A Level Playing Field

On the final whistle of the season, A Level Playing Field signs off with a comprehensive look back at a thrilling Scottish Women’s Premier League campaign. Cheryl Smith and Alison McConnell dive into the defining moments of the 2025/26 SWPL season.  From the twists in the title race to the standout performers who lit up the league.  With goals flying in across the campaign and records tumbling alo...

Celtic defender Emma Lawton joins us ahead of the biggest game in the domestic calendar as the Hoops prepare to face Rangers in the Women's Scottish Cup Final at Hampden Park this Sunday. The Scotland international reflects on Celtic’s journey to the final, including a dramatic semi-final victory that booked their place on the big stage, and discusses the mindset within the squad heading into...

In this episode of A Level Playing Field, Melissa Andreatta joins us ahead of Scotland’s crucial double header against Israel in Hungary, with both fixtures set to be played behind closed doors. Andreatta reflects on her latest squad selection, offering insight into key inclusions and the balance she’s building within the group.  She also discusses the welcome return of Claire Emslie, who is back...

This week on A Level Playing Field, we’re joined by Grant Scott for an in-depth conversation at a pivotal moment in the season for Celtic Women. With the Scottish Women's Cup Final looming against fierce rivals Rangers, Grant Scott reflects on the challenge ahead and what it would mean to end the campaign with silverware after 6 months in the role.  He also opens up on the disappointment of m...

In this episode of A Level Playing Field , we sit down with Laura Montgomery, one of the most influential figures in Scottish women's football and one half of the driving force behind Glasgow City’s rise to the top of the women’s game. Laura reflects on the journey from founding a club with limited resources to building a dominant force in domestic football, all while navigating the challenge...

A Level Playing Field returns with a special episode spotlighting the standout performers of the SWPL season. We’re joined by a host of nominees for the PFA Scotland Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year awards to reflect on their campaigns, key moments, and what this recognition means to them. Hear from Player of the Year nominees Katie Wilkinson (Rangers), Georgie Timms (Hearts), Lee G...

Cheryl Smith and Alison McConnell are back with a fresh episode of A Level Playing Field, diving into all the big talking points in Scottish women’s football. The duo kick things off with the international break, reflecting on a positive window for Scotland and what it means for growing belief around their World Cup qualification hopes.  There’s also a look at the newly announced PFA SWPL Team of...

This week on A Level Playing Field we’re joined by a true trailblazer of the women’s game - Rose Reilly. A World Cup champion, and one of Scotland’s most iconic footballing exports, Rose reflects on a remarkable career that broke boundaries across generations and continents.  From her early days in Scotland to conquering the world stage with Italy, she shares the stories behind the headlines, the...

In this deeply moving episode, we sit down with Sarah Rhind to explore the powerful story behind her book Scars Under the Jersey: Addiction, Loss and the Game I Love . Sarah speaks openly about her journey through recovery, the grip of addiction, and the lasting impact of grief after personal loss. It’s an honest and emotional conversation about rebuilding your life when everything has been stripp...

In this week’s episode, we’re joined by SWPL Managing Director Fiona McIntyre for an in-depth and honest conversation about the state of the women’s game in Scotland. Fiona lifts the lid on what her role really involves behind the scenes, the biggest challenges she’s faced since taking charge, and the ongoing effort to grow the league’s visibility and get more fans through the turnstiles.  We also...

In this episode, we’re joined by the Head of Refereeing at the Scottish FA, Willie Collum, for an honest and insightful conversation about the future of female referees in Scotland. Willie discusses the growing presence of women in officiating and the clear ambition to see female referees regularly taking charge of top-flight men’s matches. He opens up on areas the game isn’t talking about enough,...

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 L...

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...

This week on A Level Playing Field, we’re joined by Cara Henderson to hear her inspiring journey back from an ACL injury. Cara opens up about the mental toll of long-term injury, navigating two managerial changes, and her thoughts on the league’s recent cash crisis.  We also discuss her evolving pathway into media work and get her take on this weekend’s thrilling final round of fixtures before the...

In this episode of A Level Playing Field, Celtic and Scotland midfielder Maria McAneny sits down for an in-depth conversation about her journey through the game - from academy prospect to one of the most exciting young talents in the SWPL. Maria reflects on coming through Celtic’s academy system and what it takes to make the transition from youth football into the senior environment.  She opens up...

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, staf...

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...

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 ha...

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 mea...

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-yea...

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, ch...

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...

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 C...