Box2Box Football Network

Box2Box, with Rob Gilbert & Will Hastie…
Wellington Phoenix and Central Coast Mariners have emerged as surprise leaders of the A-League Men’s & Women’s competitions respectively, reminders of the game’s capacity to surprise in contrast to the leagues’ struggles elsewhere. Joey Lynch (ESPN/The Guardian) returns for an assessment of the early rounds of the domestic campaigns; there’s also uncertainty over the Socceroos’ upcoming friendlies in the Middle East.
In the UK, Liverpool’s new manager Andoni Iraola has settled in, although was frustrated by their 1-0 loss to Arsenal in what was a first real heavyweight test of their mettle under the Spaniard. The Athletic’s James Pearce returns with the Reds an outside chance across multiple competitions.
Also on the agenda: Aussie clubs struggle in Asia, Harry Kane breaks British Ballon d’Or drought & loads more...
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Box2Box, with Rob Gilbert & Willem van Denderen! 

Brisbane Roar are again off to a strong start under Michael Valkanis, defeating Perth Glory 2-1 in their opening match of the campaign. Joining the show for the first time, Valkanis speaks to the lessons learned during last season’s collapse, his recruitment of Nam Tae-hee and Tyrese Francois, and his ambition to engender Queensland pride among the local players in his squad.
In England, Manchester United’s latest listless week across losses to Como and Bournemouth has Michael Carrick on the verge of the sack, but with few believing the club’s ownership and playing list is at less fault than he. The esteemed Henry Winter returns - while separately, even bigger problems rumble on over the other side of Manchester.
Also on the agenda: Melbourne City’s women commence another shot at Asian glory (and now with the chance to go beyond it), the Wanderers blitz Auckland, and the latest out of the AFC’s extraordinary congress in Tokyo.
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The Australian Championship returned for season two over the weekend and while existential questions remain over the competition’s place and future, the football on the pitch largely delivered. SBS caller Lachie Flannigan reviews Sutherland’s strong support, South Hobart’s first win and plethora on unwarranted (?) shootout action. 
Then to Italy, where the Serie A returned after a reasonably positive four-match window for the Azzurri. Adriano Del Monte on Inter Milan’s lead, Lazio’s start, and the beginnings of a revival for Ruben Amorim!
Also on the agenda: Newcastle Jets ban James Gardiner’s press coverage, Ginni Infantino’s secret salary, a big win in Asia for Adelaide and plenty more…
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Box2Box, with Willem van Denderen & Will Hastie!
South Melbourne Hellas are Australia Cup champions, downing Melbourne Victory in epic fashion on a night their latent supporter base truly re-emerged. Club co-President Bill Papastergiadis returns to celebrate their moment of triumph - and look to what’s next.
Robbie Thomson then reflects on the occasion from the commentary box, where he called the match for 10/Paramount+: the place of the Australia Cup final, it’s means as a broadcast spectacle, and the fallout for Melbourne Victory are all on the agenda.
Also on the show: Big questions facing A-Leagues & Australia Championship ahead of kickoff, Manchester United misery and loads more…
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Box2Box, with Rob Gilbert & Will Hastie!
The Socceroos impressed in last week's second friendly against Brazil, although ultimately fell away in what proved a 4-2 loss. The Sydney Morning Herald's Vince Rugari takes the temperature on the group's promise ahead of the Asian Cup - and also speaks to the Australian implications of the Manchester City scandal.
Furthermore on City, ITV's Mark Pougatch returns as arguably the biggest story of the Premier League era rumbles on. An appeal filed, a key whistleblower endangered and contradictions seemingly everywhere; what to make of this mess, and where to next?
Also on the agenda: Olyroos lose their first of two to South Korea, AFC set to propose Nations League World Cup qualification mechanism, and tough European windows for Klopp & Ronaldo.
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Box2Box, with Willem van Denderen & Derek Dyson!
The Socceroos went within moments of a first win over Brazil in 25 years in last Friday's meeting in Townsville, and have another chance in Brisbane on Tuesday. Craig Moore returns to assess the performance, including the continued development of centre-backs Circati and Herrington. 
Then to the UK, where the biggest news in some time landed this week: Manchester City guilty of all bar one of 115 charges, relating to breaches of the Premier League’s financial regulations. The Athletic’s Rob Tanner discusses the mood of proceedings - as well as a reflection on England's loss to Spain.
Also on the agenda: Ireland protest Israel fixture, European leagues band together in spite of Infantino, and the potential end of England's long-standing football booze ban.
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Box2Box, with Willem van Denderen & Derek Dyson!
The Socceroos are set to play Brazil in their first outings post-World Cup, starting with Friday’s hit-out in Townsville. Meanwhile, South Melbourne Hellas and Melbourne Victory will meet for the Australia Cup in next month’s decider, already one of the more anticipated fixtures in Australian football’s modern history. Robbie Thomson has the big games for 10/Paramount+ over the coming weeks, and returns for a preview.
Then to England, where three big wins - and all different in nature - has launched Brighton & Hove Albion up the Premier League table, and seen them progress in the EFL Cup and Conference League. The Athletic’s Andy Naylor covers the Brighton beat - can Fabian Hürzeler lead the club to its long-awaited first trophy?
Also on the agenda: Rangers with two fists on the chin in the Old Firm, Mo Toure injury leaves Popa’s striking stocks thin, and Rob Gilbert files a report from the Stadio Olympico...
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Box2Box, with Willem van Denderen & Derek Dyson!
Socceroo James Holland achieved plenty in his playing career, and the best could still be yet to come as he builds into management. An assistant to Oliver Glasner at first Crystal Palace and now Nottingham Forest, he joins us to discuss the fruitful working relationship between the pair, his own coaching journey, and influences from his playing days.
Then to England, where Sunday’s Manchester Derby saw City scoop the points and United count the cost - while VAR had more than a fair hand in the result. The BBC’s Simon Stone was at Old Trafford and joins us to debrief.
Also on the agenda: Nine & Stan Sport extend their Premier League rights deal, Ismael Kartel fails to resign at Fenerbahçe & loads more…
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Box2Box, with Willem van Denderen & Derek Dyson!
Central Coast Mariners women’s side have found new ownership in Holman Barnes Group, and are now preparing for the upcoming A-League season. New manager Dean Heffernan returns to the club which he played a key role in establishing on the pitch from 2005-10 as a stalwart of the men's outfit, and is now looking to make an impact on the touchline.
In the UK, Premier League clubs have - again - spent a new record £3.7billion on players in the recent transfer market. The figures are only surging one way; The Price of Football’s Kieran Maguire returns to make sense of the league’s financial might and movements.
Also on the agenda: Australian referees on strike, Arsenal beat Chelsea and goalscoring goalkeepers - in light of Ronald Koeman Jr’s feat for Telstar.
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Lions FC are Australia’s most in-form side, already lifting three trophies in 2026 and with a Queensland NPL Grand Final and Australia Cup semi-final to come in a fortnight’s time. Manchester-born manager Dan Barber has excelled in his first season in the role, and joins us for the first time.
Then to Scotland, where a foreign manager will lead the national team for just the second time after the appointment of Belgian Sebastian Pocognoli. The Daily Record’s Andy Newport explains why the new era has been met with optimism - in contrast to the early season mood at Rangers, Celtic and Hearts.
Also on the agenda: Chelsea & Manchester City among Premier League pacesetters, Xavi Hernandez to the Netherlands and plenty more…
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