The Players

BBC Radio 5 Live

4.8 (54)
SPORTS

Bex Smith flips the script on women's football, speaking to some of the biggest names in the game. We hear what it’s like being a leader on the pitch, inspiring the next generation and how to overcome injuries.

05/19/2021

Gilly Flaherty and Ria Percival

West Ham captain Gilly Flaherty and New Zealand international Ria Percival join Bex Smith for a look at the art of defending. They look at the unique pressure defenders face, explain the types of players they fear most and discuss the qualities needed to become a top class defender. The pair also talk about playing in major competitions at the age of just 15, and their love of baking!

50 min
05/12/2021

Emma Hayes and Pia Sundhage

In the week of the Champions League final, Chelsea manager Emma Hayes joins the podcast, along with current Brazil head coach Pia Sundhage. The pair discuss their respective philosophies and why they got into coaching, including the roles of geese, cooking and international politics. And Emma gives us an insight into how her Chelsea team have come to dominate this season.

52 min
05/05/2021

Marissa Callaghan and Julie Nelson

Fresh from helping Northern Ireland reach their first major finals, captain Marissa Callaghan and record-appearance holder Julie Nelson join Bex Smith to discuss their achievements. They recall the national team restarting with a budget of £4,000, and meeting Mia Hamm and the USA team at the Algarve Cup in 2004. The pair then recount their dramatic qualification for Euro 2022 and look ahead to next summer's tournament and beyond.

54 min
04/28/2021

Rachel Yankey and Karen Carney

Two of English football's ground-breakers join the podcast this week. Rachel Yankey and Karen Carney have the inside track on being part of Arsenal's quadruple winners, the challenges of punditry and the rise of the Women's Super League. We also hear from Rachel on minibuses, and meeting Thierry Henry in Selfridges.

54 min
04/20/2021

Caroline Weir + Lisa Evans

This week we have two Scottish superstars on the podcast - Manchester City's Caroline Weir and Arsenal's Lisa Evans. We talk everything from, team trips abroad, playing on the boy's team, role models and Scottish humour.

52 min
04/13/2021

Ali Riley + Toni Pressley

On this week’s episode we hear from Orlando Pride team mates Ali Riley and Toni Pressley. The pair talk about their transition to veganism and the effects it has on their performances on and off the pitch. And listen out for a musical cameo from Toni’s fiancé, (one of the worlds best footballers) Marta!

50 min
04/06/2021

Alisha Lehmann + Julia Simic

Bex Smith is joined by Everton and Switzerland’s Alisha Lehmann and AC Milan player, Julia Simic from Germany. On this week's episode we talk about social media and the role it plays within football. We hear everything from speaking Swiss German, living their best lives and the mis conceptions around social media.

50 min
03/31/2021

Demi Stokes + Lucy Staniforth

On this week's episode we shine a light on the ultimate team players, the ones who don't necessarily seek the spotlight and end up flying under the radar. Manchester City's Demi Stokes and Manchester United's Lucy Staniforth, join the podcast to tell us their stories and we hear everything from being fan girls, getting engaged and why Lucy Bronze's mum is the best.

1 hr

See All (21)

4.8

out of 5

54 Ratings

Bex is the best. More please!

04/11/2022

Decumaria

The Players with @BexSmithkiwi never disappoints. Reminiscent of my favourite interviewer Terry Gross the host of the NPR/WHYY Program FRESH AIR, Bex is naturally inquisitive, genuinely interested in her guests, and diligent in her preparation. A committed (retired pro) footballer herself, Bex creates a comfortable camaraderie with her paired guests that invites listeners to get to know a little of the woman, the person, whose performance on the pitch we’ve loved to see. Among my favourite episodes are the Scottish players (I’m a member of the SNP); the coaches; the Scandinavian couple; and the MBE English footballers. I also relished the stark contrast between the episodes featuring retired and current USWNT players. BBC Sounds, please bring back The Players.
So Good

01/28/2021

Sara Obi1

Bex is by far one of my favourite hosts in the soccer pod world and beyond. She steers clear of obvious, over asked questions and really connects with her guests. Love the concept of two friends per pod, as it helps pull the players’ true personalities out.
Great easy listening banter

01/26/2021

feedbackguest

Quickly becoming my favorite WoSo podcast.
Great insights

12/23/2020

littlextinaa

Thoroughly enjoy this pod as an American women's soccer fan. Great interviews with icons of the game. Keep them coming!

Bex Smith flips the script on women's football, speaking to some of the biggest names in the game. We hear what it’s like being a leader on the pitch, inspiring the next generation and how to overcome injuries.