Verona's Miracle Season: The Story of the 1985 Serie A Champions
Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast! Join co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper as they welcome special guest Richard Hough, author of 'Verona Capone, the Miracle of 85'. In this episode, Richard delves into the extraordinary story of Hellas Verona's incredible 1984-85 Serie A title win. From the chaotic Italian football landscape of the 1980s, managerial masterstrokes, and key foreign signings, to the unforgettable moments and lasting impact on the city of Verona, this episode is a deep dive into one of football's most romantic underdog stories. Join us as we explore how a small provincial team conquered giants like AC Milan and Juventus to achieve an unexpected and historic league victory.00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:02 Setting the Scene: 1980s Italian Football02:21 Verona's Rise to Glory03:28 Economic and Social Context05:08 Key Players and Strategic Moves12:15 Tactical Insights and Coaching Philosophy15:15 Foreign Players and Their Impact22:55 The Perfect Season Opener25:04 The Opening Goal and Season Kickoff25:29 Verona's Iconic Moments and Key Players30:05 The Turning Point in the Season33:01 The Final Stretch to the Title40:42 Celebrations and Legacy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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52:41
Crystal Palace 1990: Eagles' FA Cup Heroics and the Final that Saved Sir Alex
Welcome back to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast.It’s FA Cup final week, with Manchester City set to take on Crystal Palace at Wembley. In this episode, co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper revisit the dramatic story of Palace’s remarkable run to the 1990 FA Cup Final.Just months after a crushing 9-0 defeat to Liverpool, Crystal Palace stunned the same side in a sensational 4-3 semi-final — a match still regarded as one of the greatest in FA Cup history. That victory set up a final against Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United, who, at the time, were still chasing their first trophy under his management.Today, we delve into where Crystal Palace stood as a club in 1990, explore their tactical shifts, highlight standout performances — especially the impact of Ian Wright — and examine Manchester United’s situation under Ferguson, including the pivotal moments that led to his first silverware with the club. We also examine whether Palace could shock Manchester City and finally win the FA Cup for the first time in their history.Chapters00:00 Introduction02:23 Crystal Palace's Journey to the Semis03:37 Televised Semifinals and Hillsborough's Impact11:55 Crystal Palace's Tactical Shift15:17 The Dramatic Semifinal Match20:39 Crystal Palace's Historic FA Cup Final21:06 Manchester United's Journey to the 1990 FA Cup Final25:55 Ian Wright's Miraculous Comeback28:35 The Replay and Ferguson's First Trophy31:56 Comparing Crystal Palace Eras36:05 Can Crystal Palace Upset Manchester City? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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38:22
Goodbye Goodison Park: The End of an Era at Everton
Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. In today's episode, co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper look back on the rich history of Goodison Park, Everton's storied home ground, as it approaches its final days.From setting the history into the building of the iconic stadium to picking out unforgettable matches to legendary players, relive iconic moments such as Dixie Dean's record-setting 60 goals in one season, Eusebio's praise at the 1966 World Cup, the famous 1994 relegation battle against Wimbledon and Wayne Rooney's spectacular goal against Arsenal.Join us as we celebrate the legacy of one of England's most beloved football stadiums. What's your favourite Goodison Park memory? Get in touch on @ItWasPod on X.Please don't forget to leave a review and recommend to your friends!00:00 Introduction and Opening Remarks00:33 The Significance of Goodison Park01:44 Architectural and Historical Insights04:32 Memorable Matches and Moments07:11 Archibald Leitch's Legacy26:15 Everton's last day survival in 1994 and Match-Fixing Scandal29:33 The1966 World Cup40:34 Dixie Dean's 60th Goal of the season47:27 Wayne Rooney's Stunning Debut Goal49:44 Farewell to Goodison Park Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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50:24
Harry Kane's Road to Silverware
Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast.Today co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper speak of the remarkable journey of Harry Kane, who recently clinched the Bundesliga title with Bayern Munich; the first trophy in his career. Recounting his early days at Arsenal youth, to multiple rejections, and loan spells that nearly derailed his career, the episode highlights Kane’s undeterred determination and resilience. Discover how pivotal moments and key influences, such as Mauricio Pochettino and a documentary on Tom Brady, transformed him into one of football’s greatest strikers. We end with a quiz, as Rob tests Jonathan's knowledge of British and Irish players who won major league titles abroad!00:00 Introduction: A Childhood Memory00:35 The Arsenal Release: A Turning Point00:43 Celebrating Harry Kane's Achievements01:02 The Early Struggles and Resilience02:36 Harry Kane's Background and Family03:06 Youth Football Journey05:38 Challenges and Determination14:27 Loan Spells and Growth18:40 Millwall Experience and Growing Up21:34 Norwich Loan: A Tough Period27:16 Unexpected Laughter and Player Comparisons28:02 Struggles at Leicester City29:36 Turning Point: The Tom Brady Inspiration31:13 Breakthrough Under Sherwood32:33 Skepticism and Early Success35:04 Pochettino's Influence and Physical Transformation38:36 Near Misses and Final Disappointments43:12 Legacy and Comparisons with Other Greats47:43 Quiz on British and Irish Players Abroad52:59 Conclusion and Reflections on Harry Kane's Career Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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53:28
Top of the Kop - Liverpool Title Wins Ranked
Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast.In this week’s episode, we turn our attention to Liverpool’s extraordinary journey through their history, culminating in Arne Slot’s Premier League title-winning side.Co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper trace the club’s legacy from its early 20th-century triumphs to modern-day glory. They explore the tactical revolutions under legendary managers like Bill Shankly and Bob Paisley, the brilliance of iconic players in Kenny Dalglish and Ian Rush, and the resurgence under Jürgen Klopp. The episode also highlights how Arne Slot has carried that legacy forward, building on the foundations laid by his predecessors.Where does the 2024/25 Liverpool title winners rank amongst the club's greatest ever teams? Get in touch with @ItWasPod on X to let us know!00:00 Introduction to Liverpool's Journey01:42 Early Liverpool Champions: 1901-192302:42 The Impact of Tom Watson06:24 Liverpool's Defensive Strengths07:46 Post-War Liverpool: Nutrition and Success08:46 The Rise of Billy Liddell10:17 Jack Balmer's Unlikely Heroics15:20 Liverpool's First Five Titles16:34 Bill Shankly's Legacy20:55 Bob Paisley's Tactical Brilliance26:18 Liverpool's Dominance in the Late 70s27:12 Liverpool's Dominant Back Four27:52 Dalglish vs. Keegan: Who's Better?29:08 The Greatest Liverpool Side of All Time?29:54 European Cup Draw and Unfortunate Knockout33:29 Transition to the Kenny Dalglish Era37:53 Impact of Hillsborough and the 1989 Season41:55 Liverpool's Modern Era and Klopp's Influence46:46 Future Prospects and Final Thoughts 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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