Across The Pitch
341 episodes - English - Latest episode: 8 months ago - ★★★★★ - 12 ratingsAcross The Pitch began in the summer of 2018, when Phil Kennedy and Arran Airs embarked upon an idea to start a podcast to teach fans in the United States about the deeper levels of English football, beyond the Premier League. Although Phil and Arran both grew to love football rooting for Arsenal F.C., they began to grow a passion for the grassroots of the game after they started regularly attending games for their hometown. USL Championship side Phoenix Rising FC. Inspired by the story of "The Team That Wouldn't Die", they decided to make Accrington Stanley their flagship club, and in November of 2018, they recorded and released their first episode.
Things quickly took off for them when Accy midfielder Scott Brown agreed to come on the show, for what was just their second episode. By episode 10, they had added Matt Robards to the fold, and ever since the community, and scope of Across The Pitch has continued to grow. This includes Accrington natives Darren Woodhead and Tony Robinson joining the team, and expanding to another continent when Abdulai Suburu founded our partner site Ghana Football News. Moving into 2020, we are going to be bringing even more in depth coverage of the EFL pyramid, the USL and MLS, and of course our favorite teams Accrington Stanley and Phoenix Rising.
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Episodes
Episode 191: Phoenix Rising vs El Paso Locomotive
October 24, 2020 16:45 - 20 minutes - 18.5 MBPhil answers listener questions about the upcoming USL Championship Western Conference Finals match between Phoenix Rising and El Paso Locomotive.
Episode 190: Burnley, Wembley & Not So Posh Places
October 24, 2020 04:00 - 40 minutes - 37.2 MBPhil and Darren talk to Phil Cavener, a retired footballer who played over 100 matches for Burnley and also with Bradford City, Gillingham and Peterborough among other teams. He also managed in non-league after having his playing career cut short due to injuries from an auto accident. A story of both triumph and tragedy that you will not want to miss.
Episode 189: EFL League One Week 7 Review/Week 8 Preview
October 24, 2020 01:30 - 42 minutes - 39.1 MBPhil and Tony run down all of the results from Week 7 of EFL League One action and preview Saturday's big upcoming matches including Peterborough at Hull City, Ipswich Town at Lincoln City, and Portsmouth at Sunderland. Plus a new game called Oasis or Blur and a word about new sponsor Afloat Posters.
Episode 188: Accrington vs Bristol Preview
October 23, 2020 20:06 - 28 minutes - 26.2 MBPhil and Tony discuss Accrington Stanley's win over Fleetwood Town and preview the (now postponed) match between Accy and Bristol Rovers. Also, a new game called Pirate Ship or Not A Pirate Ship, plus a word from our new sponsor Afloat Posters.
Episode187: The Butcher Album
October 20, 2020 00:53 - 38 minutes - 35.6 MBPhil and Tony speak with Accrington Stanley midfielder Matt Butcher about his career beginning with Bournemouth, a loan spell at Yeovil Town, and a stop in Scotland before signing a multi-year deal with Accy this season. So far Butcher has played every minute for Stanley this season, and scored his first club goal against AFC Wimbledon when he was named to the League One Team of the Week.
Special Edition: Daryl Grove Tribute And Accrington/Fleetwood Match Preview
October 19, 2020 19:41 - 25 minutes - 23.5 MBPhil opens with a tribute to Daryl Grove of the Total Soccer Show and the key role that Daryl and Ira Jersey played in the creation of OASSCNA and this show. Then Tony joins Phil to break down the Accrington Stanley vs Fleetwood Town match including key players, tactics, and gambling analysis.
Episode 186: Ipswich Town vs Accrington Stanley Preview
October 16, 2020 21:09 - 34 minutes - 31.7 MBPhil and Tony break down Saturday's upcoming match between Ipswich Town and Accrington Stanley including lineups, injuries, key stories and players, gambling odds, and a new game called Tractor or Not A Tractor.
Extra #2: The Fall Of Project Big Picture
October 15, 2020 20:13 - 18 minutes - 16.6 MBPhil and Tony discuss what becomes of the proposed EFL bailout with the fall of Project Big Picture, in addition to League One and League Two rejecting a proposed 50 million pound offer in solidarity with the Championship.
Episode 185: EFL League One Week 5 Review/Week 6-7 Preview
October 13, 2020 22:54 - 51 minutes - 46.9 MBPhil and Tony go over the results of every EFL League One match from last weekend, and look ahead to key matches from both this Saturday's and next Tuesday's schedule.
Episode 184: Football's Black Pioneers
October 13, 2020 01:16 - 51 minutes - 47.3 MBPhil and Darren speak with author Bill Hern about his new book called Football's Black Pioneers which is a history of the first black player for each of the 92 English Football League Clubs.
Episode 183: Accrington Stanley vs Rochdale AFC
October 10, 2020 01:30 - 27 minutes - 25.1 MBPhil and Tony break down all of the key factors leading into the Accrington Stanley vs Rochdale match at WHAM Stadium including key players, betting analysis, tactics, and more.
Extra #1: Should The Premier League Bail Out The EFL
October 09, 2020 18:05 - 18 minutes - 16.6 MBPhil and Tony do a 15 minute timed discussion of whether or not the Premier League should bail out the teams that are lower in the EFL pyramid.
Episode 182: EFL League One Week 4 Review/Week 5 Preview
October 07, 2020 17:57 - 48 minutes - 44.4 MBPhil and Tony break down the biggest matches from EFL League One from Week 4 and Preview the upcoming matches for Week 5.
Episode 181: I Would Walk 40 Miles
October 01, 2020 01:11 - 37 minutes - 34.6 MBPhil, Darren, and Tony start by introducing a new upcoming series of short podcasts where they will debate one hot button topic for 15 minutes, with this week's topic being Accrington Stanley's start to the season, they go on to discuss Darren's participation in a Sponsored Walk from Stanley to Liverpool, upcoming guests and book projects, and more.
Episode 180: EFL League One Week 3 Review/Week 4 Preview
September 29, 2020 22:09 - 44 minutes - 41.1 MBPhil and Tony discuss EFL League One Week 3 results including Lincoln City over Charlton, Wigan over Portsmouth, Sunderland over Peterborough, Oxford over Accrington and others, plus look ahead to and make predictions for Week 4's biggest match-ups.
Episode 179: 20 Questions About Phoenix Rising
September 24, 2020 20:27 - 56 minutes - 51.9 MBPhil chats with Jake Anderson of AZ Sports 98.7 about the current state of Phoenix Rising including what went wrong in the San Diego Match, a preview of this week's upcoming game against Orange County, thoughts on Damion Lowe, fan expectations, the recent play of Santi Moar, what blueprint opposing teams are using against PRFC, and much more!
Episode 178: EFL League One Round Up Week 2
September 23, 2020 17:45 - 46 minutes - 42.5 MBPhil and Tony talk about Accrington Stanley's loss to Burton and upcoming match against Oxford, as well as in depth discussion on Sunderland, Portsmouth, Peterborough, Fleetwood, Rochdale, Lincoln City and more.
Episode 177: A Tuesday Night In February
September 23, 2020 00:01 - 47 minutes - 43.1 MBPhil and Darren talk to Rob Heys, former CEO of Accrington Stanley about the unique challenges of running a small budget club, and also his time with Macclesfield and Blackpool, plus listener questions, and more.
Episode 176: From Blues To Reds
September 18, 2020 01:32 - 38 minutes - 35.3 MBPhil and Tony talk to Tariq Uwakwe who has scored 4 goals in just 2 matches for Accrington Stanley since coming on loan from Chelsea about his career so far, outlook for this season, adjusting to the move from London to Lancashire, rapid fire questions, and more.
Episode 175: The Shirt Collector
September 17, 2020 17:11 - 47 minutes - 43.3 MBPhil and Tony speak with Rob Russell, long time supporter and owner of the world's largest Accrington Stanley shirt collection about the past, present, and future of the club, plus listener questions, rapid fire, and more!
Episode 174: Whelan And Dealin
September 17, 2020 02:42 - 26 minutes - 24.6 MBPhil talks to Phoenix Rising defender Corey Whelan about coming to play in the U.S. after growing up in the Liverpool area, his youth career with the Liverpool Academy, how the system run by PRFC Coach Rick Schantz compares to England, and the outlook for the club coming toward the end of the season as the playoffs approach.
Special Edition: Belarus Premier League September Round-Up
September 17, 2020 01:27 - 23 minutes - 21.6 MBPhil, Jonny, and Ed discuss recent news and results in the Belarus Premier League plus upcoming matches, and a focus on the recent 5 game winning run by FC Isloch, and the battle between BATE and Shakhtyor at the top of the table.
Episode 173: September Team Of The Month Dekalb County United
September 16, 2020 23:55 - 44 minutes - 40.8 MBPhil and Tony speak with John Hall Founder and President of Dekalb County United of the Midwest Premier League in the United States. They discuss the trials and tribulations of founding a new non-league club, and also his New Club Start Up Pack.
Episode 172: EFL League One Week 1 Review/Week 2 Preview
September 15, 2020 17:01 - 46 minutes - 42.4 MBPhil and Tony discuss EFL League One Week 1 matches including Accrington Stanley vs Peterborough United, Portsmouth vs Shrewsbury, Sunderland vs Bristol Rovers, and Lincoln City vs Oxford United. They also preview Week 2 matches for many of the above teams, plus special guest Harry Austin joins for a Q&A for new fans from the U.S. who are starting to watch EFL for the first time.
Episode 171: Barrow V Boro
September 10, 2020 16:33 - 28 minutes - 26.1 MBPhil and Jonny break down the opening week match between Barrow and Stevenage including what players have come and gone from both clubs since last season, and a break down and prediction for Saturday's match.
Episode 170 Part 2: 2020-21 EFL League One Preview Extravaganza
September 09, 2020 21:25 - 1 hour - 66.5 MBPhil and Tony preview the 2020-2021 season for all 24 EFL League One teams. Part 2 features Lincoln City, Northampton Town, Oxford United, Peterborough United, Plymouth Argyle, Portsmouth, Rochdale, Shrewsbury, Sunderland, Swindon Town, Wigan Athletic, AFC Wimbledon, MK Dons, plus in depth on each of Accrington Stanley's 8 signings and promotion, relegation and league champion picks.
Episode 170 Part 1: 2020-21 EFL League One Preview Extravaganza
September 08, 2020 21:17 - 1 hour - 71.1 MBPhil and Tony preview the 2020-2021 season for all 24 EFL League One teams. Part 1 features Accrington Stanley, Blackpool, Bristol Rovers, Burton Albion, Charlton Athletic, Crewe Alexandra, Doncaster Rovers, Fleetwood Town, Gillingham, Hull City and Ipswich Town.
Special Edition: Flashing Lights
September 04, 2020 15:44 - 7 minutes - 6.79 MBPhil has a short chat with Jake Anderson about the "theatrics" that happen at Cashman Field during a Las Vegas Lights match, whether or not it is "good promotion" or "too over the top", and if things like Inflatable Flailing Arm Guys and Confetti have a place in soccer.
Episode 169: Alphabet Soup
September 03, 2020 18:18 - 56 minutes - 51.6 MBPhil and Tony talk to New York Cosmos Historian Dr. David Kilpatrick about the most storied soccer club in the United States from the Pele era to present, and also his affinity for Accrington Stanley, and a story about Jon Anderson of Yes.
Episode 168: When In Roma
September 02, 2020 21:33 - 33 minutes - 30.5 MBPhil speaks with Jake Anderson of AZ Sports 98.7 and arizonasports.com about his favorite European club AS Roma, including the history of the club, some of the biggest names and great players over the years, recent results and outlook of the club for the future, the recent change in ownership, and an anecdote about the origin of Roma's unusual crest.
Episode 167: Footnight
August 31, 2020 17:30 - 41 minutes - 38.1 MBPhil and Ross speak with Tyler Polak, the first player signed in the history of Greenville Triumph about his pro and college career, what it is like playing under John Harkes, and an extended segment about his other passion, video games.
Episode 166: The Guy From Seattle
August 30, 2020 01:31 - 1 hour - 55.5 MBPhil and Tony speak with John Gibaut who was born on the Channel Island of Jersey, and now lives in Seattle in the U.S. but is an avid supporter of Lancashire clubs, Burnley and Accrington Stanley, and is also involved in proofreading for author Dave Thomas.
Episode 165: King
August 25, 2020 05:41 - 42 minutes - 38.6 MBPhil and Matt talk to fullback Darnell King about this season so far with Phoenix Rising, and also look back through his career, including his time in college at Florida Atlantic, and his pro career including stops with Fort Lauderdale Strikers, Tampa Bay Rowdies, and San Antonio FC among others.
Episode 164: Jaye Says Naye
August 25, 2020 01:45 - 44 minutes - 41.1 MBPhil, Tony, and Ross speak with Dallas Jaye, goalkeeper for Greenville Triumph in USL League One and the Guam National Team about his career in football, including stops at Cincinnati, FC Tucson and Phoenix Rising where he played under Rick Schantz, and his college career that included a Big East Goalkeeper of the Year Award at Xavier.
Episode 163: Jake From State Forty-Eight
August 21, 2020 08:15 - 1 hour - 71 MBPhil, Arran, and Matt talk to Jake Anderson, who covers Phoenix Rising for ArizonaSports.com and 98.7 FM to review PRFC's 4-1 win over LA Galaxy II on Wednesday, and preview their upcoming match against Las Vegas Lights. They also discuss the performance of new midfield players who have joined the club this year, Joey Calistri's move to right back, Phil pitches for Jake to join the Official Accrington Stanley Supporters Club of North America, and much more.
Episode 162: The Bard Of Burnley
August 21, 2020 03:45 - 1 hour - 56.5 MBPhil and Tony speak with Dave Thomas, author of "Bob Lord of Burnley" and over 20 other books about Burnley FC, including "It's Burnley Not Barcelona", "No Nay Never", "The Best of Burnley", and many more. A hilarious and informative chat about the history of one of England's most storied clubs.
Episode 161: A Kit To Wear Tonight
August 17, 2020 04:07 - 49 minutes - 45 MBPhil and Darren speak with Ashley Hoskin who played with Accrington Stanley, Burnley, and Barrow AFC among others clubs before retiring and continuing his career in football as a coach, manager, and now Head of Recruiting at Accy. A look at his lifetime in the game, listener questions, rapid fire, and an interesting trivia fact involving Phil Collins.
Episode 160: Fleas, Ticks, And Vegemites
August 17, 2020 00:50 - 32 minutes - 29.3 MBPhil and Ross speak with Australian footballer Lachlan McLean about a journey that has brought the 24-year-old striker from Sydney, Australia, to Greenville, South Carolina, with stops in Poland and Chicago along the way.
Episode 159: No Furry Mascots!
August 15, 2020 00:09 - 51 minutes - 46.7 MBPhil, Tony, and Ross talk to Vice Chairman and Chief Brand Officer of Greenville Triumph SC Doug Erwin about the unique challenges of creating the brand for an expansion team, in a brand new league, in a market obsessed with College American Football. A great listen for those wanting to hear about the ins and outs of the business end of football on this side of the pond.
Episode 158: A Rising Report
August 14, 2020 00:50 - 49 minutes - 45.5 MBPhil, Arran, and Matt speak with journalist Owain Evans about all things Phoenix Rising including in depth analysis of the season so far, discussion of tactics and lineup choices, and a look ahead to this week's game against San Diego Loyal.
Episode 157: Godfather Of The Hospitality Lounge
August 12, 2020 20:02 - 39 minutes - 36 MBPhil, Darren, and Tony speak with David Davis who lives in Nottingham, but makes the 120 mile trip to WHAM Stadium weekly as an Accrington Stanley season ticket holder. He tells his story of getting involved with a team from up north and about the many projects he is involved with including everything from books to the Memorial Garden.
Episode 156: Together We Triumph
August 11, 2020 02:52 - 40 minutes - 36.8 MBPhil and Tony talk to Greenville Triumph color commentator Ross Devonport about the club and USL League One in general, also what players to watch, the story behind the team colors and logo, and an insight into the world of broadcasting.
Episode 155: Feel The Burn
August 06, 2020 18:37 - 44 minutes - 40.5 MBPhil and Tony talk about the past decade of Burnley F.C. in Part 2 of our July Team Of The Month series, including their promotions to the Premier League, why manager Sean Dyche has been so successful there, which squads have been the most talented in the past decade, and a look ahead to the future of the club.
Episode 154: Lancashire United
August 04, 2020 03:47 - 59 minutes - 54.3 MBPhil and Darren speak with Dave Thornley about what it was like managing Accrington Stanley in the early Eric Whalley era, other memories from his managerial career, listener questions, rapid fire, and more!
Episode 153: Swans Lake Of Fire
August 01, 2020 03:21 - 58 minutes - 79.9 MBPhil and Arran talk to Mark Richards who is originally from southern Wales but now resides in Arizona, and is a Phoenix Rising season ticket holder. They start off with a quick discussion of his hometown club Swansea's recent bid for promotion to the Premier League that came up just short and his involvement with AZ Jacks before going on to an in depth discussion about PRFC and a preview of Saturday's upcoming match against El Paso Locomotive.
Special Edition: Belarus July Roundup
July 31, 2020 05:34 - 42 minutes - 38.9 MBPhil, Jonny, and Ed look back on the past month of action in the Belarus Premier League including what teams are in good form, which teams good be headed for relegation, a look ahead to Week 20 matches, what political situation could has whether or not the season will be completed in question, and the pick who they think will win the championship.
Episode 152: An Extra Unspecial Episode
July 25, 2020 00:05 - 46 minutes - 42.8 MBPhil, Darren, And Tony sit down to an in depth discussion on the business end of the EFL and the possibility of a salary cap, but halfway through Darren and Tony have surprise in store with a list of questions for Phil from friends of the show and a special edition of rapid fire.
Episode 151: Food Trucks, Head Ins & Dives
July 24, 2020 19:40 - 52 minutes - 48 MBPhil, Arran, and Matt break down the back to back matches between Phoenix Rising and Orange County, discuss which Casino Arizona Field Food Trucks Guy Fieri should visit if he were to attend a PRFC match, a listener question about tactics, which teams play a style that gives Phoenix the most issues, and more!
Episode 150: Where In The World Part 3
July 21, 2020 22:58 - 39 minutes - 36.5 MBPhil and Arran talk with Chris Cortez about a wild journey that took him from Thailand to Denmark over the past 12 months, but culminated in him lifting a trophy as he helped FC Helsingor to win Denmark's Second Division title. Plus much more in another edition of Where In The World Is Chris Cortez! Note: This episode was recorded prior to the announcement that he will not be returning to FC Helsingor next season.
Episode 149: Twice The League One Fun
July 19, 2020 21:13 - 58 minutes - 53.9 MBPhil, Tony, and Ross speak with Founder and General Manager of USL League 2 side Real Central New Jersey, and host of the USL League 1 Fun podcast Ira Jersey. They discuss the financial concerns of lower league clubs on both sides of the pond, look at the upcoming USL League One season, and how Ira's question to the Total Soccer Show lead to us covering Accrington Stanley on this show.