The Horse That Changed Manchester United - Part One with David Walsh
Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast.In today's episode, hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper are joined by journalist David Walsh to explore how the modern fortunes of Manchester United are intertwined with one of the greatest racehorses in history.This is the extraordinary story of Rock of Gibraltar, the famed racehorse part-owned by Sir Alex Ferguson - and how his connections and relationships with John Magnier, and JP McManus would ultimately impact the Glazers' takeover of Manchester United. David Walsh shares insider details from his investigative work on the story, making this one of the most fascinating sports sagas of recent times. Tune in on Friday for part two, and the implications of the Glazers' takeover - and Manchester United's decline.00:00 The Tale of the Lost Kingdom00:25 Introduction to the Podcast and Special Guest00:35 The Story of Rock of Gibraltar01:25 David Walsh's Insights02:28 The Connection Between Sir Alex Ferguson and John Magner07:36 The Rise of Rock of Gibraltar17:21 The Dispute Over Ownership19:26 The Financial Implications29:04 Ownership Dispute and Legal Battle29:52 High Court Drama and Stakeholder Tensions30:50 Public Fallout and Media Frenzy34:02 Settlement and Aftermath38:39 The Glazers' Takeover41:35 Reflecting on Missed Opportunities49:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
--------
57:12
Brendon Batson: Football Pioneer and Big Ron Betrayal - Part Two
Welcome to It Was What It Was for part two of our interview with Brendan Batson, a trailblazer in English football.Brendon tells Jonathan and Rob about his impactful time at West Bromwich Albion as part of the iconic 'Three Degrees' with Cyrille Regis and Laurie Cunningham. We discuss his teammates, the tragic losses and his work to combat racism. Brendon also gives us an insight into the personal impact of his former manager Ron Atkinson's notorious comments on live television.00:00 Introduction and Overview01:07 Brendan Batson's Early Career and Challenges03:00 The China Tour Experience06:20 The Three Degrees Phenomenon12:32 Impact and Legacy of Black Players18:37 Knee Injury and Career Transition20:10 Coaching Courses and Philosophies24:24 The Evolution of a Coaching Philosophy24:42 The One-Size-Fits-All Approach25:50 Player Welfare and Career Transitions27:59 Tragic Losses and Their Impact28:38 The Legacy of Laurie Cunningham32:33 Racism in Football: A Personal Betrayal38:20 The Complexity of Racism in Football41:21 The Fight Against Racism: Past and Present46:17 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
--------
46:55
Brendon Batson: Arsenal's Trailblazer and the Three Degrees Legacy - Part One
Welcome back to It Was What It Was. This week Jonathan and Rob welcome special guest Brendan Batson, a former Arsenal, Cambridge, and West Brom player - who made a significant impact on British social and footballing history.Part one focuses on Batson's early life in Grenada and Trinidad, his challenges adapting to the British climate in the 1960s, and becoming Arsenal's first black player. Join us for part two on Friday where Brendan recalls his time at West Brom - and the birth of the famous 'Three Degrees'.00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement01:21 Brendan Batson's Early Life and Migration to England03:18 Adapting to Life in England and Discovering Football06:34 Challenges and Racism in Early Years11:48 The Windrush Generation and Social Context14:48 Racism in Football and the National Front19:13 Conclusion of Part One20:00 Scouted by Arsenal: The Beginning of a Football Journey21:23 Challenges and Triumphs: Early Arsenal Days22:38 Facing Racism: The Harsh Realities of the 60s and 70s25:06 Breaking Barriers: Becoming Arsenal's First Black Player27:44 Struggles with Racism on the Field31:36 Guidance and Growth: Learning to Cope34:32 Career Progression: From Arsenal to Cambridge and Beyond36:33 Ron Atkinson's Influence: A Turning Point37:41 Conclusion: Reflecting on a Pioneering Career Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
--------
37:52
Cameroon at Italia ‘90: England Showdown and Legacy - Part Two
Welcome back to It Was What It Was, and part two of our look at Cameroon’s extraordinary journey at the 1990 World Cup.With their stunning opening victory against defending champions Argentina and making history as the first African team to reach the quarter-finals, Cameroon’s story is one of resilience, brilliance, and pure football magic.Facing England in a gripping quarter-final showdown against stars like Paul Gascoigne and Gary Lineker, the Indomitable Lions captivated the world in one of the World Cup’s greatest underdog stories.If you enjoyed the podcast please hit subscribe to never miss an episode.00:00 Introduction and Initial Setup00:19 Chaos and Preparation for the World Cup01:25 Cameroon's Opening Game Against Argentina02:45 Diego Maradona's Challenges04:56 Cameroon's Tactical Adjustments07:35 FIFA's New Rules and Refereeing Challenges11:35 Cameroon's Historic Victory Over Argentina15:04 Advancing Through the Group Stage20:41 Facing Colombia in the Knockout Stage23:39 Cliffhanger: Preparing to Face England24:32 England's Quarter-Final Prospects25:25 Scouting Cameroon: Underestimations and Realities27:32 Tunnel Tensions and Early Game Dynamics29:37 Cameroon's Tactical Surprises33:46 England's Tactical Adjustments40:54 Cameroon's Legacy and African Football Challenges50:07 Concluding Thoughts on Cameroon 1990 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
--------
51:26
Cameroon at Italia ‘90: Roger Milla and the Legend of the Indomitable Lions - Part One
This week on It Was What It Was, Rob Draper and Jonathan Wilson look back at one of the most iconic footballing stories of all time: Cameroon’s 1990 World Cup. Jonathan and Rob look at the chaotic preparations behind Cameroon's campaign, discussing last-minute squad upheaval, internal conflicts between teammates, and the unexpected recall of a man who would become a legend: Roger Milla. In the build up to the tournament's opening game against defending champions Argentina, there were turbulent training camps, political interferences, and a complete lack of confidence in the squad. That would all change in the summer to come... Join us on Friday for Part Two. If you’re enjoying the podcast, please subscribe and consider leaving a five-star review to help others find the show. 00:00 Pre-Game Nerves and Disorganization01:02 Introduction to the 1990 Cameroon Team01:25 Historical Context of African Teams in the World Cup02:26 The Dramatic Campaign of Cameroon 199004:40 The Goalkeeper Dilemma07:25 African Football's Struggles and Triumphs14:37 Colonial Impact on African Football17:44 Cameroon's Chaotic Road to the World Cup24:09 African Players in European Football24:58 Cameroon's Discontent in the 1990s26:02 The Build-Up to the 1990 World Cup31:43 Roger Milla's Unexpected Return40:07 Goalkeeper Rivalries and Team Dynamics43:33 Pre-Match Chaos and Last-Minute Changes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
À propos de 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.
France