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The Athletic FC Podcast
Is women's football still growing?
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Record attendances at the Euros? Check.
65k in London to celebrate the Lionesses? Check.
Rising attendances for the WSL? Not last season.
So is women's football still growing?
Plus, Nikki Doucet, chief executive of the Women’s Professional League - who took control of the WSL in 2024, joins us ahead of the start of the new season.
Host: Ayo Akinwolere
With: Charlotte Harpur, Megan Feringa and Nikki Doucet
Executive Producer: Abi Paterson
Producers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe
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Keith Andrews: Set-piece coach to Premier League manager?
39:21|Brentford are in the running to secure European football for the first time in the club’s history.On this special episode of The Athletic FC Podcast, we’ll be bringing you an interview with head coach Keith Andrews, discussing his transition from set-piece coach to Premier League manager and the journey that led him to this point.The interview took place in Gunnersbury Park where Brentford's Community Sports Trust were putting on an event, in conjunction with new front of shirt sponsor Indeed, at their Clubhouse Cafe a social impact and community-led space that opened in September 2025.Ayo is joined by The Athletic's Oli Kay & Caoimhe O'Neill to reflect on the occasion, and discuss the incredible work Brentford FC do in the local community.Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: Oli Kay & Caoimhe O’Neill Featuring: Keith Andrews & Caoimhin KelleherExec Producer: Adey MoorheadProducer: Jay Beale
The Preview: Man United vs Liverpool
51:02|Manchester United could secure their return to the Champions League with a win against their biggest rivals Liverpool.Elsewhere, it’s Aston Villa vs Tottenham - a big fixture at both ends of the table.Host: Matt Davies-AdamsGuests: Stu James & Oli KayExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou & John Rogers
Are Newcastle's Saudi owners losing interest?
35:00|Newcastle United’s Saudi owners are set to pull their funding of LIV Golf while uncertainty is rife at St James’ Park.With the ownership in town for talks - could they lose interest in Newcastle?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: Chris Waugh and Matt SlaterExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe
Mourinho & Madrid: Why? What? How?
41:55|Jose Mourinho could be set for a dramatic return to the Bernabeu.So is the Special One really the man to save Real Madrid?Plus, the panel react to Tuesday night's remarkable Champions League semi-final first leg, as PSG beat Bayern Munich 5-4.Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: Tom Williams, Dermot Corrigan, Seb Stafford-BloorExecutive Producers: Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou, Guy Clarke, Nick ThomsonVideographer: Liam Warburton
How will Liverpool replace Salah?
40:00|As the curtain comes down on Mo Salah’s time at Anfield.How prepared are Liverpool for his departure?And will it be another big summer of spending?Host: Ayo AkinwolereGuests: James Pearce, Josh WilliamsExecutive Producers: Adey MoorheadProducers: Mike Stavrou, Guy Clarke, Nick Thomson
Who should be Chelsea's next manager?
38:53|Last week Chelsea sacked Liam Rosenior. On Sunday they reached an FA Cup Final.But the question remains, who should be their next manager?Host: Ayo AkinwolereWith: James Horncastle and Liam TwomeyExecutive Producer: Adey MoorheadProducers: Guy Clarke and Paul Iliffe
Bruno Fernandes: Creative genius
31:57|On this week’s Athletic FC Tactics podcast, the panel discuss Bruno Fernandes, who is on the cusp of breaking the Premier League record for most assists in a single season. So why hasn’t the record been beaten in more than 20 years?And what’s the secret behind Fernandes’ creative genius?Host: Michael BaileyGuests: Michael Cox & Mark Carey Producer: Mike Stavrou
The Preview: Wolves vs Spurs
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How did Leicester go from miracle to misery?
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