It Was What It Was : The Football History Podcast

We're launching on Patreon! And to kick things off, here's a sneak peek of what you'll be getting if you join the "It Was" Patreon community.In this first episode in a new Patreon series - Rob and Jonathan take a trip back through historic issues of football magazines - starting with Shoot!If you join, you'll also be getting all of our main episdoes ad free, bonus episodes, World Cup countdown and Q&As with Rob and Jonathan. Plus you'll be supporting the show and connecting with the "It Was..." community.Patreon subscribers get:BONUS EDITIONSExclusive deep dives, specials & extended conversations from one-off specials to extra episodes that expand on our weekly free shows, you’ll get fresh, members-only content - including our “Bonus Editions” strand where Rob and Jonathan go deeper into football’s biggest stories and hidden histories.WORLD CUP COLLECTIONOur countdown to 2026 - every tournament revisited Join Rob and Jonathan as they walk through every World Cup from 1930 to today, exploring the drama, evolution, legends, controversies and cultural impact of each tournament.RETRO MAGAZINE COLLECTIONFlicking through the archives of classic football culture A nostalgic series diving into the pages of Shoot! and other retro football magazines - revisiting the stars, forgotten features, and football fandom of decades past.MONTHLY LIVE Q&A WITH ROB & JONATHANYour chance to ask two of football’s leading writers anything. Submit your questions about recent episodes, football history, their journalism, or upcoming projects — and hear their answers in our LIVE members-only Q&A.JOIN THE IT WAS COMMUNITYConnect with fellow fans & nostalgia lovers Meet other members who share your passion for football history. Be part of the conversation and help shape the future of the show.What’s includedExclusive contentQ&AsAd-free episodesPrivate communityFollow the link here - or go to Patreon.com and search for It Was What It Was

Welcome back to It Was What it Was, the football history podcast. Co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper delve into one of the most shocking football transfers of all time - Luis Figo's move from Barcelona to Real Madrid. They discuss the immense impact of this transfer on both clubs, the controversy surrounding it, and how it altered the landscape of football transfers forever. Featuring insights about the political machinations in both clubs, the role of agents, and the seismic shift this transfer created in the football world, this episode brings to life the dramatic story behind the headlines. Tune in for part one of this fascinating two-part series!00:00 Quote to open the episode 05:53 Figo's Role and Style of Play09:16 The Political and Historical Context17:03 The Presidential Election and Florentino Perez26:39 Florentino Perez's Strategy30:44 The Complacency at Barcelona31:23 Florentino Perez's Scramble for Figo32:20 The Role of José Veiga36:11 The Pre-Contract and Its Implications48:06 The Election and the Leak52:54 The Fallout and Future Implications53:20 Exciting News: Launching a Patreon

Welcome back to It Was What it Was, the football history podcast. In the final episode of our four-part special on the NASL, co-hosts Rob Draper and Jonathan Wilson delve into the decline and eventual collapse of the league. From financial instability, over-expansion, and missed opportunities, to the controversial business decisions and the rise of indoor soccer. This episode covers the myriad of factors that led to the NASL's downfall. Explore the final turbulent years, the impact on US Soccer, and the lessons learned from one of football's most intriguing leagues.00:00 Introduction to the NASL and Its Peak02:08 The Decline Begins: Post-Pele Era05:36 Celebrity Owners and Financial Woes09:01 The Cosmos' Dominance and League Format Issues19:21 Franchise Movements and Player Strikes29:03 The Beginning of the End: Financial Losses and Decline36:13 Ownership Disputes and Relocations37:53 Franchise Failures and Player Movements43:34 NASL's Struggles and FIFA's Ultimatum44:28 The Final Collapse of NASL55:18 Failed Experiments and Indoor Soccer01:01:49 The End of NASL and Its Legacy

Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. In this third episode of our four-part special on the North American Soccer League (NASL), co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper dive deep into the transformation kicked off by the arrival of legendary soccer star Pele. We go on an epic journey of the NASL, from shambolic beginnings to becoming one of the most iconic and influential leagues in world football, even if just for a short while. We explore how the NASL went from drawing crowds, to attracting the highest-paid player in the world, and the ensuing excitement and challenges that followed. Featuring the key moments, star players, innovative marketing strategies, and the initial signs of financial instability, this episode captures the league at its highest just before its inevitable decline. Don't miss this fascinating look at the peaks of NASL's history and what ultimately led the league to stumble. Tune in next week for the final episode of this four-part series. 02:33 The Growth of Soccer in American Schools and Colleges03:32 Financial Struggles and the Arrival of Pele13:54 Innovative Rule Changes and Attendance Issues18:11 The Role of Media and Celebrity Influence23:55 The NASL's Expansion and Financial Commitments31:20 The Pursuit of Soccer Superstars33:01 Pele's Impact on American Soccer34:56 The Rise of NASL Franchises36:59 Challenges and Financial Struggles39:11 Marketing Gimmicks and Celebrity Players55:03 The Golden Year of 197701:04:36 Pele's Farewell and Future Uncertainties

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...

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 popularity and acceptance in the U.S. market. With input from past experiences and key figures, they provide an in-depth look at why American soccer faced numerous setbacks and what was done to overcome them. Join us next week for part three!01:09 The Early Years of Soccer in the USA01:34 The Impact of the Wall Street Crash06:46 Post-War Challenges09:43 The Decline of American Soccer in the 1950s21:46 The 1960s: A Decade of Missed Opportunities27:15 The Birth of the NASL33:25 Lack of American Players in Early Leagues34:55 Rival Leagues: NPSL vs NASL35:42 Initial Matches and Attendance Issues40:11 Discipline Problems and Game Abandonments48:10 Financial Struggles and Legal Battles49:13 National Team Struggles and Attempts at Growth50:31 Foreign Influence and Pre-season Tours54:48 Financial Instability and League Contraction58:20 NASL's Unconventional Season Format01:00:32 Legacy and Future Prospects of NASL

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!

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 legends like Franz Beckenbauer, replacing Pele, navigating cultural shifts, and understanding the challenges and triumphs that shaped the future of soccer in America. Don't miss this deep dive into football history, glamour, and the evolution of the beautiful game in the United States.00:57 Dennis Tueart's Transfer to the Cosmos02:05 Challenges and Decisions04:19 Arrival and Initial Impressions07:15 Experiences and Reflections11:38 Life in the NASL17:18 Training and Facilities18:58 Pre-season and Early Challenges25:14 The NASL's Unique Rules29:55 Challenges and Triumphs in the NASL30:25 Play-off Performances and Nicknames30:59 Intense Matches and Injuries31:36 The Semi-final Comeback36:27 Winning the Conference Final37:40 Facing Rodney Marsh and Tampa Bay42:51 Touring and Transitioning46:53 Final Reflections and Legacy