Box2Box Football Network

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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Box2Box, with Rob Gilbert and Willem van Denderen. 
Lucas Herrington, Nestory Irankunda and Alessandro Circati headline the numerous Socceroos to have moved post-World Cup, with the former two making their club debuts over the weekend. Daniel Garb (10/Paramount+) returns to assess their moves; there has also been a quick managerial switch at Macarthur, and the Australia Cup is working towards its final stages.
The Premier League also returned with Hull City and Brighton & Hove Albion the big winners. The BBC’s Chief Football Writer Phil McNulty on what went wrong at Aston Villa, Chelsea’s new era, and plenty more.
Also on the agenda: Kevin Lamour departs FIFA as Infantino drums up support & more…
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Box2Box, with Willem van Denderen & Will Hastie. 
In the week of Western United’s winding up in the Federal Court, South Melbourne Hellas indicated their desire to open formal talks with the APL over A-Leagues licences - and on Monday took a step forward as co-President Bill Papastergiadis held a discussion with Steve Rosich. Papastergiadis discusses why they club feel this time should be different, and their A-League & Asian ambitions.
Then to Japan, where Mitch Duke & Tete Yengi are spearheading J1. League leaders Machida Zelvia among a number of Aussie threads in the early weeks of the season. The Asian Game’s Scott McIntyre returns with the ACL draw also upcoming - the Newcastle Jets to return to the continent after a long absence.
Also on the agenda: Australia Cup ‘Cupset’ balance, U20 Asian Cup cycle to start again and Manchester City prepare for life without Rodri.
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Box2Box, with Rob Gilbert and Willem van Denderen.
Melbourne Victory have advanced to the quarter-finals of the Australia Cup with a win over Western Sydney, and now look a real chance to again challenge for their first men’s silverware since 2022. Director of Football John Didulica discusses the board’s decision to change managers, the appointment of Giovanni Savarese, and plenty more.
Then to Italy, where an apologetic Roberto Mancini has returned to manage the national team he deserted three years ago amid chaotic circumstances. Adriano Del Monte returns with the Calcio in desperate need of re-routing; there’s also a Serie A preview, including a look at Cristian Volpato and Ale Circati.
Also on the agenda: APL terminate Western United’s hibernation agreement, Socceroos’ seasons underway abroad and loads more!
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Box2Box, with Rob Gilbert and Willem van Denderen...
Gianni Infantino’s position as FIFA President looks increasingly untenable following a week where his floated plan to sell a portion of the World Cup to private investment was denounced emphatically by some confederations and many individual member nations. Simon Hill returns to pick through what’s been yet another seismic week, that feels to have acted only as a portent for bigger things still yet to come.
Meanwhile, Chelsea’s hardline youth policy seems to have softened, with Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson among Xabi Alonso’s initial signings. The Athletic’s Liam Twomey considers whether a shift in attitude could bring a calming of the turbulent waters at Stamford Bridge.
Also on the agenda: Lucas Herrington on verge of record-breaking Hull City move, Australia Cup draw promises further action & loads more…
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