A Level Playing Field – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

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A Level Playing Field

Cheryl Smith & Alison McConnell

Sports

Frequency: 1 episode/11d. Total Eps: 25

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.

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Recent rankings

Latest chart positions across Apple Podcasts and Spotify rankings.

Apple Podcasts

🇬🇧 Great Britain - football
19/08/2026
#95
🇬🇧 Great Britain - football
18/08/2026
#67
🇬🇧 Great Britain - football
17/08/2026
#82
🇬🇧 Great Britain - football
16/08/2026
#49
🇬🇧 Great Britain - football
15/08/2026
#24
🇬🇧 Great Britain - football
13/08/2026
#84
🇬🇧 Great Britain - football
03/08/2026
#50
🇬🇧 Great Britain - football
02/08/2026
#91
🇬🇧 Great Britain - football
21/06/2026
#73
🇬🇧 Great Britain - football
20/06/2026
#57

Spotify

No recent rankings available

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https://www.buzzsprout.com/2559401/fan_mail/new
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https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2559401/open_sms
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https://www.nutmegmagazine.co.uk/subscriptions/
24 shares

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Score global : 68%

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Celtic fans stunned by shock double exit: A Level Playing Field I Episode 1

Season 1 · Episode 1

Monday, November 24, 2025 • Duration 23:36

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 the challenge ahead.

A brand new podcast, plenty to talk about, and a level playing field for all.

To get your first year of Nutmeg Magazine plus emails from Nutmeg FC for £40, including postage - that's a saving of £14. Go to nutmegmagazine.co.uk and choose print and digital subscription and use code ALPF.

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Robert Watson: Are financial fears putting the SWPL at risk? I A Level Playing Field I Episode 8

Season 1 · Episode 8

Tuesday, February 3, 2026 • Duration 36:09

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 and why this moment matters.

This is a candid, necessary conversation about sustainability, leadership, and the direction of the SWPL at a critical time.

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Lauren Davidson: 92nd-Minute Title Winner, Scotland World Cup Hopes & Life at SK Brann I A Level Playing Field I Episode 7

Season 1 · Episode 7

Monday, January 19, 2026 • Duration 20:50

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 challenge abroad.

Plus, Lauren opens up on her ambitions with Scotland, what it would mean to be part of a World Cup campaign, and the work that goes on behind the scenes to stay ready for international football.

A must-listen for Scottish women’s football fans — packed with laughs, honesty, and a proper insight into one of the game’s most exciting players.

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Rachael Boyle: Hibs Exit Shock, Ibrox Title Party and Returning After Kids I A Level Playing Field I Episode 6

Season 1 · Episode 6

Monday, January 12, 2026 • Duration 24:31

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 balancing part-time work alongside playing, wishing her own career was only just beginning, and the pride she feels watching her daughter start her own football journey.

There’s also discussion on Scotland women's national team's World Cup hopes and Hibs’ partnership with Nuby UK, highlighting the wider impact of the women’s game on and off the field.

An honest, insightful episode with one of Scottish football’s most respected figures.

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Hugh MacDonald: Allyship, History and Heroes of the Women’s Game: A Level Playing Field I Episode 5

Season 1 · Episode 5

Tuesday, December 30, 2025 • Duration 33:05

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 discouraged. He speaks candidly about how women’s football was talked about in newsrooms, the language that was used, and the cultural barriers that shaped coverage for decades.

As the conversation unfolds, Hugh charts the changes he has witnessed first-hand: from silence and marginalisation to growing visibility, respect, and legitimacy in mainstream sports reporting.

He reflects on his own role as an ally of the women’s game, the responsibility journalists carry in shaping public perception, and why fair, informed coverage has always mattered — even when the sport itself was pushed to the margins.

The episode also pays tribute to the players of the past who earned Hugh’s admiration long before wider recognition followed, acknowledging their talent, resilience, and influence despite the lack of platform or support.

Bringing the discussion firmly into the present, Hugh shares a touching personal story about his granddaughter and how a new generation of fans are growing up with women footballers as genuine heroes — including her admiration for Caroline Weir.

It’s a conversation that connects history, progress, and hope, highlighting just how far the game has come — and why the stories behind it still matter.

Caroline Weir: Walking the Ballon d’Or Red Carpet: A Level Playing Field I Episode 4

Season 1 · Episode 4

Tuesday, December 16, 2025 • Duration 35:59

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 Miami, explaining why she’s making the trip and what it means to see Scottish football on the global stage. The conversation turns to the Scotland women’s World Cup qualification campaign, with Caroline discussing her hopes and belief as the journey begins in March.

Elsewhere, Caroline opens up about awaiting the decision on the Scotland captaincy, the responsibility that comes with leadership, and her passion beyond the pitch with her new venture, Sported, aimed at supporting young people through sport.

An honest, inspiring episode with one of Scotland’s biggest footballing talents — on ambition, home, and what comes next.

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Gary Holt Pulls No Punches: The Truth About Life at Thistle: A Level Playing Field I Episode 3

Season 1 · Episode 3

Wednesday, December 10, 2025 • Duration 38:17

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 you’re a Thistle fan, a student of the game, or just love hearing from football’s most compelling voices, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

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Hibs’ Double, Weir’s Class, and one wild Mary Corr tale: A Level Playing Field I Episode 2

Season 1 · Episode 2

Tuesday, December 2, 2025 • Duration 36:32

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 the national team conversation.

There’s also plenty of laughter as Rose Reilly’s hilarious Mary Corr tale from the awards makes its way into the show.

We spotlight Kelly Clark’s well-earned recognition—even on a flight to Tenerife—after helping Celtic secure the title, and we share a wholehearted recommendation for Elsie Cook’s powerful book, A Kiss from Pelly.

The episode also pays tribute to Joelle Murray’s extraordinary career and trademark humility, and we wrap up with admiration for Turriff United Under-18s, whose bravery and commitment has stood out.

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Leanne Crichton: Bossing it at Rangers I A Level Playing Field I Episode 12

Thursday, March 5, 2026 • Duration 30:30

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 helm at Rangers, she shares what life is really like as Gers boss: the pressure, the pride, the expectations, and the “pinch me” moments that come with leading one of Scotland’s biggest clubs.

Away from football, Leanne speaks candidly about becoming a mum, how it’s changed her perspective, strengthened her resilience, and reshaped the way she approaches both management and life.

She also discusses stepping into the media spotlight, the nerves she initially felt around punditry work, and how she’s grown to embrace and enjoy having a voice in the game.

There’s reflection too on Scotland from her own experiences in the national jersey to her thoughts on the country’s World Cup hopes. And she gives her take on the direction under Melissa Andreatta, and what the future could hold.

It’s an open, thoughtful and revealing conversation about growth, courage, and carving out your own path in the modern game.

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Melissa Andreatta: From Down Under to Scotland I A Level Playing Field I Episode 11

Season 1 · Episode 11

Monday, February 23, 2026 • Duration 30:38

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 life in a new country, and the challenges and rewards of leading a national team with ambition and heart.

Melissa also opens up about her vision for the team, her hopes of guiding Scotland to the Women’s World Cup, and what it takes to inspire a squad to dream bigger than ever before.

Packed with insight, honesty, and plenty of football passion, this episode offers a rare look behind the whistle at the journey, determination, and mindset of one of the game’s most exciting coaches.

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A Level Playing Field – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

A Level Playing Field – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

Buzzsprout3

Other1

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Similar podcasts and content

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Buzzsprout3

Other1