It Was What It Was : The Football History Podcast9 Des 2025

British Society: Through The Lens of Football

Welcome to It Was What It Was, the football history podcast. Co-hosts Jonathan Wilson and Rob Draper are joined by special guest and historian David Goldblatt. In this episode, they discuss David's new book, 'Injury Time,' which examines the impact of recent seismic events like Brexit, COVID-19, and populism on football in Britain. They delve into the popularity of football despite its numerous challenges, the economic disparities within the game, and the global obsession with the Premier League. The conversation also touches on the significance of football as a cultural and political space, the rise of women's football, and the ethical concerns surrounding state ownership of clubs. They also examine the role of fans and community. This episode provides a comprehensive look at the current state and the future of the beautiful game.

00:00 Introduction

00:55 The State of Football Today

03:21 Football as a National Obsession

07:41 Globalisation and Football's Cultural Impact

19:12 Economic Disparities in Football

21:35 Football Reflecting Social Inequalities

29:50 Football's Role in Social and Political Issues

31:20 The Role of Football in Society

33:38 Economic Inequality in Football

36:50 The Super League Controversy

41:25 Cultural Resistance and Football's Future

54:42 The Impact of COVID on Football

59:20 State Involvement in Football

01:02:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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