A Level Playing Field

This week on A Level Playing Field, we're joined by Scotland legend Jane Ross for a fascinating look back at a remarkable career in the women's game.From her time at Glasgow City and Rangers to spells with Manchester City and Manchester United, Jane reflects on her journey through the game, including her experiences playing abroad in Sweden and the challenges and opportunities of building a career overseas.We revisit one of the defining moments in Scottish football history – scoring the goal that sent Scotland to the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup and discuss the impact of that achievement on the national team and the women's game in Scotland.Jane also talks openly about retirement, her current role with the PFA and how she's continuing to support players beyond her own playing career.And with Scotland looking to secure another place on the world stage under Melissa Andreatta, we get Jane's thoughts on the current squad, the team's World Cup hopes and what it will take to get there.To get your first year of Nutmeg Magazine plus emails from Nutmeg FC for £40, including postage - that's a saving of £14. Go to nutmegmagazine.co.uk and choose print and digital subscription and use code ALPF.

On this episode of A Level Playing Field, Alison McConnell and Cheryl Smith look back on the opening months of the SWPL season, discussing the key talking points, standout performances and early-season storylines shaping the women’s game in Scotland including Rangers' title aspirations. The conversation also turns to the controversy surrounding the Ballon d’Or awards, plus, they discuss Caroline Weir’s influence and look ahead to Scotland’s crucial upcoming World Cup qualifier against Sweden.From the big talking points in women’s football to the challenges and opportunities facing Scotland, Alison and Cheryl bring their insight, analysis and passion to another episode of A Level Playing Field.To get your first year of Nutmeg Magazine plus emails from Nutmeg FC for £40, including postage - that's a saving of £14. Go to nutmegmagazine.co.uk and choose print and digital subscription and use code ALPF.

On this episode of A Level Playing Field, we’re joined by Partick Thistle’s Cara Henderson for an honest conversation about her long journey back from injury.Cara opens up about the physical and mental challenges of recovering from an ACL injury, the setbacks and sacrifices along the way, and what it really takes to fight your way back onto the pitch. We discuss the impact these injuries can have on a player, the importance of support away from football, and the people who help you through the toughest moments.We also look ahead to Cara’s ambitions for the future, her life at Partick Thistle under Gary Holt, and her determination to make the most of every opportunity as she continues her comeback.An insightful conversation about resilience, recovery and the strength it takes to keep going when the road back feels a long way off.To get your first year of Nutmeg Magazine plus emails from Nutmeg FC for £40, including postage - that's a saving of £14. Go to nutmegmagazine.co.uk and choose print and digital subscription and use code ALPF.

On this episode of A Level Playing Field, we sit down with Celtic FC Women’s Head of Fitness and Conditioning to reflect on an extraordinary journey through football, from breaking into the Celtic first team at just 15 years old to taking on a new challenge behind the scenes at the club she knows so well.We discuss her experiences playing abroad in Sweden, representing Scotland on the World Cup stage, and the mental and physical challenges of navigating four ACL injuries, and finding the strength to keep going when the setbacks kept coming.She speaks about her connection with former Celtic Women’s head coach Elena Sadiku, the importance of trust and connection within a team, and how her experiences as a player have shaped her approach to her new role in performance and conditioning.From the highs of international football to the realities of injury, resilience and life after playing, this is a conversation about the people, experiences and lessons that shape a career in the game.A story of resilience, relationships and giving back to the club that started it all.To get your first year of Nutmeg Magazine plus emails from Nutmeg FC for £40, including postage - that's a saving of £14. Go to nutmegmagazine.co.uk and choose print and digital subscription and use code ALPF.

Scotland head coach Melissa Andreatta joins A Level Playing Field ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup first-round qualifier against Czechia to discuss the next step in Scotland’s qualification journey and the mindset driving her squad forward.In this episode, Melissa speaks about the importance of the two-leg tie and why the support in Paisley for the second leg could be decisive. She reflects on the quality, depth, and character within the Scotland squad, highlighting the standards being set on and off the pitch as the team looks to build consistency in major tournaments.There’s also a strong focus on mentality. How Scotland are working to forge a winning culture, handle pressure moments, and turn competitive performances into results when it matters most.A forward-looking conversation on belief, expectation, and the growing ambition within the national team as they aim to take a decisive step toward World Cup qualification.To get your first year of Nutmeg Magazine plus emails from Nutmeg FC for £40, including postage - that's a saving of £14. Go to nutmegmagazine.co.uk and choose print and digital subscription and use code ALPF.

On this episode of A Level Playing Field, we’re joined by Scarlett Herron to talk through her journey from Ireland to full-time football with Hibernian. Scarlett opens up on making the move across to Edinburgh, settling into a new club and city, and what it’s really like adapting to life as a full-time player in the SWPL. She reflects on Hibs’ season so far, her role within the squad, and the standards required to compete at the top end of the league.We also dive into the wider picture: representation for female athletes in Ireland and beyond, the visibility of the women’s game, and where progress still needs to be made.Away from the pitch, Scarlett discusses her ambitions in journalism, balancing football with media interests, and how she’s planning for life beyond playing.To get your first year of Nutmeg Magazine plus emails from Nutmeg FC for £40, including postage - that's a saving of £14. Go to nutmegmagazine.co.uk and choose print and digital subscription and use code ALPF.

A Level Playing Field returns with Hearts manager Andy Thomson joining the podcast for an in-depth conversation on his first months in charge in Edinburgh.After making the switch from Rangers this summer, Thomson reflects on stepping into the role following title-winning boss Eva Olid, and the challenge of building on that success while shaping the team in his own image.He also takes us inside Hearts’ journey into European football, leading the side through Europa Cup qualifiers, and what that experience means for the club and the growth of the women’s game in Scotland.Drawing on a 19-year playing career, Thomson opens up on how his experiences on the pitch have influenced his management style, his approach to leadership, and what he believes is key to developing players in the modern women’s game.From adapting to the demands of management in a rapidly evolving landscape, to his ambitions for Hearts this season, it’s an honest and insightful look at one of Scottish football’s newest voices on the touchline. To get your first year of Nutmeg Magazine plus emails from Nutmeg FC for £40, including postage - that's a saving of £14. Go to nutmegmagazine.co.uk and choose print and digital subscription and use code ALPF.

On this week’s episode of A Level Playing Field, we’re joined by Joelle Murray as she opens up on stepping into the Hibernian Women manager’s role following Grant Scott’s exit and what it means to lead the club she’s always called home.From her emotional connection to Hibs, to being recognised with the prestigious One Club Award, Murray reflects on a journey that began at her dad’s side, learning the game from a player who shaped her love of football. That foundation still drives her today, both in how she sees the game and how she wants her team to play.She speaks candidly about never wanting to leave Hibernian as a player, and how that loyalty now fuels her ambition as a manager. We dive into her coaching identity, what type of manager she believes she is, and the values that matter most in building a successful environment.There’s also a look ahead to her plans for the future, her vision for the squad, and how she’s navigating the transition from dressing room leader to the dugout.A story of loyalty, identity and stepping into a new chapter with one club still at the heart of it all.To get your first year of Nutmeg Magazine plus emails from Nutmeg FC for £40, including postage - that's a saving of £14. Go to nutmegmagazine.co.uk and choose print and digital subscription and use code ALPF.

In this episode of A Level Playing Field, we sit down with Vivienne MacLaren, the chairperson of Scottish Women’s Football, for an honest and insightful conversation about the game in Scotland.Vivienne reflects on her personal relationship with football and the journey that led her to one of the most influential roles in the women’s game. She opens up on what the position really entails behind the scenes, from leadership and governance to driving progress across all levels of the sport.We also delve into the challenges facing the women’s game, including the ongoing concerns around finances, sustainability, and how the sport can continue to grow in a competitive landscape. It’s a candid look at the realities of running the game  and what still needs to change.Alongside the serious topics, Vivienne shares stories from her long-standing friendship with Scottish football icon Rose Reilly, offering a personal glimpse into the people who have shaped the sport’s history.A thoughtful and revealing episode that explores leadership, legacy, and the future of women’s football in Scotland.To get your first year of Nutmeg Magazine plus emails from Nutmeg FC for £40, including postage - that's a saving of £14. Go to nutmegmagazine.co.uk and choose print and digital subscription and use code ALPF.

In this episode of A Level Playing Field, we sit down with Dumbarton owner Mario Lapointe to explore how his vision for the club extends far beyond the men’s game and why the women’s team is central to that future.Lapointe discusses the motivations behind his investment in Dumbarton and how he believes the club can become a platform for growth in the women’s game. From bringing the women’s side into the main stadium for matches, to creating greater visibility and parity within the club structure, he outlines how infrastructure and intent can drive meaningful change.We also delve into his background in sport and how that experience shapes his approach to leadership, alongside a candid look at the financial realities of developing a women’s team and why he sees that as an opportunity rather than a barrier.With a clear vision for progression, sustainability and raising standards, Lapointe shares where he believes Dumbarton’s women’s team can go next and what it will take to get there.This is a conversation about ambition, investment and the role clubs can play in pushing the women’s game forward.To get your first year of Nutmeg Magazine plus emails from Nutmeg FC for £40, including postage - that's a saving of £14. Go to nutmegmagazine.co.uk and choose print and digital subscription and use code ALPF.