It Was What It Was : The Football History Podcast

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 Scene 01:03 Nottingham Forest's European Campaign Begins 01:28 Key Transfers and Management Decisions 07:47 Unexpected Challenges and Controversies 20:31 European Cup Quarter-Finals 28:52 The Importance of Team Camaraderie 30:19 Challenges and Strategies in European Matches 32:38 Player Management and Injuries 36:23 Prepping for the European Cup Final 42:49 The Final Match Against Hamburg 51:03 Post-Match Reflections and Legacy ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

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 Journey 01:26 Forest's Rise to European Dominance 01:46 The Quest for the European Cup 03:36 Strategic Moves and Key Decisions 10:02 Facing Liverpool in the European Cup 12:42 The Tactical Genius of Clough and Taylor 26:17 The Aftermath and Moving Forward 26:38 Unbeaten Streak and Chairman Change 27:35 European Cup Drama: Forest vs. AEK Athens 28:19 Clough's Management Style and Larry Lloyd Incident 30:55 Training Anecdotes and Managerial Hypocrisy 37:39 Trevor Francis Joins Forest 40:51 League Cup Final and European Cup Quarter-Finals 42:25 Semi-Final Showdown Against Cologne 48:37 European Cup Final Against Malmö 55:27 Forest Crowned European Champions ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

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 Clough 08:30 Clough's Early Struggles at Nottingham Forest 21:03 Clough's Confrontational Style 24:44 Building the Foundation for Success 27:07 The Clough-Taylor Partnership 27:39 Taylor's Reluctance and Reconciliation 28:52 Building a Winning Team 31:16 The Anglo-Scottish Cup Victory 33:37 Promotion to the Top Flight 34:43 Strengthening the Squad 36:33 Clough's England Manager Candidacy 42:11 A Defensive Strategy for Success 46:46 Winning the League and Beyond 52:15 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

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 Promise 01:49 – Ron Atkinson’s Arrival and United’s Managerial History 04:38 – The Big Ron Era: Style, Successes, and Setbacks 08:41 – The Bryan Robson Factor: United’s Dependence 13:23 – Squad Building, Transfers, and Team Dynamics 17:13 – Cup Runs, League Frustrations, and Dressing Room Drama 24:50 – The State of English Football in the Mid-80s 25:59 – The 1985-86 Season Kicks Off 27:50 – United’s Record-Breaking Start 32:41 – The Winning Streak and Early League Dominance 39:13 – Injuries, Draws, and the Beginning of the Decline 43:34 – Mark Hughes’ Transfer Saga and Off-Field Turmoil 47:03 – The Drinking Culture and Its Impact 49:43 – The Collapse: Losing Form and the Title 54:56 – The End of the Atkinson Era 59:18 – The Arrival of Sir Alex Ferguson & Reflections ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

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 Ban 00:28 Picking Up the Pieces: Women’s Football After the Ban 00:53 The 1960s Revival: Grassroots and New Teams 03:10 The Impact of England’s 1966 World Cup Win 07:54 Building a Movement: Key Figures and Early Clubs 10:56 Struggles for Facilities and Recognition 12:50 International Influence 21:22 The Formation of the Women’s Football Association 24:32 The FA’s Changing Attitude and Official Recognition 27:20 The First Women’s FA Cup and International Competitions 29:40 Tensions: Unofficial vs. Official Tournaments 36:52 The Lost Lionesses: Mexico 1971 and Unrecognised Pioneers 40:26 The First Official Lionesses Game: Scotland vs. England, 1972 45:44 Media Coverage and Social Attitudes 47:44 Timeline: From the First Match to Modern Success 50:08 Reflections: The Legacy of the Pioneers ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.