It Was What It Was : The Football History Podcast

Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. In Part Two of our series on Don Revie's Leeds United, co-hosts Rob Draper and Jonathan Wilson explore the origins of the 'Dirty Leeds' tag. This episode delves into the notorious 1964 match against Everton that cemented the club's aggressive reputation. It discusses the reactions from fans and media, the role of football associations, and Revie's responses. Our conclusion also examines the cultural and tactical shifts in football during the 1960s and how Leeds' image became a point of controversy and unity for the team and its supporters. Tune in to uncover the complexities behind one of football's most infamous labels.Please remember to share, rate, review and comment to help It Was What It Was grow.00:00 Introduction 01:36 The Dirty Leeds Tag03:46 Don Revy's Management Style27:43 Promotion and the Great Moral Panic29:21 The Notorious Game against Everton at Goodison30:37 Media and Public Perception31:47 Football's Changing Landscape33:04 The Birth of 'Dirty Leeds'41:30 Revie's Reaction and Amplification56:04 Conclusion and Legacy

Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. In this episode, co-hosts Rob Draper and Jonathan Wilson discuss the significant impact of Don Revie on Leeds United and English football. The episode covers Revie's early career, his transition into management, and his influence on Leeds United. The narrative delves into the challenges Leeds faced before Revie's arrival, his innovative approaches, and the beginning of Leeds' transformation. This is the first part of a series exploring the legendary 'Dirty Leeds' era, their historical context, and whether they really were 'dirty' or just misunderstood. Join us for Part Two on Friday.00:00 Introduction01:03 The Controversial Reputation of Leeds United03:21 Historical Context of Leeds United04:26 The West Stand Fire and Financial Crisis06:42 Managerial Struggles and Relegation17:33 Don Revie's Appointment and Early Life26:08 Revie's Early Career and Influence of Smith28:34 Revie's Superstitions and Misfortunes35:37 Transition to Manchester City and the Revie Plan41:17 Billy Bremner's influence47:59 Revie's Managerial Beginnings at Leeds49:41 Conclusion and Teaser for the Part Two

Welcome back to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper bring part two into the fascinating and tragic story of Red Star Belgrade's triumphant 1991 European Cup campaign. They discuss Red Star's status as underdogs against Bayern Munich in the semifinal, their intricate path to victory amidst the backdrop of Yugoslavia's impending civil war, and the dramatic events of the legendary matches. This episode highlights not just the team's achievements on the field, but also the historical, cultural, and political context that made their victory the last moment of unity for Yugoslav football before the nation's fragmentation. Additionally, the episode covers the aftermath of the war on Red Star and the once-great football culture of the region.00:00 Introduction03:18 Quarter-Final Against Dynamo Dresden04:43 Political Tensions and the Road to the Semi-Final08:36 The Complexities of Yugoslavia's Ethnic Divisions12:36 The Semi-Final Against Bayern Munich21:13 The Dramatic Second Leg against Bayern Munich35:43 The Aftermath and Celebrations36:16 Final against Marseille 44:13 Post-Match Reflections and Legacy49:43 Impact of War on Red Star Belgrade53:48 Croatian Football's Success56:59 Conclusion

Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. This week hosts Rob Draper and Jonathan Wilson explore the history of Red Star Belgrade, focusing on their monumental 1991 European Cup win against a backdrop of Yugoslavia's political turmoil and impending civil war. This episode explores the club's founding, cultural significance, and key players, including the dramatic escape of Miodrag Belodedici from Romania. They also detail the influence of notorious figures like Arkan and the emotional scenes in Belgrade during this turbulent time. Part Two will release on Friday.00:00 Introduction 06:19 Political Tensions and Football09:31 The Riot at Maksimir Stadium16:36 Arkan's Criminal Background25:04 Arkan's Bonkers Wedding and Return to War27:23 The Rise and Fall of Arkan29:39 Red Star Belgrade: Historical Context and Formation31:13 The Intellectual and Working-Class Roots of Red Star36:24 Red Star's European Struggles and Triumphs39:52 The Escape and Signing of Miodrag Belodedici44:32 The 1991 Season and Key Changes47:48 Conclusion and Teaser for Part Two

Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. In this episode, co-hosts Rob Draper and Jonathan Wilson bring their second and final part of their series on the Death Match, one of the most mythologized football games of all time. Occurring in Nazi-occupied Kyiv, Ukraine, this match between Start, a team formed mostly of former Dinamo Kiev players, and Flakelf, a Luftwaffe team, has become a symbol of resistance. The hosts discuss the brutal context of the occupation, the complex legacies of the players, and the role football played in these extraordinary historical circumstances. Jonathan Wilson critically examines how much of the narrative is based on verifiable facts and how much may have been post-war Soviet propaganda. This episode provides a nuanced understanding of how football intersected with geopolitics, resistance, and national identity during one of history's darkest periods.00:00 Introduction to the Death Match Series01:27 Historical Context: Nazi Occupation and Football02:26 The Rise of Team Start03:07 Early Matches and Growing Tensions04:21 Embarrassing Defeats for Axis Teams05:28 Public Perception and Propaganda06:29 The Turning Point: German Concerns14:13 The First Clash with Flakelf18:05 Setting the Stage for the Death Match26:06 The Referee's Influence and Game Dynamics27:10 Halftime Tensions and Orders to Lose28:39 Second Half and Controversial Moments32:35 Post-Match Arrests and Interrogations35:50 Life in the Prison Camp43:10 Escape and Kyiv's Liberation44:33 Legacy and Mythology of the Death Match

Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. This week, co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper delve into the harrowing tale of 'The Death Match,' a match played under Nazi occupation in Ukraine. They explore the brutal conditions faced by Ukrainian footballers, the formation of a remarkable team, and the resonances with modern-day conflicts. In Part One, learn how football resurfaced amidst atrocities, with bakery manager Yosyp Kordyk forming a team from former stars. The discussions cover the political intricacies and personal tragedies, setting the stage for the match itself.Join us for Part Two on Friday, where the details of the game itself and its far-reaching consequences are revealed.00:00 Introduction to the Yard Brigade00:26 Welcome to the Podcast00:53 The Mythologized Football Match02:44 Escape to Victory and Its Origins04:16 Introducing Joseph Cordick05:49 The Nazi Occupation of Kiev07:37 The Struggles of Mik Trivi14:21 The Fall of Kiev and Its Aftermath25:51 Ukrainian Nationalism and Football Under Nazi Occupation27:34 The Horrors of Nazi Occupation in Kyiv29:43 Football as a Means of Normalization30:32 Resistance and Brutality in Kyiv31:30 Formation of the Start Football Team33:06 The Struggles and Symbolism of Playing Football37:16 The First Match and Its Consequences39:09 The Complexities of Resistance and Collaboration49:14 The Aftermath and Public Perception51:07 Conclusion and Teaser for Part Two

Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast hosted by Rob Draper and Jonathan Wilson.Today we bring you the fascinating story of the El Dorado League in 1940s Colombia. Discover how the government, amid a brutal civil war and the assassination of liberal leader Jorge Eliécer Gaitán, turned to football to pacify an unsettled population. Learn about the league's extraordinary formation, iconic players like Alfredo Di Stefano and Adolfo Pedernera, and the league's ultimate collapse. Join us for an in-depth look at an astonishing chapter in football history and its lasting impact.00:00 The Role of Football in Political Control01:43 The Assassination of Jorge Eliécer Gaitán03:33 The Aftermath and Civil Unrest14:12 The Rise of the El Dorado League22:51 The Impact of Global Events on Colombian Football29:29 Player Transfers and Union Arguments30:36 Colombian Football's Golden Era Begins32:30 The Arrival of International Stars34:59 Challenges and Discontent Among Players38:32 The Decline of the El Dorado League50:00 Political Turmoil and Football's Role54:54 Legacy and Modern Parallels

Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. After Chelsea's Club World Cup win at the weekend, Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper are joined by author Nick Purewal, who discusses his book Sanctioned: The Inside Story of the Sale of Chelsea FC about the sanctioning of Roman Abramovich and the sale of Chelsea FC. Here we give a unique insight into the unprecedented chaos surrounding Chelsea during their 2022 sale, including behind-the-scenes details of Abramovich's involvement in peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, a near-poisoning event, and the tumultuous sale process of the club that led to current owner Todd Boehly buying the club. 00:00 Introduction 04:51 Abramovich's Role and the War's Impact07:35 The Rapid Downfall and Sanctions16:04 Abramovich's Involvement in Peace Talks19:28 The Poisoning Incident26:10 Skepticism and Vindication29:52 Legal Confusion and Government Challenges31:47 Chelsea's Struggles Under Sanctions35:23 The High-Stakes Sale Process38:48 The Bidding War Heats Up44:26 Jim Ratcliffe's Last-Minute Bid50:10 The Aftermath and Reflections

Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. In a week where we marked our 100th episode, we bring you the quiz between our podcast It Was What It Was against Football Cliches.Without co-host Rob Draper, It Was What It Was brought in John Brewin alongside producer Pat Moore to join Jonathan Wilson in an epic battle against Football Cliches' Adam Hurrey, Charlie Eccleshare and David Walker.Three rounds, five questions in each round and a final round of Premier League hunting grounds, in a classic battle for the ages!If you enjoyed the podcast you can find Football Cliches episodes here: https://podfollow.com/new-football-clichesPlease note: This episode was released by our opponents in February 2025.Please do review, comment and subscribe to It Was What It Was.