead of the game? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @FloydTweet, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89.Artwork photo - GirlsontheBall ©***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's crunch time! Flo, Rachel and Chloe are here with all you need to know ahead of two mouthwatering semi-finals, as the tournament's four best sides jostle for a place in the final.First up is the Lionesses vs Sweden; we debate who should start for Sarina Wiegman and assess their opponent's strengths. Then, in what could easily result in a penalty shootout or a 8-0 win, France's chaotic beauty goes up against some ruthless German efficiency.Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @FloydTweet, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89.Artwork photo - GirlsontheBall ©***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

And then there were four! Flo, Chloe and Rachel look back over three closely-fought quarter-finals, where some tournament favourites struggled to make their mark. Even if the Netherlands defence did resemble that Peter Kay football advert.Plus, which player rents out bouncy castles for a living and would Mark Parsons improve with a blonde wig? Come join us!Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @FloydTweet, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89.Artwork photo - GirlsontheBall ©***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What a night! But it certainly wasn’t eazaaay. England came back from behind to oust a rampant Spain thanks to Ella Toooonay and, well, an absolute howitzer from Georgia Stanway!Flo, Chloe and Rachel relive the night and their experience of it from pitchside, the stands and - in Chloe’s case - lots of bars. Plus, more feisty polling!Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @FloydTweet, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89.Artwork photo - GirlsontheBall ©***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Even though the quarter-final line-up is sorted, we can't quite agree on who should be there. Iceland will feel unlucky, but should Denmark? Flo, Rachel and Chloe also look ahead to England's first proper test as they take on Spain in tomorrow's quarter-final, with all you need to know about where the game might be won or lost. Come on England!Artwork photo credit - GirlsontheBallGot a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @FloydTweet, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Flo, Rachel and Chloe are here to wave England through to the quarter-finals after their 5-0 win. We wonder if Alessia Russo should start over Ellen White and highlight some lingering overconfidence England will need to stamp out.Elsewhere, Marie-Antoinette Katoto's injury took away from another France victory - and our dark horses fell at the first hurdle! What do we know...Artwork photo credit - GirlsontheBallGot a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @FloydTweet, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the second round of group games we’re starting to see who might make a splash this summer, with Sweden and Netherlands leading a four-horse race in Group C!We dial in from our respective horror hotels to reflect on their race for top spot, before grading Germany’s tough test in Brentford and marking Denmark with a potential dark horse tab! Artwork photo credit - GirlsontheBallGot a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @FloydTweet, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Flo, Rachel and Chloe just about make it to the studio after a chaotic night in Brighton, where England blew Norway to pieces! 8-0! Have some of that!We report back from the Amex and wonder how vital Sarina Wiegman is to England's chances. We also look over the other main contenders, including a sumptuous France performance, and tip the hat to Northern Ireland after their hopes of qualification were extinguished by Austria.Artwork photo credit - GirlsontheBallGot a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @FloydTweet, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This summer's UEFA Women's Euros looks set to be a defining one for English football. Join Flo Lloyd-Hughes, Chloe Morgan and Rachel O'Sullivan as they head to Old Trafford to catch England's opening game!Immerse yourself in the sounds of a pulsating Warwick Road on the walk to the ground and a seismic England win. You'll also hear our memories about watching England down the years and what we can expect from the next three weeks.Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @FloydTweet, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89Artwork photo - GirlsontheBall ©***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy heads south for the second episode of his Swedish voyage, as he's in Scania for the latest Skånederby between two of cities biggest clubs.Amidst a fiercely competitive game, Andy catches up with Friend of the Ramble and Malmö native Alexandra Jonsson to discuss their volatile season and just how special the Eleda Stadion's atmosphere is.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Flo, Rachel and Chloe discuss Northern Ireland’s valiant effort against an impressive Norway side, but some post-match comments leave us scratching our heads. Plus, Group B is underway! Spain perfect the art of crossing while Germany put 2017 finalists Denmark to the sword.And we also look ahead to England’s Monday night showdown! Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @FloydTweet, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89Artwork photo - GirlsontheBall ©***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us for the first of two special episodes of At The Match from one of the few European leagues currently playing: Sweden's Allsvenskan, where Andy caught a top-of-the-table clash!Immerse yourself in a cracking Hammarby atmosphere as they took on Häcken, and hear the likes of Scottish journalist Lee Roden and TV4's Martin Petersen reminisce about the local culture around one of Stockholm's biggest clubs. ***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're off! England kicked off their home Euros with a win against Austria last night. Flo, Rachel and Chloe were all at Old Trafford, so join us as we look back over a historic night for the Lionesses.We assess what was a solid, if underwhelming, performance from England and rate some surprise selections from Sarina Wiegman. We also look ahead to the next few matches, as Northern Ireland face Norway and Spain face Finland without their star icon. Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @FloydTweet, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89Artwork photo - GirlsontheBall ©***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Euros is nearly here! Flo, Rachel and Chloe are here with your definitive guide to England’s opening game tomorrow night!We look at Sarina Wiegmann’s options in midfield - will she opt for captain Leah Williamson? There’s also chat about how the Lionesses’ potent attack can unlock a stubborn Austrian defence.Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @FloydTweet, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89Artwork photo - GirlsontheBall ©***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s going to be a cracking summer of women’s football and we’re here with you every step of the way - Upfront is back! Join Flo, Rachel and Chloe three times a week here on FRP as we bring you the latest from across the tournament!Today’s pod has everything you need to know about the Euros ahead of kick-off next week; England’s chances, dark horses to look out for and a definitive rundown of England’s sexiest cities. Some of them, anyway - get involved! We’ll be back with a preview of England’s opening game next week. Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @FloydTweet, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89Artwork photo - GirlsontheBall ©***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest isn’t afraid to speak his mind and is deeply analytical about the world of football. Former Manchester City and Queens Park Rangers defender Nedum Onuoha joins Kate and Jim to reflect on his new book, Kicking Back!With fascinating insight, Nedum pulls back the curtain on dressing room culture and some of its more sinister, insular habits, and discusses why he found the sport to be so resistant to change. Plus, why he fell out with Roberto Mancini, the worst training session he ever saw, and responds to some recent suggestions that QPR threw in the towel against Manchester City on * that * final day in 2012!Nedum's book is now available to order in paperback here! Find us on socials @footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Iceland national team’s run at Euro 2016 and qualification for the 2018 World Cup is one of football’s greatest ever underdog stories. Today, Andy speaks to one of the players at the heart of it all!Hannes Þór Halldórsson was Iceland’s first choice between the sticks for a decade, despite only picking up his gloves when he was 20. From saving a Lionel Messi penalty at the World Cup, to delivering that defeat to England, you could barely write Hannes’ story it’s so unbelievable. And he should know: he’s now a filmmaker! He tells Andy all about a truly remarkable career.Tweet us @FootballRamble and email us here: show@footballramble.com.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dotun and Andy are joined by David Cartlidge, Nicky Bandini, and Miguel Delaney to ponder on the biggest stories from the season that was in European football!How did Carlo Ancelotti master Madrid? Now they are back at the top domestically, are the Milan clubs ready to take the Champions League by storm once more next season? And how is the balance of power going to shift on the wider European stage as PSG and Man City eye more signings this summer? All that and more!On The Continent is taking a break for a few weeks, but we'll be back with more episodes this summer! In the meantime, if you've got a question for us find us on socials @footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An England legend, a star of the GB team at London 2012, and part of Arsenal’s historic quadruple-winning side, Anita Asante has done it all. Today, Neetz joins Rachel in the studio for a special Upfront Meets, as they look back on her epic career after finally hanging up her boots at the end of the season.Neetz discusses the toughest forwards she ever came up against, how her nomadic career shaped her as a footballer and as a human being, and compares the WSL’s top two coaches, who are two of her former mentors: Jonas Eidevall and Emma Hayes.Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @FloydTweet, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89Artwork photo - GirlsontheBall ©***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a dramatic climax to the season last weekend, there’s lots to dig into on today’s On The Continent!Dotun and Andy are joined by David Cartlidge to discuss the stars behind Roma’s European triumph and what comes next for José Mourinho’s fresh-faced squad. We also hail AC Milan’s return to the top of the Series A tree and Zlatan’s inspiring role, and we doff our cap to the mixed fortunes of two giants of French football. But, seriously: what’s going on at Bordeaux?Got a question for us? Find us on socials @footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever wondered about the mental demands of being an elite footballer in the burgeoning women's game? To round off this season of Upfront, we're exploring exactly that.Flo sits down with Chloe and two of her Crystal Palace teammates, Shiv Wilson and Leigh Nicol, for a chat about the challenges of competing at the top of the FA Women's Championship and overseas. We also look into the changing influence of social media on the women's game and how discussions around body image need desperate attention.Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @FloydTweet, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89Artwork photo - GirlsontheBall ©***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Kate and Jim are joined by one of the most important figures behind the England men's team's recent success - it’s performance coach and author, Owen Eastwood!Owen’s book ‘Belonging: The Ancient Code of Togetherness’ charts the ideas, influences and techniques behind a hugely successful career that’s taken him from the All Blacks rugby team to NATO and now England’s national team, as he looks to improve culture and togetherness among the world’s best teams. Today, he talks about how the notion of whakapapa has guided his journey, how impressive Gareth Southgate really is behind the scenes and what takeaways we can all apply to our everyday lives. Owen’s book is now available to pre-order in paperback here! Find us on socials @footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dotun and Andy are joined by Miguel Delaney to try and answer one of the biggest questions in European football on today's OTC: where will Kylian Mbappé end up next season?We also search for reasons behind a refreshingly enjoyable Europa League season and look ahead to the final weekend of Serie A as the scudetto heads to the San Siro - but which half?Got a question for us? Find us on socials @footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s At The Match comes from one of the most prestigious days in the women’s football calendar: it’s the FA Cup final from Wembley! Upfront’s Flo and Rachel took in a pulsating game between two of the Women’s Super League’s elite. They also relive their favourite FA Cup memories, including how Rachel came to own an FA Cup winner’s medal, and hear from some familiar voices across the women’s game.Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @FloydTweet, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89Artwork photo - GirlsontheBall ©***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're here with a bonus episode of Upfront! Today, Rachel looks ahead to this Sunday's FA Cup final alongside three-time winner and England legend, Karen Carney!They discuss some of the key matchups as Chelsea and Manchester City, the WSL's two in-form sides, do battle at Wembley. We also can't help asking Karen about her time working under Emma Hayes and England's chances at the Euros this summer!Over 40,000 tickets have already sold for what will be a cracking game at Wembley this Sunday. Head to www.thefa.com/ticketing to get yours now!Artwork photo - GirlsontheBall ©***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dotun and Andy are joined by David Cartlidge for a look at those left in Real Madrid's wake after their impressive season. Barcelona look to be improving under Xavi, while Sevilla and Atlético struggle under the weight of their respective coaches.We also give you the lowdown on the youngsters looking to fill Erling Haaland's boots at Dortmund and discover that one Coppa Italia trophy does not a summer make for Inter!Got a question for us? Find us on socials @footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Flo, Rachel and Chloe are back for the final WSL review of the season, as Chelsea snatch the title from Arsenal's grasp. We recap a dramatic final day and discuss who can view their season as a success.We also roll out the red carpet for our inaugural end of season awards! We'll see you at the Euros!Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @FloydTweet, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89Artwork photo - GirlsontheBall ©***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dotun, Andy and Nicky Bandini are here for a tale of two continental coaches, as a tranquil Carlo Ancelotti made it to another Champions League final while Unai Emery's bluster fizzled out at the penultimate hurdle. We also preview a fascinating end to the Serie A season as the Milanese jostle for supremacy and we ask how successful the Europa Conference League has been in its inaugural season.Got a question for us? Find us on socials @footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last weekend was the penultimate round of matches in the WSL - and the final day in the Championship. Well, it sure didn’t disappoint. Flo, Rachel and Chloe pick through the drama: from Chelsea’s edgy win against Birmingham City, to Coventry United’s last-gasp winner. Two legends also announce their departure from the WSL and we get the lowdown on Chloe’s end of season knees-up, of course!Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @FloydTweet, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89Artwork photo - GirlsontheBall ©***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dotun, Andy and Lars Sivertsen are working hard for the money on today's continental crusade - much like perennial title winners PSG and Bayern Munich. We ask if the feeling sours with each title win and what can be done to level the playing field.We also recap more midweek chaos, as Madrid's hubris gets them through another game and Villarreal put up a stubborn fight at Anfield.Got a question for us? Find us on socials @footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Flo, Rachel and Chloe revel in the weekend's glorious Champions League chaos, as Barcelona proved they're still the team to beat and Lyon got one over their domestic rivals. Elsewhere, we ask how Man United can take the next step in the WSL after their Champions League hopes are all but lost yet again and Tracey Crouch's fan-led review raises important questions about the sustainability of women's football, top to bottom.Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @FloydTweet, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89Artwork photo - GirlsontheBall ©***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last April, the European Super League crashed into our lives. Andy Brassell and a host of journalists, fans and familiar Ramble voices revisit what happened.In this final episode, we map out the future of European football and the roles of the continent's main protagonists. A range of European football experts outline the current positions of various clubs, while we ask: what is all this for?Huge thanks to all our contributors from across this series. Want to join the conversation? Find us on socials: @FootballRamble and use the hashtag #BFTB.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ahead of their inevitable Ligue Un coronation, Dotun, Andy and Miguel Delaney wonder what direction PSG should head in next season. Would they swap Mauricio Pochettino for Antonio Conte?We also look over the Simeone Effect on the dark side of Madrid and, a year on from the Super League, ask if the founding clubs will ever be punished and what's next for European football?Got a question for us? Find us on socials @footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last April, the European Super League crashed into our lives. Andy Brassell and a host of journalists, fans and familiar Ramble voices revisit what happened.In the second episode of our three-part series, we tell the story of how fans in England brought the house of cards crashing down.We hear from leaders of fan groups, supporters and journalists who were at the heart of the protests both in the boardroom and at the Emirates, Stamford Bridge and Old Trafford.Our third and final episode is out on Friday. Want to join the conversation? Find us on socials @FootballRamble and use the hashtag #BFTB.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Flo and Rachel are joined by Boxpark Wembley's newest MC Chloe Morgan to look back over the FA Cup semi-finals. Arsenal's lack of composure was exposed by Chelsea yet again, while West Ham put up a stern fight against Man City.We also look into Kenny Shiels' bizarre sexist comments and how we can help eradicate this from the women's game.Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @FloydTweet, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89Artwork photo - GirlsontheBall ©***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A year ago today, the European Super League crashed into our lives. Andy Brassell and a host of journalists, fans and familiar Ramble voices tell the story of what happened, how supporters fought back, and wonder what the future holds.In the first of three episodes, we trace the long road to April 2021. From the origins of the Super League in the 80s, to the scarcely believable backroom manoeuvrings inside UEFA last year, we speak to the journalists who first broke the story to understand the motivations and miscalculations that finally made Europe’s biggest clubs cash in their most valuable bargaining chip.  Episode 2 is out on Wednesday. Want to join the conversation? Find us on socials @FootballRamble and use the hashtag #BFTB.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy visits a rejuvenated St James’ Park for a special Friday night under the lights.Mike Ashley’s departure at the end of last year lifted the dark clouds hanging over the city, but the new Saudi ownership has also prompted some difficult conversations. Andy speaks to Emil Franchi - who interviews supporters around the ground every week for Newcastle’s fan magazine, True Faith - about the new, conflicted optimism among the fanbase and dives into the city’s unique football culture.Got a question for us? Find us on socials @FootballRamble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dotun, Andy and Nicky Bandini look for the reasons behind two European behemoths' recent inconsistencies as Real Madrid limp on in the Champions League and Bayern's contract troubles loom large.Elsewhere, we wonder if Napoli can sustain a title tilt against both sides of Milan and round up some potential managerial moves come summer. Diego Simeone to Inter, anyone?Got a question for us? Find us on socials @footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Flo and Chloe are holding down the fort as Rachel dials in from Belfast ahead of England's game with Northern Ireland - where they'll be led by Leah Williamson! We're here with all the info on the successor to the imperious Steph Houghton.We also look ahead to the FA Cup semi-finals this weekend where Arsenal face Chelsea yet again, before celebrating the 20th birthday of Bend It Like Beckham!Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @FloydTweet, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89Artwork photo - GirlsontheBall ©***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a full slate of Champions League quarter-finals, there’s so much for Dotun, Andy and David Cartlidge to get stuck into!We start with Madrid’s giants. Real righted the wrongs of their away display in Paris, while Atlético fell into old habits at the Etihad – we give the story behind two very contrasting nights. Elsewhere, we explore why Villarreal’s giant-killing maybe wasn’t so unexpected and answer all your questions on Erik ten Hag’s imminent move to Manchester.Got a question for us? Find us on socials @footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Flo and Chloe are joined by a jubilant Rachel after she witnessed a landmark moment for women's football over in Barcelona. She talks us through the amazing setting for what was a ridiculous Clásico showdown.We also give props to Liverpool after they sealed promotion in style - but how can they establish themselves in the WSL? And, as the Euros draw nearer, we assess Sarina Wiegman's latest squad for the latest international break.Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @FloydTweet, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89Artwork photo - GirlsontheBall ©***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dotun, Andy and Lars Sivertsen recap more international break business, starting with a look at Italy's failed campaign. Are they just a striker short, or should we look at the wider context?Elsewhere, Zlatan didn't manage to reach what would have probably been his last Big Dance so we ask how Sweden might fare without him. We also look over some of the other contenders for a contentious World Cup just seven months away.Got a question for us? Find us on socials @footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chelsea dealt a decisive blow to Arsenal in the title race thanks to some generous Leicester defending at the weekend. Flo, Chloe and Rachel talk through the implications of Arsenal’s postponed North London showdown and both sides’ run-ins until the end of the season.We also discuss Ada Hegerberg’s return after five years away from the Norway set-up and how it will shake-up things at the Euros, just under 100 days from kick-off. And we go again in the Champions League, feat. Rachel O’Sullivan’s European tour!Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @FloydTweet, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89Artwork photo - GirlsontheBall © Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On a huge day for Italy and Portugal, Andy and Nicky Bandini confide in Dotun just how worried they are about their respective national favourites! We look over both nations’ woes and numerous absentees heading into an era-defining week for their coaches. Elsewhere, the José Mourinho Roma roller-coaster reaches another high, while L’Équipe’s salary table brings PSG to a new low.Got a question for us? Find us on socials @footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Despite a lack of cupsets, there was still plenty of FA Cup magic to enjoy this weekend. West Ham made it out of Ipswich with a win, while Coventry put up a great fight against Arsenal. Alas, it was the WSL big guns that take the semi-final spots. Flo, Rachel and Chloe recap all that and look ahead to the Champions League's return later this week. GOAL's Ameé Ruszkai gives us the lowdown on Arsenal's lethal opponents, while we get a Parisian final pick from one of our own!Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @FloydTweet, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89Artwork photo - GirlsontheBall © Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're back with a new episode of At The Match, the series that takes you right to the heart of football matches across the world.Today, Andy is joined by the Ramble's own Jim Campbell as they revel in a cracking atmosphere under the lights. They talk about Jim's relationship with his beloved Arsenal after moving to the area and how their recent resurgence under Mikel Arteta is grounds for renewed optimism. Got a question for us? Find us on socials @footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After suffering another embarrassing early exit, Dotun, Andy and Lars Sivertsen wonder if Juventus’ struggles should have been expected. Don’t worry though, we still find time to laugh at Andrea Agnelli.Elsewhere, Ajax fell hook, line and sinker for Benfica’s rope-a-dope while PSG’s love affair with Lionel Messi and Neymar might be over sooner than we thought.Got a question for us? Find us on socials @footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Flo, Rachel and Chloe are off to Hollywood! Sort of. Today we're joined by Angel City FC's Freya Coombe, the coach of Los Angeles' newest team, to discuss her new role and the differences she's noticed since moving to the U.S. from Reading a few years ago.Elsewhere, after an unprecedented week for Chelsea that saw speculation and questions around the future of the women's squad, we look into what the team represents and the decisions women's football is currently facing. There's also the small matter of the FA Cup quarter-finals to look ahead to!Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @FloydTweet, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89Artwork photo - GirlsontheBall © Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're going inside the number nine on this week's episode of On The Continent, as Karim Benzema and Robert Lewandowski's hat-tricks reminded everyone what they're still about.Dotun, Andy and David Cartlidge also ask if PSG will ever wake up from their Champions League nightmare. We also get a sprinkling of João over in Madrid and a couple of tasty Games of the Week!Got a question for us? Find us on socials @footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Flo, Rachel and Chloe recap a seismic League Cup final that saw Man City sweep Chelsea aside in startling fashion. We ask where it all went wrong for the reigning champions and how this might influence the WSL.Elsewhere, Viv Miedema reminds everyone that class is permanent and, seeing as it's International Women's Day, we celebrate women from football and beyond who have helped us on our journey.Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @FloydTweet, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89Artwork photo - GirlsontheBall © Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dotun and Andy are joined by Miguel Delaney as clubs, competitions and federations across Europe continue to feel the wider effects of the war in Ukraine. We wonder how this common cultural touchpoint across the continent will be altered, ask if anyone will ever challenge Bayern Munich and tip the hat to birthday boy Mauricio Pochettino.Got a question for us? Find us on socials @footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Flo, Rachel and Chloe react to the seismic news that, after six years, a group of U.S. Women's players settled their ongoing lawsuit with U.S. Soccer around equal pay and fair remuneration for future generations. To help us understand the ramifications and what happens next, we're joined by the Wall Street Journal's Rachel Bachman, who's been at the heart of this story. We also look ahead to this week's League Cup final and ask whether Man City can halt Chelsea's imperious form.Thanks to Rachel Bachman for joining us! You can read her excellent article about this week's story here.Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @FloydTweet, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89Artwork photo - GirlsontheBall © Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dotun, Andy and Lars Sivertsen pick up the pieces from a fascinating Champions League midweek and try to fit them all together. Let's hope it's nothing like Bodø/Glimt’s mosaic, mind…We start in Spain and the battle of The Crashing Realistics, as Unai Emery’s men strained on the leash against a Juventus side already leaning on their new number nine. We also take in a gripping battle between two titans of Europe in Portugal and, fresh from Andy’s trip to Rome, try to figure out when the Roma fans’ love for José Mourinho will eventually run dry.Got a question for us? Find us on socials @footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rachel joins Flo and Chloe live from Wolverhampton ahead of England's final game at the Arnold Clark Cup on today's Upfront. She gives us the inside scoop on how the tournament's going and England's improvements under Sarina Wiegman. We also assess the fortunes of a new-look USWNT in the SheBelieves Cup and look ahead to the latest round of FA Cup fixtures, as some minnows make a bid for the last eight!Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @FloydTweet, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89Artwork photo - GirlsontheBall ©***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dotun, Andy and David Cartlidge revel in the return of the Champions League, as RB Salzburg ran Bayern ragged and Real Madrid fans almost celebrated Kylian Mbappé's winner against their side.We also pick through the rubble after Sporting failed to blow the bloody doors off Porto's grip on the Primeira Liga top spot - chaos ensued!Got a question for us? Find us on socials @footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Well, Arsenal vs Chelsea finished 0-0 after we said there'd be goals - but what a game it was! Flo, Rachel and Chloe bring you the latest on the WSL title race as it looks set to go right down to the wire.There's also a title race unfolding in Scotland as Rangers hold off Glasgow City. We track the impressive development of the SWPL and look ahead to the Lionesses' fixtures in the Arnold Clark Cup, which kicks off this week!Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @FloydTweet, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89Artwork photo - GirlsontheBall ©***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dotun, Andy and Lars Sivertsen search far and wide for reasons why Borussia Dortmund are struggling - turns out they just need some defenders.We also look ahead to a battle of the Haves and the Have Mores in the Champions League next week and despair at the alarming state of women's football in France after Ada Hegerberg's recent comments.Got a question for us? Find us on socials @footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when your best goalscorer is also your best creator? Ahead of the definitive week in this season's WSL, we try to solve Arsenal's Miedema conundrum!Elsewhere, Everton have parted company with Jean-Luc Vasseur after ten games - is this the start of a trend? We also discuss the merits of expanding both the WSL and Championship as more teams push for success.Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @FloydTweet, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89Artwork photo - GirlsontheBall ©***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dotun, Andy and Nicky Bandini react to a busy transfer window for our continental counterparts, as Inter snap up Robin Goses and Krzysztof Piątek moves once again!We also wonder how Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will fit in at Barcelona and finally get a result from a feisty edition of Le Classique, two months after it started!Got a question for us? Find us on socials @footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Flo, Rachel and Chloe are back with another Upfront, your weekly guide to the biggest stories from across women's football!Today, we round up the fourth round of the FA Cup as Leicester and Southampton secured upsets while Bridgwater's dream run came to an end. We also react to Australia's shock exit at the Asian Cup and discuss a significant - but not substantial enough - improvement in players' contract terms around maternity and sickness cover.Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @FloydTweet, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89Artwork photo - GirlsontheBall ©***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dotun, Andy and Lars Sivertsen assess the reasoned sense - but enraged fallout - behind Dušan Vlahović’s move to the Empire. We also wonder why so many of the world’s best players have impending contract expirations and head to Belgium to check in with the most unlikely of title challenges from newly promoted Union Saint-Gilloise! Leicester who?!Got a question for us? Find us on socials @footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Flo, Rachel and Chloe get amongst those fighting to clamber out of the WSL mid-table mire, as West Ham continued their rise this weekend while compounding Everton's worries.We also touch on some bizarre officiating and wonder what needs to be done to better support WSL and Championship referees, before looking ahead to the return of the FA Cup as Bridgewater United look to continue their giant-killing streak.Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @FloydTweet, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89Artwork photo - GirlsontheBall ©***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dotun, Andy and David Cartlidge recap a two-day Sevillan derby where fan trouble ended the first game prematurely, before Betis snuck the behind-closed-doors replay. Ah, Seville, never change.We also revel in some glorious cross-continental capers, as Zinedine Zidane's potential move to PSG might start one almighty chain reaction. We also celebrate the return of Hatem Ben Arfa and wonder why we love Europe's unpredictable, mercurial geniuses.Got a question for us? Find us on Twitter @footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Both sides of Manchester continued their impressive WSL form this weekend. Flo, Chloe and Rachel are here with the lowdown on those chasing that elusive Champions League spot.We also eye up the FA Championship contenders, as Liverpool and London City Lionesses go about their business in wholly different ways while Chloe's Crystal Palace snap at their heels. We also look ahead to the Asian Cup and are left baffled by the FIFA Best Awards - shock.Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @FloydTweet, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89Artwork photo - GirlsontheBall ©***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's Super Cups galore on today's edition of On The Continent as Dotun, Andy and Nicky Bandini recap a cracking win for Inter over Juventus in last night's Supercoppa - with a 120th-minute winner from Alexis Sánchez, no less! The Saudi Arabian edition of the Spanish Super Cup also raises a few eyebrows and we pore over Bayern's decision to make Kingsley Coman the highest-paid employee of any company in the universe.Got a question for us? Find us on Twitter @footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Upfront is back for 2022! Join Flo Lloyd-Hughes, Rachel O'Sullivan and Chloe Morgan every Tuesday for your definitive guide to the biggest stories in women's football.Today, after a shock defeat to an excellent Birmingham City, we wonder what Arsenal need to stop their lacklustre slide. There's also a look at potential movers in the transfer window and we ask what can be learned from a tumultuous few months for Coventry City, who look to have just avoided liquidation.Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @FloydTweet, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89Artwork photo - GirlsontheBall ©***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If we could dream up our fantasy career, it’d probably be similar to that of today’s Ramble Meets… guest. Andy is joined by former Milan, Monaco, Rangers and England striker, Mark Hateley!From rubbing shoulders with footballing (and actual) royalty under Arsène Wenger at Monaco to winning the hearts of Inter fans at Serie A’s peak, Mark enjoyed an incredible career. He tells Andy about his continental travels, linking up with Ally McCoist at Rangers and passing on his wisdom to his son, who has his own globe-trotting career.Tweet us @Football Ramble and email us here: show@footballramble.com.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dotun, Andy and Lars Sivertsen settle in for the first On The Continent of 2022 – and there are already so many questions that need answering.Chiefly: how on earth do Barcelona plan to vie for Erling Haaland’s signature all of a sudden? Unsurprisingly, things are not quite as they seem. Plus, Andy reveals the reasons behind Jorge Jesus’ second stormy departure from Benfica and OTC’s nocturnal correspondent Lars explains why Lorenzo Insigne’s much-maligned exit to MLS might not be such a bad idea.Got a question for us? Find us on socials @footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We've got a slightly different episode of Upfront to round off the year as Flo, Rachel and Chloe sit down for a conversation about sexuality, openness and acceptance within women's football.The game has always been a safe space of inclusivity and acceptance for those on the pitch, in the stands and in the press box. We chat about our experiences within that sphere and what can be done to further improve the game's relationship with its LGBTQ+ community. We also hear from Arsenal's Katie McCabe and Aston Villa's Ruesha Littlejohn, one of the game's most well known and celebrated couples, about unapologetic openness and using their platform.Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @FloydTweet, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89Artwork photo - GirlsontheBall ©***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's Ramble Meets... we're joined by a household name and one of modern's football's polymaths: it's Galatasaray and Netherlands forward, Ryan Babel!Ryan sits down with Andy to recap a diverse career that's taken him to Turkey, England, Spain and Germany. They discuss the undue expectations placed on young players, working with Rafa Benítez at Liverpool and, with the release of his new rap autobiography, revel in his other passion for hip-hop.Got a question? Tweet us @FootballRamble***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Look away, La Liga establishment: the Andalusians are coming. Dotun, Andy and David Cartlidge wave through the distant - but very welcome - title charges from two of Seville's finest.Elsewhere, we try to figure out where it's all gone wrong at Borussia Mönchengladbach after their expensive coaching swoop and recap a Champions League draw so bad they did it twice.Got a question for us? Find us on socials @FootballRamble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Flo, Chloe and Rachel are back with the penultimate episode of the year as we check in with some incredible underdog performances from across the weekend.Reading rained on Chelsea's parade, with Deanne Rose grabbing an absolute worldy, while Birmingham City can take pride in their performance against Man City as their off-field issues continue. We also round up the FA Cup third round, with the Magic of the Cup™ leaving a sour taste for one of us!Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @FloydTweet, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89Artwork photo - GirlsontheBall ©***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, we welcome one of Andy’s childhood heroes. A fully-fledged member of the Crazy Gang, he is now campaigning to revolutionise football governance: it’s former Wimbledon, Liverpool and Spurs centre back, John Scales!John lets Andy in behind the scenes at Wimbledon and explains how manager Bobby Gould mastered one of the most difficult and unique dressing rooms in football. They also discuss the state of modern football in the shadow of Tracey Crouch’s fan-led review and John’s involvement with Fair Game, the organisation empowering clubs lower down the pyramid.Got a question? Tweet us @FootballRamble***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dotun and Andy are joined by Nicky Bandini to run the rule over the Champions League group stages for some of Europe’s fallen - or stumbling - giants.Atlético Madrid get the job done, but we examine the deeper identity crisis on Diego Simeone’s hands. We also discuss a tale of two finalists in 2015 - Juventus and Barcelona - and Nicky explains the Old Lady’s woes up front. Plus, there’s crisis in eastern France – but on the pitch this time.Got a question for us? Find us on socials @footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Flo, Rachel and Chloe look back over a dominant Chelsea win in Sunday's historic FA Cup final, with Jonas Eidevall's Arsenal miles off the pace - even after plenty of hype on our last episode!We discuss how Chelsea got the win and what Arsenal need to improve to challenge the big guns. We also look at where the broader women's game still needs to improve, one hundred years after the FA's ban that altered the game's historical course.Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @FloydTweet, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89Artwork photo - GirlsontheBall ©***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Andy in a rain-soaked Barcelona for today's episode of At The Match, as he takes in a crucial Champions League tie at the legendary Camp Nou. Despite the reduced attendance and the team's recent struggles, Andy finds an electric and expectant atmosphere as the fans welcome Xavi for his first European game in the hot seat.Andy also spoke to Goal's Rik Sharma, a Barcelona resident, about these struggles and how the Xavi era might pan out after some encouraging early signs.Got a question for us? Find us on socials @FootballRamble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dotun and Andy are joined by Lars for today's continental capers, as we realise that even Europe's best-run clubs have to endure moments of tension from time to time.Away from off the pitch shenanigans at the German champions, we wonder how Bayern will fare against Dortmund's free-scoring attack and free-pouring defence. We also recap a shameful day for Portuguese football and tip our hat to Atalanta, who lurk menacingly in the Serie A undergrowth.Got a question? Tweet us @FootballRamble***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sarina Wiegman seems very aware of the need to manage the workload of her England side, only then to play the same team every qualifier. Why?!Flo, Rachel and Chloe try to answer that and recap a mixed international window for the Home Nations and Ireland. We also bid farewell to a Brazilian legend and look ahead to what should be an outrageously good FA Cup final this weekend!Artwork photo - GirlsontheBall ©***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After Juventus’ schooling at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, Dotun, Andy and Miguel Delaney wonder what on earth is going wrong for Max Allegri’s men.There’s no mercy for two other Champions League stalwarts either, as Borussia Dortmund crash out and Atlético Madrid teeter on the precipice. We find out why both clubs are facing similar problems. And after fresh crowd trouble forced Lyon vs Marseille to be abandoned at the weekend, we try to get to the root cause of Ligue 1’s never-ending carousel of scandal.Got a question? Tweet us @FootballRamble***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Flo, Rachel and Chloe kick off proceedings with a look at Birmingham City, who have just appointed their third manager in five months amidst a myriad of off-field issues. We also wonder what Man United need to do to reach the next level (keeping Ella Toone aside) and despair at the careless scheduling of this year's Ballon d'Or ceremony.Artwork photo - GirlsontheBall ©***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There's a different flavour to today's episode of Ramble Meets as Andy gets to know not just a single subject, but one of La Liga's most beloved clubs.Celta Vigo has had a rich if turbulent history, from impressive spells in La Liga and the Europa League to almost falling out of professional football altogether. Andy is joined by Celta players Nolito and Joseph Aidoo, who tell us just how special the city and their fanbase is. We also speak to Vigo residents including renowned Swedish journalist Alexandra Jonson and Mexican-born fan Paula Anton, who explain just how this unique city and club became home.Got a question? Tweet us @FootballRamble***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dotun, Andy and David Cartlidge round up some of the biggest casualties from World Cup Qualifying on today's episode. It seems that Fernando Santos' Portugal have been trying the same thing repeatedly but expecting different results.We also ask if Roberto Mancini can solve the impossible Italian Job of finding a goalscoring centre-forward and wonder what's happened to Eden Hazard after some sobering comments from the Belgium camp.Got a question? Tweet us @FootballRamble***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Flo, Rachel and Chloe look back over a packed weekend schedule, with Spurs finally proving stern opposition for their North London rivals and Chelsea piling more pressure on Man City boss Gareth Taylor.Despite these cracking matches, we also wonder whether more could have been done to promote the latest Women's Football Weekend and explore how future editions can continue to improve.Artwork photo - GirlsontheBall ©***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on the Book Club, we're joined by a Liverpool legend and true football obsessive. For the past 8 years, Jamie Carragher has been the face and voice of football punditry in the UK. His celebrated book sees him and a range of guests reevaluate some of football’s greatest matches - from Istanbul '05, to Munich '99. He lifts the lid on it all with Kate and Jim.You can purchase Jamie’s book, The Greatest Games, here! Find us on socials @footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dotun, Andy and Lars Sivertsen remember there's another megastar stuffed down the back of PSG's sofa, so take a look at whether Sergio Ramos can get himself in the first team now he's back in training.Elsewhere, Serie A looks set to be the spiciest league in Europe as Milan and Napoli canter ahead, while Covid-enforced changes to Germany's squad have given their impressive crop of youngsters a chance to impress new boss Hansi Flick.Got a question? Tweet us @FootballRamble***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Upfront, a weekly women's football show covering all corners of the women's game! Flo Lloyd-Hughes, Chloe Morgan and Rachel O'Sullivan discuss Brighton's impressive start to the season under England legend Hope Powell and the problems arising from Arsenal's all-male advisory board. Chloe also pauses her post-match celebrations long enough to recap a great win for Crystal Palace and all the other action from a frenetic few weeks of Championship action!Artwork photo - GirlsontheBall ©***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re back with our second At The Match of the season, the series that takes you to the heart of football across the globe.Andy stops in at a raucous Estádio de Dragão for the first of two huge Champions League clashes and chats with Tiago Marques, presenter on Porto Canal, about an emotional return to football in Porto post-lockdown.He then catches up with Tom Kundert, an old friend and founder of PortuGOAL, for a wonderfully chaotic match at one of the great theatres of European football.Got a question for us? Find us on socials @footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dotun, Andy and David Cartlidge first head to the warmer climes of Andalusia, asking why Sevilla haven't replicated their impressive La Liga form in the Champions League, despite some straightforward opponents.Elsewhere, we check in with Ajax after another win took them to the knockout rounds and celebrate Freiburg's unbeaten run - right before Bayern hand them a pasting on Saturday, no doubt. Got a question? Tweet us @FootballRamble***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Upfront, a brand new women's football podcast available every Tuesday on Football Ramble Presents! Each week we'll bring you the biggest stories from the WSL and beyond, and take you to the cultural heartbeat of the women's game.Today, we look back over the weekend's FA Cup semi-finals which saw a Beth Mead-inspired Arsenal sweep aside Brighton and Chelsea prove too much for a stuttering Manchester City. Elsewhere, we also discuss England's group and potential captain ahead of Euro 2022 next summer! Welcome along!Flo Lloyd-Hughes is a journalist and broadcaster who covers the women's game for some of the UK's biggest outlets.Rachel O'Sullivan is the Irish half of GirlsontheBall and has been covering women's football for almost a decade.Chloe Morgan is a professional goalkeeper at Crystal Palace and a member of the Women In Football board. Artwork photo - GirlsontheBall ©***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dotun, Lars Sivertsen and Nicky Bandini are here to conduct the postmortem on Ronald Koeman's doomed tenure at Barcelona. We wonder whether the blame should be laid solely at his feet after weeks of dour pessimism and how Xavi might fare should he take the job.We also try to save some of Roma's squad from the bus José Mourinho has thrown them under and cast an admiring glance at the Jorge Sampaoli's work at Marseille.Got a question for us? Find us on socials @footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's guest on Book Club has lifted the World Cup, won numerous domestic trophies across a fifteen-year career and scored a remarkable collection of goals. It's AC Milan and France striker, Olivier Giroud!We chat to the former Arsenal and Chelsea marksman about his time in England, becoming a crucial part of the world's best international team and enjoying some of the finer things in life.You can purchase Olivier's new book, 'Always Believe' here! Find us on socials @footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Whisper it, but are Atlético Madrid better suited to attack rather than defend? Dotun, Andy and Lars Sivertsen wrestle with their puzzling form on today's episode of On The Continent!We then check in with the European runners and riders at the halfway point of the Champions League group stages, as Bayern destroy everyone and PSG stumble on. We also wonder where it's all going wrong for Claude Puel at the historic Saint-Étienne.Got a question for us? Find us on socials @footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're back with a brand new episode of At The Match, the series that takes you to the heart of football across the globe.Kate joins Andy for today's episode, as they wander up a more sedate Wembley Way to see England take on Hungary in a World Cup Qualifier. They reminisce about the Euros and examine this team's relationship with the nation, as Kate explains where her fevered support of the national team came from. Got a question for us? Find us on socials @footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dotun, Andy and Miguel Delaney kick off today's episode by exploring how the recent takeover of Newcastle United relates to Europe. As agents look to sell their unwanted players to the new kids on the block, we wonder how this will be received in light of the PSG takeover a decade previously.We also look at Germany's turnaround under Hansi Flick as they qualified for Qatar 2022 this week and discuss Neymar's recent comments about the immense pressure he faces every time he steps onto the field - particular in the yellow and green.Got a question for us? Find us on socials @footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dotun, Andy and David Cartlidge revel in another classic tussle between Italy and Spain, with the European champions’ unbeaten record halted by Luis Enrique’s youngsters.We also try and work out who will emerge with PSG’s #1 shirt as Gianluigi Donnarumma impresses again, while Kylian Mbappé has been respectfully sticking the boot into his current employers ahead of another #saga next summer.Got a question for us? Find us on socials @footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dotun, Andy and Nicky Bandini check in with the biggest stories after another chaotic Champions League week, as various teams do their best to recapture - or redefine - their identity.Juventus show glimpses of their wily former selves under Max Allegri, while Milan’s young swagger has somehow left them on zero points. We also try to come to terms with Barcelona being distinctly ordinary - Benfica made that obvious enough - and wonder if the recent French crowd trouble is indicative of wider issues across Europe.Got a question for us? Find us on socials @footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're joined by Premier League royalty on today's episode of Ramble Meets... as Andy catches up with former PSG, Bolton and Super Eagles midfielder, Jay-Jay Okocha!Jay-Jay's storied career saw him become part of both Bundesliga and Premier League folklore. They talk about his incredible journey, some of his most famous moments and what it was really like working under Big Sam Allardyce at Bolton. Got a question for us? Find us on socials @footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dotun and Andy are joined by Miguel Delaney for today's star-studded episode, as some of European football's elite struggle to settle into their new homes.Mauricio Pochettino's famed man-management skills are being put to the test in Paris, as Lionel Messi wants more game time and Kylian Mbappé reminds everyone he's still the main man. Antoine Griezmann's found similar troubles in Madrid, but Mario Balotelli's blowing the doors off in Turkey - might there be one last Italian Job for him?Got a question for us? Find us on socials @footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to On The Continent! This week, Dotun and Andy are joined by Lars Sivertsen to for a deep dive on Bayern Munich. They could’ve run out 8-2 winners again against Barcelona this week, but just how good are they? We also check in with Real Madrid, who battled past perennial Champions League fall-guys Inter, and wonder how Carlo Ancelotti can mould this unusually young team after Eduardo Camavinga made the difference again.We also bring a difficult but vital discussion to the table about Jérôme Boateng, who was found guilty of assaulting his ex-girlfriend last week, and the response of his new employers, Lyon.Got a question for us? Find us on socials @footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If one club encapsulates both the sublime and the ridiculous in modern football, it's FC Barcelona. Kate and Jim chart this duality on today's episode of the Book Club, as renowned author Simon Kuper joins them to discuss his new book, 'Barça'!Simon charts their rise from a friendly regional club to a global behemoth, all on the back of an almost naive friendliness and goodwill within the Catalan community. They also discuss Simon's interviews with the likes of Johan Cruyff and Kylian Mbappé, assess Lionel Messi's legacy and wonder where the club goes next.Got a question for us? Find us on socials @FootballRambleYou can purchase a copy of Simon's new book here!***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dotun, Andy and David Cartlidge look back over an international window that has seen its fair share of winners and losers - Memphis Depay perhaps more than most!Ol' Memphis gets his fair dues on today's show as we discuss how his recent performances might help him contend with Barca's impossible post-Messi task. We also wonder where it's gone wrong for France in recent weeks - can they shake their post-Euros blues? And, over in the Bundesliga, Julian Nagelsmann faces his first stern test since turning to the Dark Side with a trip to his former stomping ground.Got a question for us? Find us on socials @FootballRamble***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dotun Adebayo, Lars Sivertsen and Nicky Bandini are back with more tales of penny-pinching European super clubs on today's episode of On The Continent!We wonder how Barcelona can dig themselves out from their ever-expanding hole and discuss whether Juventus' Cristiano Ronaldo experiment proved successful. And as the Deadline Day dust settles, we identify a few diamonds in the continental rough who may shine brightly for their new clubs.Got a question for us? Find us on socials @FootballRamble***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to another edition of On The Continent! Miguel Delaney joins Dotun and Andy to discuss the latest on Kylian Mbappé and Cristiano Ronaldo.We wonder how the Frenchman’s arrival could revitalise Real, while there are mixed opinions about Ronaldo’s possible uneasy marriage with Pep Guardiola’s Man City. After a very weird window with spending confined to the very top, we also discuss the broader transfer market across Europe this summer.Elsewhere, José Mourinho’s seducing another fanbase as his Roma side get off to a flyer with Tammy Abraham particularly impressing. Plus, we check in with the Champions League qualifiers, which featured a wonderful – but revealing – blast from the past as Benfica and PSV fought for a group stage spot.Got a question for us? Find us on socials@footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to another edition of On The Continent! This week, Dotun and Andy are joined by our resident Italian football oracle Nicky Bandini for a bumper Serie A preview!We discuss what’s next for the title-holders, Inter, stripped of some of their best assets, while it’s back to the future for José Mourinho and Luciano Spalletti at Roma and Napoli, with Nicky particularly backing the Neapolitans to cause a stir.Plus, Andy explains the truth behind the Robert Lewandowski rumours as Bayern pick up silverware already and we explain what on earth is going on at Lyon!Got a question for us? Find us on socials @footballramble.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dotun, Andy and Lars Sivertsen are here with a thorough look at the biggest story in world football: Lionel Messi's Barça departure. We try to fathom how Barcelona allowed the rot to spread this badly, wonder if we should sympathise with Lionel Messi and discuss Mauricio Pochettino’s chances of getting that front three to do any pressing at all.We also look at La Liga more broadly as it kicks off this weekend, with Atlético fending off a chasing pack filled with some interesting title challengers. The Bundesliga also gets a due preview, as Dortmund and the best of the rest clamber over each other, snapping at Bayern’s heels.We're back with weekly episodes of On The Continent every Thursday – subscribe to Football Ramble Presents so you never miss an episode!Got a question for us? Tweet us! @FootballRamble @dotunadebayo & @andybrassell***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the European football season looming, Dotun and Andy are joined by David Cartlidge to get stuck into some of the continent’s biggest stories - join us!As Julian Nagelsmann’s first game as Bayern manager creeps closer, we look into how he’ll need to be granted some patience during what might be a tough start in the Big Time. We also ask who might challenge PSG in Ligue 1 as the likes of Monaco and Marseille make some interesting transfer moves, and worry about the likes of Pedri and Dani Olmo ahead of a draining season for Spain’s youngsters - even if a mysterious money tree has sprouted in the Catalan sunshine!We're back with weekly episodes of On The Continent every Thursday – subscribe to Football Ramble Presents so you never miss an episode!Got a question for us? Tweet us! @FootballRamble @dotunadebayo & @andybrassell***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're back with the first On The Continent episode of the new season! Dotun, Andy and Lars Sivertsen are here to get you up to speed with Europe's movers and shakers ahead of the new season.We start the season with a tale of two superclubs, with PSG finding established superstars down the back of the sofa and Barcelona still struggling for cash. We also recap the latest Champions League qualifiers and answer some of your questions!We're back with weekly episodes of On The Continent every Thursday – subscribe to Football Ramble Presents so you never miss an episode!Got a question for us? Tweet us! @FootballRamble @dotunadebayo & @andybrassell***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have you ever wondered where substantial amounts of the money behind football's ridiculous transfer fees end up? Because the answer may surprise, confuse and alarm you!Kate and Jim are joined by author and journalist, Tariq Panja to discuss the murky world of football transfers and just how influential nondescript entities and figures looming in the shadows can be. Tariq, alongside co-writer Alex Duff, dug into the balance sheets and followed the money across Europe and South America over multiple years for their bestselling book, 'Football's Secret Trade. He talks us through who some of these individuals are and explains how they have earned hundreds of millions of euros from their financial and often political influence on the game.You can purchase Football's Secret Trade here!Search ‘Football Ramble’ on social media to find us, and email us here: show@footballramble.com***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the final OTC episode of the season, Dotun and Andy could only be joined by one familiar face ahead of the Euro 2020 final: it's Nicky Bandini!We assess the two semi-finals and wonder how the final between the tournament's best two sides will play out. There's also a chance to look back on what's been a tournament for the ages; fans returned to stadiums, shock results came thick and fast – and Patrick Schick scored from 50 yards out. Thanks for all your support this season. We'll see you in a few weeks for the start of another European football adventure!***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dotun, Andy and Lars Sivertsen pick through the latest Euro 2020 casualties, as a back trois couldn't save France and Germany's lack of cohesion cost them. We wonder where it went wrong for the French, with Didier Deschamps' bizarre selection choices a significant factor, and reflect on the Joachim Löw era after the curtains came down at Wembley. We also assess those still standing and who we think have the best chance of success!***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dotun and Andy are joined by David Cartlidge on today's episode, as we uncork a bottle of Cava and toast to the group stages' final blaze of glory.Portugal, France and Germany emerge from the flames of Group F, so we see who needs to settle on their best XI ahead of the knockout rounds. We also get an update on Spain who, despite a 5-0 win over Slovakia, still don't look all that convincing.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Looking for the latest on some of Euro 2020's biggest contenders? Well, you've come to the right place!Dotun and Andy are joined by various OTC contributors to discuss some of the biggest stories from the first week of the Euros. Nicky Bandini praises those impressive Italians, Lars Sivertsen looks over France's chances of going the distance and David Cartlidge reveals why Spain's opening performance might not prove as disastrous as some are suggesting.Got a question for us? Email otc@footballramble.com!***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’ve waited a year, but the Euros have finally arrived! Join Dotun, Andy and Lars Sivertsen for our giant OTC preview!We cast an eye over the Group of Fun ™️, where Germany look under threat, and check in with the usual contenders including Belgium, Spain and the Netherlands. We also wonder if a Turkish delight might upset the much-fancied Italians on opening night!Got a question for us? Email otc@footballramble.com!***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’ll cut straight to it: today’s Ramble Meets... guest is one of the greatest footballers in the history of the game. It’s only Germany's European Championship and World Cup-winning midfielder, Lothar Matthäus!Lothar joins Andy to look ahead to Germany’s chances at Euro 2020, with the public‘s expectations of Die Mannschaft as high as ever. They also chat about his storied playing career, spotting Jadon Sancho’s potential years ago and how impressive Hansi Flick’s football has been at his beloved Bayern. Got a question for us? Email show@footballramble.com!***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to our final episode of Lions Watch! With the Euros just six sleeps away, Marcus and Luke bring you their reflections on England’s opening friendly and sort through Gareth Southgate’s alarmingly large pile of unanswered questions.Besides Trent Alexander-Arnold’s replacement, we run the rule over England’s possible formations without Jordan Henderson and Harry Maguire and look back at the most recent international break, where the Three Lions were reminded of a harsh truth against Poland. Join us!Got a question for us? Email show@footballramble.com!***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!**Featured image courtesy of Anton Zaitsev.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dotun is joined by Lars Sivertsen and Nicky Bandini as the Champions League final brought the weirdest domestic season ever to a close. We take a look back at that entertaining affair, with Chelsea using their ‘break glass for pragmatic coach’ approach to great effect once again.We then wonder what’s next for European football; the pandemic has forced many clubs to turn the old guard and accept there may be some excess baggage amongst their squad, with Max Allegri and Carlo Ancelotti two particular points of focus. There are so many questions to look into; how will the Euros affect next season’s domestic leagues? Who will challenge the traditional elite for various honours? And why have so many Italian clubs already changed their bloody managers?!Got a question for us? Email otc@footballramble.com!***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

'Fever Pitch' is widely regarded to be the best football book ever written. It's been made into two films, won the 1992 William Hill Sports Book of the Year award and inspired countless football fans around the UK to think more deeply about their football fandom. Its author, Nick Hornby, joins us in the studio for today's episode of the Book Club!Nick sits down with Kate and Jim to remember the seismic impact of 'Fever Pitch', nearly thirty years after its initial publication. Nick's footballing obsession embedding itself within every aspect of his life and the book encapsulates the joy, frustration, hopelessness and deliriousness felt by a generation of football fans on the terraces every Saturday. From his deep love for Arsène Wenger to the state of the modern game, it's a fascinating chat with one of the forefathers of modern football writing!You can purchase the latest edition of 'Fever Pitch' here.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Lions Watch, your one-stop shop for all things England! Vithushan Ehantharajah joins Marcus to reflect on Gareth Southgate’s provisional squad and look ahead to a hugely important week in the Three Lions’ preparations.We also dial up former England Head of Physiotherapy Gary Lewin to learn more about fitness preparations for the tournament. Plus, Marcus and Vish cast their eyes over those two reunions with Belgium last year and why we need to steal Youri Tielemans. Join us! Got a question for us? Email show@footballramble.com!***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!**Featured image courtesy of Anton Zaitsev.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

All aboard this summer’s managerial merry-go-round, coming soon to a European powerhouse near you!Dotun, Andy and David Cartlidge break down the big coaching moves across the continent as Antonio Conte might well grab Zinedine Zidane’s vacant seat in Madrid and Juventus’ Andrea Pirlo makes way for his former boss, Max Allegri. We also celebrate two title victories that were confirmed over the weekend, as a smiling Diego Simeone wins his second La Liga title and Lille snatch Ligue 1 from PSG, just before their players and manager all leave.Got a question for us? Email otc@footballramble.com!***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today’s episode of Ramble Meets… we welcome a man who, by his own admission, tried really hard not to be a footballer - and failed. It’s former Chelsea, Everton and Scotland winger, Pat Nevin!Pat joins Mark Pougatch to discuss an enriching career that was fuelled by a sheer enjoyment of football, with the trappings of fame and fortune never a remote consideration. He talks about his journey from the politically charged streets of the east end of Glasgow to Chelsea FC and London’s burgeoning music scene, all with a vigour that shows Pat’s love for the game will never truly dwindle.You can purchase Pat's new book, The Accidental Footballer, here!***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Gareth Southgate's squad announcement just days away, Marcus and Luke tackle perhaps the most significant selection dilemma: who's going to play right-back?!We also look back to the culmination of England's Nations League efforts back in 2019, with the usual boxes of 'lose to a top-level team' and 'win a penalty shoot-out' ticked off in Portugal. Finally, Czech journalist Ondřej Zlámal gives us the lowdown on the latest iteration of their side and what England can expect in their final group game. Search ‘Football Ramble’ on social media to find us, and email us here: show@footballramble.com.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***Featured image courtesy of Anton Zaitsev.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Miguel Delaney joins Dotun and Andy for another continental crusade, with Europe's various title races wrapping up and the Euros honing into view!Karim Benzema links up with the French squad for the first time in six years, as Didier Deschamps weighs up his fractious past against his goalscoring pedigree. We also praise Edin Terzić after Dortmund turn their season around with moments to spare and wonder where it's all gone wrong for Mesut Özil and Fenerbahçe.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s less than a month until England’s opening group stage game and Marcus is struggling to contain his anticipation. A season-ending injury for Harry Maguire though, you say? That will do it.Marcus and Luke discuss the latest on Maguire and assess how he has come to be so important to this England team. Elsewhere, Jadon Sancho puts in a stunning performance to clinch Dortmund’s first silverware in four years: can Raheem Sterling really start ahead of him?We also look back on two defining matches for England in 2018 and dial in Croatian football writer Aleksandar Holiga for the inside track on England’s old enemy. Join us!Got a question for us? Email show@footballramble.com!***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!**Featured image courtesy of Anton Zaitsev.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dotun, Andy and Lars Sivertsen are looking ahead to a photo finish in the La Liga title race, as Real Madrid’s weathered old souls chase down Atléti in top spot.We also check in on the fallout from the end of the Portuguese and Italian title races. Sporting win their first in nearly two decades under wonderkid coach Rúben Amorim, while Andrea Pirlo and Juventus must be wondering whether their marriage of convenience has run its underwhelming course.Got a question for us? Email otc@footballramble.com!***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marcus and Luke are back with Lions Watch, your one-stop shop for all things England! This week, we hail Arsenal for doing the right thing and ask how much England’s Champions League and Europa League absences really matter for a team so… completely and utterly well-drilled. Obvs.We also try (and fail) to pick a starter between Luke Shaw and Ben Chilwell and celebrate the year of the waistcoat. That’s right, it’s 2018: Kieran Trippier’s whipping in free-kicks, an Englishman is winning the golden boot, and press relations are actually all right. We speak to Sunday Times chief football writer Jonathan Northcroft to learn more about the charm offensive that was so important to England’s success that summer.Got a question for us? Email show@footballramble.com!***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!**Featured image courtesy of Anton Zaitsev.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dotun, Andy and Nicky Bandini are here to assess the merits of the PSG project and wonder if things aren't as bad as first thought after Manchester City knocked them out of the Champions League.Elsewhere, with Antonio Conte wrapping up the title, we ask Nicky if José Mourinho can rise Roma from the ruins and put the breaks on another Inter title tilt. Speaking of title races, La Liga's top four all play each other this weekend and Sevilla might well be Spain's kingmakers!***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The subject of today's episode of the Book Club will likely have voiced some of your most significant football memories. From Solskjaer's volley at the back post to the shoots of an Istanbul comeback, he's called them all – it's commentary extraordinaire, Clive Tyldesley!Clive joins Kate and Jim to discuss some of the most significant figures, moments and themes that make up his new book 'Not For Me, Clive'. From honing his commentary craft to surviving multiple encounters with Sir Alex Ferguson's hairdryer, it's clear that a passionate love for the game is at the heart of his magnificent forty-year career.You can pre-order Clive's book here, ahead of its release on 13th May 2021.Search ‘Football Ramble’ on social media to find us, and email us here: show@footballramble.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marcus and Luke reconvene to discuss the latest developments surrounding the England squad! UEFA announced this week that countries will be able to take 26 players to the Euros: which is a good thing until you realise it doesn’t just apply to England. We examine which fringe players stand to benefit for the Three Lions.Elsewhere, Luke explains why Phil Foden can be the player of the tournament this summer and we turn the clock back to those halcyon 67 days under Big Sam – ultimately so swiftly followed by a bright new dawn under Mr Reluctant himself, Gareth Southgate.Got a question for us? Email show@footballramble.com!***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!**Featured image courtesy of Anton Zaitsev.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dotun and Andy are joined by David Cartlidge to reflect on two intriguing Champions League semi-finals.Despite one of their finest first half displays of the season, Mauricio Pochettino was left lamenting his side’s fatigue as Man City muscled their way back into the tie. We look at PSG’s midfield and why Kylian Mbappé seemingly vanished from the pitch.Elsewhere, after Karim Benzema carried Real Madrid to a draw with Chelsea, David explains how he is thought of in Madrid and how his role in the side has evolved since escaping Cristiano Ronaldo’s shadow. And following Bordeaux’s fall into administration, we look at what has gone wrong at this storied club – and whether they can escape disaster.Got a question for us? Email otc@footballramble.com!***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s episode of the Book Club takes you to the heart of what it means to be a football fan. Kate and Jim are joined by journalist and Sunday Times best-selling author Michael Calvin to discuss ‘Whose Game Is It Anyway?’, his deeply personal account of the role football – and sport – plays in everyday life.Mike tells us how he came to fall out of love with the sport he covered for 40 years – and how he eventually rediscovered what football truly means to people at clubs like Accrington and Bury’s phoenix club, Bury AFC. After a week where the value of community, loyalty and history has never felt so threatened, he also offers his reflections on the Super League and what it tells us about the state of our game. And after decades on the journalism scene, Mike of course shares plenty of tales from his career along the way: from shouting copy down the phone in remote corners of the Eastern Bloc, to dodging punches from Mike Tyson.You can find Mike’s book, ‘Whose Game Is It Anyway?’, here!What book should we read next? Tweet us: @footballramble, @kvlmason and @JimCampbellTFR.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Lions Watch, your one stop shop for all things England! This week, Marcus and Luke begin with Harry Kane’s injury, which might lead to only a brief hiatus, but raises all sorts of questions about England’s flexibility as well as that age old dilemma: do you play your star player when he’s not 100% fit?Elsewhere, we discuss John Stones’ familiar downturn in form after a season that has promised so much change and revisit Euro 2016, where the England shirt has perhaps never weighed so heavily. Join us!Got a question for us? Email show@footballramble.com!***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!**Featured image courtesy of Anton Zaitsev. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dotun, Andy and Miguel Delaney look back on a truly seismic week, as the formation and startling failure of the European Super League represented the most significant story in the history of European football.With the project shelved (for now), we highlight the pivotal moments in the fight between the deluded, monied elite and everyone else. We also wonder what's next for Bayern Munich – whose manager Hansi Flick will be leaving at the end of the season – and we hear from Lars Sivertsen, Nicky Bandini and David Cartlidge about the reaction to the Super League across Europe.Got a question for us? Email otc@footballramble.com!***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joining Mark Pougatch on today's episode of Ramble Meets... is former Newcastle, Tottenham and England midfielder turned TV pundit, Jermaine Jenas!Jermaine talks Mark through his impressive career that began in the aftermath of Brian Clough at Nottingham Forest and saw him experience some of the game's grandest occasions at both Spurs and Newcastle. He also reveals some of the regrets around his England career, where miscommunication with Fabio Capello halted what should've been a long and illustrious stint on the international stage.Search ‘Football Ramble’ on social media to find us, and email us here: show@footballramble.com.With fans missing from the stadiums this FA Cup season, Jermaine Jenas has been working with heycar, official broadcast sponsor of the FA Cup coverage on BT Sport, to bring supporters close to the game and the magic of the cup to life.Jermaine has chatted to fans about their own FA Cup memories and favourite road trips to games, as well as sharing his own experiences of football’s most famous cup competition and his thoughts on this season’s tournament. To see all of Jermaine’s interviews and find out everything heycar has been doing to bring fans closer to the Cup, visit www.heycar.co.uk/fa-cup-stories.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marcus and Luke are back with a brand new edition of Lions Watch, the show dedicated to all things England! We are stumbling over ourselves with excitement for this one.Jesse Lingard is the form player in the Premier League – but should Gareth Southgate give him the keys to the kingdom? And where does all this leave poor old Jack Grealish?Elsewhere, if we needed any further evidence, Jude Bellingham was jaw-droppingly good this week: we drill down into his qualities. And the next stop on our journey through the 2010s brings us to World Cup 2014, where a young England squad came away with some stark truths, a glimmer of hope, and the prestigious honour of playing out the most forgettable football game in World Cup history. Join us!Got a question for us? Email show@footballramble.com!***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***Featured image courtesy of Anton Zaitsev.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dotun is joined by Lars Sivertsen and Miguel Delaney to look back over the week’s Champions League action!While Pep Guardiola finally overcame his Champions League hoodoo with Man City, Dortmund now desperately need to rescue their season with a top four finish. We look at the implications for Erling Haaland and why he may well be heading to Real Madrid rather than Man City.Elsewhere, PSG and Bayern served up another cracking tie, but one which threw up more questions than answers about both sides. We discuss Hansi Flick’s future and what next for Bayern after some miserly transfer windows. And with PSG and Man City back in the last four of the Champions League, we look at what sportswashing in football really amounts to.Got a question for us? Email otc@footballramble.com!***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're joined by one of Europe's most exciting young coaches on today's episode of Ramble Meets... as Andy sits down with RB Salzburg head coach, Jesse Marsch!Jesse's obsession with soccer was born in his native Wisconsin and has taken him across the United States and Canada, before he arrived in Leipzig in 2018 as Ralf Rangnick's assistant. Now at Champions League newcomers RB Salzburg, Jesse talks Andy through his untraditional journey as well as the misconceptions around American coaches and how he has honed his leadership techniques across different teams and cultures.Search ‘Football Ramble’ on social media to find us, and email us here: show@footballramble.com.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to our brand new addition to Football Ramble Presents, Lions Watch, a show dedicated to all things England! Every Saturday, Marcus Speller and Luke Moore discuss the latest stories around Gareth Southgate’s squad in the build-up to the Euros. Who’s waiting by the phone? Who’s metatarsal is plastered on the front pages? And what does it all mean for that final 23-man squad? We will also be revisiting tournaments and matches gone by to trace the evolution that has shaped Southgate’s England side today – and watch out for interviews and plenty of your correspondence, too! This week, we look at the repercussions of Declan Rice’s injury and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s inconsistent form. We also take you back to the dark days of Fabio Capello, the scorching heat of Bloemfontein, and Roy Hodgson’s baptism of fire. The journey to Euro 2020 starts here. Join us!Let us know the overlooked players you’d like to see in the England squad. Email show@footballramble.com!***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***Featured image courtesy of Anton Zaitsev.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to a new edition of On The Continent, your one-stop shop for all things European football. Dotun, Andy and Nicky Bandini wrap up an eventful week in the Champions League and beyond!Bayern Munich fell to their first home defeat in all competitions since November 2019 – and it took a monumental effort from PSG to overcome the Bavarian giants. We reflect on the reasons behind Bayern’s rare lapse and what this means for Mauricio Pochettino’s side after a gutless defeat to Lille last weekend.There was also a landmark result for Zinedine Zidane in midweek, who showed that he really can mix it with the very best tactical minds in Europe. And after a turbulent past few weeks, Juventus landed an important win against Napoli.Got a question for us? Email otc@footballramble.com!***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joining Kate and Jim on today's episode of the Book Club is Luton Town legend who played over 400 matches throughout the most successful stint in their history and earned an England call up under Sir Bobby Robson: it's Ricky Hill!Ricky joins us to reflect on an impressive career marred with frustration and disappointment. He rose through the ranks at Luton Town at just 17, and was an integral part of the side that won the League Cup in 1987/88 – however, obstacles entirely out of his control meant his subsequent managerial career was more challenging. We discuss the impossible task he faced in the Luton dugout and how that unfairly tarnished his reputation, the need for greater diversity across the entire non-playing staff of English football clubs and his pioneering work around the game's equivalent of the NFL's 'Rooney Rule.'Ricky's new book, Love of the Game, is available here!Search ‘Football Ramble’ on social media to find us, and email us here: show@footballramble.com.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to another edition of On The Continent. Dotun, Andy and David Cartlidge bring you all the biggest stories from across European football!We begin with the repercussions of Robert Lewandowski’s injury for Bayern – domestically and in Europe. History suggests the transition could be difficult. But if any team can adapt, surely the Bayern juggernaut can?Elsewhere, we discuss the options for Sergio Agüero on the continent – from a Serie A renaissance, to an Atlético homecoming. It was also a landmark week for Antoine Griezmann on the international stage: but why is he underachieving at Barça when he remains such a stalwart for France?And we identify the best talents at the U21 Europeans Championships that you should be looking out for.Got a question for us? Email otc@footballramble.com!***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to another episode of On The Continent, your one-stop shop for all things European football! Dotun, Andy and Lars chew the fat over an eventful week across the continent.After Paris Saint-Germain put in their finest domestic performance of the season against Lyon to take top spot in Ligue 1, we look over the four contenders for the French title. To the surprise of many, Niko Kovač’s Monaco have emerged as the league’s entertainers, while Lille seem to be struggling with their top dog status.We also check in with Bayer Leverkusen after Peter Bosz’s sacking. Who’s to blame for their staggering downturn in form this year? But it’s Cesare Prandelli’s resignation at Fiorentina that has really sent shockwaves and given the whole football world something to think about.Got a question for us? Email otc@footballramble.com!***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We return to Denmark for today's episode of Ramble Meets... as Andy sits down with two former Premier League stalwarts in Michael Essien and Johan Djourou!With over 100 international caps and almost forty years in the game between them, Michael and Johan are two of the most experienced members of the exciting project at FC Nordsjælland. They talk about their upbringing in Ghana and Switzerland respectively, playing for the likes of José Mourinho and Arsène Wenger and using their experiences to teach the next generation, with Michael gradually making his way onto the coaches' bench.Search ‘Football Ramble’ on social media to find us, and email us here: show@footballramble.com.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Atlético crashing out of the Champions League represent the failings of Diego Simeone’s dated style, which now looks to be a relic from another time. Dotun, Andy and Miguel Delaney wonder what’s next for Los Rojiblancos and their fiery coach.Things look slightly rosier on the Galaticos’ side of the city, as Real Madrid unconvincingly brushed aside Atalanta and drew comparisons to Zinedine Zidane’s last trophy-winning stint. We also cast an eye over an interesting story developing in northern Europe, as a proposal to merge the Belgian Pro League and Dutch Eredivisie gathers momentum.Got a question for us? Email otc@footballramble.com!***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today’s episode of Ramble Meets... Andy sits down with FC Nordsjælland chairman and Right To Dream founder, Tom Vernon!Tom founded Right To Dream, the Ghanaian football academy, in 1999 - he joins Andy to discuss its immense educational and footballing imprint in the region, with over twenty graduates since playing professionally in Europe. He also expands on the academy’s purchase of Danish Superliga side FC Nordsjælland, as they look to change the perception and expectations of football club ownership. From the recent signings of Michael Essien and Johan Djourou to their emphasis on individual and collective development, the club is an intriguing and unique case of how a football club can operate in a wholly different way!Search ‘Football Ramble’ on social media to find us, and email us here: show@footballramble.com.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dotun, Andy and Nicky Bandini catch their breath and bring you their reaction to a dramatic week on and off the pitch in the Champions League!After Juventus’ exit in the last 16 again on Tuesday, we ask whether the Cristiano Ronaldo experiment has been a failure. Nicky also addresses the question marks over Andrea Pirlo’s position and whether Max Allegri really could do any better with such an unbalanced squad.Elsewhere, there’s an audible sigh of relief in Paris, though Andy explains why Barcelona can leave with at least some optimism. Plus, beyond the wonderfully sweet irony of it all, we explain what Andrea Agnelli’s Champions League proposals really mean for football.Got a question for us? Email otc@footballramble.com!***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Some promising performances on the pitch haven’t drawn too much attention away from the chaos unfolding behind the scenes at Barcelona. Join Dotun, Andy and David Cartlidge for the latest on the club’s ongoing boardroom scandal, as we preview the runners and riders in Sunday’s momentous presidential election. Staying with clubs on the brink of collapse, we try to work out which (if any) staff weren’t sacked following Schalke’s 5-1 loss to Stuttgart and assess Marseille’s latest appointment. That’s right: the ever-combustible Jorge Sampaoli has been appointed to bring a stoic calm to the Riviera, presumably by whipping the fans into a riotous frenzy.Got a question for us? Email otc@footballramble.com!***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's Ramble Meets... guest has spent nearly three decades coaching in elite football, including ten years under Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United. Mark Pougatch is joined by Ferguson's former first-team coach and current Australia assistant coach, René Meulensteen!René has worked with some of football's most esteemed characters in a career that has taken him to England, Russia, the Middle East and beyond. He joins Mark to discuss growing up in the glory years of Dutch football, his techniques used in his trophy-laden spell at Manchester United and the differences between accomplished and world class footballers.Search ‘Football Ramble’ on social media to find us, and email us here: show@footballramble.com.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dotun, Andy and Lars Sivertsen guide you through the second week of Champions League last 16 games and all of the biggest stories from across Europe!First off, we try and provide some answers to Atletico’s head-scratching performance against Chelsea. Their city rivals hardly pleased the eye either, though. But while Lars puts on his tin foil hat over some poor refereeing decisions in Real’s game on Wednesday night, we also look at how Zidane is riding out a difficult period at the Bernabéu.Elsewhere, we explain why Jamal Musiala chose Germany after the 17-year-old reached an unenviable juncture. Plus, following PSG’s defeat to Monaco last weekend, could Mauricio Pochettino’s first season really end without a league title? With that midfield, there's always a chance...Got a question for us? Email otc@footballramble.com!***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today's episode of 'Ramble Meets...' features a man well versed in professional football's intense and various demands, from playing as an international striker to managing across the leagues. Mark Pougatch sits down with former Northern Ireland, Southampton and West Ham striker, Iain Dowie!Iain regales us with tales from his storied career, from surviving non-league football's school of hard knocks and becoming Northern Ireland's record goalscorer, to the infamous tale of teammate Paulo Futre storming out of the pre-match dressing room over his shirt number! They also reminisce about his near-300 games in the dugout which included a memorable stint at Crystal Palace, beating his own beloved West Ham in a play-off final and, yes, inadvertently coining the phrase 'bouncebackability'.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s a Champions League extravaganza on this week’s episode of On The Continent! Dotun Adebayo, Andy Brassell and Miguel Delaney are here to pore over the biggest stories from another round of continental crusades.As the reigns of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo dwindle, we wonder how significant Kylian Mbappé’s cracking hat-trick at Camp Nou might prove to be and ask whether he will move on from the Parisians. We also praise Porto’s impressive win over an underwhelming Juventus and assess Marco Rose’s potential at Borussia Dortmund.Got a question for us? Email otc@footballramble.com!***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s episode of the Book Club takes you deep into the heart of the Swedish underworld, as the gangland execution of a promising footballer made national news in 2010. Kate and Jim are joined by Ann Törnkvist to discuss her best-selling book, Follow Fucking Orders.Ann spent five years looking into the story of Eddie Moussa, the promising Assyrian footballer whose performances captured almost as much attention as his brutal death among the townspeople of Södertälje. Ann joins us from Sweden to recount how she came to write the book, from interviewing the families affected by the violence to uncovering the extent of organised crime’s grip on a quaint town. She also talks about the repercussions she faced after interviewing the crime boss who ordered the killing, as a subsequent death threat left a near-constant paranoia that nearly drove her out of her home. What book should we read next? Tweet us: @footballramble @kvlmason & @JimCampbellTFR***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Dotun Adebayo, Andy Brassell and Nicky Bandini for a brand new episode of On The Continent, your one-stop shop for all things European football!We begin by assessing the main contenders for the Serie A title, with Juventus' great run of form putting pressure on their Milanese opponents. We also ask what’s happening over at Borussia Dortmund and wonder whether they may be forced to sell their young superstars if they miss out on European qualification. Stick those alongside two cracking selections for Game of the Week and the ongoing scheduling issues amidst the return of the European knockouts, and you’ve got yourself a whistle stop tour of continental football’s biggest stories – join us!Got a question for us? Email otc@footballramble.com!***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our Ramble Meets... guest this week went from watching her hometown club Burnley on the terraces at Turf Moor to earning 82 international caps and even becoming an Olympian: it's former England goalkeeper turned pundit, Rachel Brown-Finnis!Rachel sits down with Mark Pougatch to talk about a fascinating career that straddles two vastly different eras of women's football in England. As the only girl who attended Bob Wilson's goalkeeper coaching camps as a child, before earning her Liverpool debut at just 15, Rachel went on to play college football in the United States as interest in the women's game started to bloom. Rachel and Mark discuss her formative years in the US, representing England and Great Britain on some of the game's biggest stages and even a summer spent playing on a tiny island off the coast of Iceland!Search ‘Football Ramble’ on social media to find us, and email us here: show@footballramble.com.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dotun and Andy are joined by David Cartlidge to pick through the smouldering wreckage of another week in European football!After El Mundo revealed the staggering details of Messi’s contract, we study the fallout since as Messi looks to the courts and Barcelona’s presidential candidates scramble to back up their star player. We ask David whether Messi is the cause of Barcelona’s financial woes, or in fact a symptom of their profligacy.There’s no contract on the table over in France, as the emergency auction for Ligue 1’s TV rights falls short: an anomaly or a prophecy of things to come across Europe? Plus we head to Portugal, where Sporting could be about to win the Portuguese Liga for the first time since the days of Cristiano Ronaldo.Got a question for us? Email otc@footballramble.com!***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to another edition of On The Continent! Dotun and Andy are joined by Lars to dive into the biggest stories from across European football.First, Andy gives us an update on PSG’s interest in Dele Alli, who looks ready to move across the Channel. Meanwhile in Germany, Dortmund and RB Leipzig’s capitulations have handed the initiative to a faltering Bayern Munich side. We take a look at what the future holds for Dortmund - as well as for their much-coveted star striker, Erling Haaland.We also spare a thought for Arkadiusz Milik, who has walked into a mess at Marseille - one not helped by their combustible coach. But happier times may await Papu Gómez, as Lars and Andy explain what he will bring to Sevilla.Got a question for us? Email otc@footballramble.com!***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Not every football manager arrives at the training ground in an orange Ford Mustang with Guns N' Roses blasting from the stereo, but today’s guest wouldn't have it any other way. Mark Pougatch welcomes Wycombe Wanderers manager Gareth Ainsworth to the Ramble Meets... hot seat!Gareth and Mark look back over a storied career that saw him involved in over 1000 matches from both sides of the dugout. They discuss everything from breaking through at Preston North End - after his dreams of a professional career seemed over - to leading Wycombe Wanderers from the bottom of the Football League all the way to the Championship for the first time in their history.Gareth also opens up about a love of music that has served as a source of inspiration and release - he even gives Mark a few lockdown listening recommendations!Search ‘Football Ramble’ on social media to find us, and email us here: show@footballramble.com.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dotun, Andy and Miguel bring your weekly European football fix with the biggest stories from across the continent!We begin in Turkey, where Mesut Özil has finally touched down: but what, exactly, awaits him there? We gauge expectations in Fenerbahçe after their massive financial gamble and explore exactly how Özil will fit into the country’s political landscape.We check in on Serie A, where it’s increasingly looking like a two-horse race between Milan’s giants after Inter put a torrid Juventus to the sword. We also look at what Mario Mandžukić will bring to AC Milan’s young squad, before turning to Portugal, where football’s self-interest during the pandemic has been writ particularly large.Got a question for us? Email otc@footballramble.com!***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever wondered what it'd be like to live with Jürgen Klopp? Well, our guest on today's episode of the Book Club turned a Twitter thread on just such a thought into a book: it's Laura Lexx, comedian and author of Klopp Actually: (Imaginary) Life with Football's Most Sensible Heartthrob!What started as a few hundred characters on Twitter has grown into a heartfelt book about dealing with life's anxieties and wrestling with the relationships we treasure most. Laura's writing explores these themes through her imaginary life with Jürgen, all while cramming in plenty of filthy laughs - and even the odd football fans' quip - along the way.What book should we read next? Tweet us: @footballramble @kvlmason & @JimCampbellTFR***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have the icy conditions in Spain somehow given Diego Simeone even more power? First aCoach of the Decade award, and now he’s managing La Liga’s genuine title favourites! Dotun Adebayo, Andy Brassell and Nicky Bandini are here to assess their snow-covered title charge on today’s episode of On The Continent!Elsewhere, with both Lazio and Roma playing at home in this weekend’s Derby della Capitale, we assess the fortunes of the two sides, one buoyed by an ageless Ciro Immobile and the other by the Premier League’s Greatest Hits. We also look over the off-field squabbles at Stuttgart and Bayern’s DFB-Pokal loss to second-tier Holsten Keil!Got a question for us? Email otc@footballramble.com!***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week Andy was delighted to sit down with Rubin Kazan head coach and former Russia national team manager, Leonid Slutsky!Leonid reflects on his hugely successful period at CSKA Moscow, where he made history in Europe. He also opens up about his turbulent time at Hull City back in 2017, and why he still maintains such great fondness for the city and for English football. And after going viral with his rendition of Mariah Carey this Christmas, we also of course find out all about that very special music video!Leonid is so charismatic and full of great stories. We think you're going to absolutely love this one!***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re back with your weekly European football fix! Dotun and Andy are joined by David Cartlidge to discuss some huge midweek fixtures.And where else to start but in Paris? We assess Mauricio Pochettino’s first game in charge and look at what can be realistically expected of him there, as well as what Pochettino could learn from Tuchel’s reign. We also go to Italy, where Juventus finally halted Milan’s incredible run. Andy and David run the rule over both sides’ title credentials, and take a closer look at Pirlo’s nascent regime.David also takes us through the instability at Athletic Bilbao and the very unique challenges faced by their new manager, Marcelino. Finally, we also revisit his first rodeo: a magnificent game against Barcelona on Wednesday night.Got a question for us? Email otc@footballramble.com!***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, we welcome Nottingham Forest and England legend, Stuart Pearce!Stuart sits down with Mark Pougatch to reflect on the biggest and quirkiest moments of his storied career. He opens up about his relationship with Brian Clough and the legendary manager’s incredible attempt to tap him up midway through a game for Coventry City. He also guides us through Euro ’96: his feelings towards the media, why taking that penalty against Spain was so important to him and - of course - how he and Gareth Southgate ended up introducing the Sex Pistols on stage the day after.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy is joined on today’s Ramble Meets… by Ride founding member and diehard Oxford United fan, Mark Gardener!Mark’s love for Oxford United was cemented in his childhood, trying to clamber over the terraces to watch them with his Dad. He talks us through those early days, including the famous 1986 Milk Cup win, and how following his side became increasingly difficult as worldwide fame found the band. He often found himself talking to Oasis about their love for Man City and phoning home to hear the Oxford results while on tour! Mark and Andy also discuss some of his fondest memories following his boyhood club - including the delirium in the stands after the 2010 Conference Final win - and some of the maddest moments from Firoz Kassam’s ownership of the club.Search ‘Football Ramble’ on social media to find us, and email us here: show@footballramble.com.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To help round off what has been a tumultuous 2020, Dotun Adebayo and Andy Brassell are joined today by all four of our On The Continent pundits! Together, we pick out some of European football's biggest stories from the past year. Miguel Delaney joins us to discuss whether Bayern Munich will cement their European dominance in the next few years of the Champions League, while David Cartlidge wonders what might happen to Lionel Messi’s fractured relationship with Barcelona. We also look back on Serie A’s biggest stories, as Lars Sivertsen celebrates another miraculous year for Zlatan Ibrahimović and Nicky Bandini reflects on Napoli's development under Gennaro Gattuso, as well as the tragic loss of their most famous son: Diego Maradona.Thanks for listening to On The Continent this year, we’ll be back with new episodes in January!Got a question for us? Email otc@footballramble.com!***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fantasy Five-a-Side is back with a cracker! Jim is joined by YouTuber, presenter of ‘Live From London Stadium’ and host of the JaackMaate’s Happy Hour podcast, JaackMaate!Jack lures a couple of West Ham legends to the Goals pitches of Norwich - including the man known as the Lardball and the player who once had to escape a fight at a party in his boxers. It’s obviously a side oozing with class, but let’s just say the sin bin is going to be busy and the post-match drinks pretty lary.JaackMaate's Happy Hour is a Spotify Original podcast - listen here!***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It seemed a strained relationship from the beginning, but Lucien Favre has finally lost his job at Dortmund. Dotun Adebayo, Andy Brassell and Lars Sivertsen are here to unpick it all on this week’s episode of On The Continent. Join us!After his sacking, we look into the cultural differences between Favre and the fevered Westfalenstadion crowd and ask whether he was ever the right fit for the club. We also check in on a pivotal week for Zinedine Zidane and Real Madrid, as they close the gap on Atlético, and look at the latest twist in the broadcasting saga threatening to cripple Ligue 1 clubs.Got a question for us? Email otc@footballramble.com!***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're off to the Allsvenskan for today's 'Ramble Meets...' episode, as Andy is joined by former Milan, Feyenoord and Newcastle forward, Jon Dahl Tomasson!Andy catches up with Jon Dahl after training over in Malmö to discuss his storied playing career and impressive start to his time in management. From learning under the likes of Carlo Ancelotti and Giovanni Trapattoni to perfecting his craft over nearly 700 senior appearances, Jon Dahl reminisces about his travels across Europe and how they have informed his coaching philosophy at his title-winning Malmö side.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Dotun and Andy are joined by Miguel Delaney to reflect on the biggest stories from around Europe.We begin with memories of the late great Paolo Rossi and his indelible impact on the 1982 World Cup. If Maradona made 1986 his, then '82 belongs to Rossi - who shaped his country’s destiny while also overcoming one of Brazil’s great teams.Everyone was talking about Ronaldo vs Messi this week: we take a look at this meeting of two old-timers and ask whose game is faring best in their twilight years. For all their individual brilliance, we also wonder whether they are inhibiting their clubs - tactically and in the formulation of any longer-term strategy. There’s also time to take a look at RB Leipzig and its player development model. And as clubs across the continent that are not participating in European competition flourish, we ponder whether this was the best season ever to actually not qualify.Got a question for us? Email otc@footballramble.com!***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, one of English football's most recognisable figures joins us to look back on where it all began. Kate and Jim are joined on the Book Club by former Liverpool, Spurs and England midfielder turned Sky Sports pundit, Jamie Redknapp!If there's one theme that persists throughout the stories from Jamie's young life, it's tenacity. Whether staying out in the Redknapps’ garden or at Liverpool's training ground longer than anyone else, pushing his body and talent to its limits has underpinned his whole career. Kate and Jim catch up with Jamie at his house to talk about growing up in one of English football's most recognisable football families, jostling for a seat on the Liverpool bus alongside his childhood heroes and dealing with injury setbacks.What book should we read next? Tweet us: @footballramble @kvlmason & @jimcampbellTFR***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Several Champions League groups hang delicately in the balance after the latest round of fixtures. Dotun Adebayo, Andy Brassell and David Cartlidge are here to sift through the various runners and riders, as Real Madrid and Inter both stare down an embarrassingly early exit and Borussia Mönchengladbach look to push on.We also look over the contrasting fortunes of two European superstars, as Neymar showcased his relentless mentality for PSG while Eden Hazard sat injured on the Real Madrid bench. There’s also time for a chat about Manuel Pellegrini’s Real Betis who, after a promising start, now look like a side from another era.Got a question for us? Email otc@footballramble.com!***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In celebration of Diego Maradona’s life after his sad passing last week, this week's 'Ramble Meets...' guest is a man who knows his fascinating story better than most: esteemed filmmaker and 'Diego Maradona' director, Asif Kapadia.Asif sat down with Andy Brassell earlier this year to discuss how he came to direct this extraordinary film that documents Maradona’s pulsating relationship with Napoli and the people of Naples after he signed for them in 1984. They talk about the discovery of hours of unseen archive footage shot during Maradona’s time there and how Asif pieced it together to illuminate the contradiction between the charming boy 'Diego' and the erratic personality of ‘Maradona'. Asif also recounts his meetings with the great man himself, where he refused to let Diego dodge frank questions about his tumultuous time in Italy and encountered some steely responses. This episode was recorded in April 2020.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the sad news of Diego Maradona’s death, we begin today’s episode of On The Continent with a look back at his near-deistic relationship with Naples and its people, as well as his famed stint at Barcelona. Dotun Adebayo, Andy Brassell and Lars Sivertsen all take a moment to also share their favourite moments from the great man’s illustrious career.  Elsewhere, Lars gives us the lowdown on Norway’s newest league champions, Bodø/Glimt, who have capped off their fascinating rise from the lower leagues with a title win. We also look back over another chaotic week in the Champions League, as tempers fray at Inter and PSG face renewed backlash after their underwhelming win.Got a question for us? Email otc@footballramble.com!***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Dotun and Andy are joined by Nicky Bandini to bring you the biggest stories from across Europe! After Germany’s rude awakening on Tuesday night, we ask why the national team are flagging when their domestic clubs are enjoying such success and wonder whether or not Joachim Löw should return to the old guard to get things back on track. Spain look formidable, meanwhile, and Nicky explains why Alvaro Morata is showing his best again.Elsewhere, we look at Norway’s remarkable improvised squad - after they were forced to call up practically an entirely new group of players based outside of the country due to coronavirus restrictions. Plus, we explain why Sassuolo are rapidly becoming the new Atalanta in Serie A, as Roberto De Zerbi works his magic, and one of the lost talents of Italian football makes his mark.Got a question for us? Email otc@footballramble.com!***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's episode of The Book Club, we're joined by a legend of English women's football: former Chelsea, Juventus and England striker, Eniola Aluko!Eni joins Kate and Jim in the studio to reminisce about the pivotal moments in a storied career that stretches back nearly two decades: from representing Great Britain at London 2012, to title wins in Italy and England. Eni's autobiography, 'They Don't Teach This', also documents the latter stages of her international career where the FA failed to look into her concerns surrounding racial discrimination and bullying within the England setup. We cover all of that and lots more on today's fascinating episode – join us!Search ‘Football Ramble’ on social media to find us, and email us here: show@footballramble.com.Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Craving your European football fix? Well, look no further! Dotun Adebayo, Andy Brassell and Miguel Delaney are back for a brand new episode of On The Continent.International football brings its own unique tensions at the best of times, not least during a pandemic. We discuss the impact local restrictions have had on Italian-based players, as many try to reach their international sides’ crucial matches. Elsewhere, we look at Real Madrid’s struggles after their humbling loss at Valencia and delve into the interesting - and sometimes difficult - implications that arise for international footballers with dual nationality.Got a question for us? Email otc@footballramble.com!Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There was only one person we could send off from Haydons Road station towards the floodlights at the newly built Plough Lane in South London last week. On today’s At The Match, join Andy Brassell as he witnesses a historic moment for English football: AFC Wimbledon’s return home, after a 29-year wait.This landmark occasion was a bittersweet one, as The Dons’ first match back at the new Plough Lane couldn’t feature any fans in the stands. Andy still found loyal supporters to speak to, including former player and manager Simon Bassey who discusses his love affair with the club that stretches back over twenty years. Elsewhere, Andy Butler speaks about the team maintaining its Merton roots and fan campaigner Charlie Talbert tries to get his head around such a hectic and momentous day. Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dotun Adebayo and Andy Brassell are joined by Lars Sivertsen on today’s episode of On The Continent, as we dive into the mountain of goals from this week’s Champions League fixtures. Join us!We begin by asking why there have been so many goals this week - might the lack of fan-induced pressure in the stadiums contribute to some of these outrageous results? Elsewhere, after their humbling at Porto, we ask what’s happened to once-European champions Marseille and the manager, André Villas-Boas. Elsewhere, Der Klassiker/The Derby returns this weekend in the Bundesliga, where the David Alaba contract dispute has clouded Bayern’s otherwise crystal clear waters.Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's episode of the Book Club on Football Ramble Presents, Kate Mason is joined by former Leicester City winger Matt Piper to discuss his celebrated autobiography Out of the Darkness, written in collaboration with FourFourTwo's Joe Brewin.After achieving a boyhood dream of playing for his hometown club, injury forced Matt to retire at just 24. But such was the mental strain Matt endured in the lead up to every match, ending his career was an overwhelming relief. He joins us - alongside Joe - to talk about his early rise and the devastating fall that followed, where the loss of Matt's football earnings, his family and any sort of purpose dragged him to rock bottom. The man who's since opened up his own academy has documented those dark times alongside Joe Brewin and penned a heartfelt and sometimes harrowing piece of football nonfiction – one which has been longlisted for this year's William Hill Sports Book Of The Year!Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With another round of Champions League action in the books, join Dotun, Andy and David Cartlidge as they pore over the biggest stories from another chaotic week of European football!While Barcelona won the battle on the pitch against Juventus this week, managerial challenges still loom for both Andrea Pirlo and Ronald Koeman. We also reserve plenty of praise for two young stars who lit up the midweek fixtures as Marcus Thuram and João Félix both scored twice, before breaking down another tumultuous week for Jorge Jesus and Benfica – even Bernando Silva’s got involved!Got a question for us? Email otc@footballramble.com!Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We welcome one of English football's most influential figures to our first Ramble Meets... episode of the season, as Andy is joined by Arsenal's legendary former manager, Arsène Wenger!From his early managerial days at Nancy and Monaco, it was clear he already had a mix of relentless dedication and a honed understanding of the game. This experience, combined with a global approach to recruitment and professionalism, served him well upon his arrival at Arsenal in 1996. Arsène sits down with Andy to discuss these formative coaching years in France and how they helped inform his esteemed stint at Arsenal, as well as plenty of highlights from his time in North London. From turning down Real Madrid and Juventus to his battles with Sir Alex Ferguson, join us for some amazing stories from a man who spent over 20 years at the summit of English football.Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With last season's Champions League final still fresh in the memory, PSG were back to their underwhelming group stage selves this week. Dotun Adebayo, Andy Brassell and Nicky Bandini are here to unpick that result on today’s episode of On The Continent - your weekly guide to the biggest stories in European football!Elsewhere, after Shakhtar Donetsk’s humbling of Real Madrid this week, we look at Shakhtar’s unbelievable journey over the past few years that has seen them flee war-torn Donetsk and re-establish themselves as one of Ukraine’s elite. There’s also time for the necessary praise for the age-defining antics of Zlatan Ibrahimović, as he leads this young Milan side into a bold new era.Got a question for us? Email otc@footballramble.com!Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the ongoing pandemic resulting in hundreds of football games being played out in empty stadiums, finding a suitable venue for the return of At The Match has proved a bit trickier than usual. Luckily, fans are allowed to watch one of the most interesting and vibrants clubs in South London, so Andy and Luke packed the microphones onto the P4 bus and headed to Peckham Town FC!  Set up by then 13-year-old Bryan Hall in 1982 after sticking a poster up on a tree in Peckham Rye park, the club has been built on the tireless work of hundreds of volunteers and remains a bedrock of local community. Andy and Luke speak to founder Bryan about how the club continues to represent the diversity and spirit of the area after forty years, while manager Mary Phillip explains how she got involved with the club and her experience as the first woman to manage a men’s team to success in an FA senior trophy. We even get to see some cracking football, as Peckham play some lovely stuff and stick five past Stansfeld!Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Craving European football insight? Well, you’ve come to the right place; join Dotun Adebayo, Andy Brassell and Lars Sivertsen for a brand new episode of On The Continent!On this week's episode, we look at the waning influence of French starlet Antoine Griezmann and ask what he can still offer both Atlético Madrid and his national side. We then wonder whether Lars Lagerbäck is the right manager to lead Norway’s hugely talented young side, despite Erling Braut Håland netting his first international hat-trick this week. And, as the Champions League returns, we bring you news on where fans may be allowed into European stadiums to mark the return of the competition. Got a question for us? Email otc@footballramble.com!Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why exactly are La Liga’s biggest sides in so much financial trouble? On today’s episode, Dotun Adebayo, Andy Brassell and Miguel Delaney get stuck into the reasons and implications behind their stark transfer inactivity!Elsewhere, the return of international football gives us a chance to assess some of Europe’s top sides and look forward to some chaotic Euro 2020 qualifiers over the next few days. And, after Napoli failed to turn up to their match against Juventus, we wonder if these forced postponements will become a regular feature of the European season.Send us an email! We'd love to hear from you: otc@footballramble.com***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you’re craving European football insight, then look no further – Dotun Adebayo, Andy Brassell and ESPN’s David Cartlidge are here with a brand new episode of On The Continent!After last night’s 3-2 loss in the German Super Cup left a strange sense of déjà vu for Dortmund, we wonder what they can do to help them step up to the next level. Should they invest some money in a more high profile coach? We also recap a crazy week for Inter, praise some imperious performances from Atleti youngster João Félix and tip our hats to Fiorentina’s age-defying pass master, Franck Ribéry.Send us an email! We'd love to hear from you: otc@footballramble.com***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lars Sivertsen joins Dotun Adebayo and Andy Brassell on today’s episode as we take another leisurely stroll down the tree-lined avenues of European football. Today, we begin by wondering about Kylian Mbappé’s next step in his career – should he stay at PSG or leave Ligue Un so as to establish himself as the world’s best? We also break down Luis Suárez’s transfer to Atletico Madrid, as Barcelona seemingly forgot to leave Atleti off their competitors list. And, after their 8-0 humbling at the hands of Bayern Munich, we look at the mounting problems around Schalke and their repeated missteps in the transfer market.Search ‘Football Ramble’ on social media to find us, and email us at our brand new address: otc@footballramble.com***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the return of Football Ramble’s Book Club, a legend of football journalism joins Kate Mason and Jim Campbell in the studio: Julie Welch, the country’s first female reporter and author of ‘The Fleet Street Girls’!Julie burst onto the scene in the 1970s, in a time when women were still forbidden from the male sanctity of the football press box. Despite this, she overcame seemingly relentless sexism and misogyny and established herself as one of the country’s best sportswriters. She joins us to discuss her memories of Fleet Street's glory years, from having afternoon tea with Alan Ball to enjoying her status as a trailblazing figure for women hoping to break into the industry.You can purchase a copy of 'The Fleet Street Girls' here.What should we read next? Let us know on Twitter @FootballRamble and @kvlmason.***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Juventus will begin the Andrea Pirlo era this weekend with the return of Serie A – can they win their tenth consecutive title, or will one of the Milan sides spoil the party? We try to answer that question on this week’s episode of On The Continent!Dotun Adebayo and Andy Brassell are joined by Nicky Bandini to look ahead to some returning European football. We look into whether Borussia Dortmund can halt Bayern’s dominance and pick through the aftermath of the brawl in PSG’s clash with Marseille. Plus, our Games of the Week returns! Free live football, anyone?Got a question for one of our panel? You can email us on our new email address: otc@footballramble.com***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to a brand new season of On The Continent! Every week, join Dotun Adebayo and Andy Brassell as they bring you the biggest stories from across European football.On today’s show, alongside The Independent’s Miguel Delaney, we look back on a tumultuous summer for Lionel Messi and ask where he and Barcelona will go from here. We also wonder what the start to the Ligue Un season might hold for PSG, after multiple players tested positive for coronavirus after a trip to Ibiza, and celebrate the Portuguese return of Andy’s one true love: Ricardo Quaresma!***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.