CARLA WARD: 'We know we’re underdogs - but we’ll be ready', Ireland prepare for the World Cup Qualifiers, and O'Sullivan's impact at Liverpool

The League of Ireland Podcast is back! Stephen Doyle will be joined by Gareth McGlynn and Vinny Perth throughout the season, with the help of some special guests along the way! This week our experts go through the season's openers and what we can expect from the very exciting LOI season ahead.

Drogheda United head coach Kevin Doherty spoke to Off The Ball's Ben Symes at the League of Ireland launch at Whelans ahead of the new season.After being controversially ruled out of Europe last season, Doherty explains the ambition behind trying to get back to the promised land whilst also talking through the changes in his squad that occurred in the off season.Become a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

It's been a dramatic couple of days of football as the transfer deadline day approached, Arsenal oversaw Corinthians in an entertaining inaugural women's Champions Cup and Manchester City showed exactly the sort of grit they have in a complete demolition of Chelsea.Kathleen McNamee and Scarlett Herron sat down to discuss it all as well as some potentially interesting moves for Katie McCabe at the end of the season.The COYGIG Pod on Off The Ball is in association with Cadbury, the official snack partner to the Republic of Ireland’s Women’s National Team.#CadburySupporterAndAHalf | @CadburyIreland

On Wednesday's Football Daily, Phil Egan brings you news of Arsenal's win over Chelsea, plus Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola speaks out on issues in Palestine and Ukraine.Arsenal book their place in the EFL Cup final, seeing off Chelsea 4–2 on aggregate at the EmiratesMikel Arteta reflects on the boost of reaching the club’s first major final in six yearsKai Havertz delivers the decisive goal against his former club as Chelsea’s approach is debatedManchester City look to finish the job against Newcastle, holding a 2–0 lead ahead of the semi-final second legPep Guardiola says City are close to clicking again — and faces questions on his long-term legacyNewcastle boss Eddie Howe insists belief is key as his side chase a comebackTroy Parrott stars for AZ Alkmaar, assisting and scoring to reach the Dutch Cup semi-finals on his birthdayThousands of Irish fans miss out on tickets for the World Cup play-off in Prague as demand far outstrips supplyScottish Premiership drama as Hearts, Celtic and Rangers react to discipline issues, deadline-day deals and title pressurePep Guardiola speaks candidly on Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan, saying he’s “hurt” by the human cost of conflictBecome a member and subscribe at offtheball.com/join

Join Matthew Brennan, Ben Symes and David Wilson as they delve into the biggest stories this week in the world of Irish football.A full Irish EFL-focused transfer roundup, including moves for Johnny Kenny, Andrew Moran, Sammie Szmodics, Aidomo Emakhu, and Jacob DevaneyShould Kenny have chosen Germany, or is League One his best bet of making March's squad?What these transfers say about the current market — and why so many Irish-linked players are heading to England and ScotlandA quick “Green Scene” run-through, tying the transfer chatter into the wider Ireland pictureA deep dive on James McClean after alleged abuse from Rovers fans — is this becoming a recurring issue?Ireland midfield check-in: Browne flying, Knight struggling, Molumby off the pace, Taylor steadyWhat Moran’s move means, Cullen’s absence, Lawal’s role, and whether Azaz is heading deeperAnd as ever, we are looking for your inspiration to help us, fancy getting in touch?You can do so by emailing [email protected] Contact us on socials @offtheball across all our platforms.Or if you want to contact us directly message the @offtheball.football account on Instagram.And as ever, we are on WhatsApp on 087 9 180 180.Become a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

On Tuesday's Football Daily, Phil Egan brings you the latest from the Irish who made the moves on deadline day, plus Heimir Halgrimsson on the pressure ahead of Ireland's playoff with Czechia.Deadline day movement for Irish players, including who made moves and who stayed putJohnny Kenny joins Bolton on loan from Celtic in search of first-team footballSammie Szmodics heads to Derby County, reuniting with former manager John EustaceAndrew Moran returns to the Championship with a permanent move to PrestonAidomo Emakhu leaves Millwall to sign for Oxford United, while Festy Ebosele stays putMipo Odubeko remains at Shelbourne after a late collapse of his move to Cercle BruggeHeimir Hallgrimsson plays down pressure relief despite Troy Parrott’s winner in HungaryBig Premier League talking points including Burnley Sunderland and Chelsea’s EFL Cup hopesDebate grows over Pep Guardiola’s future at Manchester City after more dropped pointsCristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr future in doubt amid reports of unrest and frustrationBecome a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

Ahead of the new 2026 League of Ireland season, Shelbourne head coach Joey O'Brien spoke to our own Stephen Doyle about the 2024 champions ambitions for the season ahead.Joey O’Brien looks ahead to the 2026 League of Ireland season and what to expectAssessing how standards across the league have evolved in recent yearsKey storylines, clubs and players to watch as the campaign gets underwayThe challenges facing players and coaches in a still somewhat a part-time leagueHow the league fits into the wider Irish football pathwayWhy 2026 could be a defining season for the League of IrelandBecome a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

Republic of Ireland women's national team boss Carla Ward was speaking to Ruairi O'Hagan of Red FM on their visit to Midleton FC on Monday night.Reflecting on her first year in the role and the work done to build a clear on- and off-pitch identity.High praise for Denise O’Sullivan amid her transfer to Liverpool as both a player and a person.Looking ahead to major tests against France and the Netherlands, embracing underdog status.The significance of Páirc Uí Chaoimh and the desire to bring big Ireland games back to Cork.Thoughts on League of Ireland challenges, squad development, and strengthening the backroom team.Become a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

Welcome to a time-travel podcast diving into football’s greatest almost moments — the transfers that came within touching distance of reality, Richie McCormack's Sliding Doors.Sliding Doors goes beyond rumours and gossip to uncover deals that were genuinely on the tableEach episode explores how one decision could have reshaped clubs, careers, and the entire football landscapeFrom whispered negotiations to official bids, this is the anatomy of football’s biggest “what ifs”Think Michael Laudrup to Liverpool, Robert Lewandowski to Blackburn… and yes, Ronaldo to RangersThis episode rewinds to the summer of 1997 — Britpop excess, post-Eurovision Ireland, and a transfer market on the brink of chaosA 20-year-old Ronaldo Nazário is tearing La Liga apart and attracting every giant in European footballBarcelona, Inter, Lazio… and astonishingly, Glasgow Rangers enter the raceWith Champions League ambition and serious financial muscle, Rangers launch a sensational bidInside the negotiations, the contracts, the Nike influence, and the offer that would’ve shocked world footballWhat would it have meant for Scottish football, European competition, and the 1998 World Cup?One signature. One fax. One sliding door — and football history might have looked very differentBecome a member and sign up at offtheball.com/join

Phil Egan & Keith Treacy bring you all of the reaction from The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as Arsenal came out the real winners in a clash between Spurs & Man City. A spirited comeback from Thomas Frank’s man was rounded off by a truly WONDERFUL scorpion kick by Dominic Solanke!The Sunday Kickback on Off The Ball with William Hill Ireland.