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Stak

Welcome to Upfront, the dedicated women's football podcast brought to you by the Football Ramble! Join Chloe Morgan and Rachel O'Sullivan every week for reaction and analysis throughout the season. We'll also tell the cultural stories that matter across the women's game, from the grassroots to the very top. 
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Upfront - A Women's Football Podcast

On the official Chloe Morgan spicy scale, this weekend was... flaming hot.

Chloe and Rachel try their best to pick apart everything that went down in north London on Saturday afternoon – and what needs to be done next. Is VAR really the answer? Rachel has some alternatives, while Chloe explains why the backlash must be tempered.

Elsewhere, Man United lose for the first time in the WSL this season – what happened?! And London City Lionesses get a serious win under their belts which – of course – means Chloe thinks they're destined for the Champions League now. Join us!

**Keep your eyes out for a BIG interview dropping on Thursday!**

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.

Spicy controversy at the Emirates and Aston Villa stun Man United

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.

Jack and Kim also told us about Puma's re:fibre initiative to recycle polyester football shirts into brand new textiles.

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.

A thriller of a mid-table clash, Liverpool lose again and some football kit chat

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.

Chelsea Legend Claire Rafferty on her work in football since retirement, living with ADHD and the fortunes of her former clubs

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.

England lose on their Euros homecoming, Ireland smash Belgium, and goodbye Jess Fishlock

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.

How we would change the League Cup, plus the state of Italian football since the Euros

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.

Arsenal and Chelsea bounce back, Leicester's new gaffer, and Millie Bright retires from England!

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 website and their 24/7 helpline are brilliant resources, too.

 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Spurs defender Molly Bartrip reflects on battles with her mental health and building a supportive dressing room

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.

A feast of WSL drama

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 Renée 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.

Arsenal drop precious points and a new era for Bristol City

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.

Our colleague Jacqui Oatley has launched a Just Giving page to support Matt'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.

 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In memory of Matt Beard

Flo, Rachel and Chloe recap a seismic League Cup final that saw Man City sweep Chelsea aside in startling fashion. We ask where it all went wrong for the reigning champions and how this might influence the WSL.

Elsewhere, Viv Miedema reminds everyone that class is permanent and, seeing as it's International Women's Day, we celebrate women from football and beyond who have helped us on our journey.

Got a question for us? Tweet us @FootballRamble, @FloydTweet, @GirlsontheBall and @Morgie_89

Artwork photo - GirlsontheBall ©

 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Upfront: Man City win the Conti Cup, the genius of Viv Miedema, and some deserved IWD shoutouts

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