Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. In this Christmas Special Episode, co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper are joined by author John Smith to talk about his new book - 'Escape: A Love Letter to a Cult Football Classic' all about the film 'Escape to Victory'. The trio delve into the making of the film, revealing behind-the-scenes stories, discussing the film's historical context, and analysing the football sequences. We take a look at inside stories from the remarkable cast and crew, including Pele and Sylvester Stallone. The three discuss amusing anecdotes, the authenticity of the football matches and the film's lasting impact. This episode is a must-listen for fans of film and football history. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas from the It Was What It Was team!

00:00 Introduction and Welcoming John Smith

04:41 The Making of 'Escape to Victory'

20:44 Historical Resonances and Themes

28:59 Behind the Scenes Stories

34:09 The Escape Plan in the Film

37:11 The Cast and Their Connections

41:36 The Missing Footballer Mystery

46:01 Lack of Female Characters

47:06 The Football Game Analysis

53:19 The Half-Time Escape Plan

58:00 The Final Match Moments

01:06:13 Concluding Thoughts and Farewell

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Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. This week co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper delve into George Orwell's infamous essay on sport, specifically focusing on Dinamo Moscow's 1945 tour of Britain. They explore Orwell's controversial viewpoint that serious sport is akin to 'war minus the shooting,' and delve into the historical and political context of this post-WWII football tour. The discussion covers the tactical innovations introduced by the Soviet team, the media and public's reaction, and the broader implications for international sport and politics. This episode provides an in-depth look at how football can both unite and divide, reflecting on Orwell's critique and its relevance to today's sports culture.

00:00 Introduction: The Dark Side of Sports

01:05 George Orwell's Influence on Sports

01:49 The Political Context of the 1945 Moscow Tour

02:47 The Goodwill Tour: Ideals vs. Reality

05:00 The Soviet Union's Football Strategy

08:23 The Arrival of Dinamo Moscow

21:45 The First Match: Dinamo Moscow vs Chelsea

30:53 The Political Showdown: Arsenal vs Dinamo Moscow

32:31 The Final Game in Scotland

35:56 Soviet Propaganda and the Legacy of the Tour

40:36 Tactical Innovations and English Football's Response

47:36 George Orwell's Critique of Sport

53:18 Football's Role in Nationalism and International Relations

01:00:51 Concluding Thoughts on Orwell and Football

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Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. Co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper are joined by special guest and historian David Goldblatt. In this episode, they discuss David's new book, 'Injury Time,' which examines the impact of recent seismic events like Brexit, COVID-19, and populism on football in Britain. They delve into the popularity of football despite its numerous challenges, the economic disparities within the game, and the global obsession with the Premier League. The conversation also touches on the significance of football as a cultural and political space, the rise of women's football, and the ethical concerns surrounding state ownership of clubs. They also examine the role of fans and community. This episode provides a comprehensive look at the current state and the future of the beautiful game.

00:00 Introduction

00:55 The State of Football Today

03:21 Football as a National Obsession

07:41 Globalisation and Football's Cultural Impact

19:12 Economic Disparities in Football

21:35 Football Reflecting Social Inequalities

29:50 Football's Role in Social and Political Issues

31:20 The Role of Football in Society

33:38 Economic Inequality in Football

36:50 The Super League Controversy

41:25 Cultural Resistance and Football's Future

54:42 The Impact of COVID on Football

59:20 State Involvement in Football

01:02:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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