Podcast Episodes

Brendon Batson: Arsenal's Trailblazer and the Three Degrees Legacy - Part One

Season 1 Episode 74

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 socia…

Published on 8 months, 3 weeks ago

Cameroon at Italia ‘90: England Showdown and Legacy - Part Two

Season 1 Episode 73

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 ma…

Published on 8 months, 3 weeks ago

Cameroon at Italia ‘90: Roger Milla and the Legend of the Indomitable Lions - Part One

Season 1 Episode 72

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 p…

Published on 8 months, 4 weeks ago

Did Saudi Arabia Buy Sport? Soft Power, Newcastle and Jimmy Hill!

Season 1 Episode 71

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…

Published on 9 months ago

Soccer: An American History - Part Three: Boom to Bust

Season 1 Episode 70

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 …

Published on 9 months ago

Soccer: An American History - Part Two: Struggles, Expansion and International Influence

Season 1 Episode 69

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 s…

Published on 9 months, 1 week ago

Soccer: An American History - Part One: Origins and Challenges

Season 1 Episode 68

In this episode of It Was What It Was, Rob Draper and Jonathan Wilson dive into the early history of soccer in the United States.

They look at efforts to establish professional leagues, the influence …

Published on 9 months, 1 week ago

The 1985 League Cup Final: The Match that Changed My Life

Season 1 Episode 67

Welcome back to It Was What It Was.

Rob and Jonathan are joined by David Corner - the man whose life was changed forever by the 1985 League Cup Final between Sunderland and Norwich.

That match is reme…

Published on 9 months, 2 weeks ago

League Cup Classics: Liverpool, Newcastle and the Greatest Finals

Season 1 Episode 66

Welcome back to It Was What It Was.

With Liverpool and Newcastle set to battle for the first major trophy of the English domestic season on Sunday, we’re taking a journey through some of the greatest…

Published on 9 months, 2 weeks ago

From Arteta to Alonso: The Rise of Basque Coaches

Season 1 Episode 65

Welcome back to It Was What It Was.

Mikel Arteta’s transformation of Arsenal, Unai Emery’s tactical mastery, Xabi Alonso’s meteoric rise at Bayer Leverkusen, and Andoni Iraola’s fearless pressing at …

Published on 9 months, 3 weeks ago