It Was What It Was : The Football History Podcast

• Clough's Conquest: Forest's Rise to European Glory | Part Three

  In this episode of It Was What It Was, co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper continue the story of Brian Clough’s Nottingham Forest, following on from their European Cup victory in the last episode. This third part of a four-part special covers the 1979-80 season, looking at how Forest overcame obstacles both on and off the pitch to claim their second successive European Cup. Within the season there are some highs and lows, from overcoming unexpected challenges, and navigating crucial European fixtures to dealing with internal instability and controversial management methods. From high-profile transfers to unforgettable European nights, tune in to discover how this extraordinary team went on to write another chapter in their illustrious history.00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene01:03 Nottingham Forest's European Campaign Begins01:28 Key Transfers and Management Decisions07:47 Unexpected Challenges and Controversies20:31 European Cup Quarter-Finals 28:52 The Importance of Team Camaraderie30:19 Challenges and Strategies in European Matches32:38 Player Management and Injuries36:23 Prepping for the European Cup Final42:49 The Final Match Against Hamburg51:03 Post-Match Reflections and Legacy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Clough's Conquest: Forest's Rise to European Glory | Part Two

  In this episode of It Was What It Was, co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper continue their deep dive into Brian Clough's transformative tenure at Nottingham Forest. This second part of a four-part special, captures the thrilling journey as Forest ventures into the European Cup, starting from their incredible 5-1 victory over AEK Athens and leading up to their historic final against Malmö. Expect to hear detailed anecdotes and insights revealing Clough's unique management style, key matches and significant strategic decisions, including the controversial but ultimately successful signing of Trevor Francis for a British record fee. Join us to explore how a team from the second division ascended to the pinnacle of European football. 00:28 Introduction to Nottingham Forest's European Journey01:26 Forest's Rise to European Dominance01:46 The Quest for the European Cup03:36 Strategic Moves and Key Decisions10:02 Facing Liverpool in the European Cup12:42 The Tactical Genius of Clough and Taylor26:17 The Aftermath and Moving Forward26:38 Unbeaten Streak and Chairman Change27:35 European Cup Drama: Forest vs. AEK Athens28:19 Clough's Management Style and Larry Lloyd Incident30:55 Training Anecdotes and Managerial Hypocrisy37:39 Trevor Francis Joins Forest40:51 League Cup Final and European Cup Quarter-Finals42:25 Semi-Final Showdown Against Cologne48:37 European Cup Final Against Malmö55:27 Forest Crowned European Champions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Clough's Conquest: Forest's Rise to European Glory | Part One

  Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. This week co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper set the stage for Brian Clough’s remarkable journey to becoming manager of Nottingham Forest in this first part of a four-part-special. After his departure from Leeds, Clough takes on the challenge of revitalising a mid-table second division team into a team that dominates English and European football. Clough's reunion with assistant Peter Taylor plays a pivotal role as they sign key players like Peter Shilton and Kenny Burns. This episode looks at the early challenges faced, strategic player signings, and the pivotal moments that laid the groundwork for Nottingham Forest's incredible achievements. Join us as we set the stage for one of football's most astonishing success stories.01:09 The Rise and Fall of Brian Clough08:30 Clough's Early Struggles at Nottingham Forest21:03 Clough's Confrontational Style24:44 Building the Foundation for Success27:07 The Clough-Taylor Partnership27:39 Taylor's Reluctance and Reconciliation28:52 Building a Winning Team31:16 The Anglo-Scottish Cup Victory33:37 Promotion to the Top Flight34:43 Strengthening the Squad36:33 Clough's England Manager Candidacy42:11 A Defensive Strategy for Success46:46 Winning the League and Beyond52:15 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• Red Devils on The Brink: United’s Dramatic Demise 1985-86

  Welcome back to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. This week co-hosts Rob Draper and Jonathan Wilson delve into Manchester United’s 1985-86 season - a campaign filled with promise, passion, and ultimately, heartbreak.A year that began with soaring hopes and a record-breaking unbeaten run, unravels in a whirlwind of injuries, off-field drama, and missed opportunities. We’ll explore the highs and lows of Ron Atkinson’s final full season in charge, from the electric atmosphere at Old Trafford to the heartbreak of falling short in the title race. Expect in-depth analysis of key matches, player performances, and the pivotal moments that defined the season as Rob and Jonathan relive the excitement, the agony, and the legacy of 1985-86.00:29 – The 1985-86 Season: High Hopes and Early Promise01:49 – Ron Atkinson’s Arrival and United’s Managerial History04:38 – The Big Ron Era: Style, Successes, and Setbacks08:41 – The Bryan Robson Factor: United’s Dependence13:23 – Squad Building, Transfers, and Team Dynamics17:13 – Cup Runs, League Frustrations, and Dressing Room Drama24:50 – The State of English Football in the Mid-80s25:59 – The 1985-86 Season Kicks Off27:50 – United’s Record-Breaking Start32:41 – The Winning Streak and Early League Dominance39:13 – Injuries, Draws, and the Beginning of the Decline43:34 – Mark Hughes’ Transfer Saga and Off-Field Turmoil47:03 – The Drinking Culture and Its Impact49:43 – The Collapse: Losing Form and the Title54:56 – The End of the Atkinson Era59:18 – The Arrival of Sir Alex Ferguson & Reflections Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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• A Long Road to Glory: The Lionesses Origin Story | Part Two

  Welcome back to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast hosted by Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper. In this second episode of a two-part special, we delve into the pivotal moments that lifted the 50-year ban on women's football in England. From the formation of the Women’s Football Association, to looking at the birth of the Lionesses and their first official international match. This episode looks at the pioneering women and their allies who revived the game in the 1960s, building grassroots clubs, fighting for recognition to pave the way for women’s football today. Tune in to hear all about the history of the women’s game.00:00 The End of the Ban00:28 Picking Up the Pieces: Women’s Football After the Ban00:53 The 1960s Revival: Grassroots and New Teams03:10 The Impact of England’s 1966 World Cup Win07:54 Building a Movement: Key Figures and Early Clubs10:56 Struggles for Facilities and Recognition12:50 International Influence21:22 The Formation of the Women’s Football Association24:32 The FA’s Changing Attitude and Official Recognition27:20 The First Women’s FA Cup and International Competitions29:40 Tensions: Unofficial vs. Official Tournaments36:52 The Lost Lionesses: Mexico 1971 and Unrecognised Pioneers40:26 The First Official Lionesses Game: Scotland vs. England, 197245:44 Media Coverage and Social Attitudes47:44 Timeline: From the First Match to Modern Success50:08 Reflections: The Legacy of the Pioneers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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