It Was What It Was : The Football History Podcast

Welcome back to It Was What It Was. It's time for part two of our look at the unexpected role a horse would play in the controversial takeover of Manchester United by the Glazer family. The episode covers the period of the Glazer acquisition, the impact of their ownership, and the financial manoeuvres that transformed the club. From Alex Ferguson's complicated relationship with the Glazers to the missed opportunities and recruitment challenges that followed, this episode gives an in-depth look at how Manchester United's fate was sealed - and the horse that might have started it all!00:00 The Decline of Manchester United: A 20-Year Journey00:20 Introduction to the Football History Podcast00:48 The Gibraltar Incident and Its Fallout01:26 The Glazers' Takeover: A Turning Point02:24 The Financial Strategy of the Glazers02:54 The Early Signs of Trouble03:58 The Glazers' Background and Business Practices04:48 The Impact of Global Capital on Football06:24 The Glazers' Vision and Strategy08:43 The Financial Mechanics of the Takeover10:41 The Role of Debt in Modern Football11:54 The Glazers' Financial Maneuvering14:32 The Aftermath and Long-Term Consequences16:15 The Glazers' Legacy and Future Implications18:26 The Financial Crisis and Its Impact on Football20:57 The Leveraged Buyout Explained22:52 The Final Stages of the Takeover30:47 The Glazer Takeover and Initial Success31:17 Fan Protests and Opposition34:52 Financial Strain and Missed Opportunities37:32 The Role of Ed Woodward43:18 Transfer Market Failures46:15 Managerial Missteps53:37 The Glazers' Disconnect and Conclusion

Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast.In today's episode, hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper are joined by journalist David Walsh to explore how the modern fortunes of Manchester United are intertwined with one of the greatest racehorses in history.This is the extraordinary story of Rock of Gibraltar, the famed racehorse part-owned by Sir Alex Ferguson - and how his connections and relationships with John Magnier, and JP McManus would ultimately impact the Glazers' takeover of Manchester United. David Walsh shares insider details from his investigative work on the story, making this one of the most fascinating sports sagas of recent times. Tune in on Friday for part two, and the implications of the Glazers' takeover - and Manchester United's decline.00:00 The Tale of the Lost Kingdom00:25 Introduction to the Podcast and Special Guest00:35 The Story of Rock of Gibraltar01:25 David Walsh's Insights02:28 The Connection Between Sir Alex Ferguson and John Magner07:36 The Rise of Rock of Gibraltar17:21 The Dispute Over Ownership19:26 The Financial Implications29:04 Ownership Dispute and Legal Battle29:52 High Court Drama and Stakeholder Tensions30:50 Public Fallout and Media Frenzy34:02 Settlement and Aftermath38:39 The Glazers' Takeover41:35 Reflecting on Missed Opportunities49:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Welcome to It Was What It Was for part two of our interview with Brendan Batson, a trailblazer in English football.Brendon tells Jonathan and Rob about his impactful time at West Bromwich Albion as part of the iconic 'Three Degrees' with Cyrille Regis and Laurie Cunningham. We discuss his teammates, the tragic losses and his work to combat racism. Brendon also gives us an insight into the personal impact of his former manager Ron Atkinson's notorious comments on live television.00:00 Introduction and Overview01:07 Brendan Batson's Early Career and Challenges03:00 The China Tour Experience06:20 The Three Degrees Phenomenon12:32 Impact and Legacy of Black Players18:37 Knee Injury and Career Transition20:10 Coaching Courses and Philosophies24:24 The Evolution of a Coaching Philosophy24:42 The One-Size-Fits-All Approach25:50 Player Welfare and Career Transitions27:59 Tragic Losses and Their Impact28:38 The Legacy of Laurie Cunningham32:33 Racism in Football: A Personal Betrayal38:20 The Complexity of Racism in Football41:21 The Fight Against Racism: Past and Present46:17 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections

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 Announcement01:21 Brendan Batson's Early Life and Migration to England03:18 Adapting to Life in England and Discovering Football06:34 Challenges and Racism in Early Years11:48 The Windrush Generation and Social Context14:48 Racism in Football and the National Front19:13 Conclusion of Part One20:00 Scouted by Arsenal: The Beginning of a Football Journey21:23 Challenges and Triumphs: Early Arsenal Days22:38 Facing Racism: The Harsh Realities of the 60s and 70s25:06 Breaking Barriers: Becoming Arsenal's First Black Player27:44 Struggles with Racism on the Field31:36 Guidance and Growth: Learning to Cope34:32 Career Progression: From Arsenal to Cambridge and Beyond36:33 Ron Atkinson's Influence: A Turning Point37:41 Conclusion: Reflecting on a Pioneering Career

Welcome back to It Was What It Was, and part two of our look at Cameroon’s extraordinary journey at the 1990 World Cup.With their stunning opening victory against defending champions Argentina and making history as the first African team to reach the quarter-finals, Cameroon’s story is one of resilience, brilliance, and pure football magic.Facing England in a gripping quarter-final showdown against stars like Paul Gascoigne and Gary Lineker, the Indomitable Lions captivated the world in one of the World Cup’s greatest underdog stories.If you enjoyed the podcast please hit subscribe to never miss an episode.00:00 Introduction and Initial Setup00:19 Chaos and Preparation for the World Cup01:25 Cameroon's Opening Game Against Argentina02:45 Diego Maradona's Challenges04:56 Cameroon's Tactical Adjustments07:35 FIFA's New Rules and Refereeing Challenges11:35 Cameroon's Historic Victory Over Argentina15:04 Advancing Through the Group Stage20:41 Facing Colombia in the Knockout Stage23:39 Cliffhanger: Preparing to Face England24:32 England's Quarter-Final Prospects25:25 Scouting Cameroon: Underestimations and Realities27:32 Tunnel Tensions and Early Game Dynamics29:37 Cameroon's Tactical Surprises33:46 England's Tactical Adjustments40:54 Cameroon's Legacy and African Football Challenges50:07 Concluding Thoughts on Cameroon 1990

This week on It Was What It Was, Rob Draper and Jonathan Wilson look back at one of the most iconic footballing stories of all time: Cameroon’s 1990 World Cup.  Jonathan and Rob look at the chaotic preparations behind Cameroon's campaign, discussing last-minute squad upheaval, internal conflicts between teammates, and the unexpected recall of a man who would become a legend: Roger Milla. In the build up to the tournament's opening game against defending champions Argentina, there were turbulent training camps, political interferences, and a complete lack of confidence in the squad. That would all change in the summer to come...  Join us on Friday for Part Two. If you’re enjoying the podcast, please subscribe and consider leaving a five-star review to help others find the show. 00:00 Pre-Game Nerves and Disorganization01:02 Introduction to the 1990 Cameroon Team01:25 Historical Context of African Teams in the World Cup02:26 The Dramatic Campaign of Cameroon 199004:40 The Goalkeeper Dilemma07:25 African Football's Struggles and Triumphs14:37 Colonial Impact on African Football17:44 Cameroon's Chaotic Road to the World Cup24:09 African Players in European Football24:58 Cameroon's Discontent in the 1990s26:02 The Build-Up to the 1990 World Cup31:43 Roger Milla's Unexpected Return40:07 Goalkeeper Rivalries and Team Dynamics43:33 Pre-Match Chaos and Last-Minute Changes 

Welcome back to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast.Today Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper are joined by author James Montague to discuss his new book 'Engulfed' - exploring Saudi Arabia's massive investments in sport.James gives unique insights on the history of Saudi football, the Vision 2030 project, and how Newcastle United's takeover fits into the larger picture. You'll find out how strategic use of 'soft power' has transformed Saudi Arabia's global image through sport.The trio examine the rich football culture in Saudi Arabia, the country's evolving social landscape, and the geopolitics influencing these changes.If you’re enjoying the podcast, please subscribe and consider leaving a five-star review to help others find the show.00:00 Introduction00:17 James Montague's Early Works and Reviews01:28 Re-release and Sequel: Engulfed01:59 Saudi Arabia's Emergence in Sports03:26 Sports Washing and Soft Power06:47 Historical Context and Saudi Investments11:10 Mohammad bin Salman's Rise to Power23:57 The Khashoggi Incident and Its Aftermath30:13 Saudi Arabia's Football Culture31:24 Challenges of Covering Saudi Arabia33:52 Women in Saudi Football35:15 Jimmy Hill's Influence on Saudi Football40:33 David Icke's Saudi Adventure46:10 Vision 2030 and Saudi Football Investments52:26 Neom's Football Ambitions57:34 Conclusion and Book Promotion

Welcome back to It Was What It Was.It's the final installment of our three-part series exploring the rise and fall of the American Soccer League. Jonathan and Rob dive into internal conflicts within the ASL, the 1929 Wall Street crash, and how its devastating effects exposed the vulnerabilities of the fledgling league. But all is not lost - with another significant attempt to establish professional soccer in the U.S....If you’re enjoying the podcast, please subscribe and consider leaving a five-star review to help others find the show.00:00 Introduction to the Series and Bela Gutmann's Influence01:13 The Rise of the American Soccer League (ASL)01:51 Innovations and Controversies in American Soccer06:23 Financial Growth and International Tensions08:17 The Playoff System and League Complications10:53 The Struggles of Smaller Franchises15:06 The Breakaway and Formation of the Eastern Soccer League17:31 Chaos and Competition Between Leagues22:24 The Soccer War and Its Impact23:57 The Decline of the American Soccer League25:27 The Wall Street Crash and Its Consequences27:20 The Struggles of Key Figures and Teams29:36 The Final Collapse of the ASL34:25 Analysing the Failure of Soccer in the US38:08 Comparing US and European Sports Models45:36 The Future of Soccer in the US49:17 Conclusion and What's Next

In today's It Was What It Was, Rob Draper and Jonathan Wilson continue to explore the fascinating story of soccer in the United States. Highlighting the pivotal role of immigrant communities in the sport's development, the episode also examines key figures like Bela Gutmann and the significant tours by foreign teams that attracted huge crowds.Join us for the conclusion of this three-part series on Tuesday. 00:00 Introduction to Bela Gutmann's New York Era00:51 The Pre-History of American Soccer01:36 Challenges in Establishing Soccer in the U.S.02:26 The First Professional Soccer League04:24 Financial Struggles and League Dynamics07:16 Formation and Early Years of the American Soccer League20:53 Innovations and Comparisons with Other Sports24:19 College Football's Dominance and Soccer's Struggles25:39 The Role of Universities in American Sports26:14 Challenges in Early American Soccer26:53 The Rise of the New York Giants27:44 Fall River Marksmen's Dominance28:25 Economic Struggles and Soccer's Impact29:29 The League's Early Successes and Challenges30:14 Expansion and New Teams31:13 Player Transfers and Immigration Issues33:19 The American Menace and Scottish Football34:49 International Influence and Jewish Tours41:07 The Impact of Jewish Players and Fans44:23 The Maccabees and Tactical Evolution47:49 The League's Growing Popularity and Issues50:32 Concluding Thoughts and Future Outlook