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 81: A Triumphant Return
March 03, 2020 08:30 - 1 hour - 94.3 MBPhil and Arran are joined by Greenville Triumph and ESPN Plus commentator Ross Devonport. In a preview of the USL League One season, Ross goes through the table starting with who he thinks will finish 12th, and working up to who is his pick to finish first. In depth analysis on all 12 teams!
Episode 80: Dream Match (2nd Half)
March 01, 2020 11:28 - 43 minutes - 59.7 MB2nd half of a hypothetical friendly match, Phil takes the role of Accrington Stanley manager John Coleman, and Matt takes the role of Phoenix Rising manager Rick Schantz. They argue the case for why each of their respective sides would win, with a position by position breakdown. Arran Airs takes the role of VAR and decides the winner!
Episode 80: Dream Match (1st Half)
February 29, 2020 07:37 - 46 minutes - 64 MBIn a hypothetical friendly match, Phil takes the role of Accrington Stanley manager John Coleman, and Matt takes the role of Phoenix Rising manager Rick Schantz. They argue the case for why each of their respective sides would win, with a position by position breakdown. Arran Airs takes the role of VAR and decides the winner! (2nd Half coming tomorrow).
Episode 79: This One's A Keeper
February 28, 2020 07:14 - 58 minutes - 80.7 MBPhil and Darren sit down to chat with former Accrington Stanley goalkeeper Jamie Speare. In this lively and fun filled chat, they discuss his early career with Everton, his move to Stanley, and what it was like playing for John Coleman's teams in the early 2000's. Also, his thoughts on the evolution of the keeper position, and more.
Episode 78: O' Captain, Our Captain
February 24, 2020 05:19 - 49 minutes - 67.7 MBPhil, Arran, and Tony Robinson sit down with longtime Accrington Stanley captain Seamus Conneely. They discuss this season so far, his previous years at Stanley, winning the League 2 championship in 2018, meeting John Coleman when with the Sligo Rovers, his time with Sheffield United and Galway United, and much more.
Episode 77: Bent It With Beckham
February 23, 2020 04:52 - 46 minutes - 64.2 MBPhil and Darren sit down with Jay Flannery, who was captain of Accrington Stanley in 2000, when they won their first of 4 promotions under manager John Coleman. They reflect on his days with Accy and Lancaster City, what he is up to these days, his support of Liverpool, and the time he squared up against Becks.
Episode 76: Beg, Steal, And Barrow
February 17, 2020 05:38 - 46 minutes - 64.2 MBPhil and Matt lead with a deep dive on Leeds United, followed by a detailed run down of the EFL Championship, League One, and League Two tables. Will Stevenage be relegated to non-league? And our Team of the Month Barrow A.F.C.
Episode 75: Accrington Gone Wild
February 16, 2020 06:01 - 40 minutes - 55.9 MBPhil and Arran sit down with Accrington Stanley iFollow play by play commentator Ben Wild. They discuss how the service allows fans around the world to stream Stanley games, recent results and upcoming matches, Stanley's season thus far, and other happenings around League One.
Episode 74: Across The Box
February 14, 2020 07:19 - 45 minutes - 61.9 MBPhil and Tony Robinson sit down with Accrington Stanley defender Callum Johnson, currently League One's leader in successful crosses. They discuss his season so far, what the team's outlook is for the rest of the season, he reflects on his early career in Middlesbrough, his toughest match-ups, and more.
Episode 73: Accy Bishop Strike
February 10, 2020 01:48 - 41 minutes - 57.5 MBPhil sits down with Accrington Stanley striker Colby Bishop, and they discuss his first season in Accy, his youth career with Notts County, his time with Leamington F.C., when to expect him back on the pitch after his recent hamstring injury, and much more.
Episode 72: In Through The Out Doerr
February 05, 2020 22:33 - 56 minutes - 78.1 MBPhil, Arran, and Matt start off by wishing farewell to Phoenix Rising Vice President Sam Doerr, who has joined the NHL Arizona Coyotes front office, and what it means for both franchises. They also do a deep dive on the state of women's soccer in the United States and how the NWSL stacks up with leagues from around the world and in England.
Episode 71: Rocky Mountain Highbury
January 18, 2020 21:37 - 1 hour - 85.6 MBPhil and Arran go cup crazy with a discussion of both the FA and EFL Cups, and a deep dive on the EFL Trophy, they also discuss who they think will finish 4th in the Premier League, and our Team Of The Month Peterborough United.
Episode 70: From London To Lancashire
January 16, 2020 23:13 - 34 minutes - 47.6 MBPhil Kennedy of Across The Pitch and Abdulai Suburu of Ghana Football News interview Accrington Stanley defender Jerome Opoku, who is currently on a full season loan from Fulham. They discuss life in Lancashire for the self proclaimed "London Boy", how he is enjoying playing for Accy thus far and expectations for this season, future plans for his career, his potential interest in playing for the Ghana National Team, and more. Jerome also reveals that we might be seeing more of him on social ...
Episode 69: Last Trip To Tulsa
December 19, 2019 05:08 - 1 hour - 83.7 MBPhil, Arran, and Darren discuss the recent rebranding of his beloved Tulsa Roughnecks to FC Tulsa, a mid-season review of Accrington Stanley, and a look a the League One Table. Also the debut of St. Paul of Phoenix's new North American Accrington Stanley Supporters Club Theme Song "On Stanley On".
Episode 68: Dial Square
December 15, 2019 09:27 - 52 minutes - 72.6 MBAcross The Pitch returns from holiday break, and Phil, Arran, and Matt discuss the recent wave of manager sackings in the EPL, the latest offseason signings by the Phoenix Rising, predictions for what team will lead each of the 4 English divisions on boxing day, and a look at who are some of the unsung players excelling on mid to lower table teams.
Episode 67: The Pirates Of Cornwall
November 14, 2019 07:17 - 57 minutes - 78.8 MBPhil, Arran, and Matt start off by eulogizing the Phoenix Rising's 2019 season, followed by a discussion of whether or not a single elimination playoff system is appropriate for association football. Also, a deep dive on the EFL League One table, plus we introduce a new segment about the worst crests in football.
Episode 66: El Traffico Live
October 30, 2019 04:15 - 49 minutes - 68.2 MBPhil and Arran start off by breaking down what they think are the issues causing the recent struggles with Arsenal, plus a breakdown of action in the first two rounds of the MLS playoffs, all while watching and reacting the the LAFC vs LA Galaxy, El Traffico playoff game live.
Episode 65: Bracketology
October 19, 2019 01:14 - 50 minutes - 69.8 MBPhil, Arran, and Matt break down their MLS playoff brackets, and make their picks all the way through the Championship Game.
Episode 64: The Callum Hat Trick
October 18, 2019 03:44 - 44 minutes - 60.4 MBPhil and Matt sit down with Minnesota United announcer Callum Williams to discuss this Sunday's upcoming playoff match with the LA Galaxy, Minnesota's season overall and chances in the postseason, plus Cal gives us his MLS Bracket picks.
Episode 63: Ghana Football News
October 17, 2019 05:00 - 45 minutes - 62.6 MBPhil and Arran speak with Abdulai Suburu about his website GhanaFootballNews.com. They discuss Ghanaian players around the globe, what the latest news is on the return of the Ghana Premier League, the Ghana national team, and more!
Rick Schantz and Ben Spencer Interviews
October 12, 2019 18:33 - 8 minutes - 11.3 MBPost training interviews with Phoenix Rising manager Rick Schantz and forwards Ben Spencer with questions also by Owain Evans and Jake Anderson.
Episode 62: Heavy Traffic
October 10, 2019 08:19 - 31 minutes - 42.7 MBPhil, Arran, and Matt sit down to discuss the EFL tables as the season reaches it quarter way point. Starting with the EFL Championship, followed by League One and League Two, they look at both ends of the table and discuss which clubs are most likely to be promoted or relegated from each tier.
Episode 61: Mr. Excitement
September 25, 2019 05:49 - 43 minutes - 59.8 MBPhil and Darren sit down with Accrington Stanley goalkeeper Dimitar Evtimov, and discuss everything from his early career in Bulgaria, to his time at Notts Forest, through his current role at Stanley. We also talk to ins and outs of goalkeeping, and what kind of potential he sees in Stanley's squad this year.
Episode 60: Not Your Ordinary Joe
September 21, 2019 00:13 - 53 minutes - 73.6 MBPhil, Arran and Matt sit down with Joseph Lowery, better known as Joe in Cleats for his work with The Athletic Soccer, and also for his website risingtactics.com. They discuss the MLS playoff race from top to bottom in both conferences in the first half of the episode, the second half of the episode focuses on the Phoenix Rising's winning streak and run up to the playoffs. You can follow Joseph on Twitter as @JoeinCleats for things related to his articles on @TheAthleticSCCR, and @RisingTact...
Episode 59: Midnight Dynamos
September 20, 2019 03:01 - 43 minutes - 59.4 MBPhil sits down with Loughborough Dynamo manager Lee Attenborough to discuss their upcoming match in the FA Cup against Tamworth, what advancing in the tournament means to a 6th tier club, expectations for the season at Loughborough, and a look at which players have come and gone from the squad since last season.
Episode 58: The Canadian AccringTonyian
September 19, 2019 05:19 - 50 minutes - 69.2 MBPhil and Arran sit down with longtime Accrington Stanley supporter Tony Robinson. A native of Accrington, now living outside of Toronto, Canada, Tony is currently back in England and traveling to various matches. They discuss the recent Accrington vs Sunderland match that he attended and all other things Stanley including his involvement in the new North American Supporters Club, plus a brief chat about Canadian Premier League.
Episode 57: Footballer's Paradise Feat. L.V.
September 14, 2019 01:35 - 42 minutes - 57.8 MBPhil, Arran, and Matt have an in depth discussion on the Phoenix Rising, an immediate reaction to their win in Las Vegas and player by player breakdown, a look ahead to Saturday vs LA Galaxy II, thoughts on the winning streak, plus a brief look at our Team of the Month Wolverhampton Wanderers next match against Chelsea, and news across the news desk.
Episode 56: Dead And Bury'd
September 13, 2019 03:45 - 49 minutes - 67.5 MBPhil, Arran, and Darren discuss the tragic situation with Bury F.C. and what can be done to prevent this from happening in the future, plus a League One round up, that latest with Accrington Stanley and the debut of Jerome Opoku, and a discussion on the opposite streaks of the Phoenix Rising and Tulsa Roughnecks.
Episode 55: Across The Grid
September 11, 2019 01:07 - 42 minutes - 58.9 MBIn this jam packed episode, Phil, Arran, and Matt discuss everything from the Champions League to Accrington Stanley's latest signings, the Phoenix Rising winning streak, announce a spin-off podcast, our Team of the Month Wolverhampton Wanders, and our new partner site ghanafootballnews.com, plus more!
Episode 54: The Great State 48 Debate
August 27, 2019 03:35 - 1 hour - 87.9 MBPhil, Arran, and Matt are joined by Andrew Southwick, known as The Red Bearded Red on his popular YouTube Channel. The 4 discuss the MLS's announcement of St. Louis as its latest expansion team, what this means to the Phoenix Rising's chances at the MLS, whether the team is better off staying in the USL, and if the team should build a permanent stadium even if an MLS berth isn't in the cards.
Episode 53: Mullin Things Over
August 26, 2019 07:42 - 46 minutes - 63.9 MBPhil and Darren sit down for a chat with recent Accrington Stanley Hall of Fame inductee Paul Mullin. Paul is Accrington's all-time leader in games played with 362. He scored 132 career goals for the club, and famously scored the 2005 goal against Woking F.C. to secure Accy's promotion from the National League to EFL League Two. We also talk about his time with Morecambe and early days with Clitheroe and Radcliffe Borough, and what he has been doing since he hung up his boots.
Episode 52: On Stanley On
August 25, 2019 03:28 - 44 minutes - 60.8 MBPhil sits down with Chairman of the Official Accrington Stanley Supporters Club, Peter Leatham. They discuss the inner workings of the club and membership benefits, what's going on, on and off the field at Accy, plus the new Official Accrington Stanley Supporters Club of North America.
Episode 51: Another Gurban Show
August 18, 2019 18:29 - 36 minutes - 49.6 MBPhil and Darren sit down and talk about his trip to WHAM stadium to the Accrington Stanley vs Sunderland League Cup match, also, our Team of the Month Lincoln City, Blackpool's hot start, the Wayne Rooney 32Red controversy, and Linfield F.C. will meet our old friend Gurban Gurbanov and Qarabag FK in the Europa League.
Episode 50: The Wombling Pod
August 16, 2019 08:27 - 47 minutes - 65.6 MBPhil, Arran, and Matt sit down for the 50th Across The Pitch episode. They discuss opening round action in the EFL Cup, and what can be done to increase interest in the tournament. A look at teams off to a hot start, including our Team of the Month Lincoln City, Blackpool, Plymouth Argyle, an in depth discussion on the upcoming match between AFC Wimbledon and Accrington Stanley, and more.
Episode 49: Impin Ain't Easy
August 08, 2019 07:09 - 55 minutes - 76.4 MBPhil, Arran, and Matt sit down to talk about the start of the EFL season. They discuss Barnsley vs Fulham, Luton Town vs Middlesbrough in the Championship, League One follows our Team of the Month Lincoln City in their matches against Accrington Stanley and Rotherham United, plus the massive Ipswich vs Sunderland match and what's going on with Bury, we recap Newport vs Mansfield and make some bold predictions about League Two, plus, what we think of Wayne Rooney's future with Derby County.
Episode 48: In Through The Exeter Door
August 05, 2019 20:12 - 46 minutes - 64.5 MBPhil and Darren sit down with Tulsa Roughnecks color commentator Dave Saunders for a discussion about the differences between professional soccer in the United States and England. Dave is originally from Exeter, and talks about not only the Roughnecks, but Exeter City, Torquay United, and a general discussion or small club football in England, including Accrington Stanley.
Episode 47: A Galaxy Not 2 Far Away
July 31, 2019 02:07 - 55 minutes - 76.4 MBPhil and Matt talk about the playoff races heating up in the USL and MLS Western conferences, will the Phoenix Rising winning streak continue against LA Galaxy 2, contenders Reno, Fresno, and New Mexico, are Orange County or San Antonio sleepers, review of LAFC vs Atlanta match, the rise of Portland in the MLS standings, are Minnesota and San Jose for real, and the U.S. Open Cup semi-finals, and even more!
Episode 46: The Original Reds Hot Sauce
July 30, 2019 06:55 - 34 minutes - 47.4 MBPhil and Darren Woodhead sit down to talk about the release of his new book 50 Years of Accrington Stanley, which coincides with the start of the new season. In our Accy season preview show we discuss new arrivals on the squad this year, improvements made to the pitch and the grounds, and how we think it will impact results this season. Also, we talk about why Stanley is now on the same shelf with Big 6 Premier League clubs, and more.
Episode 45: Welcome To Atlanta Where United Play
July 26, 2019 17:23 - 35 minutes - 48.4 MBPhil sits down with Kevin Egan the voice of our Team of the Month, Atlanta United to discuss how a team that has only in the league for 3 years is so good, and so popular, a bit of insight about tonight's big match against LAFC, a bit about his beloved Aston Villa, why you should pick Atlanta if you haven't picked a favorite MLS side yet, and who he thinks will match up in this year's MLS Cup Final.
Episode 44: Then You Might Be A Roughneck
July 26, 2019 00:11 - 36 minutes - 49.9 MBPhil and Arran kick off season 2 of Across The Pitch with a spirited debate about Zlatan vs Vela, a look ahead to LAFC vs Atlanta United and Phoenix Rising vs Tulsa Roughnecks, a shout out to Darren Woodhead's new book release, Zinedine Zidane's favorite hat, and much more.
Episode 43: Bad Bad Scotty Brown
July 13, 2019 06:52 - 34 minutes - 47.9 MBPhil and Arran wrap up Season 1 of Across the Pitch by welcoming back their very first guest Scott Brown. They talk about Scott's move from Accrington Stanley to Harrogate Town, reflect on the past season and his career at Stanley, look forward to the upcoming season, and chat with Scott about his plans for after he hangs up his boots. Also, a special message from Scott to fans and former teammates at Accy.
Epsiode 42: Honky Tonk, Van De Donk
July 11, 2019 05:06 - 41 minutes - 56.7 MBThis past Sunday, July 7, 2019 was the biggest day in U.S. Soccer possibly ever, it began with the U.S. women's national soccer team defeating the Netherland's women's national football team to hoist their 2nd consecutive FIFA World Cup. The day ended in disappointment for America, the Men's team fell to Mexico in the final of the CONCACAF Gold Cup. Monday, Phil and Matt sat down to give their thoughts on the outcome of both matches, and what each team will need to remain competitive.
Episode 41: Don't Worry Be Accy
July 10, 2019 23:26 - 54 minutes - 75.2 MBIn this very Accy episode, Phil, Arran, and Darren Woodhead sit down with Mr. Everything at, and creator of the Raw Milk, Accrington Stanley fanzine. They discuss what goes on behind the scenes with the fanzine, chat a bit about some the quirks of being a Stanley supporter, a special announcement about the Accrington Stanley Supporters Club of North America, and more!
Episode 40: Luke "I'm Your Foster"
June 29, 2019 08:01 - 43 minutes - 60.4 MBPhil sits down with veteran defender Luke Foster, to chat about the upcoming season at Loughborough Dynamo, and to discuss memories from his lengthy career. Luke shares memories from the Sheffield Wednesday Academy, Oxford United, and Stevenage among others. He also talks a bit about the state of finances in non-league football, and his plans for after he hangs up his boots.
Episode 39: Whatcha Ghana Do
June 21, 2019 03:34 - 57 minutes - 78.4 MBPhil sits down with Abdulai Suburu of ghannapremierleaguelive.com and chats about the history of the Ghana Premier League, the Ghana national team's chances in the upcoming African Cup of nations. We also talk about Ghanaian players in the United States, including Phoenix Rising captain Solomon Astante, Abu Danladi of Minnesota United, and Iddrisu Abdallah of the Tulsa Roughnecks. Also a deep discussion of the Accra Hearts of Oak SC vs Asante Kotoko rivalry.
Episode 38 Part 2: Waltzing Matildas
June 18, 2019 06:39 - 23 minutes - 32.2 MBPhil, Arran, and Matt discuss the group stage of the FIFA Women's World Cup in France. They go in depth on Australia's thrilling come from behind win over Brazil. The guys also discuss the all of the hullabaloo surrounding the U.S. Team's 13-0 win over Thailand and celebration controversy.
Episode 38 Part 1: Shiver Me Timbers
June 16, 2019 00:29 - 46 minutes - 63.5 MBPhil, Arran, and Matt make their predictions for the Round of 16 in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. They go through every game in the round and make their predictions, and also pick who they think is going to win the trophy. They also discuss happenings from Round 4 in the Open Cup, and why they think that Portland Timbers could be a surprise threat coming out of the MLS Western Conference.
Episode 37: Thai Game
June 11, 2019 03:41 - 52 minutes - 71.9 MBPhil and Arran sit down with former Phoenix Rising and current Ayutthaya United Forward Chris Cortez. After almost half a year in Thailand Chris has had a chance to experience the culture of a new land and taken a trip around the league. He shares with us his experiences, what the season has been like so far, and where he plans to play in the future.
Episode 36: WonderCal
June 08, 2019 10:22 - 52 minutes - 71.5 MBPhil and Arran sit down with announcer Callum Williams to talk about our Team of the Month, Minnesota United FC. They discuss Minnesota's season so far, expectations for the rest of the season, a bit of club history, and the story behind how "Wonderwall" became the team song. Cal takes a few minutes to bask in the glory of his beloved Aston Villa's recent promotion to the Premier League.
Interview With Junior Flemmings
June 06, 2019 05:32 - 5 minutes - 7.64 MBMatt Robards catches up with Phoenix Rising midfielder Junior Flemmings after practice on Tuesday, June 4, 2019. "Flemmo" is off to a great start in his first season with the club with 6 goals and 5 assists through the season's first 12 games. Matt chats with Junior about what brought him to the club, some of his highlights from the season so far, and a question about gummy bear and hoverboards. You can follow Junior on Twitter at @Flemmo_77