Box2Box, with Rob Gilbert and Willem van Denderen!

Football Victoria held their men’s and women’s end of season playoffs over the weekend, and its clubs are at the forefront of the rebirth of NSL clubs on the national stage. But the actions of Preston & Dandenong City fans over the past fortnight have given the need to pause for thought. Interim-Football Victoria CEO Dan Birrell faces the tough questions.
Then to England, where Ange Postecoglou is underway at Nottingham Forest with a packed fixture list ahead. The BBC’s midlands football expert Simon Stone returns with questions ahead - and to reflect separately on Manchester United’s worst start to a league season since 1992/93.
Also on the agenda: Italy take another step along the World Cup qualification tightrope, Irankunda and Toure light up the Socceroos and Sam Kerr returns…

Follow us on X: https://twitter.com/Box2BoxNTS
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100028871306243 

Enjoy our written content: https://www.box2boxnts.com.au/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Box2Box, with Rob Gilbert, Michael Edgley and Willem van Denderen.

Tony Popovic’s Socceroos remain undefeated through nine starts and while Friday’s first leg of the Soccer Ashes won’t live too long in the memory, there was plenty to be excited about. Simultaneously, the performance has been considered underwhelming. Daniel Garb returns to assess the result and what it means on the path to next year’s World Cup.

Meanwhile, the conduct of Preston supporters at Saturday’s NPL preliminary-final has led to investigations by Victoria Police and Football Victoria, and again raises questions of the future of the game as re-integration of former-NSL sides into the mainstream seeks to continue. We try to make sense of the frustration. 

Also on the agenda: World Cup qualifying wrap from around the confederations, Western United into ‘hibernation’ and Sam Kerr edges closer to a return with Chelsea. 

Follow us on X: https://twitter.com/Box2BoxNTS
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100028871306243 

Enjoy our written content: https://www.box2boxnts.com.au/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Box2Box, with Rob Gilbert, Michael Edgley and Willem van Denderen.

Western United’s future continues to look exceptionally bleak, with forty-four players across men’s and women’s senior sides facing the prospect of being without a club when the season kicks off next month. PFA chief-executive Beau Busch returns at a very trying time for a section of their constituency.
Then to England, where Thomas Tuchel must begin to produce results if the Three Lions are to qualify for the World Cup. The BBC’s Phil McNulty casts his expert eye over the squad, and the key issues from the Premier League as the transfer window prepares to close.
Also on the agenda: Heidelberg and Newcastle reach the Australia Cup final, Tony Popovic names an exciting squad for the soccer Ashes, and Wellington are excluded from the OFC’s new league.
Follow us on X: https://twitter.com/Box2BoxNTS
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100028871306243 

Enjoy our written content: https://www.box2boxnts.com.au/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Box2Box, with Michael Edgley, Joey Lynch and Willem van Denderen!
New Zealand’s A-League clubs met contrasting fortunes in the Australia Cup this week, with Auckland FC progressing on penalties while Wellington crashed out to a 4-0 defeat. Jason Pine (Sky Sports NZ) returns with the outlook for their respective campaigns looking decidedly different, and to cover off on Bev Preistman’s appointment to the Phoenix’s women’s job.
Then to Italy, where the Serie A kicked off on the weekend with Napoli looking favourite to retain the Scudetto, with a raft of clubs at the start of new projects. Adriano Del Monte returns for a season preview, and a word on the Azzurri - who look destined to go the long way round if they’re to return to the FIFA World Cup.
Also on the agenda: Western United watch continues, Everton move into their new home and the Olyroos & Socceroos prepare for camp.
Follow us on X: https://twitter.com/Box2BoxNTS
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100028871306243 

Enjoy our written content: https://www.box2boxnts.com.au/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Box2Box, with Rob Gilbert & Michael Edgley!
Heidelberg further entrenched themselves in Australia Cup history with last week’s 3-0 win over Western Sydney, and face Wellington for a place in the semi-finals on Tuesday. Manager John Anastasiadis returns with the Bergers amidst extraordinary fixture congestion, but making the most of the opportunities available to them on multiple fronts.
Sunderland bucked recent trend in celebrating their return to the Premier League with a thumping win, 3-0 over West Ham. The Guardian’s Jonathan Wilson, supporter of the club and product of the city, returns to assess what their return to the top flight says about the socio-economic growth, and swelling ambitions of the community.
Follow us on X: https://twitter.com/Box2BoxNTS
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100028871306243 

Enjoy our written content: https://www.box2boxnts.com.au/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Box2Box, with Rob Gilbert & Willem van Denderen!

Western United’s future lies solely in their ability to successfully appeal Football Australia’s decision to strip them of their A-Leagues license. Veteran football reporter Michael Lynch returns to reflect on the never-wholly satisfying history of the club, and whether the doors will really close this month.
The Premier League kicks off this weekend, and there are none better than the esteemed Henry Winter to preview the season. Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea are all expected to threaten, while the creeping Americanisation of public-facing foreign investment stands as an off-field point of interest.
Also on the agenda: Sydney FC fans disgrace themselves at the Australia Cup, Mark Schwarzer honoured by Sport Australia, and vale to Palestine’s legendary striker, Suleiman al Obeid.
Follow us on X: https://twitter.com/Box2BoxNTS
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100028871306243 

Enjoy our written content: https://www.box2boxnts.com.au/
No Stoppage Time this week - please join us for the main show once again, next Monday.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Box2Box, with Rob Gilbert and Michael Edgley!
Olympic Kingsway pulled off this year's first Australia Cupset at the expense of Melbourne Victory last week, and competition-record goalscorer Liam Boland was front and centre with a brace off the bench. Nearing the end of his esteemed semi-professional career, Liam is forthright in his assessment of the disconnect between pro and semi-pro clubs in the country.
Then to England, where the Championship kicks off this weekend with the usual bevy of clubs in contention, crisis and confusion. The Athletic's Nancy Frostick returns to make sense of Hollywood investment, parachute payments and Wednesday's woe.
Also on the agenda: Wellington appoint Bev Preistman, Son departs Spurs & plenty more!
Follow us on X: https://twitter.com/Box2BoxNTS
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100028871306243\
Enjoy our written content: https://www.box2boxnts.com.au/
No Stoppage Time this week - please join us for the main show once again, next Monday.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Box2Box, with Rob Gilbert Michael Edgley!
The Australian Championship remains slated for its long-awaited October kick-off, although Sunday’s announcement by Football Australia that they’ve been unable to find additional suitable clubs to join the inaugural eight has seen frustration return. South Melbourne chairman Bill Papastergiadis joins Michael and Willem van Denderen to discuss what feels like a significant setback.
Meanwhile, storylines aplenty on the agenda in Germany, including Jackson Irvine’s solidarity with Palestine and Nestory Irankunda’s Bayern Munich sale. The Athletic’s authority on the German game, Kit Holden, covers off on all the big talking points.
Also on the agenda: England retain the Women’s Euros, FIFA and FIFPRO remain at odds, Cooks Hill United write Australia Cup headlines and plenty more…
Follow us on X: https://twitter.com/Box2BoxNTS
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100028871306243 

Enjoy our written content: https://www.box2boxnts.com.au/
No Stoppage Time this week - please join us for the main show once again, next Monday.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the Stoppage Time agenda: Melbourne Victory Director of Football John Didulica joins the show for an in-depth discussion on both the club, and the broader state of Australian football. A former player, long-time administrator and one-time author, there are few more distinguished voices in the Australian game.
Follow us on X: https://twitter.com/Box2BoxNTS
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100028871306243
Enjoy our written content: https://www.box2boxnts.com.au/
& Join us for the main show on Monday!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Box2Box, with Michael Edgley and Willem van Denderen!
The Socceroos qualified for the 2026 World Cup in efficient style, and now Tony Popovic has the better part of a year on his hands to best prepare the side. Daniel Garb was part of last week’s extensive private media briefing, and returns with Nestory Irankunda among numerous key topics.The Australia Cup is also back for 2025, with NSW’ Northern Tigers among six first time qualifiers. CEO Kevin Roberts joins the show for the first time ahead of Wednesday’s Round of 32 clash with Sydney United 58.Also on the agenda: drama from the penalty spot at the Women’s Euros, Football Australia ticks off its own refereeing standards, Marcus Rashford moves to Barcelona, and plenty more.
Follow us on X: https://twitter.com/Box2BoxNTS
Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100028871306243
Enjoy our written content: https://www.box2boxnts.com.au/
… & Join us for Stoppage Time on Wednesday, with Melbourne Victory Director of Football, John Didulica!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.