Box2Box Football Network

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.

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.