Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. Co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper delve into the story of Eduard Streltsov, the 'Russian Pele'. In the first part of this two-part series, we trace Streltsov's meteoric rise from a poor upbringing to becoming a celebrated football talent. Witness his groundbreaking performances, his early brush with fame, and the personal flaws that began to unravel his career. Discover the events leading up to the fateful allegations that would ultimately tarnish his legacy. Join us as we unveil the complexities and the promises cut short in the life of one of Soviet football's most enigmatic figures.

This episode contains discussion of sexual abuse and rape, which some listeners may find distressing. If you’ve been affected by any of the issues raised, the NHS provides a list of support services and resources here:

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/sexual-health/help-after-rape-and-sexual-assault

00:00 Introduction

03:38 The Soviet Football Landscape in the 1950s

09:35 Streltsov's Early Life and Family Background

16:31 Streltsov's Football Career Takes Off

20:40 The 1956 Olympics and Missed Opportunities

25:17 The Medal That Never Was

27:01 The Downfall Begins

30:37 A Pattern of Trouble

49:50 Streltsov's Arrest

50:12 Confession and Public Outcry

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Welcome back to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. Co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper continue the extraordinary story of Imre Hirschl, the Hungarian who revolutionised South American football. In this second part, we look into Hirschl's impact on Uruguay's historic 1950 World Cup victory and his innovative tactics at Club Atlético Peñarol and River Plate. Discover how Hirschl's genius and controversial methods shaped football history, transforming teams and leaving a lasting legacy on the footballing world.

00:45 The Tactical Mastermind Behind Uruguay's Success

01:55 Controversial Matches and Referee Decisions

05:20 The Dominance of the Big Five in Argentinian Football

08:37 Hirschl's move to River Plate

11:59 Tactical Evolution and Direct Play

16:55 Hircshl’s Downfall and Match-Fixing Allegations

21:06 Return to Coaching and Success in Uruguay

28:22 Strict Discipline and Unique Methods

29:09 Young Players and Team Dynamics

31:14 Campaign for National Coach

31:59 Political Disputes and Appointments

33:22 World Cup Preparations and Chaos

35:43 Uruguay's Tactical Genius

37:11 The Shocking World Cup Final

43:48 Aftermath and Legacy

44:58 Hirschl's Influence and Final Years

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Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. Co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper deep dive into the extraordinary story of Imre Hirschl, the Hungarian who took South American football by storm. In this first part of a two-part series we hear the story of Hirschl's early life, his emigration to South America, and his unexpected rise to coaching fame in Argentina. From starting as a salami salesman to becoming the mastermind behind Gimnasia y Esgrima La Plata's success, Hirschl's tale is one of perseverance, innovation, and tactical genius. Tune in to discover the myths, challenges, and triumphs of this unlikely football legend who redefined the game during the early 20th century.

00:00 The Unlikely Beginnings of a Coaching Legend

03:46 The Hungarian Influence on South American Football

07:59 Unraveling the Myths and Realities

09:40 A Journey Through War and Immigration

16:29 The Butcher Turned Football Visionary

21:55 The Mystery of Hirschl's Football Career

24:38 Meeting Béla Guttman and the Next Chapter

26:21 Hirschl's Coaching Journey Begins

28:14 Tactical Innovations and Success

30:21 Challenges and Triumphs in Argentina

31:14 Early Coaching Stint in Brazil

32:42 Struggles and Determination

42:21 Hirschl's Coaching Philosophy

46:48 Building a Winning Team

49:32 Conclusion and Future Prospects

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Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. In this second part on data in football, co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper continue their exploration into how data analytics transformed modern football. This episode delves into Liverpool's remarkable journey using data and how it helped them to win the Champions League in 2019 and the Premier League in 2020. We take a look at the story behind key figures like Ian Graham and Michael Edwards, exploring their early skepticism, the challenges they faced, and the groundbreaking decisions that followed. Discover how Liverpool's recruitment strategy evolved with data, featuring key transfers such as Sadio Mané, Mohamed Salah, and Andy Robertson. Discover the tensions and synergies between data-driven decisions and traditional football instincts that reshaped Liverpool and influenced their remarkable success under Jürgen Klopp.

00:44 The Role of Data in Football

02:00 Key Figures: Ian Graham and Michael Edwards

03:17 Michael Edwards' Journey

07:18 Early Skepticism and Challenges

12:39 Liverpool's Data Revolution

14:54 Transfer Market Strategies

18:35 Cultural Clashes and Successes

26:24 Ian Graham's Role in Liverpool's Data Revolution

27:42 The Transfer Committee's Struggles and Criticisms

30:23 Jurgen Klopp's Introduction to Data Analytics

35:49 The Impact of Data on Key Signings

42:12 The Evolution and Challenges of Data-Driven Decisions

44:43 The Future of Data in Football

51:47 Conclusion

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Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. This week co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper are joined by journalist, broadcaster and author of 'Expected Goals: The story of how data conquered football and changed the game' Rory Smith. In today’s episode we explore the fascinating journey of data analytics in football. From the early days of Charles Reep and Valeriy Lobanovskyi's basic data collection to the revolutionary 1990s that saw a surge in clubs like Liverpool using a data-driven approach under Ian Graham and Michael Edwards to lead to Premier League success. We also look at how clubs like Bolton Wanderers under Sam Allardyce leveraged data to gain a competitive edge and and the cultural shift towards data in football management. Tune in to understand how data played a crucial role in some of the greatest footballing successes of the modern era.

00:00 Introduction and Welcoming Rory Smith

00:42 The Evolution of Data in Football

01:29 The Role of Data Collectors

05:04 Prozone and Early Data Pioneers

11:17 The Culture War: Nerds vs. Scouts

12:17 Sam Allardyce: The Unlikely Data Advocate

23:32 Moneyball and Its Impact on Football

27:24 Decision Technology and Early Predictions

28:06 The Role of Data in Football Predictions

28:48 The Fink Tank Column and Its Impact

31:09 Spurs' Missed Opportunity with Data

32:56 Tottenham's Early Adoption of Data Analytics

41:11 Liverpool's Data-Driven Transformation

47:10 The Cultural Shift Towards Data in Football

58:44 The Importance of Communication in Data Utilisation

59:45 Conclusion

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Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. In this second episode of a two-part special, co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper continue their exploration of Lionel Messi's early years, focusing on his journey from 2005 to the cusp of greatness in 2008. This episode delves into pivotal moments such as Messi's breakthrough in Barcelona's first team, his dramatic red card on his Argentina debut, and his developing relationship with key figures like Ronaldinho. We take a look at Messi's significant impact in the Joan Gamper Trophy, his hat-trick against Real Madrid in the El Clásico, and his stunning solo goal against Getafe. The episode also sheds light on the internal struggles and political tensions within Argentina's national team during the 2006 World Cup, and the influence of Barcelona's management in shaping Messi's career path. Join us as explore the trials and triumphs that shaped Messi into one of football's greatest ever.

00:00 Introduction: Messi's Early Brilliance

00:40 Messi's Breakthrough in 2005

01:23 Homesickness

04:00 Argentina Debut: A Rocky Start

09:25 Barcelona's Dilemma

11:31 Rising Star: The Joan Gamper Trophy

13:52 Contract Negotiations and Transfer Rumors

17:34 Messi's Impact in La Liga and Champions League

25:29 Messi's Diet and Lifestyle Concerns

26:11 Injury Setback and Return to Training

27:26 Champions League Final Disappointment

31:22 World Cup 2006: Argentina's Journey

36:07 Quarter-Final Clash with Germany

42:25 Barcelona's Decline and Messi's Rise

46:57 Ronaldinho's Influence and Messi's Future

49:10 Conclusion and Future Prospects

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Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. This week co-hosts Rob Draper and Jonathan Wilson delve into Lionel Messi's early years at Barcelona and his rise to stardom. They explore Messi's journey from his initial signing to the club in 2000 to the early recognition of his talent by notable figures like Ronaldinho. The episode highlights Messi's challenges, including his growth hormone treatment and cultural adjustments as a young Argentine in Spain. Key moments such as his interactions with future stars like Gerard Piqué, Cesc Fàbregas, as well as his significant contributions to Barcelona's youth and first teams, which are discussed in detail. This episode covers his early setbacks, first team debut, and eventual triumphs, culminating in his standout performance at the 2005 FIFA U20 World Cup. Join us as we uncover how Messi went from a promising youngster to an emerging superstar at Barcelona.

00:00 Introduction to the episode

00:40 Messi's Signing and Initial Challenges

01:15 Settling in Barcelona: Cultural and Personal Struggles

05:51 Integration and Early Successes

20:40 Political Chaos and Youth Team Dynamics

23:33 Messi's Rising Star and International Attention

27:06 First Impressions and Early Training

27:39 Debut and Initial Reactions

29:37 Contract Negotiations and Adjustments

32:48 National Team Dilemmas

38:31 Integration into Barcelona's First Team

46:27 Under-20 World Cup and Rising Stardom

51:18 Conclusion and Looking Ahead

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In this episode of It Was What It Was, co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper delve into the decline of Nottingham Forest following their European Cup victories. This final part of a four-part special looks at the financial turmoil, management struggles, and internal conflicts that marked the club's subsequent years. Join us as we discuss how the relationship between Brian Clough and Peter Taylor deteriorated, the club’s misjudged transfers, and the impact of Clough's growing dependence on alcohol. From the fallouts to the poignant departures, this episode covers the unraveling of a once-glorious team and the tragedy of a fractured partnership.

00:00 Financial Woes and Disappointment

00:50 The Decline Begins

02:32 Unraveling Behind the Scenes

04:18 Transfer Turmoil

09:24 Clough and Taylor's Strained Relationship

14:11 Financial Scandals and Internal Strife

18:05 The Breaking Point

29:03 Clough's Controversial Decisions

32:24 Financial Struggles and Player Transfers

37:18 Clough's Health and Alcohol Issues

45:02 The Breakup with Peter Taylor

48:20 Reflecting on Clough and Taylor's Legacy

51:29 Clough's Changing Management Style

53:43 The Greatest Achievement in European Football

55:28 Conclusion

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