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 34 Part 2: FIFA Las Vegas
May 26, 2019 00:19 - 17 minutes - 24 MBIn part 2 of this week's episode Phil, Arran, and Matt discuss the Phoenix Rising's most recent match against the Las Vegas Lights, and what they are seeing with the team recently. They talk about how midfielders Junior Flemmings and Solomon Asante compliment each other on the pitch. Also a shout out to our friend Scott Brown who is leaving Accrington for Harrogate Town.
Episode 35: Showing You Who's Ross
May 25, 2019 07:17 - 42 minutes - 59 MBPhil and Arran sit down with USL League One Greenville Triumph announcer Ross Devonport and talk football on both sides of the pond, and even a little bit of rugby. Ross is a true Renaissance man who know a little bit about every sport in the book, and has worked for cbssports.com as a fantasy writer. To top things off he is the son of an English rugby player! We also have a special surprise. The first ever Across The Pitch Rug Bee!
Episode 34 Part 1: Aston Villa Music Ft. (/ˈdɑːrbi ˈkaʊnti/)
May 23, 2019 05:43 - 35 minutes - 48.3 MBThis week Phil, Arran, and Matt break down the EFL Playoffs, going in depth on each of the 3 matches. They start with EFL League Two Tranmere Rovers vs Newport County, then EFL League One Charlton Athletic vs Sunderland A.F.C., and conclude with EFL Championship Aston Villa vs Derby County, with the winner of the game earning promotion to the Premier League, and and estimated $160 million pound payout! Read our previews of each of these games at acrossthepitch.com/blog.
Episode 33: Here Comes The Dove King
May 20, 2019 04:10 - 23 minutes - 31.7 MBPhil and Matt sit down with Accrington Stanley right back and midfielder Callum Johnson, in the second interview in our Callum Club series. They talk with Callum about the previous season in League One, and what he his looking forward to next season. They talk about his time at Middlesborough Academy, and why he decided to sign on with Accy full time after going there on loan. We also ask him if he believes his name Callum gives him any special advantages as a footballer. Read more at across...
Episode 32: Most Hated Man In Birkenhead
May 13, 2019 06:29 - 56 minutes - 77.4 MBOn this week's episode Phil, Arran, and Matt break down the promotion playoffs in the EFL Championship, League One, and League Two. They go over the match-ups and make predictions for who they think will be promoted from each league. They also do a recap on the happenings of the semi-final round in the Champions League, and Arran makes a few new friends in Tranmere. Also, we debut "Get Some" the new single by The Glides at the end of the show.
Episode 31: EFL Unplugged In Arizona
May 04, 2019 06:18 - 49 minutes - 67.3 MBIn this week's episode Phil, Arran, and Matt talk playoffs in the EFL. They break down the final week of the season in the EFL Championship, League One, and League Two. They also discuss which team's have already been promoted of relegated, and make their pick to come out of the playoffs in each league. (Note: This episode is Unplugged because due to time sensitive material we have done very little sound editing. We apologize that this episode is less than our regular quality standards.)
Episode 30: I Wanna Holt Your Hand
May 03, 2019 04:56 - 44 minutes - 61.5 MBIn an extra special Sunday Conversation edition, Phil and Arran sit down with Accrington Stanley Owner and Chairman Andy Holt. They talk with Andy about what lead him to buy the club, his background and the story of his business WHAM, improvements with the club, the importance of staying up in League One, and what he wants his legacy to be with the team. Special thanks to Mike Procter http://www.brettonart.uk/ for the use of his painting.
Episode 29: Dynamo Dreamin'
April 26, 2019 04:27 - 31 minutes - 43.6 MBIn a special Non-League Spotlight edition of Across The Pitch, Phil and Arran sit down with Loughborough Dynamo manager Lee Attenborough. They discuss the happenings around Loughborough, and the unique challenges and ups and downs of managing a club that is underfunded even compared with other teams in their division. Lee is at 28-years-old the youngest manager in Northern Premier League Division One East history, and has a chance with a win this Saturday to lead Dynamo to their best finish ...
Episode 28 Part 2: House Of The Rising Son
April 24, 2019 05:34 - 26 minutes - 36.5 MBIn Part 2 of episode 28 the farm animals have gone home, but Phil, Arran, and Matt return to talk about the UEFA Champions League quarter finals. They discuss what happened in the previous round, who they think will advance, and Phil makes a shocking pick to win the whole thing. They also debate who the top player left in the tournament is, and we introduce a brand new author to the Across The Pitch blog team!
Episode 28 Part 1: Stone Bold Team Austin
April 20, 2019 08:22 - 22 minutes - 30.7 MBOn a very special Farm Animal Night of Across the Pitch Phil, Arran, and Matt are cheesed off after Phoenix Rising's loss to the expansion Austin Bold. They give an unhinged and oftentimes emotional take on the night's game. On a side note, @yourPHXCW we do compare you to a certain metal water boiling kettle, however, your video apology is noted and accepted. Hey, even NBC had The Heidi Game. UEFA Champions League recap coming in part 2. Additional sound effects from https://www.zapsplat.c...
Episode 27: Tangerine Dreams
April 17, 2019 08:59 - 56 minutes - 77.3 MBIn a very special interview Phil, Arran, and Matt chat with Blackpool legend Brett Ormerod. Brett scored at all 4 levels of English Football for Blackpool, including the Premier League and the winning goal in the EFL Championship playoffs. Brett also discusses his time with Accrington Stanley, tells stories about his former coaches, and a bit about life after football. If you want to hear more of Brett, you can hear him on the Under The Cosh podcast https://podtail.com/en/podcast/undr-the-co...
Episode 25 Part 3: The Loan Rangers
April 14, 2019 08:01 - 28 minutes - 39.1 MBIn the long awaited Part 3 of our 25th episode, Phil, Arran, and Matt have a spirited debate about the financial issues facing teams in the EFL Championship, League One, and League Two. Arran thinks the cause of the financial issues that teams like the Bolton Wanderers are having are due to big teams hoarding players and loaning them. Phil suggests a salary cap and revenue sharing system. Matt suggests that they both are crazy, and its just plain poor ownership. A real cracker of a discussion!
Episode 26: Industry And Prudence Conquer
April 09, 2019 23:07 - 46 minutes - 64.4 MBIn a special Sunday Conversation (recorded on a Saturday) edition of Phil and Arran sit down for another chat with 50 Years of Accrington Stanley author Darren Woodhead. They discuss what will be going into the final chapter of the book, due out in July, that you can preorder at onstanleyon.com or purchase at the grounds. They also talk about what Stanley needs to do down the stretch to stay up in League One, and Arran and Darren nerd out for a moment about their shared love of cricket.
Episode 25 Part 2: Cat On A Hot Tin Pot
April 08, 2019 05:26 - 28 minutes - 38.6 MBIn Part 2 of this 3 part 25th episode, Phil, Arran, and Matt break down what's going on in EFL Leagues One and Two. They talk about what teams are most likely to get promoted, make the playoffs, or become relegated. They also introduce Portsmouth as team of the month for April, and discuss the meaning of the term tin pot. They also look at the heated battle to stay in League One, and follow up on whether Notts County, Yeovil, and Macclesfield can stay up and avoid being sent to non-league. S...
Episode 25 Part 1: The Oxford Blue Throne
April 07, 2019 01:17 - 30 minutes - 42 MBOn Part 1 of this week's special, multi-part, 25th episode, Phil, Arran and Matt talk about the Premier League and EFL Championship races at both the top and bottom ends of the table. They also discuss the opening game at the massive latrine also known as the new Tottenham Stadium, and the unusual friendship between WWE legend Mick Foley, and Sheffield United's Billy Sharp. In the upcoming parts they will discuss Leagues One and Two, and a deep dive on loan players and financial issues in th...
Episode 24: What's Your MLS Fantasy?
March 30, 2019 23:47 - 48 minutes - 66.7 MBThis week Phil, Arran, and Matt interview mlssoccer.com MLS Fantasy writer Schuyler Redpath about the best strategies for winning your league. Schuyler is the 2011 National Champion for MLS Fantasy and each week has a list of the top players. He shares with us some of his secret strategy's including the Autoroo, and at the end we play a bit of Premier League trivia with him. A very entertaining and informative chat!
The Sounds of Phoenix Rising Match Day
March 28, 2019 05:35 - 7 minutes - 6.55 MBImmerse yourself into an aural experience of what it's like to attend a game of football (soccer) at the USL side, Phoenix Rising, from Across The Pitch host Arran Airs.
Episode 23: Mad Marchness
March 24, 2019 04:39 - 50 minutes - 69.9 MBOn this week's episode, Phil, Arran, and Matt discuss the madness that is the relegation battle in the EFL Championship, League One, and League Two. Additionally, they do a deep dive on the financial crisis with the Bolton Wanderers. They also talk about the Final Four of the FA Cup, and what the future could hold for Jose Mourhino and Mesut Ozil. They also play a sneak preview of a new song called L.A.W. by past guest Travis Kenny.
Episode 22: Werewolves In Wolverhampton
March 20, 2019 04:53 - 49 minutes - 68.4 MBIn this week's episode Phil and Arran (Matt is out this week) do a deep dive on the race at both ends of League One. In addition, they talk about what's going on with the UEFA Champions League, the fight to avoid relegation from the Premier League, and player of the week, Wolverhampton striker Raul Jimenez. They also talk about the first game of the Phoenix Rising season, and what their head coach Rick Schantz may have learned from Jurgen Klopp. Also, a special announcement from Phil.
Episode 21: Gone With The Snow
March 11, 2019 08:14 - 46 minutes - 64.1 MBOn this week's episode Phil, Arran, and Matt discuss some surprise results in the UEFA Champions League, preview the just underway MLS season and a recap of the exciting Snow Classico 3, talk about whether or not Liverpool's title hopes are gone with the wind, and exciting breaking news announcements. Plus, a listener question about what are the reasons that a team would want to loan a player to another team, and what does the future hold for Gareth Bale.
Episode 20: Where In The World Is Chris Cortez
March 02, 2019 23:55 - 42 minutes - 58.4 MBIn this week's special episode, Phil, Arran, and Matt sit down with Phoenix Rising all-time leading scorer, Chris Cortez, and talk about his move to Thailand and more. Find out why Chris decided to make the move to the Far East, some of his favorite Phoenix Rising memories and goals, and where Chris thinks his career may take him in the future. This is a can't miss, as this is it is his first English language interview since his transfer to Chonburi FC and subsequent loan to Ayutthaya United...
Episode 19: 50 Years Of Accrington Stanley
March 01, 2019 06:37 - 34 minutes - 46.8 MBOn a special, Sunday Conversation, edition of Across The Pitch, Phil Kennedy sits down with Darren Woodhead, author and historian of Accrington Stanley. They discuss his upcoming book commemorating the team's 50 years at the Crown Ground. They discuss things that are happening with the club past and present including Darren's first hand account of celebrating with the team after winning League Two in the 2017-2018 season. You can pre-order a copy of the book here for just 8 quid plus postage.
Episode 18 Part 2: Singing The Sarri Blues
February 26, 2019 05:48 - 31 minutes - 43.7 MBIn part 2 of the episode Phil, Arran, and Matt discuss the situation that is happening at Chelsea, and what they think is the future there for Maurizio Sarri. Additionally, they do a break down of the races in the EFL Championship, League One, and League Two. This includes a discussion about the dominant season Luton Town is having, and a check in on Newport County and Notts. We also announce a special Accrington Stanley related guest that is upcoming, and news about a shirt raffle.
Episode 18 Part 1: Doueugui's Pizza
February 24, 2019 03:34 - 30 minutes - 41.3 MBIn our special 2019 Phoenix Rising season preview Phil, Arran, and Matt go over the roster from top to bottom including a look at players who have come and gone from last season. They take an in depth look at Adam Jahn who is pegged to be the team's top striker this year, and discuss what other holes in the roster still need to be filled. They also talk about returning players like Solomon Asante, new additions like Joey Calistri, head coach Rick Shantz, a pizza named in the honor of Doueugu...
Episode 17: The Callum Club
February 18, 2019 03:40 - 45 minutes - 62.9 MBIn this special edition, Phil Kennedy, Arran Airs, and Matt Robards sit down with Minnesota United FC announcer Callum Williams. This interview, which is the first edition in our Callum Club series focuses on the upcoming MLS season, Minnesota's latest signings and acquisitions, Callum's thought's on the Phoenix Rising, and more. We also discuss how the MLS stacks up against other leagues around the world and whether or not David Beckham deserves a statue in Los Angeles.
Episode 16: Amond Joy
February 16, 2019 08:01 - 25 minutes - 35 MBA special edition as Phil Kennedy and Arran Airs sit down with Newport County A.F.C. striker Padraig Amond prior to their big match-up with Manchester City in the 5th Round of the FA Cup. Big goals against Tottenham, Leicester City, and Middlesbrough. They also talk about the League 2 season, his career with Accrington Stanley and Grimsby, his sport column in Ireland, coaching aspirations, and whether or not he would ever consider coming to the MLS.
Episode 15: Forget Me Notts
February 10, 2019 05:56 - 42 minutes - 58.7 MBThis week Phil, Matt, and Arran discuss the FA Cup as it leads into the 5th Round and some upsets including Newport Country over Middlesborough. They also discuss historic teams, the origin of the English football league, and team's with unusual names. Additionally, they talk about what team may get promoted from or relegated to "non-league", guys playing soccer while wearing ties, and even a debate about Leo Messi versus Tom Brady.
Episode 14: Team Daryl Supporters
February 04, 2019 04:34 - 48 minutes - 66.8 MBIn tonights episode Phil, Arran, and Matt dedicate their team of the month for February in support of Daryl Grove of the Total Soccer Show who recently announced he is battling cancer. You can find a link to donate to Daryl's GoFundMe on our homepage or donate by clicking here https://www.gofundme.com/team-daryl-grove. We also discuss the movings about of the January transfer window, upsets in Round 4 of the FA Cup, and a bit on footballers named Callum. We also answer a listener questio...
Episode 13: American Outlaw Country
January 28, 2019 07:49 - 45 minutes - 61.8 MBThis week Phil, Arran, and Matt sit down with American Outlaws Phoenix Chapter President Ryan Shirah. AO is the official supporters group of the U.S. Mens National Team. Ryan tells us about his experience with setting up for this week's match in Glendale against Panama. He also tells us more about how the club works, and we have an in depth discussion about new coach Gregg Berhalter, up and coming players to watch, the Women's World Cup, and more. Ryan is also know for dressing up as George ...
Episode 12: Great Scott
January 24, 2019 08:18 - 26 minutes - 36.9 MBOn this special edition of the Across The Pitch Podcast, Phil, Arran, and Matt sit down with veteran Accrington Stanley midfielder Scott Brown. (Scott Brown also appears on episode 2). They discuss the upcoming FA Cup match with Derby County at the WHAM Stadium, a wild match at Charlton, the departure of goalkeeper Connor Ripley, the team's latest additions in the January transfer window, and what is The Gaffer, John Coleman cheesed off about.
Episode 11: Cech Ya Later
January 22, 2019 04:00 - 47 minutes - 65.8 MBThis week Phil, Arran, and Matt discuss the retirement of legendary Arsenal and Chelsea goaltender Petr Cech, as well as player of the week David De Gea as part of a deep dive on goalkeepers. They also discuss athletes in American sports with a soccer background, the FA Cup rematches, more on our team of the month Luton Town, and how will Tottenham fare without Harry Kane and Heung-Min Son.
Episode 10: Hatter's Delight
January 12, 2019 09:18 - 52 minutes - 71.8 MBThis week guest analyst Matt Robards joins Phil and Arran again as they cover team of the month Luton Town and the departure of their manager Nathan Jones, their upcoming match with Sunderland, the League One title race, and also do a deep dive on the hit Netflix documentary series, "Sunderland Til' I Die". Additional topics include upsets in the FA Cup and player of the week Rúben Neves of Wolverhampton.
Episode 9: Citizens Kane
January 08, 2019 02:26 - 48 minutes - 66.5 MBOn this week's episode we break down an epic English Premier League match-up between Manchester City and Liverpool that is decided by a mere 11 millimeters. We also discuss the FA Cup third round action, our team of the month Luton Town, and our player of the week, Son Heung-Min of the Tottenham Hotspur. Plus, a listener question about the best and most surprising EPL players so far this season.
Episode 8: New Year's Rockin' Episode
January 01, 2019 02:48 - 33 minutes - 46.5 MBThis week Phil and Arran ring in 2019 with a musical themed episode. We sit down with Travis Kenny, lead singer for The Glides (who provide the official Across The Pitch intro music). Travis talks about his musical products and talks about his beloved Seattle Sounders, and a childhood meeting with the legendary Pelé. We also announce our team of the month for January, Luton Town, winners of our fan contest.
Episode 7: Insane In De Bruyne
December 25, 2018 13:31 - 46 minutes - 63.3 MBGuest co-host Matt Robards joins the Across The Pitch team today to discuss what new players your team may be getting for Christmas during the upcoming January transfer window. In depth analysis on Christian Pulisic and Callum Wilson, and where they may be headed. Our player of the week is Kevin De Bruyne and we discuss who is the best Belgian between De Bruyne and Hazard. Also find out about who the Phoenix Rising have recently signed to make up for the hole left by the retirement of Didier...
Episode 6: Say It Ain't So José
December 22, 2018 06:56 - 49 minutes - 67.8 MBOn this week's edition of the Across The Pitch Podcast Phil and Arran mourn the loss of their favorite topic, José Mourhino, after he has been sacked from Manchester United. They discuss United's future, post Mourhino, and the recent struggles of Arsenal. Also on tap this week's featured player, Aaron Wan Bissaka, the return, of Kevin de Bruyne, and our first sponsor @PatOrmsby17. We also announce the newest addition to the Across The Pitch team, tactical expert Matt Robards.
Episode 5: The Gurban Dictionary
December 15, 2018 10:03 - 55 minutes - 76.1 MBThis week Phil and Arran discuss the Final 16 in the UEFA Champions League, with a debate about whether or not fans should root for rival team's from their favorite league in European Leagues. We also talk about the Arsenal match-up with Qarabag in the Europa League with a profile on Qarabag manager, and Azerbaijani football legend Gurban Gurbanov. We also talk this week's English Premier League match-ups, and a listener question about Arthur Blank and Newcastle United.
Episode 4: No Way José Mourhino
December 08, 2018 20:13 - 40 minutes - 56.1 MBThis week Phil and Arran discuss José Mourhino's future at Manchester United, and a deep look into other EPL action from this week. We also discus who may be the frontrunner for EPL MVP and break down who has the most goals and assists. At the end of the show we answer a listener question, and have a trivia contest to announce our team of the month for December.
Episode 3: We Are The Champions League
December 01, 2018 06:51 - 47 minutes - 65.9 MBIn this week's episode we discuss the UEFA Champions League and how the English team's are doing in the competition. We also talk about upcoming local derby's in the English Premier League, give a break down on what the UEFA Europa League is, and break down the difference between the EFL and FA Cups. Our first listener questions are in this week as well.
Episode 2: Interview With Scott Brown Of Accrington Stanley
November 26, 2018 03:10 - 19 minutes - 35.4 MBWe took the time this week to sit down with veteran Accrington Stanley midfielder Scott Brown. During the interview we discussed a bit about his career, and how his rise back to League One after missing over 2 seasons with a serious leg injury has in some ways run parallel to Accrington Stanley's rise. We also talk with him about manager John Coleman, whom he followed to Stanley after captaining for him at Southport, and how Coleman has been instrumental in both his success and the club's ri...
Episode 1 - Who Are They?
November 23, 2018 04:22 - 52 minutes - 72.5 MBPhil Kennedy and Arran Airs discuss the world or English Football from an American perspective. Topics of this episode include the UEFA Champions League, the proposed European Super League, and our team of the week Accrington Stanley. Our once every 2 weeks show will focus primarily on the English Premier League, EFL Championship, League One, and League Two. We will also discuss the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, EFL Cup, FA Cup and anything else English Football. A unique take on ...