Box2Box Football Network

Box2Box, with Rob Gilbert & Willem van Denderen! The PFA’s annual reports into the A-League Men’s & Women’s competitions are always essential reading, but the damning nature of this year’s edition - released last Thursday - felt particularly important. Union Chief-executive Beau Busch returns, with well over half the men’s competition ‘dissatisfied’ or worse with the APL. The Socceroos World Cup Group has been (almost) decided, set to play a host nation for the first time since 1974. Daniel Garb forecasts what looks a generous group by previous standards, as well as a word on the A-League Men’s on the field, and sad state of affairs at Anfield as Mo Salah goes nuclear. Also on the agenda: South Melbourne win the Australian Championship, Adam Griffiths turns into self-proclaimed Lion, Wayne Gretzky fails his geography test & loads more! Follow us on X: https://twitter.com/Box2BoxNTS Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100028871306243 Enjoy our written content: https://www.box2boxnts.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Box2Box, with Michael Edgley and Willem van Denderen. In mid-November, long-time football administrator and Football Australia Hall of Fame member Brendan Schwab wrote a piece titled: '‘Australian football is at its most important point this century. Our destiny as a football nation is at stake', for Football360. In an extended chat Brendan expands on his piece, and provides esteemed insight on the various challenges facing the Australian game as it looks to 'build its fourth professional era':from governance to broadcast rights, independent media coverage to club longevity, and plenty more. Also on the agenda: Faber departs Adelaide United, Pantazopolous has the last laugh in the Sydney Derby, Cooney-Cross' wonder goal, and plenty more... Follow us on X: https://twitter.com/Box2BoxNTS Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100028871306243 Enjoy our written content: https://www.box2boxnts.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Box2Box, with Rob Gilbert, Michael Edgley & Willem van Denderen! Perth Glory remain without a manager three weeks on from the sacking of David Zdrilic, but have recently moved into their new base at Mirrabooka and feel they’re laying solid foundation off the field. CEO Anthony Radich returns to answer the multitude of questions facing the club. Then, it’s two months on since Trevor Morgan led the Young Socceroos to their first U20 World Cup since 2013, where they performed admirably at the end of a long cycle. Morgan speaks to the lessons taken on by the group, and his own philosophy on youth coaching. Also on the agenda: Graham Arnold and Iraq still in the reckoning for the World Cup, Scotland seal their place, and the Championship semi-finals lie in wait. Follow us on X: https://twitter.com/Box2BoxNTS Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100028871306243 Enjoy our written content: https://www.box2boxnts.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Box2Box, with Rob Gilbert, Michael Edgley & Willem van Denderen! Iraq and the UAE will finally settle the final place from AFC World Cup qualifying on Wednesday, heading into the tie locked at 1-1. Meanwhile, Asian domestic leagues will conclude in the coming weeks with Kevin Muscat eyeing silverware, and Melbourne City look to have their act together in the ACL Elite. The Asian Game’s Scott McIntyre is the man for a comprehensive wrap. Ruben Amorim looks to have steered Manchester United to calmer, more optimistic waters after the end of a brutal first year in the job. The Athletic’s United correspondent, Carl Anka, returns with England also flying through World Cup qualification. Also on the agenda: Socceroos struggle against Venezuela, troubling PFA report shows little faith among A-League women’s players in APL, voodoo antics at the penalty spot and loads more! Follow us on X: https://twitter.com/Box2BoxNTS Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100028871306243 Enjoy our written content: https://www.box2boxnts.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Box2Box, with Michael Edgley & Willem van Denderen! The draw for the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup will be held on December 5, with Seattle among sixteen host nations waiting to see which countries are headed their way. Jeremiah Oshan (Sounders At Heart) has been a football journalist in the city for many years, and returns to the show (after a long absence!) with anticipation building. Then to England, where Arsenal were pegged back to a 2-2 draw with Sunderland, but lost no admirers in what was an exceptionally difficult trip away. The Athletic’s Arsenal correspondent, James McNicholas, returns with the Gunners again leading the table in pursuit of an extremely elusive Premier League title. Also on the agenda: Tony Popovic drops surprises in his latest squad, Kennedy White’s Victory ALW hat-trick, World Cup draw pot alterations, and loads more… Follow us on X: https://twitter.com/Box2BoxNTS Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100028871306243 Enjoy our written content: https://www.box2boxnts.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Box2Box, with Rob Gilbert & Michael Edgley! Sydney FC entered the A-League Men’s season facing plenty of questions, but provided a few answers with a thumping 4-1 win over the heavily fancied-Newcastle Jets on Saturday. Captain Rhyan Grant knows what it is to play in title-winning sides; he returns to Box2Box for the first time since 2019 to ponder whether this group could have what it takes. Then to Scotland, where Hearts are on track for their first title since 1959/60 (with Socceroo Cam Devlin in midfield), and Rangers and Celtic find themselves in differing degrees of crisis. Andy Newport of Glasgow’s Daily Record discusses whether the Jambos can go the distance, and whether the Old Firm can sort themselves out. Also on the agenda: The Mariners kick off their ALW Championship defence in style, Premier League claims a fourth managerial victim, and plenty more! Follow us on X: https://twitter.com/Box2BoxNTS Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100028871306243 Enjoy our written content: https://www.box2boxnts.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Box2Box, with Rob Gilbert, Michael Edgley & Willem van Denderen! Mark Milligan has wasted no time in his start to life as Newcastle Jets manager, ending a long trophy drought, blooding the kids, and engendering spirit among the active support. He joins Box2Box for the first time, following Friday’s thumping 5-2 win over Melbourne Victory. Then to England, where the Championship table is led by Frank Lampard’s Coventry, but propped up by battling former powerhouses in Sheffield Wednesday & United. The Atletic’s Rob Tanner returns to wrap up the second division, with Leicester in mid-table. Also on the agenda: Football Australia denies a grassroots increase in cost to play, the Matildas are silenced after defeating Wales, and Lionel Messi set to play into his 40s. Follow us on X: https://twitter.com/Box2BoxNTS Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100028871306243 Enjoy our written content: https://www.box2boxnts.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Box2Box, with Michael Edgley & Willem van Denderen! Adelaide United kicked off the A-League Men’s season on Friday night at home, drew the weekend’s biggest crowd, and banked the three points. New manager Airton Andrioli is into his first senior club job after a working lifetime in youth development, and joins us for the first time. We then head to Africa, where the first round of World Cup qualifying has been completed. Nine nations are booked in for next year’s World Cup, while four remain alive but with the odds stacked against them. BBC Sport Africa’s Rob Stevens returns for a comprehensive wrap. Also on the agenda: Ange sacked by Forest, Brisbane Roar knock ‘em down and drag ‘em out, AFC Qualifiers & plenty more! Follow us on X: https://twitter.com/Box2BoxNTS Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100028871306243 Enjoy our written content: https://www.box2boxnts.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Box2Box, with Michael Edgley & Willem van Denderen! The Australian Championship kicked off over the weekend to widespread celebration around the country, with competitive fixtures and a couple of extraordinary goals claiming headlines. Teo Pellizzeri returns to wrap the round, and assess the latest Matildas squad. Thomas Tuchel’s England are close to sealing World Cup qualification, and played their best football in their 3-0 win over Wales. Former England defender Stephen Warnock returns with some big names sitting outside the squad as the clock ticks on the World Cup. Also on the agenda: Socceroos still unbeaten under Popa, Arnie a step from a World Cup return, and Mark Jackson leaves the Mariners on the eve of the season… Follow us on X: https://twitter.com/Box2BoxNTS Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100028871306243 Enjoy our written content: https://www.box2boxnts.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Box2Box, with Rob Gilbert, Michael Edgley & Willem van Denderen! Newcastle Jets broke a trophy drought with their Australia Cup final win over Heidelberg, on a night that continued to showcase what could be possible should clubs old & new meet more frequently. Daniel Garb returns to reflect - and also to cast an eye on Tony Popovic’s latest Socceroos squad. Then, with pressure mounting on Ange Postecoglou, ITV & Stan Sport’s Mark Pougatch returns to ponder whether the clock could really be ticking on his time at Nottingham Forest already, amid other Premier League storylines. Also on the agenda: Young Socceroos bow out, Jordy Bos takes another step forward & more… Follow us on X: https://twitter.com/Box2BoxNTS Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100028871306243 Enjoy our written content: https://www.box2boxnts.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Box2Box, with Rob Gilbert & Willem van Denderen! Heidelberg & Newcastle Jets will meet in Saturday’s Australia Cup final, with Robbie Thomson to call the action for Network 10. Will Alexander become the first state-league side to lift the trophy, or will the Jets win their first silverware since 2008? That, and plenty more on the local agenda. Then to England, where Manchester City’s interminable trial for breaching FFP rules seems to be reaching a conclusion…or is it? The Price of Football’s Kieran Maguire returns to discuss that, as well as new charges laid against Chelsea, and the future of Sheffield Wednesday. Also on the agenda: Young Socceroos underway in Chile, Champions League storylines and pressure mounting on UEFA. Follow us on X: https://twitter.com/Box2BoxNTS Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100028871306243 Enjoy our written content: https://www.box2boxnts.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Box2Box, with Rob Gilbert and Derek Dyson! When Box2Box launched 2015, one of our earliest guests was a pioneer of Podcasting and sports blogging from the iconic Arseblog, Andrew Mangan. Andrew returns to dissect all things Arsenal …then, Chris Waugh from The Athletic chats about the mid table tightrope the Magpies are walking. Plus World Cup Tickets released and African qualifiers on the brink… Follow us on X: https://twitter.com/Box2BoxNTS Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100028871306243 Enjoy our written content: https://www.box2boxnts.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Box2Box, with Rob Gilbert and Willem van Denderen! Football Victoria held their men’s and women’s end of season playoffs over the weekend, and its clubs are at the forefront of the rebirth of NSL clubs on the national stage. But the actions of Preston & Dandenong City fans over the past fortnight have given the need to pause for thought. Interim-Football Victoria CEO Dan Birrell faces the tough questions. Then to England, where Ange Postecoglou is underway at Nottingham Forest with a packed fixture list ahead. The BBC’s midlands football expert Simon Stone returns with questions ahead - and to reflect separately on Manchester United’s worst start to a league season since 1992/93. Also on the agenda: Italy take another step along the World Cup qualification tightrope, Irankunda and Toure light up the Socceroos and Sam Kerr returns… Follow us on X: https://twitter.com/Box2BoxNTS Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100028871306243 Enjoy our written content: https://www.box2boxnts.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Box2Box, with Rob Gilbert, Michael Edgley and Willem van Denderen. Tony Popovic’s Socceroos remain undefeated through nine starts and while Friday’s first leg of the Soccer Ashes won’t live too long in the memory, there was plenty to be excited about. Simultaneously, the performance has been considered underwhelming. Daniel Garb returns to assess the result and what it means on the path to next year’s World Cup. Meanwhile, the conduct of Preston supporters at Saturday’s NPL preliminary-final has led to investigations by Victoria Police and Football Victoria, and again raises questions of the future of the game as re-integration of former-NSL sides into the mainstream seeks to continue. We try to make sense of the frustration. Also on the agenda: World Cup qualifying wrap from around the confederations, Western United into ‘hibernation’ and Sam Kerr edges closer to a return with Chelsea. Follow us on X: https://twitter.com/Box2BoxNTS Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100028871306243 Enjoy our written content: https://www.box2boxnts.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Box2Box, with Rob Gilbert, Michael Edgley and Willem van Denderen. Western United’s future continues to look exceptionally bleak, with forty-four players across men’s and women’s senior sides facing the prospect of being without a club when the season kicks off next month. PFA chief-executive Beau Busch returns at a very trying time for a section of their constituency. Then to England, where Thomas Tuchel must begin to produce results if the Three Lions are to qualify for the World Cup. The BBC’s Phil McNulty casts his expert eye over the squad, and the key issues from the Premier League as the transfer window prepares to close. Also on the agenda: Heidelberg and Newcastle reach the Australia Cup final, Tony Popovic names an exciting squad for the soccer Ashes, and Wellington are excluded from the OFC’s new league. Follow us on X: https://twitter.com/Box2BoxNTS Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100028871306243 Enjoy our written content: https://www.box2boxnts.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Box2Box, with Michael Edgley, Joey Lynch and Willem van Denderen! New Zealand’s A-League clubs met contrasting fortunes in the Australia Cup this week, with Auckland FC progressing on penalties while Wellington crashed out to a 4-0 defeat. Jason Pine (Sky Sports NZ) returns with the outlook for their respective campaigns looking decidedly different, and to cover off on Bev Preistman’s appointment to the Phoenix’s women’s job. Then to Italy, where the Serie A kicked off on the weekend with Napoli looking favourite to retain the Scudetto, with a raft of clubs at the start of new projects. Adriano Del Monte returns for a season preview, and a word on the Azzurri - who look destined to go the long way round if they’re to return to the FIFA World Cup. Also on the agenda: Western United watch continues, Everton move into their new home and the Olyroos & Socceroos prepare for camp. Follow us on X: https://twitter.com/Box2BoxNTS Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100028871306243 Enjoy our written content: https://www.box2boxnts.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Box2Box, with Rob Gilbert & Michael Edgley! Heidelberg further entrenched themselves in Australia Cup history with last week’s 3-0 win over Western Sydney, and face Wellington for a place in the semi-finals on Tuesday. Manager John Anastasiadis returns with the Bergers amidst extraordinary fixture congestion, but making the most of the opportunities available to them on multiple fronts. Sunderland bucked recent trend in celebrating their return to the Premier League with a thumping win, 3-0 over West Ham. The Guardian’s Jonathan Wilson, supporter of the club and product of the city, returns to assess what their return to the top flight says about the socio-economic growth, and swelling ambitions of the community. Follow us on X: https://twitter.com/Box2BoxNTS Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100028871306243 Enjoy our written content: https://www.box2boxnts.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Box2Box, with Rob Gilbert & Willem van Denderen! Western United’s future lies solely in their ability to successfully appeal Football Australia’s decision to strip them of their A-Leagues license. Veteran football reporter Michael Lynch returns to reflect on the never-wholly satisfying history of the club, and whether the doors will really close this month. The Premier League kicks off this weekend, and there are none better than the esteemed Henry Winter to preview the season. Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea are all expected to threaten, while the creeping Americanisation of public-facing foreign investment stands as an off-field point of interest. Also on the agenda: Sydney FC fans disgrace themselves at the Australia Cup, Mark Schwarzer honoured by Sport Australia, and vale to Palestine’s legendary striker, Suleiman al Obeid. Follow us on X: https://twitter.com/Box2BoxNTS Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100028871306243 Enjoy our written content: https://www.box2boxnts.com.au/ No Stoppage Time this week - please join us for the main show once again, next Monday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Box2Box, with Rob Gilbert and Michael Edgley! Olympic Kingsway pulled off this year's first Australia Cupset at the expense of Melbourne Victory last week, and competition-record goalscorer Liam Boland was front and centre with a brace off the bench. Nearing the end of his esteemed semi-professional career, Liam is forthright in his assessment of the disconnect between pro and semi-pro clubs in the country. Then to England, where the Championship kicks off this weekend with the usual bevy of clubs in contention, crisis and confusion. The Athletic's Nancy Frostick returns to make sense of Hollywood investment, parachute payments and Wednesday's woe. Also on the agenda: Wellington appoint Bev Preistman, Son departs Spurs & plenty more! Follow us on X: https://twitter.com/Box2BoxNTS Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100028871306243\ Enjoy our written content: https://www.box2boxnts.com.au/ No Stoppage Time this week - please join us for the main show once again, next Monday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Box2Box, with Rob Gilbert Michael Edgley! The Australian Championship remains slated for its long-awaited October kick-off, although Sunday’s announcement by Football Australia that they’ve been unable to find additional suitable clubs to join the inaugural eight has seen frustration return. South Melbourne chairman Bill Papastergiadis joins Michael and Willem van Denderen to discuss what feels like a significant setback. Meanwhile, storylines aplenty on the agenda in Germany, including Jackson Irvine’s solidarity with Palestine and Nestory Irankunda’s Bayern Munich sale. The Athletic’s authority on the German game, Kit Holden, covers off on all the big talking points. Also on the agenda: England retain the Women’s Euros, FIFA and FIFPRO remain at odds, Cooks Hill United write Australia Cup headlines and plenty more… Follow us on X: https://twitter.com/Box2BoxNTS Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100028871306243 Enjoy our written content: https://www.box2boxnts.com.au/ No Stoppage Time this week - please join us for the main show once again, next Monday. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.