Upfront - A Women's Football Podcast

Chelsea and Emma Hayes’ Champions League run is over! Barcelona broke yet more hearts in front of a sold out Stamford Bridge – and Hayes was left fuming with the referee. Now the dust has settled, Clo and Rach look back on the game and whether there were other reasons behind Chelsea’s collapse. Looking at you, Maya Ramirez.Elsewhere, we react to Lauren Hemp’s contract extension at Man City and Ellie Roebuck’s soon-to-be-confirmed move to Barcelona. Finally, Crystal Palace defender Annabel Johnson joins us (with her Championship medal) to give us the inside track on Palace’s title celebrations and give the pod a special thank you. Stay tuned!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.

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 [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.

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 [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.

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 [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.

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 [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.

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 [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.

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 [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.

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 [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.

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 [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.

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 [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.

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 [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 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 [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.

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 [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 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 [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.

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 [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 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 [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.

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 [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.

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 [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.

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 [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.

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 [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.

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 [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.

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 [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.

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 [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.

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 [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 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 [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.

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 [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 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 [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.

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 [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.

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 [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.

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 [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.

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 [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 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 [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.

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 [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.

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 [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 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 [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’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 [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.

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.