Upfront - A Women's Football Podcast (Stak)

We welcome one of English football's most influential figures to our first Ramble Meets... episode of the season, as Andy is joined by Arsenal's legendary former manager, Arsène Wenger!

From his early managerial days at Nancy and Monaco, it was clear he already had a mix of relentless dedication and a honed understanding of the game. This experience, combined with a global approach to recruitment and professionalism, served him well upon his arrival at Arsenal in 1996. Arsène sits down with Andy to discuss these formative coaching years in France and how they helped inform his esteemed stint at Arsenal, as well as plenty of highlights from his time in North London. From turning down Real Madrid and Juventus to his battles with Sir Alex Ferguson, join us for some amazing stories from a man who spent over 20 years at the summit of English football.

Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Andy is joined on today’s Ramble Meets… by Ride founding member and diehard Oxford United fan, Mark Gardener!

Mark’s love for Oxford United was cemented in his childhood, trying to clamber over the terraces to watch them with his Dad. He talks us through those early days, including the famous 1986 Milk Cup win, and how following his side became increasingly difficult as worldwide fame found the band. He often found himself talking to Oasis about their love for Man City and phoning home to hear the Oxford results while on tour! 

Mark and Andy also discuss some of his fondest memories following his boyhood club - including the delirium in the stands after the 2010 Conference Final win - and some of the maddest moments from Firoz Kassam’s ownership of the club.

Search ‘Football Ramble’ on social media to find us, and email us here: show@footballramble.com.

***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dotun, Lars Sivertsen and Nicky Bandini are here to conduct the postmortem on Ronald Koeman's doomed tenure at Barcelona. We wonder whether the blame should be laid solely at his feet after weeks of dour pessimism and how Xavi might fare should he take the job.

We also try to save some of Roma's squad from the bus José Mourinho has thrown them under and cast an admiring glance at the Jorge Sampaoli's work at Marseille.

Got a question for us? Find us on socials @footballramble.

***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dotun, Andy and Lars Sivertsen guide you through the second week of Champions League last 16 games and all of the biggest stories from across Europe!

First off, we try and provide some answers to Atletico’s head-scratching performance against Chelsea. Their city rivals hardly pleased the eye either, though. But while Lars puts on his tin foil hat over some poor refereeing decisions in Real’s game on Wednesday night, we also look at how Zidane is riding out a difficult period at the Bernabéu.

Elsewhere, we explain why Jamal Musiala chose Germany after the 17-year-old reached an unenviable juncture. Plus, following PSG’s defeat to Monaco last weekend, could Mauricio Pochettino’s first season really end without a league title? With that midfield, there's always a chance...

Got a question for us? Email otc@footballramble.com!

***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Upfront, a brand new women's football podcast available every Tuesday on Football Ramble Presents! Each week we'll bring you the biggest stories from the WSL and beyond, and take you to the cultural heartbeat of the women's game.

Today, we look back over the weekend's FA Cup semi-finals which saw a Beth Mead-inspired Arsenal sweep aside Brighton and Chelsea prove too much for a stuttering Manchester City. Elsewhere, we also discuss England's group and potential captain ahead of Euro 2022 next summer! Welcome along!

Flo Lloyd-Hughes is a journalist and broadcaster who covers the women's game for some of the UK's biggest outlets.

Rachel O'Sullivan is the Irish half of GirlsontheBall and has been covering women's football for almost a decade.

Chloe Morgan is a professional goalkeeper at Crystal Palace and a member of the Women In Football board. 

Artwork photo - GirlsontheBall ©

***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’ve waited a year, but the Euros have finally arrived! Join Dotun, Andy and Lars Sivertsen for our giant OTC preview!

We cast an eye over the Group of Fun ™️, where Germany look under threat, and check in with the usual contenders including Belgium, Spain and the Netherlands. We also wonder if a Turkish delight might upset the much-fancied Italians on opening night!

Got a question for us? Email otc@footballramble.com!

***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's episode of The Book Club, we're joined by a legend of English women's football: former Chelsea, Juventus and England striker, Eniola Aluko!

Eni joins Kate and Jim in the studio to reminisce about the pivotal moments in a storied career that stretches back nearly two decades: from representing Great Britain at London 2012, to title wins in Italy and England. Eni's autobiography, 'They Don't Teach This', also documents the latter stages of her international career where the FA failed to look into her concerns surrounding racial discrimination and bullying within the England setup. We cover all of that and lots more on today's fascinating episode – join us!

Search ‘Football Ramble’ on social media to find us, and email us here: show@footballramble.com.

Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dotun, Andy and David Cartlidge first head to the warmer climes of Andalusia, asking why Sevilla haven't replicated their impressive La Liga form in the Champions League, despite some straightforward opponents.

Elsewhere, we check in with Ajax after another win took them to the knockout rounds and celebrate Freiburg's unbeaten run - right before Bayern hand them a pasting on Saturday, no doubt. 

Got a question? Tweet us @FootballRamble

***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dotun, Andy and Lars Sivertsen are looking ahead to a photo finish in the La Liga title race, as Real Madrid’s weathered old souls chase down Atléti in top spot.

We also check in on the fallout from the end of the Portuguese and Italian title races. Sporting win their first in nearly two decades under wonderkid coach Rúben Amorim, while Andrea Pirlo and Juventus must be wondering whether their marriage of convenience has run its underwhelming course.

Got a question for us? Email otc@footballramble.com!

***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dotun and Andy are joined by David Cartlidge to pick through the smouldering wreckage of another week in European football!

After El Mundo revealed the staggering details of Messi’s contract, we study the fallout since as Messi looks to the courts and Barcelona’s presidential candidates scramble to back up their star player. We ask David whether Messi is the cause of Barcelona’s financial woes, or in fact a symptom of their profligacy.

There’s no contract on the table over in France, as the emergency auction for Ligue 1’s TV rights falls short: an anomaly or a prophecy of things to come across Europe? Plus we head to Portugal, where Sporting could be about to win the Portuguese Liga for the first time since the days of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Got a question for us? Email otc@footballramble.com!

***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Dotun Adebayo, Andy Brassell and Nicky Bandini for a brand new episode of On The Continent, your one-stop shop for all things European football!

We begin by assessing the main contenders for the Serie A title, with Juventus' great run of form putting pressure on their Milanese opponents. We also ask what’s happening over at Borussia Dortmund and wonder whether they may be forced to sell their young superstars if they miss out on European qualification. Stick those alongside two cracking selections for Game of the Week and the ongoing scheduling issues amidst the return of the European knockouts, and you’ve got yourself a whistle stop tour of continental football’s biggest stories – join us!

Got a question for us? Email otc@footballramble.com!

***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

We’ll cut straight to it: today’s Ramble Meets... guest is one of the greatest footballers in the history of the game. It’s only Germany's European Championship and World Cup-winning midfielder, Lothar Matthäus!

Lothar joins Andy to look ahead to Germany’s chances at Euro 2020, with the public‘s expectations of Die Mannschaft as high as ever. They also chat about his storied playing career, spotting Jadon Sancho’s potential years ago and how impressive Hansi Flick’s football has been at his beloved Bayern. 

Got a question for us? Email show@footballramble.com!

***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!**

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to our final episode of Lions Watch! With the Euros just six sleeps away, Marcus and Luke bring you their reflections on England’s opening friendly and sort through Gareth Southgate’s alarmingly large pile of unanswered questions.

Besides Trent Alexander-Arnold’s replacement, we run the rule over England’s possible formations without Jordan Henderson and Harry Maguire and look back at the most recent international break, where the Three Lions were reminded of a harsh truth against Poland. Join us!

Got a question for us? Email show@footballramble.com!

***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!**

Featured image courtesy of Anton Zaitsev. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

Dotun, Andy and Lars Sivertsen are here with a thorough look at the biggest story in world football: Lionel Messi's Barça departure. We try to fathom how Barcelona allowed the rot to spread this badly, wonder if we should sympathise with Lionel Messi and discuss Mauricio Pochettino’s chances of getting that front three to do any pressing at all.

We also look at La Liga more broadly as it kicks off this weekend, with Atlético fending off a chasing pack filled with some interesting title challengers. The Bundesliga also gets a due preview, as Dortmund and the best of the rest clamber over each other, snapping at Bayern’s heels.

We're back with weekly episodes of On The Continent every Thursday – subscribe to Football Ramble Presents so you never miss an episode!

Got a question for us? Tweet us! @FootballRamble @dotunadebayo & @andybrassell

***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Atlético crashing out of the Champions League represent the failings of Diego Simeone’s dated style, which now looks to be a relic from another time. Dotun, Andy and Miguel Delaney wonder what’s next for Los Rojiblancos and their fiery coach.

Things look slightly rosier on the Galaticos’ side of the city, as Real Madrid unconvincingly brushed aside Atalanta and drew comparisons to Zinedine Zidane’s last trophy-winning stint. We also cast an eye over an interesting story developing in northern Europe, as a proposal to merge the Belgian Pro League and Dutch Eredivisie gathers momentum.

Got a question for us? Email otc@footballramble.com!

***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***  

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're off to the Allsvenskan for today's 'Ramble Meets...' episode, as Andy is joined by former Milan, Feyenoord and Newcastle forward, Jon Dahl Tomasson!

Andy catches up with Jon Dahl after training over in Malmö to discuss his storied playing career and impressive start to his time in management. From learning under the likes of Carlo Ancelotti and Giovanni Trapattoni to perfecting his craft over nearly 700 senior appearances, Jon Dahl reminisces about his travels across Europe and how they have informed his coaching philosophy at his title-winning Malmö side.

***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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_89

Artwork photo - GirlsontheBall ©

***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have the icy conditions in Spain somehow given Diego Simeone even more power? First aCoach of the Decade award, and now he’s managing La Liga’s genuine title favourites! Dotun Adebayo, Andy Brassell and Nicky Bandini are here to assess their snow-covered title charge on today’s episode of On The Continent!

Elsewhere, with both Lazio and Roma playing at home in this weekend’s Derby della Capitale, we assess the fortunes of the two sides, one buoyed by an ageless Ciro Immobile and the other by the Premier League’s Greatest Hits. We also look over the off-field squabbles at Stuttgart and Bayern’s DFB-Pokal loss to second-tier Holsten Keil!

Got a question for us? Email otc@footballramble.com!

***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dotun, Andy and Lars Sivertsen pick through the latest Euro 2020 casualties, as a back trois couldn't save France and Germany's lack of cohesion cost them. 

We wonder where it went wrong for the French, with Didier Deschamps' bizarre selection choices a significant factor, and reflect on the Joachim Löw era after the curtains came down at Wembley. We also assess those still standing and who we think have the best chance of success!

***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marcus and Luke are back with Lions Watch, your one-stop shop for all things England! This week, we hail Arsenal for doing the right thing and ask how much England’s Champions League and Europa League absences really matter for a team so… completely and utterly well-drilled. Obvs.

We also try (and fail) to pick a starter between Luke Shaw and Ben Chilwell and celebrate the year of the waistcoat. That’s right, it’s 2018: Kieran Trippier’s whipping in free-kicks, an Englishman is winning the golden boot, and press relations are actually all right. We speak to Sunday Times chief football writer Jonathan Northcroft to learn more about the charm offensive that was so important to England’s success that summer.

Got a question for us? Email show@footballramble.com!

***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!**

Featured image courtesy of Anton Zaitsev. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why exactly are La Liga’s biggest sides in so much financial trouble? On today’s episode, Dotun Adebayo, Andy Brassell and Miguel Delaney get stuck into the reasons and implications behind their stark transfer inactivity!

Elsewhere, the return of international football gives us a chance to assess some of Europe’s top sides and look forward to some chaotic Euro 2020 qualifiers over the next few days. And, after Napoli failed to turn up to their match against Juventus, we wonder if these forced postponements will become a regular feature of the European season.

Send us an email! We'd love to hear from you: otc@footballramble.com

***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our Ramble Meets... guest this week went from watching her hometown club Burnley on the terraces at Turf Moor to earning 82 international caps and even becoming an Olympian: it's former England goalkeeper turned pundit, Rachel Brown-Finnis!

Rachel sits down with Mark Pougatch to talk about a fascinating career that straddles two vastly different eras of women's football in England. As the only girl who attended Bob Wilson's goalkeeper coaching camps as a child, before earning her Liverpool debut at just 15, Rachel went on to play college football in the United States as interest in the women's game started to bloom. Rachel and Mark discuss her formative years in the US, representing England and Great Britain on some of the game's biggest stages and even a summer spent playing on a tiny island off the coast of Iceland!

Search ‘Football Ramble’ on social media to find us, and email us here: show@footballramble.com.

***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marcus and Luke reconvene to discuss the latest developments surrounding the England squad! 

UEFA announced this week that countries will be able to take 26 players to the Euros: which is a good thing until you realise it doesn’t just apply to England. We examine which fringe players stand to benefit for the Three Lions.

Elsewhere, Luke explains why Phil Foden can be the player of the tournament this summer and we turn the clock back to those halcyon 67 days under Big Sam – ultimately so swiftly followed by a bright new dawn under Mr Reluctant himself, Gareth Southgate.

Got a question for us? Email show@footballramble.com!

***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!**

Featured image courtesy of Anton Zaitsev. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to another episode of On The Continent, your one-stop shop for all things European football! Dotun, Andy and Lars chew the fat over an eventful week across the continent.

After Paris Saint-Germain put in their finest domestic performance of the season against Lyon to take top spot in Ligue 1, we look over the four contenders for the French title. To the surprise of many, Niko Kovač’s Monaco have emerged as the league’s entertainers, while Lille seem to be struggling with their top dog status.

We also check in with Bayer Leverkusen after Peter Bosz’s sacking. Who’s to blame for their staggering downturn in form this year? But it’s Cesare Prandelli’s resignation at Fiorentina that has really sent shockwaves and given the whole football world something to think about.

Got a question for us? Email otc@footballramble.com!

***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***  

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dotun, Andy and David Cartlidge round up some of the biggest casualties from World Cup Qualifying on today's episode. It seems that Fernando Santos' Portugal have been trying the same thing repeatedly but expecting different results.

We also ask if Roberto Mancini can solve the impossible Italian Job of finding a goalscoring centre-forward and wonder what's happened to Eden Hazard after some sobering comments from the Belgium camp.

Got a question? Tweet us @FootballRamble

***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dotun is joined by Lars Sivertsen and Miguel Delaney to look back over the week’s Champions League action!

While Pep Guardiola finally overcame his Champions League hoodoo with Man City, Dortmund now desperately need to rescue their season with a top four finish. We look at the implications for Erling Haaland and why he may well be heading to Real Madrid rather than Man City.

Elsewhere, PSG and Bayern served up another cracking tie, but one which threw up more questions than answers about both sides. We discuss Hansi Flick’s future and what next for Bayern after some miserly transfer windows. And with PSG and Man City back in the last four of the Champions League, we look at what sportswashing in football really amounts to.

Got a question for us? Email otc@footballramble.com!

***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joining Mark Pougatch on today's episode of Ramble Meets... is former Newcastle, Tottenham and England midfielder turned TV pundit, Jermaine Jenas!

Jermaine talks Mark through his impressive career that began in the aftermath of Brian Clough at Nottingham Forest and saw him experience some of the game's grandest occasions at both Spurs and Newcastle. He also reveals some of the regrets around his England career, where miscommunication with Fabio Capello halted what should've been a long and illustrious stint on the international stage.

Search ‘Football Ramble’ on social media to find us, and email us here: show@footballramble.com.

With fans missing from the stadiums this FA Cup season, Jermaine Jenas has been working with heycar, official broadcast sponsor of the FA Cup coverage on BT Sport, to bring supporters close to the game and the magic of the cup to life.

Jermaine has chatted to fans about their own FA Cup memories and favourite road trips to games, as well as sharing his own experiences of football’s most famous cup competition and his thoughts on this season’s tournament. To see all of Jermaine’s interviews and find out everything heycar has been doing to bring fans closer to the Cup, visit www.heycar.co.uk/fa-cup-stories. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to On The Continent! This week, Dotun and Andy are joined by Lars Sivertsen to for a deep dive on Bayern Munich. They could’ve run out 8-2 winners again against Barcelona this week, but just how good are they? We also check in with Real Madrid, who battled past perennial Champions League fall-guys Inter, and wonder how Carlo Ancelotti can mould this unusually young team after Eduardo Camavinga made the difference again.

We also bring a difficult but vital discussion to the table about Jérôme Boateng, who was found guilty of assaulting his ex-girlfriend last week, and the response of his new employers, Lyon.

Got a question for us? Find us on socials @footballramble.

***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today on the Book Club, we're joined by a Liverpool legend and true football obsessive. 

For the past 8 years, Jamie Carragher has been the face and voice of football punditry in the UK. His celebrated book sees him and a range of guests reevaluate some of football’s greatest matches - from Istanbul '05, to Munich '99. He lifts the lid on it all with Kate and Jim.

You can purchase Jamie’s book, The Greatest Games, here! Find us on socials @footballramble.

***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

We return to Denmark for today's episode of Ramble Meets... as Andy sits down with two former Premier League stalwarts in Michael Essien and Johan Djourou!

With over 100 international caps and almost forty years in the game between them, Michael and Johan are two of the most experienced members of the exciting project at FC Nordsjælland. They talk about their upbringing in Ghana and Switzerland respectively, playing for the likes of José Mourinho and Arsène Wenger and using their experiences to teach the next generation, with Michael gradually making his way onto the coaches' bench.

Search ‘Football Ramble’ on social media to find us, and email us here: show@footballramble.com.

***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dotun, Andy and David Cartlidge look back over an international window that has seen its fair share of winners and losers - Memphis Depay perhaps more than most!

Ol' Memphis gets his fair dues on today's show as we discuss how his recent performances might help him contend with Barca's impossible post-Messi task. We also wonder where it's gone wrong for France in recent weeks - can they shake their post-Euros blues? And, over in the Bundesliga, Julian Nagelsmann faces his first stern test since turning to the Dark Side with a trip to his former stomping ground.

Got a question for us? Find us on socials @FootballRamble

***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With last season's Champions League final still fresh in the memory, PSG were back to their underwhelming group stage selves this week. Dotun Adebayo, Andy Brassell and Nicky Bandini are here to unpick that result on today’s episode of On The Continent - your weekly guide to the biggest stories in European football!

Elsewhere, after Shakhtar Donetsk’s humbling of Real Madrid this week, we look at Shakhtar’s unbelievable journey over the past few years that has seen them flee war-torn Donetsk and re-establish themselves as one of Ukraine’s elite. There’s also time for the necessary praise for the age-defining antics of Zlatan Ibrahimović, as he leads this young Milan side into a bold new era.

Got a question for us? Email otc@footballramble.com!

Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marcus and Luke are back with a brand new edition of Lions Watch, the show dedicated to all things England! We are stumbling over ourselves with excitement for this one.

Jesse Lingard is the form player in the Premier League – but should Gareth Southgate give him the keys to the kingdom? And where does all this leave poor old Jack Grealish?

Elsewhere, if we needed any further evidence, Jude Bellingham was jaw-droppingly good this week: we drill down into his qualities. And the next stop on our journey through the 2010s brings us to World Cup 2014, where a young England squad came away with some stark truths, a glimmer of hope, and the prestigious honour of playing out the most forgettable football game in World Cup history. Join us!

Got a question for us? Email show@footballramble.com!

***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***

Featured image courtesy of Anton Zaitsev. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

Welcome to another edition of On The Continent! Dotun and Andy are joined by Lars to dive into the biggest stories from across European football.

First, Andy gives us an update on PSG’s interest in Dele Alli, who looks ready to move across the Channel. Meanwhile in Germany, Dortmund and RB Leipzig’s capitulations have handed the initiative to a faltering Bayern Munich side. We take a look at what the future holds for Dortmund - as well as for their much-coveted star striker, Erling Haaland.

We also spare a thought for Arkadiusz Milik, who has walked into a mess at Marseille - one not helped by their combustible coach. But happier times may await Papu Gómez, as Lars and Andy explain what he will bring to Sevilla.

Got a question for us? Email otc@footballramble.com!

***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, we welcome Nottingham Forest and England legend, Stuart Pearce!

Stuart sits down with Mark Pougatch to reflect on the biggest and quirkiest moments of his storied career. He opens up about his relationship with Brian Clough and the legendary manager’s incredible attempt to tap him up midway through a game for Coventry City. 

He also guides us through Euro ’96: his feelings towards the media, why taking that penalty against Spain was so important to him and - of course - how he and Gareth Southgate ended up introducing the Sex Pistols on stage the day after.

***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dotun and Andy are joined by David Cartlidge on today's episode, as we uncork a bottle of Cava and toast to the group stages' final blaze of glory.

Portugal, France and Germany emerge from the flames of Group F, so we see who needs to settle on their best XI ahead of the knockout rounds. We also get an update on Spain who, despite a 5-0 win over Slovakia, still don't look all that convincing.

***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There's a different flavour to today's episode of Ramble Meets as Andy gets to know not just a single subject, but one of La Liga's most beloved clubs.

Celta Vigo has had a rich if turbulent history, from impressive spells in La Liga and the Europa League to almost falling out of professional football altogether. Andy is joined by Celta players Nolito and Joseph Aidoo, who tell us just how special the city and their fanbase is. We also speak to Vigo residents including renowned Swedish journalist Alexandra Jonson and Mexican-born fan Paula Anton, who explain just how this unique city and club became home.

Got a question? Tweet us @FootballRamble

***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Upfront, a weekly women's football show covering all corners of the women's game! 

Flo Lloyd-Hughes, Chloe Morgan and Rachel O'Sullivan discuss Brighton's impressive start to the season under England legend Hope Powell and the problems arising from Arsenal's all-male advisory board. Chloe also pauses her post-match celebrations long enough to recap a great win for Crystal Palace and all the other action from a frenetic few weeks of Championship action!

Artwork photo - GirlsontheBall ©

***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Juventus will begin the Andrea Pirlo era this weekend with the return of Serie A – can they win their tenth consecutive title, or will one of the Milan sides spoil the party? We try to answer that question on this week’s episode of On The Continent!

Dotun Adebayo and Andy Brassell are joined by Nicky Bandini to look ahead to some returning European football. We look into whether Borussia Dortmund can halt Bayern’s dominance and pick through the aftermath of the brawl in PSG’s clash with Marseille. Plus, our Games of the Week returns! Free live football, anyone?

Got a question for one of our panel? You can email us on our new email address: otc@footballramble.com

***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

Dotun is joined by Lars Sivertsen and Nicky Bandini as the Champions League final brought the weirdest domestic season ever to a close. We take a look back at that entertaining affair, with Chelsea using their ‘break glass for pragmatic coach’ approach to great effect once again.

We then wonder what’s next for European football; the pandemic has forced many clubs to turn the old guard and accept there may be some excess baggage amongst their squad, with Max Allegri and Carlo Ancelotti two particular points of focus. There are so many questions to look into; how will the Euros affect next season’s domestic leagues? Who will challenge the traditional elite for various honours? And why have so many Italian clubs already changed their bloody managers?!

Got a question for us? Email otc@footballramble.com!

***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fantasy Five-a-Side is back with a cracker! Jim is joined by YouTuber, presenter of ‘Live From London Stadium’ and host of the JaackMaate’s Happy Hour podcast, JaackMaate!

Jack lures a couple of West Ham legends to the Goals pitches of Norwich - including the man known as the Lardball and the player who once had to escape a fight at a party in his boxers. It’s obviously a side oozing with class, but let’s just say the sin bin is going to be busy and the post-match drinks pretty lary.

JaackMaate's Happy Hour is a Spotify Original podcast - listen here!

***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

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.

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.

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_89

Artwork photo - GirlsontheBall ©

***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

If we could dream up our fantasy career, it’d probably be similar to that of today’s Ramble Meets… guest. Andy is joined by former Milan, Monaco, Rangers and England striker, Mark Hateley!

From rubbing shoulders with footballing (and actual) royalty under Arsène Wenger at Monaco to winning the hearts of Inter fans at Serie A’s peak, Mark enjoyed an incredible career. He tells Andy about his continental travels, linking up with Ally McCoist at Rangers and passing on his wisdom to his son, who has his own globe-trotting career.

Tweet us @Football Ramble and email us here: show@footballramble.com.

***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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_89

Artwork photo - GirlsontheBall ©

***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's 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.

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_89

Artwork photo - GirlsontheBall ©

***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

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_89

Artwork photo - GirlsontheBall ©

***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 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_89

Artwork photo - GirlsontheBall ©

***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

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_89

Artwork photo - GirlsontheBall ©

***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

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_89

Artwork photo - GirlsontheBall ©

***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

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_89

Artwork photo - GirlsontheBall ©

***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

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_89

Artwork 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 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_89

Artwork 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 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_89

Artwork photo - GirlsontheBall ©

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.

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.

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_89

Artwork 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.

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_89

Artwork photo - GirlsontheBall ©

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.

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_89

Artwork photo - GirlsontheBall ©

***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 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_89

Artwork photo - GirlsontheBall ©

***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

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.

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.

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_89

Artwork photo - GirlsontheBall ©

***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

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 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.

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_89

Artwork photo - GirlsontheBall ©

***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dotun, Andy and Lars Sivertsen are working hard for the money on today's continental crusade - much like perennial title winners PSG and Bayern Munich. We ask if the feeling sours with each title win and what can be done to level the playing field.

We also recap more midweek chaos, as Madrid's hubris gets them through another game and Villarreal put up a stubborn fight at Anfield.

Got a question for us? Find us on socials @footballramble.

***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Last weekend was the penultimate round of matches in the WSL - and the final day in the Championship. Well, it sure didn’t disappoint. 

Flo, Rachel and Chloe pick through the drama: from Chelsea’s edgy win against Birmingham City, to Coventry United’s last-gasp winner. Two legends also announce their departure from the WSL and we get the lowdown on Chloe’s end of season knees-up, of course!

Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @FloydTweet, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89

Artwork photo - GirlsontheBall ©

***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dotun, Andy and Nicky Bandini are here for a tale of two continental coaches, as a tranquil Carlo Ancelotti made it to another Champions League final while Unai Emery's bluster fizzled out at the penultimate hurdle. 

We also preview a fascinating end to the Serie A season as the Milanese jostle for supremacy and we ask how successful the Europa Conference League has been in its inaugural season.

Got a question for us? Find us on socials @footballramble.

***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Flo, Rachel and Chloe are back for the final WSL review of the season, as Chelsea snatch the title from Arsenal's grasp. We recap a dramatic final day and discuss who can view their season as a success.

We also roll out the red carpet for our inaugural end of season awards! We'll see you at the Euros!

Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @FloydTweet, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89

Artwork photo - GirlsontheBall ©

***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dotun and Andy are joined by David Cartlidge for a look at those left in Real Madrid's wake after their impressive season. Barcelona look to be improving under Xavi, while Sevilla and Atlético struggle under the weight of their respective coaches.

We also give you the lowdown on the youngsters looking to fill Erling Haaland's boots at Dortmund and discover that one Coppa Italia trophy does not a summer make for Inter!

Got a question for us? Find us on socials @footballramble.

***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're here with a bonus episode of Upfront! Today, Rachel looks ahead to this Sunday's FA Cup final alongside three-time winner and England legend, Karen Carney!

They discuss some of the key matchups as Chelsea and Manchester City, the WSL's two in-form sides, do battle at Wembley. We also can't help asking Karen about her time working under Emma Hayes and England's chances at the Euros this summer!

Over 40,000 tickets have already sold for what will be a cracking game at Wembley this Sunday. Head to www.thefa.com/ticketing to get yours now!

Artwork photo - GirlsontheBall ©

***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s At The Match comes from one of the most prestigious days in the women’s football calendar: it’s the FA Cup final from Wembley! 

Upfront’s Flo and Rachel took in a pulsating game between two of the Women’s Super League’s elite. They also relive their favourite FA Cup memories, including how Rachel came to own an FA Cup winner’s medal, and hear from some familiar voices across the women’s game.

Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @FloydTweet, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89

Artwork photo - GirlsontheBall ©

***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever wondered about the mental demands of being an elite footballer in the burgeoning women's game? To round off this season of Upfront, we're exploring exactly that.

Flo sits down with Chloe and two of her Crystal Palace teammates, Shiv Wilson and Leigh Nicol, for a chat about the challenges of competing at the top of the FA Women's Championship and overseas. We also look into the changing influence of social media on the women's game and how discussions around body image need desperate attention.

Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @FloydTweet, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89

Artwork photo - GirlsontheBall ©

***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

An England legend, a star of the GB team at London 2012, and part of Arsenal’s historic quadruple-winning side, Anita Asante has done it all. Today, Neetz joins Rachel in the studio for a special Upfront Meets, as they look back on her epic career after finally hanging up her boots at the end of the season.

Neetz discusses the toughest forwards she ever came up against, how her nomadic career shaped her as a footballer and as a human being, and compares the WSL’s top two coaches, who are two of her former mentors: Jonas Eidevall and Emma Hayes.

Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @FloydTweet, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89

Artwork photo - GirlsontheBall ©

***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dotun and Andy are joined by Miguel Delaney to try and answer one of the biggest questions in European football on today's OTC: where will Kylian Mbappé end up next season?

We also search for reasons behind a refreshingly enjoyable Europa League season and look ahead to the final weekend of Serie A as the scudetto heads to the San Siro - but which half?

Got a question for us? Find us on socials @footballramble.

***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Kate and Jim are joined by one of the most important figures behind the England men's team's recent success - it’s performance coach and author, Owen Eastwood!

Owen’s book ‘Belonging: The Ancient Code of Togetherness’ charts the ideas, influences and techniques behind a hugely successful career that’s taken him from the All Blacks rugby team to NATO and now England’s national team, as he looks to improve culture and togetherness among the world’s best teams. Today, he talks about how the notion of whakapapa has guided his journey, how impressive Gareth Southgate really is behind the scenes and what takeaways we can all apply to our everyday lives. 

Owen’s book is now available to pre-order in paperback here! Find us on socials @footballramble.

***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a dramatic climax to the season last weekend, there’s lots to dig into on today’s On The Continent!

Dotun and Andy are joined by David Cartlidge to discuss the stars behind Roma’s European triumph and what comes next for José Mourinho’s fresh-faced squad. We also hail AC Milan’s return to the top of the Series A tree and Zlatan’s inspiring role, and we doff our cap to the mixed fortunes of two giants of French football. But, seriously: what’s going on at Bordeaux?

Got a question for us? Find us on socials @footballramble.

***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!***

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.