At The Match: The First Ever WSL Play-Off

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1:11Rachel: Welcome to Upfront. I'm Clay Morgan. And I'm Rachel O'Sullivan. We are at the Valley. You can hear the noise in the background, the home of Charleston Athletic, as we are witnessing history, the first ever WSL relegation promotion playoff. Leicester City, who finished bottom of the WSL, have come here to face Charlton, who finished third in the WSL 2. Charlton obviously have a little bit of a home advantage in the home ground. Fans everywhere. I was lucky enough to capture the bus coming in. The fans were tapping on the side. They were shouting chants. It was pretty crazy. The winner today obviously is going to claim a spot in next season's expanded 14-team Women's Super League.

1:50Rachel: What did we first think, Rach, obviously when this kind of new format was announced? It's almost a year ago since we got the news that this was going to be coming. And it obviously came as part of the WSL's football. The raft of changes that they made at the top tiers. Yeah, what did you think? And now to see it all in action. Well, firstly, hopefully our listeners can hear us over the noise because as you touched on, there is a fabulous fan zone. The sun is splitting the stones, Chloe. I'm slightly concerned for my pale Irish skin while I'm shooting pitch side. But no, I mean, a day like this kind of culminating at the end of the season is probably exactly what WSL football wanted when they brought in this playoff.

2:25I think initially, you know, we had this whole chat about whether it was they were going to be a closed league. They were going to stop relegation briefly and everyone lost their minds, rightly so. I think, you know, we want that jeopardy. We want that, you know, competition at the bottom of the league. So when this idea came into the playoff, it's a really good way of expanding initially the WSL 2 into WSL. And a really good way of getting the two teams up and then having that playoff between third and bottom. So obviously next season we're going to have 13th against second in WSL2. So we're retaining that playoff.

2:58And, you know, we've kept relegation. So I really like the playoff idea. I think it gives another WSL2 team a chance to get up. And it brings in a little bit more jeopardy, which is always exciting.

3:08Rachel: I think it's the drama that it creates. Like we're literally sitting in the fans there. You've got DJ Luck at MC Neat. There's a absolutely whole host of blue and red supporters everywhere. The music's blasting. There's a bakery. There's a bar. There's Mercedes everywhere. because obviously they're big sponsors of this particular game. You've got the Grill House. You've got all this kind of fun engagement. The sun is out. The vibes are flowing. And I think this is what, this is the kind of atmosphere that I'd like to see at the majority of games. So I love the fact that we've kind of created this end of the season moment where you kind of think it's wrapped up.

3:35Rachel: They think it's all over. They think it's all over, but the players have still got three more weeks to train. We've obviously all felt that the season, the WSL 2 type race, has been fueled by the unique amount of promotion spots. How important do we think it was kind of to open up this kind of second room. Yeah, look, I think if you want WSL2 to expand and more clubs to invest in their teams, you know, teams are professional now. They need to have a reward. And having just that single spot when so many teams were investing in their clubs just seemed to, you know, almost detract people ultimately if they're like, if all we've got is one chance to go up.

4:08So having that second option is another reward for people investing. And I think it encourages people to continue to invest. And I think as well, having that potential playoff spot and having their playoff spot down in 13th, you know, again, encourages teams to not kind of sit in their laurels. Even if someone's having a terrible season and they're rooted to the bottom, you could still get dragged into it in this playoff. And it's like, you know, it's like a cup game. Anything can happen on a playoff day. So it just, A, adds more jeopardy and B, I think, encourages people to continue investing and gives them that reward for it as well.

4:37Rachel: I think it also creates a better, more competitive league. I mean, it gives you, it changed the mentality of the players. I think I was lucky enough to go up in the second spot in promotion and it was like a one-off situation where they were trying to expand the league at that point. Man United ran away with the league. There was absolutely no chasing them. So had we not had that second spot, there would have been no point. It kind of would have felt like the league was wrapped up really, really super early. So I think it kind of gives the players in the championship that additional kind of like boost that they actually, there's a second chance.

5:02Rachel: There's this hope. There's this, we're not out of the game yet because otherwise you will start to see the games flatten as soon as you get that promotion spot wrapped up. Especially given how many clubs are investing and we're desperate to get promoted this season. There's, you know, at least kind of five clubs you thought might actually get up and really challenge. So for there to be the three spots, potential third spot this season, I think was a real reward. Well, I think it's also, I mean, we're starting to see like new levels of investment, different types of investment coming to league, particularly at the championship level and below.

5:31Rachel: And I think the competitiveness is only going to grow because you've got these investors with very deep pockets. Like we look at someone like Michelle Kang, hearing rumours that there's a tier three club going to be wrapped up at some point very, very soon. Bay FC also doing the business for Southampton recently. And also there's a lot more clubs kind of on the market and willing to open up shares of the club. So, yeah, I think that's also quite interesting for investors to be able to think, OK, well, we've actually got, we can get into a championship club, really grow and develop and play some infrastructure around it and actually get into the WSL with a slightly higher percentage rate, I suppose.

5:59Rachel: So, yeah. But let's take a look at the teams today. Obviously, it's been an absolutely killer year for Charlton. Absolutely smashed it for the better half of the season and then kind of just fell over, banana-skinned it at the very last moment. Yeah, they've obviously got one of the lowest budgets in the division, but they've always kind of been in and around the top four. Always the bridesmaids. Always the bridesmaids, essentially, for Charlton. But what have you made of them this year? Well, you know, initially we all thought they were going to run away with it. They looked so comfortable at the top.

6:27And as you said, then, 2026 came along, and as they carried on into the new year, there seemed to be a little bit of a wobble. The wheels came off a little bit, and suddenly your Birmingham's, your crystal palaces were getting closer and closer and closer. Promotion pressure came on. And then you'd have a week where you'd think, oh no, they've saved it now. And then they'd slip up again. And, you know, so they've been good defensively. They've struggled a little bit in front of goal. Now, if you look at both Charlton and Leicester, you could say the same. Charlton have scored a lot more goals than Leicester have, but Leicester have been playing in a much tougher league.

6:58So I think it makes it kind of difficult to call how this one's going to go. I think for Charlton, if they get up, they're going to need a lot of investment, to compete in WSL. But it'll be huge for the club given the number of years they've been almost there. I think it's...

7:14Rachel: I mean, I worked with Karen Hill. She was my manager at Spurs. And I think she's a good manager. She has been through these kind of hardy battles. She has really put in the pressure. She's very much what you see is what you get with Karen. She will tell it to you straight if you're underperforming. She will come at you. Yeah, she won't let you not know. There's been a couple of occasions where we've definitely come to blows because I've underperformed and she's definitely let me know about it. You underperform, I can't believe it. Yeah, no, I mean, I had the off game. But yeah, she's very kind of like an old school manager.

7:44Rachel: She's an OG in the space. She's been around the block. She knows what promotion looks like. She knows what it takes to get there and also to stay at that level. It's a tough gig. Up against arguably an old school manager who's been around the block, Rick Passmore at Leicester. And, you know, they have had a tough season. I think the mindset going into this is so interesting. You know, you've got a team who've been really down on their luck this season, had a really poor 2026, trying to get points on the board, struggling, finishing with only nine points. Again, 11 goals across 22 games, poor. And I think mindset-wise, every week they've had to try and pick themselves up and go again, which I think makes this really interesting because is it just another game where they have to pick themselves up and go again, or have they been able to shift the mindset?

8:25Rachel: Do you not think Leicester have been hanging on for so long now? It feels like every single season we talk week in, week out about how Leicester really haven't progressed since making it up into the WSL. They're always in and around the relegation zone. They're always picked as one of those teams that if you're playing, you kind of have a super good chance to win. I mean, when you look at sort of the start of the season and when you kind of set out where you're going to get your points from, most of the teams will be looking at Leicester and saying we can get at least three points off of them.

8:47I think if Leicester manage to stay up, the club really need to look at themselves. You know, when we think about how they started the season, sacking the manager 11 days before the season started, you're already on a slippery slope. No disrespect to Rick, you know, but it's not going to help the team start the season in a good mindset. I think the club do, they have great training facilities, etc. They play at King Power, which is great, but they need to start investing on the pitch. They need to provide more for the club in terms of depth, of quality in players and increase that. So should they hang on, I would like to think that this would be a bit of a kick up the bum to start properly supporting the women's team and then supporting them better because they don't deserve to have to do this every season to try and hang on.

9:25And especially now that there's even more jeopardy, they might not be so lucky next season if they do stay up.

9:29Rachel: I think it's also difficult to attract good players to a club like Leicester when week in, week out, you've got that same mentality of having to really hard grab, not even to win something, but just to stay up and to survive. And I think it makes you feel like you're always coming from a negative space. It's kind of like you're scared of the stick behind you rather than looking towards the carrot at the top. You're afraid to lose rather than excited to win, if you like. 100%. You dream about just scraping a point at the weekend and it's not a nice place to be in. How do you prepare then for a one-off game like this?

9:59Because everything is on the line. like it's not just you know analyzing the opposition it's managing your own emotions your own mindset like how do you every player is different in how they manage things i used to

10:09Rachel: absolutely shit myself before not actually but like i used to absolutely shit myself before games especially games with this gravity i remember the last game one of the second to last game of the season with spurs we played aston villa and we only had to get a draw to get through into the into the wsl and i remember i was at work the entire day i was thinking about you know what that might take your mind off it a little it actually did i mean i was a full-time lawyer at that point I had a lot of cases I can't imagine what it must be to have the entire day to worry about something um but I think it's just the stress the emotion you're visualizing how close you are to something but I think it's a different mentality I was looking at you know what we could achieve the club how history how we could make history and Charlton I suppose have got the same thing but Leicester are coming at it from a different perspective it's so weird right because you know if if should Charlton win I imagine there'll be a lot of celebrations and champagne and maybe even some sort of like moment for them.

10:56If Leicester win, they're just celebrating not getting relegated. It's a weird one, isn't it?

11:00Rachel: It is a weird mentality, but it has been really lovely to see so many Leicester fans turn up and really support and back the club. Yeah, this moment obviously means so much to them. They don't want to see the club go back down into the WSL2 again. It's been a real fan showing today for them. Well, listen, we've kind of delved into what we think about this playoff and relegation, etc., what we like about it. But we have a very special guest on the pod now to tell us a little bit more about these themes and topics. So we're going to head up to the press box, Chloe, and meet our guest. Wait, wait, wait.

11:26Rachel: Before we head up to the press box, put your flagpole in the sand. Who's taking the points? I'm going to go Leicester. You're going to go Charlton? I'll go Charlton. Love that. We are delighted to welcome the Chief Marketing Officer of WSL Football onto the pod, Ruth Hooper. Ruth, how are you feeling ahead of kick-off? It's a massive day. Sun's out. I'm excited. Sun's out. Record crowd here, apparently, today at the Valley. I've just been hanging out in the fan zone and it's really fun, it's really cool There's so many people outside the club buses have just arrived, everyone's shouting, all the fan chants outside what have you made of the day so far and the way Charlton have set this thing up?

12:02Rachel: It feels a really special day and I think Charlton have put a lot of effort into making this a really big game for their fans a real culmination of quite an outstanding season I'm excited to see what today's going to bring and hopefully a really competitive game and fun for us all to watch they've had a bit of experience with big games child and they had their FA Cup quarterfinal they had that game against Birmingham all here you know and again they had the fans the music the DJ the you know everything so what an addition they would be to WSL should if they won it yeah I mean I think like what they've done recently in their last few games here they've clearly put in a an awful lot of effort into like making the experience something quite special for the fans and I think it would be great to see that carry through whichever league they end up in next season.

12:50How would you reflect now, we're almost at the end of this season, this is the last little bit, how would you reflect on this season so far? There's been change, there's been new things. How would you describe it? What a season! It feels like a very long time ago. I was at Man United's first home game and the weather wasn't as good as this, so yeah, what a season. I mean I think I mean again once again hugely competitive and we've seen amazing football on the pitch and we've we have like you said we've seen quite a lot of change I think particularly with like the elevation in minimum standards and that mean therefore meaning that Barclays WSL2 was fully professional which then opened up the opportunity for all the players have PFA membership that's been massive I think about a lot of the new partners that have come on board this season and the benefits that they're delivering to the game, like the Apple technology, leveling the player field in our high-performance environments, Nike and the boots and the goalie gloves to the players and giving all of that to the players.

13:52And then also all the new channels we've launched for the fans. So we've added Instagram channel for WSL2. We have obviously increased our presence on YouTube, the website, the app. Yeah, there's been a lot this season, on and off the pitch.

14:06Rachel: It's been quite the year. I was going to say, obviously, it's been a massive period of transition for WSL football and also the clubs involved. Obviously, there's been, as you said, so much that's happened behind the scenes and all the brands that have been involved. But also the stricter licensing rules that have been introduced for the clubs are about to be in the top two tiers. Requirements now to include the improved facilities, extra player contact hours, additional staffing, focus on club academies. The list kind of goes on. How do you keep eyes on this league as the WSL grows and make sure that the gaps between the leagues aren't that wide?

14:37I think this league, Barclays WSL 2, it has been at the forefront of our mind as we've been going through all of the different changes and then thinking about the expansion as well. I mean, we've seen the last two seasons, it's gone to the final day. It's super competitive. And just making sure that that continues. I think also what's really good about the expansion is it's enabling more movement across the pyramid, more opportunities for clubs, more opportunities for fans. And I think, you know, WSL2 is still one of the top tier leagues in Europe. And I think it's really important that we continue to do everything we can to continue to elevate the standards and bring a great game to the fans.

15:20Talk to us a little bit about the future of the playoff fixture. Obviously, that's something that's going to continue. you you know what do you think it brings to the league wow i mean yeah it's here to stay so slightly different next year um it will be the 13th place team in the barclays wsl face off against the second place team in barclays wsl 2 um and i think what we've seen from this season is just how much jeopardy and excitement it's brought i mean those last few weeks of the season with clubs either fighting to stay out of the playoff or fighting to get the spot in the playoff. It's just brought so much more competition.

16:04And, I mean, we started off this conversation by talking about the atmosphere today. I know that the team here at Charlton are expecting a record crowd. There's fans outside. The fans are getting behind it. So it's clearly like it's added something quite unique to the women's game versus what we see in the men's game and in other leagues. And I'm excited that it's going to stay. Definitely.

16:27Rachel: I think we were talking about the WSL Awards, which is absolutely incredible to kind of highlight all the players and the managers who've been involved and also the fans as well. I mean, in terms of we've seen so many rumours about WSL football and what you guys are planning, and then there's a kind of a set route that is then kind of confirmed. But I remember one of those rumours being around the closed league system and whether that was going to be something you'd choose instead of the relegation playoff. How did you guys come up with the choosing or decide that this was the way to do things?

16:51I think we were just looking at ways in which when we could continue to elevate the competition and how do we bring more jeopardy, more games of consequence, more opportunities for fans and for players. And then the other thing is about how do we stimulate more investment into the leagues? I think what we've seen this season is that we have seen more investment at clubs across the whole of the pyramid because they're all now thinking there's opportunities, there's hope. There's actually more opportunities that are possible. So we've already seen that. It's stimulated investment. And yeah, hopefully that kind of continues across the whole pyramid as we move into future seasons.

17:26Rachel: And talking of the investment, obviously we've seen so many new MCOs enter the pyramid, the Mauds Club ownership models. We've got Kinesca, BFC coming in, Mercury 13. And sort of trying to take a bit more of a priority, I suppose, on the WSL2 clubs and below. How do you think those kind of models are going to start to impact how the leagues look and how competitive the leagues become? I think we're seeing lots of investment coming in from lots of different places. And, you know, that's a good thing for the Leeds. It's kind of continued to raise the standards of our high performance environments and the clubs that we have across our leagues and also international leagues.

18:00I think, yeah, you know, we're working through across the whole of football, like what the regulations around that to make sure that we still retain integrity and competition. But ultimately, bringing more investment into leagues is a good thing. and I guess as we look into the long term how do you ensure both of these leagues they're both thriving, that they complement each other I guess, how do you manage that in the long term I think it's actually a real advantage and quite unique that we look after two the top two tiers because it means that all the decisions that we're taking with the best both worlds in mind and thinking about how we elevate both leagues together I think it's been great this season that we've been able to make sure that we've elevated the production across Barclays WSL2.

18:43All games now available on YouTube. And we've seen like today, like both Sky and BBC taking the game today. They also took the last game of the season last season, which kind of was a playoff in the way it went down to the wire. And I think we'll start to see more and more coverage as well of our games in WSL2. So yeah, we're definitely thinking about it quite holistically and how we kind of continue to grow both alongside each other.

19:07Rachel: And talking on that same vein, Can we get any kind of insider info on whether you could be expanding into the third tier, taking over that at all? No, there's no conversations around that, no. I thought we'll have a try. What do you see now as the kind of biggest priorities and challenges to tackle for next season for WSL football? Because obviously you guys have gone at it with how the league is formatted, the commercial, all the different apps and websites and everything all at the same time. But what does 26-27 look like for WSL football? I think our biggest challenge as we go into next season is scheduling and finding a home for the women's game.

19:42We've had quite a lot of positive conversations over the last few months with the broadcasters, clubs and fans to try and solve for that next season. So there's a few options on the table that we'll work through over the summer months.

19:54Rachel: Lovely. I can't wait to hear the rumour mill kick off.

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20:51Rachel: thank you so much for joining us we're here in the the valley and it's absolutely blazing sunshine you guys have traveled all the way down from leicester to support the squad um before we get into the actual game? I mean, how have you found this season so far supporting Leicester? It's been a bit challenging. Where do we start? Where do we start with this one? It's not been a great season for us. Probably the worst season we've had in the last few years. Let's hope today is to bring it home. How have you found being a Leicester fan over the last few seasons? Because it has been a bit of a struggle for a couple of years now, but you keep hanging on.

21:26We keep going. We're always going down near the bottom. We're always going to be like a middle table, bottom side, but But, I don't know. We always say, we keep fighting. It's the board. We want the board. They need to sort it out. A bit of money into the women's game. Absolutely. I think as well, a little bit of context. You know, particularly last season, you had terrible trouble with injuries. Yeah. You know, and that's the importance of getting in more players to give you a bit more depth so you can compete. Yeah, we've had some good, you know. I mean, we've had Alicia Leeming come in this year.

21:56Player of the season. Five games, one goal. That's how bad it is here. Talk to me about the playoff, though. I mean, a bit of a lifeline. I'm sure you're at least pleased it's here this season. But I guess, how do you approach a game like this? You've got another chance. This is it. This is the last chance for us. I'm hoping we do it. If we get it there, you know, the girls are as focused. Hopefully, we'll be all right. But, I don't know. Charlton are the decent side. They've been up there all year. Last few games have faltered. And it was a shame that they dropped down here. But, yeah, I'm hoping, fingers crossed, we'll get there.

22:36Yeah? Yeah, yeah. We'll see. Who wants it on the day?

22:40Rachel: Who do you think wants it today? I think Charlton. I think Charlton. I've got to be honest. I'm hoping Leicester does. No, no, you come all the way down here. I do. I'm just like that. I don't be saying this. What makes you think Charlton have got it today? You're a Leicester fan. You come all the way down there. You've got up at 6 o 'clock in the morning. When you go down there, you watch. You just think. Have we got that goal scoring away? No. Charlton have. Yeah, we'll see. If you manage to actually stay up, you do it. You're in the WSL for another year. You've survived. What do you think the club need to do to protect themselves and make sure they're not in this position season in, season out?

23:16Rachel: I don't think I want to comment. I don't think I can. Yeah, we need some more money in there. Yeah, probably clear out of it and change a few things. What are you making of today? How's it all going for you guys? I mean, the season's been incredible. You've kind of fallen off a little bit at the edge, but I think you guys have still got it in you to get up to the WSL. Yeah, I think it's obviously a disappointing end to the season for the last game of the season against Birmingham. So I think that the girls have obviously got something to prove today. They've had a really, really good season. It's been a very, very strong season.

23:50They're probably more in a position that they didn't expect to be in for the majority of the season leading the way. So to fall off was obviously disappointing. So, yeah, big points proved today. And I think I've got a side with the Leicester fans there that I think, yeah, I think the addicts are going to do it today.

24:05Rachel: What's it felt like being a Charlton fan, kind of seeing promotion in your sights, being so close to almost attaining it and then losing it at the very last second? What was that like? I think it's the same for any fan. It's absolutely gutting. So, yeah, I think, obviously, within grasping, I think being in pole position and leading on the last day of the season to then even not getting second spot is a big pill to swallow, really, and you think. But thankfully, one more game to prove it, and I think hopefully today, good day to prove it. A lot of fans behind us today. We've sold 4 ,000 tickets, so that's huge.

24:41I don't think Leicester will bring many. And just one more on the mindset going into this. Obviously, Charlton have had a big, long wait for this. Maybe allow them to deal with the disappointment of the Birmingham game and refocus, compared to Leicester, who every week have just been trying to fight. Yeah, I think it's twofold really I think it's possibly a too long a wait, three weeks I think a bit of a ten day break might have been slightly better But on the other hand, like you say, they've had time to regroup, process Get rid of all those bad feelings of being gutted about not going up And then really, really focus on such an important game None of these players have really played in WSL1 And so it's a really, really big step and a really big step for the club as well as individual players themselves.

25:27So I think, yeah, I think they'll have had a good time to prepare for it and really, really prove their worth today. Well, best of luck. Enjoy the day. It's a glorious one. And hopefully you'll be celebrating at the end.

25:37Rachel: Thank you. I've managed to find Chrissy P, LGBTQ +, Spurs hero and legend and icon. Weirdly enough, in a red box in the Valley, watching the relegation promotion playoff. Chris what are you doing here? Football's football Chloe what can I say and look this is a really important game it's historic in women's football I love women's football so when you've got a game like this going on like almost on your doorstep I mean I know I live in North London but it only took me half an hour to get here why wouldn't you be here and there's a lot of Spurs interest here as well actually so you know Karen Hills the manager of Cholton you know got Spurs into the WSL brilliant woman proper football person so excited for Karen although I hear that Charlton have got loads of injuries so don't know how that's going to go and I'm just looking at the Leicester team warming up now looking at Samita Ale and Ash Neville I mean you know Ash what a Spurs legend again so like watching Ash play I'm always like rooting for her but I think being a Londoner knowing Karen I think it's got to be Charlton for me today but I guess we'll see what happens So you're supporting the people today?

26:46Yes, it is about the people also about London I suppose as well because you know again it's easier to come to Charlton for an away game than it is to go to Leicester so I think all things considered and despite the fact that they play in red it's Charlton for me today Do you think Charlton are going to do it? Do you know what I've got to confess I've got no idea but also I think if you're looking at a relegation playoff what you're you know like being you support the underdog in these situations so you want the team to come up rather than see a WSL1 team escape relegation, if you see what I mean.

27:21So, I mean, they've finished bottom, so surely they should be in WSL2, but I suppose that's the exciting thing about a playoff is that you've got that jeopardy. So I guess we'll see what happens.

27:32Rachel: And what have you made of the relegation playoff promotion? Because I feel like it's been a good experience for a lot of people. They want to see this kind of jeopardy at the end of the season. I really like it, actually, because I think there is something about... I think there's some suggestion for next season that you do something sort of similar-ish. But I think there's something about you might go down, but you might not go down, and you might come up and you might not come up. And I think a one-off game is really exciting. And we've seen it in the playoffs, the championship playoffs, as well as being the game that's going to give you as much revenue in the championship playoffs in the men's game.

28:08It's also really exciting. And in fact, the best ever championship men's playoff involved Charlton Athletic. I mean, I remember it vividly, like incredible scenes. Was it Clive Mendonca? Is that what, I think that's, was it Clive Mendonca? Anyway, I think he scored a hat-trick and it was like one of the best games that Wembley's ever seen involved Charlton. So I just hope we get a really good game here today.

28:29Rachel: I'm moving away from the actual stuff on the pitch. Obviously the atmosphere outside, the sun is out, Charlton fans, Leicester fans, Spurs fans arriving for the game. I mean, what have you made of the atmosphere around the day? Because it feels like it's been well put together as a celebration. Yeah, absolutely. It was brilliant. I wasn't expecting it. So I arrived outside, saw some people I knew. There were people chipping footballs into a bin courtesy of Baller FC. And I think wherever Baller FC are, I mean, that's where the vibes are. You know, there's a DJ out there, there's someone commentating on chipping it into the bin, which is lovely for kids.

28:59You know, there's one little girl in an England kit, and the woman that was, like, you know, commentating the chipping in the bin was, like, future lioness. And you just sort of saw her chest come out a little bit. Like, she got a bit taller. you know just in that moment of hearing that said about you as you're about to like have a football at your feet that's lovely and that that's kind of the energy out there which i'm definitely here for

29:19Rachel: i absolutely love that chris it's so lovely to bump into you in the lounge enjoy your bloody mary i've got a cheeky little half pint um i can't really call out this day it's gonna go but either way it feels like a positive outcome yeah it's a win for football chloe and on that note we'll end there.

29:40Rachel: Big, big atmosphere vibes. Players coming out. Fireworks have gone off. Red and blue in the air. All the smoke. It is a big, big day. I absolutely cannot wait to see what unfolds here.

30:05Rachel: Just hit the 10-minute mark. We've had one shot on target from Leicester. It has been a very cagey first 10 minutes from both sides. Not really making any entries into the box at all. Karen Hill's very, very animated on the side, coming out of the manager's box. Referee keeps saying let's get back inside. It's a tough one. Fans are giving absolute beans today. But, yeah, no luck from either side. Everyone's been a little bit nervous. Charlton definitely ramping up the pressure now we're about 18 minutes in about a couple of really good entries into the box. Leicester looking a little bit under threat at the moment but some really great last minute defending.

30:45Rachel: They've blocked a couple of decent shots. We've seen our first yellow card for Leicester defender trying to stop another Charlton attack the crowd again behind Charlton it's yeah it's starting to spice it up a little bit now.

31:00Rachel: absolute goal line scramble five minutes left for this half it's been absolutely end to end now Leicester coming back into the game Sophie Whitehouse pulling off the most amazing point blank reaction save to keep the side in it it was a bit of a goal mouth scramble it's really really heating up now both sets of fouls going absolutely wild Leicester now for the corner I want to see a goal before half time

31:41Rachel: it's been a bit cagey this um this half it's um not really felt like either side has been in it one decent chance from leicester stopped by white house but apart from that there's not really much separating the two sides. I just hope they can get a bit of rest, get a bit of recovery, get some fluids on board and come out in the second half absolutely gunning to either make history for Charleston or to Leicester. Cling on for another season. We're now 54 minutes in, 10 minutes into the second half. Leicester doing a triple sub. So Van Egmond, Ash Neville, Rachel Williams coming on. Feels like Riz Passmore knows He's got 30, 35 minutes left of this half and he definitely wants to bring in some level head, some experience.

32:26Rachel: Someone to change the shift of the game, really. It's kind of carried on in the same vein as the first half. Very cagey start from both. No clear chances. I think Leicester need to up their game. Rachel Williams, I'm excited to see what happens now. 30 minutes left to play. And yeah, you never know what she's going to pull out of the bag in moments like this.

32:49Rachel: Massive, massive congratulations. to Charlton and the way they've put this game on. Just confirmed they've got 3 ,900 fans down this stadium. It's been an awesome day. The fans will be in an absolute beat, so credit to them.

33:06Rachel: Just hit full-time, still nil-nil. Absolutely no goals to be had, barely any chances. Both sides not really capitalising on any moments that they've actually had some momentum. it's getting hotter and hotter out here the players will not want to be taking it to another 30 minutes plus penalties after that I really couldn't call it either way which side are going to come out triumphant in these next 30 minutes or so but it's not a good look for Leicester at the moment to be so closely matched with Charlton this should be a game in which they're having the advantage they're coming into this as a little bit more of a David and Goliath situation but Leicester really aren't capitalised on that at all they're so evenly matched I really couldn't tell which club at the moment plays for the WSL and which one plays for the WSL too.

33:50Rachel: So interesting times. Great to see Charlton keeping their heads together, keeping in the game. Some really great standout stops from Sophie Whitehouse as well. But yeah, more to come. 15 minutes left of extra time and then we're in penalties and then it's anyone's game. And I've kind of backed Sophie Whitehouse, to be honest.

34:12Rachel: Final, final minute of the game. Final minute of play time. We've got a White House goal kick. The referee has just blown. This is it. It all comes down to penalties. Neither team could find a goal in over 120 minutes of open play. A couple of good chances, but not a lot for either side. So it's a really right home about. It's going to be a super, super interesting decider now. It really does come down to the goalkeepers. I put my money on White House. She's had an absolutely outstanding game, but both keepers have.

34:53Rachel: Leicester to take the first penalty.

34:59Rachel: Saved! Absolute seize! Sophie Whitehouse saves the first penalty. She is absolutely overjoyed. Join up the crowd. Arms going crazy. Great little save. Not the best of penalties for Van Eggeman there, but at the same time, equals by Whitehouse, who just about gets a hand and tips it past the post. That's a great, great save. She's been on fire all game. Charlton now stepping up. Just about to take their first penalty.

35:36Rachel: Another save! Another absolutely incredible save.

35:44Rachel: really big credit to Keane, she dives to her left hand side, she gets down low, great, great reaction save, it's still nil-nil, we are still yet to see a goal in this game, we're now 130 minutes in, when will we see the back of the net ripple, Sophie Whitehouse making herself seem so big on the line, jumping up and down, another save another incredible save from Sophie Whitehouse she was overjoyed the first time this time she's making absolute faces and noises at the crowds you can hear the Charlton fans going absolutely wild two out two still yet to see a goal in this game absolutely incredible from the keeper.

36:39Rachel: Charlton penalty. Let's see what they've got. Goal! It's a goal! We've finally seen a goal! Charlton fans are going absolutely wild.

36:58Rachel: The drums are going. It's so tense here. So tense. Oh! Great penalty from O 'Clocking. Great penalty. Absolutely nothing Whitehouse could have done about that. She buries it in the top left-hand corner. Save. Oh, gosh. A great save from Keane to put things back level. It is 1-1. Save. What a save. Sophie Whitehouse. Unbelievable. On her knees. playing to the crowd. An unbelievable save. Point-blank reaction. Tipping the ball onto the post. Mason stepping up for Charlton. Oh! Great pen. Absolutely great pen. What a rocket. Keane died the wrong way. But there wasn't enough she could done about that.

38:02Rachel: 2-1 at the Valleys of Charlton. They are so, so close to promotion.

38:13Rachel: It is all on Mouchon to score this. Save! Absolute great save! Mouchon, she couldn't do it. Whitehouse, she saved four penalties to make promotion happen for Charlton. nearly 140 minutes and promotion has been secured you could not call which way this game was going to go but charleston have done it at home in front of 3 900 fans you can hear how much it means for the fan base this is absolutely incredible the scenes unreal the charleston players their surrounding White House as the person who made history happen. The Charles Bray is jumping up and down in celebration. What a huge moment for them.

39:16We're here to come. We're here to come. Shoot them in the street!

39:37Rachel: I'm going to go and call Rachel, see if I can get her up here to finish the game off and get her thoughts on things. I can't wait to dissect this one. I'll see you in a bit.

39:49How did you find it, mate? Because that was a long game. I do wonder if it was worth getting heat stroke for. We'll find out.

39:55Rachel: I think it was. I mean, it wasn't the most delightful of games. There wasn't enough drama around it. There weren't enough shots on target. Every single person was incredibly cagey. It kind of felt like the nerves had really got to both sides. Obviously, it's such an impactful game, depending on which way it goes. But it didn't feel like both sides really started. It kind of felt like it was just a game that was played pretty much in the middle of the field, bar the occasional chance. Yeah, it felt a bit like Charlton expected Leicester to come at them. Leicester were nervous and didn't. and the first half was just a bit like, are we, are you?

40:28And then I thought Charlton had a good spell in the first half. I thought Leicester came back into it towards the end of the first half. And then second half, I thought Charlton looked a bit leggy and I was like, okay, this is the moment for Leicester to capitalise and they just didn't. I thought they lacked quality in key moments and just like decision-making at times, sloppy in possession, you know, stuff like that. But I thought that they would have a bit more about them in the key moments, do you know what I mean?

40:53Rachel: I think it was a difficult one because Leicester, I mean, there's so little between both clubs in terms of the brilliance, the moments that they displayed, the defensiveness, the attacking. You just couldn't call it. I actually said on the earlier bits of the podcast, I actually couldn't call who was in WSL 1, who was in WSL 2 because there were such fine margins. But at the same time, I felt like Leicester couldn't capitalize on the fact that they were or should have been pipped as the better side. There just wasn't enough quality for me that I really saw them expand that gap. I thought over 120 minutes they were the better side.

41:23do you reckon? Yeah, well, they had shots on target. I would call it 50-50. They had shots on target. Charlton didn't. I think, again, it was just those moments of quality in key times. You know, both keepers had to pull off stunning saves. But obviously, actually, I'm not even sure. Katie Keane did have a save, didn't she, an extra time. I'd hit the crossbar. Which kind of went unnoticed, because then it was poked in. Charlton thought they'd got the goal. It was deemed offside. So that kind of save from Katie Keane was kind of missed. But, you know, Sophie Whitehouse had to pull off some big saves as well.

41:52I do think Leicester edged it, but if you're not going to take those chances, then this is what happens.

41:56Rachel: Well, I think it's that. Leicester have been clinging on to the WSL for a very, very long time, and it was so devastating to see some of the players look so upset that they'd finally succumbed to that relegation battle, but they had chance after chance after chance to keep themselves safe. This was a last lifeline, and they couldn't pull it out of the bag for this one either. It was hard actually watching the players, heads in hands, devastated. Going over to the fans, that was a really lovely moment, but also just the upset of what this means for the club, how difficult it's going to be for them to get back into the WSL and really trying to understand what it looks like in terms of their futures because I don't see much in terms of investment for Leicester to take the club forward.

42:31Rachel: I'm more scared for them now. They flirted with them relegation a number of times and it wasn't enough for the club to throw some money at them. So now I worry for them going down to WSL too. Equally with Charlton, they need a massive investment if they're going to challenge. challenge um yeah i did i did feel a little bit like at times children were playing for penalties because everything just took ages every goal kick every free kick every corner i was like felt like it took 10 minutes maybe it's the heat chloe but it just felt like would you come on hurry up get on with it come on get the game going it just never felt like it got a rhythm do you know that kind of way so uh yeah ultimately penalties a great penalty shootout for the goalkeepers oh i've got to give a massive massive shout out to irish goalkeepers four penalties say she was absolutely the the player the hero of the moment for me and i think it was like testament to like what she'd done throughout the game as well like keeping the minute there was a couple of really decent saves that she made to keep them equal but at the same time those penalty moments like i think you're building the confidence that you have in the game and i kind of called it i kind of said well i think if this goes to penalties i think white house is going to get it because she just had that momentum behind there she'd already pulled off these crackers and i was like she was golden glove as well for a double sell too 100 or was it save of the season Or was it both?

43:42Rachel: I think it might have been both. I think it was both. But yeah, shout out to the goalkeepers, because they at least provide a little bit more drama and kind of a brilliance that we didn't perhaps see so much in the game. Obviously, let's discuss the future of this fixture, reflecting on kind of how this looks for the WSL going forwards and what we actually think of the relegation promotion battle. Because I think we all had high expectations. It was the first time this kind of format had ever been used. But actually, we sat down for 140 minutes, and it didn't quite land in the way that we thought it would land.

44:13But that's because of the game, not the fact of the format. Yes, and I think also maybe the teams that were in it. I know Charlton have scored more goals than Leicester, but they haven't been super prolific in front of goal, particularly in this half of the season. Leicester are not prolific in front of goal. I feel like it was this style of play. They just cancelled each other out a lot. They kept intercepting opportunities, getting into the box. I'd be taking up my lens going, here's some action. Oh, it's gone back to the middle again. So it just felt like they cancelled each other out a little bit and that might have been the case.

44:38I still think that this is going to be a really great occasion at the end of every season. It's interesting to see how they manage fixtures in terms of, you know, Charles having such a long wait for it, Leicester having it straight after last weekend, whether they can align that a bit better where both teams maybe get a similar break. I don't know. But that's something that Ruth did say they were going to be looking at next season.

44:57Rachel: No, I think it was an unusual day because it felt like the fan experience, the fan activations and the fans behind it were so gearing up for this game. And I've got to give a shout out to Leicester City fans as well because they came down in their absolute numbers. They must have made up at least 25 % of the fan base. They were giving it absolute beans. Some of them had travelled down at 6 o 'clock in the morning. We heard from a few of them earlier on the podcast. And to kind of have that result and to go back, knowing that WSL 2 is now what the club looks like and not too clear about the future, it's a tough one.

45:22Rachel: But from both of us at Upfront, massive, massive congratulations to Charlton, finally making it to the WSL. What a huge moment in history. Heard from Karen Hills afterwards sort of saying how much it had been, And, you know, the fans who have been a part of this journey, the players who have been fighting and fighting and fighting for this final moment to actually get themselves back into the WSL after decades of being without it. So, yeah, there's going to be some big celebrations tonight. And I'm going to speak to Hilsey and say maybe congratulations myself. Might you? Directly, yeah. I'd like to see that.

45:50Rachel: She was the manager who got us up, so it kind of feels like this is like a bit of a nostalgic moment to kind of see her do it again. So, yeah, congratulations to Charlton. Thank you so much for listening to this Upfront at the Match Special. We'll be back in the studio next Tuesday as we look ahead to the return of the Lionesses as they close in on the World Cup qualification. And the FA Cup final is still to go. And World 7. We'll be chatting all of that. And also it's the Champions League today as well. It's an abundance of football when we kind of thought that we were at the end and we're absolutely bloody not.

46:18Rachel: So keep on tuning in. We'll be with you for another couple of weeks. Find us on Instagram and XTAS Twitter. I'm at morgy underscore 89. Rach is at girls on the ball and we are at up front underscore pod. You can also find us on YouTube at up front pod. See you next week!

46:47Rachel: Upfront is a Stack Production and part of the Acast Creator Network.

47:18We'll be right back. leading podcasts, book host reads or run your own ads, and track every conversion in real time. Same skills you already have, brand new results. Acast. Acast.com slash advertise.