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PODCAST

It Was What It Was : The Football History Podcast

Welcome to The Overlap"s football history podcast, It Was What It Was.Each week Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper will be talking about the key episodes in football history that have shaped the footballing world.The show will be discussing the best stories from football"s past, giving insights to the personalities involved. the tales from behind the scenes and the impact they left.Join us at Football University!If you enjoy the podcast please hit subscribe to never miss an episode. Hosted on Acast. See

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All Episodes

45:12

Barcelona vs Inter: Pep, José, and the Era-Defining...

It Was What It Was : The Football History Podcast ·

2025/04/22

Welcome to It Was What It Was.As Barcelona and Inter prepare to face off once again in this year’s Champions League semi-final, we look back at the original - a tie that shaped modern football.Pep Guardiola vs. José Mourinho. All-out attack vs. tactical defiance. Ideology, rivalry - maybe even good vs. evil?Fifteen years ago, Pep’s all-conquering Barcelona met Mourinho’s Inter Milan in a Champions League semi-final that didn’t just decide who reached the final - it helped define a footballing era.In

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58:01

The Horse That Changed Manchester United: The Glazer...

It Was What It Was : The Football History Podcast ·

2025/04/18

Welcome back to It Was What It Was. It's time for part two of our look at the unexpected role a horse would play in the controversial takeover of Manchester United by the Glazer family. The episode covers the period of the Glazer acquisition, the impact of their ownership, and the financial manoeuvres that transformed the club. From Alex Ferguson's complicated relationship with the Glazers to the missed opportunities and recruitment challenges that followed, this episode gives an in-depth look at

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57:12

The Horse That Changed Manchester United - Part One...

It Was What It Was : The Football History Podcast ·

2025/04/15

Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast.In today's episode, hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper are joined by journalist David Walsh to explore how the modern fortunes of Manchester United are intertwined with one of the greatest racehorses in history.This is the extraordinary story of Rock of Gibraltar, the famed racehorse part-owned by Sir Alex Ferguson - and how his connections and relationships with John Magnier, and JP McManus would ultimately impact the Glazers' takeover

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46:55

Brendon Batson: Football Pioneer and Big Ron Betrayal...

It Was What It Was : The Football History Podcast ·

2025/04/11

Welcome to It Was What It Was for part two of our interview with Brendan Batson, a trailblazer in English football.Brendon tells Jonathan and Rob about his impactful time at West Bromwich Albion as part of the iconic 'Three Degrees' with Cyrille Regis and Laurie Cunningham. We discuss his teammates, the tragic losses and his work to combat racism. Brendon also gives us an insight into the personal impact of his former manager Ron Atkinson's notorious comments on live television.00:00Introduction and

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37:52

Brendon Batson: Arsenal's Trailblazer and the Three...

It Was What It Was : The Football History Podcast ·

2025/04/08

Welcome back to It Was What It Was. This week Jonathan and Rob welcome special guest Brendan Batson, a former Arsenal, Cambridge, and West Brom player - who made a significant impact on British social and footballing history.Part one focuses on Batson's early life in Grenada and Trinidad, his challenges adapting to the British climate in the 1960s, and becoming Arsenal's first black player. Join us for part two on Friday where Brendan recalls his time at West Brom - and the birth of the famous

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51:26

Cameroon at Italia ‘90: England Showdown and Legacy -...

It Was What It Was : The Football History Podcast ·

2025/04/04

Welcome back to It Was What It Was, and part two of our look at Cameroon’s extraordinary journey at the 1990 World Cup.With their stunning opening victory against defending champions Argentina and making history as the first African team to reach the quarter-finals, Cameroon’s story is one of resilience, brilliance, and pure football magic.Facing England in a gripping quarter-final showdown against stars like Paul Gascoigne and Gary Lineker, the Indomitable Lions captivated the world in one of the

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47:42

Cameroon at Italia ‘90: Roger Milla and the Legend of...

It Was What It Was : The Football History Podcast ·

2025/04/01

This week onIt Was What It Was, Rob Draper and Jonathan Wilson look back at one of the most iconic footballing stories of all time: Cameroon’s 1990 World Cup.Jonathan and Rob look at the chaotic preparations behind Cameroon's campaign, discussing last-minute squad upheaval, internal conflicts between teammates, and the unexpected recall of a man who would become a legend: Roger Milla.In the build up to the tournament's opening game against defending champions Argentina, there were turbulent training

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58:02

Did Saudi Arabia Buy Sport? Soft Power, Newcastle and...

It Was What It Was : The Football History Podcast ·

2025/03/28

Welcome back to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast.Today Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper are joined by author James Montague to discuss his new book 'Engulfed' - exploring Saudi Arabia's massive investments in sport.James gives unique insights on the history of Saudi football, the Vision 2030 project, and how Newcastle United's takeover fits into the larger picture. You'll find out how strategic use of 'soft power' has transformed Saudi Arabia's global image through sport.The trio

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48:43

Soccer: An American History - Part Three: Boom to Bust

It Was What It Was : The Football History Podcast ·

2025/03/26

Welcome back to It Was What It Was.It's the final installment of our three-part series exploring the rise and fall of the American Soccer League. Jonathan and Rob dive into internal conflicts within the ASL, the 1929 Wall Street crash, and how its devastating effects exposed the vulnerabilities of the fledgling league. But all is not lost - with another significant attempt to establish professional soccer in the U.S....If you’re enjoying the podcast, please subscribe and consider leaving a five-star

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52:15

Soccer: An American History - Part Two: Struggles,...

It Was What It Was : The Football History Podcast ·

2025/03/21

In today's It Was What It Was, Rob Draper and Jonathan Wilson continue to explore the fascinating story of soccer in the United States. Highlighting the pivotal role of immigrant communities in the sport's development, the episode also examines key figures like Bela Gutmann and the significant tours by foreign teams that attracted huge crowds.Join us for the conclusion of this three-part series on Tuesday. 00:00Introduction to Bela Gutmann's New York Era00:51The Pre-History of American

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52:54

Soccer: An American History - Part One: Origins and...

It Was What It Was : The Football History Podcast ·

2025/03/18

In this episode ofIt Was What It Was, Rob Draper and Jonathan Wilson dive into the early history of soccer in the United States.They look at efforts to establish professional leagues, the influence of immigrant communities, and the geographic and cultural factors that made it difficult for football to gain a foothold - compared to rival American sports.This episode is the first of a three-part series. Join us on Friday as the story continues!If you’re enjoying the podcast, please subscribe and

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49:22

The 1985 League Cup Final: The Match that Changed My...

It Was What It Was : The Football History Podcast ·

2025/03/14

Welcome back toIt Was What It Was.Rob and Jonathan are joined by David Corner - the man whose life was changed forever by the 1985 League Cup Final between Sunderland and Norwich. That match is remembered for a costly mistake that led to Sunderland’s defeat - a moment that saw David singled out, subjected to intense criticism and even physical abuse from his own fans.David shares his story with Jonathan and Rob, reflecting on how that experience shaped his life, the challenges he faced in the

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45:36

League Cup Classics: Liverpool, Newcastle and the...

It Was What It Was : The Football History Podcast ·

2025/03/11

Welcome back toIt Was What It Was. With Liverpool and Newcastle set to battle for the first major trophy of the English domestic season on Sunday, we’re taking a journey through some of the greatest League Cup finals of all time.Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper each share three of their favourite finals - games filled with drama, controversy, and unforgettable moments that have defined the competition. Have we missed any of your favourites? Get in touch with @ItWasPodOn Friday we have a special

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54:04

From Arteta to Alonso: The Rise of Basque Coaches

It Was What It Was : The Football History Podcast ·

2025/03/07

Welcome back toIt Was What It Was. Mikel Arteta’s transformation of Arsenal, Unai Emery’s tactical mastery, Xabi Alonso’s meteoric rise at Bayer Leverkusen, and Andoni Iraola’s fearless pressing at AFC Bournemouth all highlight a remarkable trend: A new wave of coaches shaping the modern game, many of them from the Basque Country.But why does this small region produce so many elite managers? Is it the coaching philosophy, the deep footballing culture, or something ingrained in the Basque

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52:04

Guardiola: Dominance, Decline and a Post-Pep World?

It Was What It Was : The Football History Podcast ·

2025/03/04

Welcome back toIt Was What It Was. This week - we discuss the rise of Basque coaching. But we begin not in Bilbao or San Sebastián, but with a Catalan: Pep Guardiola.After revolutionising football with Barcelona, dominating in Germany with Bayern, and redefining the Premier League with Manchester City, Guardiola has become the defining coach of his era.But after a turbulent season at City, questions are emerging: Is this the beginning of the end for his football? Have opponents finally caught up

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47:49

The Making of a Football Superpower - Part Three: A...

It Was What It Was : The Football History Podcast ·

2025/02/28

Welcome back to It Was What It Was. This is the story of a new dawn - where one national team took full control of their destiny, cementing a legacy that continues to shape football today.Following their World Cup triumph (in our last part), the U.S. Women's side entered a new era of independence and power - and with it came major shifts. Coach Tony DiCicco became a casualty of the team’s growing influence, making way for fresh leadership and a transformed vision. But tensions were surfacing behind

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51:18

The Making of a Football Superpower - Part Two: The...

It Was What It Was : The Football History Podcast ·

2025/02/25

Welcome back toIt Was What It Was, the football history podcast..Approaching the end of the millennium, the U.S. women’s national team had already won a World Cup and Olympic gold, but they were still fighting for mainstream recognition. That all changed when they took centre stage at the 1999 Women’s World Cup.With 90,000 fans packing the Rose Bowl and millions watching around the world, the final against China became a defining moment - not just for the U.S. team, but for women’s football as a

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57:24

The Making of a Football Superpower - Part One: The...

It Was What It Was : The Football History Podcast ·

2025/02/21

Welcome back toIt Was What It Was, the football history podcast..Despite not playing their first professional match until 1985, the U.S. Women won the inaugural World Cup in 1991. But even as champions, they faced inequality—most notably at the 1996 Olympics, where they were only promised payifthey won gold, while the men earned bonuses for any medal. Tennis icon Billie Jean King stepped in to fight for change.This is the story of how the U.S. women’s team fought for more than just trophies.Part

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44:43

The Making of a Football Superpower with Carli Lloyd...

It Was What It Was : The Football History Podcast ·

2025/02/18

Welcome back toIt Was What It Was, the football history podcast.In our new mini-series, we begin the journey of how women’s football in the U.S. rose to global dominance.And who better to start with than Carli Lloyd - one of the game’s greatest competitors and a key figure in that evolution?From the early struggles for recognition to back-to-back World Cup triumphs, Lloyd’s career mirrors the relentless fight for respect and progress in the women’s game. She takes us inside the mindset that made her

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48:18

Busby’s Man United: From Munich Tragedy to European...

It Was What It Was : The Football History Podcast ·

2025/02/14

Welcome back to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast.In this final chapter of our series, we complete the journey that began with Gary Neville reflecting on the legacy of the Busby Babes. We explored who they were before the 1958 Munich Air Disaster, the tragic day itself, and now, we turn to the aftermath: How Manchester United rose again.Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper take you through the incredible story of resilience and redemption. After recovering from his own life-threatening

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139 results

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