
Upfront - A Women's Football Podcast
459 episodes — Page 3 of 10

Chaos in Manchester & a crazy end to the transfer window!
It’s been a rather chaotic week for Manchester City… First with Chloe Kelly’s turbulent exit and then with that seven-goal thriller against Arsenal! Chloe and Rachel are here to react to it all! Plus, Everton opened the floodgates against one of the meanest defences in the league, Chelsea have signed none other than Keira Walsh and Rach explains which teams have had a great window and who could’ve done more.Follow us on X, Instagram, Bluesky and YouTube! Email us [email protected] ad-free episodes and much more from across our football shows, head over to the Football Ramble Patreon and subscribe: patreon.com/footballramble. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Vintage Viv, London derby controversy & Naomi Girma’s RECORD move
Would it really be a London derby if there wasn’t some last minute drama?! We give our takes on the penalty decision that gave Chelsea yet another three points and react to Katie McCabe seeing red. Elsewhere, Viv Miedema’s back doing GOAT things and we have Sonny B’s bare ankles in our thoughts and prayers. Plus - much to Chloe’s excitement - Naomi Girma has made the move to Chelsea for a record $1.1m transfer fee. So how did they announce her, you ask? By parading her in front of the Arsenal bench in the pouring rain, of course. Welcome to London, Naomi.Follow us on X, Instagram, Bluesky and YouTube! Email us [email protected] ad-free episodes and much more from across our football shows, head over to the Football Ramble Patreon and subscribe: patreon.com/footballramble. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester Derby DRAMA and Carla Ward heads to Ireland!
The WSL is back from the winter break! And that Manchester derby was certainly worth the wait. Clo and Rach are once again full of praise for Ella Toone after her hat-trick and we wonder whether it’s crunch time for Gareth Taylor. Elsewhere, Liverpool put in a sharp display against Brighton to take all three points - but Matt Beard’s on a revenge mission against the PGMOL. And THIS time, he has videos... Plus, we caught up with Irish journalist Kathleen McNamee to discuss friend of the pod Carla Ward’s new job as the Republic of Ireland Head Coach!Follow us on X, Instagram, Bluesky and YouTube! Email us [email protected] ad-free episodes and much more from across our football shows, head over to the Football Ramble Patreon and subscribe: patreon.com/footballramble. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Big returns and big scorelines in the FA Cup
Chloe and Rachel are back together in the studio! And there’s nothing like a whole bunch of postponements to get us kicked off for 2025, is there?!Besides that though, there were some very exciting returns in the FA Cup – we give our takes on Ella Toone, Viv Miedema and LJ’s returns, plus how the FA Cup can be made more competitive after another upset-less weekend.We also react to Jonas Eidevall’s tell-all interview (and do a surprisingly good Jonas impersonation) and there’s the latest transfer news from WSL land!Didn’t catch last week’s episode with Maggie Murphy? Listen here.Follow us on X, Instagram, Bluesky and YouTube! Email us [email protected] ad-free episodes and much more from across our football shows, head over to the Football Ramble Patreon and subscribe: 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.

Former Lewes CEO Maggie Murphy on what we can expect this year for women’s football
We’re back with our first episode of 2025! Chloe sits down with Maggie Murphy to unpack some of the big headlines set to shape women’s football in 2025: from Barclays’ renewed sponsorship deal to the record five-year TV broadcasting deal. Elsewhere, Maggie explains why Brighton’s proposed women’s stadium would be a game-changer, discusses whether the Championship should actually be rebranded as the ‘WSL2’ and looks at what impact Euro 2025 could have on the growth of the game. Plus, should we be worried about WSL attendances? Join us!Follow us on X, Instagram, Bluesky and YouTube! Email us [email protected] ad-free episodes and much more from across our football shows, head over to the Football Ramble Patreon and subscribe: 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.

Upfront Wrapped PLUS our 2025 New Year’s Resolutions for Women’s Football!
What a year 2024 has been in the WSL and beyond. Today, we’re wrapping it up in style with our very own ‘Upfront Wrapped’. Join Chloe and Rachel as they relive their most-watched footballing moments of 2024 and reveal their ‘Top Artists’, ‘Biggest Hits’ and ‘Watching Characters’ — spoiler, that last category is a real good’un!We also find out your New Year’s Resolutions for women’s football in 2025 and throw in some serious (and not so serious) suggestions of our own… Happy New Year, Upfront gang!Follow us on X, Instagram, Bluesky and YouTube! Email us [email protected]. For ad-free episodes and much more from across our football shows, head over to the Football Ramble Patreon and subscribe: 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.

Man City slip up, De Pauw messes up, and who’s staying up?
It’s our final episode before Christmas! And Rach has got her special Christmas hat on – not that Chloe is particularly appreciative…Elsewhere, Chloe might have been busy tending to her sourdough but it was a hell of a WSL weekend. Chelsea dropped points and then – oh no – Man City only got done by Everton, didn’t they?We take a look across the table for our bumper mid-season review and try to work out what’s been going down at Aston Villa. Where better to start than LinkedIn…Follow us on X, Instagram, Bluesky and YouTube! Email us [email protected] 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’s streak rolls on and could Renée Slegers stay on full-time?
Chloe and Rach are here to round up another goalicious weekend in the WSL, as Chelsea won again - despite a sloppy display against a decent-looking Brighton - and Aston Villa’s lack of consistency might put Robert de Pauw’s job at risk. Plus, has Renée Slegers done enough to earn the Arsenal job full-time?We also look ahead to the fourth round of the FA Cup as the WSL sides barge in and threaten to spoil the party and Chloe brings tales of her own 12-hour FA Cup coach trips, where she'd usually just end up on the bench. Ouch.Follow us on X, Instagram, Bluesky and YouTube! Email us [email protected] 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.

Wiegman vs Hayes ends goalless and a historic night in Dublin awaits
Whatever happens tonight in Ireland vs Wales, history will be made. And whatever happens, Rach will be watching it through her fingers!Chloe, on the other hand, jubilantly hails the renaissance of Mary Earps on today’s episode after England kept out Emma Hayes’ energetic, young US side. What did Saggy Weegs learn from an eventful 0-0?Plus, Brazil can’t do friendlies and Scotland can’t turn up for the big occasion. Will tonight in Helsinki be the night that all changes?Follow us on X, Instagram, Bluesky and YouTube! Email us [email protected] 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.

A HUGE Wembley showdown! | England vs USA Preview
The wait is nearly over: the Lionesses take on Emma Hayes' USA in just TWO days! We ponder on the problems Sarina Wiegman could use this friendly to address and Rach explains why there will be plenty of catastrophising if England lose. Elsewhere, we discuss Emma Hayes’ USWNT reign so far - and her pint-pulling skills, of course - and Chloe explains why Hayes will arrive at Wembley with revenge on her mind! Plus, we reveal our score predictions! And spoiler: Rach may well be sitting on the fence once again…Follow us on X, Bluesky, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us [email protected] 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.

Skinner buries his head in the sand, the Euros play-offs are here, and Marta’s mum
In amidst the Conti Cup, there was a top four battle in the WSL! Well, top five. Sorry Chloe.We give our reaction to Chelsea’s 1-0 victory over Man United and Rach explains why it’s time Marc Skinner gets real with the fans.Elsewhere, Marta gets over the pressure of playing in front of her mum to win the NWSL and the Euro 2025 play-off finals are here! We preview Wales vs Ireland, Scotland vs Finland and Northern Ireland’s tough test against a truly stacked Norway side…Follow us on X, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us [email protected] 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.

Tanya Oxtoby on her coaching philosophy, developing young talent and what Euro 2025 would mean for Northern Ireland
Just over a year into her role as Northern Ireland head coach, Tanya Oxtoby joins us in the studio to reflect on her journey so far as she prepares for a crucial Euro 2025 play-off against Norway next week. Tanya explains how she landed this dream job in international management and reveals why her first six months in charge were really tough. Plus, she reveals the one thing her players hate most about her meetings and her key ingredients for unlocking young talent. Oh, and she attempts to give us a PG version of what that win against Croatia really meant to her and the team. Join us!Follow us on X, Bluesky, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us [email protected] 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 take control and Matt Beard takes on the refs
The French Revolution continues under Sonia Bompastor at Chelsea! Chloe and Rachel react to a statement victory over Manchester City thanks to a statement performance from Mayra Ramirez and co.Elsewhere, Everton finally break their duck in the Merseyside Derby – but Matt Beard cries conspiracy. And WSL royalty announce some exciting news…Follow us on X, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us [email protected] 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.

Inter’s Sofie Junge Pedersen on fighting Fifa’s partnership with Saudi oil giant Aramco
Danish international Sofie Junge Pedersen is at the forefront of a powerful movement urging Fifa to end its sponsorship deal with Saudi oil giant Aramco over human rights violations and environmental concerns.Rachel sat down with Sofie to find out why her open letter - signed by over 100 players - is a crucial step forward in driving change, the power footballers have to make a real difference, and her vision for a more sustainable future.VOTE FOR US TO WIN AN FSA AWARD! CLICK HERE.Follow us on X, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us [email protected] 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.

Unstoppable Chelsea and the footballer trying to transform ACL analysis
The season’s big showdown is almost here: Chelsea vs Manchester City. On today’s pod, Chloe and Rachel look at the numbers behind Chelsea’s sensational start – and whether Man City can stop them.Elsewhere, Arsenal surprise us pleasantly and – sadly – unpleasantly this week, while it was a difficult reality check for Brighton on Friday night. Plus, we meet the National League footballer who is trying to transform the way ACL injuries are predicted and analysed.VOTE FOR US TO WIN AN FSA AWARD! CLICK HERE.Follow us on X, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us [email protected] 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.

Leading the way: Crystal Palace captain Aimee Everett on life in the WSL
After a tough start to their first WSL campaign, Crystal Palace captain Aimee Everett is here to give us the lowdown on how they’ve steadied the ship, what’s surprised her most about the league and what it means - as a 23-year-old woman - to be a leader at this level. Plus, Aimee reveals which team she watches in her spare time - even if she is forced to - and tackles the all-important question: will Chloe be invited to their end of season party?Follow us on X, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us [email protected] 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's winless trio and is the new TV deal a huge step forward?
Over a quarter of the way through the season and Aston Villa, West Ham and Everton are still winless. Who’s going to drag themselves out of the mire first?!Clo and Rach discuss that and put the WSL’s new TV rights deal under the microscope. What does it mean for the game and for the fans? Tune in to find out!Join the Official Upfront fantasy WSL league! Click here and enter the code IKNCM61.Follow us on X, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us [email protected] 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.

Lionesses legend Kerry Davis on breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations
To mark the final day of Black History Month, Chloe sat down with a true trailblazer in English football: the first black woman to play for the Lionesses, Kerry Davis. From being picked to play for England ‘out of the blue’ to holding the top goalscorer record and getting to that famous Euro 1984 final, Kerry revisits some of the standout moments that defined her storied career. Plus, she tells us who she looked up to growing up, what it means to see current Lionesses following in her footsteps and her hopes for the future of the game.Follow us on X, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us [email protected] 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.

Germany get their revenge on the Lionesses and the WSL returns
Alright everyone, stay calm - the Lionesses have lost a game. Nothing to panic about.Chloe and Rachel pick through a chaotic Friday night at Wembley that finished Germany 4-3 England and ask what changes Sarina Wiegman should make ahead of their friendly against South Africa tonight.Elsewhere, Ireland turned on the style in Georgia but Wales struggled in their Euro 2025 qualifier - who’s going to make it to the big dance? Plus, we look ahead to the return of the WSL as an in-form Man United host a manager-less Arsenal; could they catch the Gunners out?Follow us on X, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us [email protected] 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.

Young Lionesses head coach Natalie Henderson on the U17 Women’s World Cup!
The level of youth women's football is better than it's ever been. Rach is in the Dominican Republic for the U17 World Cup and sat down with England's head coach Natalie Henderson to find out more. Natalie reveals some of the biggest challenges preparing for this tournament, shares the toughest part about her job and explains why youth football's ever-improving level has been so important for her players’ development. Join us!Follow us on X, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us [email protected] 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.

Rytting Kaneryd supercharges Chelsea and the Euros play-offs begin!
Karate Kaneryd struck on Sunday night with a stunning volley as Chelsea sunk Spurs 5-2. But it wasn’t a game without controversy! Chloe and Rachel discuss the return of the goal line technology debate after no one – linesman included, fans included, Rachel in sunny Dominican Republic included – managed to get a good angle of Hannah Hampton’s fumble.Elsewhere, we check in with Arsenal after two solid victories in the week following Jonas Eidevall’s departure. And ahead of a huge Friday night for all the home nations and the Republic of Ireland as they play the first leg of their respective Euro 2025 qualifying play-offs, we assess the position of each side and why it feels like Wales’ time, at last.Join the Official Upfront fantasy WSL league! Click here and enter the code IKNCM61.Follow us on X, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us [email protected] 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.

Jonas Eidevall’s Arsenal exit and what it tells us about fan culture
Just as we were about to press record… Jonas Eidevall resigned as Arsenal head coach. What went wrong? Had things reached fever pitch with the Arsenal fanbase?Chloe and Rachel discuss that and reflect on how the negative environment around Arsenal points to a worrying shift in women’s football culture.Plus, are Manchester United proving people wrong? And we discuss what we learned from the opening matchday in the Champions League – where Man City beat the best team in the world.Join the Official Upfront fantasy WSL league! Click here and enter the code IKNCM61.Follow us on X, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us [email protected] 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.

Carla Ward on the Paris Olympics, leaving Villa and her next steps
Today, former Aston Villa manager Carla Ward joins Chloe and Rachel in the studio for a special, all-encompassing chat. We get the lowdown on her time in Paris working with Emma Hayes and the USWNT. And yes, their afterparty was as wild as we imagined! Elsewhere, Carla opens up about her reasons for leaving Villa, the need for more psychological support in the game and how she navigated the pressures of managing at the top level. She also reveals which manager she turned to for guidance - spoiler, beers and baths are involved! Join us for a fascinating discussion.Follow us on X, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us [email protected] 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.

A six-goal thriller and the Champions League returns!
Chloe and Rachel look back on two drama-filled games in the WSL, featuring some brilliant goals – looking at you, Marie Höbinger.Plus, we welcome the return of the Champions League with both open arms and worrying thoughts about Arsenal after their stinking performance against Everton. And is that… Chelsea vs Real Madrid? Again?!Join the Official Upfront fantasy WSL league! Click here and enter the code IKNCM61.Follow us on X, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us [email protected] 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 North Korea has become a powerhouse in women's football
North Korea won the Under 20 Women’s World Cup for a third time last month, meaning they are now one of the most successful sides in the tournament’s history. So how has such a politically isolated country forged such a strong presence on the global stage? We’re joined by Tokyo-based sports journalist Alex Bishop, who talks us through that winning moment in Bogotá, their rise as a women’s football power and why North Korea’s youth development is so strong. Plus, Alex explains how their senior team has consistently maintained a top-ten FIFA ranking, and whether he can see them at the World Cup in Brazil in 2027. Join us!Follow us on X, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us [email protected] 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.

A Spurs-Villa classic and calendar chaos
It was Rach’s birthday yesterday! And Chloe has a cake for her. And candles! Lots and lots of candles.After nearly burning down the studio, they discuss Spurs’ late comeback against Aston Villa which featured some proper vintage performances from some WSL golden-oldies.Plus, both Manchester clubs pick up three points – but neither of them impress. There’s also the small matter of Chelsea vs Man United’s postponement: cue a proper Upfront takedown. Join us!Join the Official Upfront fantasy WSL league! Click here and enter the code IKNCM61.Follow us on X, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us [email protected] 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 vs BK Häcken Champions League preview!
Everything is on the line for Arsenal and Jonas Eidevall tonight as they head into their decisive second leg qualifier. Can they turn it around? Today, Rachel is joined by Arseblog writer Tim Stillman, who breaks down what went wrong in the first leg, why patience for Jonas Eidevall is running thin and whether fans should be confident or concerned about Arsenal’s chances. Plus, Tim outlines the commercial impact if Arsenal fail to qualify and the potentially huge ramifications for Eidevall’s future.Follow us on X, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us [email protected] 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.

An awkward car journey, Chelsea’s new era begins, and WSL history is made!
The 2024/25 WSL season is officially underway! Chloe and Rachel are here to react to it all – including countless controversies (or so Chloe tells us) and a so-close-yet-so-far goal of the season contender from Sabrina D’Angelo. We see you, Sabs, going up for a corner in the 86th minute. And we respect you.Elsewhere, we share what we learned about Sonia Bompastor’s Chelsea and Robert de Pauw’s impressive Aston Villa. Plus, do we have a new lethal partnership in the WSL? Kiko Seike and Fran Kirby would say so. Come join us!Join the Official Upfront fantasy WSL league! Click here and enter the code IKNCM61.Follow us on X, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us [email protected] 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.

WSL opening weekend preview!
And Chloe has hatched a plan. Why wouldn’t you want to pop yourself in the boot of Viv Miedema and Beth Mead’s car to find out what they’re talking about before Arsenal vs Man City?Chloe and Rachel have a bumper preview show for the return of the WSL. Will the Emirates edge give Arsenal the advantage, or will Miedema come back to haunt them? Elsewhere, we ponder on what to expect from Chelsea in their new era as well as Man United – who might not have an owner who acknowledges them, but do at least have an exciting new captain. We also take a closer look at Brighton and wonder who will win the battle for Chloe Morgan’s heart: Crystal Palace, or Spurs. Tune in to find out!Join the Official Upfront fantasy WSL league! Click here and enter the code IKNCM61.Follow us on X, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us [email protected] 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.

Our 2024/25 WSL predictions!
It’s time. Chloe and Rachel put their flagpoles in the sand as they reveal their big WSL predictions ahead of the new season!Who will be this season’s overachievers? Which summer signing will be the league’s best newcomer? And who’s going to win the whole thing?Plus, why are we worried about West Ham and which striker can turn s*** into goals? There’s only one way to find out. Listen and subscribe right NOW!Join the Official Upfront fantasy WSL league! Click here and enter the code IKNCM61.Follow us on X, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us [email protected] 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.

Spurs head coach Robert Vilahamn on ‘Bobbyball’, Grace Clinton, and developing the next Lionesses
Rachel is joined by Spurs’ head coach Robert Vilahamn for a special, wide-ranging interview!He dials in from Spurs’ pre-season training camp to reflect on his first season in the WSL. He reveals his biggest high of the season – and the moment where he stopped being ‘that Swedish guy’ – and explains just how the squad bought into his ideas so quickly.Plus, Robert outlines the four pillars of ‘Bobbyball’ and opens up about Grace Clinton’s return to Man United.Follow us on X, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us [email protected] 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.

USWNT take gold, Spain take nothing, and Nikita Parris’ next move
That’s a wrap on the Olympics! And just 84 days after winning the WSL with Chelsea, Emma Hayes had a gold medal with the USWNT around her neck. Rachel was there in Paris and chats with Chloe all about the final – including a special goodbye for Marta.But as Spain head home medal-less, what happened to them? And did this tournament teach us some harsh lessons about player fatigue? Plus, Chloe and Rachel explain why a move to Newcastle could make more sense that it might appear for Nikita Parris and why – yes – Angel City’s announcement video for Katie Zelem didn’t make sense to us either.Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us [email protected] 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.

Emma Hayes’ American dream, Olympics latest, and spygate explained
Come for a bumper Upfront, stay for Chloe’s impersonation of a drone.Chloe and Rachel are BACK! They discuss the story so far at Emma Hayes’ USA – with some mixed performances, but an Olympic semi-final under their belt already. Plus, they react to Ann-Katrin Berger’s heroics and Marta’s red card villainy.Har Johal also joins us to explain how spygate has gone down in Canada and where Bev Priestman goes from here.Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us [email protected] 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 has happened at Reading?
While some of football’s biggest names are being chased by elite clubs in Europe and beyond this summer, one story has shown the stark economic reality of women’s football: Reading FC Women. At the end of June, they notified the FA that they would not be able to compete in the Championship this season because of insufficient funds; now, they are re-entering the pyramid in the fifth tier. This week, they released 16 players.Chloe and Rachel sit down with the journalist who broke the story - Tom Garry of The Guardian - to find out what’s happened, hear about the real-world consequences, and discuss what this disaster says about the women’s football ecosystem.Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us [email protected] 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 get the job done and Ireland stun France
But do England fans need to start changing their expectations? Chloe and Rach react to that edgy 0-0 draw with Sweden in Gothenburg which secured the Lionesses’ qualification for Euro 2025.We discuss the Alessia Russo conundrum, whether Hannah Hampton can keep hold of the No.1 jersey, and what the qualification campaign as a whole has told us about next summer’s title defence. Plus, bloody hell Ireland! Where did that come from?!Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us [email protected] 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 one step away from Euro 2025 and Lyon eye McCabe?!
The Lionesses downed Ireland last week, but some familiar problems in front of goal left Chloe and Rachel longing for the days of Ellen White!We discuss why Sarina Wiegman’s England are missing that clinical edge and what needs to change ahead of a tough test against Sweden. Plus, we talk about the latest wicked whispers on the transfer market – including Lyon trying to snatch Katie McCabe and a pretty long to-do list for Brighton's new gaffer. Goodbye Mikey Harris, must remember to thank him.Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us [email protected] 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.

A crucial Lionesses qualifier and what’s going on at Man United?!
We’re back! We’re separated by an ocean and haven’t spoken in a few weeks but we had to jump on for another episode, as the transfer market hots up and England prepare for some crucial Euro 2025 qualifiers.Today, we wonder what on Earth is going on at Man United, as legends like Mary Earps and Katie Zelem have let their contracts expire and left a club that seems unsure of what it needs to do next. Elsewhere, Man City put the WSL on notice after Viv Miedema’s touted move to Manchester City was confirmed - and Fran Kirby’s gone to Brighton?!Plus, we look ahead to another Upfront derby as England face Ireland on Friday!Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us [email protected] 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.

A much improved England beat France!
We’re back with a bonus episode after England tried the exact same thing against France - but got a win!We celebrate some impressive performances from Hannah Hampton and Alessia Russo and wonder if England’s stuttering form is because they don’t have a tournament to conquer this summer. Plus, Ireland put in another good showing but will finish bottom of the group after losing to Sweden.Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us [email protected] 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 drop points and FIFA’s step in the right direction
We’re back after England came out on the wrong side of a tussle with France - should we accept that this is part of the harder qualification process we asked for? Or is there cause for concern…We also recap some impressive performances from Scotland and Ireland, see Emma Hayes make her debut as the USWNT manager and discuss FIFA’s new maternity protocols that are definitely an improvement - but do they go far enough?Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us [email protected] 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.

Everything you need to know about Brazil hosting the 2027 World Cup!
Brazil is set to become the first-ever South American country to host a Women’s World Cup, as they’ve won the 2027 bid!So what will this World Cup look like? Brazilian football journalist Júlia Belas Trindade joins us to discuss the response to this announcement back home in Brazil, as well as the background behind their bid. And finally, they tackle the million-dollar question: could Brazil lift the World Cup on home turf?Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us [email protected] 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.

Barça and Putellas rule Europe again and England prepare for France
Barcelona toppled the mighty Lyon for the very first time on Saturday! Chloe and Rachel react to an epic spectacle and the fairytale ending to a difficult season for Alexia Putellas.Plus, we discuss who should start in midfield for the Lionesses against a tricky France side and Chair of Goaldiggers Gaia Lailder joins us to talk about a growing problem in grassroots football.Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us [email protected] 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 2023/24 Upfront Awards!
Who was our player of the season? Who was our manager of the season? And – most importantly of all – what was our WTF moment of the season?!The prestigious Upfront Awards are back. Join Chloe and Rachel to relive a glorious and dramatic season of WSL football!Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us [email protected] 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 fans on Emma Hayes' legacy
On the final day of the WSL season, Chloe and Rachel spoke to a range of Chelsea voices around Old Trafford about Emma Hayes, what she means to them, and her and the club’s future.They catch up with Mark and Prue, two of the founders of the Chelsea Women’s Supporters Group who remember times when there was just four(!) of them turning up at away games. We also chat with Tracy Brown, chair of Chelsea Pride, and hear from Jessy Parker Humphreys about exactly what kind of hole Hayes will leave behind. Come join us for the ride!Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us [email protected] 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 finale
Chloe and Rachel reflect on the final weekend of the WSL and discuss the season’s winners and losers.Did Manchester City bottle it and how can they avoid the same slip-up next season? Will Arsenal’s decision to let Vivianne Miedema go turn the fans against Jonas Eidevall? And what’s the future for managerless Aston Villa and rudderless Brighton? We’ve got (some) of the answers to all those questions on a bumper end-of-season edition!Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us [email protected] 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 lift the WSL trophy at Old Trafford!
Clo and Rach give their reactions to an astonishing day at Old Trafford and a fairytale ending for Emma Hayes. From Mayra Ramírez’s incredible display, to Fran Kirby’s emotional goal – we had a front seat and share all our insights from outside the stadium! Come join us.And don’t worry: we’ll be back as usual on Tuesday to look back on the final weekend across the WSL!Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us [email protected] 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.

Man United punish Spurs and Miedema leaves Arsenal?!
The sun was out, the good times were flowing, Chloe and Rachel were back together at Box Park… the weekend felt like Euro 2022 all over again! And then - for Spurs - reality struck.Clo and Rach react to a huge victory for Manchester United to lift their first major trophy. Could this change the trajectory of their summer transfer window? And how do Spurs – especially Becky Spencer – come back from such a drubbing?There’s also the small matter of Viv’s departure from Arsenal (?!!). Rach explains why things have never been better since Joe Montemurro’s days at the club and Chloe road tests some new strike partnership names at Man City. Bunny…Mied? MiedHemp? We’ll keep working on it. Plus, a preview of the FINAL weekend of the WSL!Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us [email protected] 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 Spurs went from non-league to FA Cup finalists
This Sunday is a first for Tottenham Hotspur: it will be their first EVER Women’s FA Cup final. And it’s been quite the journey over the past 20 years.One woman who knows that better than anyone is former Spurs player and captain – now academy coordinator – Jenna Schillaci. She’s also one of Chloe’s former teammates! They discuss how far the club has come since their playing days and why this season has seen such a huge mentality shift from their relegation-threatened days 18 months ago.From Jenna’s memories of non-league, to Jess Naz’s rise since her ACL injury in the Championship, join us to hear all about Spurs’ long road to Wembley! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us [email protected] 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.

Inspiring young women with Premier League Changemakers
Back in March, Chloe and Rachel came together with over 50 young women and dozens of coaches for a very special event with the Premier League at the National Football Museum in Manchester. Their aim? To discuss gender equality, explore opportunities for women within the football industry, and inspire these young girls. The event was all organised by Premier League Changemakers, a programme that provides training opportunities for girls and young women across the country in leadership and – of course – football. So, on today's episode, you're going to hear from some of the people that make that happen. Chloe and Rachel take you inside this inspiring day and chat with coaches and women and girls leads from some of the biggest clubs in the Premier League and WSL, as well as Ruth Shaw OBE, Chief Executive of the Premier League Charitable Fund. From football training for Somali women in Bristol, to young women getting the skills to coach young boys at programmes in Manchester, you'll hear about some of the inspiring work that's going on in all corners of the country. Chloe and Rachel also reflect on the Premier League's No Room For Racism Action Plan, the importance of diversity in women's football, and Chloe's own journey into the sport. There's also the small matter of Chloe's Spurs shirt being installed in the museum! Tune in to hear about that and much more.Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This title race ain’t over yet!
WHAT a week in the WSL! Clo and Rach try to make sense of it all after three minutes and two Stina Blackstenius shots sent the WSL trophy back towards west London on Sunday. Chloe reckons it’s somewhere in St Albans now…They discuss Chelsea’s sensational collapse at Liverpool, before some ol’ Emma Hayes mind games brought them back from the brink. Plus, should Steph Houghton have got minutes for Man City? Chloe explains why a proper send-off means everything to players. We also discuss Liverpool leapfrogging Manchester United and Carla Ward’s Aston Villa exit! What next for them?Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us [email protected] 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.

Bristol City Head Coach Lauren Smith on relegation, rebuilding, and the WSL resource gap
Bristol City’s relegation was confirmed last Sunday after defeat to Manchester City. Today, Lauren Smith joins Rachel on the pod to reflect on relegation and their WSL journey this season.Lauren reveals what it’s really like to fight at the bottom of the table in the WSL, the importance of getting the backing of the board at Bristol, and her continuing ambition to promote young talent – even with their return to the Championship. Rachel also finds out how Lauren thinks the gap can be closed between the top and the bottom in the WSL – including rewarding smaller clubs’ academies when talent like Lauren Hemp move to pastures new. Join us for a fascinating discussion!Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us [email protected] 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.