The Chatterbox

In this second episode of the season, Lewis starts by examining Group A of the Women's Euros (2:33), investigating the ways in which England, Norway, Austria and Northern Ireland can try to make a splash in the tournament proper and looking in-depth at the styles of play and danger areas of each team involved ahead of the opening match kicking off at Old Trafford on the 6th July. Afterwards, the so-called 'summer leagues' of Norway (25:36), Sweden (42:00) and the Republic of Ireland (57:46) were each touched on - the tightly-knit title races in the two Scandinavian nations were put under the spotlight, including two surprise league-leaders at the time of recording, while the mastery of the sales market was paid attention to for the section on the League of Ireland in the wake of the sale of Gavin Bazunu from Manchester City to Southampton that has fuelled the coffers of the table-toppers even more. Finally, the Spanish Segunda playoffs are finally complete and the identity of the third team to achieve promotion to LaLiga is now known (1:07:57), with key tactical details of every game throughout the series discussed and how the 5th-placed and 6th-placed teams prevailed to reach the final once again. Hope you enjoy the episode - L. Artist credits: Lam Bada Ringtone by Nicholas The Octopus Camarena, Pop Ringtone by ImTheMap (soundtrack sourced from FreeSound).

In the first episode of The Chatterbox this off-season, Lewis has all eyes cast to the German top-tier where there has been lots of events to satisfy attentions. Starting off is a look at Borussia Dortmund (2:43), and how they have sealed several eye-catching first-team signings who sufficiently bolster several key areas of the team and add attributes that were not previously there as they seek to close the gap to Bayern at the summit and perform with more regular consistency and conviction under Edin Terzić's administration. Then to Wolfsburg (23:26), where their ongoing search for a long-term solution at the left-sided centre back position is discussed in-depth as are three of the primary targets touted in the German media who they have registered an interest in, while their new versatile Austrian attacker is the subject of conversation in how he fits into new coach Niko Kovač's system. Following that is a journey to see what is going on with Union Berlin (38:35), investigating their replication of last summer where they completed the signing of numerous primary targets early and looking especially deep into two arrivals at different ends of the pitch who likewise fit into a theme under Urs Fischer of consistent evolution in the style of play to a more ball-playing brand. Finally, last but not least, five new managerial appointments this off-season are reflected on to varying reaction (52:18), with explanations on what they mean for each of Hoffenheim, Borussia Mönchengladbach, Augsburg, Hertha B.S.C. and Schalke and how their situations and performances may be influenced by the quality of their squads and current preparedness of their sides for a new season of Bundesliga football coming upon us. Hope you enjoy - L. Artist Credits: Lam Bada Ringtone by Nicholas The Octopus Camarena, Pop Ringtone by ImTheMap (soundtrack sourced from FreeSound).

Join Lewis on the first episode of The Chatterbox for discussion on a closely-contested title race in Italy (2:56), including a preview to the weekend's Derby d'Italia match-up between Juventus and Inter and why there are question marks over Pioli despite Milan being top of the table. Then there is a talk on the relegation battle in France (21:22) with analysis on Saint-Étienne's improved fortunes under Dupraz, the curiosity and bravery of Clermont Foot and continued worries over Bordeaux's defence. Alasdair Madden of the Road To Nowhere football podcast (@RTNFootball) gives his insight on Strasbourg's rise (39:47) followed by a preview of the new Eliteserien and Allsvenskan campaigns (1:02:49), including why Bodø/Glimt can still be fancied for a third Norwegian title, the fascinating project at Viking and Hammarby's ever-strong development of African talent from Sweden. Closing out is a reflective look on the impact the atrocities in Ukraine have had on Ukrainian and Russian football (1:21:39), and the role Shakhtar Donetsk are playing in helping provide support to the Ukrainian people at present. Hope you enjoy - L. Artist credits: Lam Bada Ringtone by Nicholas The Octopus Camarena, Pop Ringtone by ImTheMap (soundtrack sourced from FreeSound).