It Was What It Was : The Football History Podcast

Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. After Chelsea's Club World Cup win at the weekend, Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper are joined by author Nick Purewal, who discusses his book Sanctioned: The Inside Story of the Sale of Chelsea FC about the sanctioning of Roman Abramovich and the sale of Chelsea FC. Here we give a unique insight into the unprecedented chaos surrounding Chelsea during their 2022 sale, including behind-the-scenes details of Abramovich's involvement in peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, a near-poisoning event, and the tumultuous sale process of the club that led to current owner Todd Boehly buying the club. 00:00 Introduction 04:51 Abramovich's Role and the War's Impact 07:35 The Rapid Downfall and Sanctions 16:04 Abramovich's Involvement in Peace Talks 19:28 The Poisoning Incident 26:10 Skepticism and Vindication 29:52 Legal Confusion and Government Challenges 31:47 Chelsea's Struggles Under Sanctions 35:23 The High-Stakes Sale Process 38:48 The Bidding War Heats Up 44:26 Jim Ratcliffe's Last-Minute Bid 50:10 The Aftermath and Reflections ---------------------------------------- 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. 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-cliches [https://podfollow.com/new-football-cliches] Please 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 [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

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 Celebration 01:13 Herbert Chapman's Early Life and Career 03:31 Chapman's Tactical Innovations 11:19 Leeds City and Wartime Contributions 22:07 Post-War Challenges and Huddersfield Opportunity 27:44 Brighton's Replay and the Stuffed Donkey Incident 28:49 The Controversial FA Cup Final 30:33 Chapman's Tactical Innovations 34:00 Huddersfield's Rise to Glory 41:52 The Closest Title Race Ever? 46:32 Chapman's Legacy and Move to Arsenal 48:33 Conclusion and Reflections on Chapman's Impact ---------------------------------------- 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. 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 Growth 02:57 Sheikh Zayed's Vision and Leadership 05:24 The Role of Women and Modernisation 08:37 The Al Nahyan Family Dynamics 12:47 The Manchester City Takeover 15:39 The Impact and Strategy Behind the Takeover 22:41 The Strategic Importance of Qatar and Abu Dhabi 23:29 Human Rights Concerns in Abu Dhabi 28:52 Worker Rights and Personal Accounts 31:38 The Yemeni War and Foreign Policy 34:59 Manchester City's Aggressive Strategy 36:19 Comparing Strategies: Abu Dhabi vs. Qatar 44:23 The Future of Manchester City 46:29 Conclusion and Final Thoughts ---------------------------------------- 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, 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 Paris 00:54 Introduction to the Podcast 01:03 The Abu Dhabi Takeover of Manchester City 03:21 Comparing Abramovich and Sheik Mansour 04:29 The Shock of the 2008 Takeover 05:09 The Initial Skepticism and Rabino Signing 07:21 The Role of Solomon Al Faim 09:26 The Importance of Kaldoon Al Mubarak 15:41 The Aggressive Approach to Regulation 22:34 Massacre at Saia and Its Impact 24:25 Khaldoon Al Mubarak's Background 27:19 Transformation of Abu Dhabi 32:23 Discovery of Oil and Its Implications 43:19 Formation of the United Arab Emirates 44:50 Challenges from Regional Powers 45:56 Conclusion and Teaser for Part Two ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.