Upfront - A Women's Football Podcast

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

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

Chloe and Rachel are back together in the studio! And there’s nothing like a whole bunch of postponements to get us kicked off for 2025, is there?! Besides that though, there were some very exciting returns in the FA Cup – we give our takes on Toone, Miedema and LJ’s returns, plus how the FA Cup can be made more competitive after another upset-less weekend. We also react to Jonas Eidevall’s tell-all interview (and do a surprisingly good Jonas impersonation) and there’s the latest transfer news from WSL land! Didn’t catch last week’s episode with Maggie Murphy? Listen here. Follow us on X, Instagram, Bluesky and YouTube! Email us show@upfrontpod.com. For ad-free episodes and much more from across our football shows, head over to the Football Ramble Patreon and subscribe: patreon.com/footballramble. ***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re back with our first episode of 2025! Chloe sits down with Maggie Murphy to unpack some of the big headlines set to shape women’s football in 2025: from Barclays’ renewed sponsorship deal to the record five-year TV broadcasting deal. Elsewhere, Maggie explains why Brighton’s proposed women’s stadium would be a game-changer, discusses whether the Championship should actually be rebranded as the ‘WSL2’ and looks at what impact Euro 2025 could have on the growth of the game. Plus, should we be worried about WSL attendances? Join us! Follow us on X, Instagram, Bluesky and YouTube! Email us show@upfrontpod.com. For ad-free episodes and much more from across our football shows, head over to the Football Ramble Patreon and subscribe: patreon.com/footballramble. ***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What a year 2024 has been in the WSL and beyond. Today, we’re wrapping it up in style with our very own ‘Upfront Wrapped’. Join Chloe and Rachel as they relive their most-watched footballing moments of 2024 and reveal their ‘Top Artists’, ‘Biggest Hits’ and ‘Watching Characters’ — spoiler, that last category is a real good’un! We also find out your New Year’s Resolutions for women’s football in 2025 and throw in some serious (and not so serious) suggestions of our own… Happy New Year, Upfront gang! Follow us on X, Instagram, Bluesky and YouTube! Email us show@upfrontpod.com. For ad-free episodes and much more from across our football shows, head over to the Football Ramble Patreon and subscribe: patreon.com/footballramble. ***Please take the time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your pods. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other potential listeners to find us. Thanks!*** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

Whatever happens tonight in Ireland vs Wales, history will be made. And whatever happens, Rach will be watching it through her fingers! Chloe, on the other hand, jubilantly hails the renaissance of Mary Earps on today’s episode after England kept out Emma Hayes’ energetic, young US side. What did Saggy Weegs learn from an eventful 0-0? Plus, Brazil can’t do friendlies and Scotland can’t turn up for the big occasion. Will tonight in Helsinki be the night that all changes? Follow us on X, Instagram, Bluesky and YouTube! Email us 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 wait is nearly over: the Lionesses take on Emma Hayes' USA in just TWO days! We ponder on the problems Sarina Wiegman could use this friendly to address and Rach explains why there will be plenty of catastrophising if England lose. Elsewhere, we discuss Emma Hayes’ USWNT reign so far - and her pint-pulling skills, of course - and Chloe explains why Hayes will arrive at Wembley with revenge on her mind! Plus, we reveal our score predictions! And spoiler: Rach may well be sitting on the fence once again… Follow us on X, Bluesky, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us 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.

In amidst the Conti Cup, there was a top four battle in the WSL! Well, top five. Sorry Chloe. We give our reaction to Chelsea’s 1-0 victory over Man United and Rach explains why it’s time Marc Skinner gets real with the fans. Elsewhere, Marta gets over the pressure of playing in front of her mum to win the NWSL and the Euro 2025 play-off finals are here! We preview Wales vs Ireland, Scotland vs Finland and Northern Ireland’s tough test against a truly stacked Norway side… Follow us on X, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us 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 over a year into her role as Northern Ireland head coach, Tanya Oxtoby joins us in the studio to reflect on her journey so far as she prepares for a crucial Euro 2025 play-off against Norway next week. Tanya explains how she landed this dream job in international management and reveals why her first six months in charge were really tough. Plus, she reveals the one thing her players hate most about her meetings and her key ingredients for unlocking young talent. Oh, and she attempts to give us a PG version of what that win against Croatia really meant to her and the team. Join us! Follow us on X, Bluesky, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us 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 French Revolution continues under Sonia Bompastor at Chelsea! Chloe and Rachel react to a statement victory over Manchester City thanks to a statement performance from Mayra Ramirez and co. Elsewhere, Everton finally break their duck in the Merseyside Derby – but Matt Beard cries conspiracy. And WSL royalty announce some exciting news… Follow us on X, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us 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.

Danish international Sofie Junge Pedersen is at the forefront of a powerful movement urging Fifa to end its sponsorship deal with Saudi oil giant Aramco over human rights violations and environmental concerns. Rachel sat down with Sofie to find out why her open letter - signed by over 100 players - is a crucial step forward in driving change, the power footballers have to make a real difference, and her vision for a more sustainable future. VOTE FOR US TO WIN AN FSA AWARD! CLICK HERE. Follow us on X, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us 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 season’s big showdown is almost here: Chelsea vs Manchester City. On today’s pod, Chloe and Rachel look at the numbers behind Chelsea’s sensational start – and whether Man City can stop them. Elsewhere, Arsenal surprise us pleasantly and – sadly – unpleasantly this week, while it was a difficult reality check for Brighton on Friday night. Plus, we meet the National League footballer who is trying to transform the way ACL injuries are predicted and analysed. VOTE FOR US TO WIN AN FSA AWARD! CLICK HERE. Follow us on X, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us 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.

After a tough start to their first WSL campaign, Crystal Palace captain Aimee Everett is here to give us the lowdown on how they’ve steadied the ship, what’s surprised her most about the league and what it means - as a 23-year-old woman - to be a leader at this level. Plus, Aimee reveals which team she watches in her spare time - even if she is forced to - and tackles the all-important question: will Chloe be invited to their end of season party? Follow us on X, Instagram, and YouTube! Email us 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.

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.