Box2Box Football Network

Box2Box with Rob Gilbert, Michael Edgley and Willem van Denderen! The Women’s Asian Cup kicks off this weekend as the Matildas look to reach at least the semi-finals and secure qualification to next year’s World Cup. Tarryn Heddo (10/Paramount+) will be calling the tournament and returns for a look at the Matildas, as well as heavy hitters China and North Korea. Alen Stajcic managed both Australia and their first-up opponents Philippines at Asian Cups (and subsequent World Cups), and both to a high degree of success. He considers where expectations should lie, and reflects on his time with the Filipinas, which he recalls as his fondest in football. Also on the agenda: Juan Mata’s Derby masterclass, Oluwayemi howler sparks the end for Chiefy, FIFA pledge to rebuild football in Gaza 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 and Willem van Denderen! The most even A-League Men’s season on record continues with Sydney FC & Auckland to meet in a crucial clash on Tuesday, while Brisbane find themselves off the pace after a stirring start to the season. Daniel Garb returns with football narrative aplenty - including Melbourne City’s form in Asia - while the race for Socceroos squads position is also stepping up with Mo Toure in career best form, but Lewis Miller facing an injury layoff. Then to England where Tottenham and Nottingham Forest sacked their managers this week, with the relegation battle starting to take shape. Former The Age chief football writer Michael Lynch returns with the season about to turn for home. Also on the agenda: Steve Rosich speaks, FIFA ticket allocations sees Australian interest drop off, and the potential Matildas squad for the Women’s Asian Cup. 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! Canberra United pulled off another win at the death on Sunday to ensure they remain in the running for the A-League Women’s Premiership, currently just two points off leaders Melbourne City. Antoni Jagarenic joins the show for the first time to discuss just how they continue to defy the odds as a standalone team lacking the resources of their rivals. Then to England, where Leicester City have had a six-point deduction imposed for breaching PSR rules and are now in major danger of relegation from the Championship. The Athletic’s Rob Tanner returns with the club now facing its starkest contrast yet to its title winning year, which is soon rising a decade. Also on the agenda: Ante Juric’s Sydney FC reign over, Manchester City vs Liverpool latest installment, FIFA ticket release 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.

Rado Vidosic has been warmly remembered across all corners of Australian football over the past week, following his passing last Tuesday aged 64. Erik Paartalu (10/Paramount+) reflects on their time together at Brisbane Roar, before wrapping what was yet another gripping round of A-League Men’s fixtures. A fortnight has passed since the dramatic and somewhat unsavoury AFCON final, which saw Senegal defeat Morocco in Rabat. BBC Sport Africa’s Rob Stevens makes sense of the chaos of that evening & broader political drama in African football, and looks at how CAF’s nine (and potentially ten) qualified sides will fare at the World Cup in June. Also on the agenda: China’s football corruption scandal, Benfica roll Real Madrid in Champions League epic, Canberra United turn up the heat in A-League Women’s & 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.

Mark Milligan’s Newcastle Jets have been the most thrilling side of the A-League Men’s season, and have now added a layer of consistency with four consecutive wins to start 2026. Friday’s 4-1 demolition of Wellington ensured the ‘Box-Office’ moniker has taken legitimate hold; Mark joins us again for a mid-season catch-up as excitement builds in the Hunter. Since we last spoke with Jeremiah Oshan (Sounder at Heart), in November the Socceroos have been drawn to play the USA in his city of Seattle. Jeremiah returns as the World Cup draws nearer, but the overarching political climate shows no signs of settling. Also on the agenda: United beat Arsenal as title race remains on, Burkitt hat-trick & 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! Nishan Velupillay’s return to form & fitness has coincided with Melbourne Victory’s rise up the A-League Men’s table, and placed him back in the frame for Tony Popovic’s World Cup squad. Nishan reflects on the ill-timed injury now behind him, and forecasts ambitions abroad. Henry Winter (newly of Sports Illustrated) then discusses Michael Carrick’s first-up win (in his second stint) as Manchester United interim boss - over Manchester City, no less. Henry also speaks on Spurs’ ongoing woe, and the wild AFCON final which descended into chaos in Rabat. Also on the agenda: the scenes and fallout from that final, Martin Kugeler appointed by Football Australia, Josh Cavallo’s discontent, and Damon Hanlin’s Mariners involvement. 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.

This week on Box2Box Stoppage Time, Michael Edgley and Willem van Denderen are joined by PFA Co-President Tameka Yallop, following the release of Ready For Takeoff - the Player’s Vision for the A-League Women. Comprised of four key pillars, Ready For Takeoff advocates for the professionalisation of the ALW and an overhaul of the APL into an independent commission, among numerous other recommendations. Tameka reflects on the stand taken by the 2015 Matildas squad - of which she was part - to demand the professionalisation of the national team, and why the union feels now is the time to force a similar result for Australia's domestic women's league. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Box2Box, with Rob Gilbert, Michael Edgley & Willem van Denderen! Western United have secured a last-minute stay of execution at the Australian Tax Office, and now present as a possible returnee to the A-Leagues in the face of all expectation. But would the APL’s door swing open? Michael Lynch returns to assess the latest turn in the saga. Then to Italy, where the Azzurri are awaiting their date with destiny that will define either a return to the World Cup, or a third dose of national torture. Adriano Del Monte speaks to their desperation to qualify, and to the (once-again) enthralling Serie A season unfolding before us. Also on the agenda: AFCON quarter finals, FA Cup upsets and Mariners instability… 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! Wellington Phoenix and Auckland FC kicked off 2026 in contrasting fashion to that of their respective 2025s, while the Phoenix’s Women’s team could develop into one of the stories of 2026 if recent indicators are accurate. Sky Sports NZ’s Jason Pine returns for a kiwi football wrap, as they enter a Men's World Cup year for the first time in sixteen. Then to South America, where hopes and dreams of a successful World Cup spread right across the continent. How will Brazil fare, and what of holders Argentina? Esteemed South American football journo Tim Vickery (BBC, ESPN et al.) joins us from Rio, for a comprehensive eye to the showpiece event. Also on the agenda: Aussie managers become hot property in China, Enzo Maresca departs Chelsea, NPL Vic star scores at AFCON & 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 A-League Women’s continues to throw up extraordinary results with Canberra, Victory and City top of the table, all while the Matildas’ ambition at the 2026 Asian Cup continues to loom. Ten/Paramount+ commentator Taryn Heddo wraps domestic proceedings, and casts forwards to the biggest event on the 2026 Aus women’s football calendar. Then to Perth, where Glory recruit Scott Wootton has provided stability amongst turbulence, and now improved fortunes under Adam Griffiths. Scott reflects on his early career at Manchester United, and provides considered opinion on the game in Australia. Also on the agenda: Aston Villa dominate the festive period, Mozambique and South Africa enjoy AFCON success, tight at the top in Serie A, and Sydney FC displaced again. 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! Former Sydney Olympic director/chairman Damon Hanlin’s proposal to take over Central Coast has been before the APL for some weeks, but club & media discussion has been minimal. Championship Mariner Daniel McBreen (10/Paramount+) returns to get to the bottom of things, and assess the varied on-field characteristics of Perth, Brisbane & Newcastle. As 2025 draws to a close, Simon Hill also returns to reflect on the year that has been in Australian football, its administration, and Socceroos and Matildas - and provide an update on his relocation back home. Also on the agenda: AFCON kicks off in Morocco, Wellington’s women hit seven goals, Sam Kerr hits three goals in a week, & 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! With 2025 drawing to a close, Joey Lynch reviews the year that was for the Socceroos & Matildas - with majour tournaments to come for both in 2026. Joey also casts his eye over the big issues from the weekend’s A-Leagues round, both on and off the pitch. Then to Liverpool, where a week has again proven a long time in football; a win in Europe and the League has Arne Slot’s side in better form, while Mo Salah has returned to the squad against expectation. The Athletic’s Reds reporter James Pearce returns. Also on the agenda: FIFA World Cup ticket price outrage, Donovan says Popovic ‘got that smugness about him’, Newcastle Jets back in the winners’ circle and 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! 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.