Beste Football History podcasts (2025)

1
Imre Hirschl: The Hungarian Trailblazer of South American Football | Part One 49:57

9h ago49:57

49:57

Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. Co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper deep dive into the extraordinary story of Imre Hirschl, the Hungarian who took South American football by storm. In this first part of a two-part series we hear the story of Hirschl's early life, his emigration to South America, and his unexpected r…

1
2/2 England's State of Emergency - and Football's: Book Talk with the venerable David Goldblatt 43:21

15h ago43:21

43:21

This is PART 2 of a two-part episode. The 1st part aired two weeks ago, and is the most recent on on the Assistant Professor of Football. Please add a like, a comment, a star rating or spread the word by mouth! I was a little starstruck when David Goldblatt showed up on my screen today. His books have done very well for very good reason. You may ha…

1
Punter To Punter - February 13th 1982 49:35

3d ago49:35

49:35

Punter To Punter - February 13th 1982 by Rhett BartlettDoor Rhett Bartlett

1
BONUS - Alfie Hale and Manchester United Legend Dennis Viollet 7:00

4d ago7:00

7:00

Here is a bonus clip that never made it into Episode 27 and my interview with the great Waterford F.C. legend Alfie Hale. In it talks about his relationship with the great Busby Babe & Manchester United legend Denis Viollet. You can go back and listen to that fantastic interview with Alfie in a two parter in epsiode 27 and episode 28. You can also …

1
Alan Schwab interview April 24th 1985 by Kevin Bartlett 32:36

7d ago32:36

32:36

Alan Schwab interview April 24th 1985 by Kevin Bartlett, Mike Williamson, Stewie McGee. VFL/AFLDoor Rhett Bartlett

1
How Data Won the Premier League: Liverpool and the Rise of Modern Metrics | Part Two 52:35

7d ago52:35

52:35

Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. In this second part on data in football, co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper continue their exploration into how data analytics transformed modern football. This episode delves into Liverpool's remarkable journey using data and how it helped them to win the Champions League in 2019 an…

1
Up and Down - The Beginning of the First Division 50:45

12d ago50:45

50:45

First division football in the League of Ireland has been around from the mid-1980s. Often seen as the LOI graveyard and, at times, notoriously difficult to get out of. So how did it all begin and who the key teams and moments of it during the 1980s?

1
Wenger's Great Escape... FA CUP FINAL 2014 32:39

12d ago32:39

32:39

Arsenal show up dreaming of ending nine years of trophy-less pain. Hull City show up… and immediately turn Arsenal’s dream into a nightmare. Alex Bruce is desperate to make his dad proud, Santi Cazorla puts on a free-kick masterclass and Aaron Ramsey writes his name into North London folklore with a 109th-minute winner. This is The Final Countdown.…

1
How Data Won the Premier League: Liverpool and the Rise of Modern Metrics | Part One 1:00:06

14d ago1:00:06

1:00:06

Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. This week co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper are joined by journalist, broadcaster and author of 'Expected Goals: The story of how data conquered football and changed the game' Rory Smith. In today’s episode we explore the fascinating journey of data analytics in football. From the e…

1
1/2 England's State of Emergency - and Football's: Book Talk with the venerable David Goldblatt 44:00

15d ago44:00

44:00

I was a little starstruck when David Goldblatt showed up on my screen today. His books have done very well for very good reason. You may have read The Game of Our Lives: The Meaning and Making of English Football or The Ball Is Round: A Global History of Football. David is a sociologist, has a part time academic home in the US as well, at Pitzer co…

1
In the Shadow of Jack - Mick McCarthy & World Cup '98 Qualifying 56:57

19d ago56:57

56:57

In this week’s episode it’s the beginning of the Mick McCarthy era as he looks to take the Republic of Ireland to the world cup in France 1998. A stall-worth of the Charlton era. His partnership with Kevin Moran at the back, arguably the greatest center partnership in the history of Irish football. And now all eyes turned to him. Jack had retired i…

1
Messi's Magic: Barcelona's Golden Era | Part Two 50:05

21d ago50:05

50:05

Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. In this second episode of a two-part special, co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper continue their exploration of Lionel Messi's early years, focusing on his journey from 2005 to the cusp of greatness in 2008. This episode delves into pivotal moments such as Messi's breakthrough in Barc…

1
This Football Life - Dermot Keely (Part 2) 52:56

26d ago52:56

52:56

Dermot Keely is one of the most decorated players and managers in League of ireland history and on our last podcast we talked to him about his playing days up to when we walked away from Dundalk to go North and play with Glentoran. You can go back and listen to Part 1 in last week’s podcast, episode 39. Here we pick up the interview as Dermot is ab…

1
The Broken Leg Final... FA CUP FINAL - 2013 38:42

28d ago38:42

38:42

Manchester City arrive expecting a parade. Wigan Athletic turn up hoping for mercy. 90 minutes later? Ben Watson, a man with a broken leg and a dream, headbutts football history into existence. City’s billionaires are stunned and Dave Whelan is crying. Join us as we rewind to the FA Cup Final that made everyone believe in magic again — except Rober…

1
Messi’s Magic: Barcelona’s Golden Era | Part One 51:51

28d ago51:51

51:51

Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. This week co-hosts Rob Draper and Jonathan Wilson delve into Lionel Messi's early years at Barcelona and his rise to stardom. They explore Messi's journey from his initial signing to the club in 2000 to the early recognition of his talent by notable figures like Ronaldinho. The episode hi…

1
No More BS: It's Boycotts this time, at West Ham 1:09:21

29d ago1:09:21

1:09:21

It's a fall of unrest in East London again. Hammers United, the largest organized fan group at West Ham United, has so far refrained from calling on members of the board or the CEO to resign. Until now. They have launched the campaign "No More BS," targetted specifically at CEO Karen Brady, the B, and chairman David Sullivan, the S. Beyond leafleti…

1
This Football Life - Dermot Keely (Part1) 44:01

1M ago44:01

44:01

Now Dermot Keely is considered by many to be one of the greatest players and managers in League of Ireland history. He has 9 Premier division titles and 7 FAI Cups between player and manager. He won player of the year and personality of the year for the 1984/85 season when he was part of a Shamrock Rovers side stacked with ability and talent. A par…

1
Clough's Conquest: Forest's Rise to European Glory | Part Four 56:24

1M ago56:24

56:24

1
Bill Collins - Sept 3 1996 interview by Kevin Bartlett and Dr Turf 12:26

1M ago12:26

12:26

Bill Collins - Sept 3 1996 interview by Kevin Bartlett and Dr Turf by Rhett BartlettDoor Rhett Bartlett

1
Barcelona to Bucharest and Back - LOI Clubs in the European Cup Winners Cup 1:12:21

1M ago1:12:21

1:12:21

On this week’s podcast we’re in Europe again as we look at some famous nights for Irish clubs in the European Cup Winners Cup. A competition that no longer exists but which LOI clubs have a long history with.

1
Drogba and Wembley... The Perfect Partnership - FA CUP FINAL 2012 25:35

1M ago25:35

25:35

It’s Wembley, it’s 2012, and somehow Andy Carroll is about to have the game of his Liverpool career. Chelsea, meanwhile, are busy juggling an FA Cup final with the small matter of a Champions League final in Munich. Didier Drogba does what Didier Drogba always does in a cup final, while Liverpool discover that leaving it late isn’t always a great s…

1
Clough's Conquest: Forest's Rise to European Glory | Part Three 56:11

1M ago56:11

56:11

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 s…

1
Behind the Scenes on a UEFA Conference League gameday, at Slovenian upstarts NK Celje 1:14:16

1M ago1:14:16

1:14:16

Before the Conference League anthem came on in Celje Slovenia, one warm August night this year, today’s guest had a lot of work behind him already while I was was on my way via train, uber and rental car from Bosnia. He is Rok Gregoric, press and pr wizard of NK Celje, a Slovenian club that was long a middling in the league of an already small coun…

1
Hamilton, Arconada, Armstrong, Immortality - N. Ireland & the 1982 World Cup 1:08:36

2M ago1:08:36

1:08:36

Now the world cup in Spain 1982 was where Northern Ireland were headed to. But how would they do? No wins for the team as they headed to the world cup, a young man by the name of Norman Whiteside was only 17 and whats more they had been drawn in the same group as hosts Spain. But could Billy Bingham condure some more magic with this team?…

1
A New Era begins... FA CUP FINAL - 2011 30:23

2M ago30:23

30:23

A classic David vs Goliath final as the newly rejuvenated Man City take on Tony Pulis' "old school" Stoke. We talk about Yaya Toure's status amongst the legends of this new look Manchester City team as well as the Stoke players that may well be the cast of walking with dinosaurs. This is The Final Countdown. A podcast dedicated to all the great fin…

1
Clough's Conquest: Forest's Rise to European Glory | Part Two 55:44

2M ago55:44

55:44

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 leadi…

1
The House That Billy Built - N.Ireland & 1982 World Cup Qualifying 1:02:24

2M ago1:02:24

1:02:24

Northern Ireland football is about to hit its golden age as Billy Bingham becomes manager in 1980. With him would come some of Northern Ireland footballs most cherished night of football. From the moment he became manager he molded a team with tenacity and toughness that would take them to trophy success and ultimately to multiple World Cups.…

1
Clough's Conquest: Forest's Rise to European Glory | Part One 53:07

2M ago53:07

53:07

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 divisi…

1
Ivica Osim, Open Wounds (2/2): Live from Sarajevo, and from my own Story 41:53

2M ago41:53

41:53

This is Part 2 of an unusual episode, on the move through countries, memories, wounds, war, peace and the beautiful game. Sturm Graz is and was a workers club when I came to the club in the 90s, one year before Ivica Osim arrived. We knew he was a mathematician, soccer player and coach, and he knew workers clubs, from Željezničar, in Grbavica, back…

1
A Wave Goodbye - Euro '96 Qualifiers & the end of an era 1:21:46

2M ago1:21:46

1:21:46

On the show this week Kehlan and Gary are talking about the end of an era as Jack Charlton steps away from the Rep. of Ireland after 10 years that delivered so many memories. It came though at the end of the Euro 1996 qualifiers as Ireland miss out on a journey to England.

1
Red Devils on The Brink: United’s Dramatic Demise 1985-86 55:36

2M ago55:36

55:36

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-fie…

1
A Long Road to Glory: The Lionesses Origin Story | Part Two 52:08

2M ago52:08

52:08

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 th…

1
This Football Life - Tony Galvin (Part 2) 49:15

2M ago49:15

49:15

On this week’s show we have part 2 of our interview with the great Tony Galvin where we talk about winning the UEFA cup with Spurs, especially at White Hart Lane, What was Jack Charlton really like as a manager?, and beating England at Euro '88.

1
Ep 12 - Netherlands 1974 32:02

2M ago32:02

32:02

Netherlands 1974: The Greatest Team Never to Win the World Cup? | How Good Were They? In this episode of How Good Were They?, we revisit the legendary Netherlands 1974 World Cup squad, a team that changed football forever through Total Football. Led by Johan Cruyff and coached by Rinus Michels, this Dutch side wowed the world with their fluid posit…

1
A Long Road to Glory: The Lionesses Origin Story | Part One 39:13

2M ago39:13

39:13

Welcome back to another episode of It Was What It Was with hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper as they delve into the history of The Lionesses and the true story behind the first ever women's Euros. This episode explores the struggles and triumphs of women's football, from the controversial FA ban in 1921, to England's historic victory in the 2025…

1
Ivica Osim, Open Wounds (1/2): A Roadcast through Bosnia, and through my own Story 49:35

2M ago49:35

49:35

Sturm Graz is and was a workers club when I came to the club in the 90s, one year before Ivica Osim arrived. We knew he was a mathematician, soccer player and coach, and he knew workers clubs, from Željezničar, in Grbavica, back home in Sarajevo, the city then under a yearlong siege in the Bosnian independence wars. But he added something else. To …

1
NCAA Coach Roundtable Part 2 33:19

2M ago33:19

33:19

NCAA football coaches Steve Sarkisian of Texas, Mike Elko of Texas A&M, Sonny Dykes of TCU, Rhett Lashlee of SMU, Dave Aranda of Baylor, Willie Fritz of Houston, Joey McGuire of Texas Tech, and Jeff Traylor of UTSA discuss their thoughts on the 2025 NCAA football season and how new rules surrounding paying players affect the game on and off the fie…

1
Ep 11 - Bob Paisley 35:05

2M ago35:05

35:05

Bob Paisley: The Silent Genius Who Built Liverpool’s Empire | How Good Were They? Bob Paisley is one of the greatest managers in football history — yet he’s rarely spoken about in the same breath as Sir Alex Ferguson, Pep Guardiola, or José Mourinho. In this episode of How Good Were They?, we dive deep into the career of the man who quietly transfo…

1
Spurs '91: Gascoigne, Gold, and the FA Cup with Ewan Flynn 1:01:12

2M ago1:01:12

1:01:12

Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. This week co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper welcome special guest Euan Flynn, author of 'When the Year Ends in One,' to discuss Tottenham Hotspur's momentous 1990-91 season. The episode delves into Paul Gascoigne's tearful departure due to a career-threatening injury during the FA C…

1
This Football Life - Tony Galvin (Part 1) 48:43

3M ago48:43

48:43

On this week's Podcast Kehlan is talking with Tony Galvin has had a storied career in football. Playing with one of the great teams of the 80s in Tottenham Hotspur, winning two FA Cups and a UEFA Cup. He played for the Rep. of Ireland and playing in all of Ireland’s games in Euro ’88. He has a book as well talking about his and his brother football…

1
Before Maradona and Messi: The Tragic Tale of Oreste Corbatta 50:38

3M ago50:38

50:38

Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. This week co-hosts Rob Draper and Jonathan Wilson delve into the life of OrestesCorbatta, a legendary Argentine footballer whose story combines brilliance and tragedy. Known for his dazzling dribbling skills and audacious playstyle, Corbatta played a crucial role in Argentina's 1957 Campe…

1
Mo Salah: The Egyptian King's Story | Part Two 53:11

3M ago53:11

53:11

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 explore the life of Mohamed Salah - from winning his third PFA player of the year award, to the pressures and the complex political landscape he navigates in Egypt . We delve into Salah's impact…

1
Football is Back - 2025/2026 Season Predictions 29:05

3M ago29:05

29:05

We jump headlong into the new season with some outrageous and (maybe) ill-informed predictions. We're talking top scorer, relegation candidates, title-winners, first manager to get the sack and some astonishingly bold "left-field" shouts. So come and have a laugh AT us or join in with your predictions in the comments! This is The Final Countdown. A…

1
Belfast to Borisov - League of Ireland in the European Cup (Part 2) 48:54

3M ago48:54

48:54

On this week's show Kehlan and Gary are back for Part 2 of our European Cup special talking about some famous nights for League of Ireland clubs in the European Cup/Champions League. Ties in this episode: Dundalk F.C. v Linfield -> Hibs -> Celtic Limerick F.C. v Real Madrid Athlone Town v KB Shamrock Rovers v Linfield Cork v Cwmbran St. Patrick's A…

1
Mo Salah: The Egyptian King's Story | Part One 51:32

3M ago51:32

51:32

Welcome back to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. Today, co-hosts Rob Draper and Jonathan Wilson are joined by Ed Aarons from The Guardian to discuss the incredible journey of Mohamed Salah. With the PFA Footballer of the Year awards tonight, Salah's early life and career beginnings are explored in depth. Ed shares his research from…

1
Berlin, Berlin! Hertha, Union, Babelsberg, TeBe, Tasmania, Türkyiemspor, Maccabi (+ an update from Freiburg and a bonus song on Viennese workers' football) 1:25:47

3M ago1:25:47

1:25:47

Damiano Benzoni, Italian journalist and seasoned groundhopper, has written a wonderful book - an "emotive map of football in Berlin," a rich portrait of a city through the eyes of football. And when that city happens to be the German capital, torn by wars, shaped by the dvide between two Germanies and various migrant influences, the texture of such…

1
Ep 10 - Mia Hamm 31:02

3M ago31:02

31:02

In this episode of How Good Were They?, we explore the legendary career of Mia Hamm, one of the greatest icons in the history of football. Hamm wasn’t just a prolific striker — she was a pioneer who changed the perception of women’s sport worldwide. From her early dominance with the North Carolina Tar Heels to her professional career with the Washi…

1
Coodadbeen Champions 1st 3aw show - March 27th 1993 1:31:29

3M ago1:31:29

1:31:29

Coodadbeen Champions 1st 3aw show - March 27th 1993 by Rhett BartlettDoor Rhett Bartlett

1
The Special One’s Fall at Chelsea — Inside Mourinho’s 2015 Sacking 57:34

3M ago57:34

57:34

On today's episode of It Was What It Was, hosts Rob Draper and Jonathan Wilson explore a crucial moment in Premier League history: José Mourinho's dramatic 2015/16 season at Chelsea. They discuss Mourinho's second sacking at Chelsea and the key incidents that led to his sacking just 6 months after winning the title, including the infamous Eva Carne…

1
Belfast to Borisov - League of Ireland in the European Cup 51:57

3M ago51:57

51:57

On this week's podcast it's part one of a two part look at League of Ireland clubs in the European Cup. We look at the glamour ties, the near misses and the wins that LOI clubs have had on their European journeys. On this episode we talk about: Shamrock Rovers v OGC Nice, 1959 F.C. Zurich v Dundalk F.C., 1963 Drumcondra F.C. v ASK Vowaerts Berlin, …

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