It Was What It Was : The Football History Podcast

We're launching on Patreon! And to kick things off, here's a sneak peek of what you'll be getting if you join the "It Was" Patreon community.

In this first episode in a new Patreon series - Rob and Jonathan take a trip back through historic issues of football magazines - starting with Shoot!

If you join, you'll also be getting all of our main episdoes ad free, bonus episodes, World Cup countdown and Q&As with Rob and Jonathan. Plus you'll be supporting the show and connecting with the "It Was..." community.

Patreon subscribers get:

BONUS EDITIONS
Exclusive deep dives, specials & extended conversations from one-off specials to extra episodes that expand on our weekly free shows, you’ll get fresh, members-only content - including our “Bonus Editions” strand where Rob and Jonathan go deeper into football’s biggest stories and hidden histories.

WORLD CUP COLLECTION
Our countdown to 2026 - every tournament revisited Join Rob and Jonathan as they walk through every World Cup from 1930 to today, exploring the drama, evolution, legends, controversies and cultural impact of each tournament.

RETRO MAGAZINE COLLECTION
Flicking through the archives of classic football culture A nostalgic series diving into the pages of Shoot! and other retro football magazines - revisiting the stars, forgotten features, and football fandom of decades past.

MONTHLY LIVE Q&A WITH ROB & JONATHAN
Your chance to ask two of football’s leading writers anything. Submit your questions about recent episodes, football history, their journalism, or upcoming projects — and hear their answers in our LIVE members-only Q&A.

JOIN THE IT WAS COMMUNITY
Connect with fellow fans & nostalgia lovers Meet other members who share your passion for football history. Be part of the conversation and help shape the future of the show.

What’s included
Exclusive content
Q&As
Ad-free episodes
Private community

Follow the link here - or go to Patreon.com and search for It Was What It Was
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We are excited to announce that we will be launching a Patreon on Friday 6th February, where you can get bonus episodes and exclusive content. Follow the link below to sign up:

Follow the link here - or go to Patreon.com and search for It Was What It Was

Welcome back to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. On today's episode, co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper continue exploring one of the most controversial football transfers - Luis Figo's move from Barcelona to Real Madrid. In this second part of the two-part series, they delve into the public and private turmoil surrounding the transfer, including the dramatic fallout at both clubs, fan reactions, and the momentous pig's head incident. They also examine the long-term impact on Figo's career and friendships, and the profound changes this transfer spurred in football. Don't miss this thrilling conclusion!

00:00 Exciting News and our Patreon Launch
02:51 Introduction to the Episode
04:28 Speculation and Media Frenzy
06:17 Election Drama and Figo's Dilemma
07:30 The Final Decision
09:52 The Fallout and Consequences
11:51 The Election Results
13:56 Figo's Reluctance and Pressure
16:26 The Persuasion Tactics
19:20 The Final Agreement
28:19 Florentino's Persuasion Tactics
31:22 Figo's Announcement and Gaspar's Reaction
33:14 The Fallout in Barcelona
40:57 The First El Clásico After the Transfer
43:49 The Infamous Pig's Head Incident
48:56 The Lingering Legacy and Impact
53:20 Figo's Reflections and Conclusion

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Welcome back to It Was What it Was, the football history podcast. Co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper delve into one of the most shocking football transfers of all time - Luis Figo's move from Barcelona to Real Madrid. They discuss the immense impact of this transfer on both clubs, the controversy surrounding it, and how it altered the landscape of football transfers forever. Featuring insights about the political machinations in both clubs, the role of agents, and the seismic shift this transfer created in the football world, this episode brings to life the dramatic story behind the headlines. Tune in for part one of this fascinating two-part series!

00:00 Quote to open the episode
05:53 Figo's Role and Style of Play
09:16 The Political and Historical Context
17:03 The Presidential Election and Florentino Perez
26:39 Florentino Perez's Strategy
30:44 The Complacency at Barcelona
31:23 Florentino Perez's Scramble for Figo
32:20 The Role of José Veiga
36:11 The Pre-Contract and Its Implications
48:06 The Election and the Leak
52:54 The Fallout and Future Implications
53:20 Exciting News: Launching a Patreon

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Welcome back to It Was What it Was, the football history podcast. In the final episode of our four-part special on the NASL, co-hosts Rob Draper and Jonathan Wilson delve into the decline and eventual collapse of the league. From financial instability, over-expansion, and missed opportunities, to the controversial business decisions and the rise of indoor soccer. This episode covers the myriad of factors that led to the NASL's downfall. Explore the final turbulent years, the impact on US Soccer, and the lessons learned from one of football's most intriguing leagues.

00:00 Introduction to the NASL and Its Peak
02:08 The Decline Begins: Post-Pele Era
05:36 Celebrity Owners and Financial Woes
09:01 The Cosmos' Dominance and League Format Issues
19:21 Franchise Movements and Player Strikes
29:03 The Beginning of the End: Financial Losses and Decline
36:13 Ownership Disputes and Relocations
37:53 Franchise Failures and Player Movements
43:34 NASL's Struggles and FIFA's Ultimatum
44:28 The Final Collapse of NASL
55:18 Failed Experiments and Indoor Soccer
01:01:49 The End of NASL and Its Legacy
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Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. In this third episode of our four-part special on the North American Soccer League (NASL), co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper dive deep into the transformation kicked off by the arrival of legendary soccer star Pele. We go on an epic journey of the NASL, from shambolic beginnings to becoming one of the most iconic and influential leagues in world football, even if just for a short while. We explore how the NASL went from drawing crowds, to attracting the highest-paid player in the world, and the ensuing excitement and challenges that followed. Featuring the key moments, star players, innovative marketing strategies, and the initial signs of financial instability, this episode captures the league at its highest just before its inevitable decline. Don't miss this fascinating look at the peaks of NASL's history and what ultimately led the league to stumble. Tune in next week for the final episode of this four-part series.

02:33 The Growth of Soccer in American Schools and Colleges
03:32 Financial Struggles and the Arrival of Pele
13:54 Innovative Rule Changes and Attendance Issues
18:11 The Role of Media and Celebrity Influence
23:55 The NASL's Expansion and Financial Commitments
31:20 The Pursuit of Soccer Superstars
33:01 Pele's Impact on American Soccer
34:56 The Rise of NASL Franchises
36:59 Challenges and Financial Struggles
39:11 Marketing Gimmicks and Celebrity Players
55:03 The Golden Year of 1977
01:04:36 Pele's Farewell and Future Uncertainties
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