The Best Football Quiz Ever? It Was What It Was vs Football Cliches
Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. In a week where we marked our 100th episode, we bring you the quiz between our podcast It Was What It Was against Football Cliches.Without co-host Rob Draper, It Was What It Was brought in John Brewin alongside producer Pat Moore to join Jonathan Wilson in an epic battle against Football Cliches' Adam Hurrey, Charlie Eccleshare and David Walker.Three rounds, five questions in each round and a final round of Premier League hunting grounds, in a classic battle for the ages!If you enjoyed the podcast you can find Football Cliches episodes here: https://podfollow.com/new-football-clichesPlease note: This episode was released by our opponents in February 2025.Please do review, comment and subscribe to It Was What It Was. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Episode 100: Herbert Chapman, Huddersfield and Historic Three In A Row
Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. To mark our 100th episode, co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper revisit one of the game’s true pioneers: Herbert Chapman. Long before his Arsenal legacy, Chapman transformed Huddersfield Town in the 1920s, laying the groundwork for modern football and guiding them to become the first club to win three consecutive top-flight league titles.A century later, Jonathan and Rob delve into the tactical innovations, strategic thinking, and leadership that defined Chapman’s revolutionary approach. This episode brings Huddersfield’s golden era to life—and shows how Chapman’s influence still echoes through the game today, both on and off the pitch.00:00 Introduction and Milestone Celebration01:13 Herbert Chapman's Early Life and Career03:31 Chapman's Tactical Innovations11:19 Leeds City and Wartime Contributions22:07 Post-War Challenges and Huddersfield Opportunity27:44 Brighton's Replay and the Stuffed Donkey Incident28:49 The Controversial FA Cup Final30:33 Chapman's Tactical Innovations34:00 Huddersfield's Rise to Glory41:52 The Closest Title Race Ever?46:32 Chapman's Legacy and Move to Arsenal48:33 Conclusion and Reflections on Chapman's Impact Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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How Abu Dhabi Took Over Manchester City | Part Two
Welcome back to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast.In the second and final episode of our exploration into Abu Dhabi's takeover of Manchester City, Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper uncover the strategic, political, and historical forces behind one of the most transformative moves in modern football.Incorporating expert commentary from Dr. Chris Davison, author of Abu Dhabi: Oil and Beyond, this episode explores how a state-led investment in a football club became a powerful tool of international diplomacy. We trace the roots of Abu Dhabi’s global ambitions back to the oil boom of the 1970s and '80s, the legacy of Sheikh Zayed’s leadership, and the shifting political landscape following his death in 2004.We also examine the rise of Sheikh Mansour, the tightening grip of autocracy, and the human rights questions that shadow this high-stakes project. From geopolitics in the Arab world to influence across Africa and the Indian subcontinent.00:00 Introduction 01:30 The Foundation of UAE and Its Growth02:57 Sheikh Zayed's Vision and Leadership05:24 The Role of Women and Modernisation08:37 The Al Nahyan Family Dynamics12:47 The Manchester City Takeover15:39 The Impact and Strategy Behind the Takeover22:41 The Strategic Importance of Qatar and Abu Dhabi23:29 Human Rights Concerns in Abu Dhabi28:52 Worker Rights and Personal Accounts31:38 The Yemeni War and Foreign Policy34:59 Manchester City's Aggressive Strategy36:19 Comparing Strategies: Abu Dhabi vs. Qatar44:23 The Future of Manchester City46:29 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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How Abu Dhabi Took Over Manchester City | Part One
Welcome back to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. This week, hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper explore the complex history behind the Abu Dhabi takeover of Manchester City. The discussion begins with a chilling recount of a 1984 assassination of UAE ambassador Khalifa Ahmad Mubarak, claimed by the Arab Revolutionary Brigades. This incident serves as a critical backdrop for understanding the motivations and geopolitical factors influencing contemporary Middle Eastern involvement in global sports. Jonathan and Rob look into the precarious position of Abu Dhabi, the history of the UAE's formation, and the significant figures like Khaldoon Al Barak and Sheikh Zed, shedding light on why Abu Dhabi has ventured into the world of football ownership and how this has reshaped not just Manchester City but football in general.Join us on Friday for Part Two.00:00 Tragic Assassination in Paris00:54 Introduction to the Podcast01:03 The Abu Dhabi Takeover of Manchester City03:21 Comparing Abramovich and Sheik Mansour04:29 The Shock of the 2008 Takeover05:09 The Initial Skepticism and Rabino Signing07:21 The Role of Solomon Al Faim09:26 The Importance of Kaldoon Al Mubarak15:41 The Aggressive Approach to Regulation22:34 Massacre at Saia and Its Impact24:25 Khaldoon Al Mubarak's Background27:19 Transformation of Abu Dhabi32:23 Discovery of Oil and Its Implications43:19 Formation of the United Arab Emirates44:50 Challenges from Regional Powers45:56 Conclusion and Teaser for Part Two Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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The Fall of Diego Maradona | Part Two
Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. This week, Jonathan and Rob look into the tragic and fascinating latter years of Diego Maradona's professional football career during the 1990s. Jonathan and Rob explore Maradona's struggles with cocaine addiction, legal troubles, and numerous attempts to revive his career amidst a national crisis for Argentina's football team. From his return to his parents' hometown to his controversial time at the 1994 World Cup, follow Maradona's tumultuous journey as he battles to maintain his footballing legacy.Please rate, review, and recommend the podcast.00:00 Introduction to Argentina's Turbulent Football History00:33 Diego Maradona's Struggles and Return01:09 Argentina's National Team Crisis01:56 Maradona's Controversial Comeback05:01 Challenges with Argentine Football Culture10:38 Maradona's Legal and Personal Battles16:56 Road to the 1994 World Cup24:41 Maradona's Defense and Consequences26:16 Public Reaction and Media Coverage27:30 Argentinian Utopianism and Football31:12 Maradona's Struggles and Ban36:38 Attempted Comeback and Managerial Stints38:16 Final Matches and Retirement48:22 Legacy and Future Stories Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
About It Was What It Was : The Football History Podcast
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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