It Was What It Was : The Football History Podcast

The Overlap
  • 5.0 (80)
  • FOOTBALL
  • UPDATED DAILY

Welcome to The Overlap's football history podcast, It Was What It Was. Each week Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper will be talking about the key episodes in football history that have shaped the footballing world. The show will be discussing the best stories from football's past, giving insights to the personalities involved. the tales from behind the scenes and the impact they left. Join us at Football University! If you enjoy the podcast please hit subscribe to never miss an episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 14 HR AGO

    "Can't Win Anything With Kids" Manchester United's 1996 Triumph

    Welcome back to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. In this week's episode, co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper revisit the 1995-96 Premier League season. 30 years on from one of the great title races. They trace Manchester United's unlikely triumph, beginning with the summer meltdown that saw Ince, Hughes, and Kanchelskis all depart, the infamous opening-day defeat to Aston Villa, and Alan Hansen's immortal verdict. From Cantona's Paris crisis and Ferguson's diplomatic dinner to Newcastle's flying start and that seemingly insurmountable 12-point lead, Wilson and Draper unpick every twist. They examine Schmeichel's heroics in the pivotal March showdown at St James' Park, the Tino Asprilla effect, the curse of the grey shirts at The Dell, and finally the extraordinary moment Kevin Keegan lost his composure on live television. 00:00 Alan Hansen Sets the Scene 06:30 The Summer Meltdown — Ince, Hughes, Kanchelskis 12:45 Class of '92 and the Aston Villa Opener 19:20 Cantona's Paris Crisis and Ferguson's Rescue Mission 27:10 Newcastle's Flying Start and the 12-Point Lead 34:50 The March Showdown at St James' Park 42:15 Tino Asprilla and the Rodney Marsh Debate 48:00 Liverpool 4, Newcastle 3 — The Moment It Turned 53:40 The Grey Shirts and the Southampton Collapse 58:10 The Mind Games Begin 01:03:20 Keegan's Meltdown — "I Will Love It" 01:09:00 United Win the League and the Double 01:14:30 Why This Season Made the Premier League Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    56 min

  2. 28 APR

    The Impossible Dream: Leicester City’s Premier League Win

    Welcome back to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. In this week’s episode, co-hosts Jonthan Wilson and Rob Draper are joined by Sports Journalist and author Jonathan Northcroft to take a look 10 years on from that extraordinary and famous Premier League win! They frame the story around key pivot points, including the Valentine’s Day defeat at Arsenal and the self-belief it sparked, plus Ranieri’s unexpected decision to still grant the squad a holiday. Northcroft traces the longer build-up through the 2013 Watford play-off heartbreak, Nigel Pearson’s cross-department reset, the 2014 Championship-winning platform (and the later FFP breach), and the club’s smart recruitment and early data use that delivered players like Kanté, Mahrez and Okazaki. They cover Pearson’s departure after off-field incidents, the scepticism around Ranieri’s appointment, his “dilly ding” media touch, rivals’ crises, standout wins over Liverpool and Manchester City, Spurs’ chase, and the city’s all-in celebrations as the miracle became real. 06:35 Origins of the Build 10:39 FFP and the Promotion Debate 11:35 Recruitment and Data Edge 17:36 Kante and Mahrez Backstories 22:22 Pearson Great Escape and Exit 26:10 Ranieri Arrives Against the Odds 27:46 Dilly Ding and Pizza Psychology 35:24 Chelsea Chaos Unravels 41:42 Big Clubs in Crisis 45:02 Vardy Volley and City Statement 47:37 Leicester Media Frenzy 53:30 Spurs Pressure and Title Night 59:19 Leicester Celebrates as One 01:04:30 Bonkers Finale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1hr 5min

  3. 21 APR

    Do I Not Like That! England's Downfall Under Graham Taylor | Part Three

    Welcome back to It Was What It Was the football history podcast. In today’s episode, co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper bring this Graham Taylor series to a close with the Oslo qualifier that defined his reign: a chaotic, tactically muddled 2–0 loss to Norway at the peak of their ‘golden age’, captured in painful detail by The Impossible Job. Unpacking Taylor’s mounting stress, tabloid caricature and “no‑win” selection calls—especially the dilemma of persisting with an undercooked Paul Gascoigne—before explaining how the back-three plan collapsed, England’s structure unravelled, and Norway’s alertness (including a quick free kick) punished them. The episode breaks down England’s chaotic structure, Norway’s tactical calm under Egil “Drillo” Olsen, and Taylor’s famous touchline outbursts, before tracing the fallout: “Norse Manure” headlines, concerns the players had stopped responding, and a demoralising US tour. England briefly revive by beating Poland, but lose in Rotterdam and, despite winning 7–1 in San Marino after conceding almost instantly, miss out as the Netherlands win in Poland. They assess Taylor’s broader legacy, his misfortune with timing and player form, and his later rehabilitation at Watford. 01:51 Norway’s Golden Generation 04:51 Tabloid Mockery Era 06:11 Psychology and Pressure 08:18 The Gaza Fitness Dilemma 18:30 Paranoia and Tactical Switch 22:50 System Collapse in Oslo 25:57 Quick Free Kick Nightmare 29:41 Norway Strike Again 30:32 Tabloid Backlash 32:07 Tactics And Trust 35:18 Bigger Picture Failings 42:56 USA Tour Fallout 43:49 Last Chance Qualifiers 45:36 San Marino Shock 48:28 Reassessing the Taylor Legacy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    54 min

  4. 14 APR

    Do I Not Like That! England's Downfall Under Graham Taylor | Part Two

    Welcome back to It Was What It Was. In today's episode, co-hosts Rob Draper and Jonathan Wilson continue Graham Taylor’s England story as the 1994 World Cup qualifying begins to wobble, with Paul Gascoigne’s talent and volatility dominating the narrative. They examine how Taylor’s pragmatic, direct style—shaped by lower-league realities and later linked (often unfairly) to FA long-ball doctrine—collided with more technical European approaches, and how internal battles involving Charles Hughes and data pioneer Charles Reap poisoned the backdrop. England’s campaign lurches through a Norway draw at Wembley after a late stunner, a Gascoigne-inspired win over Turkey, and a damaging 2–2 draw with the Netherlands featuring an undetected elbow and a late penalty. With Gascoigne returning in a mask, England then stumble in a hostile Poland away match and escape with a late equaliser, before Taylor’s brutal “headless chickens” verdict leaves his team heading to Oslo under growing pressure. 00:24 Setting the Scene 03:08 Taylor’s Pragmatic Roots 06:50 Pressing vs Possession 10:04 Charles Hughes and the Winning Formula 13:55 Reap vs Hughes Fallout 19:31 Norway’s Long Ball Irony 21:59 Back to Qualifying Hopes 24:10 Gazza’s Norway Controversy 26:50 Taylor’s Gaza Dilemma 28:22 Norway Opener Heartbreak 30:53 Turkey Win and Dependence 32:53 Too Honest With Press 40:12 Dutch Clash at Wembley 44:13 Mask Return and Mania 45:52 Poland Chaos and Critique 49:03 Headless Chickens Finale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    50 min

  5. 7 APR

    Do I Not Like That! England's Downfall Under Graham Taylor | Part One

    Welcome back to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. Co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper continue on from last week’s episode with Jan Fjortoft to delve into how things went wrong for Graham Taylor during his time as England manager. In this first part of a three part series on Graham Taylor (following our episode with Fjortoft) we take a look at the high of Italia ’90 to the early warning signs of Graham Taylor’s troubled England reign, setting up the wider story of his eventual downfall. Central to the episode is Paul Gascoigne’s rise into “Gaza mania,” the off-field chaos and disciplinary problems that followed, including the 1991 FA Cup final knee rupture and subsequent setbacks. Taylor struggled to manage both the player and the circus around him. England qualified for Euro 1992 but drew twice, lost to Sweden and Taylor’s substitution of Gary Lineker became emblematic as tabloid ridicule culminate in a reputational collapse for Taylor. 01:05 The Impossible Job Era 07:39 Referees And Rotterdam 12:47 Italia 90 Reality Check 20:02 Gaza Mania Begins 25:31 Euro Qualifiers Begin 28:24 Ireland Away Selection 30:08 Taylor Press Tightrope 35:48 Cup Final Knee Rupture 41:46 Euro 92 Sweden Turning Point 42:55 Lineker Sub Controversy 47:50 Fitness Gap And Refuelling 49:32 Turnip Taylor Tabloid Sting Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    51 min

  6. 31 MAR

    Jan Åge Fjørtoft, on Norway + England's Nadir

    Welcome back to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. Today co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper are joined by a very special returning guest - Jan Fjørtoft! In this episode, we will explore Norway’s remarkable rise in the early 1990s and their famous 2–0 win over Graham Taylor’s England in 1993. Fjørtoft explains how Egil “Drillo” Olsen took a previously struggling national team and built belief through a disciplined, direct style, carefully defined roles, and detailed match analysis using hand-written stats and video. The episode breaks down the key tactical choices that unsettled England, revisits both Norway goals, and follows the qualifier run that took Norway to their first World Cup since 1938. Norway will return to the World Cup this summer for the first time since 1998. This episode will be followed by a three part special on Graham Taylor. 01:12 Norway before the rise 04:09 Olsen arrives and stirs 06:47 Direct football philosophy 14:31 Stats and analysis 20:05 Defined roles and system 23:40 Beating England  28:12 Tactical switch  31:33 Gascoigne fitness factor 32:50 Olsen’s Selection Mind Games 37:20 Two Goals Breakdown 42:41 Road to USA 94 Sealed 45:45 Poland Night and Wild Celebrations 48:46 Heroes Welcome in Norway 52:04 World Cup Heat Prep Fiasco 59:59 Egil Olsen Legacy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1hr 3min
  7. World Cup Countdown: 1966 | Patreon Sneak Peek!

    25 MAR

    World Cup Countdown: 1966 | Patreon Sneak Peek!

    Today, Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper take you back to the 1966 FIFA World Cup. On home soil in England, the hosts claimed their first and only World Cup title. Captain Bobby Moore marshalled the side with composure, while Geoff Hurst rose to immortality with a historic hat-trick in the final. England’s triumph, sealed in a dramatic victory over West Germany, remains one of the most iconic moments in football history and the nations greatest footballing day. You can listen to the full episode on Patreon, along with the below privileges: 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 WEDNESDAYS!Our 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 community Follow the link here - or go to Patreon.com and search for It Was What It Was Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    18 min

  8. 24 MAR

    Clyde Best: Breaking Barriers in English Football

    Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. This week, co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper are joined by an extraudinary guest - Clyde Best. An absolute pioneer to the game, born in Bermuda, Clyde would become one of the first black players in First Division football in England. His new film, ‘Transforming the Beautiful Game: The Clyde Best Story’ will be shown for a week at Sadler’s Wells East from 25th March. In this episode, Clyde recounts arriving in England as a teenager, getting lost at West Ham station and being taken in by the Charles family. He reflects on his rise at West Ham, getting his debut against Arsenal under Ron Greenwood in 1969 and playing alongside the likes of Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters. Clyde talks of the his Bermuda upbringing, national team breakthrough and the influence that his father had on him. Best reflects on being one of the first prominent black players in English football, enduring racist abuse and an acid-attack threat and playing against Pelé. He also discusses NASL moves to Tampa Bay and Portland Timbers and the inspiration he provided players such as Ian Wright. 01:29 Lost at Heathrow 03:23 The Charles Family 06:59 Bermuda Beginnings 10:20 West Ham Dream 13:20 Ron Greenwood Impact 15:22 Fast Track Debut 18:35 Breaking Barriers 24:06 Facing Racism 31:03 Scoring Against Pelé 35:20 Leaving West Ham for the NASL 37:17 American Soccer Showmanship 43:01 Legacy as a Pioneer 46:57 Honorary Doctorate 49:44 His love for West Ham Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    52 min
See All (161)

Trailer

Hosts & Guests

5
out of 5
80 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Overlap's football history podcast, It Was What It Was. Each week Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper will be talking about the key episodes in football history that have shaped the footballing world. The show will be discussing the best stories from football's past, giving insights to the personalities involved. the tales from behind the scenes and the impact they left. Join us at Football University! If you enjoy the podcast please hit subscribe to never miss an episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

You Might Also Like