It Was What It Was : The Football History Podcast

Welcome to It Was When It Was, the football history podcast. This week we're focussing on the 1984-85 footballing season - arguably the bleakest time in English football history - that changed the game forever.Co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper begin the first of two episodes covering the violence, tragedy, and upheaval of this period and the wider context of football hooliganism in the first half, whilst the second half of part one pays tribute to the horrific Bradford Fire that claimed 56 lives 40 years ago. Explore gripping firsthand accounts, the reactions of key figures, and the societal and institutional issues that plagued the sport, leading to safety measures and ultimately, a transformation in football culture.Join us on Friday as we are joined by Tony Evans to talk about the Heysel tragedy that happened at the end of May in 1985.00:00 Introduction to the Podcast01:09 Reflecting on the 1984-85 Season02:47 The Bradford Fire Tragedy04:00 Football's Decrepit Stadiums06:31 Chelsea vs. Sunderland: Milk Cup Semi-Final Chaos12:36 Luton vs. Millwall: FA Cup Violence26:35 Birmingham vs. Leeds: Championship Decider Mayhem29:10 Fans Fight Back and Prolonged Chaos30:52 Medieval Fortress and Perimeter Fences31:59 Racism and Aggression in Football Culture33:15 Introduction to the Bradford Fire35:04 The Start of the Fire and Initial Reactions36:16 Rapid Escalation and Desperate Attempts to Escape38:20 Heartbreaking Personal Accounts and Immediate Aftermath47:16 Investigations and Controversies50:57 Negligence and Legal Consequences57:30 Broader Implications and Future Changes59:24 Conclusion and Preview of Next Episode

Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast! Join co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper as they welcome special guest Richard Hough, author of 'Verona Capone, the Miracle of 85'. In this episode, Richard delves into the extraordinary story of Hellas Verona's incredible 1984-85 Serie A title win. From the chaotic Italian football landscape of the 1980s, managerial masterstrokes, and key foreign signings, to the unforgettable moments and lasting impact on the city of Verona, this episode is a deep dive into one of football's most romantic underdog stories. Join us as we explore how a small provincial team conquered giants like AC Milan and Juventus to achieve an unexpected and historic league victory.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:02 Setting the Scene: 1980s Italian Football02:21 Verona's Rise to Glory03:28 Economic and Social Context05:08 Key Players and Strategic Moves12:15 Tactical Insights and Coaching Philosophy15:15 Foreign Players and Their Impact22:55 The Perfect Season Opener25:04 The Opening Goal and Season Kickoff25:29 Verona's Iconic Moments and Key Players30:05 The Turning Point in the Season33:01 The Final Stretch to the Title40:42 Celebrations and Legacy

Welcome back to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast.It’s FA Cup final week, with Manchester City set to take on Crystal Palace at Wembley. In this episode, co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper revisit the dramatic story of Palace’s remarkable run to the 1990 FA Cup Final.Just months after a crushing 9-0 defeat to Liverpool, Crystal Palace stunned the same side in a sensational 4-3 semi-final — a match still regarded as one of the greatest in FA Cup history. That victory set up a final against Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United, who, at the time, were still chasing their first trophy under his management.Today, we delve into where Crystal Palace stood as a club in 1990, explore their tactical shifts, highlight standout performances — especially the impact of Ian Wright — and examine Manchester United’s situation under Ferguson, including the pivotal moments that led to his first silverware with the club. We also examine whether Palace could shock Manchester City and finally win the FA Cup for the first time in their history.Chapters00:00 Introduction02:23 Crystal Palace's Journey to the Semis03:37 Televised Semifinals and Hillsborough's Impact11:55 Crystal Palace's Tactical Shift15:17 The Dramatic Semifinal Match20:39 Crystal Palace's Historic FA Cup Final21:06 Manchester United's Journey to the 1990 FA Cup Final25:55 Ian Wright's Miraculous Comeback28:35 The Replay and Ferguson's First Trophy31:56 Comparing Crystal Palace Eras36:05 Can Crystal Palace Upset Manchester City?

Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. In today's episode, co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper look back on the rich history of Goodison Park, Everton's storied home ground, as it approaches its final days.From setting the history into the building of the iconic stadium to picking out unforgettable matches to legendary players, relive iconic moments such as Dixie Dean's record-setting 60 goals in one season, Eusebio's praise at the 1966 World Cup, the famous 1994 relegation battle against Wimbledon and Wayne Rooney's spectacular goal against Arsenal.Join us as we celebrate the legacy of one of England's most beloved football stadiums. What's your favourite Goodison Park memory? Get in touch on @ItWasPod on X.Please don't forget to leave a review and recommend to your friends!00:00 Introduction and Opening Remarks00:33 The Significance of Goodison Park01:44 Architectural and Historical Insights04:32 Memorable Matches and Moments07:11 Archibald Leitch's Legacy26:15 Everton's last day survival in 1994 and Match-Fixing Scandal29:33 The1966 World Cup40:34 Dixie Dean's 60th Goal of the season47:27 Wayne Rooney's Stunning Debut Goal49:44 Farewell to Goodison Park

Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast.Today co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper speak of the remarkable journey of Harry Kane, who recently clinched the Bundesliga title with Bayern Munich; the first trophy in his career. Recounting his early days at Arsenal youth, to multiple rejections, and loan spells that nearly derailed his career, the episode highlights Kane’s undeterred determination and resilience. Discover how pivotal moments and key influences, such as Mauricio Pochettino and a documentary on Tom Brady, transformed him into one of football’s greatest strikers. We end with a quiz, as Rob tests Jonathan's knowledge of British and Irish players who won major league titles abroad!00:00 Introduction: A Childhood Memory00:35 The Arsenal Release: A Turning Point00:43 Celebrating Harry Kane's Achievements01:02 The Early Struggles and Resilience02:36 Harry Kane's Background and Family03:06 Youth Football Journey05:38 Challenges and Determination14:27 Loan Spells and Growth18:40 Millwall Experience and Growing Up21:34 Norwich Loan: A Tough Period27:16 Unexpected Laughter and Player Comparisons28:02 Struggles at Leicester City29:36 Turning Point: The Tom Brady Inspiration31:13 Breakthrough Under Sherwood32:33 Skepticism and Early Success35:04 Pochettino's Influence and Physical Transformation38:36 Near Misses and Final Disappointments43:12 Legacy and Comparisons with Other Greats47:43 Quiz on British and Irish Players Abroad52:59 Conclusion and Reflections on Harry Kane's Career

Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast.In this week’s episode, we turn our attention to Liverpool’s extraordinary journey through their history, culminating in Arne Slot’s Premier League title-winning side.Co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper trace the club’s legacy from its early 20th-century triumphs to modern-day glory. They explore the tactical revolutions under legendary managers like Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley, the brilliance of iconic players in Kenny Dalglish and Ian Rush, and the resurgence under Jürgen Klopp. The episode also highlights how Arne Slot has carried that legacy forward, building on the foundations laid by his predecessors.Where does the 2024/25 Liverpool title winners rank amongst the club's greatest ever teams? Get in touch with @ItWasPod on X to let us know!00:00 Introduction to Liverpool's Journey01:42 Early Liverpool Champions: 1901-192302:42 The Impact of Tom Watson06:24 Liverpool's Defensive Strengths07:46 Post-War Liverpool: Nutrition and Success08:46 The Rise of Billy Liddell10:17 Jack Balmer's Unlikely Heroics15:20 Liverpool's First Five Titles16:34 Bill Shankly's Legacy20:55 Bob Paisley's Tactical Brilliance26:18 Liverpool's Dominance in the Late 70s27:12 Liverpool's Dominant Back Four27:52 Dalglish vs. Keegan: Who's Better?29:08 The Greatest Liverpool Side of All Time?29:54 European Cup Draw and Unfortunate Knockout33:29 Transition to the Kenny Dalglish Era37:53 Impact of Hillsborough and the 1989 Season41:55 Liverpool's Modern Era and Klopp's Influence46:46 Future Prospects and Final Thoughts

Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. Liverpool wrapped up their 20th English league title at the weekend, so today co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper focus on the fascinating career of manager Arne Slot who has won the Premier League at his first attempt at Anfield. Beginning with his unique upbringing in a football-centric Dutch Bible Belt town, we explore how watching his father coach from a young age shaped Slot's tactical mind, travel through his early playing days, his reputation as a tactician, and his impressive managerial stints that led him to win the Eredivisie with Feyenoord and now the Premier League with Liverpool. On Friday, Jonathan and Rob will assess where Slot's Liverpool title winners sit in Liverpool's glorious history.00:00 Introduction: A Coach's Son00:40 Early Life and Background of Arne Slot01:26 The Dutch Football Culture03:01 Influence of Johan Cruyff and Total Football05:02 Arne Slot's Youth and Early Football Education07:11 Professional Career Beginnings13:40 Tactical Innovations and Coaching Philosophy21:58 The Early Coaching Journey of Arne Slot23:14 Challenges and Successes at Cambuur25:56 Influence of Pep Guardiola and Data Analytics29:10 Rise at AZ Alkmaar34:43 Success at Feyenoord and Coaching Style43:45 Legacy and Future Prospects

Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast.It's time for Part Two of Pep vs Jose! 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.Guardiola vs Mourinho. All-out attack vs. tactical defiance. Ideology, rivalry - maybe even good vs. evil?Fifteen years ago, Pep’s all-conquering Barcelona met Jose's Inter Milan in a Champions League semi-final that didn’t just decide who reached the final - it helped define a footballing era.Having set the scene in part one, Rob and Jonathan relive the incredible semi-final battles, where Mourinho would ultimately dethrone Guardiola in an incredible second-leg at the Nou Camp - which saw a controversial sending off, late drama and an iconic pitch celebration.If you enjoyed the podcast please subscribe and rate.00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene00:45 The Clash of Philosophies: Mourinho vs. Guardiola01:32 The Tactical Battle Begins04:32 The Volcano Eruption and Its Impact10:24 First Leg Highlights and Analysis13:18 Ibrahimović's Conflict and Mourinho's Mind Games18:06 The Build-Up to the Second Leg25:23 The Myth of the Decision25:41 The Controversial Red Card26:54 Conspiracy Theories and Psychological Influence27:52 The Clash of Good vs. Evil28:34 Tactical Fouling and Pep's Cynical Side29:59 Marina's Critique of Barcelona's Tactics31:37 Inter's Defensive Masterclass34:13 The Struggle Against Possession Football36:38 The Final Moments and Disallowed Goal40:03 Marino's Triumphant Celebration43:16 The Aftermath and Legacy46:43 The Tactical Evolution in Football48:58 The Importance of Non-Possession Football50:28 Conclusion and Reflections

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 Part One, Rob and Jonathan set the scene: how Mourinho’s Inter came to challenge the most dominant team in the world, the tactics he used, the battles he fought in Italy, and how both sides arrived at this collision point chasing domestic and European glory.Part Two drops Friday, where Rob and Jonathan break down the epic semi-final itself.00:00 Barcelona's Football Perfection01:48 Mourinho vs. Guardiola: A Rivalry Begins02:47 The Dark Side of Mourinho03:25 Star Wars Analogies and Football Tactics06:53 Mourinho's Seven-Point Plan07:45 Mourinho's Philosophy and Evolution08:43 Mourinho's Journey to Inter Milan09:58 Cultural Expectations and Pragmatic Football12:23 Mourinho's Press Conference Antics13:44 Mourinho's Linguistic Brilliance14:49 Mourinho's Training Philosophy20:04 Key Matches and Tactical Shifts21:16 Mourinho's First Season at Inter22:27 Transfer Drama: Stars on the Move23:51 Barcelona's Dominance and Challenges26:40 Inter's Journey to the Semifinals28:57 Mourinho's Tactical Mastery32:29 Controversies and Confrontations40:24 The Road to the Semifinals43:57 Setting the Stage for the Epic Semifinal