x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

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

sports soccer

All Episodes

59:23

Recommended Replay: When Amorim Arrived at Man United...

It Was What It Was : The Football History Podcast ·

2026/01/07

Following the sacking of Ruben Amorim by Manchester United, here is a recommended replay from our episode released in November 2024, when Amorim first arrived at Manchester United. Jonathan and Rob discuss the clubs persistent challenge in finding a manager capable of replicating the legacy left by its legendary figures - something that still stands today... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

en

1:01:27

The American Dream: Pelé, Cosmos + Rise & Fall of...

It Was What It Was : The Football History Podcast ·

2026/01/06

Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. This week co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper continue onto part two of a four-part special on the North American Soccer League (NASL). They discuss the initial attempts to establish professional soccer leagues in America, including the rivalries between the NASL and the National Professional Soccer League (NPSL). The episode covers the impact of foreign teams, the financial and logistical hurdles, and the ongoing struggle to gain

en

47:41

New Years Day Special Episode

It Was What It Was : The Football History Podcast ·

2026/01/01

Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. Today, co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper bring you a New Years Day Special Episode. We hope you enjoy and wish you all a Happy New Year! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

en

1:00:26

The American Dream: Pelé, Cosmos + Rise & Fall of...

It Was What It Was : The Football History Podcast ·

2025/12/30

Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. This week co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper are joined by a special guest and former footballer Dennis Tueart. In this first episode of our four-part special on the North American Soccer League (NASL), Dennis, known for his iconic moments with Sunderland and Manchester City, shares his remarkable journey from English football to the booming NASL in the 1970s. Discover his experiences with the New York Cosmos, playing alongside

en

1:07:19

Escape to Victory: The Cult Classic with Pele, Bobby...

It Was What It Was : The Football History Podcast ·

2025/12/23

Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. In this Christmas Special Episode, co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper are joined by author John Smith to talk about his new book - 'Escape: A Love Letter to a Cult Football Classic' all about the film 'Escape to Victory'. The trio delve into the making of the film, revealing behind-the-scenes stories, discussing the film's historical context, and analysing the football sequences. We take a look atinside stories from the remarkable

en

1:02:39

The Cold War Classico: George Orwell on Dinamo...

It Was What It Was : The Football History Podcast ·

2025/12/16

Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. This week co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper delve into George Orwell's infamous essay on sport, specifically focusing on Dinamo Moscow's 1945 tour of Britain. They explore Orwell's controversial viewpoint that serious sport is akin to 'war minus the shooting,' and delve into the historical and political context of this post-WWII football tour. The discussion covers the tactical innovations introduced by the Soviet team, the media and

en

1:02:50

British Society: Through The Lens of Football

It Was What It Was : The Football History Podcast ·

2025/12/09

Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. Co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper are joined by special guest and historian David Goldblatt. In this episode, they discuss David's new book, 'Injury Time,' which examines the impact of recent seismic events like Brexit, COVID-19, and populism on football in Britain. They delve into the popularity of football despite its numerous challenges, the economic disparities within the game, and the global obsession with the Premier League

en

52:46

The Russian Pele: The Scandal of Eduard Streltsov |...

It Was What It Was : The Football History Podcast ·

2025/12/02

Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. Co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper look into the dark and controversial period of Streltsov’s life. In this second part we cover the heinous crime that Streltsov was accused of, the subsequent trial and conviction, and his years in the Gulag. Despite the damning evidence, Streltsov's eventual return to football and continued popularity are explored, along with the societal implications and unresolved questions surrounding his story

en

50:46

The Russian Pele: The Scandal of Eduard Streltsov

It Was What It Was : The Football History Podcast ·

2025/11/25

Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. Co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper delve into the story of Eduard Streltsov, the 'Russian Pele'. In the first part of this two-part series, we trace Streltsov's meteoric rise from a poor upbringing to becoming a celebrated football talent. Witness his groundbreaking performances, his early brush with fame, and the personal flaws that began to unravel his career. Discover the events leading up to the fateful allegations that would

en

54:05

Imre Hirschl: The Hungarian Trailblazer of South...

It Was What It Was : The Football History Podcast ·

2025/11/18

Welcome back to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. Co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper continue the extraordinary story of Imre Hirschl, the Hungarian who revolutionised South American football. In this second part, we look into Hirschl's impact on Uruguay's historic 1950 World Cup victory and his innovative tactics at Club Atlético Peñarol and River Plate. Discover how Hirschl's genius and controversial methods shaped football history, transforming teams and leaving a lasting

en

49:57

Imre Hirschl: The Hungarian Trailblazer of South...

It Was What It Was : The Football History Podcast ·

2025/11/11

Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. Co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draperdeep dive into the extraordinary story of Imre Hirschl, the Hungarian who took South American football by storm. In this first part of a two-part series we hearthe story of Hirschl's early life, his emigration to South America, and his unexpected rise to coaching fame in Argentina. From starting as a salami salesman to becoming the mastermind behind Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata's success, Hirschl's

en

52:35

How Data Won the Premier League: Liverpool and the...

It Was What It Was : The Football History Podcast ·

2025/11/04

Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. In this second part on data in football, co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper continue their exploration into how data analytics transformed modern football. This episode delves into Liverpool's remarkable journey using data and how it helped them to win the Champions League in 2019 and the Premier League in 2020.We take a look at the story behind key figures like Ian Graham and Michael Edwards, exploring their early skepticism, the

en

1:00:06

How Data Won the Premier League: Liverpool and the...

It Was What It Was : The Football History Podcast ·

2025/10/28

Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. This week co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper are joined by journalist, broadcaster and author of 'Expected Goals: The story of how data conquered football and changed the game' Rory Smith. In today’s episode weexplore the fascinating journey of data analytics in football.From the early days of Charles Reep and Valeriy Lobanovskyi's basic data collection to the revolutionary 1990s that saw a surge in clubs likeLiverpool using

en

50:05

Messi's Magic: Barcelona's Golden Era | Part Two

It Was What It Was : The Football History Podcast ·

2025/10/21

Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. In this second episode of a two-part special, co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper continue their exploration of Lionel Messi's early years, focusing on his journey from 2005 to the cusp of greatness in 2008. This episode delves into pivotal moments such as Messi's breakthrough in Barcelona's first team, his dramatic red card on his Argentina debut, and his developing relationship with key figures like Ronaldinho. We take a look at

en

51:51

Messi’s Magic: Barcelona’s Golden Era | Part One

It Was What It Was : The Football History Podcast ·

2025/10/14

Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. This week co-hosts Rob Draper and Jonathan Wilson delve into Lionel Messi's early years at Barcelona and his rise to stardom. They explore Messi's journey from his initial signing to the club in 2000 to the early recognition of his talent by notable figures like Ronaldinho. The episode highlights Messi's challenges, including his growth hormone treatment and cultural adjustments as a young Argentine in Spain. Key moments such as his

en

56:24

Clough's Conquest: Forest's Rise to European Glory |...

It Was What It Was : The Football History Podcast ·

2025/10/07

In this episode of It Was What It Was, co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper delve into the decline of Nottingham Forest following their European Cup victories. This final part of a four-part special looks at the financial turmoil, management struggles, and internal conflicts that marked the club's subsequent years. Join us as we discuss how the relationship between Brian Clough and Peter Taylor deteriorated, the club’s misjudged transfers, and the impact of Clough's growing dependence on alcohol

en

56:11

Clough's Conquest: Forest's Rise to European Glory |...

It Was What It Was : The Football History Podcast ·

2025/09/30

In this episode of It Was What It Was, co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Drapercontinue the story of Brian Clough’s Nottingham Forest, following on from their European Cup victory in the last episode. Thisthird part of a four-part specialcovers the 1979-80 season, looking at howForest overcame obstacles both on and off the pitch to claim their second successive European Cup. Within the season there are somehighs and lows, from overcoming unexpected challenges, and navigating crucial European fixtures

en

55:44

Clough's Conquest: Forest's Rise to European Glory |...

It Was What It Was : The Football History Podcast ·

2025/09/23

In this episode of It Was What It Was, co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper continue their deep dive into Brian Clough's transformative tenure at Nottingham Forest. This second part of a four-part special,captures the thrilling journey as Forest ventures into the European Cup, starting from their incredible 5-1 victory over AEK Athens and leading up to their historic final againstMalmö. Expect to hear detailed anecdotes and insights revealing Clough's unique management style, key matches and

en

53:07

Clough's Conquest: Forest's Rise to European Glory |...

It Was What It Was : The Football History Podcast ·

2025/09/16

Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. This week co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper set the stage for Brian Clough’s remarkable journey to becoming manager of Nottingham Forest in this first part of a four-part-special.After his departure from Leeds, Clough takes on the challenge of revitalising a mid-table second division team into a team that dominates English and European football. Clough's reunion with assistant Peter Taylor plays a pivotal role as they sign key

en

55:36

Red Devils on The Brink: United’s Dramatic Demise...

It Was What It Was : The Football History Podcast ·

2025/09/09

Welcome back to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. This week co-hosts Rob Draper and Jonathan Wilson delve into Manchester United’s 1985-86 season - a campaign filled with promise, passion, and ultimately, heartbreak.A year that began with soaring hopes and a record-breaking unbeaten run, unravels in a whirlwind of injuries, off-field drama, and missed opportunities. We’ll explore the highs and lows of Ron Atkinson’s final full season in charge, from the electric atmosphere at Old

en

138 results

Similar Podcasts

Keeping Karlsson Fantasy Hockey Podcast

Elan Dubrofsky and Brian Kom

Daily Fantasy Sports by Ship It Nation

Ship It Nation

Fantasy Football Today

CBS Sports, Fantasy Football, FFT, NFL,...

Bring The Pain

Heat00veride

ESPN SportsCenter Update

ESPN