Episode 5 of the A Level Playing Field Podcast features a special conversation with journalism legend Hugh McDonald, who joins Alison McConnell and Cheryl Smith to reflect on a lifetime spent covering football — and the long, often difficult journey of the women’s game.

Drawing on his experiences during a period when women’s football was officially banned, Hugh offers rare insight into what it meant to report on the sport at a time when it was largely ignored, dismissed, or actively discouraged. He speaks candidly about how women’s football was talked about in newsrooms, the language that was used, and the cultural barriers that shaped coverage for decades.

As the conversation unfolds, Hugh charts the changes he has witnessed first-hand: from silence and marginalisation to growing visibility, respect, and legitimacy in mainstream sports reporting.

He reflects on his own role as an ally of the women’s game, the responsibility journalists carry in shaping public perception, and why fair, informed coverage has always mattered — even when the sport itself was pushed to the margins.

The episode also pays tribute to the players of the past who earned Hugh’s admiration long before wider recognition followed, acknowledging their talent, resilience, and influence despite the lack of platform or support.

Bringing the discussion firmly into the present, Hugh shares a touching personal story about his granddaughter and how a new generation of fans are growing up with women footballers as genuine heroes — including her admiration for Caroline Weir.

It’s a conversation that connects history, progress, and hope, highlighting just how far the game has come — and why the stories behind it still matter.

Join A Level Playing Field for your weekly dose of women's football chat, alongside Alison McConnell and Cheryl Smith!

Chat to your hosts on X HERE:

@alibali76 @JournoCherylS

On this episode of A Level Playing Field, Alison McConnell and Cheryl Smith discuss an interview with Scotland and Real Madrid midfielder Caroline Weir.

Caroline takes us inside her unforgettable Ballon d’Or experience, sharing what it was really like to be nominated among the world’s best and the surreal feeling of returning home to Dunfermline, where seeing her mural made her feel like a 15-year-old kid again.

She also looks ahead to Scotland’s upcoming men’s clash with Brazil in Miami, explaining why she’s making the trip and what it means to see Scottish football on the global stage. The conversation turns to the Scotland women’s World Cup qualification campaign, with Caroline discussing her hopes and belief as the journey begins in March.

Elsewhere, Caroline opens up about awaiting the decision on the Scotland captaincy, the responsibility that comes with leadership, and her passion beyond the pitch with her new venture, Sported, aimed at supporting young people through sport.

An honest, inspiring episode with one of Scotland’s biggest footballing talents — on ambition, home, and what comes next.

Join A Level Playing Field for your weekly dose of women's football chat, alongside Alison McConnell and Cheryl Smith!

Chat to your hosts on X HERE:

@alibali76 @JournoCherylS

In this episode, Cheryl and Alison sit down with Partick Thistle boss Gary Holt for an honest, energetic and wide-ranging conversation.

From leadership and expectations to the realities of managing in the modern game, Holt brings sharp insight and straight-talking perspective to the table.

They dive into:
⚽ His vision for Partick Thistle
🧠 Mindset to build a winning culture
📈 The pressures, challenges and opportunities facing managers today
💬 Candid reflections from his career

Whether you’re a Thistle fan, a student of the game, or just love hearing from football’s most compelling voices, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Join A Level Playing Field for your weekly dose of women's football chat, alongside Alison McConnell and Cheryl Smith!

Chat to your hosts on X HERE:

@alibali76 @JournoCherylS