It Was What It Was : The Football History Podcast

The Overlap
  • 5.0 (131)
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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. 21H AGO

    Drugs, Murder, And The World Cup Part 1: The Narco History Of Colombian Football

    Welcome back to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. In this first part of our three-part special on Colombian football and the tragedy of Andrés Escobar. Co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper explore the extraordinary history of Colombian football leading up to the 1994 World Cup. This episode covers the intersection of football and narco-culture, Pablo Escobar's involvement in the sport, the tense rivalry with Argentina, and the dramatic road to qualification culminating in the legendary 5-0 victory at El Monumental.  You can listen to this episode ad-free over on our Patreon - Follow the link here - or go to Patreon.com and search for It Was What It Was. You will also get access to our World Cup countdown, magazine retrospectives and bonus episodes as well as a monthly Q&A with Rob and Jonathan. 01:39 The El Dorado League & Early Colombian Football 10:11 Francisco Maturana: The Dentist Who Revolutionised Colombian Football 19:02 Maturana's Influences: Total Football Meets South American Flair 27:43 Navigating Narco-Culture: Pablo Escobar 36:11 René Higuita: The Sweeper-Keeper & The Kidnapping 41:25 Building Rivalry: Colombia vs Argentina at Copa América 1993 48:12 World Cup Qualifying Begins: Asprilla's Controversies 54:03 The Road to Buenos Aires: Setting Up the Five-Nil Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    57 min
  2. BONUS: Turf Wars: Bill Buford Sneak Peak

    4D AGO

    BONUS: Turf Wars: Bill Buford Sneak Peak

    We're on Patreon! As a treat to our loyal listeners, here's a sneak peek of what you'll be getting if you join the "It Was" Patreon community. This week Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper are joined by author Bill Buford to round up their series on hooliganism. 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.

    22 min

  3. FEB 24

    Turf Wars Part Two: The History of Football Hooliganism

    Welcome back to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. In this second part of our two-part special on football hooliganism, co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper trace the roots of football violence from the 1890s through to its transformation into organised ‘firms’ in the 1960s, 70s and 80s. They discuss the origins of the word ‘hooligan’, early crowd disorder and FA crackdowns, and how post-war prosperity, youth subcultures, away travel and ‘taking ends’ helped create a new kind of fan conflict. The episode also covers the European and England-team flashpoints of the 1970s and 80s, the political and policing response to the Popplewell Report, with later links to post-Hillsborough reforms and why large-scale hooliganism declined. You can listen to this episode ad-free over on our Patreon - Follow the link here - or go to Patreon.com and search for It Was What It Was. You will also get access to our World Cup countdown, magazine retrospectives and bonus episodes as well as a monthly Q&A with Rob and Jonathan. 01:39 Where the Word ‘Hooligan’ Comes From (1890s London) 04:03 Football Fever: Mass Crowds and Class Anxiety 12:17 What Early ‘Hooliganism’ Looked Like: Pitch Invasions & Crowd Control 17:43 Players Under Attack 20:25 Fan-on-Fan Violence Emerges & the Rise of Away Travel 22:08 Cup Finals, ‘Football Specials’ & Patronising Press Panic 27:27 Post-War: The 60s–70s Gangs Are Coming 29:02 Teddy Boys, Rock ’n’ Roll Panics & Mods vs Rockers 31:02 Merseyside: Away Travel & the Rise of Chanting 36:53 Taking Ends: Territory, Undercover Trouble & the New ‘Game’ 41:58 Europe & England Abroad: From Paris 1975 to Euro 1980 44:00 1980s Casuals, Designer Gear & Firms Arranging Fights 48:43 1985: Luton–Millwall, Heysel, Thatcher & the Popplewell Report 51:28 Aftermath: CCTV, ID Schemes & Taylor Report 53:50 Global Legacy: Ultras, Copycat Firms & Why Football Identity Endures Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    58 min

  4. FEB 17

    Turf Wars Part One: The Making of ‘Hooligan’

    Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. In this first part of a two-part special on football hooliganism, co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper are joined by special guest Cass Pennant - former West Ham United Inter City Firm member who later became an author and film producer. They discuss director Ian Stuttard (known as “Butch”) and his 1985 groundbreaking documentary 'Hooligan', which challenged the stereotype of hooligans. Cass explains how Stuttard earned access by spending months with the ICF without a camera, building trust, and later filming from inside the action. The episode also covers the Thatcher-era context, the film’s controversial release and its wider impact on how 'firms' were understood. We finish the episode with Cass reflecting on Stuttard’s wider documentary career, their later partnership in a production company, and Stuttard’s lasting legacy. Join us next week for the history of football hooliganism. You can listen to this episode ad-free over on our Patreon - Follow the link here - or go to Patreon.com and search for It Was What It Was. You will also get access to our World Cup countdown, magazine retrospectives and bonus episodes as well as a monthly Q&A with Rob and Jonathan. 00:38 Introducing Cass Pennant and the Documentary 03:21 How Ian Stuttard Got Access to the ICF 11:08 Trust Test: A Year With No Camera 15:28 1985 Context: Thatcher’s Britain, Youth Culture, and Misread ‘Casuals’ 24:19 Inside the Footage: Street Fighting, Early Video Cameras, and Codes of Conduct 26:23 Butch’s War-Correspondent Mindset 33:22 Back in the Studio: How ‘Hooligan’ Got Its Unfiltered Authenticity 34:02 Pre-Broadcast Panic: Calls to Ban the Film & Fears of Copycats 40:18 From Gangs to ‘Firms’ 45:33 Inside Whitehall: Giving Evidence to the Popplewell Inquiry 54:59 Why It Faded: Fans Wanting Out, Politics, Policing & the Premier League Era 58:42 Stuttard's Legacy: Funeral Reflections, Final Bucket List Match & Lasting Impact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 5m
  5. World Cup Countdown: 1934 | Patreon Sneak Peak!

    FEB 13

    World Cup Countdown: 1934 | Patreon Sneak Peak!

    We're on Patreon! As a treat to our loyal listeners, here's a sneak peek of what you'll be getting if you join the "It Was" Patreon community. In a new Patreon series - Rob and Jonathan take a trip back through the World Cup! This will be dropping every Wednesday on Patreon - so we've gone with the imaginative title of World Cup Wednesdays! If you join, you'll also be getting ad-free main episodes, loads more bonus episodes, magazine retrospectives and Q&As with Rob and Jonathan. Plus you'll be supporting the show and connecting with the "It Was..." community. Patreon subscribers get: 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

  6. FEB 10

    Pep's Manchester Masterpiece: A Ten-Year Journey

    Welcome back to It Was What it Was, the football history podcast. Co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper delve into Pep Guardiola’s story at Manchester City 10 years on from his appointment at the club and the difficulties he would face in his opening season. Join us as we explore the highs and lows, from the thrilling victories to the unexpected defeats. We discuss his controversial decisions, key matches, and the significant signings that shaped the team's future. Can Pep's philosophy adapt to the rigors of English football? Discover how one of the world's most acclaimed coaches navigated his debut season and set the stage for a legacy at the Etihad. Don't miss out on the in-depth analysis and special bonus content available exclusively on our Patreon page, following the link below: https://www.patreon.com/cw/ItWas 00:00 Exciting News: Join Our Patreon Community! 02:51 Introduction 04:47 Pep Guardiola's First Season Struggles 07:56 The Tactical Challenges and Key Matches 15:52 Pep's Appointment and Early Expectations 22:02 Transfer Market Moves and Squad Challenges 27:53 Yaya Touré's Controversial Exit 28:56 Manchester City's Winning Streak 30:34 Champions League Group Stage Drama 32:02 Pep's Concerns and Criticisms 43:49 Champions League Humiliation 51:44 End of a Disappointing Season 53:19 Looking Ahead: Pep's Future at City Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    55 min
  7. Shoot Magazine Throwback EP 1 - Patreon Sneak Peek!

    FEB 6

    Shoot Magazine Throwback EP 1 - Patreon Sneak Peek!

    We're launching on Patreon! And to kick things off, here's a sneak peek of what you'll be getting if you join the "It Was" Patreon community. In this first episode in a new Patreon series - Rob and Jonathan take a trip back through historic issues of football magazines - starting with Shoot! If you join, you'll also be getting all of our main episdoes ad free, bonus episodes, World Cup countdown and Q&As with Rob and Jonathan. Plus you'll be supporting the show and connecting with the "It Was..." community. Patreon subscribers get: 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 COLLECTIONOur 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. FEB 2

    Luis Figo's Shock Transfer: From Barcelona to Real Madrid | Part Two

    We are excited to announce that we will be launching a Patreon on Friday 6th February, where you can get bonus episodes and exclusive content. Follow the link below to sign up: Follow the link here - or go to Patreon.com and search for It Was What It Was Welcome back to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. On today's episode, co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper continue exploring one of the most controversial football transfers - Luis Figo's move from Barcelona to Real Madrid. In this second part of the two-part series, they delve into the public and private turmoil surrounding the transfer, including the dramatic fallout at both clubs, fan reactions, and the momentous pig's head incident. They also examine the long-term impact on Figo's career and friendships, and the profound changes this transfer spurred in football. Don't miss this thrilling conclusion! 00:00 Exciting News and our Patreon Launch 02:51 Introduction to the Episode 04:28 Speculation and Media Frenzy 06:17 Election Drama and Figo's Dilemma 07:30 The Final Decision 09:52 The Fallout and Consequences 11:51 The Election Results 13:56 Figo's Reluctance and Pressure 16:26 The Persuasion Tactics 19:20 The Final Agreement 28:19 Florentino's Persuasion Tactics 31:22 Figo's Announcement and Gaspar's Reaction 33:14 The Fallout in Barcelona 40:57 The First El Clásico After the Transfer 43:49 The Infamous Pig's Head Incident 48:56 The Lingering Legacy and Impact 53:20 Figo's Reflections and Conclusion Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    56 min
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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.

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