Upfront - A Women's Football Podcast

Chloe’s jet-setting again but nothing stops the pod! She and Rachel discuss the goal-packed game between Aston Villa and Everton and look a bit more closely at the situation on the red side of Liverpool, as Gareth Taylor's side remain winless in the WSL. Plus, Jack Fowler and Kimberley Cumberbatch from “Who Gives a Shirt?” join the show to speak about football kits, identity and fashion. Please fill out Stak's listener survey! It'll help us learn more about the content you love so we can bring you even more - you'll also be entered into a competition to win one of five PlayStation 5's! Click here: https://bit.ly/staksurvey2025 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 rate and review us on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. It means a lot and makes it easy for other people to find us. Thank you!** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today’s Upfront, Chloe and Rachel are joined by Chelsea legend and former Lioness Claire Rafferty to discuss about transfers and scouting in the men’s and women’s game. And, as ADHD Awareness Month comes to an end, Claire reflects on her experience of being diagnosed with – and living with – the condition. She also discusses the trajectories of two of her former clubs in the WSL this season: unstoppable Chelsea and struggling West Ham. Please fill out Stak's listener survey! It'll help us learn more about the content you love so we can bring you even more - you'll also be entered into a competition to win one of five PlayStation 5's! Click here: https://bit.ly/staksurvey2025 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 rate and review us on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. It means a lot and makes it easy for other people to find us. Thank you!** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chloe and Rachel are back from their escapades around Europe for a very international pod! And a certain very important England debut... Chloe celebrates Khiara Keating's first appearance between the sticks for England, while Rach explains that - despite the 2-1 defeat against a VERY pumped Brazil - the Lionesses showed their teeth in this game. But one listener asks if England have an Alessia Russo problem. Plus, Ireland bag a huge win in Dublin, mainly courtesy of Katie McCabe and partly courtesy of Nicky Evrard's back. And we give Jess Fishlock the goodbye she deserves by putting a topknot on the Wales dragon. Join us! Please fill out Stak's listener survey! It'll help us learn more about the content you love so we can bring you even more - you'll also be entered into a competition to win one of five PlayStation 5's! Click here: https://bit.ly/staksurvey2025 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 rate and review us on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. It means a lot and makes it easy for other people to find us. Thank you!** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There might not have been any cupsets, but there were some impressive showings from the WSL2 sides in the Subway League Cup this weekend! Newcastle took Man City to the wire (what a game!), while Nottingham Forest took Everton to penalties, too. Chloe and Rachel discuss the best of the action and the future of the tournament itself. How could (or should) it be changed? They also hear what you have to say about the competition! Plus, European football expert and On The Continent regular Nicky Bandini joins the pod to talk about the big changes in Italian football after a game-changing summer for the national team. Please fill out Stak's listener survey! It'll help us learn more about the content you love so we can bring you even more - you'll also be entered into a competition to win one of five PlayStation 5's! Click here: https://bit.ly/staksurvey2025 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 rate and review us on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. It means a lot and makes it easy for other people to find us. Thank you!** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We're back with an early edition of Upfront on the eve of Sarina Wiegman's first England squad since the Euros! And there's big news... Chloe and Rachel look back on two vital wins for Arsenal and Chelsea – and how some of the same problems are persisting for both teams in front of goal. Elsewhere, Leicester have a new manager, but is the pressure off for them as Liverpool struggle and West Ham continue to shoot themselves in the foot? And finally, there's the small matter of Millie Bright's international retirement! We pay tribute to one of the Lionesses' finest ever players and leaders. Please fill out Stak's listener survey! It'll help us learn more about the content you love so we can bring you even more - you'll also be entered into a competition to win one of five PlayStation 5's! Click here: https://bit.ly/staksurvey2025 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 rate and review us on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. It means a lot and makes it easy for other people to find us. Thank you!** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Content warning: this interview features discussion of topics that some listeners may find triggering and distressing. Ahead of World Mental Health Day tomorrow, Rachel is joined by Spurs defender and vice-captain Molly Bartrip. Molly has been one of the most prominent voices in the WSL on mental health. After own battles with anorexia nervosa, depression and anxiety, she has spoken frankly about her health and has strived to support her teammates. Molly sat down with Rachel to reflect on her journey, the growing pressure on players and staff in the WSL, and how she looks after her own mind and body today. You can find Molly's 2022 piece in The Players' Tribune here. If you’ve been affected by anything you’ve heard on today’s episode or would like some advice, please visit mind.org.uk. Molly has also recommended visiting Common Goal, where you can find more stories and advice from figures across football – and for players, the PFA's 24/7 helpline is a brilliant resource, too. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

All eyes were on two huge games at the top of the table this weekend and they absolutely delivered! The difference was that Rach was getting absolutely soaked in Manchester on Friday night, while Chloe was watching it with a glass of Merlot. Or Rioja. Something red, anyway. Chloe and Rachel pick apart another thriller between Man City and Arsenal, which has left Chloe believing that this is a new, shackles-off era for Man City. There's also plenty of love for a brilliant battle between Man United and Chelsea, with Jess Park starring in midfield. And there's even time to talk about FIFA's brand new Women's Champions Cup. The question is... is there enough time to play it? Follow us on X and Instagram! Subscribe on 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 rate and review us on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. It means a lot and makes it easy for other people to find us. Thank you!** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What's that? People saying the title race is already over? Chloe and Rachel are here to provide a healthy dose of scepticism – as well as a healthy dose of 'what the hell is missing for Arsenal?!' Chloe explains why Saturday's stalemate wasn't Renee Slegers' fault, while Rachel thinks people have been getting Aston Villa's start to the season all wrong. Plus, they take a closer look at Liverpool as their tough early season form continues. And after exciting news of another huge takeover down in WSL2, what will Mercury13 do for Bristol City? Our colleague Jacqui Oatley has launched a Just Giving page to support Matt Beard's wife Debbie with the funeral and living costs – you can donate here. If you've been affected by the news over the past few days, then please visit mind.org.uk. **Please rate and review us on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. It means a lot and makes it easy for other people to find us. Thank you!** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, Chloe and Rachel pay tribute to former Liverpool manager Matt Beard, who passed away on Saturday. He was 47 years old. Matt or 'Beardy' was a giant of the women's game, who left an impact on players and fans at every club he went. He was known for his kindness, his warmth, and his generosity. He will be so sorely missed. Chloe and Rachel also discuss Spurs' 5-1 defeat to Man City, the new Champions League format, and the Ballon d'Or, which was awarded last night. If you've been affected by the news over the past few days, then please visit mind.org.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chloe and Rachel are back to discuss everything across the second week of the WSL! Man United might have had a nightmare in Norway, but they handed out another pasting in the league. The boots probably helped... Elsewhere, Sam Kerr made her VERY anticipated return and – of course – she scored. Rach explains why we helped take the pressure off her, sort of. Plus, with reports of huge growth for the WSL overseas, we take a closer look at the numbers. What's behind it? And is the league neglecting its core, domestic fans? Join our WSL Fantasy League here with the code FFFQUZ Please fill out Stak's listener survey! It'll help us learn more about the content you love so we can bring you even more - you'll also be entered into a competition to win one of five PlayStation 5's! Click here: https://bit.ly/staksurvey2025 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 rate and review us on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. It means a lot and makes it easy for other people to find us. Thank you!** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chloe and Rachel are back after an opening weekend packed FULL of storylines! Except Brighton vs Aston Villa... We look back on Arsenal's victory over London City Lionesses – and the Kangster dropping a huge world record transfer fee for Grace Geyoro. Plus, will Sam Kerr really breeze back into this Chelsea team? What does Grace Clinton's exit say about Manchester United? And can there be a better debut than scoring a hat-trick in the Merseyside derby?! Join our WSL Fantasy League here with the code FFFQUZ Please fill out Stak's listener survey! It'll help us learn more about the content you love so we can bring you even more - you'll also be entered into a competition to win one of five PlayStation 5's! Click here: https://bit.ly/staksurvey2025 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 rate and review us on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. It means a lot and makes it easy for other people to find us. Thank you!** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chloe and Rachel are here to lift the curtain on the 2025/26 WSL season! They answer your big questions across the league. Can anyone stop the Chelsea runaway train? Are Spurs favourites for relegation? And who are the main candidates for our new disruptors?! Come join us for all the answers to that and much, much more. Join our WSL Fantasy League here with the code FFFQUZ Please fill out Stak's listener survey! It'll help us learn more about the content you love so we can bring you even more - you'll also be entered into a competition to win one of five PlayStation 5's! Click here: https://bit.ly/staksurvey2025 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.

We're back! Chloe and Rachel catch up at Upfront's brand new HQ on everything that's happened since the Euros – which, somehow, was already a month ago. We discuss Olivia Smith's record-breaking move to Arsenal and London City Lionesses' business so far: are they refreshing disruptors or bringing more imbalance to the league? Plus, the WSL2 is pulling in stars from all over the place – we take a look at how this season's extra promotion spot is forcing clubs to go big or go home. Please fill out Stak's listener survey! It'll help us learn more about the content you love so we can bring you even more - you'll also be entered into a competition to win one of five PlayStation 5's! Click here: https://bit.ly/staksurvey2025 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. If you sign up before the end of August, you'll get 15% off an annual subscription: patreon.com/footballramble. **Please rate and review us on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your pods. It means a lot and makes it easy for other people to find us. Thank you!** Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chloe and Rachel have just about peeled themselves off their ceilings in time to for our FINAL show of Euro 2025! And it's a big one... Back by popular demand, it's our first-ever Upfront Awards for a major tournament! Who is our Player of the Tournament? What was Chloe's spiciest moment (possibly sponsored by Nandos)? And what was Rach's favourite snap? We also discuss the impact of England's victory and how it compares to 2022! **Thank you so much for joining us throughout Euro 2025! It's been a wild ride. Please take the time to rate us on your podcast app. It means a great deal to the show and will make it easier for other listeners to find us next season. Thanks so much! We'll be back for the new WSL season very soon.** 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.

Rach's head has gone, Chloe's voice has gone – but we don't care! We look back on an incredible night for the Lionesses and English football. From Chloe Kelly's aura, to Leah Williamson and Jess Carter's masterclass, to Michelle Agyemang and her 22 older sisters... we're reliving it all the morning after the night before! 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 us on your podcast app. 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 here: England, the defending champions, take on Spain, the world champions. Chloe and Rachel are joined by England legend and BBC co-commentator Rachel Brown-Finnis to look ahead to what promises to be an extraordinary final. They discuss England's journey and the media narratives that have swirled around it – plus, RBF reveals what she would tell these England players to unlock that Spain defence. We also find out about the secret behind Michelle Agyemang's ice-cold persona and there's even time for our score predictions! Sort of... 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 us on your podcast app. 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.

Aitana Bonmatí settled it with a cheeky moment of magic last night – but has a poor game left us feeling more optimistic about England's chances? Chloe and Rachel discuss a tale of two goalkeepers and how Germany managed to restrict Spain so effectively. Plus, we answer your burning questions ahead of the final on Sunday! Will Wiegman change her starting XI? Will England thrive without the ball? And has Chloe's impersonation of Rachel got any better? Tune in to find out! 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 us on your podcast app. 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's good for England after the 80th minute isn't good for Rach's ulcerative colitis. But seriously: WHAT A GAME, WHAT A NIGHT! Chloe and Rachel sit down with hoarse voices to relive England's comeback win against Italy and celebrate Michelle Agyemang's calmness beyond her years, Chloe Kelly's 'it's me' mentality, and some absolute much-needed grit. We also salute Italy's run (but not some of their - ahem - dark arts) and ask: can Germany really do it again Spain? Chloe thinks so! 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 us on your podcast app. 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.

Thought England vs Sweden was going to be the most chaotic game of the quarter-finals? Well last night Germany said: "hold my stein". Chloe and Rachel relive another extraordinary penalty shootout and discuss how France managed to mess it up against 10 players for over 100 minutes. Plus, Spain knocked the Swiss out – but the vibes were unrivalled. Rach tells us all about the atmosphere on Friday night! 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 us on your podcast app. 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.

One of the most emotional, chaotic, frustrating, heartbreaking, joyous matches you will ever see... but England are through! Chloe and Rachel take a breath and try to work out what happened on an extraordinary night in Zurich! Like... why did Sweden's keeper take their fifth pen!? Join us for a very, very necessary debrief! 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 us on your podcast app. 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.