Upfront - A Women's Football Podcast

Over a quarter of the way through the season and Aston Villa, West Ham and Everton are still winless. Who’s going to drag themselves out of the mire first?! Clo and Rach discuss that and put the WSL’s new TV rights deal under the microscope. What does it mean for the game and for the fans? Tune in to find out! Join the Official Upfront fantasy WSL league! Click here and enter the code IKNCM61. Follow us on X, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us show@upfrontpod.com. Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble. ***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To mark the final day of Black History Month, Chloe sat down with a true trailblazer in English football: the first black woman to play for the Lionesses, Kerry Davis. From being picked to play for England ‘out of the blue’ to holding the top goalscorer record and getting to that famous Euro 1984 final, Kerry revisits some of the standout moments that defined her storied career. Plus, she tells us who she looked up to growing up, what it means to see current Lionesses following in her footsteps and her hopes for the future of the game. Follow us on X, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us show@upfrontpod.com. Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble. ***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alright everyone, stay calm - the Lionesses have lost a game. Nothing to panic about.Chloe and Rachel pick through a chaotic Friday night at Wembley that finished Germany 4-3 England and ask what changes Sarina Wiegman should make ahead of their friendly against South Africa tonight. Elsewhere, Ireland turned on the style in Georgia but Wales struggled in their Euro 2025 qualifier - who’s going to make it to the big dance? Plus, we look ahead to the return of the WSL as an in-form Man United host a manager-less Arsenal; could they catch the Gunners out? Follow us on X, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us show@upfrontpod.com. Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble. ***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The level of youth women's football is better than it's ever been. Rach is in the Dominican Republic for the U17 World Cup and sat down with England's head coach Natalie Henderson to find out more. Natalie reveals some of the biggest challenges preparing for this tournament, shares the toughest part about her job and explains why youth football's ever-improving level has been so important for her players’ development. Join us! Follow us on X, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us show@upfrontpod.com. Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble. ***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Karate Kaneryd struck on Sunday night with a stunning volley as Chelsea sunk Spurs 5-2. But it wasn’t a game without controversy! Chloe and Rachel discuss the return of the goal line technology debate after no one – linesman included, fans included, Rachel in sunny Dominican Republic included – managed to get a good angle of Hannah Hampton’s fumble. Elsewhere, we check in with Arsenal after two solid victories in the week following Jonas Eidevall’s departure. And ahead of a huge Friday night for all the home nations and the Republic of Ireland as they play the first leg of their respective Euro 2025 qualifying play-offs, we assess the position of each side and why it feels like Wales’ time, at last. Join the Official Upfront fantasy WSL league! Click here and enter the code IKNCM61. Follow us on X, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us show@upfrontpod.com. Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble. ***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Just as we were about to press record… Jonas Eidevall resigned as Arsenal head coach. What went wrong? Had things reached fever pitch with the Arsenal fanbase? Chloe and Rachel discuss that and reflect on how the negative environment around Arsenal points to a worrying shift in women’s football culture. Plus, are Manchester United proving people wrong? And we discuss what we learned from the opening matchday in the Champions League – where Man City beat the best team in the world. Join the Official Upfront fantasy WSL league! Click here and enter the code IKNCM61. Follow us on X, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us show@upfrontpod.com. Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble. ***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, former Aston Villa manager Carla Ward joins Chloe and Rachel in the studio for a special, all-encompassing chat. We get the lowdown on her time in Paris working with Emma Hayes and the USWNT. And yes, their afterparty was as wild as we imagined! Elsewhere, Carla opens up about her reasons for leaving Villa, the need for more psychological support in the game and how she navigated the pressures of managing at the top level. She also reveals which manager she turned to for guidance - spoiler, beers and baths are involved! Join us for a fascinating discussion. Follow us on X, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us show@upfrontpod.com. Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble. ***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chloe and Rachel look back on two drama-filled games in the WSL, featuring some brilliant goals – looking at you, Marie Höbinger. Plus, we welcome the return of the Champions League with both open arms and worrying thoughts about Arsenal after their stinking performance against Everton. And is that… Chelsea vs Real Madrid? Again?! Join the Official Upfront fantasy WSL league! Click here and enter the code IKNCM61. Follow us on X, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us show@upfrontpod.com. Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble. ***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

North Korea won the Under 20 Women’s World Cup for a third time last month, meaning they are now one of the most successful sides in the tournament’s history. So how has such a politically isolated country forged such a strong presence on the global stage? We’re joined by Tokyo-based sports journalist Alex Bishop, who talks us through that winning moment in Bogotá, their rise as a women’s football power and why North Korea’s youth development is so strong. Plus, Alex explains how their senior team has consistently maintained a top-ten FIFA ranking, and whether he can see them at the World Cup in Brazil in 2027. Join us! Follow us on X, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us show@upfrontpod.com. Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble. ***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was Rach’s birthday yesterday! And Chloe has a cake for her. And candles! Lots and lots of candles. After nearly burning down the studio, they discuss Spurs’ late comeback against Aston Villa which featured some proper vintage performances from some WSL golden-oldies. Plus, both Manchester clubs pick up three points – but neither of them impress. There’s also the small matter of Chelsea vs Man United’s postponement: cue a proper Upfront takedown. Join us! Join the Official Upfront fantasy WSL league! Click here and enter the code IKNCM61. Follow us on X, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us show@upfrontpod.com. Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble. ***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Everything is on the line for Arsenal and Jonas Eidevall tonight as they head into their decisive second leg qualifier. Can they turn it around? Today, Rachel is joined by Arseblog writer Tim Stillman, who breaks down what went wrong in the first leg, why patience for Jonas Eidevall is running thin and whether fans should be confident or concerned about Arsenal’s chances. Plus, Tim outlines the commercial impact if Arsenal fail to qualify and the potentially huge ramifications for Eidevall’s future. Follow us on X, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us show@upfrontpod.com. Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble. ***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 2024/25 WSL season is officially underway! Chloe and Rachel are here to react to it all – including countless controversies (or so Chloe tells us) and a so-close-yet-so-far goal of the season contender from Sabrina D’Angelo. We see you, Sabs, going up for a corner in the 86th minute. And we respect you. Elsewhere, we share what we learned about Sonia Bompastor’s Chelsea and Robert de Pauw’s impressive Aston Villa. Plus, do we have a new lethal partnership in the WSL? Kiko Seike and Fran Kirby would say so. Come join us! Join the Official Upfront fantasy WSL league! Click here and enter the code IKNCM61. Follow us on X, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us show@upfrontpod.com. Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble. ***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

And Chloe has hatched a plan. Why wouldn’t you want to pop yourself in the boot of Viv Miedema and Beth Mead’s car to find out what they’re talking about before Arsenal vs Man City? Chloe and Rachel have a bumper preview show for the return of the WSL. Will the Emirates edge give Arsenal the advantage, or will Miedema come back to haunt them? Elsewhere, we ponder on what to expect from Chelsea in their new era as well as Man United – who might not have an owner who acknowledges them, but do at least have an exciting new captain. We also take a closer look at Brighton and wonder who will win the battle for Chloe Morgan’s heart: Crystal Palace, or Spurs. Tune in to find out! Join the Official Upfront fantasy WSL league! Click here and enter the code IKNCM61. Follow us on X, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us show@upfrontpod.com. Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble. ***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s time. Chloe and Rachel put their flagpoles in the sand as they reveal their big WSL predictions ahead of the new season! Who will be this season’s overachievers? Which summer signing will be the league’s best newcomer? And who’s going to win the whole thing? Plus, why are we worried about West Ham and which striker can turn s*** into goals? There’s only one way to find out. Listen and subscriber right NOW! Join the Official Upfront fantasy WSL league! Click here and enter the code IKNCM61. Follow us on X, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us show@upfrontpod.com. Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble. ***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rachel is joined by Spurs’ head coach Robert Vilahamn for a special, wide-ranging interview! He dials in from Spurs’ pre-season training camp to reflect on his first season in the WSL. He reveals his biggest high of the season – and the moment where he stopped being ‘that Swedish guy’ – and explains just how the squad bought into his ideas so quickly. Plus, Robert outlines the four pillars of ‘Bobbyball’ and opens up about Grace Clinton’s return to Man United. Follow us on X, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us show@upfrontpod.com. Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble. ***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

That’s a wrap on the Olympics! And just 84 days after winning the WSL with Chelsea, Emma Hayes had a gold medal with the USWNT around her neck. Rachel was there in Paris and chats with Chloe all about the final – including a special goodbye for Marta. But as Spain head home medal-less, what happened to them? And did this tournament teach us some harsh lessons about player fatigue? Plus, Chloe and Rachel explain why a move to Newcastle could make more sense that it might appear for Nikita Parris and why – yes – Angel City’s announcement video for Katie Zelem didn’t make sense to us either. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us show@upfrontpod.com. Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble. ***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Come for a bumper Upfront, stay for Chloe’s impersonation of a drone. Chloe and Rachel are BACK! They discuss the story so far at Emma Hayes’ USA – with some mixed performances, but an Olympic semi-final under their belt already. Plus, they react to Ann-Katrin Berger’s heroics and Marta’s red card villainy. Har Johal also joins us to explain how spygate has gone down in Canada and where Bev Priestman goes from here. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us show@upfrontpod.com. Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble. ***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

While some of football’s biggest names are being chased by elite clubs in Europe and beyond this summer, one story has shown the stark economic reality of women’s football: Reading FC Women. At the end of June, they notified the FA that they would not be able to compete in the Championship this season because of insufficient funds; now, they are re-entering the pyramid in the fifth tier. This week, they released 16 players. Chloe and Rachel sit down with the journalist who broke the story - Tom Garry of The Guardian - to find out what’s happened, hear about the real-world consequences, and discuss what this disaster says about the women’s football ecosystem. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us show@upfrontpod.com. Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble. ***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

But do England fans need to start changing their expectations? Chloe and Rach react to that edgy 0-0 draw with Sweden in Gothenburg which secured the Lionesses’ qualification for Euro 2025. We discuss the Alessia Russo conundrum, whether Hannah Hampton can keep hold of the No.1 jersey, and what the qualification campaign as a whole has told us about next summer’s title defence. Plus, bloody hell Ireland! Where did that come from?! Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us show@upfrontpod.com. Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble. ***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Lionesses downed Ireland last week, but some familiar problems in front of goal left Chloe and Rachel longing for the days of Ellen White! We discuss why Sarina Wiegman’s England are missing that clinical edge and what needs to change ahead of a tough test against Sweden. Plus, we talk about the latest wicked whispers on the transfer market – including Lyon trying to snatch Katie McCabe and a pretty long to-do list for Brighton's new gaffer. Goodbye Mikey Harris, must remember to thank him. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us show@upfrontpod.com. Sign up for the Football Ramble Patreon to get ad-free Upfront shows and more: patreon.com/footballramble. ***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.