Upfront - A Women's Football Podcast

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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