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 'Three Degrees'.
00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement
01:21 Brendan Batson's Early Life and Migration to England
03:18 Adapting to Life in England and Discovering Football
06:34 Challenges and Racism in Early Years
11:48 The Windrush Generation and Social Context
14:48 Racism in Football and the National Front
19:13 Conclusion of Part One
20:00 Scouted by Arsenal: The Beginning of a Football Journey
21:23 Challenges and Triumphs: Early Arsenal Days
22:38 Facing Racism: The Harsh Realities of the 60s and 70s
25:06 Breaking Barriers: Becoming Arsenal's First Black Player
27:44 Struggles with Racism on the Field
31:36 Guidance and Growth: Learning to Cope
34:32 Career Progression: From Arsenal to Cambridge and Beyond
36:33 Ron Atkinson's Influence: A Turning Point
37:41 Conclusion: Reflecting on a Pioneering Career
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