Claim OwnershipA Level Playing Field
Subscribed: 3Played: 2
Subscribe
© 2026 A Level Playing Field
Description
A Podcast co-hosted by Scottish football journalists Alison McConnell and Cheryl Smith.
We chat all things women's football, including the latest SWPL action, as well as hot topics from across the globe.
15 Episodes
Reverse
In this deeply moving episode, we sit down with Sarah Rhind to explore the powerful story behind her book Scars Under the Jersey: Addiction, Loss and the Game I Love. Sarah speaks openly about her journey through recovery, the grip of addiction, and the lasting impact of grief after personal loss. It’s an honest and emotional conversation about rebuilding your life when everything has been stripped back and the strength it takes to keep going. We also dive into her connection with Street Socc...
In this week’s episode, we’re joined by SWPL Managing Director Fiona McIntyre for an in-depth and honest conversation about the state of the women’s game in Scotland. Fiona lifts the lid on what her role really involves behind the scenes, the biggest challenges she’s faced since taking charge, and the ongoing effort to grow the league’s visibility and get more fans through the turnstiles. We also tackle the recent headlines around a reported financial crisis in the SWPL and hear directl...
In this episode, we’re joined by the Head of Refereeing at the Scottish FA, Willie Collum, for an honest and insightful conversation about the future of female referees in Scotland. Willie discusses the growing presence of women in officiating and the clear ambition to see female referees regularly taking charge of top-flight men’s matches. He opens up on areas the game isn’t talking about enough, including how referees manage training during the menstrual cycle and the challenges of returnin...
On this episode, we sit down with Leanne Crichton, now manager of Rangers, for an honest conversation about leadership, loyalty, and life beyond the pitch. Leanne opens up about the emotional decision to leave Glasgow City, the club that shaped so much of her career and the whirlwind of feelings that came with crossing the city. She reflects on that pivotal moment, what was said between her and Leanne Ross, and how it felt to step into a new chapter wearing different colours. Now at the...
In this episode, we sit down with Melissa Andreatta, the head coach of the Scotland Women’s national team, to explore her fascinating journey in football. From growing up in Australia and chasing her dream as a player to experiencing the heartbreak of the Matildas and navigating the highs and lows of a coaching career, Melissa shares the moments that have shaped her both on and off the pitch. She talks candidly about what inspired her to take on the Scotland job, how she has embraced li...
This week on A Level Playing Field, we’re joined by Cara Henderson to hear her inspiring journey back from an ACL injury. Cara opens up about the mental toll of long-term injury, navigating two managerial changes, and her thoughts on the league’s recent cash crisis. We also discuss her evolving pathway into media work and get her take on this weekend’s thrilling final round of fixtures before the split. A must-listen for anyone fascinated by resilience, women’s football, and the s...
In this episode of A Level Playing Field, Celtic and Scotland midfielder Maria McAneny sits down for an in-depth conversation about her journey through the game - from academy prospect to one of the most exciting young talents in the SWPL. Maria reflects on coming through Celtic’s academy system and what it takes to make the transition from youth football into the senior environment. She opens up about her pivotal loan spell at Hearts at just 17, the responsibility that came with step...
A major talking point has rocked the SWPL this week, with reports of a potential financial crisis raising serious questions about the league’s future. In this episode of A Level Playing Field, Hamilton Accies manager Robert Watson joins us to give his honest reaction to the story broken by Stephen McGowan. From the pressures facing clubs behind the scenes to what this could mean for players, staff, and the long-term health of the women’s game in Scotland, we dig into what happens next a...
In this episode, we’re joined by Lauren Davidson for a brilliant chat covering the biggest moments of her career so far — and what’s still to come. Lauren takes us back to that unforgettable 92nd-minute goal at Ibrox on the final day, the strike that helped Glasgow City clinch the league title, and why it’s a moment that still follows her everywhere… even on holiday. We also dive into her move to SK Brann, life in Norway, and how she’s adapting to a new league, new culture, and a fresh ...
Filmed on location at the Hibernian Training Centre, this episode of A Level Playing Field features Hibs ace Rachael Boyle as our special guest. Rachael reflects on the shock of Grant Scott leaving Hibs for Celtic during the winter break, and she looks back on last season’s memorable title celebrations at Ibrox. She also discusses the appointment of Joelle Murray as manager and what the change has meant for the squad. The conversation goes beyond the pitch too, as Rachael opens up about...
Episode 5 of the A Level Playing Field Podcast features a special conversation with journalism legend Hugh McDonald, who joins Alison McConnell and Cheryl Smith to reflect on a lifetime spent covering football — and the long, often difficult journey of the women’s game. Drawing on his experiences during a period when women’s football was officially banned, Hugh offers rare insight into what it meant to report on the sport at a time when it was largely ignored, dismissed, or actively discourag...
On this episode of A Level Playing Field, Alison McConnell and Cheryl Smith discuss an interview with Scotland and Real Madrid midfielder Caroline Weir. Caroline takes us inside her unforgettable Ballon d’Or experience, sharing what it was really like to be nominated among the world’s best and the surreal feeling of returning home to Dunfermline, where seeing her mural made her feel like a 15-year-old kid again. She also looks ahead to Scotland’s upcoming men’s clash with Brazil in Mi...
In this episode, Cheryl and Alison sit down with Partick Thistle boss Gary Holt for an honest, energetic and wide-ranging conversation. From leadership and expectations to the realities of managing in the modern game, Holt brings sharp insight and straight-talking perspective to the table. They dive into: ⚽ His vision for Partick Thistle 🧠 Mindset to build a winning culture 📈 The pressures, challenges and opportunities facing managers today 💬 Candid reflections from his career Whether...
In this episode of A Level Playing Field, we dive into a huge week across the women’s game in Scotland. We start at the Scottish Women’s Football Awards, where Hibs’ deserved double triumph took centre stage, and an unforgettable night of stories, celebration, and emotion unfolded. We discuss why Hamilton Accies manager Robert Watson looks like the perfect fit for the club, and reflect on Caroline Weir’s effortless brilliance—a true Rolls-Royce of a player whose influence continues to shape ...
In our debut episode, Alison McConnell and Cheryl Smith look back to another huge week across the women’s game. We break down all the big talking points from the SWPL, including why Celtic still can’t get past Rangers, the shock Celtic exits that caught everyone off guard, and whether Glasgow City’s bump in the road is a momentary wobble or something more. We also look ahead to Scotland’s World Cup hopes — what needs to click, who needs to step up, and how the squad is shaping up for t...
Comments
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States