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It Was What It Was : The Football History Podcast

It Was What It Was : The Football History Podcast

By: The Overlap
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About this listen

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.

The Overlap
Football (Soccer) World
Episodes
  • The Little Magician: Juninho’s Boro Days with Jan Åge Fjørtoft
    Aug 12 2025

    Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. Hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper are joined by guest Jan Åge Fjørtoft to explore the groundbreaking transfer of Brazilian footabller Juninho to Middlesborough in 1995. The discussion explores the players’ previous career highlights, the unique challenges they faced adjusting to English football, and the cultural impact of Juninho's arrival on the Premier League. Special focus is given to the transformational role this transfer played in attracting world-class talent to mid-level English clubs.


    Jan gives insightful stories and personal anecdotes surrounding how Juninho became a beloved figure at Middlesborough and his lasting legacy in English football history.


    00:00 Introduction and Today's Topic

    01:12 Early Career and Move to Rapid Vienna

    02:32 Transition to English Football

    04:49 Joining Middlesborough and Early Impressions

    13:26 The Impact of Janio's Signing

    16:51 Cultural Adjustments and Training Challenges

    19:07 Middlesborough's Transformation and Community Connection

    30:28 Cultural Insights from Middlesborough

    31:02 Tactical Evolution in English Football

    31:45 Adapting to English Football's Physicality

    36:23 Weather and Training Challenges

    40:25 The Impact of Foreign Signings

    50:10 Middlesborough's Tumultuous Season

    59:09 Legacy of Jan Nino and the Premier League

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Don Revie's Leeds United: Dirty or Misunderstood? | Part Two
    Aug 8 2025

    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 Tag

    03:46 Don Revy's Management Style

    27:43 Promotion and the Great Moral Panic

    29:21 The Notorious Game against Everton at Goodison

    30:37 Media and Public Perception

    31:47 Football's Changing Landscape

    33:04 The Birth of 'Dirty Leeds'

    41:30 Revie's Reaction and Amplification

    56:04 Conclusion and Legacy

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    57 mins
  • Don Revie's Leeds United: Dirty or Misunderstood? | Part One
    Aug 5 2025

    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 Introduction

    01:03 The Controversial Reputation of Leeds United

    03:21 Historical Context of Leeds United

    04:26 The West Stand Fire and Financial Crisis

    06:42 Managerial Struggles and Relegation

    17:33 Don Revie's Appointment and Early Life

    26:08 Revie's Early Career and Influence of Smith

    28:34 Revie's Superstitions and Misfortunes

    35:37 Transition to Manchester City and the Revie Plan

    41:17 Billy Bremner's influence

    47:59 Revie's Managerial Beginnings at Leeds

    49:41 Conclusion and Teaser for the Part Two

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    51 mins
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