It Was What It Was : The Football History Podcast

Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. To mark our 100th episode, co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper revisit one of the game’s true pioneers: Herbert Chapman. Long before his Arsenal legacy, Chapman transformed Huddersfield Town in the 1920s, laying the groundwork for modern football and guiding them to become the first club to win three consecutive top-flight league titles.A century later, Jonathan and Rob delve into the tactical innovations, strategic thinking, and leadership that defined Chapman’s revolutionary approach. This episode brings Huddersfield’s golden era to life—and shows how Chapman’s influence still echoes through the game today, both on and off the pitch.00:00 Introduction and Milestone Celebration01:13 Herbert Chapman's Early Life and Career03:31 Chapman's Tactical Innovations11:19 Leeds City and Wartime Contributions22:07 Post-War Challenges and Huddersfield Opportunity27:44 Brighton's Replay and the Stuffed Donkey Incident28:49 The Controversial FA Cup Final30:33 Chapman's Tactical Innovations34:00 Huddersfield's Rise to Glory41:52 The Closest Title Race Ever?46:32 Chapman's Legacy and Move to Arsenal48:33 Conclusion and Reflections on Chapman's Impact

Welcome back to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast.In the second and final episode of our exploration into Abu Dhabi's takeover of Manchester City, Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper uncover the strategic, political, and historical forces behind one of the most transformative moves in modern football.Incorporating expert commentary from Dr. Chris Davison, author of Abu Dhabi: Oil and Beyond, this episode explores how a state-led investment in a football club became a powerful tool of international diplomacy. We trace the roots of Abu Dhabi’s global ambitions back to the oil boom of the 1970s and '80s, the legacy of Sheikh Zayed’s leadership, and the shifting political landscape following his death in 2004.We also examine the rise of Sheikh Mansour, the tightening grip of autocracy, and the human rights questions that shadow this high-stakes project. From geopolitics in the Arab world to influence across Africa and the Indian subcontinent.00:00 Introduction 01:30 The Foundation of UAE and Its Growth02:57 Sheikh Zayed's Vision and Leadership05:24 The Role of Women and Modernisation08:37 The Al Nahyan Family Dynamics12:47 The Manchester City Takeover15:39 The Impact and Strategy Behind the Takeover22:41 The Strategic Importance of Qatar and Abu Dhabi23:29 Human Rights Concerns in Abu Dhabi28:52 Worker Rights and Personal Accounts31:38 The Yemeni War and Foreign Policy34:59 Manchester City's Aggressive Strategy36:19 Comparing Strategies: Abu Dhabi vs. Qatar44:23 The Future of Manchester City46:29 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Welcome back to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. This week, hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper explore the complex history behind the Abu Dhabi takeover of Manchester City. The discussion begins with a chilling recount of a 1984 assassination of UAE ambassador Khalifa Ahmad Mubarak, claimed by the Arab Revolutionary Brigades. This incident serves as a critical backdrop for understanding the motivations and geopolitical factors influencing contemporary Middle Eastern involvement in global sports. Jonathan and Rob look into the precarious position of Abu Dhabi, the history of the UAE's formation, and the significant figures like Khaldoon Al Barak and Sheikh Zed, shedding light on why Abu Dhabi has ventured into the world of football ownership and how this has reshaped not just Manchester City but football in general.Join us on Friday for Part Two.00:00 Tragic Assassination in Paris00:54 Introduction to the Podcast01:03 The Abu Dhabi Takeover of Manchester City03:21 Comparing Abramovich and Sheik Mansour04:29 The Shock of the 2008 Takeover05:09 The Initial Skepticism and Rabino Signing07:21 The Role of Solomon Al Faim09:26 The Importance of Kaldoon Al Mubarak15:41 The Aggressive Approach to Regulation22:34 Massacre at Saia and Its Impact24:25 Khaldoon Al Mubarak's Background27:19 Transformation of Abu Dhabi32:23 Discovery of Oil and Its Implications43:19 Formation of the United Arab Emirates44:50 Challenges from Regional Powers45:56 Conclusion and Teaser for Part Two

Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. This week, Jonathan and Rob look into the tragic and fascinating latter years of Diego Maradona's professional football career during the 1990s. Jonathan and Rob explore Maradona's struggles with cocaine addiction, legal troubles, and numerous attempts to revive his career amidst a national crisis for Argentina's football team. From his return to his parents' hometown to his controversial time at the 1994 World Cup, follow Maradona's tumultuous journey as he battles to maintain his footballing legacy.Please rate, review, and recommend the podcast.00:00 Introduction to Argentina's Turbulent Football History00:33 Diego Maradona's Struggles and Return01:09 Argentina's National Team Crisis01:56 Maradona's Controversial Comeback05:01 Challenges with Argentine Football Culture10:38 Maradona's Legal and Personal Battles16:56 Road to the 1994 World Cup24:41 Maradona's Defense and Consequences26:16 Public Reaction and Media Coverage27:30 Argentinian Utopianism and Football31:12 Maradona's Struggles and Ban36:38 Attempted Comeback and Managerial Stints38:16 Final Matches and Retirement48:22 Legacy and Future Stories

Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. This week Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper bring a two-part special focussing on the decline of one of the greatest footballers ever, Diego Maradona.In part one, our co-hosts talk about Maradona's struggles with drug addiction, failed drug tests, and his eventual 15-month ban from football after a positive cocaine test in 1991. Despite these challenges, Maradona's impact on both the Napoli and Argentina national teams remained significant. Discover the infamous 5-0 defeat of Argentina by Colombia in 1993 and explore why the nation clamoured for Maradona's return to save their 1994 World Cup hopes. The episode provides a comprehensive look at Maradona's turbulent years leading up to his attempts at making a comeback.Join us on Friday for Part Two.00:00 Introduction and Context00:30 The Decline of Diego Maradona02:01 The Infamous Argentina vs. Colombia Match04:57 The Fallout and National Disgrace10:48 Maradona's Cultural Significance16:04 Maradona's Turbulent Life in Naples23:51 Maradona's Decline and Struggles with Fitness25:19 Cocaine Scandal and Legal Troubles26:53 The Fake Penis Incident and Drug Test30:53 Maradona's Radical Detox and Support System34:17 Political Context and Maradona's Popularity39:52 Return to Football and Move to Sevilla44:04 Struggles in Sevilla and Final Decline47:52 Personal Breakdown and Return to Roots

Welcome back to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. With the Club World Cup underway, we wrap up the week with Part Two of our Origin Story series, focusing on Manchester United’s chaotic 2000 Club World Cup campaign in Brazil.Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper unpack United’s controversial decision to withdraw from the FA Cup, the disorganised nature of the tournament, and the fiery clash between European entitlement and South American intensity. Plus, we'll hear about the now-legendary story of Roy Keane, Teddy Sheringham, and Nicky Butt hang gliding over Rio - doing their best to stay out of sight of Sir Alex Ferguson!If you're enjoying It Was What It Was, please hit subscribe to never miss an episode, and consider leaving us a five-star review to help others discover the show. Thank you for listening!And don't forget to subscribe to our new show Stick to Cricket, wherever you get your podcasts!00:00 English Expectations and Brazilian Strength00:48 Introduction to the Double History Podcast00:58 The Infamous 2000 Club World Cup02:01 FIFA's Ambitions and the Club World Cup03:36 The Controversial Decision: Manchester United's Dilemma04:27 Global Participation and FIFA's Motivations07:09 Political Pressures and England's World Cup Bid22:09 Manchester United's PR Disaster in Brazil25:18 The Tournament Begins: Double Header in Sao Paulo26:17 The Shabby Stadium and Initial Matches27:16 David Beckham's Red Card Incident28:22 United's Aloof Image and Public Relations Disaster29:26 Tournament Progress and Group Stage Results30:07 Vasco's Dominance Over Manchester United33:11 Gary Neville's Struggles and Team Support38:37 United's PR Disaster in Rio40:13 Impact on United's Season and Future Tournaments42:06 Reflections on the Club World Cup50:43 Concluding Thoughts and Farewell

Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. This week, with the Club World Cup underway, Rob and Jonathan delve into its chaotic and often violent origins!They explore how the early intercontinental tournaments were organised, from the first attempts in the late 19th century to the ultimate establishment of the Toyota Cup. We'll hear about infamous clashes between Celtic and Racing Club, and Manchester United and Estudiantes. Join us for part two on Friday, where we continue the journey into the modern era of the tournament and discuss the controversial 32-team format in the USA.(Apologies for a few audio issues with Rob's mic this week!)00:00 Introduction and Financial Woes00:21 The Club World Cup: Origins and Early Years01:31 Early International Competitions03:59 The Quest for a World Champion08:07 The First Recognized World Club Tournament13:41 The Sir Thomas Lipton Trophy16:50 The Copa Rio: A New Era23:16 Controversial Withdrawal and Unsatisfactory Victory23:37 Rebranding and Decline of the Tournament24:02 Violence and Domestic Dominance25:01 The Little World Cup in Venezuela26:46 The International Soccer League in the US28:47 European and South American Club Competitions30:45 The Birth of the Intercontinental Cup35:34 Violence and Controversy in the Intercontinental Cup41:36 Decline of the Intercontinental Cup44:06 The Toyota Cup Era45:23 The Expanded Club World Cup46:33 Conclusion and Teaser for Part Two

Please note: Apologies for the audio issues in the first 10 minutes of the show.Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast, with co-hosts Rob Draper and Jonathan Wilson. Today we are joined by special guest David Owen, former sports editor of the Financial Times and author of multiple books on sports history. In this episode, the trio delves deep into the significant alteration of the offside rule on June 13, 1925, and how this monumental change impacted football. From the tactical transformations it spurred, like the introduction of the WM formation and the rise of the centre half role, to its broader effects on the game's entertainment value and popularity, the discussion covers it all.Join us as we explore one of the most pivotal adjustments in football history and its lasting legacy.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:08 The 1925 Offside Rule Change02:21 Historical Context of Offside Rule02:55 Early 20th Century Offside Tactics05:01 Impact of the 1925 Rule Change12:27 Adaptations and Innovations19:04 Immediate Effects in England26:03 Notable Goal Scoring Feats27:42 Astonishing Cup Run and Relegation Drama29:05 Impact of the 1925 Offside Law Change32:03 Defensive Strategies and Adaptations34:15 Tactical Innovations and the WM Formation42:04 Evolution of Player Roles and Transfer Market53:32 Global Differences and Final Thoughts

Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast.In today’s episode, co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper explore one of the most powerful stories in football history: Zambia’s remarkable triumph at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.Jonathan, who covered the 2012 tournament on the ground, shares firsthand reflections of what he calls the most emotional press box moment he’s ever experienced. Nineteen years after a devastating plane crash claimed the lives of their national squad, Zambia rose from the ashes to claim continental glory. This episode retraces their journey - from the tragedy off the coast of Gabon in 1993, the rebuilding efforts led by legendary captain Kalusha Bwalya, right through to their unforgettable victory on penalties in the very same country that witnessed their darkest hour.00:00 The Final Match: A Battle Beyond the Pitch00:15 Introduction to an Inspiring and Tragic Football Story00:36 Zambia's Uplifting Victory After Tragedy02:26 The 1993 Plane Crash: A National Tragedy04:37 Zambia's Football Rise in the Late 80s08:15 The Aftermath of the Crash and the Struggle for Resources18:42 Rebuilding the Team: The Role of Kaia and New Coaches24:01 The 2012 African Cup of Nations Journey25:06 The Quarterfinals and Beyond27:01 Gabon vs. Mali: A Penalty Heartbreak27:30 Unexpected Journey to Bata31:12 Ghana's Complacency and Zambia's Rise38:38 The Emotional Beach Ceremony40:27 The Dramatic Final Against Ivory Coast51:10 Zambia's Historic Victory52:16 Reflecting on the Significance